The Potter’s Hands
Written by Sonia Okehie
Episode 7
Precious jewels are hard to find and acquire, that’s why not everyone has it. Have you ever seen diamonds littered around the streets and roads? I bet the answer to that would definitely be a ‘No’ because it takes hard work of mining to be able to find diamonds, gold and other precious stones. Terry knew for sure that he had found a precious jewel and that was Maya; so there was no way he would let her slip right through his fingers no matter the consequences. Despite the fact that Maya’s family members didn’t want to see the young man around their child, he wasn’t going to let that stop him. Those two people were destined to be in each other’s lives and there was nothing anyone was going to do to prevent that fate.
The atmosphere in Maya’s hospital room was intoxicated with diverse out pour of emotions. Terry held her extremely tight and didn’t want to let go. Tears couldn’t stop dripping from his eyes as he was lost in her embrace. It was such a beautiful moment to behold and there was no doubt that these two were made for each other.
Shortly afterwards, the burning sensation in the atmosphere cooled off a bit and they let go of each other’s grip. It was at that moment that Terry realised that he hadn’t greeted her family members that were present there. Already, he could sense that they weren’t happy with him and didn’t want his company around their daughter, but that wasn’t enough reason to stop him from being in Maya’s life. “Good afternoon everyone” he politely greeted but no one replied to his greetings. In order not to cause a scene, he told Maya that he would call her later in the evening and walked away.
Immediately Terry left, everyone looked at Maya but she turned her face towards another direction to avoid eye contacts with them. Maya’s mum wanted to talk about the little display of affection with a fraudster that just happened right in front of her, but her elder brother told their mum to let her be for now because she was still recovering. Everyone tried to avoid Terry’s topic and not bring it up because they knew for sure that Maya would defend him and argue about the issue; which wasn’t good for her recovery. Maya pretended to be asleep all day but was low-key thinking about Terry. That day was such a good day because it seemed as though the battles before them were gradually giving way for victory.
Few days later, Maya got discharged from the hospital and was taken home. She was now fit to resume work and her everyday life activities. Her mum lived with her for few more days before going back to the family house. With everyone gone, Maya was excited to meet Terry again, even though she didn’t know why she was that excited.
With everything back in place, both of them began to see each other again and continued going to church together. It got to a point where Terry was even the one reminding Maya of upcoming fellowship prigrammes. He became zealous regarding the things of God and gradually left the Baby Christian level.
The ‘New’ Terry blew Maya off and made her wonder where the sudden energy and hunger for the things of God was coming from. Despite the fact that she was extremely happy of the genuine repentance, she still wasn’t able to pin point the reason for such drastic change.
“What happened to the Terry I once knew before the kidnap? You have really changed and to be honest, I’m so impressed and loving every bit of it” Maya said one fateful day they were coming back from church. Terry smiled and blushed while at it. “Well, if you must know, I made a covenant with God when you were kidnapped, since he fulfilled his side of the bargain, I’m equally fulfilling mine” he calmly replied. With that being said, Maya was anxious to know the agreement Terry had with God. “What’s the covenant all about?” she happily asked, “Well, I promised to give God every bit of me if he brought you back safe” he replied.
Oh My! That revelation was quite touching and it pierced Maya’s heart. Never for once did she ever imagine that her disappearance affected Terry that much, talk more of going to such length of entering an agreement with God. To be honest, she was highly impressed and started seeing him a lot more differently than she used to.
Before then, Terry had never for once made his intentions known to Maya that he loved her. His greatest fear was losing her due to such revelation. On the other hand, Maya had no clue that Terry have been in love with her right from the very first day they met. Despite the fact that she was gradually liking him, she never made it known to him because she felt he didn’t feel same way. Also, the last thing she wanted to do was to distract him from his new walk with God.
Have you ever been inside a box where you feel a type of way for someone, but don’t know if the person feels same way? That form of confusion can go on for years if no one ever talks about their feelings to the other to know if they are on the same page with them. Also, one of the reasons most people hold back their feelings in instances like this is because they are afraid of losing the person if things goes wrong.
It’s been a long time coming and the concealed feelings were now finding it difficult to stay hidden. Despite the fact that Terry had so much on his plate as regarding the ongoing police investigation, his devotion to God, providing for his family and also juggling with school related activities; he still made time for Maya and was always there whenever she needed him. She was a great friend to him and usually escorted him to the police station whenever he was called for questioning.
They became extremely close and were always there for each other. Through Maya’s help, Terry was able to draft out a great business plan and they started walking towards implementing it. Since Terry had quit the fraud lifestyle, he needed something legit to get involved in that could help him still take care of himself and family. With time, he began to adjust perfectly fine in his new lifestyle and didn’t feel like he was missing out on anything again.
While Maya was gradually liking the new Terry, he was getting more advanced in the things of God and even started teaching her at some point. They had a very genuine relationship and knew each other in and out. Initially, Maya’s family weren’t in support of the duo, but started seeing the other side of Terry; which was quite likable. During Sunday services, her parents would watch him and were always impressed with what they saw. It’s only a miracle indeed that could change a man like Terry that was deeply rooted into sin. This goes far to verify the saying that “There’s nothing too hard for God”.
Days turned to weeks and weeks to months and Terry’s case was still ongoing. He was still in trouble with the police but they hadn’t put a strong case against him to be able to take him to court. Maya was aware of everything and stayed strong with him in prayers. His case was severe because if things went wrong, he could spend a long time in jail. Regardless of everything, they stayed strong and never stopped hoping for the best.
One fateful morning, Terry received a heartbreaking call that made his heart drop. It turns out that the investigation was finalised and he was now being charged to court for fraud. “How much more time do I have as a free man?” he sadly asked, “Well, your first court session is on Monday. If you are lucky, the case might be adjourned but if you aren’t, you will be judged immediately” his lawyer said.
That wasn’t a good way to start the day at all and Terry suddenly became tired. “How many years in prison am I looking at here?” he soberly asked, “Well, I can’t say for sure but we are looking at maybe 5 to 10 years” his lawyer revealed. Those figures were too much for him to imagine behind bars. At that moment, his heart raced and didn’t look like it was going to stop anytime soon. Terry was totally heartbroken and didn’t know what else to say at that moment. The lawyer passed some other vital information across to him and ended the call afterwards.
Immediately the call ended, Terry began to shed tears. He felt extremely bad that his past lifestyle was still interfering in the new life he was looking forward to. Life suddenly became tiring for the young man but he was ready to face the consequence of his past deeds.
However, Terry figured that before he goes behind bars, it would be relieving for him to tell Maya how he had always felt for her. He figured that the best time to do it was now that he still had his freedom and could look into her eyes. No one knows what can happen after his court hearing on Monday so there was literally no time to waste.
As Terry was lost in thoughts that morning, his phone rang again and this time it was Maya calling. “Hi sleepy head” she greeted laughing, “so I’m now sleepy head? How about you that literally sleeps in my car every single time we are coming back from church” he playfully replied and they both laughed. Terry was trying his possible best to hide his pain and not let Maya know was what going on. After they were done laughing, he requested to met her later that day, of which she agreed. His main motive for meeting her was so he could pour out his heart once and for all to her.
After they were done talking, Terry went into prayers and asked God to help him through everything he was facing in his life. He didn’t want to think too much about his problems so it doesn’t affect his present happiness. He studied his Bible and prayed all day till the time appointed to meet up with Maya came.
As Terry drove to the destination that evening, his heart kept beating fast with his mind clouded with so many thoughts. He figured that the best way to live his last days of freedom was to tell the only lady he had ever loved how he felt about her. He arrived at the place they were supposed to meet up and Maya was already there because she came straight from the office.
“Hi dear” Terry greeted as he alighted from his car. They hugged slightly and found a nice place to sit down. One look into Terry’s eyes and Maya could sense that something was wrong. “Are you OK? You look stressed” she gently said, Terry smiled and assured her that he was fine.
They got talking for a while till Terry figured it was time to let the cat out of the bag. “Maya, I need to tell you something because I figured I don’t have much time anymore” he calmly said. The fact that he made mention of not having time, made Maya nervous as she wondered where he was going to. “You are making me scared, what’s going on?” she curiously inquired but he wasn’t willing to tell her about the big problem before him.
After being mute for a while, Terry finally dropped the shocker. “Maya, it’s been a long time I have wanted to tell you this but just couldn’t. Today, it dawned on me that I could be gone anytime and wouldn’t have the opportunity to look you in the face and tell you this ever again. Whatever becomes the outcome of what I am about to tell you, I’ll take it in good faith and still be glad that I told you how I felt about you. Maya, you haven’t heard this from me but I might as well just say it now; I am madly, crazily and totally in love with you. I feel like my life truly started when you came into the picture. I know I have done so many bad things in the past, but one good thing I would always be grateful for is meeting you. I love you so much, and you don’t have to do anything about it because I’m not saying this just to force you into any form of relationship with me, but rather because I want it off my chest. I love you Maya, God knows I truly do” he calmly said.
Awww, such a beautiful moment indeed that left Maya totally speechless. She was lost in thoughts and short of words because the way she felt at that moment was unexplainable.
On seeing that everywhere was silent, Terry nervously said “Say something”. Maya smiled faintly and said; “You are not alone in this, I really like you too, but is that all you want to talk to me about? I feel there’s more” she said. He took a deep breath and looked into her eyes; “I’m being charged to court on Monday and could go to jail for 5 to 10 years if found guilty. I’m scared Maya, I’m really scared” he sadly revealed.
Extremely shocked and dumbfounded, Maya held her chest and said; “No, this can’t be how it ends. You aren’t leaving me!”.
Written by Sonia Okehie
Follow on Facebook & Instagram
@Sonia Okehie
Click 8 below to continue reading
