Caugh In the Storm – Chapter Six

Weeks later…

David sat with Simon in a booth at a cafè, awaiting their breakfast orders. Working with Sonia had proven to be very testing for David. She had promised to put him through hell, and she had kept her word. Her malicious attitude forced David to question God’s plans over the past weeks. He had always believed that God’s work often came with a measure of ease, but working with Sonia had annulled that theory. She was painfully sarcastic, unbearably infuriating and never open to compromise or reason. He had never met a more arrogant and defensive person in his entire life.

He had thought of speaking to Tony about it but decided against it. The last thing he wanted was for Tony to complicate things by speaking to his father, the chairman. Simon, on the other hand, was someone he relied on when things got tough, and this was as tough as it got. Plopped up by his arm that rested on the table, his face rested on his palm in a manner that revealed fatigue while he narrated the whole ordeal to his friend.

“My God…Is it that bad?” Simon asked, his face laced with sympathy.

Adjusting his posture, David gently leaned against the soft backrest of the booth and let out a soft sigh.

“When I got this job, I honestly never expected to go through anything like this. I’m just stressed out, Simon.” He lamented, slowly rubbing his face.

“I’m sorry about that, man. But, have you been praying about it?” Simon asked, bringing himself to lean on the table.

“That’s all I do. Prayer is the only reason I haven’t overreacted or walked straight into the chairman’s office to file a report. But I’m telling you, I’m this close to losing it.” David replied, gesturing with his thumb and index fingers how close he was to breaking.

“And what has God said? Surely he wouldn’t leave you alone in this.. “

“Well, all He keeps saying is ‘patience’. Then He’d just let a scripture burn in my heart…”

“What scripture?” Simon asked, brows narrowing in curiosity.

“Romans 8 verses 21: Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.” David replied, slowly returning back to his former posture.

“Whoa, that’s a tough one…” Simon began. “But, if God trusts you with this…then it means you have the ability to handle it.”

David scoffed, his finger drawing circles on the table.

“I mean I get it. What people do to me should never cause me to stray away from who I am now. I must respond in love at all times irrespective of the situation at hand. But honestly, it’s easier said than done. Right now, I’m just thinking of how I have to go over to her place again this evening for another dose of her cocky attitude.” David said, finally looking at Simon.

His eyes and tone held an inner ache, a doddering pain that suggested to Simon that this was deeper than what he was talking about. He saw it, vaguely clinging unto David’s facial muscles.

“David, I don’t know…but I feel this is more than just what you’re telling…”

David furrowed his brows, straightening his frame. “What do you mean?”

“I mean there’s something that’s making this a lot more unbearable for you.” Simon replied, his clear eyes showing how convinced he was of his claim. David scoffed in disbelief.

“I don’t understand. She has literally told me to get out of her house because we simply disagreed on something regarding a project. She has called me every single derogatory name in the book. The woman has no filter, man! She has even made fun of my financial status. How else am I supposed to react to all of this?!” David retorted, his tone rising in exasperation.

Simon gave him a calm look, raising an eyebrow at his slight outburst. His tone had attracted a few turned heads.

Realising the harshness of his tone, he bent his head slightly, pinching the bridge of his nose remorsefully. “I’m sorry, It’s just…”

“It’s alright, man.” He said with a small smile. “This whole ordeal, it feels familiar doesn’t it?”

David returned his gaze to Simon but said nothing, a silent affirmation etched in his expression.

“Reminds you of your last relationship, doesn’t it?” Simon probed further.

David stiffened at the truth, tightening his jawline and staring intently at the table surface. Pelumi was the last person he wanted to talk about.

“It’s been over five years, man. You’ve got to let it go.” Simon said softly.

“Please, just… I’d prefer we don’t want to talk about that right now.”

“David, it’s been eating you up for 5 years. Seriously, you’ve got to let it go…”

“How?!” David snapped, his voice choked with emotion. “I endured every single thing that girl threw at me. All the lies, insults, the disrespect…everything. And after all the patience, I catch her cheating on me…after everything I endured!”

“David…” Simon called, motioning for him to calm down. More heads turned in their direction, silently wondering what was going on.

David pursed his lips slightly, using his clenched fist to cover his mouth in a bid to stifle the rising tide of emotions brewing within him.

“I caught her with someone else, Simon. She didn’t even feel sorry about it. When I confronted her, she just emasculated me infront of her new date, talking about how broke and needy I was at the time and how she’s had to support me throughout the time we were together… and how she’s finally found a real man…” he said, his lowered voice slightly trembling. Renewed sorrow gushed out of the open wound the memory left in his heart.

Simon watched his friend’s eyes glisten, feeling the depth of his hurt. He watched his lips quiver slightly as his breath softly shook, silently egging him on to let it all out.

“I know… that I may not have exactly been the perfect man, Simon. But I did everything I possibly could. I never asked for anything from her. She gave me what she wanted when she wanted to. I never coerced her into doing anything. I never retaliated, I never yelled back at her. I never left her side, but Pelumi left mine… ” David continued, his gaze shifting, staring as though he was reliving the scene.

“Of what use is patience…when after the long wait…you still don’t get what you deserve?” David asked, the pain in his eyes no longer hidden.

Simon’s eyes were filled with compassion. He had never seen his friend this hurt. He now understood his fears. Taking his gaze away, he took a deep breath whilst saying a silent prayer in his heart. He prayed for the words of wisdom to come through him.

David shut his eyes, using his palms to clean the tears that didn’t fall. The stormy cloud of emotion that hung over him had sucked away his words, leaving him feeling bare and empty. Taking a deep breath, he returned his gaze to Simon, anticipating the usual words of encouragement he often offered.

“Bad things happen to good people, David. It’s a sad phenomenon. And it has nothing to do with their goodness, but everything to do with man’s choices. The heart of man is naturally not good…the bible calls it evil.” Simon began.

David nodded slowly, leaning unto the table.

“Your goodness didn’t chase Pelumi away, she chose to leave. David, we are not good people because people are good to us. We are good people in spite of the wrong done to us. It’s our nature to be good now because of who we are in Christ, even when its not convenient. It’s who we are now, not who we pretend to be. “

David let out a soft sigh, turning around slightly to see if anyone caught his outburst. His mind wandered off towards Pastor Nathaniel’s words. He had told him that this would be hard for him, but that God would be by his side. The memory sparked a bit of hope in his heart, pushing away the thready thoughts of quitting.

“God renews our strength, David. And remember, the word says that if we continue to do good to our enemies, it’ll be like heaping coals of fire on their heads. They’re bound to respond to the kindness of your heart. It may take time, but they will.” Simon said.

The waitress finally appeared with their orders and set it on the table. Receiving a tip from Simon, she thanked them and scurried over to the next table. David stared blankly at the egg sandwiches and bacon rolls on his plate, his appetite clearly lost.

He shut his eyes, taking a slow deep breath. His heart muttered a small prayer as his lungs released the air in them.

“Trust me, Son…” the Spirit echoed to him.

Feeling his strength return, he nodded and grabbed a cutlery, facing the meal infront of him.

---

Meanwhile…

Sonia stood in the hallway leading to Aunt Helen’s sitting room, hesitating to approach the doorway. Twiddling her fingers, she silently rehearsed the apology she had prepared before the visit. Several weeks had passed since her previous visit when she had stormed out in anger. Since then, she had maliciously dodged all her aunt’s calls, never returning them. But over the past few days, guilt had twisted her insides like a gut-wrench. She constantly remembered how rude she had been to her Aunt, the one person who had gone through so much for her.

She paced around silently, mouthing the speech she had prepared. Her guilt sat like ice in her gut, craving the pacifying warmth of her aunt’s forgiveness. Feeling immensely tensed, she let out a silent frustrated sigh and leaned sadly against the wall.

“Ah! Aunty Sonia? Wetin you dey do for corridor na? Enter inside na. Shebi aunty dey wait you?” Abike called, standing by the staircase.

Sonia shut her eyes in consternation, facepalming as she held in an irritated grunt. She turned to face the maid, shooting her an incensed look. Abike shot back a confused look, clearly unable to read the situation.

“Sonia? Ada’m? Are you there?!” Helen’s voice rang from the sitting room.

Placing a hand on her hip, she slowly ran her fingers through her newly short braided hair before reluctantly stepping into the entrance.

Helen was nestled in a sofa, watching the TV. She watched Sonia slowly walk in, head down and countenance dull. Turning down the TV volume, she gently stood up and focused on her niece.

“You’re here…” Helen gasped, her face full of gratitude and compassion.

Sonia slowly raised her head, her eyes searching her aunt’s for any sign of anger. Seeing none, she moved further into the room, her slow gait exuding remorse. Turning to face the TV cabinet, she noticed that the picture was gone.

She faced her Aunt, giving her a sad curious look. “You…”

Seeing where she pointed at, Helen gave her a small smile. “Yes, I took his picture away. I didn’t want you to feel uncomfortable… when you eventually came visiting…”

The gesture increased the pangs of guilt in her gut. She looked away as her eyes glistened, her feet frozen by her emotions.

Understanding her hesitation, Helen decided to meet her halfway. She moved towards her niece and wrapped her arms around her, pulling Sonia into a loving embrace.

“I don’t deserve you…” Sonia whispered, clinging on to the embrace.

“It’s alright, baby.” Helen cooed.

“No, it’s not…” Sonia said, gently pulling out of the embrace. “I’ve been so unfair to you…”

“Sonia, it’s alright. I love you and that will always remain a fact. I hold nothing against you.” Helen said with a loving smile, holding Sonia’s face in her palms and kissing her cheek.

Sonia’s eyes blurred, pulling her Aunt in for another hug. She truly didn’t deserve this woman. The tears fell from her cheeks, feeling ashamed of her actions.

“I’m so sorry for not returning your calls, for storming off that way…” Sonia whispered, her tone choked with emotion.

“It’s alright, baby. I’m over that. Please, have a seat.” Helen offered, patting her softly. Pulling away, she wiped away Sonia’s tears with her thumbs.

They both nestled unto the same sofa, clasping each other’s hands.

“Never leave me like that again.” Helen said.

“I won’t, ever again. I promise.” Sonia replied, looking into her aunt’s eyes. She meant every word of it.

“That’s my girl. Now, tell me, what’s been going on?” Helen asked with a smile.

Sonia eased up, the guilt in her heart dissipating. She went on to narrate all that had happened the previous weeks. On getting to David’s part, her countenance began to shift.

Helen noticed, but refused to interrupt. She listened to every detail down to the present day.

“Sonia, I don’t see any reason why you should be so hard on him…” Helen finally said.

Sonia frowned slightly, looking into Helen’s eyes. “He clearly has an ulterior motive. How else could such a coincidence happen? I’m very sure he set it up just to get to me.”

Helen took in a deep breath, tightening her grip on Sonia’s palm. “I don’t think so. God works in ways we sometimes don’t see at the beginning…”

Sonia pulled her hand away, turning her gaze away sharply. She had a feeling her Aunt would say that. Standing up, she dipped her hands into her pant pockets and moved her gaze to the inaudible TV.

“I’m not taking any chances with him. Better safe than sorry.”

Helen raised an eyebrow. “It’s not like he asked you out, Sonia. He just said he wanted to help.”

Sonia rolled her eyes and turned. “God, you’re starting to sound like Monique. I never asked for his help.”

“But you’ve been asking God for help for a long time. You’ve had so many questions about a lot of things. God’s answers can come through the people we least expect…”

“I doubt he has any answers.” Sonia replied, settling back next to her aunt.

Helen let out a sigh, slightly exasperated. “You wouldn’t know unless you at least give him a chance.”

“Not happening. I’ll take my chances.” She replied stubbornly.

“Alright, but I have one more question.” Helen replied, giving her a displeased look.

“What’s that?”

“What if you’re wrong? What if you’re blowing your shot at getting the answers you desperately need? He was right about everything he told you. What’re the odds that this isn’t something God is doing? What if you’re treating a nice man horribly based on wrong assumptions?”

Sonia opened her mouth to answer but nothing came forth. Her brows furrowed, giving the questions some thought. He was right about everything he had said that day. What were the odds that the chairman would even agree to such an idea if he was at all the one who pitched it?

“Even if he isn’t what he seems, there’s no point treating him like he’s the devil. So far, from all you’ve told me, there are no signs of ingenuity. He has done absolutely nothing wrong to you. You’re just making the projects go slower with all that attitude. Be nice for a change.” Helen scolded.

Sonia’s countenance fell, slightly plagued by guilt. A debate ensued in her heart, wondering what to do next. She had been so sure he had an ulterior motive. The only way to find out was to at least pretend to give him a chance. Maybe, just maybe, his true motives would then come to light and she could finally gloat about being right. And maybe the guilt she was feeling at the time would have no basis.

“Alright. I’ll try to at least pretend to be nice.” She replied, looking at her Aunt.

Helen rolled her eyes and got up, clearly fed up with her niece’s stubbornness. She walked towards the hallways, shaking her head.

“What? Where are you going?”

“Be nice. That’s all I’ll say.” Helen replied, her voice echoing in the hallway.

Sonia frowned and went after her. “Was it something I said?!”

---

That evening…

David and Sonia buried themselves into their laptops, sitting at opposite sides of the large wooden dining table. Sonia had wanted as much distance between them as possible from the start. They had often worked in silence, talking only when necessary. Once they were done for the day, David was expected to leave as soon as possible.

Today was no different. Except this time, Helen’s words plagued Sonia’s mind, affecting her work. She couldn’t help but wonder if she was just punishing him for no reason. Come to think of it, he had never spoken back in anger or called her any of the derogatory names she had so generously lavished him with over the past few weeks. A small pang of guilt danced around her gut, moving in tune to the thoughts of being wrong about him.

Unable to work, she found herself stealing glances and peering over her laptop, wondering if he did the same. He seemed very engrossed in his work at the moment, clacking away at the laptop infront of him.

David had gotten used to the rigid protocol. They met thrice a week, three hours each day from 5pm at that very spot. No small talk, no frivolous conversations, no contact whatsoever, just strictly business. The only times he had any easy conversations was when Monique showed up, but she wasn’t around today. Right now, all he wanted was to get the projects over with. The faster they did that, the earlier they got back to living their separate lives. He desperately wanted to trust God, but he had resigned from making any deliberate efforts. If God didn’t make a way, he wouldn’t either. Life was not supposed to be hard.

Stuck on a programming roadblock, he let out a small frustrated sigh while he removed his glasses and rubbed his eyes. Looking up, he suddenly caught her staring.

She looked away quickly, pretending to ponder on something. Returning her gaze, he had gone back to work. Her aunt’s words kept echoing around her heart.

What if you are wrong? What if you’re just treating a nice man horribly for no reason?

Letting out a sigh, she cleared her throat.

“Any luck yet?” She asked.

“Nope. Still stuck.” David replied, keeping his gaze on his laptop.

Slightly disappointed by his flat tone, she closed her macbook. Staring at him intently, she noticed the unusual gloomy expression etched on his face. Was he having a bad day? Or was it just work?

She furrowed her brows, silently asking herself why she cared. But for some reason, she couldn’t concentrate on her work. Her aunt’s words were just echoing repeatedly in her heart. Finally giving in, she stood up and slowly walked over to his seat.

David stopped typing, feeling her frame over him. She bent over and stared into the codes plastered all over his screen.

“Looks like you’re really having a hard time.” She said softly.

David, still awestruck about how close she was, blinked himself back to earth.

“Um…yeah. Can’t seem to get around this roadblock.” He replied pointing to the screen.

“Well, I’m sure you’ll get around it, just like always.” She replied, keeping her gaze on the screen.

Confusion danced salsa in David’s head, struggling to register her attempt at a compliment. What was happening today? Abi was it the soap he used that day?

Sonia checked the time on her wrist watch; it was 7pm. She had planned to eat dinner early today. Grimacing at an idea of a kind gesture that popped into her head, she grudgingly walked back to her seat. She would only do this because her Aunt made her promise to.

“I’m hungry and I want to go out to grab a bite. Do you…want to come?” Sonia asked whilst picking up her laptop.

David’s brain stuttered, blinking rapidly at her request. “I’m sorry, what?”

“I said I want to go grab a bite, do you want to come or not?” She asked, silently hoping he would refuse so she could say she tried.

David felt God nudge him on from within.

“Alright…sure.” He replied softly.

Sonia fought the look of disappointment and turned away. “Alright. Meet me outside. I’ll drive.”

David leaned against the backrest of his chair perplexed, pondering on the sudden change in attitude. Unable to come up with any reasonable explanation, he packed up and walked towards the front door.

---

The classy restaurant was somewhat full. Its bright light fixtures casted a silver hue on everyone. David kept looking around at the busy tables, determined to evade Sonia’s gaze. The car ride had been quite awkward, with Sonia making very little conversation.

Sonia glanced lazily at the menu in her hands, deciding to go for some seafood. She peeked over the menu and noticed David’s unease. For a second, she could feel a sense of innocence around him. Her heart wondered if Aunt Helen was actually right.

The waiter soon came in to take their orders. Sonia ordered for curried scallops and a bottle of wine. Her gaze shifted to David who stared at the somewhat unfamiliar names on his menu.

“I think I’ll just have what she’s having.” He said coyly, referring to the waiter. The man nodded and disappeared to fetch their orders.

Sonia stifled a giggle, amused by how David’s face scrunched up while he glanced at the menu.

“Never had seafood before?” She asked.

“Only a few times. I’m not really familiar with the names, or been to the restaurants here on the island.” He confessed, finally looking at her through his glasses.

“Interesting. So where do you go on dates with… your girl?” She asked, clearly baiting him.

David gave her a wry smile. “I’m actually single.”

“No way…I don’t believe you.” She said, her expression showing disbelief.

David gave her a soft laugh. “It’s true. I’m riding solo for now.”

“I see. If you don’t mind me asking, what happened with your last relationship?” She asked as she leaned on the table, her look exuding interest.

David gave her a curious look. For someone who didn’t want to have anything to do with him, she sure knew how to ask personal questions.

“Let’s just say it was a bit of a disaster. But it was a long time ago and I’d rather not talk about it.” David replied.

“Oh, I can respect that.” She replied, easing back and picking up her phone.

David couldn’t help but ponder on her sudden change of attitude. It just didn’t make any sense. She hadn’t said a single mean thing to him throughout today. It was starting to unnerve him.

“Forgive me…for asking…” he began. She dropped her phone, giving him audience.

“It’s just…I can’t help but wonder why…you’re being so nice to me. No offence,” he said, half preparing himself for a backlash.

She gave him a weak one-sided smile, resolving to keep the real reason from him.

“Let’s just say I’m in a good mood today…” her voice trailed off.

Her eyes had spotted a familiar figure coming through the entrance. Recognising the figure, her jaw dropped slightly. Blood began to drain from her face as she grew stiff, her phone slipping unto the table. Flashes of her previous date flooded her mind in a frenzy, and with it renewed feelings of dread. Dayo’s eyes suddenly met hers.

“Oh God…” she muttered, quickly averting her gaze.

David noticed the sudden unease in her body language, wondering what she had seen.

“Is everything okay?” He asked.

“Please don’t come here, please don’t come here…” Sonia muttered, shutting her eyes in silent prayers.

David’s nose wrinkled in confusion, looking around to see what was happening. He saw a guy making his way to their table with an evil smirk.

“Well, hello Sonia. Long time, no see.” Dayo greeted smugly, drawing a chair to sit.

Sonia let out a frustrated sigh, turning her attention to him. “What do you want, Dayo?”

Dayo looked at David and gave a painfully sarcastic laugh. “So this is the new gullible guy that you will soon embarrass in public?”

David looked from Sonia to Dayo, hoping to get some sort of explanation.

Dayo obliged his questioning look. He placed a hand on David’s shoulder, feigning a sympathetic look. “Bro, word of advice…run while you still can. This is definitely not the kind of person you want to be with.”

“You need to get out of here, Dayo.” Sonia said calmly, clearly getting furious.

“Or what? You’ll chuck another plate at me?” Dayo asked, matching her incensed gaze.

“Okay, can we all just chill out? What’s going on?” David asked, sensing the rising tension.

Dayo turned to face him. “I don’t know how you got involved with this woman, but I want to save you the trouble of finding out yourself that she’s not worth it. She’s a terrible human being. Moody, aggressive and ill tempered are not a combination you want to live with…”

Anger churned in Sonia’s gut as the words poured forth from his lips. She clenched her fists, trying hard to contain the need to get violent. Dark voices slithered into her head, wooing her to go through with her sinister thoughts.

Dayo continued. “I’ve never seen a more uncultured, irritable, uncouth, damaged…”

“Alright, that’s enough from you.” David said firmly, cutting him off. “I think you need to leave…right now.“

Dayo and Sonia simultaneously shot David a bewildered look.

“I’m just trying to help you, man…”

“I don’t care what you think you’re doing. I find it absolutely rude that you’d come over here and run your mouth flippantly, degrading a lady in such a horrible manner.” David interjected, his face flickering with irritation.

Sonia’s anger simmered down, replaced by utter perplexity. She stared at David, struggling to understand his need to defend her.

“All I’ve said is true and she knows it.” Dayo scoffed, shooting her a sinister look.

Sonia slowly unclenched her fists, suddenly embraced by a wave of chagrin. All Dayo said was true, she was all those things he called her. Dropping her gaze to the table, she felt strength leaving her limbs.

“You have no right to say whether someone is worth it or not. Now, if you don’t mind, we’d like to get back to our evening. Please, I need you to leave…right now.” David ordered, his tone revealing his annoyance.

Dayo looked from him to Sonia and scoffed, getting up from his seat. Straightening his suit, he shot them one last mocking look and walked away.

David turned his gaze to Sonia whose eyes were now glistened. Her expression was caught between sadness and anger.

“Hey, are you okay?” David asked, stretching his hands to hold hers but catching himself halfway.

She slowly looked away, twisting her lips to the side.

“Hey, don’t let him get to you, alright? Just forget about him, okay? I’m gonna tell the waiter that we’ll take our orders to go. Is that okay?” He asked, his tone soft and laced with compassion.

She nodded slowly, picking up her bag to leave.

“I’ll be in the car.” She softly whispered.

The ride home was even more awkward than the first. David struggled between the urge to say something and the fear of pissing her off any further. The silent void was filled with songs from the radio.

Driving through the estate gate, she stopped infront of David’s place and turned off the ignition.

“Um…thanks, for the ride.” He said awkwardly, turning to open the door.

“Why did you defend me?” She asked softly, her eyes still on the steering wheel.

Hearing those words, David slowly eased back on the car seat, letting out a soft sigh.

“No one deserves to be condemned like that…” He answered.

She paused for a while before she spoke again.

“Do you… see me that way? The way he sees me?” Sonia asked, shifting her gaze to him. Her glistening eyes stared straight into his, waiting to catch any insincerity in his next words.

David levelled her gaze. “I choose to see you the way God sees you…”

“…and how’s that?” She said, her voice slightly broken.

“Worth it…” he whispered softly. The words nearly knocked the wind out of her lungs. She shifted her gaze away, noticing the sincerity in his eyes.

David slipped out of the car, bent low and waved her goodbye.

She watched him walk over to his house, plagued by the guilt of how she had treated him all those weeks.

TO BE CONTINUED…

Well, that was intense🙃. I wonder what’s gonna happen now?🤔😊😋. Did you enjoy this chapter? Did you expect it? What do you think is going to happen? What did you think of the restaurant scene? What did you think of that reply at the end?😎. Let us know in the comments👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾

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