TWO WEEKS - Episode 22

Vicky appeared in class later, feeling quite distressed. She was worried about what she prophesied to Wayne’s professor and more, about what was going on with Wayne.
But, she dared not tell anyone. Not even Emeka though, sitting next to her in the lecture hall, he realized that, something was wrong.
She recalled Mr. Hurts’ instruction of keeping the incident under wraps.
As her class waited bluntly for the next lecturer to walk in, Vicky noticed Kyle, making his way through the occupied benches to her side.
“Oh my God.” She found herself murmuring. She just hoped that, it was no terrible news.
Emeka glanced at her and remained silent, wondering what she was worried about.
“Excuse me?” Kyle sounded at the third desk from Vicky.
She waited patiently till he arrived.
“Hallo? Hi?” Kyle greeted Vicky and Emeka.
“Hallo.” Vicky said.
“Hey.” Emeka replied with a short wave of hand.
Kyle turned to Vicky. “Hey amh, tomorrow we’ll be meeting with the record company. You, Deborah and the rest of the band.”
She nodded though, the information had not yet sunk into her mind. “And Wayne?”
“Oh. He’s leaving to Ohio. Didn’t he tell you that? I haven’t seen him since this morning, though.”
“Me neither.” She sighed.
“But, don’t worry. We already have his beats in an iPad. It will be the task of our usual producer to put them in the song.”
She nodded.
“Okay. So, nine pm sharp,” Kyle added about to leave. “We’ll meet at the usual place. The Derby.”
“Alright. Thank you.”
“Sure.” He said and turned around, leaving.
“You’re going to record Salvation tomorrow?” Emeka asked Vicky after Kyle left.
Vicky turned to him. “Yes.”
“I can’t wait to have your CD.”
She smiled. “Thank you.”
“Okay. And you should think about sending it to Africa. You will be the only African in the group.”
Her face lightened. “Yeah. I never thought of that. Thank you Emeka.”
He just smiled and turned back to his work.

                                                                              #

A couple of miles away, Mr. Hurts reported to the hospital where Mike was hospitalized. He was asked by the doctors to wait outside in the lobby while they operated on Mike, to remove the bullet from his shoulder.
The police had already arrived, soon enough because, the hospital refused to treat Mike without a police file.
They interrogated Mr. Hurts with the security guards and the medical personnel who took Mike to the hospital and administered First Aid to him, to prevent further bleeding. 
Mr. Hurts provided little information in order to protect his students. He already thought that Astrophe shot Mike and despite this, he wanted to protect him.
Some of the policemen left in search for Wayne; being that, he was the one who gave the information that his friend was shot.
As time lapsed, Mr. Hurts grew more and more anxious. Suddenly, he saw Astrophe and Gregory rush into the hospital in blue and dark suits.

NB: For the professor, Wayne was either Mr. Harts or Astrophe. For the rest of us, we just call him Wayne.

“Mr. Hurts.” Wayne called, approaching the professor in front of a red coach.
A policeman, who was keeping watch for either Wayne or Gregory from the reception desk, drew closer to the three and greeted the boys. “Which of you is Astrophe Harts?”
“They are with me.” Mr. Hurts said quickly, to Wayne’s amazement, and  took their side.
The officer narrowed his eyes at the professor and nodded, leaving.
Mr. Hurts sighed with relief after the officer was out of earshot. He turned back to the boys, and drew them to a hidden corner, between huge flower pots of the hospital lobby.
“Mr. Hurts.” Wayne called again.
“Who shot Mike?” Was his response.
“Alexandra Georgia.” Wayne replied, referring to Posh.
Mr. Hurts glanced at him. “Who is she? Is she in our class?”
“She always sits in the back seats. She has purple hair.” Gregory described.
“She and Annie Earl are the only girls in our group.” Wayne added.
“Okay.” Mr. Hurts said. “How did the gun end up in Mike’s hand without any prints of the shooter?”
Wayne explained to the professor the theory of Mike’s fake suicide attempt which he guessed, Mike made in order to protect Posh. That and the video evidence.
“Where is it?” Mr. Hurts asked.
“Here.” Wayne replied, taking Mike’s phone from his pocket and giving it to the professor.
Mr. Hurts went through the gallery first and then checked out the latest video. He played it at a low voice and skipped some parts.
“Where is this girl now?” He asked afterward.
“In her apartment,” Wayne replied.
“Is she psychologically fine?” Mr. Hurts asked again.
“Yes. We left her with Miley.” Gregory answered.
Mr. Hurts turned to him and said. “Okay. I will have to talk to her but,” he turned to Wayne. “We cannot avoid submitting this to the police. Otherwise, you will be held responsible for covering for assault and for concealing critical evidence which could interfere with police investigation.”
Wayne looked down. “I had more concern for Posh, Alexandra.”
“I understand that but, you can’t do anything now.” He waved the phone in his hand. “This has to go to the police and you have to go to Ohio. I will take care of defending your friend. And don’t you worry, she will not go to jail.”
Wayne furrowed his eyebrows in queer. He thought that, he didn’t hear something right. “You’re letting me go home?”
Mr. Hurts nodded.
“But, you haven’t received my presentation.” He said, in amazement.
“You’re wrong because I did. And although I didn’t check it, I’ve seen your progress now with your presumption of the suicide fake of Mike Reeds in order to cover up for attempted murder during a romantic quarrel.”
Wayne was very amused. Though he was in sorrow, he found a reason to grin.
“In fact,” Mr. Hurts added, turning to Gregory. “You all did your assignment well. Mike, knowing the key evidences to incriminate his girlfriend, picked up her gun and wiped her prints. He locked himself inside his house so at least, though the wound on his shoulder would not have verified a suicide attempt, it would have left the jury in the dark of the true criminal.” He explained. “It’s like, you indirectly collaborated in this case. Astrophe, you came to collect the last evidence and notified your friend first. Together, you and Gregory agreed to keep the proof until you met your client, Alexandra. Though, that isn’t recommended ethically, you did something.”
Greg found himself smiling.
“Thank you sir. Do you know how Annie and professor Earl are?” Wayne said and asked. The mention of his group made him recall Annie.
“Oh.” Mr. Hurts sighed. “I didn’t talk to professor Earl directly but, I know that, she asked for a leave for more than three weeks after losing her husband.”
Wayne was silent. He thought that, he skipped a heartbeat. He was shocked.
“Oh Jesus. So, Annie’s father, died?” Gregory asked, after having digested Mr. Hurts’ statement.
Mr. Hurts nodded somberly. “I’m afraid, yes.”
Wayne drew a deep sigh. “I don’t understand. She was so cheerful when she left. She came to see me in the clinic when I injured my leg a couple of weeks ago.” He shook his head. “I just don’t believe it. She must be so sad.”
“I think that, she was not aware of what her father was suffering from. From what I know, Mr. Earl was terribly ill. Professor Bard told me that, the man was clinically dead about that time when professor Earl left with Annie to New Mexico.” Mr. Hurts went on.
“This is terrible.” Gregory said.
“I don’t know. I feel so sad right now. For Annie.” Wayne confessed.
“It has been a series of tragedies for the Law department. Once this issue of Mike is calm, we’ll let the class know about what happened to Annie.” Mr. Hurts said.
Gregory nodded.
Wayne was silent. He wondered what would meet him after returning home and facing his family. He just did not want to find his mother dead. Not now when he already wanted to spend more time with her and the rest of his family. Not now when his heart had already changed. Not now when he already met Jesus.
“Wayne?” Mr. Hurts called him.
He turned to the professor. “Yes sir?”
“You have to go home and check out the situation there.”
Wayne nodded and sighed.
“When would you like to leave?” The professor inquired. 
“Tomorrow. I’ll check first how the situation goes with Mike’s health and perhaps, give a defensive statement for Posh.”
“Yes. You will have to provide a statement but, leave out collecting the evidence.” Mr. Hurts instructed.
“Yes sir.” Wayne agreed.
“I also will give a statement. Perhaps, assessing Posh’s character. In aid to the case.” Greg offered.
“Yes. Thank you.” Mr. Hurts said and glanced behind them.
The boys turned around and steeled themselves to face a couple of police men.
They walked directly to them from the entrance.
The head of them, a black officer, fixed his gaze on the two boys. “Which of you is Astrophe Hurts?”
“I am.” Wayne replied, confidently.
The officer turned to him, about to add. “You have to escort us-“
“It’s okay, Officer.” Mr. Hurts interrupted. “These boys only confided to me the person who shot Mike Reeds.” Mr. Hurts said. “Her name is Alexandra Georgia. She is their friend, my student and my client.”
The officer took sometime debating  that. “What evidence do you have to support such an accusation?”
The professor waved Mike’s phone in his hand. “This belongs to the victim. It contains the video of thirty minute duration, verifying that, Alexandra Georgia did shoot Mike Reeds.”
“I will have that.” The other officer, with gloves in his hand, said, grasping the phone from Mr. Hurts.
He stored it in a transparent bag.
“We will check that out but, Mr. Astrophe will still have to accompany us to the station.” The head officer said to him and paused to add, “We have to take his statement.”
Wayne nodded.
“I’ll go with you.” Greg offered.
“And you are…?” the head policeman asked.
“Gregory Bale. Wayne is my classmate and friend.”
The officer nodded. “Alright. We also need your statement.”
“That’s right. I am willing to cooperate.” Gregory said.
“I will go with you,” Mr. Hurts offered the boys, when the policemen begun to leave ahead of them.
“It is not necessary Mr. Hurts. We can take care of everything on our own.” Wayne assured him. “When Mike wakes up, someone has to be there to talk to him.” he added, assuming that Mike was sedated to facilitate his recovery.
Mr. Hurts nodded and sighed. “Alright. May God take care of you.”
Wayne smiled to hear the word ‘God’ from the tyrant professor for the first time ever.

The boys left and Mr. Hurts retired to the waiting couch, reconnecting with God in prayers for the recovery of his student and the welfare of the rest of his class.

                                                                              #

stay tuned for more to come in the  #twoweeksstory

TWO WEEKS - ORTEGUN SHOOTING

Episode 21

“Posh? Posh?” Wayne and Gregory took turns calling their friend as they stood outside her apartment door.
“Get out!” She sounded crying from inside the house.
“Posh please? It’s us. Your friends. Please open the door and we can help you. Please?” Wayne asked.
“I don’t need your help!” Posh cried. “Get out! Go away!”
Wayne sighed.
Greg took the floor and said, “Posh please? No one knows yet, about what happened to Mike. We want to talk to you first.”
“I killed him. I killed him!” Posh cried.
Wayne banged the door. “Posh. You have not killed him.”
“I know that I killed Mike. Stop lying that I didn’t. Now, I deserve to die.”
“No, no. Posh!” Wayne shouted, bursting the door open.
He and Gregory panted, staring at Posh with their eyes popped out.
She was struggling with a bed sheet tied around her neck and her legs hanging in the air above a turned over stool. The sheet wrapping her neck was connected to a still fan on the ceiling board of her living room.
“Posh!” Wayne cried, running hastily to grab her body and leveling her in the air.
She coughed, crying and breathing heavily.
Gregory straightened the stool and climbed it, helping to loose the sheet around Posh’s neck.
“You don’t have to do this, Posh.” Wayne told Posh, maneuvering her to a long sofa behind them.
“No.” Posh disagreed between coughs. “I’m a murderer and I killed… I killed Mike.”
Gregory joined them. “He is not dead, Posh. And neither is he going to die.”
“Take in a deep breath, please?” Wayne asked her.
She shook her head, crying. “I don’t want to live. I don’t, I don’t deserve it.”
“Don’t say that Posh.” Greg requested her. “Everyone deserves a chance to live. You do too and we are here for you. More than that, God is here for you.”
Wayne nodded to that, taking Posh’s hands. “God loves you Posh. And he has given you a chance to live again.”
She increased crying. “But, I killed him, Wayne. God isn’t going to love me. Everyone will hate me. The police are going to come after me and I will go to jail.”
“You’re not going to jail.” Wayne told him with unimaginable certainty.
She shook her head. “You don’t understand. I left the gun in Mike’s place. When the Police take the prints, they are going to come after me.”
Wayne narrowed his eyes at her statement. He did not know if he was ready to address it until Gregory did.
“The gun? It was in Mike’s hand when I arrived.” Gregory said.
She turned to him. “I just dropped it on the floor. There, inside his room. I left so quickly and left the door open. The police would have easily found him.”
Now Wayne was alert. “The door was locked. And, Mike was lying at the threshold of his corridor when I arrived. He had the gun in his hand.”
“Wait. The door was locked from the inside or the outside?” Gregory asked Wayne.
“Inside.” He replied.
Posh sighed. “I don’t understand.” She confessed.
“I think I do.” Wayne said. His lawyer instincts were now working effectively. “After you left, it is possible that, Mike dragged himself with your gun to the exit and locked the door. He wanted to make it look like a suicide though, vainly because, the wound was on his shoulder. He was probably on the way to terminate the last evidence that would be the video when, he lost strength and fell between his living room and corridor.” He said, leaving the others puzzled.
“He wanted to protect you.” Gregory concluded.
Posh was speechless. She was not sure of what to think.
“You have the phone?” Gregory asked him.
“Yes.” Wayne agreed and slightly pay his coat pocket. “But, we cannot stay with this information for long. If things get more untidy and it get into the hands of the police, we will all be apprehended for concealing vital information that could help with the case. We have authority over this video and Mike’s phone so long as,” he turned to Posh. “We are your legal representatives.”
She did not agree. “Wayne. I don’t think that, I want to go on. I don’t deserve your help or Mike’s concern. I am a murderer.”
“You are not. Everybody on this earth makes mistakes. You deserve a second chance. Mike is going to live and I am sure that, he will also be on your side.” Wayne comforted her.
She sighed deeply and remained silent in heavy thoughts.
“Posh. There is nothing that, God can’t fix. Even this situation. Believe it.” He added.
She glanced at Wayne once. “You think that… I’m… but, I’m a bad person.”
“We all are. But, Jesus died on the cross for us to take away all our sins. If you accept him, Posh and entrust him even with this matter, he is going to fix everything in a way that you will be so amazed.” Wayne assured her.
“Jesus changed our lives, Posh. He is also able to change yours.” Gregory added, standing behind Wayne, at the sofa.
She broke into a cry. “My life is a mess. I’ve never been good at anything than messing up.”
“So have I been, Posh.” Wayne told her. “But, with God, there’s a chance of recovery and living the best life no matter who you were.”
She squeezed her eyes shut, listening to her heart. For the first time, she was willing to accept the Word of God. She opened her eyes, taking a deep breath and nodded strongly. “Alright.”
Wayne smiled a bit and said. “Please, repeat after me. Dear father?”
“Dear father.” She cried, with her eyes closed.
“Thank you because you love me.”
“Thank you because you love me.”
“Thank you for sending your only son Jesus who died on the cross for me.”
“Thank you for," she sniffed, "for sending your only son Jesus who died on the cross for me.”
“I pray that his blood wash away all of my sins.”
“I pray that his blood wash away all of my sins.”
“I accept Jesus Christ into my life.”
“I accept Jesus Christ into my life.”
“And I pray that, his peace fill my heart.”
“And I pray that, his peace fill my heart.” She repeated and exhaled. She felt relieved to unleash a burden from her heart.
“Thank you Jesus.”
“Thank you Jesus.” She said and reopened her eyes.
Wayne smiled at her. “Now. Remember that, it is God who will be taking care of your matter. Don’t think about it. Since we have the last evidence, if at all the police comes to anyone, it will be after me or Greg, who were the first to find Mike shot in his apartment.” And he returned to her, her shoe.
“What do I do?” She asked afterward, calmer now.
“Stay here.” Wayne told her and twisted his head to glance at Greg and then back at Posh. “We are going to check out how Mike is and talk to Mr. Hurts.”
“Remember, Posh. Everything is going to be fine. More because, Mike wants to keep you safe. If he recovers soon, it will be good for all of us.” Gregory added.
Posh took in a deep breath and nodded.
“Wayne. Will you give me a minute?” Gregory asked.
Wayne turned to him and rose. They drew to a corner of the room while Posh crossed her arms below her chest, thinking about her life.
She wondered if Jesus would make her organized and composed like how Wayne and Gregory turned out to be.

                                                                              #

At the corner, Greg told Wayne, “do you think that, we can just leave her on her own after she just made an attempt on her life?”
Wayne was silent for a while. He realized that, he could not trust that. “What are we going to do? I don’t think that, she would be comfortable wandering with us.”
“No but, maybe we should get somebody to stay with her.”
“Who?” Wayne wondered aloud.
“Vicky” Gregory replied. “She is a good girl and well, she has a good side. She can help to clear Posh off her worries and even tell her more about God. Vicky knows how to do it.”
Wayne nodded. “Yes. You are right.”
“Do you have her number?” Gregory asked.
Wayne shook his head. “No but, I can call the apartment.”
“Do that.” Gregory told him.

Meanwhile in Mr. Hurts’ office, Mr. Hurts rounded his desk and stood in front of his seat. “Yes. What is it about?” He asked Vicky who stood at the other side of the desk.
She extended the blue file down to the desk. “This is Wayne… Astrophe’s assignment.”
Mr. Hurts frowned. “Get out of my office!”
She sighed. “Sir. He has a terrible problem.”
“Miss…”
“Victoria.” She helped.
“Whatever you call yourself! I am not accepting anymore lies or excuses from Astrophe Harts. Get out of my office, now!”
“His friend was shot!” She burst and covered her mouth afterward, she did not know where that came from.
Mr. Hurts’ eyes widened.
Though Vicky tried to stop herself, she could not help it. “A class member of yours, named Mike. Astrophe needs your help and if you don’t intervene, class 100 will be tarnished because the whole incident involves your class.” She said and paused, feeling terrorized by the words she said.
Mr. Hurts stared shockingly at Vicky.
Immediately, the door opened and Mary appeared.
Vicky turned to her along with Mr. Hurts.
“Sorry professor but, there was a shooting in the East Circuit. One named Mike Reeds, he belongs to your class, was shot and they took him to the hospital outside campus.” Mary reported.
Vicky gulped. How could she have known that?
Mr. Hurts turned to Vicky. “Thank you young lady.” He said and faced Mary. “Please consult the Dean's office. Find out if they are informed and ask them to remain confident. We cannot afford a public unrest.”
Mary nodded and left quickly.
Mr. Hurts glanced at Vicky. “Did Astrophe tell you who shot Mike or, did he do it himself?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know.”
He rounded his desk, about to leave. “Okay. I’m going to take care of this.” He said and added. “Thank you. You can leave.”
She thanked him and left.

                                                                              #

“There is no one answering.” Wayne announced.
“So, what now?” Greg asked.
Wayne took some time, pondering over the situation. “I don’t know. We have to take the risk?” He asked.
“We have to go look for her.” Greg suggested.
“Let’s do this. Stay behind. I’ll fetch Vicky and see if I can get in touch with Mr. Hurts.”
He nodded but, he got a thought afterward. “Or, we can also call Miley.”
“Isn’t she in class or something?”
“I doubt that, there would be any class after what happened. First, we, who were supposed to present, are missing and then, our fellow member was shot.”
Wayne agreed with a nod. “Yeah. Call her in.”
Greg took out his cellphone and drew to a corner.
Wayne turned to Posh to share with her more comforting words.
After a few minutes over the phone with Miley, Greg returned back to the two and said, “she’ll be here shortly.”
Wayne nodded to him and rose. “So, we’ll leave you with Miley so you won’t have to be alone.”
She smiled a little. “Thank you.”
“Oh and,” Gregory begun and went behind the sofa to whisper in Posh’s ear. “Will you please convince her for me, to marry me?”
Posh giggled. For a moment, she had drawn apart from her sorrow.
Wayne wondered what Greg had told her.
Greg stretched his back and said to Wayne, “so, we can leave.”
“Alright.” Wayne agreed and rose from the sofa to leave the apartment.
He thanked God for winning one soul for Christ and requested for his presence in their impending journey.

                                                                              #

what happened next? stay tuned to find out.
#twoweekstory

TWO WEEKS - ORTEGUN SHOOTING

Wayne did as he was told; practicing faith, showing love and reading the Word of God. He also sent Sasha Bible verses and the sermon which he had recorded on Sunday.
Sasha followed up on the sermon and downloaded a Bible app which, she was faithful to visit frequently while in the hospital.
Greg was also praying to God for Miley to give her life to Jesus and to agree to marry him. He prayed in the spirit more than with his mind.
Every night, the Faith Band had more spectators and Kyle already agreed to take Wayne’s beats into the song.

On Friday of that same week which Wayne expected to present his group assignment, he thought of visiting his friends who he had isolated for a long while.
The morning of the day, after the jog and shower, Wayne visited Mike’s ghetto, clad in a fine blue suit. He wanted to look his best for the presentation.
He stood outside the apartment door, knocking.
There was no response.
“Mike?” Wayne called. “It’s your buddy. Wayne here.”
There was silence.
He knocked again but, to no avail. No one answered.
Wayne sighed. “He’s high again.” He reckoned and shouted, banging the door, “Mike? Mike open up! You’re going to die if you continue this way.”
There was silence.
Wayne hit the door with his side twice and it opened, bringing down a few screws from the inside locks.
He glanced at the detached bolts on the polished wooden floor and by chance, caught sight of a blood spill.
His eyes widened in shock and followed the spill to the exit of the room where Mike lay, shirtless with his chest against the floor and with a fire arm in his hand.
Wayne gasped, kneeling down to turn him over. “Mike? Mike? My God!” He cried, beholding a stained bullet hole on Mike’s shoulder.
“Oh my Jesus! Mike?” He called, hastily taking out his phone to contact someone. He hoped that, Mike was still alive. “Oh My God please pick up, pick up.” He prayed right before the call was received.
“Hello?” Gregory sounded and added quickly before Wayne had the chance to speak, “where are you man? Mr. Hurts will be here any minute.”
“Gregory. It’s Mike. I think he was shot or he shot himself. I don’t know!”
Gregory became alarmed. “What? Where are you?”
“At his apartment. He is bleeding heavily, I don’t know if he is still alive man.” Wayne said, rubbing his hair back in anguish.
“Okay. Stay there I’m coming. I’ll call the ambulance.”
“Come quick man. Please?”
“Okay, Okay. I’m there in a minute.” Gregory said and hang up.
Wayne drew a deep sigh, slithering against the wall to the floor. “Oh My God why is this happening? Please Jesus. Please, please keep him alive. I beg you, my God.” He cried.
Get up. He thought.
He couldn’t. He was too traumatized. “Not another tragedy Jesus. Please spare him Jesus. You can heal. I was told so.”
Get up. The thought came again.
He lazily got on his feet, leaning on the wall. His legs were too weak to keep himself aright.
Go to the room. The thought came and he dragged himself to the next door at the opposite end of the vast corridor which they were.
He opened the door and revealed Mike’s bedroom. The bed was untidy with white sheets on it. The floor, which Wayne thought he was supposed to look into, was normal except for a shoe which he was sure, did not belong to Mike.
He walked into the room and picked it up. It was a black leather, too small for Mike’s foot and the only one on that floor.
He glanced at the bed and noticed Mike’s phone on it.
He walked to it and picked it up.
He was looking at himself.
He furrowed his eyebrows and took some time to register in his mind that a video was being captured. He checked the length of time and found it to be thirty minutes.
He saved it and perused Mike’s gallery before he could check the latest video.
He found himself swallowing.
Mike’s gallery was full of nude pics and videos of all the girls he went out with.
He turned back to the latest video and opened it.
There was Mike. He appeared to have been holding the phone far from himself in a selfie.
“What are you doing?” A familiar voice came behind the screen. 
Wayne guessed that, she was just next to Mike.
“Taking a selfie. Why?” Mike asked, grinning to the camera.
“I don’t like that.” Posh appeared later when Mike exposed her to the camera.
Wayne sighed.
The shoe belonged to Posh.
He placed his thumb to the 15th minute of the video and there was the ceiling of the room itself and a quarrel in the background.
“I am going to shoot you Mike!” Posh sounded very upset.
Mike was laughing. “What are you talking about babe? C’mon? It was just a snap!”
“Don’t come any closer Mike. Mike I’m warning you!”
Pa!

The sound of the gunshot was enough to trigger tears from Wayne’s eyes. He dropped the phone on the bed and covered his eyes with his palms. He was so sorry for his friends.
Clearly Posh was here some 30 minutes back and she shot Mike.
Just then Wayne heard some heavy footsteps in the adjacent room.
“Mike? Wayne?” Gregory’s voice came.
There were other people as Wayne heard but, he was too desperate to respond.
Luckily, Greg noticed the loosely opened bedroom door and took it, widening his eyes to find Wayne on the bed with a shoe in his hand.
Greg run to him. “Wayne?” He called him.
Wayne took in a deep breath. “It was Posh, Greg. She shot him.”
Gregory dropped his mouth open in shock. He could not believe it. “What… how?”
Wayne waved to him the phone. The video was still playing.
“Oh My God, Mike, Mike?” Posh sounded in the background of the ceiling board view on the phone screen. “Oh… What have I done?”
Greg turned to Wayne afterward, with Mike's phone in hand. “I don’t understand. How is it possible?”
Wayne shook his head. “I don’t even know how they could have been going out. I haven’t seen them for a while.”
Gregory glanced at the video and at the door then back at Wayne. “What are we going to do with this? The police are going to be here any minute.”
Wayne sighed and rose from the bed where he was seated with Posh' shoe. He looked around the room vainly, searching for answers. He turned to Gregory. “We have to find Posh.”
Gregory nodded. “And this? If anything worse happens to Mike, Posh will be done for.”
Wayne took the phone from his hand. “We have to keep this first and find her. She must be in shock and who knows what she could do. If anything happens to Mike we’re gonna have to defend her.”
“Wayne. We are merely second year students. We have no license.”
“Maybe not but, Mr. Hurts has. If Mike goes, Greg, I’m not willing to lose another friend.”
Gregory took a moment and nodded. “They are moving him out” he added out of their discussion.
“You came with the medics?” Wayne asked pocketing Mike's cellphone.
“Yes.”
“Okay. Let’s get out of here and find Posh.”

On the way to Posh’s place, Wayne asked God a thousand times why things happened the way they did. That was another tragedy in his life.
Nevertheless, he hoped that Jesus would take care.

They came to Posh’s apartment while Mr. Hurts arrived class 100. He had placed his hope in Wayne that, he would meet up to his end of the deal, and present the best case. But, unlike the professor expected; Wayne and the rest of his group were absent.
Mr. Hurts frowned at the news of Wayne’s absence. He cursed him and blamed himself for having trusted him. He returned to his office in furious rage, neglecting his lesson with the class 100.

Meanwhile, Vicky, going to campus for her private studies before lecture,  heard a voice in her head.
The Derby.
She furrowed her eyebrows. We have no rehearsal till later tonight.
Go to the Derby, Music hall I.
Now Vicky frowned. She remembered the embarrassing experience in that quarter of the university campus.
Go to the Derby, Music hall I. The voice repeated itself.
She sighed and feeling foolish, deviated from her path to the main quarters, briskly walking to the West circuit.
She kept watch for the security guard of the other night. She did not want to see him again.
She was thankful to God for meeting different guards. She greeted them and walked into the lobby, crossing paths with older men and women and feeling ridiculous.
What am I doing here? She asked herself.
She walked to the end of the hall and before she could reach the Music hall, the voice returned in her mind. Turn left.
She turned to her left and noticed a fairly hidden exit of red swing doors. There was a label on them written.

LAW DEPARTMENT

She took the exit and entered a small hallway which had a reception desk at one end, a waiting couch opposite it; and another glass door with another label.

HOD
Head of Department
Att. Hurts Schneider

She walked to the reception and greeted an old lady behind the desk. “Good morning?”
“Good morning.” The lady replied warmly. “You’re here for Mr. Hurts? Oh you better see him quickly and give him this.” She said waving a blue file to Vicky.
Vicky furrowed her eyebrows, receiving it. “It’s a…?”
“The assignment. That belongs to Astrophe. You’re in the same group, right?”
Vicky did not know what to say. She could not avoid nodding. She then asked, “Astrophe is, in class?”
The lady shrugged. “I wouldn’t know but, Mr. Hurts returned earlier than I expected. I think that, there was no presentation. But, you, go inside and explain to him what’s going on with that assignment in hand.”
Now Vicky was more confused. She did not think that, she knew what was going on. But, she knew deep inside that something was wrong with Wayne.
He had already told her that, doing well in the presentation was his only way to see his mother.
Before she could say another word, the HOD door opened and Mr. Hurts appeared.
Vicky spanned around to face him. He was such a rigid looking black man.
“Mary, has the DFL arrived? I want you to submit the class 100 work, now.”
The receptionist picked up a receiver at the end of her desk. “I’ll check but, this girl has got something to tell you.”
Mr. Hurts waved his gaze to Vicky, who took in a deep breath and nodded to him.
“Are you a freshman? I don’t deal with first year students.” Mr. Hurts said hoarsely.  From the way Vicky looked in a sea blue dress, she was clearly not of his class.
Vicky held Wayne’s file close to herself and said. “It is very important.”
Mr. Hurts took some time, debating that. For a reason he did not understand, he opened the door to his office, walking in first. “It better be. I give you a minute.”
Vicky sighed with relief and followed the stern tutor into his office.

                                                                              #

what happens next? stay tuned to find out.
right here at multtalentedp.blogspot.com #twoweeksstory

TWO WEEKS - Episode 15

Inside a train to Massachusetts, Wayne went over his life. He then realized that, he did not have a getaway from campus for over a long time. Though he had to return early the next morning, he knew that the hours away from college will be good for him.
In that solace, he could also meditate on the entry of God in his life. For once, he thought of organizing it. After all, there was another person who would be responsible (at least for the next two weeks) for his progress or downfall; this God that is in the Bible.
He thought of praying and following the Word for the following fourteen days. He thought that, it might not be that hard given that, he already experienced relief to have someone to cry to.
At that time he recalled Vicky’s afternoon statement. “Ask can Biblically mean pray. Pray to God before doing anything.”
So, he shut his eyes for some seconds and murmured. “Father who is in heaven, please forgive my sins. I am on my way to Boston to visit Sasha. Please help that, everything work alright. Thanks Jesus, Amen.” He concluded and opened his eyes. Now, if anything wrong happened he would just say; I told God so, if He wasn’t as big as the Bible or Vicky magnified Him to be then, Wayne would know.
He in turn arrived earlier than he expected. He took a taxi to the General Hospital and surprisingly, there wasn’t any traffic jam to his destination.
Wayne agreed that, he was amazed. He recalled the last time that he went there, the train had an engine failure and the rest of the journey was a total disaster. He could not get anything for Sasha and she could not even see him.
This time, he arrived the reception desk with a bag of fruit juice and some cakes. He asked the nurse to see the leukemia patient in the seventh floor of the hospital building.
“She’s under sedation.” The black reception nurse informed.
Wayne nodded. “Can I still see her?”
“Visiting hours are over sir. Unless you are,” she begun before checking a file on her desk. “Astrophe Harts.”
He nodded joyfully. “Yes that’s me.”
She raised an inquisitive eyebrow and then bent down to pick out a ‘Visitors’ ID which she passed to him. “Okay. I hope you know the room.”
“Fifty four, right?”
The nurse nodded.
He smiled. “Thanks. God bless you.” he found the words escaping his mouth and then left, without awaiting the nurse’s reaction.

He came to the floor and stopped outside the door where Sasha was being confined.
At the room threshold, he shut his eyes again and prayed for God’s intervention.
Then, he pushed the door open and walked in, revealing a large hospital room with the bed at the end of it. The bed was connected to a bunch of machines, one that monitored the heartbeat and the others that controlled various biologic processes from a drip that was connected to the lady lying on the bed.
Sasha was a half-caste of African-American with a narrow face and a slim body. She had a cap covering her head which Wayne also expected to have gone bald.
The last time he was there, and could see her, Sasha’s hair was falling off.
That was more than eight months past. It all would have already gone by now.
He sighed first and walked forward, into the room. He relinquished the bags on a metal table on an opposite end of the same room and approached Sasha on the bed.
She was fast asleep and very pale to look at. He pulled a metal seat from behind the table and sat next to where Sasha’s head was.
“I hate seeing you like this.” He begun, looking at her cheerless face. He sighed again and glanced at her palm that was connected to a drip that fed her body with the necessary nutrients and medicine.
He carefully drew the palm close to himself and clutch it. “If God you can really heal, please heal this girl who is more righteous than me.” He prayed loudly. “Can you heal her for me, please?” he asked.
There was silence and he sighed.
This is what faith is all about. He thought in his heart. And this faith is the one that heals. He continued to think. Am I supposed to be charmed with that thought? That asking from a God I cannot hear or see, can actually heal her? He wondered, in contrast to the first thought.
Open your Bible. A thought came to his mind.
He furrowed his eyebrows. Why?  He asked himself.
Open your Bible. The thought repeated itself. A thought, or at least that was what he thought but, it was more like a still small voice.
He shrugged and replaced Sasha’s hand, rising to fetch Vicky’s Bible gift from one of the bags he placed on the metal table.
He sat with it beside Sasha and opened the pages randomly, looking for John or any other familiar book of the Bible.
His efforts landed him to one big 11 below smaller words written;
HEBREWS
He glanced at the first verse and read silently; “Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things yet unseen.”
He raised his eyebrows after that and reread the verse.
Faith is all about believing in all that you cannot see. The first thought came to him. Including God and the Word itself. The thought went on. Faith is having the attitude of seeing things which aren’t yet, as things which already are, including the healing of Sasha and that of your mother.
He gulped. Was he actually thinking that?
But, my mother is already dead. He told himself.
You haven’t confirmed that. The thought replied.
You don’t mean to tell me that, I should believe that my mother is still alive and that, Sasha is going to be healed? He asked himself.
Why don’t you pray for it? The thought asked instead.
He narrowed his eyes, considering the thought. Can I? How?
Begin and I will lead you through it. The thought offered.
He grunted. Now?
Yes.
He took a moment and shut his eyes. “Our father who is in heaven, please forgive my sins. Please heal my mother and Sasha.” He begun and sighed. “The Bible tells me that, you are a powerful being. I would like to see how great you are to these two people that mean a lot to me.” He paused. “I read somewhere that…. That, because of his stripes, we are healed. So, Jesus was hurt so that we may be healed. I know that you were wounded not only for me and Vicky or her fellowship members alone, you were also crucified for Sasha and my mother and… Chris and my father. You have the purpose of making me know you and come to you and maybe it involves the healing of my family and Sasha. Please God, I would like to know that you are God and declare about you to all my friends and other people.
“I want to believe more in you; will you please, make me believe in you more than this? Will you please heal my mother and Sasha?
“Seeing her like this, I feel bad. My heart is just, is just,” he sighed, releasing a couple of tears. “Don’t you want us to be happy? Please heal my mother. Please heal Sasha. Please Jesus, I am asking you in front of the Bible because, this book has got a lot about you; it testifies about your greatness. May I see that greatness in real life? I can’t see you but, I was told that, your works in our lives are evident when we give you the chance to do the miracles. I would like a miracle from you Lord. Please heal my mother and Sasha.” He prayed.
He continued praying thus, until half an hour later when he felt that, he had already poured his whole heart to God. Right then, he felt relieved and concluded his prayers, opening his eyes.
He was back in his room and Sasha was lying just a feet from him. But, he looked at her with a smile on his face. He was sure that, God was going to heal her.

                                                                              #

The next day, Wayne appeared in campus with a new decision in mind. He made it up after a peaceful sleep beside Sasha in Boston, Massachusetts.
He arrived Mr. Hurts’ office and knock at his door.
It immediately opened and Mr. Hurts appeared, carrying his bag and ready for his class with the 100.
Mr. Hurts immediately frowned. “Mr. Harts, if you are here to ask me for the leave, you ought to know that, your favor has expired.”
Wayne swallowed and nodded. “I am not here for that sir, at least not yet.”
Mr. Hurts narrowed his eyes at him. “What are you talking about?”
Wayne took in a deep breath, steeling himself to respond, “I am asking for a second chance to rewrite the assignment. I am asking on behalf of my group. Please?”
“Mr. Harts, it doesn’t work that way. What’s done is done. You just have to pull up your socks and lay in more effort to meet your expected GPA.”
“Mr. Hurts I am begging you.”
“No. Other students will do the same and my class will turn into an academic circus.”
“Mr. Hurts, you know that, our group is... well, the least in performance among all the groups of your class. And by being so, we have stained your prestigious reputation as the leading instructor in Ortegun. If you give us the chance; give me the chance, we are going to rectify that and raise the praise of class 100 back to the top.”
Mr. Hurts took some time, probably considering Wayne’s argument. “Why should I believe that you will make it and not waste my time?”
“Because, I want to do all my best so that, I can show my mom my good grades before,” he sighed, “before she dies.”
“Is this some kind of story to make me give you another leave?”
“If I don’t pass, Mr. Hurts, I’ll have no reason to see her.”
Mr. Hurts was silent for a few seconds. “Okay. Since, we both have to earn from this agreement,” he paused. “I will withdraw your marks from here," he said, tapping the bag in his hand.
He begun to turn back into the office.
Wayne followed him. “You were going to post them?” He asked.
Mr. Hurts took out a laptop from his bag. “Send them to the DFL actually. Now, I will have to write a letter of pardon for delaying my presentation.”
The DFL was the Dean Faculty of Law. Mr. Hurts' boss.
Wayne was silent.
Mr. Hurts opened the pc and glanced at Wayne. “If you don’t pass, Astrophe, I’ll not only make sure that you fail, I will personally make you pay for cheating me.”
Wayne gulped and weakly added, “I will do my best.”
“That is not all that is required.” Mr. Hurts replied, switching on his computer. He took out a flash drive from his bag. “You have to do the best, not just your best.”
Wayne nodded.
Mr. Hurts tapped on his keyboard in silence.
Wayne quietly prayed to God that he had made the right choice. Screwing up was not an option.
“Alright," Mr. Hurts said, breaking the silence. He closed his laptop. “You have this week to write a new report. Assessment will be next Friday and, you will have your results and probably leave on the Saturday that follows.”
Two weeks.
“Thank you sir.” Wayne said.
“Tell me that when I grant you the leave.” Mr. Hurts replied coldly and said, “Okay, get out of my office.”
Wayne turned around and left.

                                                                              #

TWO WEEKS - Episode 11

Vicky went back to class afterward. But, she felt so confused because Annie had already left campus and she had no one to talk with about what was going on.
When it reached noon and the professor had concluded his lesson, she remained sitting on her bench, staring bluntly at the stage.
Emeka’s voice coming next to her, was the only thing that drew Vicky from her thoughts.
“Aren’t you going for lunch?” he asked.
She turned to him. “Hey. Amh, I don’t feel like taking anything. I think that, I’ll go to the store and return back at 3 for the next class.”
“You should take something.” He suggested and rose from his bench, carrying his clear-bag. “Let us walk out together. There’s a booth that sells great food just outside the gate.”
She took some time to make up her mind and then packed her stuff in her bag, ready to go.
They strolled silently out of the lecture hall to where the booth was. A lot of students surrounded the booth, eating with their bare hands or calling for their order.
Vicky stared at the scramble. She noticed then that, there were a lot of people in that school. Back in Africa, she could know the names of at least everyone within the campus but  here, it was like, every day, there were newcomers.
“What can I get you?” he asked.
“Maybe a hamburger. Thank you.”
“Okay.” He said and joined the small commotion.
A few minutes later, the two were walking silently along a quiet craggy path that stretched around the campus to the dormitories. Students and teachers moved here and there making the ground quite live.
“So, what’s bothering you?” Emeka asked after an almost prevailing silence.
“Do you believe in God, Emeka?” she asked, twisting her head to face him.
The question got him a bit off guard. “Yeah. Why?”
“Do you also believe that, he can give you an objective to pray or to worry about someone who you don’t even know very well?”
He nodded. “Yeah. That is possible. In fact, we ought to pray for everyone.”
“I know that but, this case is different. In this case, it’s particularly one person and I think that, I am failing. I do not know what to do.”
Emeka took some time in silence, finding words to advise her.
She sighed. “Everything is going wrong. I don’t understand God’s message or at least, if there is even a message. Maybe it is my instincts that are guiding me.”
“But, what does the Bible say? I will instruct you and teach you the way you should go. I will counsel you with my eye upon you. Psalm 32:8. Have you taken advantage of an opportunity to ask God for directions?”
“Yes. I do that a lot of times.”
“Then there must have been something that God told you. Work on it. Vicky, do not do anything humanly possible, ask God. Ask God for instructions regarding your matter, be it small or great.” He said and added, “I will also pray for you. Will you come to the fellowship tomorrow night?”
“Yes. It’s also my turn to lead the praise.”
“So, that’s it then. Take the opportunity to ask God.”
She nodded. “You are right. There’s also this word that says in Isaiah 48:17 that, I am the LORD your GOD who teaches you to profit who leads you in the way you should go. Now I understand that, God means each and every clause of the word. He should lead me in the way I should go, not my emotions or my instincts or people.”
He smiled. “Good.” He said and looking around, spotted an empty rock bench at some meters off the path. “Can we go there and pray?”
She glanced at where he pointed at. “Alright.” She nodded and they began straying from the path.
“You know one thing about praying, value any moment you get to do so because, you do not know whether at that time, God will encounter you and or will heal you.” he said.
She nodded in support. She had never reasoned that way before. “Yes. You are very right.”
They came to the bench and sat facing each other.
“So,” he begun. “We are going to ask God to teach us and instruct us and lead us in the way we should go.”
She nodded and shut her eyes.
He led the prayers which also encouraged Vicky a lot.

                                                                              #

Some miles away, Wayne limped to Mr. Hurts’ office; a stern black professor who was also one of the hardest men Wayne had known to exist within Ortegun.
With Linda gone, Wayne had a hard time requesting for leave to see his mother. After a difficult process in the secretary’s office, he turned into Mr. Hurt’s office.
“Good afternoon sir?” Wayne greeted, standing in front of Mr. Hurts’ desk.
The man turned to Wayne from a file in his hands. “Just the man I wanted. Here are with me all the assignments of class 100, where is your group’s, Mr. Harts?”
Wayne sighed. “Forgive me sir. I have come to ask you that we may delay to submit the work. I received a call from home that my mother is in a very bad condition.” He begun and placed the paper on the professor’s desk. “Please, may I leave to see her?”
The man frowned. “What is wrong with your class? You think that, you can give excuses just to leave campus and avoid responsibilities?” he bawled. “I already signed a Leave for Miss Earl and that was only because Professor Earl asked for it.” He said that and pushed the paper off his table. “Bring me your group’s work in thirty minutes or prepare for Supplementary.”
Wayne glanced at the gate-pass on the floor, feeling very bad. “Sorry sir but, my mom is very sick.” He added, pleading to him.
“Submit your work first and I might consider you.” Professor Hurts replied, focusing on the assignments on his desk.
Wayne sighed and picked up his paper, about to leave.
“I see here that your group is also the first one to present a case.” Mr. Hurts added, catching Wayne’s attention.
Wayne did not know that. “We are?”
“So there, you have got a lot of work. Bring those documents quickly.”
Wayne sighed again and left with devastation.

                                                                              #

He could not get the work done in thirty minutes like the professor demanded but, he submitted it in his office later that evening.
Mr. Hurts scheduled his group to present on Friday of that same week so, Wayne had no choice but to remain in Ortegun. Throughout that time, he did not cross paths with Vicky especially because he could not lead the jog team because of his leg injury.
He still suffered terrible nights and consequently more horrible days. He constantly avoided to face the uncertainty of his mother’s condition. He thought that, she died and he did not want to reach home to confirm that. Whenever his father called, he shut his phone. Apart from drinking and smoking, he worked on his group case. The same group did not care about anything but, he disregarded that. 
On Friday, he stood alone in front of the class, unlucky for him, Gregory (the other serious person in their group) was sick and could not make it.
Mike and Posh were around but, they were too afraid to stand in front of the class.
“You’re on your own?” Mr. Hurts asked, sitting on the front seats along with the rest of the class.
Wayne sighed and nodded.
“Where are the others?” The professor asked.
“Annie is out of town, Greg is sick and so are the rest.”
“So, are you a defense attorney or a prosecutor?” Mr. Hurts asked, deciding to overlook Wayne’s excuses.
“Prosecutor.”
“And who will defend the poor mouse in that cubicle?” Mr. Hurts asked, throwing a glance at a cube on the table with an isolated rodent.
“Amh. The class?” Wayne replied, wondering if that would be the right answer.
Mr. Hurts laughed cynically. “Mr. Harts you are obviously not serious with your work. Give me a jury.”
Wayne gulped with fright but, at that time he did not care what happened to him any longer. “You.”
Mr. Hurts perused on the group file in his hand, maybe he did not hear Wayne’s answer as the class laughed. “So, what is your accusation?”
“Its color.” Wayne replied.
Mr. Hurts raised his eyebrows at him. “Why’s that?”
“It’s brown. It should be white, right?”
The class broke into a laughter.
Mr. Hurts chuckled too. “Alright. Get on with it.”
Wayne took in a deep breath and begun, first, eulogizing the creature in front of the class and then, accuse it for being born brown. 
5 minutes while he was still speaking, some of the students begun yawning while others were murmuring about their own stuff.
15 minutes later, Wayne concluded his case with more than half of the class, being occupied with their own business.
Mr. Hurts himself was staring anxiously at his wrist watch. “Time is over Mr. Harts.” He announced.
Wayne sighed. “I’m done.” He said, picking up his mouse cubicle.
Mr. Hurts turned to the rest of the class. “Anyone willing to defend the mouse?”
There was silence. In fact, they were hardly aware of what was going on.
Mr. Hurts turned to Wayne. “Get back to your seat.”
Wayne nodded and left the stage.

He spent the night in the club but, without his friends. Saturday morning Wayne went back to Mr. Hurts’ office to ask for the leave only to find that he had flanked more than 10 points in his course work.
“How?” he asked Mr. Hurts, after receiving his grades.
“You’re also the last in your class.” Mr. Hurts informed, as if he was pleased with it.
Wayne sighed. “Can I go home?”
“No. Not after that awful report. I will not support this stupidity.”
“My mom is dying professor and for all I know, she is already dead.”
The professor sighed, rubbing his chin in thoughts. Maybe he wanted to believe Wayne. “Don’t you have a phone?”
“It’s my mother sir.” Wayne retorted, sounding very emotional.
“Okay.” He agreed, finally. “But, bear in mind that, you will be putting your future at risk if you are not back and rectify this nonsense piece of work.”
Wayne was silent he did not want to curse him at that moment.
“Where’s your leave?” Mr. Hurts asked, extending his hand with his pen to the end of the desk.
Wayne felt his pockets for the gate-pass and took out his phone and identity card. “Where is it?” he wondered out loud. “I kept it…. Aaw.” He sighed. “I left it with my friend.” He said, referring to Mike. Wayne slept at Mike’s place two nights back, in preparation for the Friday presentation and, Mike took Wayne's stuff for his own amusement.
“Oh great. So, your ticket to see your dying mother is with the other dude?” Mr. Hurts asked, mockingly.
Wayne tried not to express his offense and said. “I’ll just call him or get it myself.”
“Make that outside my office and quick because, it is a half day and I’ll be leaving at noon.”
This is so unfair. Wayne thought. “Sir, please? Bear with me now, for a mother.”
“Astrophe, if you realized that, maybe you would have brought the gate pass.”
Wayne sighed and left the room, emerging into the lobby which was also partially crowded with people moving here and there.
He tapped the dial pad on his shattered phone and placed it against his ear.
The call kept ringing without being received.
He tried again. “Damn this guy is high again!” he cursed, rubbing his brown hair back in anxiety.
The call was not received.
“I hate this!” he shouted and lowered the phone.
Before he could retry, the screen flickered into Chris’ name and begun buzzing in Wayne’s hand.
Wayne gulped.
What happened? He asked himself.
He had not talked to his brother for over two years and his calling meant that something wrong happened to their mother.
He watched the screen blink off and sighed, leaning back on the door of Mr. Hurts’ office.
He knew then that, there was no need to go to Ohio any longer. It was obvious that, his mother was dead. He never went to see her. She must have died cursing him.
It was over. His life was full of terrible disaster.

End of PART I of this story.
stay tuned for more right here @ multtalentedp.blogspot.com to find out what happens next?
Comment anywhere online about this story with the hashtag #twoweeksstory

Thank you, Danke, Gracias, Merci, Sukriya, Ahsante, (add your own in the comment button below)

TWO WEEKS - Episode 8

For a while, Wayne focused on working on his awkward group assignment while Vicky adjusted to her new life in Ortegun and consequently, New York. She consulted her friend, Annie who helped her get a part time job in a CD store, a few kilometers from their campus.
On Sunday, Annie got her a company of a 2nd year girl, to go to the College fellowship in the East circuit of the campus.
Annie however, joined Wayne’s gang again, at the college club.
That Sunday, Victoria went to work after mass and returned home in the evening. She was making spaghetti when her door was knocked.
“Coming.” She called, testing the stew with a cooking spoon. “Oh how I miss home.” She added, absorbing the sweet taste of the red colored slippery noodles.
She relinquished the cooking spoon on the kitchen counter and wiped her hands with a napkin.
The door knocked again and she walked briskly to it.
“Wayne.” She reckoned, after opening.
He stood behind the threshold of the door in a black shirt and dark trousers, holding an iPad in hand. He was seemingly sober. “Hallo. Is Annie in?”
“Hallow good evening. No. She is not in but,” she opened the door wide "Come in?”
“No. That ain’t necessary but, thank you.” He said while she retired into the house. He sighed when he had to follow her inside to ask her another question. He watched her as she neglected him, walking to the dining room. “Do, you know where she went?”
“Nani? Annie?” Vicky asked, removing the lid that covered her cooking dinner.
He furrowed his eyebrows in confusion, first; of the good smell and the other, of her question. “What did you say?” he asked, glancing at her from a window that connected the dining and living room where he was.
She gasped and covered her mouth after that.
“Wait, a minute, I am looking for Annie.” He explained, before she said anything.
She sighed. “Oh, I am so sorry. I know that and I understood you but, my tongue slipped. I thought that I was back in Bongo and talking to my peers.”
He chuckled. “You’re funny.”
She turned to the sauce pan and stirred the meal, ready to serve.
“So, Bongo is your capital city or something?” he asked, strangely, finding interest in her.
“No. Dodoma is the capital City. I live in Dar es Salaam however. Bongo is an informal phrase we use to mean Tanzania and in many cases, Dar es salaam.”
“Good one. The latter name is such a long one.”
“We also refer Dar es salaam to Dar. That is very common.”
He nodded a little. That seemed less interesting than this, “So, what are you making?”
“Spaghetti.”
“Why do they smell so different? African cooking?”
“Yeah. I love spices. I brought over a pack.”
He nodded again.
“Please, welcome and have a sit.”
“Wait, you are not asking me to join you for….” He tried to search for a ‘politer’ word “meal.”
She nodded strongly. “I am. It’s tasty. Come and taste.”
He took some time, deciding. He was too proud to join her and she knew it.
“It won’t harm anyone if you do…” she said.
He gulped, scowling at her.
She in turn, switched off the cooker and prepared the dining table, placing the plates on it and serving the spaghetti.
After she had sat, he appeared in the dining entrance with a defeated look on his face. “So, you are saying that, I will like your food.”
She joined her hands together. “Yeah. It’s prepared with love. My brother used to tell me that, my buns were always the best because, they were prepared with love.”
He placed his iPad on the table and pulled the metal chair to sit opposite her. “Buns like, muffins?”
She nodded.
With widened eyes, he looked at the hot and attractive food in front of himself. “It surely smells good.”
“Oh and it tastes way better than that.”
He picked up the fork. “Great. So, let’s dig in.”
“Wait.” She stopped him, making his head draw back in defense.
“What?” he retorted in confusion.
“We pray first and then we eat.”
He frowned.
“It’s not too much to ask now, is it?” she asked.
He sighed. “Okay. You say Grace.”
She shut her eyes. “Our father who is in heaven. Thank you for this auspicious moment. Thank you for bringing us together to have supper. I pray that you bless this food as you blessed the five loaves and two fish so that, they sufficed the appetite of the more than 5000 that were in the wilderness with you. Please, let this food give us strength to do your will. In Jesus’ name I pray, amen.”
“Do you have plans of making me a convert?” he asked, immediately after she concluded the prayers.
“No doubt about that.” She replied, without looking at him, picking up her utensils.
He watched her closely, thinking.
She forked some noodles and took a mouthful. Chewing, she widened her eyes, queering his stare. She swallowed and asked. “What are you waiting for? Dig in!"
He took a fork that was on the right side of his plate. “I am wondering.”
“Wondering what?”
“What could be the cause of your, positive attitude.” He explained, taking his own bite. “I have a couple of Christian acquaintances, none of them stood up against what you would call, temptation.”
“With men it is impossible, Wayne but, not with God. For with God all things are possible. Mark 10 verse 27.” She replied.
“See. That’s what I am talking about! How can you be like that? How can you be so standing? I gave you two weeks. It has already been one and like you said, you are still the same. Africanic, religious young lady.”
“Agree with God, Wayne, and be at peace. Thereby good will come to you. Job 22:21.” She said, smiling.
He was silent. The verse touched his life. He really needed that good.
“I sense that, there is something troubling you.” she added, soon after her second swallow.
He was looking at the food, he glanced at her. “No, no. What makes you think that?”
“Asides from seeing you, I feel it in my heart.”
He swallowed and glanced around like he was avoiding the subject. “Are you some kind of spiritual leader or something?”
“Feel free to tell me.” She said, passing over his question.
He was silent, maybe ready to tell her but, a voice in the living room gained their attention.
“The door is open." It was Annie. She announced, making her entry.
“We are here.” Vicky called, pushing back her chair and rising to serve supper for her friend.
Annie closed the door. “We?” she asked and turned to the dining window. “Oh Wayne. We missed you at the club.”
“I came looking for you.” he replied.
Annie begun walking across the sitting room to the dining. “Me? Why?”
“Because, I needed some help with Mr. Hurts’ work.”
“It’s Sunday.”  She replied.
“Welcome.” Vicky said, having set a plate for Annie.
Annie turned to her. “Thank you. Oh that really smells nice.” She said and rounded the wall of the room, to enter it. “Anyway guys. I am leaving.”
“Leaving?” Vicky asked.
“To where?” Wayne added.
“My father fell sick. I have to see him.”
Wayne went quiet. Everything that night already revolved around his own misery.
“Oh Annie, I am so sorry.” Vicky said sincerely.
“Thank you, Vicky. That is why I left quickly. My mother called me and told me that my dad had also asked for me. So, I have to go.”
“Is that your pa that leaves in New Mexico?” Wayne asked.
Annie nodded and walked to the table. She sat at Vicky’s right side and begun to make silent prayers.
“I am so sorry Annie. I pray that he recovers soon.” Vicky said, as soon as Annie opened her eyes.
“What is he suffering from?” Wayne asked.
Annie glanced at him and said, “He has high blood pressure. I believe that is the cause that got him ill.”
“He will be fine Annie. I will pray for you.” Vicky said.
Wayne glimpsed at her and back at Annie, watching her response.
“Oh. Thanks Vicky. I hope that God hears you.”
Vicky offered a warm smile.
Wayne stayed silent.
“So, did you manage to talk to your mom?” Annie asked between bites.
Vicky shook her head. “I couldn’t save enough and I haven’t had luck with the secretary.”
“I could help you but, I didn’t pay my phone bills. I chat through Whatsapp only now.” Annie said.
Vicky nodded. “I understand. I will reach her, even if it takes a while.”
Wayne, who had been eating turned to them and asked, “What are you guys talking about?”
“Vicky’s mom. Vicky has been trying to reach her but so far, was unable to succeed.”
Wayne turned to Vicky. “Don’t you have a phone?”
“I had but, I don’t anymore.”
“Don’t ask that. Wayne, just tell us if you are willing to help.” Annie reproved him.
He relinquished his fork on the table and felt his pockets for his phone. “Where does your mom live?” he asked Vicky.
“Tanzania. Can I make an international call with your phone?”
He placed his phone on the table and tapped it. “Yeah, I think so.”
Vicky sighed with relief. “Oh. Thank you.”
“Wait.” He said, twisting his head to face her worried face. “What do I get in return?”
“Wayne!” Annie snapped.
“I’ll pray for you.” Vicky replied, hoping that it would be helpful.
“No. You know I’m not of those kind of people.” He replied.
Vicky sighed deeply and turned down to her food. She was disappointed that, it had to be that way. In fact, she also thought that he was changing.
“Okay. I will pay you.” Annie said to Wayne, feeling sorry for Vicky.
Vicky turned to them. “No. It’s okay. I will talk to her. God will help me.”
Wayne laughed. “Come on. I was just joking” he said.
Vicky did not seem convinced.
“Wayne, it’s her mom.” Annie warned him.
“Yes I understand. Vicky, I will not charge you anything, I promise you. Tell me your country code or, can you dial on your own?”
Vicky drew a smile and her face lightened up again. “Thank you. Amh, yes I can do that on my own.”
Wayne passed the phone to her.
Vicky thanked again, receiving it. She tapped the numbers on the dial pad of the iPhone 6 and placed it against her ear.
“What time is it in Dar?” Wayne asked, finally catching up with Vicky’s culture.
She smiled a little. “Seven hours l, later. It maybe 4am.” She answered and then became excited. “Mom?” she cried, pushing back her chair and rising.
She left the room with tears flowing from her eyes, talking to her mom.
Wayne was moved by the love that Vicky seemed to share with her family.
Annie was touched too. “She seems so happy.”
Wayne did not respond.
Annie turned to him. “Are you okay?”
“Yeah. She is happy. It must be great to talk to your mom after being separated by time and distance.”
Annie leaned forward and lowered her voice to add, “She had to sell her phone and laptop to pay the expenses of coming here.”
He seemed amazed.
Annie drew back, knocking her plate with her fork. “She is just a great person. And as it seems, her family is too. My mom says that, it is that way in Africa. The way the kids grow up and are reared, is quite different from the way it is here. They also hold strong beliefs. They share pain and joy. Most of them are absolutely phenomenon.”
“Because they are poor?” Wayne found himself asking.
“Maybe. You saw some ambassadors’ kids who started first year with us last year, it didn’t take long before they were expelled. They were not all like Vicky.” She said and paused, looking at him. “I think that, sometimes when you are in need, you become humble and so and so, or at least, you find something to believe in. Like Vicky.”
Wayne took some time to digest her statement. It was true that Vicky was phenomenon. She was kind, stable, nothing could irritate her. She also seemed like, she had a lot of love to give. Come to think of it, Wayne had never met a person like her.
“So, what work did Mr. Hurts give us?” Annie asked, taking another mouthful of spaghetti.
He glanced at her. “Oh. He gave us an assignment of building up a case.”
“Against who?”
“Animals.”
She grimaced. “Why?”
He shrugged. “I don’t know. I went to his office and all he told me was that, we have to be innovative and something like, it will teach us to find faults even on the most innocent things.”
“Have you had any luck with that?”
“I picked up a range of options. But, I still need your help.”
“Tell me what you already came up with.”
He turned to his iPad and opened it, tapping it to reveal a document.

Outside the room, Vicky dropped on a couch with the phone against her ear. “I am very fine mom" she told her mother, beaming at the atmosphere.
“That is great to hear dear. So, tell me? Are you praying?”
“Of course I am. I thank God every day for making me realize my dreams.”
“It’s good honey. How are studies going?”
“Great. And guess what ma? My bench mate is a Nigerian.”
Mom laughed. “I told you that you will meet a lot of West Africans there. And anyone from Kenya?”
“No, I haven’t met a Kenyan but, the admission officer said that, there are Kenyans here.”
“Okay. It’s good dear.”
“Tell me mom. How is home? Are the boys alright?”
“They are very fine. Junior has gone back to school and Wile is getting ready to leave soon.”
“Oh. Great. And Weenie?”
“She’s at home. They closed for a short holiday after their CAT exams.”
“Is she there with you?”
“No. She went to the shop. I asked her to get me a packet of milk for taking Ugali.”
“Oh. Ugali ma… how I have missed it.”
Mom laughed. “You can just buy maize flour and prepare it.”
“I haven’t yet got used to the food stores here. There’s a cafeteria that sells burger, hotdogs, pizza and other foods whose names I haven’t yet crammed.”
“Oh don’t worry dear. Is food too expensive? Are you okay financially?”
“Mom. I will be fine. My friend got me a part time job at a CD store, I get a couple of bucks by the end of the week so, I’m okay.”
“Oh honey. You are already beginning to sound like an American.”
Vicky laughed. “I am?”
“Yes. Anyway. It is good dear. Work hard honey. For your young brothers.”
“Yes mom. I already begun to search for any faculty that is close to what Junior wants.”
“Good dear. Please do that. I am also encouraging Wile here to study hard and land outside like you.”
Vicky smiled. “He should really work hard, ma. Amh, how much is still needed till he can complete the year?”
“Ah for Wile? Do not worry dear. Your dad will take care. Now worry about your books and your own upkeep. We’ll worry about the kids.”
Vicky smiled a little. She appreciated the way that her parents cared for her. “Thank you mom.”
“It’s alright dear. Is this your new line? Can I give it to your dad to communicate with you?”
“No ma. This phone belongs to my friend. But, I will get my own line and phone soon.”
“It’s good dear. I wish you all the best. Do you need anything?”
“Ah ma. What could I possibly need here? I wish I could see you, that’s all. Otherwise, I'm okay.”
Mom sounded pleased afterward. “You are a good child, remember to pray dear. You know that God can protect you and guide you more than anyone can. He will also help you find favor before your lecturers and everyone there.”
“Yes mom.” Vicky replied just before hearing some footsteps entering the room. She twisted her head and saw Wayne, hovering in front of the dining exit. “Ah mom? Please greet daddy for me. He’ll be the next person I’ll look for when I get access to another call.”
“Yes of course honey. Do you have to go?” Mom asked. She clearly noticed that Vicky was summarizing the phone call.
“Yes mom.” Vicky replied rising but, giving the dinning her back.
“Okay dear. All the best honey. And what time is it there?”
“It’s approaching nine thirty.”
“Oh. It’s so bright and early here. But, okay dear. All the best. I’ll tell the kids that, we spoke to each other.”
“Thank you mom. I love you.”
“I love you honey. We’ll be praying for you.”
“Thank you mom. May God bless you.”
“You too honey. Good night.”
Vicky laughed a little. “Good day.” She said and lowered the phone, hanging up.
She smiled to herself afterward and sighed, feeling a little sad that she did not know when she could call her mom back. She then turned around and greeted Wayne who was approaching her at the sofa.
She waved the phone to him when he halted. “Thank you very much Wayne. May God bless you.”
He gave her a short smile. “It’s alright though, I’m sorry that you had to cut your call short. I have to work on this assignment.” He said, shaking the hand with his iPad.
“Thank you. I wish you all the best in that.”
He took his phone. “You know, I was thinking. You could make a lot of dope if you start selling your cooking.”
“She makes excellent muffins Wayne.” Annie called from the kitchen.
Water sounded pouring after that. Vicky guessed that, Annie opened the sink and was washing the utensils.
“I thought of doing so.” Vicky said. “But, I don’t understand the procedures.”
“Don’t mind any procedures. I’ll tell you something, I’ll get you plastic bags from a store downtown. You will pack whatever you’re frying or baking and we’ll sell them around the campus. Beginning with the dormitory.” Wayne offered.
Vicky was very elated. “Thank you very much, honestly.”
“Tell me when you are ready to start. Tomorrow?”
Vicky nodded. “Yeah. I’ll start making them early. From 4:00am perhaps and then, they could be ready for breakfast for people who come from the jog.”
Wayne pocketed his phone. “Alright. I don’t know if I could get the bags within these few hours but, I’ll try.” He turned to her. “I’ll pick you up for the run around 5. Will you be done?”
“Yeah.” She replied, nodding.
“Okay.” He twisted his head to the dining window. “Annie, what time are you leaving?”
“Mom said that, I could go at any time. I haven’t decided yet.” Annie replied.
“Do you think that, she will be at the grounds in the morning?” he called.
“I don’t know. But, I can ask her if it is necessary.”
“No. It’s okay. I just wanted to see her.”
“Bad dreams again, Wayne?” Annie asked.
“No. It’s just another matter.” He lied.
“We should get you a dream catcher.” Annie teased and sounded laughing afterward.
Wayne became dismal and Vicky noticed that.
“Okay. Good night. I’ll see you guys in the morning.” He said to Vicky.
Vicky wanted to tell him something more but, she suppressed the thought. “Good night.” She said shortly. “I’ll escort you to the door.”
“No.” he said with a stretched hand. “It’s not necessary.”
She nodded silently and he left.

                                                                              #

TWO WEEKS - Episode 7

The girls returned to their room at 6:30am and Vicky got in the shower quickly to prepare for Linda’s visit.
Annie also went to her room to shower and change but, she had no classes until the afternoon so, she plugged in her headphones and lied on her bed to listen to music until she would get hungry and have breakfast.
At 7:00 am like she promised, Linda was at the door of Vicky’s place. After a single knock, the door was opened and Vicky appeared behind it in a dark, flaring blouse and white denim pants. She let her long gold braids, dangle on her back. Her hair style, along with light facial make up and ornaments, made Vicky look beautiful.
“Hallow?” Linda greeted first.
“Good morning, Linda.” Vicky replied, opening the door wide.
“I see that, you are ready to leave.” Linda reckoned, hesitating to walk inside.
“Yes.” Vicky said. “I’ll just take my bag.” She said and retired into the room to fetch a shoulder-bag from the living room sofas. “So, will you also be teaching me?”
“No, unless you are taking psychology as a minor subject.”
Vicky wore her bag and turned to her. “I will consider doing so.”
“Okay. Have you got all you’ll need?” she asked as Vicky approached the door.
“Yes. I took a few counters for taking notes.” She begun.
“Don’t you have a laptop?”
“Oh I had but, it’s a long story.”
With her eyebrows raised, Linda nodded. “It’s alright. You can ask for a loan from the Admissions to purchase a new laptop. It is payable in three months.”
Vicky closed her door and turned to the lady. “You are in charge of admissions, right?”
“Yes. But, Bard will work that out for you.” she said and begun leading the way out of the floor.
“Thank you.” Vicky said in appreciation. She wanted to ask how much the loan was but, she refrained, thinking that she would sound very poor.
“Have you had breakfast?” Linda asked as they entered an elevator.
“No. But, I’m okay.”
“Let me guess, you are on a diet.”
“No, no.” Vicky denied defiantly. She was fasting.
“C’mon Vicky, I am a professor of psychology. I already guess that, you found some people nagging you about your looks.” She said recalling her last night's talk with Wayne. They must have met and he must have criticized Vicky's appearance.
“Maybe I have but, I have faced the situation before. I get use to it.”
“That is partly good. You have skills to counter offenses but, like you have done this morning, make effort to be fit.”
“Thank you for the advice Linda.”
The lady smiled and said, “It’s alright.”

                                                                              #

Wayne scratched his head bowing it to a clipboard. He had been staring at it for a while, ever since Gregory gave it to him.
The young man also waited in front of Wayne with his hands crossed above his belly.
The two were in a very noisy lecture hall, filled with adults clad in dark suits. The occupants moved here and there, making stories or exchanging materials. Others rehearsed for their representations.
“So, I have to do all these?” Wayne asked, raising his head toward Greg.
“Yeah. None of the group members will.”
Wayne sighed. “And here I thought of leaving.” He said to his disappointment.
“Leaving?” Greg asked. “Where to, while the semester just started?”
“I have other errands, Greg. Tell me, why did everyone back out?”
“Because, they all know that you are the best at this.”
Wayne picked up the clipboard and waved it to him. “I’m not doing this men.”
Greg pushed it back to him. “You are. Otherwise, you are going to lose points for our group.”
“But, it’s too much and really, I have to leave school.”
“Wayne, whatever agenda you have can wait. This assignment is very important. Now, you are the best at it so, take a paper and start building a case.”
“Against, animals?” he retorted. “Are we taking Biology or Law? Do you honestly think that, I can accuse a...” he vainly searched for creatures around the room for demo. “Bee or a toad about his buzzing or maybe jumping style. This is insane!”
Gregory put his hands on the table, bending to Wayne. “I am on your side men. But, this was Mr. Hurts’ idea, not mine nor the group’s. So, let’s agree to get a frog or something and take it to court.”
Wayne was silent, thinking desperately. “Why didn’t you opine for something else? Like the new freshmen intake.”
“I already told you that, it was Mr. Hurts’ idea.”
Wayne drew a deep sigh. How am I ever going to Ohio this way? He thought.
Gregory stretched himself and pat his friend’s shoulder. “You will be fine.” He said and retired to his own seat.
Wayne did not think that he would.

                                                                              #

Vicky was admitted and introduced to her new class after submitting her details at the Administration office.
Her class was full of students from America and many other parts of the world. She found herself lucky that her neighbor was a Nigerian.
He greeted her in Pidgin English and she immediately realized that. “Hi. You come from West Africa, right?”
“Yes. I’m from Nigeria. And you?”
“Tanzania, East Africa.”
“I am Emeka Akwou by the way.” He added, extending a hand.
“Victoria Saa. You can call me Vicky.”
He offered a smile. “Nice to meet you Vicky. That is also the name of my sister.”
She smiled back. “So, are you self-funded or on a scholarship?”
“Scholarship. And you?”
“Scholarship. This place is really nice.”
“Yes. It’s my dream come true.”
She grinned at that. “Me too.”
“Well, I hope that we would be good friends.”
“Sure.” She replied.
The lecturer walked in front of the hall and they turned to the stage.

                                                                #