Episode 21

It was not too difficult for Mrs Okafor to notice my heebie-jeebies. As much as I tried to control myself, she, being an experienced counsellor, saw right through me. It was hard for me to concentrate on what she was explaining because Debby was sitting directly opposite me, her head buried in her device, and her ears plugged with earphones; she seemed to be listening to some music—classical, I guess. My eyes kept roving from the textbook in front of me, to Mrs Okafor’s face, to Debby, around the room, and back to the textbook like a remote-controlled robot. Suddenly, Mrs Okafor stopped talking, looked into my eyes, and then at Debby. She sensed something.

“Hey Debby, would you mind giving Tolani a helping hand inside.” I knew what she was doing.

“She’s asleep.” She said without looking up. “And Ben too.” She added. She obviously didn’t want to leave. That was when I understood that nothing was playing through the earphones, or if they were, it was at a level where she could hear us.

“I see.” Mrs Okafor answered with a yielding sigh.

I got the message, yet I couldn’t keep my attention from wandering. It wasn’t that I was looking directly at her—I wouldn’t dare—but I was looking around, feeling her presence. More than once, Mrs Okafor caught my roaming looks.

“You are a nurse. Right?” She asked, still looking at me.

“No!” I said. “Yes.” Debby said, almost unconsciously as we answered at the same time. Then Mrs Okafor faced her.

“You’ll be on night duty today. If you were to give Femi some injections in this room, would you allow me stay?” Mrs, Okafor asked, looking quizzically at Debby.

We both knew where she was going with that. Debby didn’t argue any further. She just stood up and went to her room.

“Can we focus now?” She asked with a tinct of scorn in her voice. I nodded in compliance.

My eyes stopped roaming, but my mind didn’t. Good enough, she wasn’t a mind-reader. I was lucky to understand a few things of all she said and, most importantly, the solution to the main question I had been battling with alone. Soon, the tutorials were over and I silently prayed that Mrs Okafor wouldn’t raise the Debby-matter before I left.

“You should eat something before you go.” She said with a smile.

“I’d rather not put you through any stress.” I needed to leave. If waiting behind to eat was going to give her an opportunity to bring up the matter, I was ready to forego it.

“No. It’s no stress at all. The food is already prepared. I wanted us to finish this before going to that. I’ll have Debby dish the meal.” She stood up. “Excuse me for a minute, please.”

She called Debby to join her in the kitchen. Though I remained in the living room and pretended to be revising the work we’d just done, I kept an ear to the ground for any worded-communication that filtered through the serving window.

“I’m sorry—” Debby started. “I know I shouldn’t be there…” I couldn’t pick the rest of what she said.

“There’s no need to be sorry.” Mrs Okafor answered.

Still standing beside the sink with folded arms, Debby continued, “I just felt somehow when he came in.” She sighed. “The same way I felt the day I first saw him. I have this feeling of safety that I can’t explain, around him.”

“We can talk more about that when he leaves. I need you to make yourself useful around here.” That sounded to me more like a hush up. This lady is making a mistake. Your beauty is captivating, but sorry, I’m ‘taken’. I said to myself as a smug smile engulfed my face. I ate and left without wasting time.

Meanwhile, I could not shake off the thoughts that Tayo and Maria could be nursing intentions that I would not find pleasurable. And, as if on a mission to confirm my fears, Tayo and Maria started a new phase of friendship. The only problem was, I was the only one who was seeing something strange about it. Or, maybe I was just feeling it. To everyone else, it appeared that things were normal, but not to me. Every day, I got more uncomfortable with their growing friendship. So, I began to devise a plan.

It Continues still...

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-21/ ‎

CuteChiluv:
I think there was a mixup with the names, @ tolani and debby, it was debby that drove them to meet Tayos father and not tolani, if i read well

Oops! I never noticed that, thanks for pointing that out friend

Tayo should be careful oo with matters of the heart and thread softly,, well done with the updates.

Episode 22

I’ve heard it said that love is not a fight, but it’s worth fighting for. All the hormones in my body were screaming to me that Maria was my wife-to-be. The only thing that remained was for God to approve of my plans. And, why wouldn’t He? Why wouldn’t she want to be wife? Why couldn’t she be? As much as I knew, she was born again and Spirit-filled. Apart from the vibrancy of her spiritual life, she was comely and well-mannered. In her official mood, I often had to restrain her from kowtowing every time she greeted me. She was even more attractive that Debby. Everything looked perfect from a distance. She’ll make a good wife. I mused.

I’ve known and worked with several ladies but I was sure Maria was the one. Although it looked subnormal to expect God to rubber-stamp my decision, I was bent on giving it a shot while keeping just an inch of an open mind. All I needed to go ask for her hand in marriage was the weeniest signal of affirmation from God—even if it’s just a deep impression in my mind. However, if God’s response wasn’t going to be positive, I would need more than just a thought. He would have to convince me with solid reasons on why Maria couldn’t be my wife. In the meantime, I needed to mark her like a lion demarcates its territory. There must be a way to, with my silence, make a statement loud enough to tell Tayo he was trespassing.

Sister Maria was a worker in the church, and I was her leader—her pastor. That was an advantage I could exploit to foster relationship with her. I felt the Holy Spirit caution my intentions but I excused it away as ‘harmless’. I didn’t want to tell her anything about my feelings for her until I felt God release me to do so. Tayo, on the other hand, had no such authority over her. After all, he was just a member of the church to her. Or, so I thought.

Immediately after the Sunday service the following week, Sister Maria came with the report for the service as usual.

“Greetings to you, man of God.” She said as she walked into the office.

“I greet you too, Woman of God.” I said with a brusque laughter. I quickly rehearsed my plan in my head.

“Today’s message was a powerful reawakening. I pray your oil never runs dry.”

“Amen.” I said, joining my hands together in a praying way. I received the report from her while she waited for my comment or question. Her work was almost always perfect; so, most of the time, I just commended her and she left. But, today was different.

“Do you mind siting down, Sister Maria?”

“No, I don’t.” She drew a chair to sit in as she goggled at me. “Is something wrong? Did I make a mistake in the—”

“No. Not at all. It’s not about the report at all.” I cut in. “The report is credible, as always. I just want to have a short discussion with you. I hope you’re not in a hurry.”

“No, not really in a hurry. Though there’s someone outside who wants to see me, but he can wait. When your pastor wants to see you, every other person has to wait.” She said half-jokingly.

“I think you should see the person who’s waiting to see you first. I understand and I’ll be here when you return. She may not understand why you delayed her.” I persuaded her to go so I could calm my racing heart without her noticing.

“No.” She said, waving the idea away. “It’s a ‘he’, and he’ll understand. He’s your friend, Brother Tayo.” Tayo? I wondered. Well, she just opened a door for the discussion.

“Oh, I see. I notice you two have had so much to talk about recently.” I quickly chipped in.

“Yes. We both made an astonishing discovery lately.”

“Really? Tell me about it.”

“We just discovered that our mothers were childhood acquaintances. Funny, isn’t it?” She laughed as she waved it off again like it was nothing.

“Are you kidding me?” I asked with curiosity. “Tell me more.”

“There’s not much to say now. I told him about it and he was as surprised as I was when I first heard it too.”

“And how did you happen upon such information that concerns his mother?” I was beginning to sound intrusive. I felt it within myself but I couldn’t shake off such information.

“That would be during a mother-daughter talk, if I may say.” That was the least satisfactory answer, yet it was all she was willing to say. “But, let’s leave that for now; I believe there are more pressing issues at hand. You said you wanted to talk to me about something. What was that?”

“”Erm. Erm.” I stammered a few times before recovering what I prepared to say. “It’s probably not as serious as you think it is. It is just a message of encouragement that you should continue serving the Lord as you have been doing, maybe even more. Discouragement is one of the most potent tools the enemy uses against believers on the journey to heaven and in God’s service, but when we put our trust in God, we can rest assured that He is able to carry us through.” I paused to allow that sink in while observing her countenance. Then I continued, “No matter the challenges we face or hard times we experience, the Scriptures affirm that God is faithful and will always be there for us.”

“Thank you so much, Pastor Femi. I really needed to hear that. That is a personal message for me this beautiful Sunday morning. Thank you for being a blessing sir.” She shifted in her chair, as she prepared to leave.

“You are welcome.” I stood up too. “If you feel like you need someone to talk to, remember I’m just a phone call away.”

“Yes sir.” She smiled affectionately. “That’s one of the things I like about you—your care and concern for the people you lead. I’m sure you’ll make a fulfilled minister if you become a pastor.”

“When that time comes, we’ll see.” I returned her smile and saw her off to the door. “Have an amazing week ahead, sister.”

“And you too, pastor.” She shut the door after her.

I was motionless behind the door for minutes—thinking.Did she just say she liked me? And she said it was one of the things she liked about me. That means there must be others. Or was she just messing with my mind? Train of thoughts galloped through the rails of my mind until my phone rang to bring me back into the consciousness of my environment. It was my dad calling. Since he heard the news of Tayo’s experience, his calls have been more frequent than ever. I tell him a lot but I haven’t told him anything about Maria. Maybe I should discuss it with him.

To Be Continued...

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-22/

CuteChiluv:
Tayo should be careful oo with matters of the heart and thread softly,, well done with the updates.

Thanks!

Olajhidey22:

Ayam sowrie ma .. Updating the remaining episodes right away

MA bawl? omo boy lawa o

Will Kom bakk to read

You should interact with other writers and readers in Writer's Space. Some stories and poems have been posted in the Writer's forum by writers like you. You could give it a try. www.writersspace.net

Olajhidey22:


Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-10/ ‎

Make I buy land here

ermm normally I really don't like most of all dis soon called youth guys forming pastors I hardly trust dem and dis story has made me to even don't trust dem anymore. They are also normal being they. like one verse in the Bible. don't know as to say it in English. eleran ara o Le mai wuwa bi eleran ara. am sure my Yoruba people will understand this

Pls what happen after.pls try as much as possible to continue this lovely story am moved with this.thnks

Such an amazing and inspiring story you have here. Keep the good work up with timely updates please. Dunno if I can make a wish, today is my birthday and sending this story to my mail will be a perfect gift for me. If it's a yes my email add is akinsolafadunsin@yahoo.com. Thanks
Nb I'm not asking for the story to reproduce in any form but just for keeps. Thank you

ride on op

Ride on pastor.ah sorry ride on op

Following...............

pls d nxt episode, so much in luv wit it

Wow! This is a beautiful tale. And it's particularly edifying for me at this moment.

Following. Please update soon. Thanks

Seen

Next episode plllllllleeeeeeeeeaaaaaaasssssseeeeee

waoh,nyc one

Humm, what a moralistic story. Please I want to read the end of it. Continue plssssssss.

olajhidey22
where are you come and continue o.
This story made my day, have been glued to my phone. My phone battery went blank, had to go and charge it with money just to continue this story.

W3irDo:
Will Kom bakk to read

I'll be expecting you

Amaga:

You should interact with other writers and readers in Writer's Space. Some stories and poems have been posted in the Writer's forum by writers like you. You could give it a try. www.writersspace.net

Thanks for the tip! I'll give that a check

mattyboy007:
Make I buy land here

Hope say you go use am build mansion?

You're most welcome pal!

Episode 23

Fathers are different from mothers in many ways. One of the most significant expressions of the otherness is exhibited in child training. Fathers, unlike most mothers, do not always say the words. They ask questions indirectly, warn with looks, and correct with the hand. Even when they talk, you have to decode their messages inferentially. After Tayo had Ben, I heard the unspoken words of my father each time he called: “Don’t allow what happened to Tayo to happen to you. You know the kind of father you have, don’t you? If you are passing through anything, you can tell me about it. I call often these days to tell you that I am available…” He didn’t have to say the exact words before passing the message.

“Hello dad.” I sank back in the chair behind the desk prepared for general questions.

“Hello, Oluwafemi. How are you doing? And how was today’s service?” His voice carried no special tone than of a father asking after the welfare of his son.

“I’m fine sir. And the service was glorious.” I checked the watch. It was noon already. “How is mommy faring?”

“Your mother is faring well. She mentioned that she felt weak and that she needed some rest. It must be because of the sanitation we did in the compound last weekend. I’m sure she’ll be fine.”

“I’ll call her later in the day. Hope she ate well before sleeping?” I knew my father was a great cook and mother usually let him prepare some special delicacies. He told us his mother once ran an eatery where he had helped learnt a lot about cooking, while he was helping out. Sunday brunch was one meal we looked forward to in the family because dad was the cook.

“No, she couldn’t eat before she slept. I made herbed potatoes but she drowsed off before the fish sauce was ready.”

“I trust you dad. I’m salivating over it already. I miss your food.” I swallowed the saliva that had formed involuntarily in my mouth and cleared my throat. “I’ve been meaning to call you sir. There’s something I’d like to discuss with you.”

“I hope it has nothing to do with these potatoes. I’m not sharing my wife’s potatoes with you.” Father had a light sense of humour too.

“I’m not after your potatoes, dad. But I will be when I come home.”

“Are you coming home? Is the matter that serious?” The tenor of his speech translated from humour to curiosity.

“Yes, dad. It is serious and it’s not something I want to discuss over the phone.”

“In that case, we’ll be expecting you. I hope it is good news you’re bringing.” That was an indirect reference to Tayo’s case.

“It could be. It depends on a lot of things.” I pretended as if I didn’t notice what he said.

“In that case, we’ll be expecting you.” He coughed softly. “I hope you’re hearing from Tayo, Benjamin, and—what’s that girls name again?”

“Tolani.” I answered.

“Yes, Tolani. How are they all doing?” He wanted to drive home his point. His message was clear: Whatever it is you want to see me about, it better not be related to the case of Tayo and Tolani.

“Yes sir. They are all doing fine. I’ll try to make it home this weekend, or the next.”

“My door is always open to you, son; and so are my ears and heart. You know that, right?”

“I do sir. Give my hello to mom when she awakes.”

“I will, son. God bless you. Have a prosperous week ahead.”

“I wish you the same sir.” I waited for him to hang up. Immediately he did, I sprang to my feet. I had the intention of spying on Maria and Tayo before the call came in. Now, I wasn’t sure they’d still be there.

The door of the office led directly to the side entrance at the front of the church. I approached the door carefully, peeping through the eyehole. I was trying to set the focus of my gaze when I heard a knock on the door. I pulled back and waited for some seconds. I peeped again to see who was at the door before trying to open. I was shocked to see Elder Joshua.

Elder Joshua was one of the deacons at the headquarters. He was the one in charge of the youth church in the zone and he was around for our service two weeks ago. He doesn’t fellowship in any particular location other than the headquarters. He routinely tours campus churches and high school fellowships in the zone whenever he doesn’t have to be at the headquarters for Elders’ Meetings. His visits to a place were usually not more than once in two months, so I was surprised to see him again. I quickly opened the door.

“Good afternoon Elder.” I was more surprised to see Sister Maria standing behind him.

“Good afternoon, Brother Femi.” He shook my hands firmly. “How was today’s service?”

“It was fine sir.” I answered, still trying to figure out what was going on.

“It was not just fine, Elder. It was awesome.” Sister Maria added.

“The glory belongs to God.” I shrugged. “And, to what do we owe the pleasure of hosting you for the second time in a month sir?” I looked around to see if Tayo was nearby. I didn’t see him.

“I wouldn’t call it a second visit since I didn’t attend the service here.” Elder Joshua replied. “I just came to see someone who needed to see me.” He looked at Sister Maria’s face and smiled.

“Well, well. I guess you’ve seen her already.” I said, short of words. What could have come to see her for? Could it be what I was thinking? If that’s the case, it means he’ll want to see me too. My mind was busy.

“Yes, we’ve discussed and I’d like to be on my way now.” He turned back to leave. ‘Maybe he’ll come back to see me.‘ I told myself.

“So soon?” I exclaimed. “You won’t even let me entertain you sir?”

“I have already been entertained where I worshipped today. God bless your intention.” I saw him off to his car in company of Sister Maria. Neither of us said anything to each other.

“Extend my greetings to your wife and children sir.” I said, as I waved goodbye.

“I will. God bless you.” He zoomed off.

As we returned to the church, Sister Maria carried her bag and waved goodbye too. As I watched her leave, I wanted to stop her and ask what it was she discussed with the Elder, but I didn’t because I knew that would be meddlesome. I also wanted to ask her what she really meant when she said she liked something about me; I wanted to find out if that was all she meant or if she was just trying to be deliberately vague in her expression, but I stopped again, letting her go. ‘The time for that will come.’ I mumbled to myself.

Then it occurred to me that I could do one more thing: I could ask Tayo—maybe not directly, though. I decided to give it a try.

It Continues Still...

Source: http://gospelbreed.com/2016/06/a-friend-in-need-episode-23/ ‎


[size=13pt]Making the FRONT PAGE on my BIRTHDAY. What a great feeling this is . Thank You all for stopping by, do well by lashing me with your AWESOME birthday wishes [/size]

Hbd to u wullnp

hefelove:
ermm normally I really don't like most of all dis soon called youth guys forming pastors I hardly trust dem and dis story has made me to even don't trust dem anymore. They are also normal being they. like one verse in the Bible. don't know as to say it in English. eleran ara o Le mai wuwa bi eleran ara. am sure my Yoruba people will understand this

Hmm, i understand your view perfectly well.. You may be RIGHT; You may be WRONG.. We all are humans, but he that dwells in us differs. The pastor in question (in the story), though he fell but was resuscitated back and never stayed in the mud due to what dwells within him. (CHRIST). That is what makes a TRUE & GENUINE child of God

kamelonaire:
Pls what happen after.pls try as much as possible to continue this lovely story am moved with this.thnks

I'll surely see this through till the end..... Thanks for finding this worthwhile, God bless!

Akinsolacupid:
Such an amazing and inspiring story you have here. Keep the good work up with timely updates please. Dunno if I can make a wish, today is my birthday and sending this story to my mail will be a perfect gift for me. If it's a yes my email add is akinsolafadunsin@yahoo.com. Thanks
Nb I'm not asking for the story to reproduce in any form but just for keeps. Thank you

And we're actually birthday mates, WOW!
You can just subscribe to my regular story updates from my website http://gospelbreed.com for better convenience. Thanks

Age with grace pal!