
_**GBEMI**_

**GBEMI**

Copyright © 2018

**EMMANUELA EVBUOMA**

****

ISBN: 978-978-

All Rights Reserved

No part of this book may be reproduced or

transmitted in any form or by any means without

written permission from the author.

For Further Information and Enquiry

Please contact: Emmanuela Ifeoluwa Evbuoma

Email Address: emmanuelaevb@gmail.com

Phone: 08149976702

Facebook: Emmanuela Evbuoma

Instagram: ellaevb

Twitter: eevbuoma

www.victorypath.com

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**Published by**

_iii_

_**Dedication**_

To all 'Gbemis' out there. God's love for you is

immeasurable.

_iv_

_**Acknowledgement**_

With a heart full of gratitude, I say a very big thank

you to my heavenly Father who inspired me to write

this story and led me to publish it as a book.

I thank also my parents; Dr and Dr (Mrs)

Evbuoma who supported me from cradle till date. My

amazing siblings and friends who were never tired of

listening to me read my stories to them and who

corrected me whenever they saw faults. Flora O'Seyi

Dairo, thank you for making me believe this book is a

possibility and following it up till it became a reality.

I appreciate all the followers of Gbemi and all my

other stories on the blog, _the Victory Path,_ your

comments are always a source of encouragement to

me.

A big thank you to Goodness Adegbola for taking

the time to read through and edit, to Victory Odunjo

my partner in blogging and of course to Joshua Mike-

Bamiloye (Jaymikee) who did the cover design. I could

not have asked for a better design.

Finally, I say a very big thank you to my love, my

heartthrob and soon to be husband, Damilola Mike-

Bamiloye. His encouragement and support were mind

blowing. He was the first to read through every chapter

_v_

before each was posted on the blog and made his

inputs. I'm grateful to God for blessing me with my

personal coach, teacher and mentor.

_vi_

_**Comments about**_

_**Gbemi from the Blog**_

_**(Victory Path)**_

"Gbemi is a treat for anyone who appreciates love and

the reality of finding something true irrespective of the

challenges in the way. The story is weaved around the

key values of family, friendship, love, discipline,

forgiveness and an understanding of God's love. You

created an absolute masterpiece. One won't forget this

story in a hurry!"-Victory Odunjo

"I have been blessed tremendously reading this story,

the Lord has used you through this story to touch that

part of my life that needs healing and freedom. I am

letting go of every pain that my past brought and I

chose to continue to live for Christ."- Gbemi

"This is such a great story. I was very blessed. It opened

my eyes to lot of things. God bless you. May He

continue to increase your wisdom. Forgiveness is key

to being successful in life and one needs the Holy Spirit

at all times and in decision making, no matter how little

the decision is."- Damilola

_vii_

"God bless you for this story. I really did not want it to

end at all. Thank you for this and I really mean it. I

learnt that whatever you did in your past doesn't matter

to God if He wants to elevate you and if you are willing

to be used by Him. I _sha_ pray my future husband is a

man like John,lol. Thank you for using this website

(blog) as a way to minister unto people. Can't wait to

read more stories of yours."- Ruth

"A very beautiful story. Truly the past can't be changed

but in what way we let it affect us is entirely left to is. It

was a great read."- Tunde

"You are really gifted and talented. I pray that God will

continue to feed you with more ideas and Inspiration. I

literally read all the stories in Emma's corner in one

night. Thank you so much. I learnt a lot."-Emem Bob

"This is really nice and inspiring and I like the way you

preach in between and explain some things. What a

beautiful story."- Precious

_ix_

_**Table of Contents**_

Dedication

_**iii**_

Acknowledgement

_**iv**_

Comments about Gbemi from the Blog

(Victory Path)

_**vi**_

Chapter 1

_**1**_

Chapter 2

_**13**_

Chapter 3

_**25**_

Chapter 4

_**41**_

Chapter 5

_**51**_

Chapter 6

_**61**_

Chapter 7

_**75**_

Chapter 8

_**97**_

Chapter 9

_**119**_

_x_

This novel, _**Gbemi**_ is a work of fiction.

Names, characters, events and incidents are the

products of the author's imagination.

Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, or

actual events is purely coincidental.

_**Chapter 1**_

Gbemisola woke up that cool August Monday

morning with a strange feeling. She knew it had to do

with work but couldn't tell exactly what it was. She

worked as the personal assistant to the managing

director of Fando Oil, an oil and gas company in Lagos.

She had been working there for the past six months and

had never for once resented her job not even on the

worst of days. She was dedicated to her job and this was

evident in the die-hard commitment and tireless effort

she pumped in on a continual basis. There were a few

things she really loved, and her job was one of them.

But that morning, for reasons she could not explain,

she sensed something huge coming her way but

couldn't place a finger on what exactly it was.

It was 4:55AM, her 5:00AM alarm had not even

rung, yet her eyes were wide open. She stretched her

hand for the dangling switch beside her bed and turned

on the light which illuminated her neatly arranged pink

floral themed room. Her 6 x 4" bed was located at one

corner. To its right, a few inches away from the foot of

the bed was a table and chair which doubled as her work

desk anytime she brought work from the office and her

sewing table where she cut fabric and drew up her

designs. Her sewing machine was just beside it, she

_2_

_Gbemi_

sewed most of her traditional attire and a few of her

official dresses which were hung neatly in the in-built

wardrobe across from the bed and on one of the doors

of the wardrobe was a full length mirror she loved

looking at before stepping out. She made sure she

always looked good. She also sewed for people

whenever she had the time. Sewing was one her

passions, others were cooking, graphic designing and

reading. She wasn't really a social person and liked to

keep to herself but Favour, her best friend always knew

how to bring out her social side.

Favour had come visiting, she spent the weekend

and was due to return to Ibadan where she lived, that

morning. She slept in the other room of Gbemi's two

bedroom flat. Gbemi remembered she had to leave the

house earlier in order to drop Favour at the park and at

the same time avoid the terrible Lagos traffic. She sat

up in bed to pray, reached out for her Bible and

devotional which were on the bedside drawer. She

spent the next forty minutes having her quiet time.

"Gbemi, are you ready?" Favour shouted from

the sitting room as she dragged her black portable

travelling bag after her. Favour was the outgoing type, a

total contrast to Gbemi who was much more reserved.

You know what they say about unlike poles and

attraction.

She didn't get a response from Gbemi who was

dressing up and bobbing her head to the Nathaniel

Bassey music coming from her laptop.

_Gbemi_

_3_

"This girl is going to be late for work at the rate at

which she is going," Favour said to herself as she left

her box in the sitting room and walked past the dining

to Gbemi's room.

Without knocking, she barged into the room

"Babe _how far you na_?" (What's up with you?)

"Good morning to you too, my night was blessed,

thanks for asking" Gbemi replied focused on her

reflection in the mirror as she applied her pink lipstick

without looking at Favour.

"Who your good morning _help_? Aren't you

checking the time or do you have another meansof

transportation I don't know about aside your car?"

Favour was always blunt but this time around was also

concerned about her friend getting to work in good

time.

" _Ehn_ now, don't you know I got a jet yesterday"

Gbemi said sarcastically as she shut down her laptop

and packed it into her laptop bag. " _Oya_ (Okay) I'm

ready, let somebody hear word," she smiled and added

"you look good by the way."

"Duh, I always do." Favour gave a naughty grin.

She was about the same height as Gbemi and

coincidentally, same size. This afforded them the

opportunity of possessing each other's clothes, an

opportunity Favour was grateful for, as she was always

quick to search Gbemi's wardrobe and pick whatever

dress caught her fancy.

"You are just a proud _somebody_ (person). Let's go

_4_

_Gbemi_

before you start shouting again. It's 6:10, we'll make it in

time _,"_ she said as she sprayed her Escada perfume

behind her ears.

" _Shey_ you will not give me perfume _ni_?" (Won't

you give me perfume?). Favour knew how best to get to

her friend. She many times wasn't direct when she

wanted something from her.

"Did you ask? You think I don't know you used it

when we went out yesterday. Just take and let me have

peace." She extended her hand to her and added "just

two puffs o, before you finish it for me."

"It's not your fault" Favour tried playing on

Gbemi's psychology. "It's me that is asking you" she

was about to spray a fourth time when Gbemi snatched

it from her.

"Finish it, you hear?"

"Whatever" she waved her hand in the air.

"Gbemi, I like this your top o." Favour knew where she

was heading with that compliment.

"Thanks dear, I like it too." Gbemi knew her

friend too well.

"Don't you think it would look great on me?" She

smiled mischievously.

"Nah... not as great as it looks on me. The brown

gown you took yesterday is enough for the visit. I'll

think of what else I can give you when next you come."

" _Ehen_ so that's how it is now. You are using clothe

as an incentive for me to visit you."

Gbemi burst into laughter. "I didn't even see it

_Gbemi_

_5_

that way, but yeah that too should work. I know how

much you like clothes." She was set to leave now.

"It's okay o, there is God" She stepped out of the

room as Gbemi followed her behind carrying her

handbag and laptop bag one on each shoulder.

They said a short word of prayer in the sitting

room and left.

Just as they stepped into the passage that

joinedGbemi's flat with her neighbour's, the main door

of her neighbour's flat was opened. All she knew about

the man who lived opposite her was that he was hardly

home. She had seen him a couple of times since she

moved in some five months ago and greeted him

anytime their paths crossed. She was still locking the

door of her flat when she heard Favour talking to the

handsome young man in a black suit.

"Hi, my name is Favour. I'm Gbemi's very good

friend," she was the most outspoken person Gbemi

had ever met.

"Oh, nice to meet you." He stretched his hand for

a handshake "I'm Gbenga" then he looked at Gbemi

and said "I never knew your name" as he shook her.

"Gbemi." She didn't seem interested in a lengthy

conversation.

"It's really nice to meet you, Gbemi" he called her

name softly. Without mincing words, he added "I'm

looking forward to knowing more than just your

name."

Gbemi smiled but Favour knew her too much to

_6_

_Gbemi_

be deceived by her fake grin.

"I'm sure she will be glad too" Favour, knowing

her friend, had doubts about that. "We have to get

going; it was nice meeting you Gbenga". She hit Gbemi

with her elbow lightly and through clenched teeth

whispered "Babes won't you say anything?"

"Bye Mr Gbenga" she gave a wave and led the way

while Favour followed behind.

"Alright, bye. Have a great day." He waved back

and watched them leave.

When they got to the car, Favour was the first to

speak. "Why were you so cold towards the guy?"

"How was I cold?" Gbemi asked with only little

interest in the conversation as she reversed out of the

car park.

"With this unwelcoming attitude, I only wonder

how you want to get a man in your life." Favour poured

out her concern.

"And who said anything about me needing a man

in my life? My life is fine the way it is." She was

obviously getting upset and defensive.

"I've told you times without number to stop

talking like that. I'm not asking you to jump on the next

available dude that walks into your life but we both

know you aren't getting any younger. My husband has

tried introducing someof his friends to you but you are

never interested." She threw her hands in the air.

"Favour, the fact that you and Emmanuel are

happily married doesn't mean that is the path everyone

_Gbemi_

_7_

is meant to take" She gave her a quick sideway glance.

She sighed, "If I say I'm not tired of going round

circles on this matter, I'd be lying. I just pray you'll snap

out of whatever is wrong with you."

"And I've told you times without number that I

am fine. Thanks for your concern." She snapped.

"Fine!"

"Fine!"

There was silence. Gbemi knew Favour was just

being a concerned friend and so she struggled with the

Holy Spirit who kept telling her to apologize. After five

long, quiet and awkward minutes, Gbemi broke the

silence.

"I'm sorry for going off on you. I know you care

and I really appreciate it, I just don't want to talk about

this again."

"No problem, I won't bring it up again."

"Plus the guy appears to be too forward. What's

the meaning of 'I'm looking forward to knowing just

more than your name'"? Gbemi mimicked him, raising

her chin and gesticulating with the hand that was off

the steering wheel.

The expression on her face was hilarious, Favour

couldn't hold back her laughter. " _Free the guy jo_ (let the

guy be), you know guys will always be guys more so,

which guy in his right senses, will see such a pretty lady

and won't want to know more than just her name." She

dropped finger quotes around the last few words of her

statement.

_8_

_Gbemi_

Gbemi smiled. "Thanks for coming over to spend

the weekend and thank your husband for me too. You

made my weekend."

"Well it's not as if I like seeing your face, I just

needed a change of environment." Favour teased with

a smile.

"Yeah right, keep on deceiving yourself." Gbemi

brought the car to a halt as they got to the park. "Thank

you for always being there," they hugged each other.

"You are always welcome dear." Favour came

down and picked her box from the boot.

Gbemi waited for her to enter the bus before

leaving. "Call me when you get to Ibadan," she waved at

her and waited for her friend to be seated in the bus

before she left.

As she drove to work, she couldn't but ponder on

what Favour had said. She knew she was right but she

just wasn't willing to give it a try. She had her reasons

and although she had never shared them with anyone,

she was convinced beyond reasonable doubt that she

had every reason to lock men out of her life.

She turned on the radio in the car to take her mind

off it.

"Baby you know I love you and can't live without

you" a male voice from the radio said. "I love you too

dear" a female cooed in response.

Gbemi rolled her eyes in disgust, with a USB cord,

she connected her phone to the car stereo and listened

to music from her phone. Her songs were 99 percent

_Gbemi_

_9_

gospel. The first song that played was 'Carry Go' by

Jaymikee. In another 20 minutes, she was at work. She

got down from the car, carrying her bags,she walked

quickly into the cream coloured duplex. She had about

five minutes before work officially began at 8AM.

She still had that strange feeling she woke up with,

she sensed something unusual was coming her way. She

greeted the receptionist as she signed in and climbed up

the stairs to her office which led into the MD's. She got

to her desk, placed her bags on the table and said a word

of prayer before setting up. As she was doing that the

intercom rang, she picked it. It was her boss.

"Miss Johnson, please come to my office" Mr

Kalejaye said. He was a workaholic. He got to work

earlier than everyone and was the last to leave. Gbemi

always wondered if he ever spent time with his family.

He came to work on weekends and didn't go to church

on Sundays. There was almost nothing fun or social

about him.

Gbemi did a quick mental check to ensure there

was no pending task and to know if her boss had any

appointment that morning but could not think of any

reason for his summoning her. She immediately got up

and walked toward the door of his office.

She knocked and waited for his response.

"Come in." She heard the distant voice from

within his office.

She opened the door and after taking a few steps

greeted"Good morning sir."

_10_

_Gbemi_

"How are you? Miss Johnson" he said without

looking up from his laptop where he was working.

"I'm fine, thank you, sir." Gbemi always

composed herself properly before her boss and

colleagues at work.

"Clear my schedule for next week and book me a

return ticket to South Africa. I have a meeting with an

energy company there, there is a possible deal

brewing."

"Ok sir, I will do that right away." She turned

around to leave.

"You'll be booking for two." He said still focused

on his laptop.

"Oh Ok, Mr Bamidele will be joining you?" She

asked wondering if the Project Manager, who joined

him on his last business trip will be joining him this time

around.

"No. You'll be going with me." He looked at her

briefly and then continued his work.

Gbemi was shocked to the bones. Her legs

became too heavy to move. She stood there dazed, her

face couldn't hide her dismay.

When he noticed he didn't get a response from

her, he looked at her again. "Or do you have a problem

with that?" This time around he removed his glasses

and waited to hear what she had to say.

"No...no sir." She stammered. She obviously was

not comfortable with the idea of traveling out of the

country alone with him. She had heard rumours of him

_Gbemi_

_11_

being a womanizer. She already projected that they

would be lodged in the same hotel for close to a week.

She was really concerned and didn't realize she was

standing speechless in front her boss. His deep

rumbling voice jerked her back to reality.

"You may go."

She left his office wondering what on earth she

was going to do. " _Was this the reason for the strange feeling I_

_woke up with this morning_?" She thought as she walked

slowly to her desk. It was bad enough that she didn't see

a need for a man in her life, now she was going to be

'trapped' with a womanizer who unfortunately for her

doubled as her boss.

She sat on her chair, bowed her head and said a

short prayer, "Lord please, you just have to help me."

_**Chapter 2**_

She had a long day at work. She left the office

terribly exhausted. The traffic she battled with on her

way home only made matters worse. As she drove into

the car park around 8:45PM, she wondered what she

was going to eat.

" _I'll microwave the jollof rice in the freezer_ " she thought

to herself. She earnestly longed to get to her house,

have a warm shower and hit the bed.

She plodded to the second floor which housed

her flat. She shared the floor with Gbenga. Heading

straight to her room, she changed her dress and entered

the kitchen to fix herself dinner but was repelled by an

awful smell.

"Oh no, I thought I took out the trash last night."

She said aloud as she covered her nose with one hand

and placed the rice in the microwave to start warming.

She thereafter picked the trash bag and passed the

kitchen door downstairs. As she walked towards the

main dustbin downstairs, a car drove into the car park.

Gbemi was too tired to be concerned about who it was.

She continued walking towards the dust bin, her

mindstill on her bed.

The person who drove in parked the car and in no time

was out.

_14_

_Gbemi_

A masculine voice from the direction of the car,

brought Gbemi's mind back. "Gbemi, right?" He

pointed a finger at her and waited for her to turn

around. He had seen an opportunity to say hi to her and

quickly seized it.

Gbemi didn't initially recognize the voice, she

turned around to see who it was but unfortunately

couldn't see him clearly because it was dark but with the

help of the street lights, she recognized him. "Yes it is."

She said with a weak smile.

"What a great day today is. I get to see you twice in

one day." His sleeves were rolled up to his elbow and his

first button undone. He held his tie in his hand together

with a black briefcase.

Gbemi didn't respond, she was too tired. The

only words she muttered were "Good evening Mr

Gbenga."

"Oh please, it just Gbenga. How was your day?"

He picked his suit which was hung at the back and

locked the car with the remote.

"Tiring, I got back about 5 minutes ago". She

threw the trash in the bin.

" _Eeya_ sorry dear."

Gbemi wasn't really okay with male strangers

referring to her as 'dear'. It made her uncomfortable.

She saw it as them crossing the line. But she kept it to

herself and hoped it won't repeat itself.

"Thank you." She said and attempted to leave.

_Gbemi_

_15_

"Do you have dinner? I was just about to prepare

something. Will you like to join me? I could bring some

to your place." He seemed like the perfect gentleman

but somehow Gbemi wasn't impressed, she felt he was

too forward.

"No thanks, I have dinner. I appreciate it though,"

she added.

"Alright dear, have a good night rest."

No way, he didn't just use the 'D' word again! She

tried to hide her annoyance. "You too."

Back in her apartment, the rice was hot enough.

She quickly took the warm showershe had fantasied

about.Afterwards, settled with the food which she took

with a glass of cold juice and retired for the night. As

she was about to sleep, she remembered the trip to

South Africa scheduled for the coming week and it

made her heart ache. Favour had called her earlier that

day to tell her she arrived safely but she didn't mention

the trip to her. She knew if she did, her dear friend

would try to talk her out of it. Gbemi wasn't sure if that

was the best option.

She cast her mind back to the day's activity and

remembered Gbenga. She couldn't precisely say if he

was her type or not because she really didn't have a type.

She wasn't into men, she had a few male friends but that

was it. She had never been in a relationship; not because

guys never showed interest but she never gave them a

chance. She knew the origin of it all but never wanted

to remember it, she pushed the thought behind her.

_16_

_Gbemi_

Just as she was rounding off her night prayers, she slept

off.

She woke up the next morning feeling a lot better

physically but not, emotionally. She was ready for the

day's work but had still not come to terms with the fact

that she was meant to travel alone with her boss to

South Africa the next week. She tried not to be troubled

by it and decided not to get herself worked up but

instead committed it unto God's hand and moved past

it.

She had corn flakes for breakfast because she

didn't really have an appetite. Knowing she was going

to get hungry later in the day, she decided she'd go to

the fast food joint near her office to get lunch. She

wasn't so much of an outside eater but she wasn't in the

mood to pack lunch to work that day. She took the bowl

to the kitchen and dropped it in the clean sink. She went

into her room, put finishing touches to her dressing

and make up, picked her bags and in no time was out of

the house.

She got to the office in good time but unlike every

other day, her boss hadn't arrived. She had made the

flight arrangement as he instructed but still somehow

hoped plans were going to change. Some fifteen

minutes after she had settled down, Mr Kalejaye came

in and walked towards his office. She stood up to greet

him.

"Good morning sir."

"Good morning Miss Johnson, I'll be expecting a

_Gbemi_

_17_

client by 9AM. Her name is Mrs Williams, when she

comes, allow her right in and cancel every appointment

till she leaves." He opened the door leading into his

office.

"Okay sir"She took her seat as she quickly ran

through his day's schedule in her mind. There was no

female client with any previous appointment for that

day. Instead, he was meant to have a meeting with the

Sales representative from Afrigo PLC at 10AM. What

happened in his office and the details of the

discussions were not really her business except he let

her in on them. Her major responsibility was to ensure

his appointments never overlapped.

By 8:55AM, a young lady walked into her office.

She wasn't officially dressed. Gbemi was certain that

wasn't the client Mr Kalejaye'swas expecting. The lady

wore a tightly fitted black lacy blouse which revealed

her red bra, a pair of blue crazy jeans and a pair of red

6" shoes.

"Good morning ma'am, how can I help you?"

Gbemi was sure the lady was in the wrong place.

She took off her shades, "Is Kolade in?" she

asked confidently.

That was the first time Gbemi would hear

someone in that office refer to her boss by his first

name. "And you are?"

Without saying another word, the woman's

phone was pressed to her ear, "Hello Kolade, it appears

your secretary doesn't know her job description," she

_18_

_Gbemi_

eyed Gbemi and walked towards Mr Kalejaye's door.

Immediately, Mr Kalejaye opened his door, came

out and scolded Gbemi. "Didn't I instruct you to allow

her in and cancel my other appointments?"

"But sir, I only wanted to confirm she was the

person you were expecting" Shestood to her feet and

tried explaining.

"Let this be the last time this happens." He said

firmly.

Gbemi was pissed. She didn't know why Mr

Kalejaye was suddenly behaving bossy in front of a

woman who was dressed like a harlot going to the club.

She didn't say a word but watched both of them enter

his office.

Thirty minutes had passed and it was time for his

coffee. She called his intercom to find out if he was

ready for it but he didn't pick. She knew that the last

time she delayed in bringing his coffee, he didn't take it

well so she went ahead to prepare it. She set the tray and

carried it gently. She held it with one hand and knocked

with her free hand but got no response and so

proceeded to open the door.

What she saw left her dumfounded. Her boss and

the "Mrs" on the floor, naked! They were so carried

away, they didn't hear her knock or know when she

came in.

Her hands immediately began to tremble and

before she could regain her balance, the tray and all its

content fell from her hand to the ground. The

_Gbemi_

_19_

shattering of the mugjerked the two naked beings back

to reality. Their shame and embarrassment could not

be concealed. They immediately reached for their

clothes.

"Don't you knock again?"Mr Kalejayebarked as

he wore his trouser.

"I'm so sorry sir, I knocked but didn't get a

response" she turned her back to him. Her voice

trembled and hands shook uncontrollably. "I'm sorry

sir." She left without looking back.

She got into her office still trembling, she couldn't

believe her eyes. Why didn't she think of that, she knew

there was something fishy about the woman but her

innocent mind didn't conceive such a thing.

"God, this is so embarrassing, how am I going to

face this man after what just happened?" She bit her

little finger. She heard the door open and quickly

pretended to be working on her laptop.

Mr Kalejaye and his visitor came out. Gbemi was

too ashamed to look up.

They passed the front of her desk without even

acknowledging her presence. Gbemi quickly went in to

clean the mess she had made. The office was filled with

the smell of passion, sweat and perfume, she had to

stifle the nausea she felt.After about ten minutes, Mr

Kalejaye was back behaving as though nothing had

happened, he looked at Gbemi and asked "who am I

meeting by 12?"

"Let...let me check sir?"her hands still trembled

_20_

_Gbemi_

as she pressed the buttons of her keyboard.Her

memory had failed her; his appointments which she

always had on her finger tips had suddenly disappeared.

"You have an 11:30AM appointment with Mr Amos,

the accountant."

"Fine, let him in once he is around."His

composure surprised Gbemi.

Gbemi was beginning to wonder if it really

happened or it was her mind playing tricks on her.

Just as he opened the door to his office, he turned

at her and said "let what happened in this office remain

in this office."

"Yes sir". She at least felt some relief that she

wasn't losing her mind. It actually happened.

By 2PM, she could feel her tummy rumbling, it

was the official break time. She had an hour so she

called Mr Kalejaye's intercom to inform him she was

stepping out for lunch. She went to the fast food joint

adjacent the office. As she sat down to eat, flashes of

what happened earlier still kept coming to her mind so

she picked her phone to keep her mind occupied.

She had gone half way with her food when she

saw someone she thought she recognised buying food.

"That person's back view looks so much like...could it

be him? Does he also work around here?" She asked

herself. Before she could answer the questions, he

turned around with his tray of food in his hand.

It was Gbenga!

He spotted her immediately, smiled and walked

_Gbemi_

_21_

towards her table. "Hi, is this seat taken?"He asked still

carrying his tray.

"No, it's not" Gbemi smiled, happy to see a

familiar face after the horrible incident earlier that day.

"How are you? So good to see you. Do you work

around here?" Gbenga asked as he held his spoon

about to dig in to the heap of rice in front of him.

"I'm fine thank you. I work with Fando Oil, it's a

stone throw away. I didn't know you worked around

here too." Gbemi said eager to know more about this

her neighbour whose path in recent times, seemed to

always cross hers.

"What a big coincidence, you work with Fando

Oil? I have an appointment with the MD by 3:30PM".

Gbenga said, eyes wide.

"You don't say," Gbemi was surprised. "Wait! You

are Mr Folorunsho?" She asked.

"Yes ma'am, that's me."With a smile, he lifted his

right hand holding his spoon. "Let me guess, you are

the MD'ssecretary?"

"His PA actually," she nodded and smiled.

"You mean, you were the one I spoke to last week

to book this appointment?"

"Yep, that was me." She mimicked his gesture,

lifting her hand holding her fork.

"No wonder I had a good vibe about that call."

"Well I'm not sure about any vibe. I was just doing

my job." She smiled."Anyway, what a small world

indeed, I could almost bet you were stalking me."

_22_

_Gbemi_

They both laughed.

"But you know, we should hang out one of these

days and get to know each other more." Gbenga

suggested.

"It doesn't sound like such a bad idea." Gbemi

was beginning to feel more comfortable around

Gbenga, her new found friend.

They finished their meal and walked to the office

together. Gbenga signed in at the reception and they

went upstairs.

"You can have your sit here" Gbemi pointed at

one of the chairs positioned opposite her desk where

clients waiting to see the MD sat. "I'll call him once it's

time."

"Thank you so much." He was indeed grateful for

her hospitality.

After about ten minutes, Gbemi placed a call to

Mr Kalejaye informing him that his next client was

around.

"Let him in."

"Ok sir," she hung up. Turning to Gbenga, she

said "you may go in."

The meeting lasted about forty-five minutes and

Gbenga came out smiling. "I got the contract." He

threw victorious fists around.

"Congratulations, I'm so happy for you." Gbemi

smiled, half happy for him, half amused by his

excitement.

"Thank you. We should celebrate you know?"

_Gbemi_

_23_

" _Hmmmm_ well I guess we could," she said still

smiling.

"Dinner? My place?"

Gbemi was a bit reluctant but then thought to

herself, " _there really is no harm in visiting my neighbour, is_

_there_?"

"Don't worry, it won't be late and trust me, I'm a

good cook," he tried to convince her.

"Yeah right, let me be the judge of that" she

smiled.

He chuckled. "Is that a yes? Do we have a deal

then? Is 7PM ok?"

"It's fine, I'll work towards it."

"Alright dear, see you soon."

"Bye". The 'dear' didn't sound so out of place

anymore.

_**Chapter 3**_

Gbemi was about ten minutes late. She had left

the office early enough but had a flat tyre which cost

her some fifteen minutes. She was lucky there was a

vulcanizer close by at the time the tyre went flat. She

didn't like being kept waiting but more so, hated

keeping people waiting.

As soon as she got to their block of flats, she

parked her car and headed straight for Gbenga's flat,

hoping she wasn't too late.

He opened the door, after the first bell ring. "Hey,

you made it." He smiled.

"I'm sorry I'm late." It was at that point she

noticed Gbenga'swell-builtframe. He wore a white T-

shirt, navy blue shorts and had an apron on.

"Oh please don't be, I was just rounding off in the

kitchen. Please come in." He extended his arm to show

her in.

"Thanks, but since you are not done, why don't I

go to my place, drop my stuff and change into

something more casual?"

"No problem then."

"Great." Gbemi turned around and headed for

her flat. She brought out her keys, opened the door and

went in. She dropped her bags on the couch and went

_26_

_Gbemi_

straight to her room. Flinging her wardrobe open, she

started scanning through for a dress to put on. After

almost scattering all her folded clothes, she found a free

knee length _Ankara_ gown she sewed about a year ago.

She ran into the bathroom and had a two minute

shower. In about 10 minutes, she was dressed and ready

to go back to Gbenga's place. She branched the kitchen

and took a cartonof 5-Alive juice from the fridge.

_Ding ding_ , the bell rang. Gbenga opened the door.

"You look, refreshed." He welcomed her in.

"Yeah, I quickly freshened up. Hope I didn't keep

you waiting," she said as she entered and admired the

beautifully designed interior of his house.

"No not at all, I just finished setting up the table."

"I brought this." She extended the drink to him "I

felt we could use it to push the food down" she joked

and added "I know it's not wine oh,just help us manage

it."

"Manage? It's just perfect, thank you," he smiled

and collected it.

"Wow, your house is so beautiful. I could have

sworn that either a woman lives here or a woman was

involved in the designing of this place."She looked

around in admiration.

"Well, you are not far from the truth. Not the

woman living here part though" he chuckled. "The

interior design was done by a woman."

"I said it."

"Are you trying to say a man can't do this?" A little

_Gbemi_

_27_

frown appeared on his face.

"Well, that's not what I'm trying to say but..."

Gbemi could not think of any excuse. "She did a great

job." She completed her sentence.

"Thanks. So to the business of this evening, the

table is set." He pointed at the dining table at a corner

of the sitting room.

"This looks so good," Gbemi said as she walked

towards the table. It was a square table with four chairs.

Gbenga was such a perfect gentleman, he drew

out her chair for her and motioned for her to have a sit.

He then loosened the rope of the apron he wore in

order to take it off. Gbemi read the words inscribed on

the apron, 'My Dad is a great Cook'.

Gbemi smiled, propping her chin on her

knuckles. "Awwww, that's so cute."

Gbenga chuckled and hung it on one of the chairs

as he sat down on the chair to her left "Thanks, my

sister got it for me. She really wants me to get married

and settle down. It's amazing how she is becoming as

good as my mum in putting pressure on me to get

married".

Gbemi chuckled "I totally get what that's like".

"Yeah, I guess they just want the best for us".

Gbemi went silent.

Gbenga noticed. "Let's bless the food". He said a

word of prayer.

"Amen." Gbemi responded at the end. She was

impressed that he wasn't just homely and domestic but

_28_

_Gbemi_

he seemed to be a spiritual person too.

He opened the first dish; it was spaghetti

Bolognese. It smelt really good and looked so

appetizing. The second dish he opened contained

stewed chicken and there was fried plantain, just as she

loved it; golden brown.

"Wow this looks amazing" she said, eager to taste

it.

"Thank you very much" he smiled as he served

her. "So how was your day?"

'Fine' would have been her usual response but

then she remembered 'the incident' earlier that day. "It

was.... okay I guess." She didn't sound so convinced.

"You _wanna_ talk about it?" Gbenga asked with

keen interest.

"I don't know." Gbemi didn't think it was right to

tell Gbenga about what happened in the office that day

especially now that she knew he had met her boss.

"It's okay, you can share it with me."Gbenga's

charm seemed to be working on Gbemi who like every

other woman, had a soft spot and Gbenga seemed to be

quickly reaching it.

"It's nothing really, I've just been a bit

concerned." She decided to talk to him about the other

issue bothering her.

"About what?" He sipped juice, his eyes not

leaving her.

"My boss wants me to travel alone with him to

South Africa for an official assignment next week and

_Gbemi_

_29_

I'm not comfortable about the whole idea". Concern

was written all over her face. She was bad at hiding her

emotions even though at this point, she had no

intention of doing that.

"Have you spoken to him about it?"

It was at that moment she realized she never

thought about that. "No I haven't but I can't predict

him. I don't know how he would react."

"Well I understand but I suggest you try first. You

never know what might come out of it. I'm going to

pray along."

"Thanks, I really appreciate it" Gbemi was

beginning to be grateful she had a friend in Gbenga.

She felt better after opening up to him. "This is really

delicious." She pointed at her almost empty plate."I

must confess, when you offered dinner, I expected the

worst but you have blown my mind away."

Gbenga laughed. "Are you serious? Thank you.

I'm glad you enjoyed it."They continued eating. When

they were done, he stood up and took the dishes to the

kitchen.

Gbemi stood in the sitting room and waited for

him to return from the kitchen. She couldn't but admire

the artistic touch in the living room. There was an art

piece hanging close to the door. She must have stared at

it for about thirty seconds. It was a painting of an

African woman, backing a baby and carrying a bag on

her head. As she looked away from it, her eyes caught a

framed picture of Gbenga hanging above the flat

_30_

_Gbemi_

screen TV. She walked closer to admire it. He wore a

black suit, navy blue suede bow tie and a white shirt.

The boutonniere pinned to his suit made him look like

a groom. For some reason, her eyes went straight down

to his side, looking for his left ring finger but it couldn't

be seen in the picture, he had both hands shoved into

his pockets. She shrugged her shoulders and scolded

herself for thinking he was married.

Gbenga came out just as she was about turning

around from the picture. "That was my best friend's

wedding." He dried his hands with a red checkered

napkin. "I'm so sorry for keeping you waiting." He

apologized.

"No problem." Gbemi smiled. Something still

boggled her mind. It was the picture. "You looked just

like a groom." She said pointing at the picture.

He chuckled. "Groom _ke_? No o, I was the best

man, I wore the same thing with the groom," he

explained.

Gbemi had her doubt taken care of. She often

times got a bit paranoid especially when it had to do

with men. She knew it and had been trying to work on

it.

"I better get going, tomorrow is another busy day

for me." Gbemi said as she walked towards the door.

"I'm so grateful for this exquisite treat." She said nicely.

" _Haba_ , it was really amazing having you around

too." He walked her to the door. "Oh, one more thing,

your number." He smiled and brought out his phone.

_Gbemi_

_31_

"You won't mind me calling to check up on you would

you?"

"Nah, it's fine." She called out her number and he

typed it.

"Thanks dear, I'll give you a call."

"No problem, Congrats about the contract once

again." She smiled.

"Thanks, I almost forgot that was the reason we

had dinner. Have a lovely night rest."

"You too."

She returned to her flat and retired for the night.

At work the next day, she summoned courage and

knocked on Mr Kalejaye's door.

"Come in."

She opened the door and went in. "Good

morning sir."

"Good morning Miss Johnson," he said.

"Sir, there is something I want to talk to you

about."

"Okay...?"He said without looking up from his

laptop.

Gbemi knew her boss was always busy but she

wished her could spare some time just to hear her out.

"It's about the trip to South Africa next week."

He looked up, giving her his full attention. "What

about it?"

Gbemi began to wonder why she agreed to talk to

her boss about the trip, she wished she could turn

around without saying another word. She paused and

_32_

_Gbemi_

tried to gather her words."I was wondering if I had to

be the one to go with you."

"Are you sick?" He asked her with a little frown on

his face.

"No sir." Gbemi wasn't sure if he meant 'sick' as

an insult or if he was really asking after her health.

"Will you be sick next week?"

"No sir." She was already convinced that bringing

up the matter was a terrible idea.

"Miss Johnson" he looked sternly at her, "it

appears you are not fully aware of your job description

as my personal assistant. This is an official assignment

and it is your job as my PA to escort me on this trip or

do you want me to find a replacement? Last I checked,

there are tons of people who will do anything just to be

in your shoes."

"No sir, no need for a replacement." Gbemi

wondered if he meant 'her shoes' as the PA or as one

traveling alone with her boss.

"So if you know what is good for you, hold tightly

to your job so you don't lose it."

"Alright sir." She knew she wasn't to hold on to

anything more tightly than she held on to God, so she

concluded that as long as she held tightly to God, she

would scale through any storm that arose.

"Any other thing?" He asked ready to return to his

work.

"No sir," she turned and left his office.

Back at her desk, she placed her head on the table

_Gbemi_

_33_

and prayed for God's help. She couldn't afford history

repeating itself.

Her phone rang; it was a number without a

caller's ID.

"Hello?" She wasn't expecting any call.

"Hi Gbemi, this is Gbenga. How are you?" the

familiar voice said.

"I'm fine thank you. How are you too?" She

smiled.

"I'm good, you don't sound okay. Have you

spoken to your boss about the trip?"

"I just did, it didn't go so well."

"It is well. Cheer up, God is in control."

"Thanks. I'll be fine."

"If you need a friend to talk to, I'm just a phone

call away."

Gbemi smiled. "Thanks, I appreciate it". She

noticed she was getting fond of Gbenga and was very

comfortable around him.

"Alright dear, have a blessed day."

"You too." She ended the call. She felt a lot better.

"This guy is just heaven sent" she said to herself as she

resumed work on her laptop.

After work, Gbemi went for mid-week service at

her church, it was Bible study. She hardly ever missed it.

That particular Wednesday was a practical discussion

session where they painted hypothetical scenarios and

discussed the biblical way to tackle them. They were

divided into groups.

_34_

_Gbemi_

"Any other scenario?" The coordinator of her

group asked.

Her hand went up. She really didn't plan to ask a

question but for some reason she found herself doing

just that.

"Sis Gbemi"

Gbemi summoned boldness to speak. "What

would you do if your boss who you know womanizes

instructs you to follow him on an official assignment

alone?"

The whole group started mumbling, different

people saying different things: "Me _ke_ , I will not go o"

someone shouted. "What is there? I will go fine fine, I

will just be very careful _ni_."

"One house please." The coordinator said in

order to make everyone keep quiet. "It's very simple, as

a child of God, you have the Spirit of God to lead you.

Pray and ask Him what He will have you do. If He says

go, then go, if He says don't go, then don't go even if it

will cost you your job. Your peace and right standing

with God is worth much more than a hundred jobs."

Everyone was quiet.

"Do you understand, Sis Gbemi?" The

coordinator asked.

"Yes I do." She kept quiet and began to think

about what her coordinator had just said. " _I need God's_

_leading_." She thought to herself.

****

The week went pretty slowly, it was Friday night.

_Gbemi_

_35_

She was in her sitting room reclining on the three sitter

watching news when her phone rang. It was charging at

a corner of the sitting room and so she felt lazy to stand

up. "If it's important, the person will call again." She

said lazily.

It rang a second time so she dragged herself to get

it. She looked at the caller ID, it was her mum. She

picked it.

"Hello mummy, good evening."

"Gbemi, _bawoni_ (how are you)?" Her mum

preferred speaking in Yoruba but for Gbemi's sake,

spoke English when talking to her.

"I'm fine ma."

"It's been awhile o, how is everything?"

"Sorry mummy, don't mind me, I've been quite

occupied these past few days. How is bro Femi and

Bola?"

"They are _kuku_ fine. Bola was home last weekend

with her fiancé. It is your own we are waiting for o.

_Shey_ (Do) you want your younger sister to get married

before you ni?"

Gbemi rolled her eyes."Mummy we have

different lives to live." She tried not to raise her voice in

annoyance. She had explained this to her mum over and

over but she still repeatedly brought it up. That's exactly

why she didn't like calling home. Her mum spent the

next five minutes counselling her on why she needed to

settle down.

" _Mo tigbo ma_ (I have heard ma)." Gbemi couldn't

_36_

_Gbemi_

contain her frustration.

"Good night my dear."Her mum finally brought

the conversation to an end.

"Good night ma." She hung up. The call had

already spoilt her mood. Just as she was about to

connect the phone to charge, it rang again. She thought

it was her mum and was already planning to ignore it

when she saw it was Gbenga. She sat back in her chair

and picked the call.

"Hello" she said.

"Hi Gbemi, how was your day?"

"It was good, how was yours?"

"Well mine was just there. I was indoors mostly.

You _wanna_ go out tomorrow?"

Gbemi had nothing serious planned for her

Saturday, hanging out with Gbenga was alright by her.

" _Hmmmm_ let's see" she paused for a while to think

about it. "Okay, where and when?"

"Graceland Park, say 1PM?"

"Okay, that's fine then."

"I think we could leave together in my car or what

do you think?" He suggested.

"Sure, that makes sense. It's fine by me."

"Alright then, see you tomorrow dear."

"Bye".

Saturday morning came like every other day.

Gbemi had some house chores and laundry to do. She

also wanted to start cutting the fabric for the next dress

she wanted to sew. She had to do everything before

_Gbemi_

_37_

12noon if she wasn't going to be late for the outing

with Gbenga.

By 11:50AM, she was in the bathroom, had a

warm shower and was out in no time. She had already

brought out the cloth she planned to wear; a pair of

jeans, a black top and flowery chiffon sleevelesskimono

jacket which she sewed. Her makeup was light, she let

her hair down and wore a blue sandal. She hadn't eaten

due to lack of appetite perhaps because of excitement

which grew at an exponential rate. She managed to take

a glass of juice. By 12:45PM, she was set. She decided to

wait in the sitting room till Gbenga either called or

pressed the bell.

Aside being well mannered, he was also a very

punctual person. By exactly 1PM, he pressed the bell.

Gbemi stood up to get the door. The young man

was looking good as always. He wore a white T-shirt

and a pair of trousers and held a face cap in his hand.

"Hi" Gbemi beamed with joy.

"Hey you. You look amazing." He said with a

charming smile.

'Thanks dear, you look good too." She paid him a

compliment.

"Are you set?"

"Yes, I am" she smiled.

"Shall we?" He motioned with his hand. "After

you mademoiselle" he attempted a little French.

Gbemi smiled as she led the way.

It took them about thirty minutes to get to the

_38_

_Gbemi_

park. At the entrance, Gbenga paid for the both of

them.

"So what will you like to do?"

"I don't know about you but I'm hungry. How

about we get shawarma and start off from there?"The

excitement that had captured her appetite had finally let

it go.

"That's not a bad idea."

As they walked to the shawarma joint, a guy

walking in the opposite direction approached them

giving Gbenga a pretty prolonged stare.

"Felix Felix, longest time" the stranger tried

shaking his hand. "How Cynthia _na_ How is Cynthia)?. _I_

_hear say una don marry last last_ (I heard you two are finally

married)."

Gbenga was confused! "I'm sorry, you have me

mistaken with someone else. I'm not Felix."

"No be you wey go Uniben (Isn't you who

attended Uniben)?" The stranger asked seemingly

confused too.

"No, not me." Gbenga said and turned to Gbemi.

"I don't know why people always mix me up with other

people."

The stranger walked away still convinced Gbenga

was Felix.

As they got to the shawarma spot, the man selling

the shawarma welcomed them warmly and greeted

Gbenga "long time _Oga, how family_ (how is the family)?"

"What's happening today?" Gbenga didn't seem

_Gbemi_

_39_

to understand. "Do I have a brother I don't know

about?" He joked.

Gbemi was quiet all along. " _What a coincidence_?"

She thought to herself.

"Good afternoon, please how much is your

shawarma?" Gbenga went on to place the order after

which they sat down inside one of the hut-like sheds

and waited for it.

"So what have you decided to do about the trip to

SA?" Gbenga tried to break the silence that was

beginning to build.

"I prayed about it and I feel led to go" Gbemi

replied "I believe everything will work out just fine".

"Yeah definitely, God will see you through."

'"So what University did you attend?" Gbemi

needed to clear her doubts.

"I don't know what that guy was saying o, I

schooled abroad. I have never stepped foot in Uniben

in my life".

Gbemi believed him and decided to move past

what had just happened.

"Do you mind me asking a personal question?"

Gbemi had a faint idea of what he was about to

say. "Go ahead."

"Well, these past few days I've gotten to know

you, I've discovered what an amazing woman you are

and I couldn't help but wonder why you don't have a

man in your life." Gbenga was really interested in

unravelling the mystery.

_40_

_Gbemi_

Gbemi was so correct. She knew he was going to

ask about something related to why she was still single.

That was the most annoying question ever. She hated

when people especially guys asked her why she wasn't

married. It was her life after all and not theirs. Gbenga

however appeared different from other guys, there was

something about him that made her free and open.

"Hmmmm, why don't I have a man in my life?"

She echoed his question. "It's actually complicated but

I guess the simple answer is that I locked them out".

She knew Gbenga was going to want her to expatiate.

She was sure about that.

"Why? What happened?" He didn't disappoint.

_**Chapter 4**_

Gbenga was eager to hear what she had to say.

Gbemi sighed and looked away. She had never

opened up to anyone about her dark past. She kept it

away from everyone including herself. "I was five years

old" she paused as she felt tears well up in her eyes.

Gbenga drew nearer and held her hand. "It's

Okay Gbemi, it's okay"

"My mum worked two jobs in order to make ends

meet. She poured out her life forme and my siblings,"

she sobbed softly. "My older brother, Femi was seven

and Bola my baby sister was two'.

"What of your dad?" Gbenga asked, eyes

narrowed with concern.

"My father" she hated the sound of the word

'father'. "He was hardly ever there for us. He hung out

with his friends at the beer parlour all day and came

back wasted at night. If he stopped at being a useless

man, it would have been okay. That useless man beat up

my mother in front of us," there was rage in her voice.

"There was nothing she did that he ever appreciated."

She dabbed her tears with the little tissue paper in her

hand.

"That's really terrible Gbemi, you've been

through so much." Gbenga felt so much pity for her.

_42_

_Gbemi_

"I wish that was all, Gbenga. I really wish that was

all," she said with so much regret. "I noticed that

terrible man looked at me in a strange way. Initially, I

couldn't place it. He'd come back drunk, shout at me

and my siblings and then call me into his room. He'd tell

me to take off my dress that he just wanted to look at

me and make sure nothing was wrong with me. It kept

happening for weeks until one fateful day, he came back

around 7PM. Mum wasn't back from work. He sent my

brother to buy something and locked my sister up in

our room then he called me into his room." She

sobbed, the tears flowed uncontrollably. "He asked me

to do the usual and innocently I did. He then started

touching me," she paused to catch her breath. "He

carried me and threw me on the bed, his grip was so

strong on me. I was scared. I screamed as loud as I

could but he covered my mouth with his hand. The

next thing I knew, he removed his trouser and he was

on top of me. I screamed so loudly for help but there

was no one to help me."Gbemi's voice became faint.

"My God!" Gbenga couldn't believe his ears.

"How could he do such a heartless thing?"

"That evil man they call my father raped me! He

did it without any sense of remorse. He didn't just do it

once but regularly till I was seven. He told me if I told

anyone even my mother, the police will arrest me and

take me to prison and I'll die there."

"So what made him stop?"

"My mum couldn't cater for all of us, she begged

_Gbemi_

_43_

her older brother to help her take care of me while she

took my sister to our grandparents."

"Hmmmm thank God, at least you were no

longer living with him."

"My uncle was not different, Gbenga" she paused

"That man was equally a devil. He made me fondle with

his private part. It went on for another two years of my

miserable life. His own lie was if I told anyone, I would

become homeless. At nine, I wrote entrance exam into

secondary school and thankfully I passed. I got

admitted and left for boarding school. That was how

that horrible phase of my life ended." She sobbed. "No

one deserves to suffer the way I didGbenga, no one".

Gbemi had finally let it out. She had opened old

wounds and wasn't sure if she felt good about it.

Whatever the case, it was out. Someone finally knew

about her childhood pain.

"I'm so sorry, Gbemi. I wish all these never

happened to you." Gbenga looked her straight in the

eyes.

"Me too. I grew to hate men with a passion. I

didn't see a need for a man in my life and so back to your

question, that's the reason I'm still single and frankly

speaking, I have absolutely no regret because all men

are the same; heartless, wicked and evil." Gbemi was

obviously still hurt and had not healed from the havoc

done over twenty years ago.

Gbenga wasn't sure how to come in. He didn't

know if at that point, being a man was a plus or a minus

_44_

_Gbemi_

but because he was skilful in dealing with women, he

yet again didn't disappoint. He was silent for a while

then said, "Gbemi, you've been terribly hurt by men. I

probably would have said worse if I were in your shoes.

I can't say I know what it felt like being molested like

that. I don't," he said plainly then paused before he

continued. "I'm glad for one thing though," he paused

and waited to see if Gbemi was interested in knowing

what that was.

"What?"She asked wondering what good could

have ever resulted from all she had relayed.

"I'm grateful that you met God. He alone knows

what you felt through those terrible years."

Gbemi was silent. She wondered why God

allowed it in the first place. "It's all in the past now. I've

moved on." She was done talking about it. "How far

with the shawarma?" she changed the topic of

discussion.

Gbenga noticed she didn't want to say more and

decided not to push it. He appreciated the fact that she

opened up in the first place but he wasn't surprised.

There was just something about him that made women

open up to him and even Gbemi wasn't exempted.

He went to find out what was causing the delay

"Isn't the shawarma ready?" he asked the Hausa man.

"Sorry _no vex oga, customer plenty for ground_ (don't be

angry sir, there were plenty customers on ground). _E_

_don almost ready_ (It's almost ready)."

"Just hurry up."He snapped.

_Gbemi_

_45_

" _But oga why you talk say no be you dey come here with_

_your family_ (why did you talk as if it wasn't you that

usually come here with your family)?" Gbenga's

shawarma customer was confused and needed clarity.

"Will you shut up and mind your business." He

turned around and walked back to where Gbemi was.

Few minutes later, the shawarma was ready. They ate it

and had soft drinks, took a stroll round the park and

towards evening went back home.

The next day being Sunday, Gbemi went to

church, came back and packed for her trip to South

Africa which was scheduled for the next day till

Thursday. She kept telling herself, "Gbemi, you will be

fine, everything will be alright, you have no need to fear,

God has assured you everything will be alright."

That evening, Gbenga came to check on her to

know how she was and if she was set for the trip. He

said a word of prayer and encouraged her that

everything will be fine.

Gbemi appreciated his kind gesture; she was

already being won over by his gentlemanly and

Christian nature. She didn't believe men like him still

existed. She knew she was going to miss him but had to

be careful with her feelings. She had been hurt one too

many times.

"What time is your flight?"

"7:45AM"

"Wow that's early. You need to sleep early, so you

can get enough rest." He was so thoughtful.

_46_

_Gbemi_

"Yeah, I'll have my bath and sleep soon" She

knew they won't see till she gets back so she wished he

could stay some more.

"Alright then, I better start going." He knew she

needed all the time she could get.

There was silence.

Gbemi had not really prayed about what she was

beginning to feel for the good looking young man. She

knew she had to be careful both because of her past

and because she didn't want to be hurt again. The few

times she had tried talking to God about him, she felt

this uneasiness but couldn't place it. "Thanks for

coming around." She stood up to walk him to the door.

Gbenga followed suit "I'll see you when you get

back dear."

"Bye" she said and resisted every temptation to be

emotional. She locked the door, went in and retired for

the night.

The next day, she was up really early and by

5:30AM, she was ready to leave. She put a call through

to aTaxify driver and in another five minutes, his car

was parked downstairs. She carefully trundled her box

downstairs trying not to make noise with it. The ride to

the airport was smooth and swift. She sat beside the

driver and was quiet throughout as she thought about

different things; Gbenga being the most frequently

occurring amongst the thoughts that flooded her mind.

She needed to place caution on her feelings. She also

thought about her trip and wondered how she was

_Gbemi_

_47_

going to cope with her boss. She reminded herself of

God's word of assurance.

She arrived at the airport in good time and placed

a call to Mr Kalejaye.

"I'll be there in ten minutes." He told her

immediately he picked the call.

"Okay sir." She hung up.

By 7:05AM, a female voice through the public

address system announced that it was boarding time.

She went through the whole checking in process and

finally entered the aircraft without any trace of Mr

Kalejaye's presence. After some ten minutes in the

plane, she saw him enter the plane. He wore a grey suit

and carried a portable traveling bag. He sighted her.

"Good morning Miss Johnson." He always kept

things formal between them.

"Good morning sir, I was beginning to wonder if

you'll make the flight," she said with a smile.

"I was held up in traffic," he explained.

"Thankfully, I got here in good time. I'll see you when

we land. My seat number is 20-C, I believe that's

behind."

"Yeah it should be sir. Take care." She said in her

usual polite manner.

As the plane took off, she said a prayer then

brought out a book from her bag. The book, Following

God's Plan for your Life by Kenneth Hagin, was given

to her by Favour when she came visiting the other day.

Gbemi was a fast reader. As she chewed on the content

_48_

_Gbemi_

of the book, her heart was captivated by the

introductory paragraph of the fourth chapter.

' _Every child of God can learn how to be led by the Holy_

_Spirit. God's richest blessings await those who follow after His_

_Spirit, instead of being directed by their senses and circumstances_ '

At that point, she began to wonder if she was

guided by God or just her senses in whatever was going

on between herself and Gbenga. She read on;

' _Learning to be led by the Holy Spirit is of primary_

_importance if you are going to obey God. If you can't discern_

_what the Lord is saying to your spirit, you will have a difficult time_

_following His plan and purpose for your life. It's that simple_.'

Gbemi closed the book and began to mediate on

what she had just read. She wanted to do nothing more

than to obey God but she knew she must first know His

will. She bowed her head and began to pray in the Spirit

asking God to sharpen her sensitivity to know what the

Holy Spirit was saying to her per time. If there was any

time she needed God's direction in her life, it was now.

"Lord, shine Your light, I need to know what

Gbenga's role in my life is. If he is from You or not, if

he is to be a friend or more"

She had a caution in her spirit to be careful. But

she wasn't sure if it was meant for Gbenga or the trip.

When they landed in SA, she and Mr

Kalejayetook a cab to the hotel. While in the car, he ran

through his itinerary with her making sure everything

was in check. They got to the hotel and collected the

keys to their rooms which were beside each other.

_Gbemi_

_49_

"I'll be having a meeting with Mr Abiodun, the

CEO of Abby Motors over lunch by 4PM, pending

that time, you can go in and rest. I'll see you then." He

said then entered his room.

"Alright sir." Gbemi took her bags and went into

her room.

As she opened the door to her room, her phone

rang. She was sure it was Gbenga. She looked at the

caller's ID and saw it was an unsaved number.

She picked the call. "Hello?"

"Hi Gbemi, this is John. Favour told me you

would be traveling to South Africa for an official

assignment." John was the coordinator of her group in

Bible study the previous week, the one who had

answered the question she asked about the going on an

official trip with a boss who womanizes. Some months

back, Gbemi got to know that they had a mutual friend;

Favour.

"Oh she did?" Gbemi wondered why Favour and

John discussed about her and why Favour gave out that

information "Yes I did, I just arrived as matter of fact."

"Oh nice, how was your trip?"

"It was fine thank you."

"That's great, have a blessed stay. I called to find

out how you are doing. Take good care of yourself."

"Thank you very much, I really appreciate it.

Bye."

She hung up. "Favour is not serious o, is that how

she has been telling everybody about my plans? If I

_50_

_Gbemi_

catch that girl _ehn."_ She saved his number on her phone.

The 4PM meeting held as planned as so did every

other meeting. The first three days went by with little or

no hitches till the last night, Wednesday night.

Mr Kalejaye called Gbemi around 10PM and

asked her to bring some documents to his room. She

was already in her nighty and wondered what was so

urgent about the documents that couldn't wait till the

next day.

She changed her clothes into a T shirt, pair of

trousers which she secured rather too tightly with a

leather belt, then wore a sweater even though she

wasn't cold. She made sure she 'packed' herself very

well. At that point, she knew she could not be too

careful. She picked the document and knocked on Mr

Kalejaye's door.

"Who is it?"

"It's me sir."

"One minute please" he said

Gbemi waited outside for some seconds then she

heard her boss say "the door is open, come in."

_**Chapter 5**_

She opened the door which led into a waiting area

where they had always met for previous discussions. Mr

Kalejaye wasn't there. His voice seemed to be coming

from the bedroom this time around.

"I have the documents here sir," she expected him

to come out to meet her there as was his custom.

"Alright, bring them here," he said as if that had

been the norm.

At that point she knew there was fire on the

mountain. She began to pray under her breath as she

approached the bedroom. She saw her boss sitting up

in bed. He wore his bathrobe and was working on his

laptop. She had not seen him in anything other than his

usual cooperate wears which was either suit or a shirt

with tie and a pair of trouser.

"Here they are sir," she extended the papers to

him.

"Thank you," he took his gaze from his laptop to

her. "I thought you'd be in your nighty by now."

Gbemi's eyes widened in surprise. "Excuse me?"

Did she just hear him say what she thought he said?

"It's late, I assumed you would have had a shower

and changed to your nighty."

"I had to change after you called,"she wondered

_52_

_Gbemi_

how that was his business.

"So in your opinion how was the trip?" He put his

laptop on the bed and focused on her.

Gbemi could feel her boss' gaze on her body. He

hardly looked at her face. "I believe it was a huge

success sir; you met with everyone you had

appointments with and you were able to seal the deal."

She said still standing.

"Well I wasn't referring to the meetings. How was

the accommodation, feeding and the likes?"

"Okay... well to me, both the accommodation

and feeding were good." At this point, she knew she

couldn't afford to remain there any longer.

"That's nice." He got up, walked towards the

fridge, brought out a drink and picked two of the glass

cups on the fridge. "So you mean you wouldn't have

preferred a five star hotel?" He approached her and

attempted to open the drink.

Gbemi didn't want to appear too forward, but she

also knew that they were the only two in the room and

the second glass was for her. "Sir, I don't take alcohol."

She told him without mincing words.

"Oh, pardon my manners. What drink would you

prefer?" He opened the fridge.

"I'm fine thank you sir. I'm okay for the night sir."

She was beginning to feel really uncomfortable; her

heart wasracing, her fingers trembling. "I'll like to take

my leave now sir." She tried to be firm yet still polite.

"Why the rush? Our flight is not till tomorrow

_Gbemi_

_53_

afternoon." He walked towards her. He had dropped

the drink and glass cups on the fridge.

"I've had a really long day and I need to rest sir."

She told him point blank.

"That's okay then. However, before you go, I

need you to draft a letter of appreciation to our host,

telling them how you liked the accommodation and

feeding. Use my laptop," he pointed to the laptop on

the bed.

Gbemi knew he was obviously up to something.

She usually drafted letters on her laptop and forwarded

them to his email. He was definitely being crafty. "Sir,

I'll rather type it on my laptop and forward it to you."

"Are you questioning my order?"He raised his

voice angrily. The smile on his face had turned to a

frown.

"No sir, I'm not but I'm more comfortable

with..."

He cut her sharply "and who is talking about

comfort here? I gave you an instruction and you are

telling me what you'd rather do. Consider this your last

day as my personal assistance if you refuse to do as I

say," he threatened her.

Gbemi could smell alcohol in his breath; she

picked the laptop from the bed, sat on the chair and

placed the laptop on the table. Just as she was about to

start working, she saw that he had been watching

pornography on the laptop. She immediately

minimized it and opened Microsoft word to start

_54_

_Gbemi_

typing. She intensified her praying under her breath,

asking God to take control of the situation.

Mr Kalejaye sat on the bed watching her as she

typed.

" _Dear Lord, help me out of this situation I have found_

_myself_." She prayed in her heart.Memories of her

father's assault began to flash through her mind. She

prayed for a way of escape as the Bible had promised in

1 Corinthians 10:13. Just as she was finishing with the

letter, she felt his presence behind her. He placed one

hand on her shoulder and acted as if he was reading

through what she had typed, she stiffened, holding her

breath. As soon as he attempted moving his hand

towards her back, she hit it off and stood up at once.

"The letter is ready sir, goodnight," she said with a

straight face and left without waiting for his response.

She walked out as fast as she could and didn't stop

walking until she got to her room. She locked the door

behind her and heaved a deep sigh of relief.

"Thank You Lord," she exhaled, her whole body

shaking. She was grateful it was the last night there. She

didn't bother changing to her night gown. She turned

the key in the keyhole one more time, climbed her bed,

covered herself with her duvet and made up her mind

that she wasn't going to open the door for anybody

even if the building was on fire. She turned off her

phone and forced herself to sleep. She was determined

not to go back to that room even if it would cost her her

job.

_Gbemi_

_55_

The next day, they left for the airport by 12noon.

Mr Kalejaye acted as if nothing had happened the

previous night. Gbemi wasn't surprised, She had seen

him in his act before. She plugged her ears and listened

to wonderful gospel music from her iPhone. She

continued reading the book she had started reading

when they flew in. She made sure they checked in

differently so they won't sit together. When they got to

Nigeria, Mr Kalejaye told her she could take the next

day which was a Friday off and resume on Monday.

"Thank you sir," she said.

She took a cab home. As she carried her bags

upstairs, she wondered if Gbenga was in. It was just a

thought, she definitely wasn't going to check, at least

not now that she had just arrived and needed rest. More

so, it was late. She got into her flat, turned on the light,

dropped her bags in the sitting room and said a prayer.

She was grateful for so many things; journey mercies,

the productive meetings but most importantly for

God's protection and divine intervention the previous

night. He promised her that everything would be fine

and despite the incident, she knew God was faithful.

She didn't want to try imagining what could have

happened if it was not for God.

"I can't wait to tell Gbenga what happened," she

said to herself as she took her things into the room. She

had a warm shower, took a cup of tea and shortly after,

went to bed.

The next day being Friday, her day off. She woke

_56_

_Gbemi_

up by 11AM. She was refreshed and well rested. She

spent quality time studying the bible and praying. As

she prayed, she decided to talk to God once again about

Gbenga and yet again, just like she felt the other time,

she perceived God cautioned her.

"Father, what is this uneasiness I feel every time I

pray about Gbenga?"

She didn't get a response but a Bible passage

dropped in her spirit; Psalm 32:8. She knew it off hand

but still decided to open her Bible to read it.

' _I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go: I_

_will guide you with mine eyes_.'

She immediately knew what this meant; God

assured her His direction and guidance. She opened

another passage; Proverbs 3:5-6.

' _Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your_

_own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him and He_

_shall direct your path_.'

Gbemi knew God wanted her to trust Him and

she was determined to do just that.

Towards evening, she placed a call to Gbenga, she

wanted to know if he was home so she could visit him

and tell him how everything went. He didn't pick up.

She decided to call one more time. It rang for a while

then it was picked.

"Hello Gbenga", Gbemi was happy to finally

speak with him.

"Hello," a female voice said. "Sorry this is not

Gbenga, wrong number," she hung up before Gbemi

_Gbemi_

_57_

could say another word.

"Useless Nigerian network," she said to herself as

she tried calling again.

After the second ring, she heard the female voice

again. "Hello, please you are calling the wrong

number."

"Na wa for this network o," she flung the phone

on the couch in the sitting room and went into the

room to get what she had bought for Gbenga. It was a

blue Ralph Lauren flannel shirt. She placed the gift

inside a fancy paper bag and decided if the network

messed her up at least it won't interfere with her paying

him a visit.

They spoke only once while she was in SA and

that was when she called him to tell him she had arrived.

He didn't call her throughout her stay andeven though

they chatted a few times, she was the one that initiated

the chats. She assumed he was busy and so she didn't

bother to hold it against him. Plus God had told her to

be cautious with him so she tried not to be too forward.

She wore a baby pink top and a grey skirt. She

didn't do any out-of-the-ordinary makeup, just brown

powder and pink lip gloss.

She pressed the bell of his apartment. There was

no response. She pressed it again and waited awhile.

Still there was no response. She was disappointed and

was about to turn to leave when she heard the door

being opened from inside. She felt excitement well up

within her. She didn't realise when she started smiling.

_58_

_Gbemi_

The smile quickly disappeared when she saw who

opened the door.

"Hi", the pretty young lady said.

"Hello," Gbemi tried to conceal her confusion.

"Please is Gbenga around?" She noticed the lady wore

a wedding ring. She quickly put two and two together.

"You must be his sister." She smiled. "He has told me

so much about you."

"There is no one bearing Gbenga in this house."

"Gbenga Folorunsho doesn't live here?"Gbemi's

smile immediately disappeared again. Her mouth was

left open. She couldn't comprehend what was going on.

"Gbenga Folorunsho? I'm Mrs Folorunsho but

my husband is Felix, not Gbenga. A lady called his

phone some minutes ago asking to speak to one

Gbenga. There must be a mix up somewhere."

Gbemi couldn't believe her ears. Gbenga is

married. His name isn't even Gbenga. It was then

everything started making sense; the framed picture in

his house where he looked like a groom, the apron he

wore that had the 'best dad' quote, the guy at the park

that called him Felix, the Shawarma guy that asked after

his family.

"How could I have been so gullible?" She said

aloud as she turned slowly and went back to her

apartment. "Now I understand why God kept

cautioning me." Gbemi felt duped. Just when she

started thinking she had met a man that was different

from the rest, she had yet again met another devil in

_Gbemi_

_59_

human skin.

She went straight to her room and cried her eyes

out. She was hurt and shattered. How could this have

happened to her?

"God, why has all these happened to me? Why?"

She cried aloud. She hugged her pillow tightly and

cried. The hurt from her past became fresh again; she

remembered the hatred she had for men and why she

initially determined to lock them all out.

Her phone rang and she looked at the caller's ID.

It was John. She put thephone on silence mode and

flung it on the bed. He called a second time but she

didn't pick it, then he sent a text.

' _Hi Gbemi, how are you? I called to check on you and to_

_ask about your trip. I guess you might still be resting. Take care_

_of you. See you on Sunday. Cheers_.'

Gbemi read it and ignored it. Her phone rang

again but this time it was not John.

_**Chapter 6**_

She looked at the caller's ID, it was her mother.

The last thing Gbemi wanted was for anyone to ask her

when she will bring a man home and finally settle down.

She had had enough of that and so she made up her

mind to ignore the call. Her mum called a second time

and then the third. At that point Gbemi knew there was

more to it than the regular phone calls she got from her

mum.

"Hello mummy, good evening." She greeted and

hoped her voice didn't betray her.

"Gbemi bawoni? (How are you). Is everything

alright? You sound unhappy." Just like every true

mother, Gbemi's mum could detect there was

something wrong.

"Mummy I'll be fine, I just need to rest."

" _Pele_ (sorry) my dear. I actually called because..."

she paused, distracted by the house keeper "my friend

sweep that corner very well," she instructed her.

Gbemi was hoping her mum wasn't about to

remind her that she was growing older, "because what

mummy?"

" _Ehen_ sorry _jare_ , it's that new girl from Togo, she

does not know how to do anything," she complained.

Gbemi rolled her eyes. " _Can this woman just go_

_62_

_Gbemi_

_straight to the point_?" She thought to herself.

"You remember Daddy Biodun, your father's

brother?" Finally her mother was focusing on the

reason why she called.

"Yes, what happened to him?" Gbemi was already

getting irritated by the sound of that word 'father'.

"He called me last night to inform me that your

father has been in the hospital for the past three weeks.

I went to see him this morning and it appears he is

terminally ill, Gbemi."

"Mummy why are you telling me this?" Gbemi

immediately had series of conflicting thoughts running

through her mind. She could not explain how she felt

about the news. She hated her father quite alright but

she was not sure if she wanted him to die even though

to her, he was as good as dead.

"Gbemi, I know he wasn't there for you and your

siblings when you were growing up but he is still your

father notwithstanding," her mother said in a calm

tone. "We were all hurt, he has been out of our lives for

over twenty years but if we don't show up for him the

same way he wasn't there for us, how different are we

from him?" She explained.

Gbemi knew her mum didn't know the full story

of what exactly happened. "So what does he want from

us?"

"He desperately wants to see his children before

he dies. He specifically said, if he does not get to see

anyone, he must see you."

_Gbemi_

_63_

Gbemi was speechless, hot tears rolled down her

cheeks as she began to sob uncontrollably. She

removed the phone from her ear so her mum won't

hear her sobbing. She had buried her past far away and

knew meeting her father would only mean exhuming

those ghosts. She wasn't ready for that.

"Gbemi are you there?" Her mum asked when

she didn't get a response from her.

"Yes, I am," she wiped her tears.

"Please my dear, I know it's hard, I understand

what you feel," her mother sympathized.

"Mummy you don't understand anything,"she

snapped. "You have no idea what I've been through."

The tears began to flow again.

"But Gbemi, take it easy. We were all in it

together." She tried to explain ignorantly.

"I have to go." Gbemi couldn't take it anymore.

Her mother sighed, "It is well with you, dear."

"Bye." She hung up and flung the phone on her

bed. She combed her fingers through her hair as she

squeezed it and cried so hard and loud. "Lord, why is

my life so messed up? What have I done to deserve all

this?"

She cried, cried and cried some more. She felt like

the pieces of her life were falling apart. She had no idea

where to go from there, her life felt stuck. It felt like

God Himself pressed the 'pause' button and put

everything on hold. She was literally at the lowest point

of her life. The only person she knew she could call was

_64_

_Gbemi_

Favour. She picked her phone and dialled her number.

"Hey babe what's up," Favour said cheerfully.

Gbemi sobbed, she couldn't even speak.

"What wrong?" Favour asked with concern.

"Favour, I'm tired of life. I can't do this anymore."

She sobbed endlessly

"What are you talking about?" Favour was

beginning to get scared.

Gbemi mustered the strength to tell her about

Gbenga and also the call from her mum, but omitted

the part about her past.

"Oh goodness, I'm so sorry about your dad."

"I'm not!" Gbemi said unapologetically.

"What? Why not?" Favour couldn't believe her

ears. She knew Gbemi never liked talking about her dad

but she didn't know things were that bad. "Gbemi is

there something you are not telling me?" Favour was

certain there had to be more.

"Well...." Gbemi was hesitant.

"Well what Gbemi? You need to help me

understand what exactly is going on."

Gbemi was back to that point again; the point of

revisiting her past. It was the hardest thing ever. The

last and only person she had ever opened up to-Gbenga

betrayed her trust. She was still hurting terribly.

Favour noticed Gbemi wasn't forthcoming. "I'm

sincerely sorry about what Gbenga did to you dear. I

really am.That guy is a big fat fish. How would he do

that to you?"

_Gbemi_

_65_

Gbemi was silent.

"Sweetheart, despite all this, you know that God

still loves you, right?"

Gbemi was still silent.

"Gbemi, you know that. Don't you?" Favour had

to be sure.

"Well... I guess," she wasn't convinced anymore.

"No, don't talk like that Gbemi. God's love for

you is not in any way dependent on what you are going

through. He loves you, your hurt notwithstanding and

He wants to heal your pains. I'll be lying to you if I say I

understand what you are going through. I don't. But

you remember it wasn't easy for me too when Bayo

cheated on me? (Read Favour's Love Story on www.

victorypath.com) I felt like I was going to die but God

picked me up. He is here for you too."

Somehow, the words of encouragement from

Favour brought this strange peace to Gbemi. She could

feel joy welling up within her. The fact that God loved

her and was there with her gave her hope.

"I guess all I'm trying to say is allow God to take

over, dear. Trust Him to bring you out of this mess and

trust me, He will surprise you."

"Thanks dear," Gbemi felt a lot better. "I really

appreciate this."

" _Haba_ , what are sisters for? I'll call you tomorrow

morning, you hear?"

"Alright, thank you. My regards to Emmanuel."

"I'd do that. Bye dear."

_66_

_Gbemi_

"Bye." She hung up.

"Why is it so hard to let go?" She asked herself.

She had held on so tightly to her past.

" _You know it is actually easier to forgive than to remain_

_hurt?_ " she knew that was not her thought.

"But Lord, it's so hard to forgive him, not after

what he did to me."She argued.

" _If I have forgiven him, why can't you? Don't you know he_

_hurt me too_?" The voice was more audible this time

around. It brought so much peace.

Gbemi sighed. She knew God had made His

point.

"I need Your help, Lord." She prayed, "I can't do

this on my own."

After some minutes, she picked her phone and

dialled her mum. She knew she didn't end the call on a

good note.

Her mum picked after the first ring.

"Hello mummy."

"Hello my dear." She sounded happy to hear

Gbemi's voice.

"Mummy I'm so sorry for how I spoke the other

time."

"It's okay my dear, it's not been easy for me too.

God will help us.He certainly will."

"Amen."

"What hospital is he?"

Her mum gave her the details.

Gbemi wrote it down. "Alright ma, I'll try to see

_Gbemi_

_67_

him tomorrow," Gbemi wasn't sure how that was going

to happen. "Bye mum, talk to you later."

"Bye dear." She hung up.

Gbemi looked at the phone and remembered

John sent her a message. She read it again and this time

around, for reasons she could not explain, she felt the

urge to call him. She dialled his number and he picked

after the third ring.

"Hi Gbemi, how are you?" He asked.

"I'm alright. Sorry I missed yours calls. I saw your

message. Thank you so much I really appreciate it."

"It's nothing really, you were just on my mind and

so I decided to place a call through."

"Thank you."

"You sound dull though, are you sure you are

alright?"

Gbemi realized John seemed to be really

concerned. " _But then what makes him any different from_

_Gbenga_?"She wondered. She had always seen him as just

a regular church member and that was all as far as she

was concerned but at this point, she knew she could do

with some friendly support. "I was just told by my mum

that my father is in the hospital."

"Oh goodness. That's serious. Is there anything I

can do? Anything at all?' John was willing to help.

"Em..." she paused."Will you be able to follow

me to see him tomorrow?' Gbemi had no idea why she

just did that. She wasn't close enough to him to ask for

such a favour. She regretted asking and quickly added

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_Gbemi_

"it's totally fine, if you won't be..."

He cut in. "Oh no it's not a problem at all. What

time and where will you want us to meet?"

They agreed on where to meet.

"I really appreciate it John," she said gratefully.

"It's my pleasure. Take care. See you tomorrow."

"Bye." She hung up. She had not noticed how

pleasant he was. She really never waited long after

church service, she was always quick to leave. But today,

was grateful for the help he was willing to offer.

As she dropped her phone, she remembered the

whole Gbenga drama and her heart became heavy

again. She bowed her head and prayed for God to heal

her of the hurt and give her the grace to face her father

the next day.

She tried to put everything behind her and at that

point realized she had not eaten since morning. She

stood up and went to the kitchen to fix herself

something. She still wasn't in the mood to cook so she

decided to indulge herself a little. She made a call to her

favourite restaurant and placed an order. In another

thirty minutes, her food arrived. She ate, had her bath

and sat down to watch TV. She had barely watched it for

fifteen minutes when she realized she was feeling

sleepy and decided there was no point fighting sleep.

She stood up, turned off the TV and went to bed.

The next day, at 10:30AM, she called John to

confirm if the 11AM appointment was still on.

"Yeah sure," he said.

_Gbemi_

_69_

She didn't want to delay him so she left the house

almost immediately. She got to the bus stop they had

agreed to meet and had to wait for a few minutes

because she was ten minutes early. While waiting, she

prayed and asked God again for grace to face her father.

Just as she finished praying, she saw John

approaching. He smiled as soon as he sighted her car.

He wore a royal blue shirt flying on a pair of jean

trousers. He had a well-built frame and was some

inches taller than Gbemi. He had a dimple on his left

cheek when he smiled and was indeed good looking.

Gbemi wondered why she hadn't noticed all these

unique features about him all along until now.

She smiled back at him as he approached.

"I hope I didn't keep you waiting for long," he

asked as he sat in the front passenger's seat.

"Oh not at all", she shook her head with a smile.

Gbemi took in his cologne, he smelt nice.

"Pardon my manners, Good morning." He

returned her smile.

Gbemi chuckled, "Don't stress yourself. That's

just formalities." She started the car and began to drive.

"You've got a nice ride," he paid her a compliment

with a warm and peaceful smile.

"Oh! So it was the car you were smiling at, not

me?" She joked.

"Car _ke_? God forbid o. When it's not that they are

chasing me."

They both laughed.

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_Gbemi_

John admired her sincerity and openness. She

wasn't the type of lady that had to 'form' in order to be

accepted. "You look good as always, I must confess,"

he smiled.

"As always?" Gbemi asked with a little furrowing

of her brows.

"Oh yeah. You always look good. I remember

telling you that some months ago. I walked up to you

after church and told you I liked your dress. You wore a

purple cord lace." He remembered every detail. "That

dress looked so good on you. Can you remember it?"

Gbemi remembered it perfectly well; as a matter

of fact she sewed it but that was not what caught her

attention. She was amazed both at the fact that he had

admired her all along and he was so accurate with the

details he gave. "Do I have a secret admirer?" she

teased.

"Nah, there is nothing secret about it. I have

always desired to be close to you but you didn't seem to

give me or anyone that chance."

"Hey that's not true, I'm close to someone."

"Oh please don't tell me it's Jesus because I am

also close to him." John pointed to himself.

"Nope, I was referring to Favour."

"Oh yeah, she's a great lady. We met a couple of

years back. She has told me so much about you."

"Both of you should well done, be discussing me

behind my back."

He chuckled. "Don't start feeling important o,"

_Gbemi_

_71_

he teased.

Gbemi laughed.

"But on a serious note, I want you to know I'm

always available when you need a friend."

"Thank you. I really appreciate it." She gave him a

sideway glance and smiled.

"You are welcome. So are we almost there?" He

asked.

"Yeah close. I really appreciate you doing this. It

means so much to me. I need all the support I can get."

"It is well with your father in Jesus name. May his

recovery be speedy and permanent in the mighty name

of Jesus," he prayed.

"Not that kind of support, John." She gave him

another sideway glance and shook her head.

"Is there something I'm missing out," John was

confused.

"It's complicated."

"Oh okay then. It is well."

"Here it is. And we areeeee here," she said as she 
turned and entered the fenced compound of the big

private hospital. "I'm told that he is in room 18, wing C

or something like that but I'm sure the nurses at the

reception will have all the details," she said as she picked

her bag and opened the door.

"Yeah they will." John came out of the car.

They walked towards the hospital building,

entered and were greeted by the nurses who told them

the room number after she introduced herself as the

patient's daughter.

As Gbemi approached the room, she could feel

her heart beat faster and her pulse quicken. She stood at

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_Gbemi_

the entrance, took a deep breath and opened the door

slowly.

John watched all that was happening and followed

her behind but stayed at the entrance while Gbemi

went in, leaving the door open.

As she entered the room, she saw her father on

the bed. He lay asleep. He was emaciated, he received

oxygen through nasal prongs and his vitals were

displayed on a monitor. He looked chronically ill.

As she walked closer to his bed, he woke up and

saw her. He tried raising his head but was too weak to

sustain it. He mustered strength to speak.

"Thank you for coming. I know I don't ever

deserve to see you. I prayed every day of my life that I

will get to see you one more time to let you know how

sorry I am for all the pain I caused you."

Gbemi could not hold back the tears. She had

been greatly hurt by this man who lay almost lifeless on

the hospital bed.

"What I did was heartless and inhumane. But I did

not know any better then. Years later, I met Jesus and

He turned my life around." He explained.

Gbemi wished he had met Jesus way earlier, he

wouldn't have molested her. She however was happy to

hear that he was now born again.

"I'm dying and I know it but before I go, I beg

you," he slowly attempted putting his hands together,

"please find a space in your heart to forgive me."

Gbemi moved closer and held his hand. They

were cold and shaky. Tears rolled down his eyes. She felt

so sorry for him. She knew the past could not be

rewritten and that she had finally gotten to that point

_Gbemi_

_73_

where she had to let go. She tried to speak but no words

came out. Hot tears rolled down her cheeks

uncontrollably.

John watched from afar. He wondered if there

was anything he could do but instead decided to pray

for God's strength and grace for Gbemi.

"I...I forgive you daddy."

That was it! She felt new, she was totally liberated.

All the chains that had hitherto held her bound were

loosened and her burden, lifted. Little wonder the Bible

says in Matt 11:28, ' _Come to me, all ye that labour and are_

_heavy laden and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you; for I_

_am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls._

_For my yoke is easy and my burden is light._ "

"Thank you, thank you so much. God indeed

answers prayers. This has always been my prayer." Her

dad was really grateful.

"Yes He does," she smiled and then turned to

John signalling for him to come closer. "Come and say

hi to my dad," the word 'dad' came out with so much

ease this time around.

He was amazed at what he had just witnessed. He

didn't know how the tension in the air which he could

almost palpate dissipated in minutes, he was certain it

could only have been God. He walked towards Gbemi.

"Daddy, meet my friend, John." She smiled.

"Good morning sir, it's a privilege to meet you,"

he said politely and bowed his head slightly.

"Such a good looking and respectful young man.

Your mum taught you well," he smiled at Gbemi.

"No dad, we are just...." Gbemi tried explaining.

John cut in. "Thank you sir. You have a very pretty

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_Gbemi_

daughter too," he smiled as he took his gaze from the

elderly man to Gbemi.

"Am I missing something here?" She said a little

confused.

"It's complicated." He winked.

"Nice one" she smiled, turning to her dad, "we

need to get going. I'll ensure bro Femi and Bola come

and see you and I'll definitely still take out time to

come."

"I'll appreciate that."

They left.

In that car, Gbemi asked inquisitively, "so what

was all that in there?"

"What was what?" He smiled and played dumb.

"Water works, be acting like you don't know what

I am saying."She said naughtily.

"Is it the part of me being good looking or you

being pretty that you don't understand?"He tried to

play smart.

"Don't worry o, I will not say anything." She

started the car.

John changed the topic of discussion. "I must

confess, I'm so glad about what happened in there with

your dad. God is amazing."

"Yes He is. I'm glad too." Gbemi drove John to

the car par she picked him up from. "I'm so grateful for

all you did today. You were amazing."

"Nah, it was nothing, really. I was honoured to be

there. Do have a nice day. See you tomorrow."

"You too dear. Take care." It was Gbemi this time

around saying the 'D' word.

_**Chapter 7**_

Gbemi decided to take the rest of her day off

from every form of work. She stayed home to rest and

prepare for the week ahead. She still had a hard time

believing what had just happened; the joy she felt after

forgiving her dad. She never knew it was going to be

that easy once she allowed God to take over. She had

dreaded seeing her father before then but now, was

looking forward to the next visit.

She got back home around 3PM. As she climbed

the stairs that led to the floor she shared with Gbenga,

she recalled all that had happened in the hospital. As

she remembered the smart stunt John pulled,she

smiled. She noticed she was smiling and quickly tried to

compose herself.

" _What is wrong with me_?" she thought to herself.

"Gbemi, you better behave yourself o," she scolded

herself playfully.

Just as she opened the door that led to her

apartment, she heard the door leading to Gbenga's flat

open.

"Gbemi" she heard her name. She knew that

voice.

She stood still, backing the door.

"How are you doing?" He tried to act like nothing

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_Gbemi_

ever happened.

Gbemi turned around and smiled. She initially

intended for it to be a fake one but suddenly, she

realized it was a genuine smile beyond her control.

"Hi Gbenga, it's been a while. How have you

been?"

Gbenga was shocked to his bones. He could not

hide it. His face gave him away. He apparently hadn't

expected her to respond the way she did. He was

embarrassed, having pulled a fast one on her.

Gbemi was proud of the woman she had become

by the help of the Holy Spirit.

"I'm...I'm fine." He stammered.

"That's great. Take care."She opened the door

leading to her apartment and went in without waiting

for another word from him.

Gbemi had not gone far. She stood behind her

door till she heard the sound of his door close then

gave a sigh of relief. "Thank You Lord for boldness,"

she said. _"I cannot pack out because of him. I know I'll keep_

_seeing him but I must remain strong,"_ she thought. "Lord,

please give me grace," she prayed. The feelings she had

for him had gone but she knew she was still in a

vulnerable state.

She went in and dropped her bag on the centre

table then went into her room to change into

something light and free because the weather was quite

hot. When she returned to the sitting room, she turned

on the TV and with a chilled drink, sat to watch it.

_Gbemi_

_77_

She picked her phone from her bag to call John

and thank him for his support but instead what she saw

something that made her upset; it was a _WhatsApp_

message from Gbenga;

' _Hi Gbemi, I've missed you._ '

"Is this guy out of his mind?" She asked angrily.

"It was bad enough he made me fall for him and

deceived me into thinking he was an unmarried man,

now he is telling me this rubbish."

She felt like going to his flat, banging the door and

warning him to never in his life try that rubbish again

but she waved the thought off. She read it again and

intentionally didn't reply. She knew he would know she

had read it.

She dialled John's number but he didn't pick it.

She tried again but still with no response. She decided

she'll try again later. She believed that if a person didn't

pick after the second call, there was no point trying a

thousand times.

She remembered her conversation with her father

about ensuring her siblings come to greet him so she

decided to act fast. She sent a _WhatsApp_ message to her

brother, Femi. She had a feeling he was at work. His job

as a medical doctor almost always left him busy and

mostly unavailable. She hardly called him because he'd

always reject her call and send a message that he was at

work. Sometimes it got really annoying and at such

moments, she would complain and wonder if her

brother wanted to get married to his profession; she

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_Gbemi_

however tried to remain understanding.

' _Hi bro Femi, how are you_?'

She didn't bother waiting for his reply. " _He'll_

_probably reply tomorrow,"_ she told herself. But she was so

wrong, after about five minutes, his reply came in;

' _Hey Gbemi, how na? I'm okay. I'm at work at the_

_moment but I'll call you as soon as I can. Trust you are good_ '

Yet again, he didn't disappoint.

' _Yes I am, just don't forget to call_.'

She was already used to his busy schedule but she

hoped it won't hinder him from getting a wife. Not just

any wife but one that would be understanding and

willing to pay the necessary sacrifices. She knew it was

not a child's play. She pitied those that got married for

the wrong reasons such as titles or the positions their

spouses held. She understood that marriage is much

more than that. "Anyway what do I know, I'm not

married," she told herself and dismissed the thoughts.

She decided to call her sister who was more

readily available. She picked after the first ring.

"Hi sister Gbemi, what's up?"She was happy to

hear her sister's voice.

"I'm fine o, how are you?" The feeling was

mutual.

"I'm okay, I'm trying not to allow this wedding

plans stress me out."

"Awwww, sorry dear. I can imagine. It's getting

closer true _true_ o. Just..." she counted her fingers, "five

months to go."

_Gbemi_

_79_

"It's four months and two weeks left."

"You know I've told you to carry me along.

Whatever you need me to do, I'll clear my schedule for

you."

"I _kuku_ know, I didn't just want to stress you."

"Please stress me o. How many sisters do you

have?"She smiled.

"Only one o," She chuckled. "Thank you. So I was

hoping I could put you in charge of the _asoebi_

(uniformed traditional attire). My friends will contact

you and get it from you. What do you think?"

Gbemi's head suddenly felt faint. " _Asowhat?Did_

_she just put me in charge of asoebi? Ha! Me sef, I don't plan to do_

_asoebi for my wedding. Which kind wahala be this now_ (what

kind of problem is this) _?"_ She thought.

"Hello sisterly," that was the pet name they used

for each other. "Are you there?"

"Yeah sure." Gbemi was carried away in her

thoughts. "No problem." She said it not because there

really was no problem but because she loved her sister

and so was willing to make the sacrifice. "When will I

get it?"

"I'll definitely let you know when it's ready. When

it is, I will bring them myself, and maybe I'll come along

with Kola so he can say hi." Kola, Bola's fiancé, also

lived in Lagos where she planned to buy the _asoebi_ even

though she herself lived in Ibadan.

"Alright o but hope you know that my own will be

free o. I don't want to hear stories." She teased.

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_Gbemi_

"Sisterly, you that are meant to buy for people _._ "

She always knew how to get back at her sister.

"You and who? Do you think I'm plucking money

on the tree? Anyway the reason I called was because of

daddy," she paused and waited for her sister's response.

"Daddy?" There was disgust in her voice. "What

about him? What does that man what in our lives, now

of all times?"

"He is sick," she paused and added "very sick" for

emphasis.

"Wait o sisterly, why are you now sounding so

concerned for him?"

"He is our father, Bola," she said softly. "We have

to forgive him. It was really hard for me but with God's

help, I was able to."

Bola was silent.

A thought crossed Gbemi's mind " _If anyone told me_

_I'll be the peacemaker between my father and my siblings, I would_

_have argued but now, I believe it can only be God_." She spoke

again, "Bola, please allow Jesus heal you like He did me.

I went to visit him today and he desperately wants to see

you and bro Femi."

Bola sighed deeply "Sis Gbemi, what you are

asking is hard and you know it."

"Yes dear, I do but didn't we ask for more when

Jesus forgave us? It's not easy but trust me, it is so worth

it. When next you are in Lagos, please try to see him.

The sooner the better."

"Okay, I will," she said reluctantly.

_Gbemi_

_81_

" _Pele_ (sorry) dear, it is well. My regards to Kola."

"Alright sis. Take care."

"Bye."

Gbemi felt fulfilled. There was this sense of

accomplishment that brought her joy. "One down, one

to go," she shouted aloud.

She checked her message notifications and saw

more messages from Gbenga;

' _Gbemi, why are you not replying me_?'

_'We can make this work.'_

_'Please I desperately need to see you.'_

_'I'm only a stone throw away_.'

Gbemi could not take it anymore. She had had

enough of his mess. She decided to call him and end the

influx of his annoying messages.

As she waited for him to pick, she sensed God

calming her down. She decided that although she was

going to be firm, she wasn't going to say anything that

won't reflect Christ.

"Hello Gbenga," she said with a stern voice.

"Hi Gbemi, I've been trying to..."

Gbemi cut in sharply, "This call is not for you to

explain yourself or try to fix anything. It's to warn you

to stay away. I don't want to have anything to do with

you or your family. Let this be the last time you send

such a message."

"But Gbemi..."

She hung up.

"Guys are just wicked _._ " She remembered John

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_Gbemi_

and then changed it to "some guys," she smiled at the

possibility of John being an exception. He wasn't the

typical tall, dark and handsome fellow. He was about 5

feet 10 inches tall, fair complexion and if one was to

compare him with Gbenga in terms of looks, Gbenga

had a more built frame although John was very

handsome too. But you know what they say; 'beauty lies

in the eyes of the beholder.' There was no way Gbemi

was going to behold Gbenga and see any beauty in him

anymore.Fortunately for her, the physical appearance

was not what Gbemi was after. She knew there was

much more to a man than just his physical appearance.

In as much as the looks were important, she sought for

more. Does he know God? Does he love God? Does he

have a passion for the things of God? Is he going to

help her grow spiritually and love God more? These

and many others were her criteria and Gbenga, despite

his good looks, failed woefully. But with John, she saw

so much potentials, she however decided to take it a

step at a time. She had just been hurt but one man, it

would be unwise to place her heart in the hands of

another.

Much later in the evening, she had a call. She

checked the caller's ID. It was John.

"Hi Gbemi, how are you? Sorry I missed your call

the other time, I was in a meeting.

" _Oh ok,_ no problem. You mean you had a meeting

this afternoon yet you agreed to follow me to see my

dad in the morning?" Gbemi was rather impressed.

_Gbemi_

_83_

"Well yeah but em...it's nothing really."He didn't

want her to feel like a burden.

"I really appreciate it. That was so thoughtful of

you. I'm so grateful."

"You are welcome. So how was your day?"

"It was good. Didn't do much though. I've been

indoor since I returned. How about you? What time did

you get home?"

"Some minutes ago. I'm pretty exhausted." One

could tell from his voice.

"Awww sorry about that. You should get

something to eat and then rest."

"Yeah I will. Thank you."

"Goodnight," she knew he needed all the rest he

could get.

"Goodnight dear."

Almost immediately, her phone rang again. She

hoped it was John, perhaps he had something else to

say.Sadly, it wasn't. It was her brother, Femi. She loved

him quite alright but at that moment, she was more

eager to speak to John than anyone else. She picked the

call.

"Hello bro Femi, how are you? I'm guessing you

have been so busy."

"Yeah, I just got back from work, plus I was on

call last night too." He sounded exhausted.

"Wow, it is well with you. It's God that didn't let

me write Medicine in my JAMB form." She teased.

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_Gbemi_

"You are not serious." He chuckled. "So what's

up?"

"I'm alright. How are you too? Will you be able to

go to church with the way you are feeling?"

"Sure I will. I'll just need to get some rest. I don't

like missing church, it's always a time of refreshing."

"Very true."

"So what was it you wanted to tell me?"

"Daddy is in the hospital. It appears he is

terminally ill and wants to see us before..." she

couldn't complete it.

"Are you serious? When did you get to know

about this?" He was shocked to hear the sad news. As a

medical doctor, all sort of diagnosis ran through his

mind and he wondered how long his father had left. He

too wasn't close to their father while growing up but

wasn't as hurt as Gbemi was.

"Mummy told me yesterday."

"Have you gone to see him?"

"It was tough but I was at his place today."

"That's serious, Please send me the address of the

hospital. I should check on him after church

tomorrow".

"Alright, I will do that. He is really looking

forward to seeing you and Bola."

"Hmmm it is well. Anyway, thank you."

"You are welcome. Hope you find time to call

mummy?"

"That woman," he chuckled. "You know if I

_Gbemi_

_85_

don't call her, she will definitely call me"

"True but that's not an excuse not to call her."

Gbemi was already beginning to sound like a mother

herself.

"I know, I'll call her. Anything else?" He joked.

"Nothing for now. Take care of yourself, find

time to rest else you'll be the one needing a doctor if

care is not taken."

"Yes ma. You are fast becoming like your

mother," he told her the truth.

" _Na you sabi_ (It's you that knows). Thank you."

"Alright dear. Be good."

"Bye." She hung up.

She was already feeling sleepy, so she had her bath

and went to bed early.

The week went like every other week and so did

the month. She kept doing what she knew how to do

best; loving God and being the cheerful lady she was.

Thankfully, the incident with her boss never repeated

itself.

John had begun to be a frequently recurring part

of her life. They spoke more often and hung out a few

times.

One Saturday evening, she sat in her sitting room

watching Mount Zion TV which was showing Last

Man Standing, one of their recent movies, for some

reasons it reminded her of herself because the lady in

the movie had been molested by her father as a child

and sailed through life with the hurt.

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_Gbemi_

After the movie ended, she remembered the next

day was Sunday, thanksgiving Sunday for that matter.

She scanned through her wardrobe in her mind trying

to figure out what outfit would be best. Somewhere

behind her mind, she took into cognisance the fact that

John was going to be in church. She stood up and went

to the room to check out for herself what she could

wear.

She had a lot of clothes to pick from, many of

which she sewed herself. As she perused her hung

clothes, one in particular caught her attention. It was a

coral peplum cord lace blouse and an A line skirt which

she recently sewed. It had a V neck with pearls

beautifully hand sewn to the neckline. It brought out

her lovely shape. It was to go with a royal blue headgear

and accessories.

She brought it out and hung it since it really didn't

need ironing, she decided to go ahead and get her

accessories ready. It was just 7PM yet she prepared for

church which was not until another 13 hours as if she

was about to leave. She was not usually this enthusiastic.

She loved God and the gathering of believers, no doubt

about that but this time around, she really looked

forward to being in church. Did it have anything to do

with the fact that John was going to be there? The truth

is he had always been there, she just had not paid

attention.

After all the running around in preparation for

church the next day, she decided to have a shower. She

_Gbemi_

_87_

went into the kitchen and prepared pancake with a cup

of Milo then went back to the sitting room to continue

watching TV.

The next day, Gbemi got up a bit late and

immediately jumped out of bed. She was thankful she

had prepared for church the previous day. The time was

6:50AM and service was 8AM. She knew with the

traffic, it would take her an average of 40 minutes to get

to church so she really didn't have time on her hand.

She said a short prayer and jumped into the bathroom.

She got dressed as fast as she could. By 7:25AM, she

was dressed and ready to leave. She got to church a few

minutes past eight and quickly sat where the usher

directed her. The service began with a 30 minutes

prayer session after which a chorister stepped forward

to lead worship. As the worship went on, Gbemi began

to sense a need to be more active in church. She needed

to join a unit and the unit she felt persuaded to join was

the prayer band. She made a mental note to see the

prayer coordinator after service.

She kept looking back and stylishly checking if

John was around. The worship session ended by 9AM

and she had still not sighted him. She was beginning to

wonder if he was still going to make it. She realized she

was beginning to get distracted and decided to take her

mind off it. Occasionally, she still looked back hoping

he had come. It wasn't a big church; the population was

an average of hundred people so spotting a member

wasn't meant to be such a big deal. She could feel

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disappointment set in when she realized he was

nowhere to be found. She began to think of possible

reasons why he wasn't around. " _Could he have slept off ?_

_Was he held up in traffic? Did he change his mind about coming_

_to church?"_ She concluded that whatever the case was,

she'll call him after church to find out but in the

meantime, she had to focus on the service.

As the service went on, she got more engrossed

and was having a great time in God's presence. Just

before time for the sermon, she saw a female usher

walk down the aisle carrying the Bible of the minister

who was going to take the sermon. Gbemi saw the back

view of the minister as he followed behind the usher.

She looked away and continued listening to the choir as

they sang 'Made A Way' by Travis Greene. Something

about the minister that had just walked past looked so

familiar, she looked in his direction again but he had

already sat down in front, beside the pastor of the

church. After the choir's ministration, the pastor

stepped on the podium to introduce the minister.

"Praise the Lord church." He spoke into the

microphone. His baritone voice boomed through the

church.

"Hallelujah." The congregation echoed in

response. A few people stood to their feet and waved

their hands while the majority which Gbemi belonged

to sat down as they replied.

"Thank you, choir for that very powerful

ministration."He looked towards the direction of the

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choir then facing the congregation, he went on, "and

just as the choir just sang, I decree over that situation

that you are going through where it seems there is no

way, the Almighty God will make away in Jesus name."

He raised his left hand.

"Amen!" The voices from the congregation

roared.

"This morning, bringing the word of God to us is

one of our very own. A brother and a dear friend. Join

me to welcome Brother John Adeniran." He smiled

towards his direction and waited for him to climb the

podium then gave him a warm hug.

The congregation applauded.

Gbemi's mouth dropped open in amazement.

She couldn't believe her eyes or ears. It was John. The

same John that she had been talking to casually almost

every day. She had no idea he was the one preaching.

Not because she didn't think he could, he was her Bible

study group leader so she was well aware of the fact

that he was a good teacher of God's word. She just

wasn't expecting this. She quickly gathered herself

together before anyone, especially John noticed how

shocked she was. She joined the congregation to

applaud.

He wore a grey suit with a baby pink shirt and

black tie. He looked really good and well groomed.

Gbemi needed special grace to focus on what he had to

say and not the person talking.

The message lasted for about an hour but to her, it

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seemed like just ten minutes. She loved how he divided

the scriptures in such a practical way as he gave

examples of personal experiences and linked them

with his sermon. He was so well grounded in the Word

yet so elementary in his approach that the least mature

believer could understand and the unbeliever wouldn't

feel lost or out of place. He preached on a message he

titled 'Standing Tall in the Face of Storms.'

He started by stating that storms are bound to

come. "Even our Lord Jesus faced storms. Dying for

you and I wasn't an easy task, but in the face of it all, He

received grace from the Father to pull through with it."

He went on to remind the church about the scripture

that states that

_'...when you walk through the fire, you shall not be burned_

_and the flames shall not consume you. Isa 43:2_.'

"The Bible didn't say 'if', it clearly said 'when'

which means the fire experience is bound to happen

but we must be of good cheer, for God will be right

there with us just as he was with the three Hebrew men

in Daniel 3:24-25."

He went on to narratean experience he had. "I

remember when I was in the university and cultists

came to my hall to attack us, I was in year two then. It

was my first and thankfully last experience with cultists.

They came right into my room. Brethren trust me that

was a fiery experience for me. I must have wet my pant

that day." He chuckled.

The church burst into laughter. Gbemi laughed,

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perhaps the hardest.

"It wasn't funny then o. As I lay on the floor, I

immediately remembered the scripture we just read and

started praying under my breath. Long story cut short,

God saw me through it, I was unharmed."

Gbemi was intrigued by the story. She never knew

that about him. Actually, there were so many things

about him she didn't know and she realized there was a

deep longing to know more. She could perfectly relate

with his experience because it reminded her of her

unpleasant experience with her boss her last night in

SA.

He concluded by telling the church, "no matter

how terrible the experience you find yourself, God

assures us three things; one, you aren't the first person

to go through it. Two, God will not bring your way an

experience beyond your capacity and three, there

would always be a way of escape as recorded in 1

Corinthians 10:13."

He made an altar call to the unbelievers and six

people came out to give their lives to Christ. He led

them in prayer and then prayed for them.

After service, Gbemi went straight to meet the

prayer band leader as she had initially planned and

made her intentions to join the unit known to him. He

was pleased and briefed her about their meeting days

which were every Tuesday evening and an hour before

each service. She planned to attend subsequent

meetings. She gave him her number and he promised to

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add her to the _WhatsApp_ group page.

As the prayer band leader walked away, Gbemi

tried to make up her mind to either say hi to John or

leave without a word. Her excuse would have been that

there were a number of people who wanted to see him

and he definitely had meetings he had to attend. But

before she could decide what to do next, she heard

someone call her name from behind and tap her

shoulder, she turned and saw it was John. Despite his

busy schedule and long list of people waiting to see

him, he had squeezed out time to say hi to her even if it

was going to be for just a minute. Gbemi was really

impressed.

"I had no idea you were the one preaching today."

She confessed.

"Well, that makes two of us." He smiled.

"What? You didn't know?" She exclaimed, her

eyes widened in surprise, her mouth slightly opened

and her right hand covered it.

"No, not that. Of course I knew. I meant the 'you

not knowing it was me' part. It was announced on

Wednesday, after Bible study."

"Oh, I left immediately the Bible study ended,

before announcement." She looked away, guilt was

written on her face because she knew he had tirelessly

encouraged her to always wait till the end of service

before leaving.

"As usual," he said sarcastically.

"Don't worry, I'm going to change you'll see. I've

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just told the prayer band leader that I'll be joining the

unit." She seemed so proud of herself.

"Wow, that's great," John was impressed.

"Anyway, I hope you enjoyed the sermon?"

"Every bit of it!" She beamed with joy."Trust me,

I could relate with the storms you spoke about. I was so

blessed," she felt excitement well up within her, she

couldn't explain why.

"I'm glad you did," he smiled. "We definitely have

a lot of..." a church member tapped him from behind

and whispered to him that the pastor was calling him.

"I'm so sorry Gbemi, I have to leave now. We'll pick up

from where we stopped."

"Okay, no problem." Gbemi understood he had

to go but notwithstanding, was unhappy, she was left in

suspense ' _a lot of what now? What was he going to say?"_ She

wondered.

She turned to leave and hoped John won't delay in

'picking up from where they stopped'.

She got home in good time, thanked God for a

wonderful time at church and silently prayed John

would call. She went in to change her cloth and as she

did, she wondered if John even noticed her exceptional

appearance. She pushed back the thought and went

into the kitchen to prepare lunch. She didn't have

breakfast that morning as it was her usual practice every

Sunday to fast and break with lunch. She brought out a

bowl of stew from the freezer and placed it in the

microwave then began boiling rice and she fried

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plantain on the other burner.

Shortly after she finished frying the plantain, she

heard her phone ring, she rushed out to pick it hoping it

was John. Alas it wasn't. It was a call from 555. She

hissed and cut the call then decided to clean and dust

the sitting room while waiting for the rice to boil.

After some minutes,she went to check the rice she

was boiling.

The water had dried but it was still hard so she

added more water.

She heard a message notification tone from her

phone which was with her in the kitchen. She checked it

and realized it was John. She was excited and didn't

waste time in replying.

_'Hi Gbemi'_

_'Hi John'_

_'Are you busy?'_

_'Not at all'_

_'Ok'_

"' _Ok'? Is that all he has to say?"_ she thought to

herself. Before she could finish asking, her phone rang.

It was John.

"Hello" he said "I wasn't sure if now was an

appropriate time to call that was why I chatted you up

first," he explained.

"It's absolutely fine." Gbemi smiled knowing how

she had been eagerly looking forward to the call. She

walked to the sitting room and sat down comfortably

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on the sofa.

"You looked amazing today, I must confess."

Her heart missed a beat. ' _Oh my God,'_ her mind

screamed. She felt her head spin 720 degrees. That

complement made her day, she was glad he noticed.

"Thank you, you looked really good too."

"Thank you." There was some silence.John spoke

before it became too awkward. "So we were saying

something before I got called by the Pastor. I can't

remember what exactly it was."

Gbemi could remember but didn't want to appear

too forward so she decided not to say anything.

"Well, I guess that one has gone but there is

something important I'll like to say however, not over

the phone. What's your tomorrow like? Can we meet

tomorrow?"

Gbemi didn't even bother to pose. _"_ I'll be leaving

work anytime fromfive tomorrow."

"If you won't be too tired, I'll like us to see."

"No problem. When and where should we

meet?"

They agreed on the time and place, a restaurant

not too far from her house. He didn't want her out late.

Gbemi began to smell something odd, something

harsh and unpleasant. She however couldn't place it.

She kept talking with John and then the smell became

familiar. It was the smell of burning rice!

"Oh Goodness my food is burning," she

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exclaimed and ran to the kitchen. She put the phone on

speaker and dropped it on the ceramic kitchen slab.

"Oh I'm so sorry....I really am." John apologised

repeatedly. "It's all my fault."

Gbemi turned off the fire. "No it's not. I should

have been more sensitive and alert. Thank God, it's that

bad."

" _Eeya,_ sorry about it. I'll make it up to you

tomorrow," he smiled.

"Okay o, I'll be looking forward to it."

"Alright then, tomorrow it is. Let me allow you

rest."

"Ok. Thank you. See you tomorrow."

"Bye."

_**Chapter 8**_

Gbemi wondered what it was that John wanted to

talk to her about. The only things she could think about

were either he wanted to encourage her concerning her

father or he wanted to talk her into being more

consistent and involved in the church activities. That

however was no longer necessary. There was still one

more thing but it was too huge for her mind to conceive

it. She tried not to think too much about it. "Tomorrow

will definitely come," she kept telling herself. But she

just couldn't wait.

She prepared for the next day as if preparing for

her first day at work. She ironed her clothe and hung it,

then packed her bag. She literally counted down to 6PM

the next day. She managed to find appetite to eat the

burnt offering she had prepared.

As the night drew closer, her level of excitement

increased rapidly. Just before bed, she thanked God for

the day and committed the night and the next day's

events unto God's hand.

"Holy Spirit, take over tomorrow's outing in Jesus

name." Those were her last words before she slept off.

Mr Kalejaye hadn't changed much; a womanizer

and workaholic but he was the least of her concerns.

She was her usual self and carried out her regular tasks.

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_Gbemi_

She never gave him any chance to bring up what had

happened when they travelled and although he himself

didn't seem like he was going to bring it up, she could

sense that he still wanted to get back at her for turning

down his advances. By 4:45PM, fifteen minutes to the

official closing time, he called her into his office.

"Take these files," he pointed at a heap of

documents. "They are the financial report of the

projects we've carried out in the past two years. Go

through them, cross check the income and expenditure

and give me a detailed report of the company's

expenses within those two years."

"When is it due sir?" Gbemi hoped he wasn't

about to do or say something ridiculous.

"I need it before you leave today," he said

without looking up from his laptop.

"But sir, it's fifteen minutes to five already."

"Have I asked for the time?" He gave her a stern

look.

She was upset. She couldn't believe that he had

such a voluminous task for her yet he waited to the

close of work to give her, moreso, Mr Magbagbeola

was in charge of the company's finances. " _How could he_

_be so inconsiderate?"_ She knew he was doing it

intentionally, but whatever his motive was didn't

matter. She had plans for the evening and he was about

to mess them up.

She took the documents and returned to her desk,

fuming. The work given to her wasn't a 15 minutes task;

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she knew it would take her another 45 minutes to 1

hour. " _Should I call John and reschedule?"_ She wondered as

she picked her phone, contemplating dialling his

number or not. " _Let me start first, if it seems like I won't be_

_able to make it in time then I'll call him,"_ she concluded.

"Lord, I ask for divine speed," she prayed as she

started. She went through the documents one after the

other starting from the oldest to the most recent and to

her amazement, by 5:25PM, after just 40 minutes, she

was done. She saved the report in a flash drive and went

straight to Mr Kalejaye.

"Here it is sir," she stretched out the flash drive to

him.

"Do you know what I asked you to do?" He asked

in amazement.

Gbemi had always been very efficient and Mr

Kalejaye knew it. He just didn't expect her to be done

so soon.

"Yes sir, I did what you asked," she said without

mincing words. " _This man should take this thing and stop_

_wasting my precious time,"_ she thought within her.

Mr Kalejaye collected the flash drive and inserted

it into his laptop. "Let's see what you said you have

done."

Gbemi looked at the time, the longer she was held

up at work, the more upset she became.

Mr Kalejaye took his time, looking through the

document. "I see," he nodded. "What of that of...

okay, it's there," he spent another two very long minutes

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_Gbemi_

looking through it. "Alright, you may leave."

Gbemi was out of his office before he finished his

sentence. She hurriedly packed her laptop and rushed

out. On her way out, she checked the wall clock in the

reception, it was 5:40PM, she couldn't believe how late

she was. " _I definitely have to call John to explain to him that I'll_

_be a bit late."_ She dropped her laptop in the boot of the

car. That was considered the safest place especiallyin a

place like Lagos. She sat in the car and brought out her

phone to dial his number. He didn't pick up the first

time.

"Ooooh where did this guy throw his phone

now?" She dialled his number again and just as she was

about losing hope, he picked.

"Hi Gbemi," he said with a loud voice, there was

so much noise in the background.

"Hi John, good evening," she was happy to hear

his voice. It seemed like forever since they last spoke. "I

want to let you know that I'll be a bit late, I was delayed

at work," she explained.

"Actually." he went silent.

"Actually what? What is the matter John?" Gbemi

was beginning to get scared. " _What's going on?"_ She

thought.

"I'm sorry Gbemi, I won't be able to make it," he

sounded really sorry.

Gbemi was disappointed, to say the least. " _Why_

_did he have to wait till the last minute? What came up?_ " she

wondered. "Why? What happened?" Her voice

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_101_

revealed her disappointment.

"You see..." he paused "em...something came

up."

Gbemi was silent, waiting for him to explain

himself.

He burst into laughter, "I was just kidding _,_ I'm

already on my way. I got you there didn't I?" He teased.

"You are not serious John, 1 – 0. I will do my own

back, you will see," she was so relieved. She loved a

number of things about him. One in particular was his

good sense of humour.

"So since I'll be getting there first, do I place our

orders before you arrive?"

"Alright, that's fine by me."

"I am very hungry, but don't worry, I'll wait for

you," he chuckled.

" _Before_? You don't have a choice o. See you soon."

"Alright dear. Bye."

"Bye." She dropped the phone in the centre

console, beside the gear. "This guy is not serious _sha_ ,"

she caught herselfsmiling. "I'll definitely get back at

him," she said aloud as she started the car.

"I heard you o."

Gbemi didn't know the call had not ended. She

picked up the phone "oh goodness. I thought you hung

up."

"God catch you," he joked "so that's how you'll be

talking about me, _abi_ (right)?"

" _Oya_ bye bye. I'm driving."

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_Gbemi_

"Bye. See you soon."

She ensured the call ended this time around

before she dropped the phone. It took her about 40

minutes to get to the restaurant. It was about 20

minutes past 6. She touched up her powder and applied

her lip stick. She didn't want to look stressed out.

As she entered the restaurant, the cool air

conditioned atmosphere of the place together with the

aroma of well prepared food welcomed her. She

looked round and spotted John. He was on the phone.

As she walked towards him, he sighted her and

immediately ended the call. He stood up and gave her a

hug.

She perceived his cologne and liked it. "You smell

nice." She smiled.

"Thank you, you look lovely too." His eyes

scanned her from head to toe.

"Thanks." She suddenly seemed a bit shy but it

lasted just for a moment. "I'm so sorry for keeping you

waiting." She quickly added.

"Nahhhh, it's fine, really, I got here about ten

minutes ago, I decided to take my time after you called."

He waited for her to take her seat before sitting down.

"Oh thank God. It's not my nature to keep people

waiting." She explained.

"I understand. Just as we agreed, I placed the

order. I decided to play safe so I asked for rice, I know

that's your usual, hope that's fine by you."

"Absolutely. I hope it won't take forever before

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they bring it," she looked around to see if anyone was

bringing the food. "I'm famished." She placed her

hands on her tummy.

"See you, you can't even form?" He made fun of

her.

"Form _ke?_ Because of what? _Abeg_ (please) _o,_ man

must eat _na."_

" _'_ I feel you _jare_ , don't worry they'll soon bring it.

What's your best food by the way?"

"Indomie," she said plainly.

John couldn't believe it. "You are joking right?"

"Of course I am. I like rice, anything rice is fine by

me. How about you?"

"I don't really have a best food, I like almost every

good food I've tasted," he was very open and sincere.

"I bet you haven't eaten Gizdodo before." She

smiled.

"Nope, what's that?"

"It'ssimply gizzard and _dodo_ (fried plantain). You

need to taste it, its heavenly," she closed her eyes to

emphasize how amazing it was, bringing back the

memory of the taste.

"So when are you going to make it for me?"

"Who said anything about me making it for you?

You are on your own o." She smiled. She had this glow.

It had something to do with John's presence. He

brought out the best in her.

"We'll see about that. Anyway, enough talk about

food, how was your day?" He asked.

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_Gbemi_

Gbemi went on and on telling him how her day

went and how annoying her boss was. She compelled

herself to stop talking and asked, "how about you?"

"May day was ok, a bit challenging but fulfilling."

"Hmmmmm interesting. Tell me something

about you, I don't know." She wanted to know more

about this mystery man.

"Well, I studied architecture in the university

which was some 7 years ago. Presently, I work with a

private firm here in Lagos. But somehow, I'm

beginning to perceive that my time there is almost up."

"Up _as in_ (in what way)?"She needed clarification.

"Do you mean you are thinking of resigning?"

"I'm not sure. I've learnt to take things one step

after another. Things will get clearer with time. You

know it's very important to know what God is saying

per time and not just what He once said."

"Yeah that's true,"

The food arrived. It looked really good, Gbemi

hoped it tasted as good. As they began to eat, she kept

wondering at what point John was going to talk about

the reason he wanted to see her.

"I know you must be wondering why I called for

this," he took a sip of juice.

Gbemi smiled as she dug into the well garnished

meal before her.

"I was really intrigued by what happened the

other day in the hospital. I saw what transpired between

you and your dad and I was moved."

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She listened attentively.

He dropped his cutlery and continued speaking as

he gesticulated with his hand. "I don't know the full

story of what happened and frankly speaking I'll

understand if you don't want to talk about it, but

hearing you tell your father you forgive him was

amazing. I'm certain, God Himself must have stood up

to jubilate," he smiled.

Gbemi chuckled. "It wasn't easy, I must confess.

It took the help of the Holy Spirit. These last few

weeks, I've been through some emotional hitches and

so when I say it was God, I mean it. With regards to

talking about it, well I have realized that the moment I

let go, it no longer had power over me. I had always

bottled it up but now, it means little or nothing to me

anymore."

"That's amazing. I'm so glad to hear that." He

smiled. "I have a request," he paused to hear what she'd

say.

"Okay... I'm listening," at this point, she dropped

her cutlery and paid full attention. She wondered what

he wanted from her.

"It's not that serious," he smiled as he pointed to

her food "please keep eating."

"See you that is talking, why have you also paused

your eating" She smiled and picked her fork.

"Okay see," he picked his cutlery. "See, I told you

it wasn't that serious."

She smiled. "I hear you. _Sha_ (just) continue _jo."_

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"Okay. So there is this Christian NGO I work

with, it's called Ray of Hope Foundation. We are a

group of Christians that reach out to young girls who

have either been hurt, abused or molested. We'll be

having a seminar soon and I'll love it if you can be a part

of it."

Gbemi didn't see that coming. " _Me? How_?" She

didn't think she was capable. "A part of it in what

sense?" She needed to clarify.

"There will be a section in the program where

we'll want the girls to listen to someone who

understands what they have or are still going through

and perhaps someone who will share her own

experience. And I am convinced without an iota of

doubt that you are the best for that." He told her.

Gbemi sighed. She knew there was truth in what

he said but she didn't know if she could. "I really

appreciate all these but I'm not sure I'll be able to do it,"

her countenance fell.

"Gbemi, look at me," he was looking straight into

her eyes. "You can do it. It was not a coincidence that

of all the people that you could have asked to follow

you to see your dad, it was me you chose. Think about

what your story will do to those young girls who have

bottled so much within them. Who knows, the ray of

hope they need might be in your story, a reason for

them to know that they have a bright future in Christ."

Gbemi knew the truth and what John had just said

was nothing but the truth. " _So all I went through those years_

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_107_

_was for a purpose. God wants to use my experience to reach out to_

_others_." She began to reason within her.

She sighed again. "Please give me some time. I'll

get back to you as soon as I can."

"No problem at all. Please take your time. No

rush, no pressure."

"Thank you". But first, you yourself don't even

know the full story"

He chuckled and reclined in his chair, "You are

right, I don't. But I know that whatever it is, it was not

your fault."

Gbemi was speechless. Although she had been

liberated from the yoke of her past, she never saw

things in that light. " _It wasn't my fault and so I must never_

_again blame myself."_

"Thank you," she said with a smile.

"I don't know what you are thanking me for but

you are welcome. I'm good like that", he laughed.

"Who has been deceiving you?" Gbemi joined

him in laughter.

"My fans and we both know who my number one

fan is?" He winked.

"That waitress _shey_ (right) _?_ " She pointed at the

lady serving food adjacent to them.

"You are just in denial and you know it."

They laughed.

"It's getting late. We had better get going. You

shouldn't drive in the night," John said with concern.

"Yeah you are right," Gbemi wasn't sure if he had

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brought a car or come through public transport and

didn't know how to ask. She had never seen him drive a

car. "How are you getting back?" She finally figured a

way to coin the question.

"I'll find my way. Is it not this Lagos? I'll be fine,

thank you."

He paid the bill and they both stood up and left.

"I enjoyed the meal," Gbemi said as they stepped

out of the restaurant.

"I told you I was going to make it up to you.

Anyway, I'm glad you did."

He walked her to her car and waitedfor her to get

in, "So take your time to think and pray about what we

discussed, I'll be patiently waiting for your reply."

Those were the same words any lady would have loved

to hear after a marriage proposal from a guy she liked.

Although that wasn't the situation here, Gbemi

had this sense of wholeness and didn't feel like she

needed a man to complete her, not because she hated

men and intentionally shut them out like she previously

did but because she knew her completeness was in God

and God alone. Her life was gradually taking shape. She

wasn't going to run crazy if she didn't have a guy in her

life and she began to appreciate John for the true friend

he was.

"Alright I will. Are you sure you don't need a lift. I

can take you to the closest bus stop," she was willing to

help.

"That's so thoughtful of you. I actually came with

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my car," he pointed to a black Hyundai. "But don't

worry, maybe some other time. You know, I enjoy

riding with you. Take good care of yourself." He waved

at her and stepped back as she started the car.

"You too. Bye." Gbemi had no idea he had a car,

she just assumed he didn't, probably because he got to

church before her and left after her and most of their

outings, he preferred using Uber or Taxify.

She got home pretty exhausted. She had had a

long but fruitful day. She decided to place a call to John

to find out if he had gotten home.

"Hi John, how are you? Have you gotten home?"

Gbemi could hear music playing in the background.

"Nah not yet, maybe in another 20 minutes _._ "

"Okay, I got in some minutes ago. Thank you for

today, I had a lovely time."

"Me too. I'm glad you did. Don't forget what we

discussed." He didn't want to put her under pressure

but at the same time, he wanted her to think about it.

"No problem, I won't. Is that Fire Regalia by

JayMikee?" She loved that song.

"Yes it sure is," his response reflected he was

smiling.

"I'm a huge fan. I love that song."

"Wow that makes two of us."

"Interesting, so we finally have one thing in

common," She wondered if there were more things

they had in common.

"I bet it's more than just one thing."

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_Gbemi_

" _Oyana_ what again?" She wanted to know if there

were really more.

"Ok, when is your birthday?"

"February 15. You?"

"October 24. That's far from close. I'm sure there

is something. You'll see." He seemed so convinced and

optimistic.

"Okay o. Anyway you shouldn't be on the phone

while driving," she was concerned for his safety.

"I'm using my ear piece. Plus, I'm stuck in traffic."

" _Eeyapele_ (sorry). It is well. Anyway I just called to

say thanks."

"You are always welcome. Have a lovely night

rest."

"You too," she ended the call. She cast her mind

back on how the evening was and started smiling

unconsciously. Then she remembered John's request

and the smile immediately disappeared.

"Oh Lord," she prayed "I don't think I'm up to

the task. What will I say? I can't do it," she gave all

manner of excuses. But as she went on and on, she

remembered Mordecai's words to Esther when she was

reluctant to go before the king on behalf of the Jews.

Mordecai told her point blank that help would arise

from another source if she chose to remain silent and

he made her understand that there was a possibility that

she was in the palace for the purpose of being a voice

for the Jews (Esther 4:14).

Gbemi sighed. She knew what that scripture

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meant; God Himself was telling her she was His voice

to those young girls.

She could no longer utter any word of argument

"Father, please just help me." She rested her case.

Immediately, she made the decision, she felt joy

unspeakable. She was convinced she was at the centre

of God's will.

" _I'll wait till tomorrow to tell John my decision,"She_

_decided. "Before my calls become too frequent,"_ she thought.

The next day, as she parked her car at work, she

remembered the decision she made but decided not to

call first. " _The last thing I want is to appear forward. Whenever_

_he calls, I'll tell him_ ," she decided.

There was a unique glow on Gbemi that day. It

had nothing to do with her physical appearance. She

wore a sky blue three-quarter sleeved chiffon shirt

tucked into a black skirt and put on a 3" black shoe.

This however was nothing different from the usual.

Even her co-workers testified to the fact that there was

just something different about her.

"Is there something you are not telling us, Miss

Johnson. This one that you are just beaming. Has he

proposed?" Mrs Aiku, the receptionist asked. Was that

the only thing that could make a lady happy?

Gbemi didn't allow anyone burst her bubble by

asking her if a guy proposed. "What's with people and

guys proposing? I'm happy because God made me

happy." She said as she signed in. " _Society itself is enough_

_pressure for a young single lady,"_ she thought.

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_Gbemi_

"Hmmmm I envy this your happiness o," Mrs

Aiku, couldn't keep it anymore.

"It's very simple. The secret is Jesus," she smiled.

"It is well o, have a lovely day."

"You too", Gbemi was done signing in. "Lord, let

my light keep shinning for You always," she prayed as

she went upstairs.

Around 9:30AM, her phone rang. It was Bola,

her younger sister.

"Hello."

"Sis Gbemi, good afternoon," Bola always had

respect for her sister.

"Sisterly, how have you been?"

"Been good. How about you?"

"Same here sis _."_

"How is daddy?" She sounded concerned.

"Same same." Gbemi tried not to be downcast.

"I feel I need to pay him another visit. I called bro

Femi, he said he'll pick me up and we'll go together."

"That's really nice" she said. "He'll be glad to see

you after all, the visits can't be too much."

" _Abi_ (exactly). _"_

"I would come to your place when I'm done. I

have a couple of things I also want to do in Lagos

before I return to Ibadan tomorrow hopefully." She

explained.

"Okay, that sounds cool. Around what time are

we talking about, so I'll know how to plan my day?"

"What time is convenient for you?" She did not

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want to inconvenience her sister who she knew ran a

busy schedule.

"I have a prayer meeting in church from 5:30 to

6:30 this evening after which I'll head straight home,

but if that will be too late then I guess I'll forfeit it this

week." Gbemi was always very sacrificial especially

when it had to do with her baby sister.

"No, sisterly you don't have to. I can do the

running around first then come much later since I'll be

leaving early tomorrow morning. How about that?"

"Sounds great," they finally came to a consensus.

"Alright sis, see you later."

"Alright dear. Have a safe trip. Help me greet

daddy, tell him I'll plan towards paying him a visit

soon."

"Alright, no problem" she ended the call.

She continued working and hoped that Mr

Kalejaye won't try to mess up her plans today like he did

the previous day.

By 4:50PM, she began to round off her work and

by 5PM on the dot, she went to Mr Kalejaye's office to

tell him she was set to leave.

He looked up from his laptop. "Have you sent the

document I asked for?"

"Yes sir, I've sent it to your email." She had done

everything he had asked her to do. " _This man must not_

_delayme today in Jesus name,"_ she prayed within her.

He looked at her. "It's okay, you may go."

"Thank you sir." She was so happy. She left before

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_Gbemi_

he could say another word.

She left the office and headed straight for church.

She didn't want to be late for the prayer meeting. As she

drove into the church compound, she spotted a black

Hyundai that looked exactly like the one John drove the

previous day.

"Is the guy stalking me?" She asked herself as she

smiled and came down from the car. She checked her

bag to confirm she had her bible and scarf. She knew

those were not the prerequisite to come into the house

of God but at the same time didn't want lack of scarf

make her appear disobedient or rebellious as it was

required for all women in that church to cover their

hair.

As she entered the building which on the average,

sat about 100 people, she saw a group of people seated

at a corner. She wasn't sure if it was the prayer band but

as she walked closer, she sighted the leader and he

stood up to welcome her.

"Brethren, we have a new member in our unit.

Let's welcome sis Gbemi."

They were all so warm and homely, the ladies

stood up to hug her, "you are welcome sis," they said

one after the other and the guys gave her a hand shake,

"we are happy to have you here."

Gbemi felt so welcomed and loved, "thank you,"

she kept saying as she hugged and shook hands briefly.

"You may have your seat," the leader pointed to a

free chair. They were seated in a circle. We are having

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Bible study. We usually spend this 1 hour studying the

Word of God and afterwards pray together. We are

studying Esther 4." He handed her the Bible study

outline.

"Thank you," Gbemi said as she collected it and

brought out her Bible and journal from her bag.

The unit leader faced everyone and went on, "So

as we read, Esther's timely positioning in the palace at

that time wasn't coincidental, it was divinely ordained.

She could have been anywhere at that time but God

chose to position her in the palace." He explained with

so much enthusiasm. "Why?" He asked rhetorically

and went on to answer, "because he wanted her to be

His voice."

Gbemi froze in her seat. " _What?"_ She couldn't

believe her ears. The exact same Word that God had

dropped in her heart the day before, when she was

praying concerning addressing the young girls. Gbemi

was convinced it could only have been God.

People around her nodded rhythmically as their

leader went on dividing the Word.

He went on, "God is intentional about the lives of

His children. Nothing happens to us by chance. It may

not make sense initially but keep holding on. God will

make it beautiful in the end."

Gbemi felt like he knew exactly what she had been

through. The message was for her. She was stunned,

too stunned to even pick up her pen to write. She just

listened attentively, she didn't notice when some two

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_Gbemi_

guys joined the meeting.

After the leader had finished talking, he asked

everyone to stand up so they could pray together before

bringing the meeting to a close. It was at that point

Gbemi noticed John standing opposite her.

He saw her and smiled.

She smiled back and quickly closed her eye. They

were praying. After the prayer, the leader gave some

announcements and afterwards, they shared the grace.

Immediately the meeting ended, a lady walked up

to John and engaged him in a conversation. Gbemi

wanted to see him too so had to exercise patience. She

sat back in her seat as she waited for him. She noticed

he kept looking in her direction.

" _Only God knows if he is listening to what the lady is_

_saying."_ Gbemi thought. "listen-to-what-she-is-saying."

Gbemi mouthed inaudibly and gesticulated with her

hands holding her pinna when she mouthed "listen"

and pointing to the lady who was backing her.

John who was facing her smiled.

The unit leader came to sit beside her, he noticed

she was sitting alone. "Hope you enjoyed the meeting?"

He asked.

"Yes I did. Very much." Gbemi was so grateful

she came.

"I'm glad to hear that. So am I seeing you in our

next meeting?" He asked.

"By God's grace, I'll try to be here for the prayer

before service tomorrow," she said.

_Gbemi_

_117_

"Looking forward to seeing you then."

"Are you waiting for someone?" He asked out of

concern wondering why she was still seated.

"Yeah I'm waiting for him," she pointed at John

who was still kept engaged by the lady.

"Alright then, take care," he stood up, "see you

tomorrow."

"Bye."

After another long four minutes of sitting alone,

she noticed John tried to end the conversation. She saw

him pointing at her, perhaps telling the other lady that

someone was waiting for him. He soon walked over to

where she was.

Gbemi stood up to greet him.

He hugged her.

"I didn't expect to see you here," she expressed

her surprise.

"I'm here every Tuesday evening for Bible study

coordinators' meeting." Usually we finish around the

same time with the prayer band but today, we finished

earlier and as I was leaving, I just felt like joining the

prayer band. I had no idea you were around," he

explained.

"Hmmmm you didn't know I was around huh?"

Her question had a sarcastic tone.

"Absolutely none." John was willing to convince

her if he had to.

"Okay, I believe you... interesting," she smiled.

"You can say that again. Hope you enjoyed the

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_Gbemi_

meeting?" He asked.

"I did, I felt it was meant for me."

"Wow, that's great."

"Let me see you off, you should get going so your

sister doesn't have to wait too long for you."

"That's true. Can you imagine? I almost forgot

she was coming." She said as they walked towards the

exit of the church.

After taking a few steps, Gbemi froze. "How did

you know my sister was coming?" She didn't remember

telling him anything about that.

_**Chapter 9**_

John smiled, "I have my ways," he continued

walking, leaving Gbemi who remained stuck to a spot.

"No o, you are not going anywhere until you tell

me," she said as she tried to meet up with his pace.

"Ok I will tell you but first have you thought

about what we discussed yesterday?"

"We discussed many things yesterday"She

pretended not to know what he was talking about.

" _Ehn_ like the gizdodo you are meant to make for

me _shey_ (right)?" He said sarcastically.

"Me I don't know what you are talking about o",

she smiled. She was getting close to John quite alright

but cooking for him was a whole different level entirely.

"Alright alright, we both know you are referring to the

seminar coming up."

"Yeah?" John listened attentively as he stood

beside Gbemi's car.

She went on to tell him how on two occasions,

Esther's story was what God used to convince her.

"So is that a yes?" He was so excited.

"I believe it is," she smiled.

"Thank you so much Gbemi, thank you."

"Ok so we had a deal. How did you know about

my sister's visit?"

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_Gbemi_

John began to scratch his neatly trimmed and

sharpened hair. "You know we have the Holy Spirit in

us who reveals all things to according to the book of..."

Gbemi cut in. "No nono, don't even go there. We

both know that's not what happened." She smiled.

"Better talk o, Mr Stalker," she was determined to get to

the root of it.

"Promise me you won't be mad." He pleaded with

his hands clasped together.

"Hmmmm this is getting serious. Okay I _promi."_

She intentionally didn't complete the word.

"Say it very well _na_ Gbemi."

"I promise o, I've said it."

"I went to visit your dad in the hospital today. He

had been on my mind for a while now and I thought I

could just pay him a visit. I know I should have told you

before going. I'm sorry."

Gbemi didn't know how to react. She had mixed

feelings about what he did; she felt if at all he wanted to

visit him, he shouldn't have gone behind her back but

on a second thought, his motive was what mattered

most.

"Gbemi, are you mad at me?"

"After you made me promise?" A little smile

broke out on her face. "But you should have told me

first, you know?"

"I do, it won't happen again. I promi." He

imitated her.

" _Miigbo (_ I didn't hear)," she held one ear.

_Gbemi_

_121_

"I promise," he smiled.

"How is he?"

"He is good, he asked of you," he told her.

"I'll find time to check up on him," she opened

the door to her car. "I better get going, I shouldn't keep

Bola waiting."

"Yeah true. Alright then. Bye". He stepped aside

and allowed Gbemi to enter the car and reverse. He

waved to her as she drove off and she waved back.

On her way home, she called her sister to find out

where she was and to tell her she was on her way home.

'"Kola will bring me shortly." Bola explained.

"Alright dear, see you soon." She ended the call

and began to think about what her sister would eat. She

secretly hoped that she would have eaten already.

Bola arrived some twenty minutes after Gbemi.

Gbemi was happy to see her.

"How are you?" She gave her a warm hug right at

the door.

Kola was behind her carrying two bags. "Good

evening Gbemi." He dropped the bag in his right hand

and extended it for a hand shake.

Gbemi ignored the hand and gave him a hug.

"How are you? Good to see you again."The first and

only time they had met was during Bola and Kola's

introduction some months back. She was happy to see

her soon to be brother-in-law.

"You are welcome," she ushered them in. "What

can I offer you guys?"

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_Gbemi_

They came in. "We just ate," Bola said.

"We are alright, thank you," Kola said as he

dropped the bags and sat down. "You have a lovely

place," he said as he admired the neatly arranged sitting

room.

"Thank you," Gbemi said as she sat down on a

sofa which was opposite the three-seater the couple sat

on.

Her sitting room had a cream and brown theme.

The suede chairs were brown in colour, there was a

furry centre carpet which was brown and cream then

she had these long lovely drapes which were also cream

and brown. This was a total contrast with her bedroom

which was pink floral-themed.

Gbemi engaged Kola in a conversation. She asked

him about his short term and long term plans. She

listened attentively to how he shared with her about his

priority being majorly to honour God in everything he

does and wherever he found himself. He was also

determined not to be a liability to his family or society

but an asset. His career plans where outstanding too.

Gbemi was impressed with his level of maturity

generally but especially spiritually.

"That's great, I'm really impressed," she smiled

and then looked at Bola and said, "better grab and hold

him tight. He is a good man." Gbemi wasn't convinced

just because of his carriage, composure, career plans

and so on; she had a witness in her spirit that Kola was

right for her sister.

_Gbemi_

_123_

Bola smiled.

"Kola before you get too excited, I hope you

know what a gem you've got?" She asked.

"Yes I do," he held Bola's hand and smiled.

After some more minutes of conversing, Kola

left and told Bola he'll come to pick her early the next

morning.

Gbemi waited for him to leave before asking

about their dad. "How is he?"She asked hoping for the

best.

Bola sighed. "He's okay. Not much difference

though but one could tell that he was really happy to see

us again."

"That's great. We'll just keep praying for him."

"Yeah. Speaking of daddy, a guy came to visit him

too, he said he's your friend. I've forgotten his name."

Bola was bad with names. "Not too tall, fair

complexion."

"John."

"Yes that's his name."

"He later told me."

"Okay. Bro Femi dropped me off at Kola's place

and returned to work. I was able to do some shopping

for the wedding and since I was coming here, I decided

to bring the _asoebi_."

"I'm glad you had a fruitful trip."

"Yes o I did." She pulled the large Ghana-must-go

bag towards herself and opened it "These are the _asoebi_ ,

there are two types. The cord lace plus gele is 10k while

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_Gbemi_

the Ankara plus gele is 4k. Most of my friends are in

Lagos, so it will be easier reaching you. I'll take some for

those in Ibadan."

"Alright, no problem." Gbemi prayed for grace to

do it. The sight of the clothes alone made her weak but

she was determined to help out as much as she could.

They chatted a little bit more and both retired for

the night.

The next morning, as early as 6AM, Bola was set

and Kola came to pick her up as they had agreed.

"I'm going to miss you." Gbemi said as she

hugged her sister beside Kola's car.

Kola came down from the car to help Bola carry

her bag. "Thank you so much" he said to Gbemi.

"Thank me _ke?_ I've been taking care of this girl

since she was in the womb," she joked.

They all laughed.

"Make sure you always keep in touch," she told

Bola.

"I will."

They entered the car. She waved at them as they

drove off.

She returned to her flat to prepare for the day, she

didn't want to be late. As she climbed the stairs, she met

Gbenga. He was holding the hand of a cute little boy

who must have been about three years old. The boy,

whom she perceived was his son, was dressed in his

school uniform, carried a little bag pack on his back and

on the other hand, had a lunch box which most likely

_Gbemi_

_125_

contained his food flask.

As she ascended the steps, she realized how

liberated she was from the hurt Gbenga once caused

her.

"Good morning Gbenga," she greeted him.

"Good morning."

She could still see the surprise on his face. He

most likely didn't expect her to greet him. As they

approached her, she paused and greeted the little boy.

"What's your name big boy?"

"Edward" he said with a winsome smile.

"That's good. Be a good boy at school okay?"

He nodded.

"You have a lovely son," she spoke as if nothing

had ever happened between them. "Have a beautiful

day," she said as she continued up the steps. She was

totally delivered and she knew it. Keeping malice with

Gbenga for what he did was so beneath her instead, she

remembered the scripture that says:

_'Therefore if thine enemy hunger, feed him; if he thirst,_

_give him drink: for in so doing, thou shall heap coals of fire on_

_him' Rom 12:20._

She hurriedly prepared for work. She had a bad

habit of skipping breakfast in order not to be late to

work. Her mother had told her times without number

how she needed to plan her morning well so she could

have time to eat breakfast before the start of the day's

activity.

"Gbemi, breakfast is the most important meal of

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_Gbemi_

the day. If you are not fasting, you shouldn't miss it."

Her mum would say any time she called to check on her

or when she came visiting.

The next day being Thursday, Gbemi made up her

mind that she was going to pay her father a visit after

work. She couldn't go the previous day because she had

to be at church and she didn't want to be late so she told

herself she'd see him the next day.

She bought some things for him and also paid off

some of his bills which she knew increased everyday

he slept on that hospital bed.

"Daddy, how are you?" She asked as she held his

hand.

"Grateful for everyday my dear, I am privileged to

see."

Gbemi smiled, she knew exactly what that

statement meant.

"It is well with you daddy. I brought these for

you." She lifted the bag which contained provisions.

She didn't tell him about the bill, it was her way of not

allowing her left hand know what her right hand was

doing.

"What did I do to have such beautiful children?"

Tears gathered in his eyes.

"It's the Lord's doing, daddy," she smiled.

"Femi and Bola came visiting on Tuesday," he

informed her.

"Yes daddy, I'm aware," she said still holding his

hand.

_Gbemi_

_127_

"And your friend, John."

"Yeah he told me too."

"So, have you given him a reply?"

"Yes daddy, I am convinced that this is what God

wants for me" she said then paused "wait, you two

discussed that much?" she was surprised.

"Congratulations dear, I'm really happy for you.

He's a good man"

"Thank...you?" She said a bit confused. Why did

he congratulate her? Speaking in front of those

children was a huge responsibility coming her way and

all her father could say was 'Congratulations' and tell

her that John was a good man. " _This man is growing old_

_way faster than we thought,"_ she said to herself.

After spending awhile with him, she decided to

leave. Her father was sleeping so she tiptoed on her way

out, careful not to interrupt his sleep.

As she drove home, she remembered John had

told her the day before that the seminar was in two

weeks. She knew she needed to start preparing.

She spent most of the next two weeks praying and

seeking the face of the Lord concerning the program.

She didn't want to just speak from experience and so

she constantly prayed for utterance.

The D- day finally came and as she stepped into

the hall, she was amazed by what she saw. There must

have been about two hundred young ladies in that hall.

The most she had thought to meet was perhaps fifty.

She sat at the back and observed all that went on.

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_Gbemi_

She saw John at the other end of the hall, he was giving

instructions to people ensuring everything went well.

He looked good in his black suit. She saw him check his

watch and bring out his phone from his pocket. Gbemi

felt her phone vibrate, she opened her bag to pick it and

saw it was John calling her.

"This guy hasn't seen me," she said as she went

out through the back door of the hall to receive his call.

Normally, she'd have probably ended the call and sent a

message informing him that she was around but

somehow she decided to hear what he had to say.

"Hi Gbemi, how are you?" She could tell he was a

bit apprehensive that she had not yet come.

"I'm fine thank you," she replied. "Has the

program started?" She acted as if she wasn't there.

"It's about to, hope you are almost here."

"I'm so sorry John, I won't be able to make it.

Something came up," she pulled the exact stunt he'd

pulled on her some weeks back.

"Ha! Gbemi what happened? What came up?"

She knew that news disoriented him.

She burst into laughter. "So you know the feeling

now." She entered the hall and walked towards him

then ended the call.

"I've been around for about 15minutes. I was

sitting there." She pointed at her seat. "I saw you were

busy so I didn't want to disturb."

"Gbemi, you scared the poo out of me. Who

would have thought you'd get me the way you just did?"

_Gbemi_

_129_

He smiled. "It's really good to see you,"

"Thank you." Gbemi felt happy to be there. "This

is a large crowd, I must confess."

"Yeah it is, we are still expecting more though," he

said.

"Interesting."

"Is our guest speaker developing cold feet?" He

teased.

"No _jo_ , I'm fine."

"Definitely, for it is God that works in you both to

will and do of His good pleasure," he encouraged her.

"Thank you," she felt better.

"Feel free to sit wherever you want. Just know that

we'll soon call you to the front." He told her.

"I'll be fine," she wasn't sure if she was telling him

or trying to encourage herself.

Just as he said, in another thirty minutes, he

mounted the stage and welcomed everyone. "Before

we go on, we'll like to give honour to whom honour is

due, please jam those hands as we welcome our guest

speaker for today, in person of Miss Gbemisola Grace

Johnson."

Everyone applauded loudly.

Gbemi had not heard anyone call her full name

like that. Coming from John's mouth, she could bet

there was something special about the way he said it.

She stood up and picked her bag to go to the front. An

usher approached and collected her bag from her,

guiding her as she went.

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_Gbemi_

"You are welcome ma," she curtsied as she

pointed her seat to her and dropped her bag on a glass

stool beside it. There was also a bottle of water and a

glass cup on the stool.

"Thank you very much," she said to the usher. She

didn't in her wildest dream expect to receive such a

warm and elaborate welcome. She sat down.

"Also we have in our midst, Mrs Adeleke, the

founder of Ray of Hope Foundation. Put your hands

together as she comes up to give the welcome address,"

John said.

Gbemi figured he must be the moderator for the

program. She stood up to clap for the woman. An usher

brought the woman's bag and placed it on the stool

adjacent to the seat on her left. The seat to her right too

was empty.

John handed to microphone over to Mrs Adeleke

and came down from the stage. Gbemi watched as he

approached. " _What is he coming to tell me again?"_ She asked

herself.

He dropped his book and face towel on the glass

stool to her right and stood in front of the chair. It was

then she realized that he wasn't coming to tell her

anything but walking to his own seat which was the

empty seat to her right.

"You look amazing," he mouthed to her as they

kept clapping for the middle aged woman on stage.

"Thank you," she always liked that about him; the

fact that he always admired her appearance. Who won't

_Gbemi_

_131_

like that? "You look good too," she smiled.

"I get that a lot," he joked.

"Go and sit down." She gently brushed her elbow

against his.

"Thank you, you may be seated." Mrs Adeleke

said into the mic. She went on to give the welcome

address.

Like every moderator, John kept looking at his

watch, to ensure she didn't over shoot her time.

"I must not see you checking time for me when I

get up there," Gbemi jokingly told him.

"Gbemi, it's like you don't know how I've been

longing to hear you speak. _If I hear say I check time for_ you

(I dare not check the time while you are speaking)."

Gbemi smiled and prayed in her heart, "Father

glorify Yourself." She knew by her strength, she could

not do anything.

After about an hour into the program, it was time

for Gbemi to speak. John went up to introduce her.

"I've known this young lady for a while now but

just got the opportunity to really know her a few

months back. She is beautiful in and out. Her life has

really blessed and challenged me and I'm certain what

God will say through her will bless you. Please welcome

with me our guest speaker for today, Miss Johnson."

Everyone applauded.

As Gbemi ascended the stage and saw the crowd,

her heart was moved with compassion, she was grateful

she didn't turn down the offer. She thanked the

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_Gbemi_

organizers of the program for the opportunity to share

her experience and she thanked God for being with her

through thick and thin.

"Let us pray." She led them to pray and

afterwards, started speaking. She told them her whole

story of how her father molested her and beat up her

mother. She explained the gravity of the consequence

on herself as an individual and also her perspective of

life and relationship with people especially men. "I

hated myself for a very long time, I felt useless, filthy

and I saw myself as trash. I blamed myself for what

happened to me. I bottled it up and told no one.

Because of this, I hated men with a passion; I never

gave them a chance. I completely locked them out. I

lived like this for many years even after giving my life to

Jesus. One day, He came to my rescue. He helped me

face my greatest fear and worst nightmare: the man that

almost destroyed my life." The keyboardist played

softly in the background.

"I don't know what can be harder than letting go

of the pain of the past and forgiving those that hurt

you but that was what I had to do. And it was at that

point, I got total deliverance." There was silence in the

hall. "See my dear sisters, we may not be responsible for

what happened to us in the past but we certainly have

power over our past and we are responsible for the

choices we make afterwards. You can either chose to let

it keep you imprisoned or you can break through that

gate and be free. The secret is Jesus. It was with His

_Gbemi_

_133_

help, I could face my father and it was by His grace I

could release him from my heart."

Gbemi could see a few ladies wipe tears off their

eyes. She went on "Was it easy? No, it wasn't. Are there

still moments I feel the pain? Well, occasionally but

even at those moments, I run back to God and He gives

me His peace and joy in exchange for the pain." She

went on encouraging them for the next fifteen minutes.

Let me conclude with this scripture which I have

found so true "Jesus says to you who labour and are

heavy laden come unto me and I will give you rest Matt

11; 28. His rest is all round and eternal, there is no

condition attached, just come as you are."

Gbemi felt led to make an altar call, she didn't plan

to do so before but there was a stirring in her spirit. "He

is still calling out to you today. If you know that you

need this rest, why don't you take that step of faith

stand up and come and meet with Jesus?"

She removed the mic from her mouth and began

to pray in the spirit. There was no response from the

crowd. She continued praying then a lady stood up, and

then another one and another. They started coming out

one after the other, until the front became full and they

had to move chairs backwards. More than half of the

ladies came forwards. Some went on their knees crying

hard, others stood and just prayed within their heart.

John together with some officials went forward to

where the ladies were and started praying for them one

after the other. Some ladies fell under the anointing. It

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_Gbemi_

was powerful. Gbemi could not believe her eyes. She

was amazed at what glorious things could happen when

onechooses to obey and submit to God. She prayed for

them and asked them to repeat after her; "Dear Lord, I

surrender all at your feet, my hurts, my pains and my

past. I take upon me your burden and choose to share

your yoke. Be my lord and saviour and give me all round

rest in Jesus name I pray," they repeated after her and all

chorused "Amen."

John went up and took the mic from her, he

announced, "everyone who said that prayer should

follow the gentleman in white shirt, he'll collect your

details so we can also contact you and pray for you. As

soon as you are done with that we'll go briefly into

question and answer session, Miss Johnson is still very

much around to answer your questions."

The ladies followed the man while a few remained

on their knees for a while longer, crying and praying.

Gbemi didn't know what to do. It was her first

time.

John whispered to her to take her seat that he'll

call her up soon. "Don't worry about the ladies still

crying, the ushers will attend to them," he told her.

Gbemi went to her seat and fell on her knees. She

was in awe of what God had just done. "Father, I thank

you for using a nobody like me to do wonders. Lord I

surrender to You, please continue to use me Lord. May

my story always bless lives in Jesus name I pray. Amen."

She got up from her knees, sat down before she sipped

_Gbemi_

_135_

water from the sparking glass.

After some minutes, she was called up for the

question and answer session. The ladies were allowed

to write down their questions and send it forward. This

they did and she kept answering them. She didn't know

where the answers were coming from but she knew that

every time she picked a question and read it aloud, the

answer flowed. After that, she called out her phone

number and told them to be free to call her if they

needed to talk about anything.

By 3:00PM, the program ended. She bowed her

head to pray and immediately she finished, she turned

and saw a few ladies hovering around her.

"Ma, please can we see you?" They asked.

"Together or individually?" She asked.

"One by one ma" They mumbled.

"Interesting....okay, but we'll have to make it

brief."

"Thank you ma," they chorused.

John, who sat to her right stood up to give the girls

privacy and a seat to sit down, "please try to be brief he

told them," as he stepped aside.

Gbemi counselled them and prayed with them

one after the other. She felt so much joy and fulfilment

as she did.

After she had met with the last person, John

returned.

"Gbemi, God is awesome. I have never in my life

or in the history of Ray of Hope Foundation witnessed

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_Gbemi_

what happened today. God is certainly taking you

places."

"I'm still in awe myself. I could never in my

wildest dreams have imagined anything this great.

Thanks for encouraging me."

"Trust me, it's been God all the way. I hope you

are not too tired though." He knew it had been a long

and exhausting day. "You definitely need to rest."

"Yeah, I certainly do. Thanks once again. I better

get going. We'll see tomorrow right?" She asked.

"About that," he paused. "Can we hang out

tomorrow say after church?"

"Ummmm, let me see, don't you have all those

your meetings after church?" She didn't want to be left

alone like Alice in wonderland while he attends those

his long meetings.

"Nope, no meeting tomorrow," he assured her.

"Why? How come?" That was going to be the

first time.

"Babe will you pleaseanswer my own question

first," he was getting tensed up. Gbemi could tell.

"Alright, no problem then. Don't keep me waiting

o," she pulled her ear "I will not hear story tomorrow."

"Yes ma'am," he smiled.

Sheleft and they agreed to meet the next day.

Gbemi wasn't as overly excited to be at church as

she was the very first time she realized John 'existed'.

She was cool, calm and collected. She looked good as

usual, nothing loud or extravagant. She had a lovely

_Gbemi_

_137_

time in church and after church waited in her seat for

John to come.

"If this guy doesn't come to meet me, he should

not think I'll go and greet him." She wasn't in the mood

to queue with the other church members to talk to him.

She had a feeling that she was not on the same level with

them. " _Where is this feeling coming from_?" She wondered.

John managed to escape seeing people after

church. He went straight to meet Gbemi where she was

seated. He sat beside her brought out his phone and

pretending to be on the phone said, "I hear, you have an

outing with one fine dude this afternoon, is that why

you look so beautiful today?"

Gbemi couldn't help but laugh. She brought out

her phone too, pressed it to her ear and replied, "first of

all, who says he's a fine dude? And secondly, duh I

always look beautiful."

"What?" John put his phone down and faced her

"everyone knows I'm fine. You are just too proud to

admit it," he smiled.

"That's because I'm the finer one."

They both laughed.

"So are you set?" John asked.

"Yep."

"Cool, so we'll go in my car, then I'll bring you

back to church and from there you'll go home. How

about that?"

"Sounds like a plan. But like joke like joke, you

don't have any meeting," she was still surprised.

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_Gbemi_

"A man's got to do what a man's got to do."

John drove them to a nice restaurant not too far

from church, he placed the order but didn't want

Gbemi to know what he whispered to the waitress.

"Add that one too," he said as they finalized their secret

plan.

"It's only God that knows what you are planning

now."

"Nothing you don't like, trust me."

"Okay o, if you say so. You are lucky I'm not

choosy when it comes to food," she smiled.

The waitress brought their drinks and shortly

after brought two plates of rice then a bowl which was

covered.

"What's inside the bowl?" Gbemi asked.

"Open it and find out for yourself."

Gbemi opened it and found out it was her special

dish, _gizdodo_. Her face lit up "Awwww you remembered

how much I like it. I never knew they make it."

"They don't."

"Then how come it's here?" She said a bit

confused.

"I made it and had an agreement that they'll heat it

up for me and serve it alongside their own dish cos I

know how much you really like it," he explained.

"Wow John, you are just amazing, so full of

surprises.How did you learn how to prepare it?"

"YouTube." He smiled.

"Hmmmm smart one." She was impressed.

_Gbemi_

_139_

She was however in for the greatest of surprises.

"Gbemi" his voice became a bit shaky.

"Yeah" she said without looking up, she was

engrossed in the meal, she didn't notice John had not

started eating.

"Umm I'll go straight to the point," he said

looking straight at her.

Gbemi immediately looked up and realized

something was going on. She listened with rapt

attention, her cutlery still in her hands.

"Gbemisola Grace Johnson, will you do me the

honour of being my wife?" He asked without mincing

words.

The cutlery clattered from her hand into the

ceramic plate, a wave of heat went through her body.

Did she just hear him well? For a moment, everything

around her went still.

He continued "I love you so dearly and I'm so

grateful you walked into my life. I want to spend the rest

of my life loving you if you'd give me the chance." That

was it. He dropped the bomb.

Gbemi was speechless, "I don't know what to say.

I didn't see this coming, at least not anymore." Then it

occurred to her, " _this must have been what dad was referring_

_to when he asked what response I gave John and he congratulated_

_me_?"

"Wait o, what exactly did you and daddy talk about

when you went to visit him?" Gbemi had just put the

pieces of the puzzle together.

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_Gbemi_

John smiled but didn't reply.

"Oh goodness, how come I didn't figure it out?

You guys did 419 for me," she joked.

"But it was for a good course na," he smiled. "So

what say ye?" John had not gotten a reply to his

proposal.

"Well, I'll need to visit the headquarters and

thrash things out. Please give me sometime." Gbemi

knew that she couldn't make such a crucial decision in a

haste and she definitely needed God's approval. Right

now, when her emotions were all over the place wasn't

the best time to give an answer.

John understood, "no problem, please take your

time. Just don't keep a brother waiting forever," he

smiled.

" _Ehen,_ so you can brother zone yourself now

_abi_ (right)?"

They both laughed and continued eating. He

dropped her at church as they agreed and they parted

ways.

Exactly a week later, after church, Gbemi walked

up to John and told him she wanted to see him.

He immediately left what he was doing and told

the people waiting to see him that he had to attend to

something important.

They went outside.

"So I have a message from the headquarters," she

started "but first, I perceive I want you to repeat your

request," she said naughtily.

_Gbemi_

_141_

John giggled "Is it the 'Gbemisola Grace

Johnson, will you do me the honour of being my wife?'

part or the 'I love you so dearly and I'm so grateful you

walked into my life' part that you want me to repeat?"

He asked smiling.

Gbemi couldn't help but smile, it still felt like a

dream. God gave her a man who loves and adores

despite her past. "I'd be honoured to be your wife, Mr

John Adeniran, to be the mother of your children, your

support and encourager."

"Oh Lord," he covered his mouth with his hand.

He was speechless "You are heaven sent. Thank you

thank you so much," he hugged her not minding who

was passing. It was high time those single sisters who

were on his matter stepped back.

"Come," he held her hand and took her towards

his car, opened the door and they both sat down. He

held her hands, "we are building this relationship on

Jesus and His Word so I thought it will be great if we say

a words of prayer."

Gbemi couldn't agree more.

They prayed; thanking God for what He had

started and committing their future in His hands.

THE END

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