Caught In the Storm – Chapter Nine

10:00am

Helen’s eyes twitched softly as she slowly awakened. The bright golden sun rays shifted through her thick lashes causing her to squint. The beeping sounds of monitors she was tethered to slowly became more audible as she came to be. She let out a soft groan, shifting her gaze away from the rude sun rays. Turning her head to the side, she saw Sonia on a chair beside her, eyes shut and muttering softly under her breath. Her hands were clasped together, positioned just inches away from her face as though in prayer. Helen furrowed her brows in surprise, her ears straining to make sense of the low whispers. Hearing the honest prayers pouring out of her niece’s lips, a faint smile crept unto her face, clearly.

“Hey, baby…” she breathed out, softly calling her niece’s attention.

Sonia peeked up to see her aunt giving her a faint smile. She gasped, relief flooding her entire body. Her eyes watered as she inched closer to the bed, softly grasping her aunt’s hand.

“Oh, thank God…” she said, her voice still choked with emotion. “I thought I had lost you…”

“Me? No…who else was going to talk sense into your thick head?” She joked, her low voice revealing fatigue.

Sonia laughed heartily, sniffing as she softly squeezed Helen’s hand. “I’m so glad you’re awake.”

“Well…that makes two of us, baby. Thank God…” Helen replied, shooting her a loving gaze.

“Yeah, thank God…” Sonia said faintly, a slight twinge of guilt suddenly forming in her gut. “You really scared me, Aunt Helen.”

“I did, didn’t I? Well, I’ll tell you one thing…it was definitely worth it to finally see you pray…” Helen said with a faint chuckle.

Sonia breathed out a laugh, half-wondering how Helen could still be making jokes like this. Her aunt never ceased to amaze her.

“Please, don’t scare me like that again.” Sonia whispered, squeezing Helen’s hand lovingly.

“I’ll try not to, honey. I’m so happy to see you,” Helen replied. Sonia’s smile widened under the loving gaze of her Aunt.

“Umm…the doctors…they said they had to install an ICD inside you…a machine of some sorts, something to monitor your heart…”

“Well, would you look at that… I finally became a cyborg.” Helen joked, laughing softly.

Sonia returned the laugh, rolling her eyes fondly. She was glad her Aunt was still in high spirits. Her heart was filled with nothing but gratitude towards God. He saved Helen. He showed up when she called out to Him, even though she had made it clear just hours before the incident that she hated Him. Maybe, she had been wrong about Him all these years.

Her phone began to buzz, vibrating loudly inside her purse. Reluctantly pulling it out, she saw David’s name on the screen. A small smile involuntarily tugged at the side of her lips. Rising up, she gave Helen a sign that she had to take it and moved to a corner of the room.

“Hey…” she answered, her voice lowered to a whisper.

“Hey…what’s up? Is she awake yet?” David asked, his voice soothing to her ears.

“Uh, yeah…she’s awake. She woke up just a few minutes ago.” She replied, giving her Aunt a quick glance.

“Oh, thank God. That is just the news I wanted to hear. I’ve been praying all morning.” David said, his tone revealing his relief.

“Yeah, God is…good.” She admitted, smiling to herself.

“He really is. So…do you guys need anything? Had breakfast yet? I could whip up something if you’d like?” David offered.

“Oh um…thanks, but I’ll get something when I get back home. But thank you…for the kind offer.” She said with a small laugh.

“Oh, okay then. Your loss though. You know, legend has it that I make the best jollof rice…” He joked.

“Oh, really? I never pegged you for a chef.” She said with a small giggle, running a finger through her hair.

“Well, you’d be surprised. Anyways, I’ll let you get back to your Aunt. Please, do extend my greetings to her.“

“Sure…of course. Alright, I’ll…see you later, bye.” She replied, ending the call.

She sighed delightfully, and turned around to see her Aunt wearing the biggest smug smile she had ever seen.

“What?” Sonia asked innocently.

“Oh, nothing really. Just, you know, wondering who that was. Care to share?” Helen asked, wearing a naughty smirk.

“Oh, please. It’s just David, the guy from work I told you about.” She said with a smile while returning to her seat, hoping they would drop the subject.

“Well, I see you certainly took my advice.” Helen said, beaming with smiles.

“What exactly are you so happy about?” Sonia asked with a laugh, tilting her head to the side.

“Honey, I had a heart attack, I didn’t go blind. I saw that look in your eyes. You definitely like him.”

“All the way from there? C’mon, you can’t be so sure about that.” Sonia said, raising a playful eyebrow.

“Sonia, I’ve been your mother for over a decade. Trust me, I know…”

Sonia lowered her head, her eyes fixed on the ground as she ran a finger through her hair, hiding her dimpled smile. Her mind quickly wandered off to the previous night, when she and David stood infront of her home. She remembered hearing that she was worth it, and how he couldn’t let her go through everything alone despite all she had done to him. She remembered the warm sensations that ran through her when she heard those sweet words. She recalled laying in bed as she reminisced the fluttery feelings she had when she buried herself into his broad chest, soaking in the warmth of his muscular body. She didn’t even know when she had started blushing.

“Oh, my God…you’ve really fallen hard, haven’t you?” Helen gasped, almost struggling to believe what she was seeing.

Sonia snapped out of her daydream abruptly, heat suddenly rushing to her cheeks. She stuttered in a bid to reply, feeling slightly embarrassed. This felt really weird, and it was definitely not something she was used to.

“Oh please, it happens to the best of us.” Helen said grinning, seemingly energized by her excitement. “But I have to ask, how on earth did this happen? You know, falling for him?“

Sonia looked down smugly, fumbling with the car keys in her hands.

“Would you believe me if I told you that he stayed here with me all night while you were in surgery? This man, literally held me all night while praying for the both of us until the doctor showed up. I mean, right after I said the nastiest things to him?” Sonia said, looking slightly perplexed. “I don’t get him, honestly. He doesn’t react harshly, and he forgives like it’s the easiest thing to do…and just keeps coming back. I mean, who does that? Honestly, It’s like he’s not even human. It’s starting to scare me…”

Helen just smiled warmly, Sonia’s narrative story making her more and more joyous.

“I mean, there’s nothing I haven’t done to him…and he still…shows up.” Sonia said with a soft sigh. “Honestly, I’ve been trying to shake him off my mind since yesterday, but I can’t. He’s making me feel… things. Things that I haven’t felt in a very long time. Things I thought I would never feel again.”

“Well, I love him already. It is settled then, you have my blessing.” Helen announced.

“Wait, what? No, wait… just hold on a sec…” Sonia said, raising her hands and giving her aunt a slightly surprised look.

“Why? What’s the hold up?” Helen asked, her curiosity showing on her expression.

“Well, for starters… assuming that what I’m feeling is real, how do we know he even feels the same way? We can’t just assume.” Sonia stuttered, shrugging her shoulders.

Helen shot her a blank look. “Really? That’s what you’re gonna bother yourself with?”

“Well, it’s a valid point. Isn’t it?”

“Honey, I don’t think anyone goes through all that trouble, and doesn’t end up feeling something. The way I see it, the ball is clearly in your court.” Helen said with a smug smile.

Sonia let out a deflating sigh, suddenly feeling stressed out. Feelings are so complicated.

“You’re enjoying this, aren’t you?”

“But, of course. You? Falling in love? Ha! Good God. That’s like seeing a donkey wearing a suit, with a bow tie and everything.”

Sonia snorted, covering her mouth as she looked at her Aunt, her expression feigning hurt.

Chuckling softly, Helen reached for her hand. “Here, give me your hand…”

Sonia obliged, gazing at the loving eyes of her Aunt.

“Men like this…are not so easy to come by. And I just feel it in my cyborg heart, that this is going to work for you. Just go for it.” Helen said, her gaze slightly intense.

Sonia let out a soft sigh, worry creeping unto her expression. “But what about the past? What if it’s too much for him? What if—”

“—Honey, if God really sent him, then trust me, it won’t matter to him what’s happened or what you’ve done.” Helen assured.

The certainty in Helen’s voice gave Sonia some reassurance. She smiled, squeezing her hand lovingly.

“God, it’s been so long…” Sonia said, breathing out a small laugh. “…I mean, what do I do now? I spent so much time pushing him away, I never even got to know him. And our projects are almost over, we have two more weeks for us to work together.”

“That soon?” Helen asked in surprise.

“Yeah. Apparently, the strong desire to get rid of him boosted our work rate.” Sonia chuckled.

“I see. Well, I think you should just be yourself, honey. Start with a kind gesture, get a gift or something. Just make an effort and if he likes you, which I believe he does, he’ll meet you halfway.” Helen replied, giving her a reassuring smile.

“Ugh… this is so crazy. This isn’t the kind of discussion you have with someone who just survived a heart attack.”

“Oh, please. Heart attacks are more common than you falling in love, and you know it.” Helen said laughing softly.

Sonia slipped her hands out of her grasp playfully, pouting childishly.

“Well, that was certainly uncalled for.” she said, her tone feigning hurt.

“Aww baby, you know I love you.” Helen said, beaming with smiles.

Sonia smiled sheepishly, leaning in to give her a kiss on the cheek. “I love you too.”

**************************************************

Later that evening…

The doorbell rang, drawing David out from his workspace. Rising up from the chair, he stretched his cramped muscles and made his way to the door, half-wondering who it was. Opening the door, his expression turned into one of surprise.

“Uh, hey…” Sonia greeted, smiling as she hugged herself from the cold outside. She held a small gift bag.

“Hey…Sonia. Um…please, come in.” David replied, wondering if there was an emergency of some sort.

Sonia moved in, giving the room a cursory glance. Hearing the door close behind her, she turned to face him, feeling slightly nervous.

“Your place looks really nice.” She complimented, still giving him a warm smile.

“Uh, thank you.” David replied skeptically, still wondering why she came over. “Please, have a seat.”

“Thanks, but that won’t be necessary. I was just passing by and I thought to give you this.” Sonia replied, handing the gift bag over to him.

“Oh, what’s this?” He asked, taking the bag from her.

“It’s just something to, you know, say ‘thank you’ for everything you’ve done for me and ‘I’m sorry’ for the way things have been between us.” She replied softly, slipping her hands into the central pocket of her hoodie.

“Oh, wow…Sonia, you really didn’t have to-” David began, smiling but feeling a little uncomfortable with the gesture.

“-No, I want to. Not everyone gets to meet a…beautiful soul like you. I mean, you’ve shown me the love and kindness I wouldn’t expect from someone I barely know, let alone someone I’ve treated horribly.” Sonia interjected, her slightly intense gaze revealing guilt. “Please, take it.”

Noticing how much it meant to her that he received it, he nodded slowly, giving her a tight-lipped smile. Turning his attention to the bag, he pulled out the small rectangular black box inside. He lifted his gaze, giving her a curious look.

“Go ahead, open it.” She said with a small laugh.

Intrigued by her excitement, he opened the box and his jaw dropped slightly. It was a Titan black Rolex Daytona watch, quite the expensive brand.

He pushed his back slowly against the wall, holding the watch with his fingers, then giving her a look of disbelief.

Sonia’s heart fluttered at his reaction. Lowering her head slightly, she covered her goofy smile before raising her head again with a hair flip.

“Sonia…this is…this is too much…” David stuttered, unsure of how to feel about this.

“Please, don’t say that,” Sonia replied softly, moving closer to him. “You deserve it, and a lot more.”

He stared at her deeply, discerning the sincerity in her eyes. A small smile crept unto his face as he nodded in appreciation.

“Well, thank you. This means a lot.” He replied, laughing softly.

Relieved that he took it, she returned the laugh. Now, unto the hardest part of the evening.

“Are you sure I can’t get you anything?” David asked, hinting towards the kitchen.

“Oh, um…maybe just a bottle of water?” She requested.

“Sure, coming right up. And thanks…again.” He said, placing the watch back in the box.

Watching him disappear into the kitchen, she turned to face the TV, feeling her heart nervously racing.

“Get a grip, Sonia. Pull yourself together.” She whispered to herself, her nervousness making her palms sweaty. Taking in deep breaths, she shut her eyes, wiping her hands on her black Jeans.

David returned with the bottle of water and a canned drink for himself. He paused for a bit, raising a curious eyebrow when he caught her mouthing words to herself.

“What’re you doing?” He asked with a small laugh, moving towards her.

She flinched slightly, spinning around abruptly to face him with a nervous smile.

“Oh! Um…nothing. Nothing important.” She replied, nervously taking the bottle from him.

David found her behaviour to be quite unnatural, but decided not to think anything of it.

“Is there anything else I can get you?” He asked.

“Um…not really,” she replied, twisting the bottle cap open. Taking a sip, she softly cleared her throat, finally ready get on with it.

“So, um…there’s this…cocktail dinner party that the chairman is hosting on Wednesday…for his seventieth birthday…” she began, her gaze avoiding his.

“Yeah, I heard about that. I got an invite, sounds like it would be fun.” He replied, corking his own drink open.

“Oh, wow…so…you’re going?” She asked, feeling hopeful.

“Yeah, sure. I will.” David replied, taking another sip of his soda.

“Great.” she chortled, slightly relieved. “So, um…I was kinda hoping…that you could…be my plus one?”

David paused for a bit, raising a curious eyebrow. That was certainly not what he was expecting to hear.

“I mean, if you don’t want to…” she began as she lowered her gaze to the bottle, interpreting the pause as rejection. Her heart began to sink slowly, her eyes avoiding his slight perusal.

“No, no…I mean, I’d be glad to.” He replied, suddenly realising the awkward pause he had given.

She raised her head, a smile tugging at the side of her lips. “Really?”

“I’d love to.” He replied, giving her a warm smile.

“Great. Awesome.” She whispered, as she took another sip, a gleeful smile creeping unto her face.

“You know, we’ve been standing for quite some time.” David said with a small laugh.

“Oh, right, right. Um, I guess…I’ll just be going.” She said with a nervous laugh, capping the bottle and moving towards the door.

“Oh, one more thing,” she said, halting just before grabbing the door handle.

“What is it?” He asked, raising the can to his mouth for another sip.

“I want to go with you to church tomorrow.” She announced.

David blinked rapidly, completely caught off-guard by her request. The drink nearly went down the wrong pipe.

“You…you want to go to church…with me?” He asked while clearing his throat, fighting the look of surprise and delight tugging at his facial muscles.

“Uh yeah, I’ve been thinking a lot…and I want to give God a chance. It’s the least I can do…for saving my aunt.” She replied.

“Sure. That’s not a problem at all.” He said, joy welling up on his insides.

“Okay cool. So, what time am I supposed to be ready?” She asked.

“Um, how’s 8:30?” He asked, his breath slightly exuding excitement.

“Whoa, that is early.” She replied while shifting her gaze away, softly biting her lower lip in thought. “I guess I’ll have to make it work.”

“Great, great. I’ll see you in the morning then?”

“Yeah, I’ll be waiting,” she said, opening the door and backing out of it, giving him a small goodbye salute.

“Bye,” he replied, a huge smile creeping unto his face. As soon as he shut the door, he burst into a victory dance, prancing all over the living room with his can in a goofy manner.

“Yes! We got her now, Lord.” he announced to no one in particular. Feeling the sudden urge to pray, he made his way towards his bedroom, ready to go on his knees.

**************************************************

Sunday morning

David’s hunched frame peered intently into the mirror for the umpteenth time, titling his head to the side as he ran his palm along the side of his neatly faded haircut. All dressed up in his sleek black double button peak lapel suit and a pair of neatly polished black oxford shoes, he straightened himself, dipping his hands into his pockets and giving his dressing one last assessment. Satisfied with the way he looked, he glanced at his watch; it was 8:20am. A wave of urgency washed over him. The last thing he wanted was to be the reason for their tardiness. He hurriedly grabbed his phone and bible bag, and made his way to the front door.

Locking the house in a hurry, he turned to see Sonia leaning against her car door, spinning the keys around her finger with smug smile plastered on her face. He paused, raising an amused eyebrow as he returned the smile, her dashing appearance forcing his eyes to give her an involuntary once-over.

She had on a shin-length mustard yellow body-fitted dress that had an anchored bow knotted loosely at the side of her waist. Her black let-down shoulder length curly hair stood amply, with a few wavy strands dancing over her forehead. Rocking a pair of black Louboutin heels, she matched it with the black Mini Birkin bag she held loosely.

“I must say, you do look rather dashing in a suit.” She said, giving him a once-over of her own.

“Oh, why thank you.” He said, smiling as he made his way towards her. “And you have a very keen sense of style. You look amazing.”

She rolled her eyes, giving him a whimsical smile while fighting the flush of red rushing towards her cheeks. “Thanks. Can we go now? We’re going to be late.”

“That’s funny. I imagined that I’d be the one using that line on you.” He snickered, opening the car door.

“Oh, really? What? Because I’m a woman?” she chuckled, getting into the car.

“Common stereotype, my bad.” He chortled, placing his bag at the back seat.

Flipping her hair, she placed her mini bag on the padded compartment between them and turned on the ignition.

“Wow, I guess I’m really doing this…” she whispered, her hand resting on the gear. A part of her wanted to run out of the car and back into her house. She suddenly felt overwhelmed,  rethinking her decision to go to church.

He gently placed a hand over hers, smiling warmly. “Hey… It’s going to be fine. I have a good feeling about this. Just relax…”

Gazing at him, she let out a soft sigh and nodded, his words putting her at ease. Pushing the gear, they drove out of the estate.

*************************************************

Sonia stood uneasily while the worship session went on, feeling very misplaced. The songs that were sung were totally strange to her, although the large projector screens displayed some of the lyrics. She felt lost, surrounded by a culture she didn’t really understand.

Nervously turning back, she checked to see if David still stood in sight, seriously wishing he was right next to her. Apparently, he was part of the ushering and protocol team, and was on active duty. Unable to spot him, she faced forward, hugging herself as she looked around, feeling totally out of place.

Finally, the choir began a song she knew, a hymn Aunt Helen too often sang back at her home in Ohio. She decided to shut her eyes, zoning everyone out and allowing the blissful sound of the string instruments lull her soul. Mouthing the words softly, she lolled her head to the tune, though short of the understanding in the lyrics. Then, slowly, like gentle tides washing over the ocean shores, peace began to sweep over her plagued heart. She felt the wholesome tunes luring her deeper into a semi-conscious state.

“What heights of love, what depths of peace,
When fears are stilled, when strivings cease,
My Comforter, my All in All,
Here in the love of Christ I stand.“

The lyrics suddenly weren’t vague anymore, they strangely felt like they were speaking to her. Finally easing up, her voice burst forth from silent whispers into high sonorous pitches, though still drowned by the multitude of voices ringing out in glorious bliss. Suddenly, the stubborn heaviness in her chest that had stayed for years began to lift gently. Placing a hand over her chest, she bent over as tears glistened her eyes. She couldn’t believe it; the weight was actually lifting.

The singers’ voices suddenly seized, the soft sound of instruments filling the void. The sound of the violin danced harmoniously with the piano, producing the most soul-soothing interlude she had ever heard. A choir of beautiful female voices filtered through the soft interlude, piping and singing in dialects Sonia felt sounded like ancient Aramaic. It made her wonder where they had learnt such a language from.

She looked round the medium-sized hall, her hand still on her chest, and stared in awe at the expression on everyone. Many eyes were closed, hundreds of hands were raised in worship. Some people lay flat on the ground, soaking in the heavenly atmosphere.

The sound of the instruments then began to soften as a man walked up to the slim glassy pulpit with his bible, dressed in a navy blue double breasted suit. He gave a short prayer and soon, everyone eased into their seats. Taking hers, she turned around, hoping to see David now that everyone was seated. He was there, shooting his usual warm smile, almost as though he was expecting her gaze. She smiled, waved a little and turned away, focusing on the pastor.

Minutes rolled by unnoticed, with the congregation enraptured by Pastor Nathaniel’s message titled ‘The Love of a misunderstood God’. But it wasn’t the same experience for Sonia. She was shifting uncomfortably on her seat, feeling very uneasy with the message.

The pastor took his time, picking and meticulously knocking out all her strong arguments like he was inside her head, and it was starting to freak her out. He had reiterated everything David had tried to tell her over the weeks, things her Aunt had tried to make her see before she had stormed off. She bent her head low, fighting the understanding he ministered, mentally running away from the heavy conviction his words came with.

God isn’t to blame? Then who is? He is God. He could’ve stopped those things with a snap of his finger. He let her parents die! He let her get victimized by that monster! But… but He saved her Aunt. Why would He let one die and another live?

The arguments in her head got heated up quickly, giving her a mild headache. She wanted to get up and leave, but she was too timid to rise in the middle of the sermon. She rubbed her temples softly, letting out gusty sighs. She silently hoped she wasn’t drawing any attention to herself.

As the sermon drew to an end, the instrumentals began to play softly; the same feminine voices singing that sweet tune she didn’t recognise, softly drawing her out of the heated battle in her mind. Then, just like the way the weather changed to a cloudy gloom, she felt the atmosphere begin to shift in the building. She looked around nervously, clearly confused by the phenomenon.

Was it the pastor’s words? The heavenly angelic voices of the women in the background? Or was it the blissful instrumentals? Something was definitely unnatural. She could feel it all around her.

“Now I know, some people here may not agree with some of the things I’ve said. Often times, the pain we feel from the tragedies we have faced can blind us from seeing the truth. Such pain can keep you caged in the past, constantly renewing the feeling of rage or grief all over again each time you remember it.”  The pastor began.

Sonia faced him, his words calling her attention. At this point, her heart began to race for reasons she couldn’t explain. Her skin was now completely covered in goosebumps.

“But you see, assumption is infact the lowest level of knowledge. The human mind often questions things it cannot explain. It craves an answer to the questions it has. And several times, it clings unto whatever seems like the truth, whether right or wrong, just so it remains sane. And then it defends that concept violently, because it doesn’t want to go back to that terrifying ordeal of uncertainty again. You see, some of you have admitted in your heart that you don’t know God, but somehow seem to know what He can and can’t do. You suddenly know what He did and didn’t do, yet you have no true knowledge of His person.” He continued.

The words pierced her heart deeply, causing the uneasy feeling in her chest to heighten. She suddenly felt like an invisible spotlight was hanging over her while he talked. She swallowed with difficulty, feeling the muscles in her throat constrict. The rush of emotions flooded her system, leaving her utterly confused as to why her feelings were on rampage.

“However, today, I offer you the kind gesture of the true God. The one who died on the cross for the same men that spat on him. The One who was whipped mercilessly with cruel instruments that ripped his skin off, but never once destroyed anyone. Like a lamb to the slaughter, He was kind even unto death. Today, it is the same God who never changes, that offers you salvation. The One in whom there is no evil, just love. He requires no works to receive His gift, only that you believe in His work. It is your time, and this meeting happened because of you. Come forward.” He announced, his eyes surveying the crowd.

The words made her chest tighten more and her eyes glisten. She had never thought of it that way. God had also suffered tragedy on earth, yet did nothing to those who did it to Him. If He were an evil and angry God, His human self would have shown it. Yet he prayed for those who killed Him, up until the every end. And all this while, she wondered why He didn’t send lightening to strike that vile creature.

But as soon as Steven’s image flashed in her head, the gruesome scenes came rushing into her mind in a frenzy; the abuse, the rape, the screaming, the running, the knife, the life leaving his eyes, the pool of blood. She felt condemnation leap upon her like a panther, its teeth going straight for her jugular. All of a sudden, she couldn’t breathe, the nasty secret she had carried all these years choked her on her seat.

Meanwhile, David stood at the back, looking in her direction while he prayed fervently under his breath.

“Lord, we’ve got her. Please don’t let her slip away.” David prayed.

Sonia’s lips began to quiver as fear formed a black hole in her gut, sucking away all her courage. God wouldn’t forgive her, He couldn’t. What she did was unspeakable, an abominable act. But it was an accident. She didn’t mean to.

Just then, the pastor’s voice rang out. “Do not let your past hold you on your seat! The Lord forgives everything, but you’ve got to receive that forgiveness. Don’t let condemnation hold you down, the Lord calls out to you! Please come forth! He awaits you!”

The sound of chairs screeching backwards echoed across the hall as several people moved towards the pulpit. David breathed out nervously, still praying under his breath, his eyes focused on Sonia.

“Lord Jesus, please. Don’t let her go back the same.” He interceeded, aching to see her rise from her seat.

Sonia felt immense pressure to stand up, yet felt glued to her seat. Her brain began to stutter with many incomplete thoughts, unable to grasp anything concrete at this point. The dark voices returned, hissing angrily at her and calling her every derogatory name they could muster. Countless scenes where she had done wrong in her life flashed before her eyes; the smoking, the drinking, the fights, her nasty behaviour towards people, Dayo’s words. Overwhelmed by the battle in her head, she broke into sobs.

“God, please help me…” she muttered inaudibly, her hands beginning to tremble.

As soon as the prayer left her lips, Aunt Helen’s voice swooped into her mind, echoing dominantly and silencing every other dark voice.

‘The peace that you need, is not something you can give yourself. It can only be found in one person alone. And that’s God.’

A strange calm settled inside her, strength suddenly seeping into her legs. The dark voices had seized, and her mind became strangely quiet. Shutting her teary eyes, she forced herself up, her legs a bit shaky as she made her way towards the pulpit with her head bent downwards.

David was beside himself, holding himself from doing another victory dance. His heart leaped for joy when he saw her stand infront of the pulpit, his eyes nearly watery.

Pastor Nathaniel led the simple salvation prayer while everyone that stood in front repeated the words. Then, he began to touch each and everyone of them, blessing them individually. As he got to Sonia, he paused, looking at her intently.

Sonia felt his frame over her but kept her eyes shut, unwilling to make eye contact. She began to wonder about his hesitation, until she felt him place his palm at the side of her head.

“Lady, Jesus sets you free.” He declared.

In a matter of seconds, her entire being was rocked to the core, the torrential vibrations pushing her to her knees. The entire arena blurred away in a frenzy, her breathing slowing down again. Tears poured out of her tightly shut eyes, dropping unto the tiled floor where she knelt as she took in deep breaths.

“Sonia…” the Spirit breathed softly.

The loving voice echoed into her being, the perceptions still rocking her entire body. The sound of the instruments had grown distant, the Spirit’s voice sounding clearer the second time.

“I am here, beloved. I am yours and you are mine.” the Spirit whispered softly. “Give it all to me…“

Sonia’s struggled with the voice, her sobs becoming more intense. Finally, she let it all go; the pain, the trauma, the bitterness, all of it, feeling them ooze out of her with each sob. She knelt there, hunched over with her hands on the ground, completely oblivious to any other thing going on.

“I will never leave you. I will never forsake you…“

The echoes were laced with so much passion, it made her weep even more. No matter how hard she tried to control the sobs, they just poured forth uncontrollably. A strange bubbling began in her inside, urging her to mutter words she didn’t understand. Slowly, she obliged, allowing the strange dialect pour forth from her lips. The more she spoke the words, the more the heaviness in her chest diffused out. All her senses were seized, hearing nothing but the incoherent words she spoke.

After a while, the rocking perceptions began to fade away. She opened her eyes weakly, the storm of emotions finally calmed. The hall appeared to be a bit scanty, with various people huddled up in groups having meetings. Then it dawned on her; the service had ended and she was no longer infront of the pulpit, but on a chair at the back of the hall. She blinked in disbelief, wondering how long she was out.

A hand clasped hers, intertwining their fingers. The familiar cologne scent seeped into her nostrils as the figure inched closer to her. Turning weakly, David’s eyes were fixed on her, his tender gaze fairly intense. He gave her a small one-sided smile, tightening his grip on her hand.

“So, how was church?” He asked with a naughty grin.

She breathed out a laugh, leaning into him and resting her head on his shoulder as she clutched his muscular arms. Closing her eyes, she breathed in, processing all that had just happened. She felt extremely light. A feeling she hadn’t had in two decades.

David inched closer to her, squeezing her hands softly. He caught Simon staring at them from afar, mouth agape and putting both hands on his head dramatically. David stifled his laughter, turning his attention back to the lady beside him.

“Church was… intense.” She said softly, her eyes still closed.

“Really? Please, do tell.” He joked.

Slapping his arm playfully, she pulled away, staring at him in a jovial manner.

He stared back, arrested by her playful gaze. And for the first time, he noticed just how beautiful her eyes were. Her eyes were guilty of being irresistible, yet he found no words that could deliver the poetic justice for their crimes.

“Why are you staring?” She asked softly, snapping him out of his trance.

“Nothing. It’s just…you’re beautiful…” He  whispered, still gazing into her eyes.

She felt the heat rush to her cheeks and the blossoming smile forming, revealing the cute dimple on her right cheek.

“I’m happy for you…for everything that’s happened today…” He said, pulling his gaze away. He had felt something when he looked into her eyes, a fuzzy feeling he hadn’t felt in a long time.

“Yeah, me too. Although, I have a lot of questions.” She replied.

“Understandable, why don’t we…go for lunch? Then you can hit me with all the questions you want.” He offered, raising a smouldering eyebrow.

She tilted her head slightly, a smirk crawling up her face. “Well, I’d like that. I’d like that a lot.”

TO BE CONTINUED…

Well, that was certainly a lot😂. We have three more chapters to go💃🏽💃🏽. So, what was your fav scene. Does aunt Helen remind you of someone? And the dressing? Woosh lol. David has lines sha😂. Please, let us know your thoughts in the comment section below👇🏾👇🏾👇🏾. Feel free to be dramatic 😂. Thanks for following so far. We love you! Stay tuned❤