@iamdondanna, thanks

Episode 5
He sat me down and looked at me intently.
The way he was staring at me was making me more nervous.
I decided to take the bull by the horn.
"If you want to drop me I understand, I'm a man I can take it".
I was getting ready to stand up when he shouted.
"Congratulations"
"What?"
"Congratulations, you are now officially one of us."
"Your single hit 400,000 downloads and counting. It's a miracle."
"I....4....400,000 hits?"
"Yes"
"Omygod"
"We have to start working on a music video for it"
"When?"
"Soon"
We worked on the music video.
It was the worst thing.
I could not cope at first.
I had to dance with girls and had to take alcohol.
I felt bad after it but I got used to it, eventually.
Remember he said I would work on my own song with my own lyrics later, that was a lie.
I sing songs that don't define me, I sing words that are not me.
But I have to do it to satisfy the people, if I wanna make it, I have to do it.
Everything is fake.
This is not me.
But I have to do it.
Penshalom

To be continued tomorrow

Episode 4
I was given the lyrics within that week and deadline of 3 weeks to work on it and make it a song.
When I got home, I sat down and looked at the lyrics.
The lyrics looked so weird.
It was all about women, drinking and all.
To make a music out of it was very difficult but I did.
I met with the deadline.
I sang the song in front of the whole crew.
They loved it.
They were amazed by my voice.
Some changes were made.
Before I knew it I was recording the song.
Before I knew it, it was being edited.
Before I knew it, the song was ready.
The day the song was released online I was so nervous.
"Will people love the song?" that was what I kept thinking.
I didn't dare check the site because I didn't want to be disappointed.
The next morning I received a call from Michael to come see him.
I was so nervous to see him.
"The worst thing they can do is drop me" I told myself so I summoned up courage.
I went to his office and knocked.
"Come in"
I placed a hand on my chest and took very deep breaths to calm myself.
Then I opened the door and walked in.
Penshalom

Episode 3
He works at Deluxe Entertainment.
He took me to their studio and introduced me to 'his guys' as he calls them.
They were all friendly.
Later in the day he told to me to write a song, it will be like my debut song, my first single.
I was so happy.
As soon as I got home I started working on it.
I already had the ones I had written before.
I picked out my favorite out of one of them and made some changes.
I went back the second day.
I was ecstatic and nervous.
As soon as he saw the lyrics, he bursted into laughter.
"What is this?" He asked me.
"Lyrics, sir" I replied.
"Listen boy, if you want to be a star, if you wanna be popular very fast, you have to give people what they want. I'm not asking you not to sing about God, gospel or whatever but you can't start with that."
"So what do I do?" I asked.
"Don't worry, we have song writers here, they will write your song for you, you just need to make music out of it."
"Oh" I said.
It seemed wrong to me. Probably cos I'm used to songs about God.
"Well, it's just one song, just a song to set me out there. Just a song".
I did not know I was deceiving myself.
Penshalom.

Writer's note
I really don't know about the lexicon of music, bear with me.
Much love from here.

Follow to get updates... thank you. Have a lovely night

Episode 2
I was just me.
An orphan.
Just a guy hustling to make it.
I have a talent and I know it.
Everybody knows it, almost everybody.
I was using my talent for God.
A member of the choir in a small denomination.
I was satisfied.
I was satisfied where I was.
I loved what I was doing.
I post my solos on social media.
I get my likes and encouraging comments.
I was satisfied.
Until one day..
The day I got the comment that changed my life.
I already post one of my solos online.
Three days later.
I went to check it out..
I saw a comment that said I should check my DM.
I checked my DM.
I saw the message.
I got compliments and I saw a number that I was asked to call.
Naturally, I called.
We talked...we met.
He turns out to be an agent.
His name is Michael.
He told me he likes my voice, my voice is unique...blah blah.
At the end, he told me he will help me be a star.
I was so happy.
Naturally, I said I will think about it.
I already had an answer in my mind tho.
"Opportunity comes but once" as the saying goes.
I went back home.
I was in cloud nine.
I told my friends, they were also happy for me.
I told everyone but I did not tell God.
I could hardly wait for the day to break.
The following day, I went to Mr. Michael's office and I told him I accept the deal.
And that is how it all started...
Penshalom

WRITERS' NOTE
This is a total work of fiction. Any name you see here is just an imagination, if it is similar to anyone, anything or any place you know, it is purely coincidental.
Thank you.
Penshalom

Episode 1
Standing there on the stage breathing heavily.
I watch the crowd scream, some were even tearing there clothes.
My fans all over the world shouting just one name.
'King'
Mine.
This should make me happy, right?
No, I'm not happy at all.
I feel empty inside.
I watch them screaming.
I hear them declaring their love for me.
Yet, it doesn't make me happy.
I already lost the most precious thing I have just for this...
I just sang a song that made me cry and they are about to tear their clothes apart.
I just wish someone out there will sit down and think.
I just wish someone out there will reach out a helping hand.
Standing there on the stage.
My mind goes back to how it all started.
The day I signed up for this.
The beginning of the end for me.
Penshalom

Lol
You can't really predict parents tho, some of them are just putting up front to make you fear them.
You wouldn't know if you don't try

Lol, it can, it depends on the Nigerian parent sha.

Episode 7
You probably would have guessed what it is.
I started touching myself.
When I did it at first, it felt weird and all but I liked it.
I continued doing it.
In my room, in the bathroom, in the kitchen, wherever was available and I was alone.
I wanted to stop.
I really wanted to but I'm not strong enough.
If only I had not snatched their phones from them that day.
This habit has affected me tremendously.
I don't pray, I don't study the word of God, I try to stay away from any church activities because I feel too dirty to even stand in God's presence.
It was not until one day that I sat down and realized that it's been two years that I've been into this.
It was then I realized I need to do something.
That's why I'm here, I need your help.
I want to stop this.
I finished talking and dared to look up at my audience.
My Pastor and my parents.
No one said a thing.
My parents especially my mom kept staring at me in shock.
I had to look away.
I saw the disappointment in their eyes.
My Pastor broke the silence and said what gave me hope..
"You coming forward about your problem is the first step to your freedom".

THE END.
Thank you so much for reading.
God bless you all.
I love you.
Penshalom

IG handle- Penshalom_
Facebook- Penshalom Art

Episode 6
It became a part of me.
I got used to it.
I wasn't even thinking it is a bad thing anymore.
I decided if God will not save me then I will continue in it after all I've asked Him so many times to help me stop.
I was and still am an angel in the day a devil at night.
I'm always locked up in my room.
My Dad thinks I'm studying, he even praises me and sets me as an example to my sister.
I don't even read that much anymore.
I read but not like before.
My life became a total mess.
It got to a point that watching those videos did not satisfy me again.
I wanted to know how it feels to be in that position.
But I know and I believe it's wrong doing so, so I went for another alternative.

Note
I know this chapter is short. The story is coming to an end. What do you think will happen to John?
Happy new week.
Penshalom

Episode 5
An idle hand they say is the devil's workshop.
I was idle one day and then I broke my promise, again.
I did not even bother praying again.
After all the Bible even says, "The spirit is willing but the flesh is weak".
That was my consolation.
It got to a point that whenever I saw a girl the first thing that comes to my mind is what is beneath her skirt.
My imagination runs wild.
To myself I am the devil you've never seen but to others I am an angel in human form.
I had videos on my phone, lots of 'em so my phone is always locked with a password.
One day, my younger sis picked up my phone.
As soon as I saw it with her, I shouted at her and snatched it from her hand.
She was so scared, she scrambled to her room.
When I calmed down, I remembered my phone has a password which she does not know.
I felt really guilty and apologized to her.
But I warned her not touch my phone again without permission.
Anyway, I made sure that my phone is always in my room.
Whenever anyone wanted to check my phone, I get so scared.
Gradually, it became a habit, watching them became a part of me.

Happy Sunday y'all.
Penshalom

@divatolaz I will... thanks

Episode 4
I entered my room and sat down on my bed.
Like a robot I picked up my phone.
I went to the site last time and downloaded a video.
My heart and my brain were screaming stop.
But it's like I did not have power over my body, my hand and my eyes especially.
I watched the video and downloaded another one, I watched them both.
After I finished and my hormones went back to normal, I realized myself.
I prayed again and again, crying and begging God.
I locked myself up in my room throughout that day.
I promised myself again that I will not go back to it.
The following day unfortunately for me was a Sunday.
I sat at the back of the church.
I didn't talk to anybody, my mom asked me what was wrong, I told her nothing.
I mean, who will tell an African parent you've been watching porn?
Definitely, not me.
My parents are strict and on top of that Bible-believing ones.
I was more determined tho' that it won't happen again.
But, somebody lied.
Penshalom

IG handle- Penshalom_
Facebook- Penshalom Art

@dammyd46, i will try too jawe, just busy.. @divatolaz, thank you

Episode 3
I woke up the following morning feeling refreshed.
I remembered last night, I felt the guilt but I shook it off.
"I've prayed for forgiveness, besides I'm never going it again". I said to myself.
I did my morning devotion.
I dressed up and got ready for school.
I decided to stay away from those guys that day.
I was able to accomplish that.
As usual, I went back home after school.
And then at night.....
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
Nothing happened.
I just slept as usual.
I was able to stay away for days.
Until one day..
We were watching an American movie.
And it got to a scene...you should know what I'm talking about.
They started their rubbish, my younger sis switched off the TV immediately.
But the image was already imprinted in my head and then the images of the other time came to my mind too.
I started feeling hot all over.
I stood up and walked to my room like a robot.
Penshalom.

@dammyd46 thank you @LitQueen it's a fictional story of a guy that got addicted to porn

ADDICTED
Episode 2
The MTN network that night which was fluctuating before started working properly.
I said to myself, "John, don't try it o" but I was weak.
I checked it anyway.
I saw pictures, loads of them.
Pictures that awakened things within me.
I hated those feelings and loved them at the same time.
I decided to go further..
I downloaded a video.
I watched in awe
It ignited more intense feelings.
I welcomed them.
Then, I realized what I was doing.
I stopped watching it and deleted it.
I felt dirty.
I felt like I had committed a big sin.
"I will not do it again" I promised myself.
I prayed to God to forgive and vowed never to do it again.
I prayed and prayed until I was satisfied.
Then I slept.
Penshalom

IG handle- Penshalom_
Fb- Penshalom Art.
Thanks, I love you

ADDICTED
Episode 1
"Curiosity"
That's what led me to this.
When people see me, they only see my physical look, that innocent look.
They don't know that I'm way past innocent.
If they could go deeper, they will know who I really am.
I bet most of them will even run away from me.
Who wouldn't? I would even run away from me.
Hmm.
I was just myself.
I wouldn't exactly say I was very spiritual but my spiritual life was okay, at least God spoke to me occasionally.
I was in class one day.
I saw my friends totally engrossed to something they were watching on their phone.
This has become a daily occurrence for them.
I moved closer to them, they didn't even see me coming.
"Wow, what they are watching must be so interesting." I thought
I snatched the phone from their hands and what I saw made me gasp.
The phone was snatched back from me.
I stood there shocked.
My friends saw my face and laughed.
"You are still naive.. "one of them said.
I was later able to move my leg and I went back to my seat.
The day went by fast.
I went back home.
At night as I was reading my Bible.
What happened during the day popped into my mind.
I shook my head to clear it away.
It came again, and again and again.
I dropped my Bible.
I picked up my phone.
I opened it.
I clicked on my Opera Mini application.
I clicked on Google and then I typed in.
Penshalom

IG handle- Penshalom_
Facebook- Penshalom Art

"Be careful" the voice whispered again You were so caught up in the moment You didn't listen You did it...... Afterwards...... It felt weird You both didn't feel passion anymore You were not happy with yourself You felt alone "Something is missing" you thought You were wondering, "how did I get this far? When did I get this far?" You lost your peace You sought for answers Then it struck you You forgot who you are You forgot how precious you are to Him You gave him the chance to destroy you. You didn't heed his warning. You thought you were not noticed You thought low of yourself You believed what they called you You didn't believe what God calls you You believed you are just THE GIRL IN THE BACKGROUND (The End) Penshalom

"Be careful" He warned you You brushed it off You started going out You thought he was perfect You thought everything is perfect You forgot who made all things perfect You did your thing You were not bothered One day....... You went to his house He sat you down He told you he loves you, he wants to be with you forever, he said He said sweet words Words you longed to hear You didn't know it was another trap You were on cloud nine. You got lost in the moment. You laid down your guard. Penshalom

People saw you with them. You were getting identified with them You were getting noticed You were getting out of the background Oh! How much you loved the attention You were learning new things You loved the new you "Everything is fine" you told yourself And then....... You met him He is everything you wished for He noticed again and set another trap "Be careful" He warned You were blinded by his looks and qualities He approached you You became friends Gradually, you became more than that Everyone told you how lucky you are. Your friends admired you.

You were innocent You were the girl who loved God You were the girl in the background And then you saw them.... You admired their looks You loved the attention they got You practical stalked them You felt inferior You wished you were them But he noticed.... And he set the trap They approached you They asked you to be their friend You were shocked but it's all you ever wanted. You accepted eagerly. You started working together.
Penshalom

THE GIRL IN THE BACKGROUND (Episode 4) "Be careful" the voice whispered again You were so caught up in the moment . You didn't listen. You did it...... Afterwards...... It felt weird. You both didn't feel passion anymore. You were not happy with yourself. You felt alone. "Something is missing" you thought You were wondering, "how did I get this far? When did I get this far?" You lost your peace. You sought for answers. Then it struck you. You forgot who you are. You forgot how precious you are to Him. You gave him the chance to destroy you. You didn't heed his warning.
Watch out for Episode 5 Penshalom

Thank you dear, still new in the system jawe.

"Be careful" He warned you. You brushed it off. You started going out. You thought he was perfect. You thought everything is perfect. You forgot who made all things perfect You did your thing. You were not bothered. One day....... You went to his house. He sat you down. He told you he loves you, he wants to be with you forever, he said. He said sweet words. Words you longed to hear. You didn't know it was another trap. You were on cloud nine. You got lost in the moment. You laid down your guard.
Watch out for the next episode. Penshalom

People saw you with them. You were getting identified with them. You were getting noticed. You were getting out of the background. Oh! How much you loved the attention You were learning new things. You loved the new you. "Everything is fine" you told yourself. And then....... You met him. He is everything you wished for He noticed again and set another trap. "Be careful" He warned. You were blinded by his looks and qualities. He approached you. You became friends. Gradually, you became more than that. Everyone told you how lucky you are. Your friends admired you. WATCH OUT FOR EPISODE 3 Penshalom

You were innocent You were the girl who loved God You were the girl in the background And then you saw them.... You admired their looks You loved the attention they got You practical stalked them You felt inferior You wished you were them But he noticed.... And he set the trap They approached you They asked you to be their friend You were shocked but it's all you ever wanted You accepted eagerly You started walking together WATCH OUT FOR EPISODE 2 Penshalom

You were innocent You were the girl who loved God You were the girl in the background And then you saw them.... You admired their looks You loved the attention they got You practical stalked them You felt inferior You wished you were them But he noticed.... And he set the trap They approached you They asked you to be their friend You were shocked but it's all you ever wanted You accepted eagerly
Watch episode 2 Penshalom

Yes, that's the end..sorry I replied late

SLAY QUEEN
I wanted it all
I forgot you cannot have it all.
I wanted to be a child of God and at the same time I wanted to be like the rest.
But one always prevailed.
It got to a point that I had to choose one and I chose what seemed right to me.
"After all, I am still young" I thought.
I wanted it all.
Nothing seemed enough for me.
The more I got, the more I needed.
Looking through my Instagram account made the desire to get it all intensify.
I saw the pictures.
The poses.
The clothes.
I loved them all.
I wanted to be as beautiful as the people I saw.
I wanted the 'likes'.
I wanted the comments.
I wanted the followers.
I desired the clothes.
Thinking about it now makes me realize how stupid I was.
I got the money for clothes and good phones with a quality camera through unclean means.
My life online was different from my life in reality.
I became so popular.
Before I knew it I had various nudes and half naked pictures.
I sold my body for popularity.
Can you believe it??
I grew older though.
I was going through my profile one day and something struck me..
"What am I getting from this?".
I decided to put an end to it.
I decided to go back to my Maker.
I started living the life I was living before.
It's been five years now.
I got a good job.
I am comfortable.
I have a fiance.
A godly one.
We are getting married soon.
I am so happy.
"Everything is fine."
At least that's what I thought.
One day I received a call from my future father-in-law to come over..
I thought he wants to talk about the wedding coming up.
I went there immediately but as I entered.
The smile on my face turned to a frown.
I realized the atmosphere was tense.
I looked to my right and saw my fiancee glaring at me with a phone in his hand.
Before I could ask what was wrong he was screaming in my face and shoved the phone in my hand.
"Why the hell have I been seeing your breasts all day?!!!!!!!"
I suddenly could not breathe.
The silence was deafening.
My mother-in-law was giving me "the looks".
My father-in-law kept staring at me in a scary calm way.
My fiance was looking at me coldly.
The atmosphere became more tense.
"Well, won't you speak for yourself?, Iyawo wa" my mother-in-law said with mockery and disdain laced especially in the last two words.
"I cannot believe my past caught up with me
I should have told him.
Why did I not delete my account
How in the world did he even see it, it's been five years"
This and many more were the thoughts running through my mind but I knew I had to talk.
I opened my mouth and answered the question my fiance asked me earlier.
"I wanted to be a slay queen"

Note: For those who are not Yoruba
Iyawo wa means "Our wife"
It is often used by those from the husband's family to call their daughter-in-laws.
Thank you for actually reading this.
Penshalom
IG- Penshalom_
Fb page- Penshalom Art
HAPPY NEW MONTH LOVELIES

Note: I suggest you read FREEDOM first before you read this.

SURROUNDED
The truth made me free
It actually did.
The truth gave me freedom indeed.
I was working in the light.
I was sleeping in the light.
I was eating in the light.
I was going to church in the light.
I was basking in the light.
I was enjoying my freedom.
There was this peace in my heart.
A joy I cannot explain.
I was free indeed...
But...
I forgot something
I forgot I was still surrounded
I let down my guard.
Remember my 'friends'?
I left them in the darkness
But they were still around me.
I was supposed to stay away
I am now a changed person
I was not careful enough.
They were pulling me back gradually and I did not know.
I knew that there were going to be temptations here and there.
I thought I could overcome them.
So I allowed my 'friends'
At first I found myself in between the light and darkness with a chain holding me.
I was surprised at first..
"It's just a chain, I should be able to handle it" I thought.
"Hahahaha"
I was fooling myself.
Since I could still see my self in the light
"It does not matter" I thought.
Gradually, I became distant to the word.
My prayer life became a sleeping time.
I reduced fellowshipping with other believers.
Gradually it started and before I knew it I stopped.
"I am still under grace" I thought
Until I found myself back in the darkness
With more chains holding me
And they were more painful and at the same time pleasurable but since I knew the truth already I did not want them.
But I did not know how to get out again.
Guess what...
Mercy found me.
I cried out to God.
Mercy brought me out.
Now I have learned my lesson.
I was actually free.
I thought that was all there is to it.
I wasn't careful enough.
I let down my guard.
Forgetting the fact that I was and remembering always that I'm still very much surrounded.
James 4:7, Hebrews 12:1, Jeremiah 2:3.
Penshalom
Fb page- Penshalom Art
IG handle- penshalom_
I LOVE YOU