₦airaland Forum

Missmossy:
Ladies sha,really funny....keep it coming.

Thank God you observed that part.. Most ladies (if not all) are fond of this attitude. They actually feel something special for the opposite sex but they'll never admit that in public.

I wonder what force is behind such behavior. You are a Lady, so am sure you can explain this part better

missviva:
Can't wait 2 read the last episode ooooo....

Smiles... Don't be curious yet ... Still 2 more episodes to go though

Thanks for following through!

Episode 14

I introduced the four pieces of drumsticks that I had bought from a chicken store today into the boiling oil in my enamel frying pan.

As the pieces of chicken cried, I danced to the rhythm of the song emanating from the television in the sitting room.

Joy! Joy!! Joy!!!

My phone rang and I went to the socket above my microwave to check who the caller was.

My heart started racing really bad!

Tony!

Since the blunt experience I had with him at the Pastor’s house, i couldn’t look into his face anymore.

I allowed the phone to ring on.

He called again but the limit alarm of frying pan sounded so i rushed there to turn the content, thereby missing the call again.

I laughed… Really satisfied that i was getting a ‘huge’ revenge.
He tried calling again

My heart rang fast to Pastor Idile and his wife.

Could it be that he had an urgent message to pass across?

I picked the call.

“Hello” he started

“Yes?” I really didnt have much tine to spend with someone who would tug at my emotions and then would leave me empty.

“How are you?”

“Fine”

“How was work today?”

I was getting bored abeg!

“Great thanks! Anything the matter?” I asked so curtly.

“Woukd you be around for the choir practice today?” He asked

I racked my brain so badly.

Today is Monday for God’s sake.

Choir practice was Wednesday.

“Oh sorry… Don’t mind me” he quickly replied and laughed sheepishly

“I forgot today is Monday…. But would you be around for the Bible Study?”

Funny question

“I have never missed it” that was my response.

Why was he behaving like that?

Was he missing me?

I shook my head at that thought.

Miss ke!

“Ok. See you then” he responded again and I laughed.

“Why are you laughing?” He asked

“Your behavior today is weird… ”

“In what sense?”

“You kept on stuttering as you spoke and i am left to wonder if all is well”

“All is well”

I went to my gas cooker and switched it off.

“Are you missing me?”

I didnt know when i asked the question.

“Yes” that came the prompt answer and my heart dropped.

I never expected him to reply and I felt blood gushed into my face.

“I really do miss you” he said again

My heart couldn’t bear it anymore.

I dropped the call and when it started ringing again, I switched off my phone.

Let this guy allow me eat my drumsticks in peace abeg!

I wasn’t just ready for any adrenaline malfunction that very day!

>>>>>
The passing out of the outgoing Batch A corps members was very near so the church decided to organize a special Sunday service for them as a send forth package.

The serving Batch B corps members were the ones organizing the programme and as I got to know that very day, Tony was the General Corpers Liaison Officer (CLO) for that local government so he was on the high table.

It had been two weeks now since I last saw Pastor Idile and when I asked mummy, she said that he was fine and he would be back soon.

The associate pastor had been the one in charge since then and though the services had been power-packed, it was nothing compared to Pastor Idile’s vibrancy and authority.

I really missed him, hoping that all was well with him since mummy was not opening up.

“We call on our general CLO to present his own thanksgiving message on behalf of his outgoing colleagues” the announcer said and there was a huge round of applause.

He stepped forward and I saw his attire…oh my!

It was huge!

Fully embroidered in pink, the well starched and ironed brown adire cloth hung down his slim frame.

He looked heavenly.

“Thank you Lord for this great opportunity. Thanks to my fellow corps member. Corpers wee o” he called out

“Waa oo” they echoed in response, jubilating happily

“It is not my turn yet to go but you guys have successfully ended your own portion of service to your fatherland and I say a bi congratulations to you all” he started and they screamed as they put their hands together

“You have achieved one or two things, I am sure, right?” he asked and they all chorused ‘Yes’

“Oyo State is a very good place to serve o. with about 6 months still remaining for me to spend here, I could say of all certainty that the lord had really done it in my own life as much.” He said and everyone listened with rapt attention.

“For me, God had done it in all ramifications. I left my job in the US to carry out an assignment in Nigeria and many job opportunities are lined up in front of me now that if I choose one, I would just have to resign at my working place in the US. So, in my career, God has done it!” he announced and everyone screamed, clapping.

I clapped too

“God used Pastor and Mrs. Idile for me so much, guiding me in the way that I should go and revealing the real truth of God’s word to me. So, spiritually, God has done it!

“Accommodation, relationship with people, financially, everything, God has done it” he said on and there were claps again

“Halleluyah!” somebody cried out from the congregation.

“Also, to cap it all, the Bible says he who finds a wife had found a good thing and obtained favor from the Lord. So, martially too, God has done it!” he said, smiling happily.

Everyone stood up, clapping, drumming, playing different instruments and all.

What expression was supposed to be on my face?

Happiness?

Joy?

Should I start crying?

I felt a real jab on my chest.

Why was I feeling this way?

Why was it too painful for me to bear?

“Tony never told me about the last aspect of his speech o.” the associate pastor said as he took over the microphone

There were different reactions from the people- excitement all over!

“So should we call on him so he could tell us what he meant by that ir so he would tell us who the lucky lady is?” the associate pastor asked, beaming with smiles.

How I wish the pastor knows that he is tampering with somebody’s heart right now.

How I wish!

I felt like my heart was arrested and the rib cage ransacked and broken into different pieces.

The pastor handed the microphone to Tony who was just laughing as he held it.

What a guy!

For his mind now, he thinks he is funny o…

I hissed as my lips shook out of anxiety.

“Sir, I wouldn’t like to disclose her identity now because I know the state of her heart. She doesn’t like this kinda public thing” he said and I sighed deeply

That was a nice one my guy!

I wonder what he meant before by disclosing all about him like that, all in the name of testimony!

The lady is lucky sha!

But I pity her o… that Tony guy is too blunt abeg!

As I smiled to myself, satisfied that he didn’t disclose what could have killed me that day, I looked around me to see if nobody had watched my reaction and all and from among the congregation, to my right hand side, I saw a solemn face looking deeply into my face.

I was dazed!

Who was that?

The look was not just sad…it was attacking!

It looked like it wanted to swallow me up.

Abigail!

Why was she looking like that?

I gave her a questioning face and tears dropped down her face.

She wiped it quickly and placed her head on the pew in front of her.

My heart jumped into my mouth.

Was anything wrong with Pastor Idile and his wife?

None of them was around in the church.

I stood up since all was standing and I walked over to her side.

I placed my hands on her shoulders gently and she turned to look at me.

As if my hands were fire, she shook my hands off her with a great alacrity.

“What’s the problem?” I asked her softly, trying not to interrupt the service.

I was confused.

“Leave me alone” she said almost loudly.
I was embarrassed as few people looked towards our side.

Thank God for my big stature.

With a hand covering her mouth, I pulled her out of the church, despite her struggling.

Oh God!

What sort of a thing is this?

“Leave me alone” she almost screamed
I did

She looked at me and charged at me.

“Wicked, hefty monster” she cried out and my heart froze

This was the best treble singer in the whole church

Sister Holiness unto the Lord!

What were these words coming out of her mouth?

Oh my goodness!

“Were we fighting before sister Abigail?”

“Don’t sister me! Miss seductress!” she continued to howl insults at me and I felt like dying as some women leaders were gathering already.

“Why would someone like him, choose you over me? Why? If not because jazz and seduction is involved. Why?” she started crying.

I was more than confused

What was she talking about?

“I don’t understand you” I tried to say.

“Liar! You think I don’t know of your vices? You think all your seductive acts eluded my eyes? You would come with the pretence of coming to take care of mummy but both of you would not even…” she continued and my spirit was vexed

That was an unclean spirit talking!

I refuse to be ignorant of the Devil’s handiwork

“I command quietness from above upon you unclean spirit in Jesus’ name!” I prayed from my spirit and she held her head and screamed.

She fell to the ground while the leaders watched on.

She started crying

“But, I am the one Tony loves…I loved him first before you did” she said.

Now I know why she was doing this.

“You had a crush on him?” I asked and she nodded

I pitied her

She was just like a small girl whose lollipop had been snatched away from her.

“Sorry dear. But you are wrong. I wasn’t the one he went up stage to talk about. I am a bit close to him too but I am just hearing this for the very first time” I tried to explain to her.

“It’s a lie!” she spat it into my face and I was embarrassed the more.

One of the leaders came to my side and hugged me gently

“Don’t be embarrassed my dear. It sometimes happened to her like that. We have warned her against such costly assumptions especially in regards to marriage but she has roped herself into another one, it seems. Sorry dearie” she said, trying to pull me away with them

I was speechless!

What exactly was happening?

I don’t have anything with Tony, so why this one?

Then, I remembered that very day we both went to the pastor’s house and she was trying to bar me from entering into the house and the look on her face…oh my!

I never even suspected much!

How Tony held my hands and pulled me inside, authoritatively as if I was his…
This sister read another meaning to that action!

Oh God of mercy!

This Tony guy won’t put someone into wahala o….what’s all these now? what?
How I wish Abigail could understand that she was not the only broken-hearted lady crush in this case.

…I was broken hearted too.

….Watch out for the Penultimate episode.

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-14/ ‎

Missmossy:
Aww so enthralling,God still heals very well. Ride ön Jide...

Thanks for hanging on despite my delay in updating. I appreciate.

missviva:
This story is so sweet..I had 2 read it straight 4rm the blog..lol...keep it up bro

Lolz... I guess you hate being placed on suspense.

Episode 13

The rain just refused to stop!

As I lay still on my very hard and comfortable bed with my eyes shut firmly, I felt that strong, muscular palm on my head.

It was so warm.

It felt so warm that I never wanted it to be taken away from me.

I wanted it to touch every parts of my body- my face, my arms, my big belly, my legs…even my heart if possible!

It felt so good to have my husband back.

It felt really good!

“The Lord bless you and keep you. May the Lord make His light to shine upon you…”

My husband prayed on and on.

Should I just pretend like this while he prayed on?

Or should I open my eyes and smile at him saying that I heard and felt his touch?

“Oh my God! Oh no my Lord!” he cried out still

What was that about?

Was he moaning?

Was he crying or lamenting?

What was the matter?

Should I open my eyes?

I feared that he was seeing a vision and that opening my eyes would disrupt the flow so I kept mum, praying silently.

“I shall never lose my wife…ah no Lord! Oh God!” he labored on in prayer and my heart started beating fast.

What was the problem?

God was speaking to him?

A week had already passed from the two weeks ultimatum I had given him before the ‘divorce’…and he was doing prettily well in his remedial efforts.

I wished something could extend the years I would live on earth.

I had stopped all medicine and even chemo had been placed on a halt.

He was changing- he held my hands while we prayed; he prepared food for me, he looked into my eyes so deeply as if to read my thought (the part I loved most)and he allowed me to fall asleep in his arm while we watched the new MZFM TV station on CONSAT(I wondered if he never realized how light I felt)

Of a truth, a man does not know the value of a thing until he loses it!

If nothing, – if I was going to die, I wanted it to be in the arms of the first lover of mine because that would be the greatest joy of my life.

The rashes on my body had increased and I felt very pained.

When am I going to be healed from this Leukemia oh Lord?

Is there no longer any balm in Gilead?

Heal me oh Lord and I promise to be a better wife- a better mother!

As his hands moved over my face, I felt life surge through my veins- the hands were trembling seriously

What was happening to him?

Was he crying?

“Lord Jesus, I have really been a bad husband and father. I have missed it. Forgive me Lord”

I felt tears drop to my body and I was tempted to really open my eyes.

“What’s wrong?” I asked in a husky tone. He was holding my hand prayerfully and I sighed

His eyes were really teary and his eyes were red!

“I suddenly realized that you are growing old and I am pained!” he cried the more and tears ran down my face.

What a realization!

“What’s wrong with you?” I asked again and he cried louder the more.

He covered his face with his hands and wept bitterly

I cried uncontrollably too

If my frame alone could make him cry this much, what would the revelation of my present health state do to him?

What?…exactly what?!

But why must he come to his senses just now oh dear Redeemer?

“You look so lean. Your skin looks so rough and what are these spots? You bald head has little stands of grey hair and they even look weak! When did you become this old? When did I become this insensitive? I never knew! Oh my goodness!” he cried further, sitting on the ground with a great thump

I tried to laugh in order to console him but cries were my portion!

Why was life being unfair to me oh Lord?

“Are you sick? Is there anything I don’t know? Anything at all? Please tell me. I really do want to know. Please”

He looked into my face intently and my heart shattered into pieces

“Oh my husband” I exclaimed as hot tears ran down my suddenly hot face.

This was just too late!

“Tell me please. Please do” he said again, squeezing my shoulders softly.

“Yes, I am dying” I dropped the words and he shut his eyes firmly while tears streamed down his cheeks.

There was no retort of any kind!

Where was the man who always preached faith at any slightest headache of mine?

“Oh my God! Oh my God!! Oh my God!!!Why was I busy tending to your flock without…oh my God! Who am I to question you Lord? Of course I failed you!” his anguish continued.

That was so true!

My husband’s major spiritual gifts were knowledge and discernment but he never for once knew nor did he discern what his heartthrob was going through.

He never did!

“Oh God! Why? Why? Oh why?” he lamented, sitting on the bed and banging his legs on the floor forcefully.

I smiled bitterly.

He turned abruptly and held my hands.

“Is it cancer?” he asked and I looked deep at him.

“Your spiritual antenna is sharp again.” I said as my head asked for lack of tears to shed.

My veins thumped almost loudly.

“My father! Cancer?” he exclaimed

“Cancer!” I mimicked him and he looked at me intently again

“Blood Cancer?” he asked assuredly and I nodded bitterly.

Why was it now that his gift of knowledge is at work?

Why could he not sight this earlier on?

How could he not foresee?

Why my Lord?

“I was sharp-eyed to the matters of my church members but I was blind…I was insensitive…I was totally dead to my…oh Lord! My wife! My beautiful, supportive wife…the wife of my youth! Oh my God!” he broke down into another fit of tears.

He was totally broken!

“And I have watched ‘Busy but Guilty’ but the Mount Zion Ministry oooo….how did I fail? How on earth did I fail? What unguarded moment of mine did the devil use against me oh Lord?” he cried bitterly.
I sat up from my sleeping position and looked across the room at the wall clock.

“Dearie, it’s still very early in the morning. It’s just two o’clock. Let’s sleep please.” I tried to say.

There were no other words in my mouth to utter.

He was crying – his hefty, muscular frame shook to the extent that it scared me.

I hope he wasn’t going to break

“My dear, the two weeks ultimatum you gave me for the divorce was the time given to you by the doctor to live right?” he asked, his eyes looking fierce.

I looked at him as he spoke on.

That’s my husband!

The one that sees what an ordinary man cannot!

But it’s too late!

“Yes. So, by the doctor’s dictate, I have just few more days to go” I said again and he stood up.

“The doctor’s dictate is not the Lord’s dictate!” he almost screamed. He walked to the wardrobe and checked through. He moved to the shelves, then to the table.
He picked up his Bible…tears ran down still.

“My God is never late!” he repeated as if he was singing- his voice shaking really bad!

I looked on at him.

I wished he was there when I was battling with this illness at the inception.

Probably I would have clung to his faith and fought this cancer with all the breath in me.

But….it’s too late…just too late!

“My God still has spare parts” he said as he wore his slippers.

His words reiterated in my ears but I had great doubts.

I was supposed to have the bone marrow transplant and much radiation with chemo but I didn’t do it.

I had heard that it would effect, real, noticeable changes in my body and I didn’t want him to notice- or the members of the church either!

He came close to me, held my face gently but firmly.

I lost my stance and flashed back

That was how he used to hold me then our love still burnt…and I really loved it.

But instead of a passion-driven husband, I could see a desperately compassionate father and pastor on a mission.

He planted a quick peck on my lips —-it was nice!

“I will be back in the next 21 days. Prepare for me Pounded yam, Egusi soup with assorted stuffs and freshly squeezed squash juice by you.” He said as he clutched his bible to his chest.

“21 days? After 3 weeks?” I asked him

Did he know what he was saying?

I have few days left

He was leaving me again

Why oh Lord?

I need him best this time and he was leaving again

Tears rolled down my face and he bent down beside me. He held my knees.

“We will go to the USA to visit the kids thereafter. You hear?” he asked again and stood up.

He turned his back at me and cleared his throat

“Forgive me for my past insensitivity” he said and my head got swollen the more and I started real, loud, dry cry.

“I will go and I will meet you safely. Pull yourself together and be of good cheer. I love you” he said as he walked towards the door.

Was he crying again?

The door opened and then, it was slammed loudly!

He didn’t even take any cloth with him.

Where was he going to?

Didn’t he know that this case was a very difficult one?

I knew it wasn’t difficult for God but I still feel it was difficult!

Blood cancer!

Acute one at that!

But as the door slammed when he went out, something like a screw fell from my chest and I wondered what it was.

I looked around for the screw but it was nowhere to be found!

I felt somehow…indescribable!

Was it peace like a river?

Was it the love that emanated from a long-gone husband?

Was it sadness?

Was it the brokenness of my heart that he left me again?

I feel different! – I felt like shouting these three words to the air so that everyone could hear me.

>>>>It Continues still<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-13/ ‎

Missmossy:
Aww such a beautiful piece,more wisdom to you. Kudos.

Thanks dear

Episode 12

*****
The gate opened and mummy pastor moved to the window to peep.

“Its him” she said and turned back to the bed.

She picked the divorce form, put it inside a large brown envelope and moved to the door.

“Mummy, please don’t do this to us. Please” I cried out loud and she looked back at me.

“Just watch! Shush your mouth! ” She exclaimed and I became mum, still crying.

She opened the door and we followed, tiptoeing.

As she desended down the stairs, we hid behind the balcony and watched from up the stairs.

“Dearie, what was that call about? Exactly what?” He asked as he dropped his briefcase.

Mummy pointed the brown envelope into his face.

“Exactly this” she said.

Pastor collected it, checked and went down on his knees.

“Don’t do this to my ministry please. Please don’t!” He raised his hands towards her and she pushed them away.

“That’s it! The real you! You are very selfish! As selfish as anything! His ministry first. His wife could die for all he cared but his ministry shouldn’t” she was almost screaming

“But would you love the ministry to die? Why are you talking like this? Why?”

“Your ministry was long dead dearie!” Mummy shouted loudly

“What!” He exclaimed loudly too, charging at her defensively.

“You want to beat me? Please talk to me Kelvin! You really wanted to?” She asked in a shaky voice.

“God forbids that I do that. I can never lay my hands on you. I can never beat you”

“Is this the first time you would beat me? You have beaten me on several occasions hon. You have” her voice shook

“You’re talking strangely. First, you said my ministry had long failed. Then, you said I had beaten you. What is it?”

“Your ministry failed when your marriage failed Kelvin! You ministry failed when Gem and Ruby started smoking, drinking and clubbing. Your ministry failed when Rose, your only daughter started delving into prostitution as if it was her profession. Your ministry had long long failed Kelvin!”

She started crying as Pastor stood up from his kneeling posture.

“What are you saying?” He said again as he sat down.

“You have beaten me several times. You beat me when you moved out of this house and rented another apartment outside.”

“That was to give you privacy”

“What stupid privacy is that? I ask again. Talk! What stupid privacy is needed between a husband and a wife? What?”

Pastor looked shocked

“Did you just say stupid? Did you just say so?” He asked

“Yes I did… Because I am mad! I did because I no longer use my brain. You sent all children abroad against my wish.wasn’t that a huge slap?”

“I only wanted the best for them”

“And who says the best is only abroad? Since we didn’t agree and you just took laws into your hands, treating my opinion as trash, it was a slap”

“I will change dear. Just tear this form. Tear it. God hates divorce!”

“Yes he does! But the separation for how many years now would be called what? When last did we meet as husband and wife? When last did you say you love me? When? Exactly when?”

Pastor’s head was bowed low.

“You’re simply a wicked, insensitive pretentious, bad hypocrite!” She exclaimed again.

“I have been a good wife to you. I had obeyed and submitted to you all day long. What have I gotten in return? Heartache, hate, bitterness, sickness and death!”

She fell on the cushion and cried to stupor!

Pastor knelt beside her and they both wept.

“Dear, I didn’t know you were hurting. I felt that I was the only one that felt that our marriage was in shambles. I knew something was wrong but I couldn’t place it” he cried.

“You tried prayers too?” She asked defiantly.

“Yes I did but I gave up when it seemed like I was failing and all seemed worst. I will change dear. Give me another chance” he cried.

“Sign the paper” she cried on

“Dear, no! I still love you” the pastor said.

She held his shoulders and shook him.

“Sign it!” Her voice rose the more.

“No love! I will make it work again! I will rock you in my arms like a baby and carry you upstairs when you fall asleep. I will go back to the way we started before. I will sing for you, bring back our children, we will have a very large and lasting reunion. Just trust me again dear. Please”

“Empty promises!” She exclaimed.

He shook his head vigorously.

“Not empty this time around. I am serious. Ok, any goal without a deadline is as good as dead. Give me a week. All would be new again” he said, going on his knees again.

“And I wouldn’t be dead by then? She asked

“Dead? God forbid!” He exclaimed hurriedly

“Put it in writing” she said

“That?…” He asked looking at her intently

“All these promises you have made. Write them down because after a week, it would be all over if there is still no change”

He unzipped his bag, picked a paper and a pen and scribbled something down. He gave it to her.

She nodded affirmatively

“Sign here” she said again and he obliged.

“All because of your ministry shae?” She asked again and he shook his head.

“Not totally… Because of both my family and our ministry” he said, standing up and straightening up.

“Where are you going to?” She asked, looking up at her

“To pack my load from that house. I am coming back home” he said, moving to the door.

Mummy pastor smiled.

He looked back at her.

“Would you love to go with me?” He asked and mummy smiled

“To prove to me that my husband has changed?”

“Wifey, I promise to be a better man, husband and father. I really do mean it” he said and as he looked at her, he picked up the divorce paper and tore it to pieces.

“We wouldn’t be needing this.” He said and I said a bug amen! in my mind.

I loved the style everything took.

It was cool!

As pastor pulled her close to himself, his arm round her neck, mummy looked back at us and smiled.

Then, I saw the tears!

Oh my God!

What expression was that?

Sadness?

Happiness?

What was running through her mind?

That it was too late to mend?

Was she going to die now that we can see silver lining overshadowing the dark clouds?

God please intervene again!

Nothing is impossible for you!

And thanks for this sudden turnaround.

I was happy.

I stood up from the stooping position from which I had watched the drama from upstairs and I met Tony’s open smile.

I felt butterflies in my belly.

The space between us was narrow and I inhaled his scenting shaving cream.

I took a closer look at the face of the man of my dreams- all the contours and all.

From his full eyebrows, to his very white eyeballs, the fleshy nose… I could see the nostrils… His lips.. Oh my!

“Hmmmm… Flee all youthful lust o!” He exclaimed, still in that position

I came back to my senses.

This guy is too blunt!

I summoned courage

“Why were you standing so close?” I asked

“Why were you looking into my face intently. You wanted to commit sin?” He asked again and blood rushed into my ears.

This guy wouldnt kill me with this outrageous level of his bluntness o!

As I turned to go, I noticed the smile on his face.

It was somehow.

“What is it again!? Why are you gazing so deeply!?” I asked too.

The smile was still on.

“Precious” he called out and I looked on

“What?” I almost shouted

“If it’s not the candlelight and balloons, what style do you love since you hate surprises” He asked, the contemptuous smile still on his face.

… and I died!

Simply died!

My ears, heart, mind, soul, spirit, all stopped!

>>It continues<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-12/ ‎E

Episode 11

It’s the safest thing to do…

Those were the words I heard faintly and I moved my leg.

Where was I?

“Mummy, but God is against that. He never would love it. You would break God’s heart with that decision of yours”

That should be Tony.

“Well, I know quite alright but it’s funny how I have been going against everything I know in the Bible. It’s funny” I heard some sniffing.

Oh!

That should be mummy pastor!

Was she crying?

What happened to me?

Was I sleeping in the middle of an argument as hot as this?

What happened?

I racked my brain for a long period of time and it relived in my face and in my ears.

Leukemia!

Fibroid!

Oh my God!

Don’t tell me I fainted!

I felt a sensational surge run through my spine and I felt almost useless.

How could I faint like that- in the presence of Tony?

Why?

That was why I hated surprises- good or bad!

I wondered why some girls and even married women cherish it when their spouses surprises them.

If it were to be me, my hypothalamus wouldn’t just decode the signals well- or probably it decoded it well but my heart couldn’t take it.

“If Tony wants to propose to me, he should sha not go and do mad surprises of balloons and candlelight o. They would have to send for an ambulance if he does that” I said and chuckled silently. The thought alone made me cringe.

There was a deafening silence and I wondered if the duo had left what they were doing or discussing. I opened my eyes halfway and saw Tony staring at me with a funny smile on his face.

He shook his head, fixing his eyes on me.

I shut my eyes quickly.

“What did she just say?” Mummy pastor asked and my heart jumped into my mouth

They heard what I said?

I was only lost in my own world o Jesus!

Tony laughed

Oh Lord!

I had to save the situation…what should I do?

I stretched my arms and coughed.

“What sort of a bad dream is this Lord? Tony and I? God forbid!” I hissed again and pretended to be asleep.

“Jesus! What is happening? She seems to be having a nightmare. Let’s wake her please. Abi?” mummy pastor asked and I opened my eyes halfway again to see the frowning face of Tony.

I shut my eyes again and smiled.

Tony laughed hard and pinched my arm

“Enough of this nightmare sleeping princess” he stressed the ‘’nightmare’’ that I knew assuredly well that he understood my tricks

I tried to harden my heart.

At least mummy didn’t understand.

Thank God!

I stretched again and coughed three times before I opened my eyes.

I looked around so naively.

I was in mummy pastor’s room and it was still as clean as I had left it few weeks back.

She held my shoulder softly and I shuddered.

“Thank God you are alive.” She said with gratitude and smiled deeply.

I smiled too- faintly

Tony shook his head and his nose was cushioned up in contempt.

What’s with this guy abeg!

“You fainted because you heard the story of my life. What if you experienced it?” mummy asked again and I looked up at her.

She smiled still and I called my spirit, soul and body together.

What if I experienced it for real?

“So, I have decided to file for divorce” she blurted out and my heart rang very loudly.

Divorce ke!

God forbid!

“Mummy, divorce!” I exclaimed so loudly holding my chest as I stepped out of the bed in which I had been laid.

I didn’t hear correctly!

“I can’t bear it anymore. Even though it costs me anything, divorce is my last resort and I am going in for that” She said and tears ran down my face.

I could imagine the news headlines the following day about my pastor’s divorce after a failed marriage. I could imagine critics and enemies wagging their tongues in interviews and my tummy dropped.

This isn’t good oh God!

I looked at mummy pastor and she looked really resolute- her mind was made up.

What else could I say to a woman who had gone through hell in recent times- or even all her life!

“Mummy, God still hates it. No matter what! Even in Matthew 17 versus 25 or thereabout, He stated His hatred for divorce clearly. Even in the case of adultery, He still hates it!” I tried to pursue my argument.

Mummy pastor laughed

“It’s not Matthew 17:25 o lady evangelist. It is Malachi 2: 16” she corrected

How hard it is to preach to a backslidden preacher!

He would just turn you from one side to the other and quote scriptural references with you even before you land.

But, is mummy also a backslider?

The bible says the first shall be the last and the last shall be the first. Was that bible verse coming to reality already?

I shuddered at the thought.

Mummy put her hand on my shoulder and pressed softly.

“I am going to die anyway. Just two weeks and I would be gone” she said, dejectedly and my heart skipped a beat.

I looked at Tony who buried his face underneath his palms.

“So, why not divorce him before I just waste away just like that? Why not?” she asked again, her voice shaking vehemently.

What to do?

Death ke!

Please Lord, don’t allow her die.

I pushed Tony’s shoulders but he didn’t look up at me.

“Why would she die? Isn’t there anything that could be done? Nothing at all?” I cried

“Miracle” he muttered.

Was he crying too?

Oh Jesus!

I left his shoulder and faced mummy pastor again.

“Mummy, tell daddy. He still has the money to do something about this. You can fly out of the country or something. You should not allow an ordinary private doctor to dictate to you what is not”

I didn’t know when the words came out of my mouth but whatever I said sure had an inestimable effect on Tony who looked at me through the space between her fingers and shook his head.

Mummy laughed

“Who is the ordinary private doctor? Tony? Nope! Don’t ever see him as such. He is definitely a big gun when we talk about medicine.”

I looked at him and lots of thoughts ran through my mind.

A big gun?

“Dont judge a book by its cover my sweet girl” she said and I just nodded.

What was I supposed to say?

I am sorry?

I am regretful or what exactly?

It is well o

Wasn’t he just a serving corps member?

My mind travelled far and I wondered.

I shook my head afterwards and focused on mummy pastor.

“Ok, lets assume that he is a bug gun for real ma, what is the probability that all he had told you is true?”

I talked so childishly that it hurt my heart but I couldn’t just express myself any better.

“It isn’t only me working on her ma. It’s a group of international gynaecologists” he explained and I felt bad.

Why did he talk that way?

He didn’t like the way i talked- it was so obvious.

“This is the second phase of the leukemia thing my daughter. Its a relapse” she explained and I looked at her lips as they danced.

I wanted more explanation.

“Dad had a foreign mission in America- Oklahoma to be precise. We went together. You at home would think ‘oh, love things’ but we were apart. I ached to see my children while there and I succeeded. They looked really awful! My boys’ eyes were red and my only daughter looked so jezebellic. I really cried that day. I put a call through to my husband since he was away to allow us bring them back to Nigeria but he refused and ordered me to come back to Oklahoma- he didn’t even see the children! He only sent money.”

Tears ran down her face and my heart yawned for her.

“While there, my bp rose and since my husband wasn’t even around for me to complain to, I went to the hospital and to my greatest surprise, I was diagnosed with full blown leukemia.! I couldn’t die but chemotherapy begun immediately” she explained and I watched on, warm spittle gathering in every corner of my mouth.

“So, dad knows about the first case of the leukemia?” I asked and she smiled painfully

“I went through chemotherapy, my hair started falling off, my teeth started rotting away, yet on the 3rd day after my 3 weeks’ admission which he didn’t know about, he still climbed me and all this marriage intimate things still happened, you know? He didn’t notice that I wasn’t active in bed. He didn’t notice my pain, my teeth, my hair, nothing!”

My body cringed

I could only imagine that.

That’s sheer insensitivity!

“But mummy, you could have told him. You could have” I retorted

“I know I should have. But I was hurt. That wasn’t the man I married. He just changed when he was asked to head a large church. I felt it was too big for him. Anytime I put my hurts aside to tell him I wasnt well, he wouldn’t even let me land before he says I should be a woman of faith and he would pray with me. I would be embittered the more and would then keep quiet. I am phlegmatic by nature”

She allowed the tears to flow and I allowed mine too.

I had read about these temperaments stuffs and for her to really endure such pains, she was a real phlegmatic and her husband must be a choleric melancholic man not to even notice at all!

“He called that we were to leave for home soon with the mind that I had been with my children all these weeks. I told my doctors who told me that i was surprisingly getting healed. I was given lots of drugs and we came back home.” She explained and I swallowed

I watched on as she explained further how the symptoms started four months ago and she started chemo again.

“When the news got to my hospital in the US, a top Nigerian gynaecologist who originally had something doing in this country was sent to take over my treatment…”

“And thats Tony?” I asked in a very raised voice.

Mummy nodded.

“Oh Lord of lords!” I exclaimed.

Tony shook his head and fixed his gaze on me.

“Ah, it is well o. I didn’t know o”

I respected with utmost sincerity medical doctors trained abroad.

If nothing, I knew they had been trained with probably the best technologies ever.

“This is the divorce letter. My lawyer brought me a copy today because I requested for it.” She said, spreading it in the bed and I shivered as I held it in my hands.

Tears rolled down my face.

“Mummy, this can’t happen! No!” I cried loudly

“Daughter, Let me do it. That would give me joy. Enough of deception and camouflage. Its time to tell the whole world that I had been a candle in the wind all the while and that since I dont have a shed anymore, I am giving it up to the wind”

“Mummy, don’t give up at all. Please, don’t” I cried the more

….but her mind was made up!

Her phone rang

She picked it up

She winked at us and then placed it on the loud speaker

“Hello hon” she said

“You are awake now?” He asked

“Yes”

“I was to go to South Africa but unfortunately, I have been reassigned to anchor a revival next week. I cant go again”

“That’s not unfortunate at all hon. They want you to have enough time for the wife of your youth. Love things you know? I have missed you”

He laughed loudly

“Sweetheart! Funny you! Miss me when I just left you few minutes ago?”

Tears rolled down her cheeks

“Did you even know that I am sick? Do you know?” She cried

“Sweetheart! Let the weak say I am strong… Let the poor say I am rich, because of what the Lord has done….” He sang Don Moen’s song so sonorously.

I looked into mummy’s face and I really felt devastated.

She looked lonely and lost.

“Dear, come on stop it! Please do! I am not fine. I am tired of everything. I mean everything as a whole. This marriage isn’t working anymore. I want it over! I quit!”

She screamed ‘I quit’ three times before dropping the call.

She panted for few minutes before collecting the bottle of water Tony extended to her.

She gulped almost three times before looking up.

… And she smiled!

<<<<It Continues still>>>

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-11/

Episode 10

“This must be the first time you are visiting our house” the pastor said and I shook my head

It must have skipped mummy’s mind to tell him.

Didn’t he see that the mouse hole of a bedroom was now sparkling clean?

“This is the second time sir. The first time, mummy wasn’t feeling to well, so I came around to do some things for her” I went on and after I stopped, I wondered who asked me for the long tale

“Oh, I See! My wife doesn’t rest o. she doesn’t at all. All was as a result of stress. She is better now. You can see her sweating profusely. All fever is gone” he said and I smiled broadly.

So it was even fever!

Wow! That fever must have been really severe o.

I looked at Tony and his face was glued to the television as if he was in another world.

“But daddy, mummy had been looking really pale for some time now. It isn’t good for her present state of health” I said and he looked at me, shocked

“What state?” he asked

So he didn’t know?

He didn’t know that his wife was pregnant?

Oh no!

My doubts started resurfacing

“Isn’t mummy pregnant?” I asked and he laughed really hard

“Pregnant at what age? Pregnant at 55? Oh no!” he laughed again

So, what was the protruding tummy for?

Exactly what?

He touched her stomach gently and mummy pastor flinched

“Mummy started some sit-up exercises and she stopped all of a sudden. This is the aftermath.” He explained and I nodded

I became confused instead of being convinced

I was not new to exercises and sit-ups had been my best for flat tummy.

Even though I stopped for a while and my tummy became enlarged, mummy pastor’s own looked extra-blown that it felt like there was a whole baby in there

It is well o

“Ok sir” I replied when I realized that I had not given an answer all this while.

He smiled again

“Please pray well o. I want you to bring your sweetheart to me soon o” he said and I smiled

“Ok sir. God will help me o” I said and he smiled

“Ogagun” he called out to Tony and he looked back, smiling sweetly

“Yes daddy” he replied, calmly.

“I am awaiting your MMR soon o” he said again and Tony laughed as if it was more than what the pastor said

This guy sef!

The pastor laughed too

“I am serious o. I am telling you now. Better be prayerful and bring her sharp sharp” he said further, still smiling

My head opened all of a sudden and I remembered what I heard in the dream.

What Tony called me!

MMR!

Chai!

What does that mean?

I cleared my throat

“Daddy, what does MMR means?” I asked and the men both laughed

“Bush sister!” Tony said and I gave him a stern knowing look.

“If I don’t know something, I can’t ask again? Huh?” I was almost getting angry

I guess this guy doesn’t really know who I am and what I have been able to achieve in life.

If he does, he wouldn’t talk anyhow to me.

“Bro Tony, stop persecuting my daughter o.” Pastor said and Tony became serious as he looked at me

“I am sorry. I didn’t mean to hurt you. I am so sorry” he said again and he meant it.

I shrugged my shoulders

As I looked into his face, I read it, well spelt out “Your shakara sef too much!”

“MD reigned in many marriages as the ‘My Dear’ thing became rampant. Now, it’s the era of My Missing Rib…MMR” the pastor explained and I smiled

“I didn’t know that that was it. I am already conversant with the missing rib thing. Nice one. God’s will shall be done o” I said just so normally that when the men’s resounding amen rang in my ears, I was startled and they made jest of me.

The pastor’s phone rang and I went across the room to pick the phone.

The pastor placed his wife gently on the settee as he scurried after me.

He got the phone from me, whispered a ‘thank you’ hurriedly and left the room.

I went back into the sitting room and sat directly opposite Tony.

We said nothing to each other.

I looked over to mummy’s side and saw her face clearly.

That bitter smile!

Again!

I went towards her and sat on the settee beside her

She looked really helpless.

I held her close to myself and she clung to me.

Her teeth were beating against one another and I felt really odd- as if something was wrong.

Her eyes were still shut tightly.

Pastor came in and cleared his throat.

“I am so happy that you guys are here.” He said and smiled. Mummy became hot in my hands and I looked into her face.

Tears ran down her face

I was shocked because she was obviously still sleeping

“I just got a call now that I am needed urgently at our church branch in South Africa. I would have to go now. I would put a call through to my wife from there since she still appears to be sleeping.” He said on and mummy’s hands around me tightened.

Was she scared of him going?

Was she trying to say he should not go?

Pastor knotted his tie as he bent down to pick his briefcase.

He came beside us on the settee, and I was thankful that he would perhaps see her tears

He pecked her forehead and brought out his handkerchief.

He wiped her face

“She is sweating. You probably increase the air-conditioner” he said and I was shocked

Sweat?

Was it not obvious that it was tears and not sweat?

Jesus!

Is this insensitivity or sheer wickedness?
What surname do I give this oh Lord!

“This is my credit card if she probably needs anything. I will be back soon. I am counting on you all. I love you” he said

He didn’t even wait to get the response before he jumped out of the room.

Tony’s face and mine met and we coincidentally shook our heads

“What’s this? I feel weird” I said as I hugged mummy pastor close

“Prayer. That’s the major thing needed now. we need to pray more for them.” He said too

Mummy pastor sneezed and then coughed and tried to sit up.

Tony jumped over to our side and helped her up.

“Sorry ma” he said as he supported her head with the pillow.

Mummy pastor smiled as tears ran down her face.

My heart broke

“Mummy, I asked you the other time. What is happening to you? What is it that even daddy doesn’t know about? Exactly what mum?” I asked in a very shaky voice.

I was becoming sick and tired of everything and I just wanted to put an end to all that she was going through.

Tears ran down her face the more.

“Please Precious. Let’s give her a breathing space” Tony said, trying to pacify me in his own ways but I wouldn’t bulge

“Please leave me. You already know what the problem is but I don’t. do you know how I have stayed in perpetual suspense and anxiety for days? Do you?” I was almost crying

I wasn’t a timid lady

Why was everyone trying to marginalize me?

Why?

I didn’t find it funny anymore and I felt like bursting and pulling everything down.

I looked at mummy pastor and she smiled at me largely, tears still on her face.

“Daughter, I promised to tell you all. Just ask me” she said and she closed her eyes bitterly.

I didn’t care anymore

This was an open cheque and I had to make use of it wisely now, else, that would be all

“Mummy, what is in your tummy? Is it really sit-up effect or pregnancy?” I asked and she smiled

“Precious, please can you…” Tony was saying when mummy pastor pulled him beside her. She held us together- Tony on the right and I on the left.

“It’s fibroid tumor” she blurted out and my head banged severally

Fibroid!

My mind never even went to that aspect at all!

I had only thought that it was either pregnancy or pregnancy!

Mummy smiled bitterly.

My heart broke the more!

“Mummy, are you really that sick? Is fibroid the only thing? Is there anything I should know that I don’t? Is there?” I cried, tears rolling down my face.

“That’s not all my daughter” she said again.

Her voice was so sure

My eyes widened

Tony wasn’t even saying anything

His head was bowed down

Jesus!

I stood up all of a suddenly, banged my back to the floor and there cried bitterly.

“Oh God! This cannot be! You said in your word that whatever God reveals to us is for our children and ourselves. The dream you showed to me cannot come to pass. It cannot come to pass at all oh God! Arise Jesus!”

I prayed so hard, smashing myself to the ground and crying so bitterly.

Thank God I was still wearing my sporting trousers if not; I would have been in a total mess.

“Oh God! Why? Why Father? Father, why? Jesus!” I cried the more

“Precious!” Mummy Pastor called out and I looked out. My eyes were obviously bloodshot because though there were no tears on Tony’s face, his eyes were drunk-red!

“Mummy…oh mummy” I cried out the more

“Daughter, I am just a woman of a bitter life. I had tried to live like that Shunnamite woman who kept on saying ‘It is Well’ but it has not worked for me. Not at all!” she lamented

“Why mum? Why?” I cried too

“Probably because I failed in my duties as a good home keeper” she said and I looked up at her.

“Failed? How?” I asked further

She wheezed and Tony stood up suddenly.
He came in with a bottle of water and she swallowed with great difficulty.

I pitied her greatly.

There I was eating whatever I liked and still complaining of the sweetness or this or that!

Oh what ingrate I had been!

“Of course I have failed. Once your husband can no longer sit in the house with you for long; pray with you as usual, eat the food you prepared, sleep in the same bed with you, live in the same house with you, haven’t you failed?” she asked again, looking intently into my face.

That could never be true!

She was only citing examples.

Daddy and mummy still came to church together on Sunday wearing the same attire, looking gorgeous as ever and radiating God’s glory.

So, what’s all this?

“Mummy, dad doesn’t live at home?” I asked and Tony gave me an ‘Isn’t it enough?’ look but I shrugged.

I was as sorrowful as anyone else.

“I thought you were going to ask me that question when you cleared my room that day but you didn’t. Did you see anything that pertained to Men’s stuff in the room that day? He was long gone”

“What!”

“Yes! We are as good as divorced” she blurted out.

It was hard to believe for me and I looked around in shock.

Tony’s head was bowed low still.

‘Divorce? How and why?’

I just didn’t understand.

Mummy Pastor smiled

‘If God had not stated expressly that he hates divorce, my husband would probably have filed for one’ she said still, sadly.

I was overwhelmed!

I sat on the floor and bit my lower lip in anguish.

It was as if I had never heard something like this before

‘But mum, you have been awarded couples of the year lots of time now. You and daddy do almost everything in common. So, mummy, I don’t seem to understand anymore’

She laughed so much that she fell into a fit of hard cough.

Tony gave her the bottle of water again and that was when I saw it on his face – his tears!

Men cry but when a real man like Tony who was also a medical doctor cried, it meant there was a big problem!

‘It was all camouflage my daughter! Pretense!’

She started her sad tales amidst her heart-rending coughs

How Pastor went to rent an apartment at the end of the street so he could have time alone with God and the ministry; how he no longer lived at home; how he refused to eat at home again; how he sent all the kids abroad so Mummy could have time for herself even against her own will

‘Oh how I miss my children!’ she cried, holding her chest in serious pain.

‘They are not doing any better. Not at all! They are worst than ever now. Doing different bad stuffs. He’s ashamed now to bring them back and I am not allowed to go because of his selfish ambition – his wife can’t leave him! Yet he doesn’t care. He doesn’t know anything about me. All is about the church!” she cried loudly and I sniffed

Oh oh!

That’s the problem now.

The pastor has a mistress- his church!

Now I know!

I watched as she shook so vehemently.

She must be really lonely!

‘Mummy, this isn’t good for you. This is wrong. Please, let’s forget about it and keep on praying’ Tony said, holding her hands gently and looking into his face.

‘I have never done it! I have preached against it! Never allow the third party into your marriage- but I have broken it. I have allowed the third and the fourth the same night. I have failed! Frustration forced me! Sickness opened my mouth! Death threate…. ‘she paused to shed some tears again, she swallowed hard before continuing the sad tale.

‘ I love my husband and he loved me too. He is just too busy to a fault. He never realized that I was on low-cut till today and when he saw it, he didn’t bother asking why I did. He only said it fitted me. Oh mine! I never cut my hair. I never did… ‘ she wailed.

I looked aback and wanted to talk when Tony held me back from talking.

‘Leave her alone. Let me talk to her. God showed my secret to both of you different nights in different places! What’s there to hide again? What?’

She spoke hopelessly and I heaved a deep sigh.

This is a sad tale Oh God!

I couldn’t believe it!

So Tony also had a dream as pertaining to the pastor’s wife?

Hmmmmm… Holy Spirit the revealer of secrets!

‘My husband did not come around because I called him to tell him I was sick. He came because I threatened that if he didn’t come, I would send for you guys. I knew he would want a good image to be created before his church members and didn’t he succeed? He did! I succeeded too though it was short -lived as I got the opportunity to sleep on his laps with his hands over me once again.

I shook my head!

This was more serious than I ever imagined.

‘But mummy, why not have the fibroid removed… You were also saying something about your hair not being cut by yourself’ I reminded her.

I wanted a comprehensive understanding of it all so that I would be able know how to pray too.

She laughed dryly while Tony threw me a ‘why do you have to ask’ kind of look.

Is it bad to be inquisitive?

Not at all!

She cleared her throat and looked at me in the face.

‘The answer is clear. I can’t remove the fibroid because my body is not OK. My hair fell off themselves with Noone touching them because my body is not Ok. My body is not ok because it is infested with… ‘ she continued sadly when I stamped my foot on the floor.

Could I bear it?

Would the shock be too much to bear for me?

‘Mummy, wait!’

I needed a heart gird now so I wouldn’t pass out when I get the shock

That’s why I hate surprises!

They make my heart race so much that by the time I get the surprise, I start to vomit-the aftermath of the anxiety.

‘OK mummy.. I am ready’ I said again and she pulled me close and smiled.

She pulled one of ears and her hands were rough!

Hmmmmm

‘Leukemia!’ that was the only thing she said and my head scattered.

Blood cancer!!

Jesus!

Oh my Savior!

As I looked into her face, all I saw was the cancer… It was red, then blue, then black, then white and I became really derilious.

…. It continues

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-10/ ‎

Episode 9

Tony drove inside the Idile’s compound as if being pursued.

We alighted from the car and ran straight to the front door.

My heart was beating so loudly that it didn’t need a microphone before it would be amplified!

What would greet my eyes when I enter?

Jesus!

We pressed the ring and waited shortly before it was opened to us.

“Good afternoon” Abigail greeted us, a faint smile on her lips.

She could still smile?

Even though the smile was faint, I was not expecting that kind of expression from her.

I had expected that she would be wailing or sad or shocked especially from her reaction on the phone the other time.

I checked Tony’s face too and read the same confusion.

We stepped into the sitting room and I saw a big bowl of half-eaten popcorn and a medium bowl of ice-cream on the glassy stool with the cool 3D images from the television- Barbie Series.

So, Abigail could still watch cartoon as she munched popcorn and scooped ice-cream?

Wow!

What then was wrong?

“Where is mummy?” Tony asked and I jolted back to reality and nodded

“She is in the second sitting room. She is with daddy.” She explained, coyly

Daddy?

She saw the question in my face and smiled

“Daddy came in the same minute I called you. It was a coincidence” she explained

“But you said he wasn’t around” I retorted

“That was what mummy and I thought” she said, fumbling with her hands

How could even mummy think that her husband was away while he was around?

Were they that distant from each other?

Huh?!!!

And wait!

Why was Abigail shy?

This was a girl that spoke with me with open mind and all…

why is she being coy and shy and irritatingly slow this afternoon?

I looked at Tony and realized that he was sweating under his nose.

Was he feeling uncomfortable?

Was there something that I didn’t know?

Leaving all that aside, I cleared my throat and faced Tony

“Can we go inside now?” I asked, twisting my mouth to a side.

Whatever it was that was causing the atmosphere to be this way, I didn’t know but I obviously was not comfortable with it.

Abigail widened her nose

“I think mummy would want only Bro. Tony inside.” She said and I paused to look at Tony’s face.

What was all this about?

“I think I would want her inside with me ma!” Tony said, stressing the ‘ma’ with his eyes widened.

Abigail looked somber

What was happening between these two?

Exactly what?

Tony held my right hand with a sense of authority and ownership and calmly but strongly pulled me with him as we left the sitting room for the other one.

I was more than dazed!

What was he doing?

Why was he behaving like that?

It felt like I was in between two lovers

Were they in a relationship and then a problem came along the way and he wanted to make her jealous by pulling me?

I started burning in my heart so greatly.

If that was the case, there was hope of reconciliation nah!

If they reconcile, what would be my own hope and portion dear Emmanuel?

As I moaned from inside, the heat in my heart like volcano erupted and burst into my face as my face became bombarded with small balls of sweat.

I snatched my hands from his in anger.

“What is the meaning of all this? Exactly what? Am I meant to be a football passed from one player to the other? Do you even know that I am a grown woman at all? Why are you doing all these?…” I blurted out suddenly

Did I sound jealous?

Did I sound anxious?

Were those questions enough or should I add more?

Why were they toiling with my emotions?

Why, why, why

I was furious and mad, closing my eyes as I spoke bitterly.

He paused

Then he smiled

“Are you kinda jealous?” he asked with his nose raised, his face clouded in a funny look.

Blood rushed into my face.

“What!” I exclaimed in a husky voice.

He chuckled.

“Don’t worry. I don’t like Abigail like that” he said, smiling.

My heart dropped

I wanted to scream loudly and clearly into his face that “Who cares?”

But I do!

I did!

I really did care!

While I was still trying to put words together, he opened the door leading inside and stepped in.

He looked back and saw me still staring into space.

He smiled and pulled me by my right hand.

I slapped his hand off and hissed silently

Bad boy!
>>>>>

Pastor was seated on the settee when we entered and on a closer look, mummy pastor was asleep on his laps.

She was sleeping peacefully, both of her hands held his knees as if her life depended on that.

I was touched!

In that instant, I forgave the pastor all of the ills I had against him.

He kept on brushing her low cut hair with his hands. He did it with love and care and my heart lept for joy.

This is how it was meant to be!

“Good evening sir” Tony greeted

“Good evening Bro Tony” he replied, smiling broadly

“Good evening sir” I greeted too, genuflecting respectfully

“Hmmm, our bride-to-be!” he exclaimed laughing heartily. I smiled too

I didn’t understand what he meant at all.

I didn’t know if it was just a cliché that adults use or if he meant that my hands have been searched for in my marriage by some men.

I didn’t want my case to be like a young pregnant woman who was being greeted by lots of married woman as being ‘Iya Ibeji’ and because she felt that the people saying it must have meant it from experience and that it must be twins for real, went to the market and bought her things in twos until people told her that it was a costly assumption as it was a norm for most Africans to hype people that way.

I didn’t want any costly assumption and I therefore kept mute.

I was happy that they were looking just cool together.

“Daddy, I feel like taking a shot of both of you together. You look so lovingly godly together”

I didn’t even care if my adjective order was correct. All I wanted was a way of conveying my utmost gratitude for such romantic representation of a beautiful godly home.

Pastor laughed.

Oh how handsome he looked

Enjoyment galore!

“Of course you can my dear daughter” he said and I smiled as I quickly brought out my digital camera.

This was just good for Facebook.

I racked my brain for the umpteenth time for the best title or post that could match the pictures.

After getting some really good shots, I smiled to myself and gave a thumbs up to daddy who laughed out in response.

Tony wore a small smile as he watched on in silence.

>>>>>> It Continues still <<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-9/

jacy67:
I don show. Make I book space for front row. Thanks for the mention

You're always welcome. Sorry for the delay so far

ashatoda:
wow this is great keep it up

Thanks dear

joanee20:
Thanks for updating o..
Mummy pastor be well o..

Amen oh . Thanks Pastor joanee20

virtuedagirl:
Pls let nothing happen to mummy pastor,Ola tanks alot for the updates keep it coming.

Thanks dear.. And sorry for the delay in updating so far

Episode 8

I rode the treadmill for like ten minutes non-stop before I slowed down a bit to catch my breath. I wiped my sweaty face with the towel hanging round my neck and looking up, I saw him standing, gazing at me with his mouth twisted to the side- Tony!

My heart skipped a beat!

What was he doing here?

I obviously would not like him seeing me all sweaty and manlier in the new sportswear that I just got as I got registered in the gym center.

What was he doing here?

Just then, still mouth agape, he started clapping

What for?

“Bravo!” he exclaimed as he clapped on, walking closer to me.

I smiled sheepishly.

“Good evening” I said, wishing the ground could open and swallow me up.

The students’ comments were obviously getting at me. I felt inferior and unworthy.

“Good evening ma” he said, smiling too

“What’s with the ma?” I was almost getting furious. He saw it and smiled.

“I was only joking but really, you are my boss o. See how you handled a treadmill so perfectly like a man!” he said, still smiling

Even you Tony!

What’s with this man man thing that
everybody is talking about today?

Obviously not Tony should be saying this right now.

He should just keep quiet and not allow someone feel bad continually like this.

It’s just not fair!

He smiled and came over.

“Would you love to train me on how to use the treadmill?” he asked, looking deep into my eyes so much that it hurt.

“And who says I am a gym director or something?” I spat out

I hope that was not too rude

“I just love this stature of yours and now I know the secret. You work out!” he said, smiling widely.

“I don’t work out. Since I left the NYSC Orientation Camp about 6 years ago, I had never done any rigorous exercise.” I retorted

Get that into your skulls before insulting me!

“Wow! That’s so beautiful o. We have very few girls that have this kind of stature and for real, its wonderful” he said and I looked into his face.

Was he joking right now?

Just trying to console me right?

I had never had inferiority complex and it wouldn’t start now but I just wanted good words from Tony and I shockingly seemed to be getting it.

“Really?” I asked to be sure and he smiled

“I am serious. You just need a little trimming down and you would be oh my goodness, gorgeous! The treadmill choice is just fine” he said further and I smiled
It was looking real.

He seemed to like me, right?

“Thanks” I managed to say and he smiled.

“It’s okay. I have a question please” he said and I looked up at him

“What?” I asked anxiously

“How old are you?” it was so sharp and concise.

Very blunt guy!

“Are you for real? Asking for my age out of the blue? Did you ask with the intent of receiving answers from me?” I asked and he pouted childishly

“Please one, please two, please three” he said, childishly and I couldn’t help but laugh out loudly.

What a very playful guy he was!

“Tell me yours and I will make my addition or subtraction” I said and his eyes widened

“Addition? Oh, because I look this small shae? I definitely would be older than you” he said and I looked into his face

I chuckled

I was beginning to like him more

He saw me as younger than him and not his mama…Nice one!

“I guess everyone can see that underneath your muscular genetic build-up lies your very young age” he added and I mesmerized

This guy is good jhur!

“Ok, guess my age” I said, sweetly and he looked at me, squinting and biting his lower lips.

“Hmmmm, you would be 25 in few months’ time?” he asked and my mouth came open widely

“What! You have been stalking me?” I almost screamed

“Stalk? Wasn’t it just an innocent gentlemanly guess I made as instructed by you? God does not lie, does he? ”

“Of course not!” I replied

“If I wanted to know your age, I could just ask God and He would tell me, right?” he asked again but I was speechless

Talk to God?

Could this mean something?

Why would He be so concerned about my age that He would ask God?

“I didn’t say I asked God o. Don’t get me wrong. I just guessed. Now, let’s treadmill a bit before I would leave. I am on call this evening.” He said

“Your age?” I asked and he smiled as he settled on the belt

“Just call me egbon” he said and I chuckled

“For real!” I said, trying to conceal my excitement

He’s older than me!

Sweet sweet, oh sweet!

Joyfully, I took a hold of the machine horns, pressed the button and on and on, I ran on spot.

I’ve got to shed off this fat so that I would look gorgeous for…any man…

Or Tony….

…the only man that had seen the best in me and had voiced it out!
_________________

Oh my God, if it is Tony, just speaking to him about me.

I still don’t know how to hear you well.

Most times when I really sit, kneel or lie down to hear God speak to me, the only thing I feel rushing into my ears would be air!

Nothing more!

But I really did want Him to talk to me…or Tony if my heart wasn’t in the right condition to receive the best from God.

“Would you be coming to the choir practice tomorrow?” he asked as he slowed down in his exercise

“I don’t think so” I said and he pouted

“Are you avoiding somebody?” I asked and I threw my head up in the air

This guy’s spiritual antenna is dope!

“Yes I am” I replied and he chuckled

“Me?” he asked and I almost fell off the treadmill as I held my breath

How could someone be so blunt, huh?

He laughed.

“Hmmmm, I am really not scary person o. I always enjoyed choir practice whenever you are around” he said and my heart started pumping more than required plasma

I always did avoid people that are very unapologetically blunt

This was someone that I had never spoken a word to in that choir room.

He was always busy listening to and counseling different ladies that had ran to him for counseling.

Ladies liked to cling to his side too much!

So what was he saying now?

“I am talking gibberish?” he asked and I nodded in affirmation.

He laughed

“You remember the day we had the choir concert shae?” he asked and I nodded
I remembered pretty well. He performed a very beautiful duet with Abigail, Mummy Pastor’s housemaid and it was the bomb!

“What shirt did I even wear that day?” he asked, walking in the treadmill while I still jogged

“You wore a green shirt on a black trouser at the beginning but you thereafter changed to a white shirt and a blue trouser. At the end, it was one nice Ankara shirt you wore” I explained on and on, gasping for breath as I breathed heavily.

He stopped on the belt.

“Do you notice if I used cuff links that day?” he asked again, maintaining a serious face as if to remember something important.
I didn’t need to rack my brain before spitting the response out

“Yes. It was different cuff links sha. You used silver ones at first and then ruby colored ones afterwards with matching ties” I said again.

When I did not hear any sound, I stopped on the belt too and looked at him.

He looked really dazed, mouth suspended

“What?” I asked, quite shocked, breathing heavily from the long period of exercise

He looked on at me, still dazed

“Now, who is stalking who?” he asked, still looking dazed

Blood ran through my veins from head to toes and I was covered in embarrassment.

I scrambled for words and found none.

He tested me and caught me read-handed even to his own amazement.

Oh my God!

Should I get angry?

Or mad?

Or cry?

What was the best thing to do right now dear Savior?

I watched him as he walked gently away.

I stepped down from the treadmill and sat on a raised part of the gym center, my head bowed low.

I felt a touch on my shoulder

“Take” Tony said.

I looked up to find two bottles of water in his hands.

That was exactly what I needed.

Should I collect it?

No! my pride answer.

I looked into his face and his urging smile made me to constipate immediately

I collected it hurriedly and gulped down almost half.

There was a grave silence between us.

What was on his mind right now?

His phone rang and he received it

“Yes Abigail…what? Jesus!… do you know what you would do now, just use a pillow to raise her head. Will join you in a jiffy…oh my God!” he exclaimed, cleaned his face with the towel round his neck and looked at me

“I am sorry. I’ve got to go”

“Isn’t that Mummy Pastor?” I asked and he nodded

“Yes she is.” He said as he walked to the door hurriedly.

I followed after too.

What could be wrong with Mummy Pastor today dear Savior?

What?

My phone rang

It was mummy pastor!

“Hello mummy”

“This is Abigail ma.”

“Yes dear, is anything the matter?” I asked

“Its mummy o and daddy is not around” her shaky voice rang in my ears.

Was she crying?

I dropped the call.

“Was that Abigail?” Tony asked and I nodded

“Let’s use your car. Mine isn’t here now” he said and I nodded

I didn’t even know that he had a car.

As Tony drove with a great speed, I could only pray for God’s mercies and a safe journey.

“Should I call the pastor?” I asked Tony and he shot me a one in town look.

“No please.” He replied and I looked shocked

What does he know that I didn’t?

Nice one!…now, I remember.

He was the one I saw climbing the stairs to attend Mummy Pastor that last time. He must know what was wrong with her.

“Tony, what exactly is wrong with mummy?” I asked and he shook his head

“Whatever it is requires our urgent prayers for God’s intervention” he said and concentrated on the driving.

Oh what a curt answer!

There really must be a problem and that exactly was what I didn’t understand.
God, please intervene and keep mummy pastor for us.

“Visit her marriage and her family oh God because I really do not understand anything that is going on round me now” I lamented silently

But I knew that it was just a matter of time and all would be clear to me!

>>>It continues still<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-8/

Episode 7

Just praise me in advance…

Those were the words that woke me in the very hours of the day and I just had to forgo my sleep and started to thank Him.

I had woken up with a start and there was a kind of peppery sensation in my chest.

I was so shocked and surprised that I felt that way because I had not taken beans or its products during the day neither did I eat heavily at night. Even if I did, I wasn’t suffering from heartburn or asthma so what was the problem with me?

Throwing my beautiful, furry cover cloth aside, I stood up from the bed and scurried to the water dispenser. I pressed the ‘hot’ button because only hot substance could clear the rubbish that had gathered in my heart- I thought

What is this oh God?

Are you trying to say something to me?

As the cup got filled up with the hot water, I looked over at the wall clock.

Just 2.30a.m and I was awake…it was weird!

As I gulped the water down my throat and it burnt me right where it mattered, I looked up at the ceiling.

Let me even give a thought to my life right now.

Does my life even have direction at all?

Does it even seem as if I am making headway at all?

Something whispered to me so convincingly but quietly-
‘Count your blessings and it will surprise you what the Lord had done for you!’

As I gulped the water down, it felt that I was gulping freshly ground pepper down my throat. The sensation did not subside. In fact, it became worse!

Something was tightening round my neck- for real!

Jesus! My Lord Jesus!

Is this death? Is this what it means to die?

I am but a child. Why do I feel this way oh God?

Why?

I dropped the cup on the water dispenser and dragged myself back to the bed. My eyes dilated really badly.

The hold on my neck tightened and my eyes became teary. As I gasped for breath, almost surrendering to whatever force it was, I fell to my knees, holding my neck in anguish and desperation.

“God have mercy” I cried out on my knees, my voice already going croaky.

You are in the right position to pray!

The voice was distinct and I wasn’t sure if that was God or my conscience.

Pray?

To pray and this is what I’ve got?

That’s the mistake you make daughter. When you pray, you are not doing God any good but yourself!

Who holds your life in His hands?

“It’s God. Only God does” I said weakly

Who can kill both the body and the soul?

“It’s God alone” I moaned

All the leadership positions you have held since your primary school days were made possible because of whom?

“It’s because of God o. Who am i? Who am i?”

I started crying.

The realization suddenly dawned on me that God had woken me up in the night to pray and because of the pains; I had reflected over my life and concluded that I had really achieved nothing in life which God found wrong.

If I had woken you up without you having any discomfort, would you have prayed?
Would you find yourself crying and praying fervently as you do now?

“No sir. Oh my Lord! I am sorry. I never realized that I had created no time out to hear you. I am sorry Lord” I cried still.

God was speaking to me!

It felt so real!

It had never ever happened to me before and I was thrilled.

I listened and listened again but I heard no voice again. The discomfort had gone and I was wide awake.

I started to cry.

I really hadn’t taken God seriously in my life before this time- just the ceremonial devotion thing and ceremonial activities of going to the church and all that.

I had always had almost everything on a platter of gold- everything I had achieved had been in an easy way.

I graduated with the best WAEC and NECO results in the whole federation and I had been on different forms of scholarships till I graduated from the University of Kent, Canterbury.

Afterwards, I graduated as the second best student in the University of Kent and I proceeded to Harvard University on recommendation and by merit.

I decided to have another Master’s degree because I felt time was still on my mind and I wanted more certificates and all- I had that at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, Ghana- on scholarship again!

My parents had really never spent money on education for me. I had always been their pride- though I never exhibited pride or anything of such.

I just felt I was just being favored but I had never ascribed all the glory to God!

It escaped my mind that every little success that a child of God gets are as a result of the backing of the Almighty God and that we were supposed to send the glory back to Him for all He’d done.

I started all over again, thanking him for my past successes, my parents, my siblings, my students, and oh mine oh mine, I had enough things to thank God for!

It was really shocking that I had that much to thank Him for when I thought I had never experienced His touch in a long time.

…and oh the peace that followed!
__________

The joy from the over two hours’ thanksgiving prayer session I had lingered for hours as everyone could notice it. I wore a very beautiful smile throughout the day- it was like a permanent plastic surgery!

“I would go to the school’s studio to have a photo-shoot after the school activities because the smile sure fitted me” I had thought to myself.

I had just ended a lecture with the 300Level Students and as I left the class, I hung my school bag around my neck and bounced out of the social science block.

“Aunty Tomboy looks really glad today o”

That was what my very sharp ears heard as I walked down the park to get my car.

“Abi, she’s falling in love ni?” another voice asked and I heard a chorus, scornful laughter.

“Love ke. Abeg jhur…the only thing I like about the woman is that she sabi teach. Ah, if it’s that one, I give it to her. But romance, love, marriage, mba!” another person said

My heart started to race as I struggled within my heart about what to do.

Should I look back at the students and shout at them to stop it?

No!

That wouldn’t be good because if I should sight them, I would so hate them uncontrollably!

Should I hear more from them?

That won’t be nice!

It’s better to just intensify my footsteps and disappear from them.

But I didn’t obey that instinct. I wanted to have more of their stories.

“Who does she remind you of?” one asked again

“Hmmm, let’s say Serena Williams” another answered

“Yes! That’s very correct! I had never even thought about it that much” the third person said

“She definitely works out. All these hard jobs, you know? Weight lifting and all…” one was saying again and I balled my fist in anger.

Jesus!

See how these children are finishing me- right in my presence!

I could hear them very clearly.

Did they think I was a dummy or a deaf person?

They were not even making attempts to reduce their voices.

Geez!

Work out?
Weight lifting?

What did they know about me?

Was that how bad I now look?

These students could so kill somebody o. they could show me love like anything in the class and outside the classroom, my stature was being crucified.

Nawa o!

“So, except she becomes a baby mama or she marries James Bond o, forget marriage jhur. Who wants to marry big hefty mama and call her wife” they said again and I was mad.

I just walked really fast towards my car, opened and entered.

My head was in a kind of disorder.

There were stuffs like cobwebs hanging as curtains in the room of my head and I couldn’t think straight.

I placed my head on the steering and it took loud, repeated knocks from some passers-by at my car door to raise my head up again.

What was the problem?

My head that was on the steering had caused the horn to be blaring loudly and the parking lot was in disarray as all eyes were on me.

I just bowed and waved in apology!

The joy that I had started the day with had melt away like a candle beside the fire!

I needed to just leave this place- but where to?

I was confused and afraid and discouraged and all but I didn’t know the right thing to do.

I zipped my school bag and brought out my hand mirror, opened and checked myself out.

I wasn’t that bad- in fact, I was so so beautiful!

Or maybe it was a full mirror I needed.

I turned the ignition key and drove off to the bank beside the Accounting Department.

Let me quickly have a look at myself in a large mirror because it seemed my bathroom mirror had lost its potency and accuracy.

The bank building was glassy so, I could just use the opportunity to use the ATM and have a good look at myself.

There was no queue.

Thank God.

I moved to an ATM slot and stayed in front of it.

Geez!

I had grown really fat!

See my chest, oh my goodness!

I am really a gorilla with this hairy face of mine.

Geez!

What do I do?

No wonder my straight skirt could not fit in properly this morning. I condemned about four skirts before I was able to select the one I eventually wore.

I withdrew some cash and returned to the car.

While in the car, I quickly switched on my Wi-Fi and switched on my phone’s data connection.

I was going to search for her!

What was that name again?

I racked my brain so much…

Oops, my brain…was I getting old that this brain no longer wanted to obey me?

Yes! Serena Williams.

Google search loading…

I clicked on the images and looked at her.

She was exactly my look-alike!

I started saving some of the images of the gowns she wore to special occasions.

Even if they were not too decent, I would make mine decent

Done and dusted, I smiled to myself as I adjusted the rare mirror.

I was not going to the studio anymore because my plastic surgery smile had even disappeared, so of what use would the photo-shoot be?

It was time to change the course…

I decided to go to the —
Boutique to pick up some beautiful gowns

and then…

The Gym Centre!

I zoomed away with such great alacrity and determination because contrary to those students’ prediction, I wanted marriage- a very beautiful, romantic, godly, heaven-bound marriage at that!

May God help me.

[b]>>Continues still<<<<<

Source:[/b] http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-7/ ‎

.....Episode 6

Oh my goodness!

Oh my God!

I looked at her.

She wasn’t crying

She had tears in her eyes but they were not falling. She looked really worn!

I stood up, removed my long evening gown and thank God my undies were moderate enough, I set to work even as I cried ‘Oh my God!” repeatedly.

After rearranging the furniture and returning the books to where they were supposed to be, I hung the neat clothes and dumped the dirty ones in the large laundry baskets. I saw a vacuum cleaner.

There is even a vacuum cleaner? Oh my God!

I ignited the machine and it swallowed all the dirt on the floor for me.

I went to the bed and faced mummy pastor.

“Mummy, let me lay the bed” I said and she sighed, held the pole on which the bed lamp hung with great difficulty and then stood up. I saw that protruding tummy.

The dream flashed back to my memory!

She’s pregnant for real! Oh my God!

I pulled a plastic chair for her and she sat inside it with care.

As I pulled the large, heavy white-turned brown duvet off the bed, I saw already used tissue papers. Some were very dry, some were still wet.

I dumped the duvet into one of the laundry baskets and the tissue papers fell to the ground- they could make a rug!

She must have cried loads and from the look of things, it didn’t just start yesterday.

By the time I was done with the laying of the bed and all, the five large laundry baskets were filled and the dustbin was filled as well.

“Carry everything and drop them outside the room. Abigail would come and get them outside. This is the first time anybody would enter this room apart from my husband. Even my children are not allowed to. I just needed an urgent help and my spirit pointed at you. Thanks so much.” She said and I could only nod as I did as instructed.

I then pulled the curtains, dusted the window panes, sprayed the air-freshener and switched on the split air conditioner while I wore my gown again.

She smiled

I shook my head and my jaws dropped.

“Mummy, it’s time to get back into bed” I said again and she tried to stand up but couldn’t. I went closer to her and pulled her up.

Oh how light she felt in my hands!

As she hid under the new laid duvet, she signaled for me to sit down on the chair adjoining the bed which I did.

I was not happy!

What exactly was happening?

What’s the smiling pretense?

Does she think I am a baby?

“Sister Precious, could I perhaps call you Precious?” she asked, humbly and my heart softened and I forced a smile

“Definitely ma” I replied and she smiled again

“Thanks my daughter.” She said and looked into my face. I looked into her eyes as well

Pains

Despair

Loneliness

Misery

Despondency

That was all I saw- No hope whatsoever!

She took my hand and though her hand seemed beautiful and fresh on the outside, it was scaly as she touched me.

“It seems that you know something about me, Precious” she said and I was shocked

“Ma, I don’t know anything o, nothing!” I retorted quickly.

What was she saying?

“That Sunday, you were shouting my name, looking for me all over the church. You even screamed ‘She’s alive’ when you saw me. That?” she looked at me with a ‘So, what are you saying’ kind of look and I shook my head.

“Ma…” I was saying when she cut me short.

“During the marriage committee session, while I was talking, why did you look into my eyes so penetratingly? Tell me if you know something please. I need to know” she squeezed my hand as she pleaded, tears streaming down her face.

Oh mine!

What do I have to say now? I really don’t know anything at all.

“Precious, when you look into my eyes as you do, what do you see? Please tell me. I am sure you know something. Tell me exactly what you see that others don’t. What you see that my fellow women leaders don’t, what exactly you see that even my children don’t. What you see that my…my…even my…my hus…husb…husband doesn’t see” She pleaded further, stuttering greatly and I shook my head regrettably.

That’s it!

Exactly what I wanted to know!

Something was very wrong and no one knew- not even my pastor!

But what’s it?

This suspense is killing me Lord Jesus!

She smiled again and I could not help but speak my mind.

“Mummy, for real, all I see is fear, loneliness, frustration, pain, hurt, despondency, dejection, depression. All I see on a closer look is negativity mum! That’s all I see and I don’t understand why it should be so” I blurted out. I was tired of seeing her that way. She looked so weird.

Even her haircut was scary…bare!

Her big tummy

Her untidy room

Her hurtful face

Her smile!

Oh how much beautiful and expensive attires cover the problems of so many people!

We only look at their attires and envy them

We look at the hats and say, oh beautiful!
Not knowing that a sorrowful bare head hides underneath.

Lord Jesus!

“Thank you for saying your mind my daughter. Thanks, thanks, thanks o, thank you, thanks” the more she said the words slowing, the more they tugged at my emotions. The more I wanted to know where the problem laid and put an end to it.

“Mummy, what is the problem with you? Talk to me. I can handle it. I might not be able to proffer solutions to the problems but I can help share in the burden. Talk to me ma” I pestered and she smiled.

“I will talk to you and that was why I chose you. But…” she was saying where the phone rang and she picked the receiver.

“Yes Abigail…good…lead him upstairs…thanks love” she said and dropped the receiver. She looked at me and smiled again.

“You have to go now Precious. I will see you some other time. I need to attend to someone now. Its urgent.” She said as she unwound baby wipes and gave to me. She took some too and wiped her face. I did the same too.
—-
What could the problem be?

What?
What?
What?

As the ‘what’ questions filled my head, I could not think straight anymore.

Was she dying?

That would be scary because she is still very young!

Where was her husband?

As I fumbled with the baby wipes in my hands and descended the stairs, my shoulders hit someone who was going upstairs and I just bowed in apology as I walked away.

Something struck me hard and turned back to look at who just walked past me.

He was at the door…that stature…oh how familiar!

I racked my brain so tirelessly but it didn’t come to my mind who it was.

As I turned the ignition key of my car, I relived the stature again and oh yes!

Tony!

What was Tony doing in there?

Tony was just a serving corps member nah…exactly why would she send me away because she wanted to meet Tony.

“I am sorry. I just seemed to find out. A medical doctor would just know.”

Those words rung in my head like I had never heard them before.

Tony was a medical doctor!

Oh geez!

The dream relived and I remembered how Tony bent to examine the dying Mrs. Idile in the dream.

Could that be what it meant?

The dream was all about this?

Wait!

Or had Mrs. Idile been shown that Tony was my husband and she wanted to put in good words for me so he would pray about it?

I shook that idea off!

How childish that thought of mine was…she obviously wouldn’t do that!

Oh my God!

I dug my hands into my hair again, sighed so deeply, turned the ignition key and as I drove off, I remembered my coconut rice

“To hell with you dear rice.” I said loudly, my tongue turning sour.

I had lost my appetite.

…it continues still
Stay tuned!

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-6/

Missmossy:
Such an enchanting piece more please.



Dandypearl, heemah,iykekelvins, joanee20 come read too.

Thanks for inviting others Missmossy ..

Cc:
Lalasticlala
Ishilove
Semid4lyfe
Obinoscopy
Maiconyoung
Jacy67
Snowangel
Joepretty
Oyay

virtuedagirl:
Wow!this is lovely and i'm enjoying every bit of it.Ola you are doing a very good work here keep it coming.

Thanks Ma'am

Episode 5

“We cannot join you together!”

That was the response of the head of the marriage committee immediately Jean and I entered the church’s board room on Sunday.

I turned sideways subtly to see Jean’s face and it was expressionless. He was looking indifferent. I sighed repeatedly but silently.

As much as God wasn’t in support of this relationship and I was ready to obey His will, I still loved Jean and his expressionless face actually broke my heart.

He wasn’t going to miss me!

Perhaps he never really loved me!

Just then, while my head was bowed still where I stood, I saw some fluid falling to the ground and I was shocked.

Tears!

I looked up at Jean and he was totally broken! He had unknotted his tie, his eyes were closed and his hands were dipped right inside his well combed afro hair. The other hand held his tummy as he let out a squeak that shook the whole room.

The four-man committee members stood abruptly, covering their ears with their hands. They looked really shocked.

I could only watch on as I felt his pains.

He squatted and started a real babyish cry and my heart shattered into pieces the more.

Who does that for God’s sake?!
Who leaves a man like this when real men are scarce outside?
Only a foolish person would do so!

Jean was a very good man. Even before I led him to Christ, he had really been a moral man. Never had he for once tried to touch me or played dirty with me during those times.

Even the day he proposed to me, he was very shy to do so. It took the efforts of his daughter to help. He never took advantage of his subordinates.

I loved mature men!

I hate ‘baby men’!

And, but for his marriage to Beatrice, I would have loved to get married to him. I had really opened my heart to him.

“You people don’t understand. You don’t!” he cried out again as he blew his nose into the handkerchief he was holding. The committee members sat down, still looking perturbed.

“Understand what?” Mr. Hosanna, one of the marriage committee asked and the others nodded in support.

“I had really endured a very bad marriage where my wife would bring in different men into our matrimonial bed and sleep with them right before my open eyes. If I dared to retort, she would send different touts to beat me up or even deal with me herself….” He swallowed hard and the committee members looked somber as he unfolded the story.

I shook my head as I imagined the whole scenario.

“I had a mixed feeling when she eventually travelled outside the country five years ago with another sugar daddy. I was happy to be free indeed but I hated sleeping around. What do I do?…” he paused as he sat on the floor. He looked really hopeless and a cold shiver ran down my spine.

“I had really been weaned from all emotions and love until I met Precious. If I got married at 20, I should be able to father her but really, I love her so much. I was scared of another failed marriage but I trusted her and wanted to give it a trial once again…”

“Marriage is not trial and error my brother!” Mrs. Hallow, one of the committee members retorted and Jean shook his head.

“Probably my use of English sold me out madam. It wasn’t for a trial at all. I wanted both of us to have a real great future together and all was going well until this committee asked us to come back.” He paused again and sighed in anguish.

“It was really worth the waiting as God met me and told me some vital reasons why this marriage cannot be. There was no way I could tell Precious and I felt we should get here first. Right now, it seemed that God had gotten here even before me” he said and the committee members whispered some things to themselves.

“God had been here since my brother. He is the Word personified and we have the Bible. Everything is in there. If we go ahead and join you together, it would mean adultery. That’s what the Bible says” Mr. Lawal, another member explained

“Then, what should I do? I should wait for a woman that had gone to join herself with different filthy men? I should?” he cried dejectedly. I understood his plight.

I felt really guilty

I shouldn’t have met him in the first place.

I had opened up the closed wound in his heart again and poured fresh pepper on it.

“My brother, marriage contract is till death do us part. As long as you are alive and she is alive too, there is no going back. You have to endure it.” Mrs. Hallow said again

“Endurance! That’s the word!” Mrs. Idile said as she shook her head, her lips pursed

Mummy pastor!

What does she know about endurance?

Some people just find it easy.

The only thing she probably endured in her marriage was complaints about salt, not being enough or too much in a meal.

Mummy pastor sha! Very funny!

“We still have lots of people coming in to see us today and the time isn’t on our side. We have closed your file and we want both of you to really go and pray with all fervency.” Mr. Lawal said with a large, comforting smile

“My dear Bro Jean, I can feel your pain as I have been in your shoes. My husband left me for another woman and there were pressures here and there that I should remarry but I thank God for my pastor and his wife. Oh what a great specimen of marriage for our generation…” Mrs. Hallow paused and smiled, shaking her head in obvious appreciation while Mrs. Idile smiled too.

A pure, sweet smile!

“My husband is back to me. I have forgiven him and he is now a child of God. You would never know that something like that had ever happened between us if you see us together” Mrs. Hallow completed her own side of consolation.

“And who knows if your wound had actually been opened now because your wife is on the way and so that when she comes, she would find something to nurse, thereby, strengthening your marriage?” Mr. Hosanna explained too.

I looked at Jean on the floor and I smiled bitterly.

He was shaking his head vigorously as tears streamed down his face.

Does any of their advice makes any sense to him at all?

“It would be hard but that’s why we have Jesus. He can help. Wait for your wife and pray fervently for her soul. Who knows, you may save a soul from hell!” Mrs. Hallow said further.

“And you Sister Precious…”

That was my name right?

It was my turn to be lambasted for almost leading a new convert of mine astray even when I knew the truth. Right?

It was Mrs. Idile

“My sister, God is never too late. For some people, he comes at twenty years of age, some thirty, some forty, some fifty, even, sixty! He’s never late! How old are you? I am sure you are in your mid-twenties or thereabout. Why would you rush? Do you know what marriage means at all? Marriage is a padlock with its key thrown away! Do you want to miss it? This one that we can still enjoy beautiful renditions of songs through you, if you are sad and unstable in your home, would that still be possible? Sister Precious, are you praying at all?” Mrs. Idile went on and on and I was daunted.

There was an absolute silence

That was from her heart- deep!

I was speechless.

I realized that I hadn’t said a word since it all started and I looked for something to say.

“I love him…” I was saying when she cut me short again.

She was never violent or lousy.

Mrs. Idile!

What was the matter?

“Love, you say? Any sign whatsoever you have, be it vision, dream, deep love, revelation and all, should still be weighed on the word of God! Is God saying something to me in His word about this lady or guy? See, just like our speech could be influenced by the devil, out emotions can also be manipulated and used against God’s will for our lives” she explained and I looked at the Spilt Air Conditioner.

It was working perfectly well. In fact, 16 degrees Celsius!

Why then was she sweating- profusely?

Was it more than what was being discussed?

I am being blessed by all she was saying but I was worried about her. Was all well with her?

“Some marriages in the church are camouflages. They wear same outfits all the time, they seem to hug and peck and fan, wiping each other’s faces in the church and all and you feel, God give me a happy home like lagbaja’s! Do you know what is underneath? Do you?” she banged the table as the pimples of sweat on her face dropped on the table before her.

The vicinity was very solemn.

I looked around me and realized that everyone was taking what she was saying as just being a concerned Pastor’s wife’s palava. But I saw beyond that…something I would never want to believe myself.

Hurt!

I saw deep hurt in her face!

Jesus!

What exactly is the matter?

Just then, the dream flashed back to my head and I shook it off once more. It can’t be real! It can never be real!

“God will have mercy” Mrs. Hallow said, obviously touched by Mrs. Idile’s ‘Speech’

“Please, you both should go and pray more” Mr. Hosanna said too

“You can go and may God make your ways golden” Mr. Lawal said and Jean stood up, supporting himself with a chair.

“Thanks everyone” he said silently, moving towards the door

“Thanks” was all I could say as I approached the door too

“Sister Precious…” Mrs. Idile’s voice called out to me. I turned back and met her face.
So tender once more- smiling.

“See me in my house tomorrow by 4.pm” she said and I nodded

“Ok ma”
“I love you so much” she said further and my heart stirred.

She smiled again- that very sad smile !

My heart missed a beat!

Something was just not right!
>>>>>

“Welcome ma” my gardener greeted me as I parked the car, the lawn-mower he was using, making noise as if it was a tractor!

I didn’t want to have a headache but my lawn actually needed trimming. The other staff members had left their lawns unattended too but I couldn’t. I just loved orderliness, beauty and neatness. Since the state government had refused to renovate our quarters for us, I got some money and had the painting done, the plumbing works attended to and now, the lawn!

“Well done Mr. Bright. How work?” I greeted as I pulled the boot lever under my car seat.

“Work fine o madam. It’s just this sun” he complained. I smiled. I looked at the back seat and took a bottle of ‘five alive’ juice. It was very cold.

“Catch this” I said and he looked behind him. His face shone as he saw the drink. With open arms, he received it as I threw it and then he shouted for joy.

“It’s chilling” he said and I smiled.
Mr. Bright and his ‘wonderful’ English language!

I opened the boot and brought out the hamper inside it- an Easter gift for senior staff members in my department. I was privileged to be among.

I took my veggies basket too and walked towards the door.
—–
Gosh! It’s already two o’clock and I had to be in Pastor’s house by four.

I really have to be fast o.

I had a really weird appetite while at work.

I just stumbled on a movie where they were eating coconut rice and an idea came into my head. On my way home, I had bought cucumbers, cabbage, leeks, tomatoes, fresh paper, mackerel fish (My best), and some coconuts.

I bought enough coconuts because my hair seemed to be losing its vitality. I wanted to make enough coconut oil myself since the homemade is better than the adulterated ones being sold. The shaft from the coconut oil and the coconut water was what I would use to cook.

Yippee!

I was already salivating!

After I finished preparing those, I would have a very cold shower and then set out for the pastor’s house.

Few minutes later, the aroma of my specially prepared coconut rice filled the house. I looked at the bowl where I had poured the coconut oil

That should be cold by now!

I quickly sent a ‘BRB’ to everyone I was chatting with on Facebook, WhatsApp and BBM- I really loved chatting.

I poured the coconut oil into different bottles and set them aside. Then I turned off my gas cooker and opened the pot- Hmmmm, indomitable meal!

Oops, 3.30pm!

I ran into the bathroom and richly soaped my body. As the shower rained down the thin streams of water upon my hefty body, I felt a tickling sensation and I chuckled repeatedly. I was somewhat happy- but about what?

I had really had a lot to do that very day and though I was fatigued, I had to go and see my pastor’s wife for whatever it was she wanted to see me for.

What could she want to see me for?

My happiness waned away as I jumped off the bathroom into my bedroom where I performed the normal beauty rituals and wore a very cool colored evening gown.

>>>>>

“Mummy will join you shortly Sister Precious” Abigail, the housemaid told me and I smiled at her.

The best treble part singer in our church!

“Do you mind a bottle of Charis wine?” she asked and I nodded

“No, I don’t mind please” I said and it was soon delivered in a tray. The phone on one of the tables rang and Abigail picked the receiver

“Hello ma…it’s alright ma.” She said and looked at me.

“Mummy said you should come into her room upstairs” she said and I looked surprised.

What!

Me?!

Who am I in that church?

What is my post or position?

What have I done to deserve entering the room of my pastor’s wife?

Oh, that would be a very delightful honor for me!

If the other parts of the house could be this beautiful and gigantic, I wonder what the bedroom would look like.
—–
The staircases leading upstairs were sparkly neat!

I was told to take off my shoes and I slipped into some furry slippers before stepping on those staircases.

God, I’ve got to be rich o

Lord, I ask for the riches of Job but not his sufferings o abeg.

I laughed at myself for making that kind of selfish prayer request but if you had the opportunity of coming into this place, you would conclude that heaven must be too goldenly beautiful because this house looked like paradise.

I knocked the door

“Please come in” I heard the voice and I opened the door.

Oh, that sight!

The room was indescribable!

What!

I wanted to run outside and confirm that I was still in the same house I was just coming from but I maintained my cool.

The room was disorganized. The settees were not well arranged and there were clothes hanging on the chair, around the necks of the gigantic wardrobes, beautiful shoes were scattered all over the floor and gasped.

“Sister Precious” I heard that voice and I was geared back to reality. I was lost in my own world of irritation and had forgotten why I was here.

I looked at the bed where the sound was coming from and I almost ran back!

“Mummy!” I called out, really surprised and she smiled sadly

“Good evening” she greeted and I couldn’t hide my shock and despair.

Her head was neatly scraped- totally!…like a widow in her mourning mood!

Jesus!

The gown she was putting on was black and she didn’t look like the normal mummy I knew. Tears gathered in my face as I looked at her.

“Mummy!” I called out in a heart-renting way again as I ran to her and fell on the bed, holding her hands as I wept.

“Mummy, what’s wrong?” I asked in a very sorrowful way. She smiled but I saw the tears welling up in her eyes.

“I wanted someone to clear up my room for me. And I chose you” she said calmly and I broke out into a serious fit of crying.
What!

Mummy needed help to clear up her room?
Oh my God!

I scanned the room and I cried again.
Whatever it was that was happening to mummy pastor was very serious!

>>>>>>It Continues<<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-5

joanee20:
Thumbs up...NYC piece, following

Thanks Dear! I appreciate

Episode 4

“Mummy pastor, she can’t be dead. Mummy pastor!” I screamed on and someone tapped my shoulder

“Sister Precious” I heard my name clearly and my eyes opened widely. It was Sister Jane.

So, it’s been a dream all these while?…Like seriously?

I sat up and saw tears on Jane’s face.

Jesus!

“Is it true?” I screamed. Smiling faintly, Jane nodded over and over again.

Jesus!

“Mummy Pastor! Mummy Pastor oooo” I started screaming as I sat up from the pew in which I had slept off and started running to the back of the church as if being pursued. Jane called me back to no avail

“Mummy Pastor ooo….somebody help” I screamed on and on until I looked to my left as I approached the exit door and I heard my name.

“Sister Precious”

Mummy Pastor’s voice!

I turned to look around and there they were all gathered the women leaders with Mrs. Idile smiling wholeheartedly at me.

“Is anything the matter my daughter?” she asked, smiling again- her very real, affectionate smile

“Is this for real? Is this a dream too? Is that mummy pastor? Somebody talk to me.” I cried again as I walked to her side on the podium.

Some women tried to stop me but she signaled at them to leave me alone.

I went beside her, knelt down, felt her legs, touched her calves and hugged her.

She hugged me too!

“Mummy is alive!” I shouted childishly and the women murmured

“Daughter, go and check yourself in the bathroom. Your cloth is stained at the back” she whispered into my ears and a cold wind of embarrassment ran through my spine.

It’s the same day!

That Sunday!

I managed to smile at her.

She smiled back!

She signaled that I bend down and she dipped her hand into her bag to give me a white shawl. I wrapped it round myself and passed through the back door outside with the women’s eyes following me- I most assuredly guess!

Sister Jane was outside and I frowned at her.

“Why were you crying earlier on? And I still asked if it was a true and you nodded. You made me to make a fool out of myself today and it’s not fair!” I retorted

“I didn’t understand your question Sister Precious. I was only shedding tears of joy because I am happy for you. You obviously just had a vision. That’s something we had both been praying for you for a very long time now. You asked if it was true and I thought you were referring to the vision thing. I smiled happily and told you yes!” she explained and I hugged her

God heard my prayers!

He spoke to me in a vision.

But what does that mean?

Mummy Pastor was smiling just so happily now that I saw her.

I am still as single as ever, so why was Tony in the same attire with me?

What was I doing in a wilderness?

Despite the rough road, my car was able to still drive on as if on a tarmac! What does that mean?

What is the problem between the pastor and his wife?

Tony called me MMR…what’s the meaning?

>>>>
As I brought out my skirt from the spinner of the washing machine, I heard some rapid footsteps at the staircase and I listened.

The pastor was making a call.

“It’s a great privilege to do so for my wife my dear pastor. I am just going to dedicate this week to her. It’s her birthday and she has to be treated extra-wonderfully. Thanks for booking the hotel for us…we should arrive Dubai in the evening tomorrow. Let me tell her the surprise now…. My wife so loves surprises….hahahahahahaha… God bless you sir!…” he said on and on and I smiled happily.

I trust my pastor!

Ever romantic!

That dream was just a useless one jhur!

I had much to think about before I slept off.

My pastor and his wife are just too anointed to have any problematic issue between them.

I waved the dream off as I quickly wore my skirt, checking out myself in the mirror.

“Sister Precious, do you wanna sleep in the laundry?” Sister Jane called out and I smiled happily as I tip-toed to the door.

“I am coming right away mon amie” I said in a very musical voice- what happens whenever I am satisfied with something or extremely happy.

But…my spirit stirred again!

>>>>It continues still<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-4/

Missmossy:
Beautiful piece, kudos.

Thanks Missmossy

missviva:
Hmm...could it be dt the pastor is abandoning his family responsibilities in the name of tending the sheep...well somtyms re like dt. That precious' part feels as if its being directed 2 me(I mean tony and precious' conversation) keep it coming dear

Thanks missviva. And about the PRECIOUS part of the story being directed to you, who knows this story might actually be aimed towards you ..*Kidding though*

Episode 3

It was raining so profusely…

As the wipers of my car wiped the heavenly tears of rain off my car, I switched on the heater of my car and hummed ‘Amazing Grace’ so happily as my already cold-infested body came back to life gradually.

Though the road through the wilderness that I was driving through was rough, I kept on driving confidently.

I didn’t even know where I was going to…

Just then, I saw some images afar off and I slowed down to get a closer view.

When I couldn’t get a proper view, I drove closer and peeped through the window.

Who am I seeing?

Jesus Christ!

Mrs. Idile, my pastor’s wife was seated on a gossip chair on the road fully drenched in rain. She was shaking so vehemently as her teeth gnashed against themselves.

I drove closer to her side but as I opened the door , the breeze from the windy rain was too much that I had to close it back hurriedly.

How do I approach her?

Why was she in the rain being beaten that way?

Where is her car?

What about her caring husband?

Taking another look at her, I knew that I had to do something if I didn’t want to lose her.

A puddle of water was already forming round her and if care wasn’t taken, she would be swept away completely.

I looked behind me, pulled my rain coat from the back seat and put it on. I turned the ignition key and opened the door. Cold breeze rushed inside but I had to do this.

As I jammed the car door, Mrs. Idile looked up at me. She was shivering severely. I noticed that her tummy was protruding and I was shocked.

Mummy Idile is pregnant?…i never knew!

Then, she smiled…

Oh that affectionate smile capable of calming a raging storm no matter how big in one’s heart!

But that smile…just like the one I saw on Sunday…her lips were blue!

I ran towards her.

“Mummy!” I screamed, very scared. I held her hand and they were like ice.

“Sister Precious” she called out in a husky voice, still smiling.

“Mummy, what is happening to you?Exactly what?” I asked, really concerned

“It is well my sister” she said, stretching her very wrinkled hands to pat my back.

I withdrew from her touch

When did her hands become this wrinkled?

Jesus is Lord!

“Mummy, where is daddy? Why are you alone?” I asked again, a weird sensation running down my spine.

She smiled as tears rushed down her eyes.

Though it was raining, I still could distinguish her teary face as her face had gone red. She pointed at her left side and I looked beside her.

Just beside her!…my pastor!

He was in a very small glassy shed that looking comfortable, mere looking at it.

He was helping some men and women to get into the same shed. He was smiling, hugging and praying for them and they were all happy together.

“What! Mummy, go inside” I shouted out of frustration. She smiled and shook her head in the negative. She pointed to the shed and I went closer to it. The inscription on the shed almost made me mad!

FULL!

What is full when I could still see empty seats inside.

“Daddy!” I called out, very sharply. I was enraged. The pastor looked at me, very happily and opened the glassy door for me.

“Come in my sister” he said but I shook my head.

“I brought my car sir. But mummy is outside. Can’t she come inside?” I asked and he peeped outside

“Which mummy?” he asked and I shook my head, greatly disappointed

“Your wife sir” he said and he smiled.

“Mummy would be fine. We have to tend to the sheep first. If you notice, no family member is in here. That was why I sent all the children abroad so that mummy can have time for herself. I must work the work of him that sent me while it is day, the night cometh when no man can work” he said and closed the door with a great thud.

I was shaken!

I looked behind me to look at her side and I was shocked- she had fallen to her back!

Lord have mercy!

I ran closer to where she was and lifeless as she looked, I saw blood streaming down her legs- she was bleeding!

“Jesus, have mercy!” I screamed loudly.

I was so confused as to what to do. I didn’t have any knowledge of medicine, and I couldn’t even think straight.

“What to do Lord? What to do?” I cried as the rain fell harder.

I heard the sound of an approaching car and looked back.

It was my car!

Who was driving it?

Why are these weird things happening today?

I was holding my car keys few minutes ago. Where is the bunch of keys now?

The car door opened and a guy jumped out- Tony!

I was astounded!

He smiled as he looked at me and immediately wore a frown as he saw Mrs. Idile.

I was shocked as I watched on.

I checked the cloth he was putting on- exactly the same Ankara print as mine. He was looking really good and the rainfall was good on him- he looked cute!

“MMR, leave way” He said as he pushed me aside gently. He smiled and gave me a big umbrella. I unfolded it and it was big enough to cover the three of us.

MMR? What was that?

As he held Mrs. Idile and felt her temperature, I came back to life and concentrated on the dying minister of God.

He felt her pulse with his stethoscope and he looked at me, shaking his head. Tears rolled down his face.

“What?” I screamed, throwing the umbrella away. I pulled at his shirt and he just shook his head on and on, looking downwards.

“We lost her” he dropped the bomb and I almost ran mad.

“Lost who?” I asked and he nodded again. I screamed as I held on to her, crying profusely.

“Mummy, I never knew you were dying. I never knew you were in the rain alone. I would have rushed here to pick you up. I really would have” I cried and as Tony pulled me with his right hand, the rain stopped abruptly and the people in the shed started trooping out. They rushed to the corpse and wailed, trying to console the pastor.

“Why console him? He killed her! The pastor killed her!” I screamed with all my strength as if my life depended on how loud my voice was.

But nobody seemed to hear me…

I looked at Tony who only pulled me up and assisted me into the car. He laid me at the back seat while he entered the driver’s seat. As he turned the ignition key, the heater resumed work, blowing with a very calming alacrity.

I sat up to check the scene I just left and I saw them laying her down into the grave

“Mummy Pastor! She can’t be dead! Mummy Pastor! She can’t be dead oh God!”

I screamed on…

>>>>>>>>It Continues<<<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/candle-wind-episode-3/

Episode 2....

I heard on knock on the pew which I was seated on. My eyes still firmly shut, I smiled.

“Is that Jesus?” I asked, very happily.

Jesus had come to speak to me in a very different way. Wonderful!

“Speak on Lord. You daughter listeneth” I said when I didn’t hear any sound.

“Very funny. Ok, it’s not Jesus o. It’s His son” I heard a wonderful male voice.

Eyes still shut, I racked my brain.

Jesus’ son?…Jesus has a son ?

Still in my fantasy, i asked on.

“Angel, you mean?” I asked and I heard a very loud laughter.

I opened my eyes widely but it was blurry because I had closed my eyes firmly for a very long time.

When my sight cleared, right in front me was Tony!

He had drawn a plastic chair and was seated, staring into my face with a funny smile on his face. He obviously was not done making jest of me and I felt so foolish.

“Sis. Precious, you are supposed to be in the drama unit. You can really act” he said and I smiled

What could I say now so this brother wouldn’t think me weird?

“Well, you wouldn’t understand” I managed to say and he smiled again. The way his cheeks raised whenever he smiled was beautiful and my heart stirred again.

“I can relate to that. We just get to a point where we are so confused that we just want God to speak to us. We become so desperate that God just calms down and says, if I don’t talk to her, let’s see if she would still stay.” He said and I smiled

“Hmmmm, that’s profound!” I nodded as the words sunk into my skulls.

“Yes my sister. When we so desire that he speaks probably so we could brag about it to our neighbors that God said this or that to us, he withholds his voice. Then, when we do not expect, he would speak, he drops it gently and he waits to see who cares to even notice what He had done” he said on and I watched on with great awe.
He paused and smiled

“Sister Precious” he called out and I woke up from my fantasies again.

“Continue my brother. I am being blessed” I said and he laughed, clasping his hands together

“I am not a pastor o. this look you are giving me be like say you think say I be one kind apostle” he said again and we laughed together

“But really, that was deep. So so thoughtful! God bless you” I prayed heartily

“You are very funny Sis Precious. Whenever I see you, you remind me of my mum. Your stature, your clichés, your voice, your long hair, and your funny talks, everything, just like her!” he said and I blushed

“That’s wonderful.” Was the only sentence I could utter

“Yes…why haven’t you been coming for the choir practice? I had wanted to ask for a long time now but whenever I looked at your side when the service ends, you would have gone. God held you down for me this morning” he said again and I shook my head.

Only if you know what these praises of yours is doing to my heart right now. Please, just stop abeg!

I stopped because I couldn’t face you! Because of you

These thoughts filled my head but I shook then off and smiled

“I will resume soon. I just had to step aside for a while. Thanks for your concern” I said and he smiled

“Ok ma. Thanks too” he said and he stood up.

I felt bad of a sudden. I hope I hadn’t said something that had made him feel bad o.

“Which side are you going to if I could give you a lift?” I asked in compensation and he smiled

“Iwo-Road area” he responded, looking down at me. He is quite tall…nice one!

“Ok. Let’s go” I said and as I tried to start, I felt something wet down my skirt.

Jesus!

Stains…Blood Stains? Oh no! Not at this point.

I was wearing a white skirt since I used heavy flow pad in the morning with the mind that there couldn’t be any stain… What shit!

“Is anything the problem?” he asked, concern written on his face.

“No. Let’s go” I didn’t want to appear foolish. It might be the sweat that was making me feel wet. I stood up suddenly, checked the white pew and nah! It was soaked with blood. I sat down right back in the chair. My perspiration started. My heart started beating fast.

Oh why today o God!

“What happened that you suddenly sat down?” He asked and I smiled faintly, obviously embarrassed but grateful that he didn’t see it.

“I just realized that I wasn’t done with the prayers I was doing, I was praying for somebody when you interrupted” I said. Was that a lie? Well, maybe partly. Forgive me Lord. I just had to do it.

“Ok then. Thanks for the offer then. Pray for me too o” he smiled again as he walked away.

I heaved a sigh of relief.

“Let’s just assume that he is the person sef, would this be the right way for him to see me? Stained with my own blood? No, that would only show him how careless I am. I wouldn’t want that” I said aloud, laughing with satisfaction that I was not caught.

But I do I get out of the church like this?

I turned back and saw some men counting the offering and all…why wouldn’t they do that in the office ehn?

I turned forward and saw some others too, discussing in groups. What do I do oh my redeemer? I am done for right?

There was a tap at my shoulder and I looked up- Tony

“Yes?” I asked, almost sharply. He smiled

“You were supposed to be praying” He said, almost in a challenging tone

“Yes and you are intruding” I said defiantly. What a bother! He smiled once more

“I have this for you. I thought of sending someone but I found nobody around. Please, don’t be offended” he said, dropped a black polythene bag on the white chair before me and off he went before I could say a word.

I was perturbed.

What could be in the bag?

I opened and the contents of the bag dazed me, leaving me in total shock!

A new pack of sanitary pad, a small white towel, four sachets of water, a roll of tissue paper and a small white wrapper.

Tears streamed down my face.

Was I supposed to be angry at this guy now or be appreciative? Which?

What an embarrassing day to remember for me oh God!

A paper fell from the bag and I picked it up.

I unfolded it even as tears clouded my eyes.
“I am sorry. I just seemed to find out. A medical doctor would just know!”

Geez!

Is this guy for real right now?

I folded myself in the corner where I was seated as if something should take a hold of me and make me disappear!

>>>>>it continues<<<<<

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/05/story-candle-wind-episode-2/ ‎

missviva:
Jeezzz....this is nice,this is awesome. Pls keep it up.

Thanks dear... Just the encouragement i needed