Forcible Right Words

I first met her at a vigil - a teenager's vigil. It was not the typical vigil where we prayed for Holy Ghost to fall on us for the power to fulfill destiny or for the Host of Heaven to deliver us from every battle of witchcraft or something. It was more like a 'teens nite out' where we discussed issues that were prevalent among the adolescents - self esteem, relationships and sexual purity. The church was packed full with teenagers and youths. Many of them had invited someone. I knew my teens by heart and I could tell the ones that were first timers. The program was lively and they were very participative in the various sessions we had. I shook my head at some point, wondering if the teenagers would last this long awake if it was a typical prayer vigil. At 3 am, because of 'love talk,' their eyes were still bright like torches with charged batteries... Teenagers. I couldn't judge them, I was no exemption myself, my spiritual life fluctuated badly when I...

His eyes, I didn't like the way his widened eyes was staring at me, pouring out surprise? suspicion? disappointment? I let Nneka go. To protect my reputation I would have loved to explain myself but that would be hanging myself in the long run. The fact that he didn't say anything made my mental torment worse. "Well here goes my reputation," I thought as I walked past the head usher, Mr Toba. Nneka stood there still, stroking her wrist because of the pressure I had placed on it. I heard Mr Toba say something I couldn't pick out to her, it must have annoyed her enough for her to hiss at him and walk out on him, walking past me as well towards the church's compound exit. Outside the church premises, I took my phone and dialed Laide's number one more time, never to go through. I stopped at a loss of what to do. My brain was jammed. I could not think for myself. I wanted to lift my eyes to heaven to ask for direction when guilt pulled my gaze ...

If you missed part 1, click  here Service was over, People were leaving the church in droves, people were patronizing the mobile yoghurt sellers, snacks and zobo sellers. Others had meetings as church executives. Been an executive myself I ought to be attending one but that was far from my mind right now. I was still seating, dialing Laide's number only to hear the midi 'not available' tone for the hundredth time. I scanned the church and sighted Nneka  moving towards the old children's church. I had been eyeing her like a secret agent through service, looking for every opportunity to confront her alone. I stood up to trail her with stealth. I perceived the old building was empty so I hastened my steps to unleash my anger on unruly human being. She was unaware of anyone following her until I yanked her arm, but with quick reflex, she pulled her arm from my grip. My left hand shot out almost immediately securing Nneka between shoulder and elbow joint, shook her and sh...