THE CHAT ROOM SEASON 2 : PART 1 – THE END

THE CHAT ROOM SEASON 2 : PART 1 – THE END

PART SIX

By Temi Akintade

Frank never stopped coming back. Not that I wanted him to stop coming to see me because I loved his company.

Besides, he was good to Hadassah as well. He would visit me at my eatery, bring me home-cooked meals, which sometimes made me doubt if he was the one who had made it but then, I remembered that Frank use to be a very good cook.

On the week I started the Teen’s mum prayer meeting, he was in attendance, waiting for me, and was readily supportive.

He even suggested that we give the women some souvenirs like food and drinks. It was a welcome idea, so I did. I packaged some food for each of the 7 women that came.

They grinned wide, thanking me profusely for my generosity. But the following week, none of the women came back. It was just me, Hadassah, and Frank in my sitting room.

“Was my last message wack? Was there something I did wrong?” I directed my question to Frank who rushed to sit beside me, rubbing my arms and petting me.

“It’s usually like this. It happens! The beginning is usually rough just follow through your growth process.” He said.

“Mum, like you, always tell me, maybe you should speak to God about it.” Hadassah chipped in.

I nodded. He wanted to put Hadassah through some of her school work so I leaped into the kitchen to cook some food.

I grabbed the fridge and opened it to reveal stacks of soft drinks and fresh justice that I made two days ago. I made a mental note to serve mango juice for dinner.

I brought out some hotdogs and eggs. And turned to the counter where there was a carton of noodles.

I unwrapped the first noodles and placed them into an empty pot. I was doing the same for others until memories of the Teen mom’s programs sliced through my mind.

It was a moment of brief sadness. I was expecting a turnout of at least 20 teen moms due to what we did the last time but nothing like that happened.

“But God you told me to start this program do not put me to shame. You told me to run this program Lord, what am I doing wrong father?” I released a deep sigh.

‘You have relegated my position to the background of your life.’

A gasp escaped from my lips. “How Holy Spirit? I have always put you first, and seemed for your opinion first.”

‘You have put Frank first, and seemed his opinion first. Did I ask you to share food?’

My jaw dropped. “But it was to feed your children. How have I done wrong?”

‘There are patterns and dynamics to every person, ministry, businesses. So your ministry pattern is different from another person’s own.

I am sending you to raise fire branded and worded Teen mums. Not hungry mums. It’s not yet time to feed them. When it’s time I will let you know.’

I fell on my knees and raised my hands high above my head in worship and adoration. God has been merciful to me. Trickles of tears rolled down my face.

I made a promise to God from that day to never take advice from any man except him and except if he sends someone to me.

My eyes were still shut, and praises already rolling from my lips when I suddenly heard a crashing noise.

My eyes fluttered open!

I flew to my feet and rushed to the sitting room. Hadassah and Frank had heard as well.

“What do you think is happening?” Frank queried?

“I think it’s my neighbour.” I really should have minded my business but out of strange concern, I walked into her compound with Frank on my tail.

My neighbour was weeping at the Varanda when we arrived. I had never seen her so vulnerable before that, she rushed to embrace me the moment she saw me.

“I have wronged you please forgive me.” She said in a muffled voice.

I quietened her and ticket her until she stopped crying. “What happened? I heard a crashing noise.”

“It was my son. He impregnated a girl, took her for an abortion, and the girl d!ed. Police officers came to arrest me and I was struggling with them that was why you heard the crashing noise.” She said.

“I’m so sorry about that.”

Frank mumbled something that sounded like an apology too.

She nodded. “I am so sorry for the other day. I should have scolded him then. But look what he has done now!” Her voice shook.

I gave her some advice and was about to leave when it suddenly occurred to me to invite her to the prayer meeting for mothers with teenagers.

I told Frank about it but he dismissed the idea claiming that the woman was currently in a sad state. The nudging became strong, so I turned to speak to my neighbour about the program.

She hurriedly wiped her tears and embraced me again. “Thank you very much, my sister. I will be there by Saturday. I will surely be the first you will see.”

My lips tugged into a sad smile and I embraced her again. Frank was surprised at the turnout.

THE CHAT ROOM SEASON 2 : PART 1 – THE END

By the time we got to my house, it was already getting dark. Frank bade us farewell, intending to take us to dinner on Friday night in a 5-star restaurant somewhere in Asokoro.

I stayed on my bed, daydreaming about what he intended to do on Friday night. Perhaps he may want to propose!

I chuckled to myself. I needed to speak with mama Judith to brief her of the recent development. But I didn’t dial her number like I intended to, something else wafted strongly in my mind and stayed there.

Vivid images of how pastor Nat had helped me in the past flashed across my mind. This time, I could no longer shut my eyes in peace as I kept having deep thoughts about him.

“Father it’s been 14 years. He is certainly married now. What do you want me to do? Should I pray for him?”

I got no reply.

Still, I got on my knees to pray for him. Maybe he is in a deep mess or he is about to make some mistake. At least that was what I thought.

THE CHAT ROOM SEASON 2 : PART 1 – THE END

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