TWO WEEKS FINAL EPISODE

Mike was discharged from the hospital and Posh begun serving her six months public service term as punishment for her offense against Mike.
Gregory and Miley begun making preparations for their wedding and the Faith band’s CD was out.

A couple of days after Salvation song was released to the public, the dean of students, along with the student government council, called together the Faith band in their office, and organized with them to officially launch Salvation debut in the Ortegun campus so as to promote the song.
So, when the day came, the whole campus filled the open square in front of the fountain.
Banners of the band in yellow and white colors, surrounded the campus, advertising the event and the song. The class 100 members had volunteered to be agents of the Faith band and sell the Salvation CDs.
They sold more than 1000 copies in 2 hours alone, even before the band walked to the stage to sing.
Vicky was very excited as she climbed up the stage with the rest of the band, wearing white T-shirts with bright yellow bolded words of Faith at the front.
The record company crew was with them and they wore the company shirts, checking the instruments and mikes on the stage.
The people cheered when the Faith band took their positions. The band smiled, waving at the multitude that appeared like ants, spreading all over the campus lane.

The producer saw Kyle behind the brass and asked if he was alright.
“Set.” Kyle replied.
“Your friend was right," the producer said, loudly for the noise that the spectators made on the ground.
“Yes. This really is a hit song.”Kyle agreed.
“Jesus, hits.” The producer admitted. “You should write Gospel songs, always.”
Kyle laughed and nodded.
The producer abandoned the stage and Kyle looked at the others to see their condition.
There was no one behind the Keyboard.
“We're gonna have to do without.” Fred, who seemed to notice Kyle’s worry, called to him from the drums.
Kyle nodded sadly. “But, I texted him.”
“Do you think, he’d come?” Deborah asked, turning to the guys from the front.
“Let us hope so.” Another guy, Kendal replied from another mic.
Vicky looked at her friends and sighed. She realized who they were talking about.
“It’s alright. Intro, Vicky?” Kyle said.
Vicky turned to the crowd and gave them a bright smile before beginning. “Thank you all for your coming.”
“YEAAH!” The crowd shimmered.
Vicky laughed a little. “The Faith band is highly encouraged by your presence. We are so honored to have you all here and support us, pushing the Gospel of Jesus forward,” she added.
People just cried, “Faith! Faith! Faith!”
She smiled looking around the heavily flocked field. “We hope that, this song would touch and transform you. Because, there is no Salvation in anyone else except in Jesus who loved us so much, enough to die for us.”
There were mild reactions. Probably not all the crowd were convinced.
As Vicky looked around, by chance, she caught sight of Wayne.
She became puzzled to see him again after the while that he was away.
He made his way through the crowd, wearing a white shirt and dark trousers.
He begun taking the stairs at Vicky’s left side, to the stage where, the rest of the band was.
Vicky had a lot of questions in her mind at that time. Wayne was back, when did he get back? Did he know that they would have the launch of the Salvation song?
The rest of the band smiled, feeling happy to have him again.
The crowd cheered.
The crew shrugged and were amazed until someone from campus tipped them that the ununiformed man approaching the soloist on the stage, was the Keyboardist.
Vicky was happy but, her joy was replaced with worry, when she could recognize the sadness expressed on Wayne’s face.
More than that, other than the keyboard, he followed her.
Vicky swallowed and reckoned, “Wayne," when he drew closer to her.
She drew back a few steps and he didn’t look at her rather than, at the mike stand, taking hold of it.
Tears flowed from his eyes and the crowd became silent, surprised at the turn of events.
Wayne sighed first, shutting his eyes and collecting himself to say to the quiet field. “My, my mother was sick.” He said and his voice shimmered through the huge speakers that were on the opposite sides of the stage.
He opened his eyes again and glanced at the confused crowd. Most were wondering why he had to say that and some, felt sorry.
“She had cancer.” He added.
There were many gasps.
Victoria gulped. She begun to feel bad, thinking that Wayne’s mother, died.
Kyle, and the rest of class 100 were shocked.
The producer and his crew were concerned with why the newcomer had to say that. And if, he was confused. 
“This Jesus who, we are preaching,” Wayne went on, disregarding their reaction. “He healed my mother.”
There were more gasps of joy.
Vicky broke into a huge smile, beaming at Wayne who stood just a few feet from her.
“I was a waste until a couple of weeks ago.” Wayne went on, as though, he didn’t notice the elation on people’s faces. “When I received Jesus Christ, my life changed. He gave up to me what he gives to all who turn to him; the free gift of love, the free gift of healing, the free gift of peace.” He said and there were many nods.
Many people who did not believe in Jesus in the compound, were touched to accept him then.
“There is Salvation in no one else,” Wayne said. “Except Jesus Christ who died for us.” He concluded and turned to Vicky, grinning at her.
Vicky smiled and though she wouldn’t, she gave him a hug.
“Thank you Vicky,” he said before they parted.
“Glory to God.” She replied.
The crowd cheered and once again, Vicky took the mic and Wayne assumed his position behind the keyboard, greeting his friends with light hugs and arm shakes as he did.
“Amen. Thank you Jesus for healing Wayne’s mom.” Vicky said. “God is able to heal. He is able to save you. It doesn’t matter who you appear to be now. God has a purpose for you and he is able to heal you.”
“Amen!” The crowd roared. They were all convinced.
“Thank you.” Vicky said and the beats begun playing.
The song rouse a great reaction from the spectators. It became more spiritual and touching to them then.
Some people who had gone to be part of the event, were healed and they confessed Jesus as the savior of their lives.
The band sold more than 10000 copies to the approximately 14000 students and teachers who came to the launching.
They also had many viewers online and soon, the song begun to sell in Africa because of Vicky’s nationality.
Soon, what begun from an evening contention about producing a gospel song, became the most popular hit song in America, being played in Gospel and non-religious radio stations.
The record company made a lot of money, and so did the artists.
Soon, they shot the video and made concerts in West-Virginia, Texas and Europe, getting the chance to sing in front of the nobles.
Vicky already purchased her laptop, phone, bought her real-estate and a car.
She was ever thankful to God for transforming her life and indeed, it was transformed completely.
Sasha was healed and she could conclude her studies and become a doctor.
                                                                #
Now, Two weeks.
Can a man encounter God and his life not change?
Why don’t you answer that yourself by trying it out?
Accept Jesus Christ as the savior of your life by following this prayer sincerely from your heart.
Dear Lord,
Thank you for giving me your message of Salvation.
I am willing to accept Jesus today as the savior of my life.
You died for me and took all my sins.
Please transform my life and help me live it toward you.
Please lead me to notice the important things in my life.
Thank you Jesus. Amen.

After you’ve said this prayer, know that you are saved. Just read the Bible.
You can start from the book of John.
Or begin from Genesis.
I will leave you with one word from Hebrews 4:12

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and spirit, of joints and marrow; and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”

More to come…

Can you guess what happened with Annie Earl?
How about Gregory and Miley?
And Wayne?
Chris?
Mike, Posh?
Oh and Vicky?
Emeka?

The story doesn’t end here.
There’s more to come so please, stay tuned for the next part of this book, titled.

“27 YEARS” Can a man remain with God even after being rich?

STAY BLESSED in Jesus’ name. Amen.

                                                             
End

TWO WEEKS - Episode 28

Back in campus, Gregory stood outside the door of Posh’s apartment.
He carried foodstuff in a bag and was there to see Posh as well as Miley, who moved in to stay with her.
Since the day before, the girls became good friends. More than that, class 100 was more united. They made shifts to see Mike in the hospital and Posh, at her apartment, to encourage her. 
When the door was opened, Posh was standing at the threshold, dressed in a black silk shirt and blue denim trousers. She covered part of her purple hair with a dark head kerchief that also matched with a small hand bag she carried.
“Posh?” Gregory greeted.
“Greg. Come in.” She invited him in, opening the door wide.
He entered the house and asked, “You are going out?”
“Yeah. To the hospital to see Mike.”
He nodded.
“How is he?” She asked.
“He was with the guys when I left. He’s making a remarkable recovery.”
“We have been praying for him.”
“Oh. Thank you. And the pastor, you know him? From the doctorate school of theology? He’s gone to see Mike.”
“It’s the right time I guess. I’ll also get to hear the words of God.” She said, smiling.
“Amen. Is Miley in?”
“She is in the kitchen.”
“Okay. I’ll just see her.”
She nodded. “Take your time.”
He thanked her and she left.

                                                                              #

Gregory put the bag on a table inside the room and took a corridor to where humming sounds came from.
He paused at the threshold of the kitchen watching Miley pick out a couple of plates from the cupboard, humming the Salvation song.
“Hey.” He greeted.
She span around quickly and greeted him with a gasp. “My. You scared me.”
“Sorry,” he said.
She sighed. “What’s up? How’s Mike?”
“Doing great. We thank God.”
“Amen. We have been praying for him.”
Gregory smiled. “Thank you for taking care of Posh. She’s more stable than I expected.”
“It’s hardly my doing. She’s been reading the Bible.”
He smiled. “God is great.”
She nodded. “Great enough to inspire me too.”
He raised his eyebrows in surprise. “Yeah?”
She smiled and nodded. “I’ve come to realize that, it is a waste of time; a life without God. He gives us all the important things; better performance, brighter future; overflowing blessings and love.”
He smiled broadly. “I am happy for you.”
She smiled back. “Thank you,” She said and turned back to the cupboard, storing the plates properly. “Would you like a glass of mango juice?”
Now Gregory, instead of responding with a yes or no, shook his trouser pockets and some keys sounded jiggling. “Amh. Would you like to go out for lunch?” He asked back.
She laughed a little. “C’mon Greg, you don’t have to beat around the bush. You want to know if I agree to marry you and,” she took in a deep breath, taking her time as she knew that his heartbeat ran fast.
“Yes.” She exhaled, drawing elation from his face. She laughed at that. “You should see yourself.”
“Thanks God.” He sighed with relief and walked closer to her. “Thank you Miley.”
“Aaw,” she begun, receiving his hug. “It took me time to see it but, you are the perfect man for me.”
He withdrew and smiled. “I have been praying for this over the past two weeks. That day you shut me out, I never thought that, I’ll ever have you accept me again.”
“I was wrong to reject you because you decided to follow God. There’s nothing right than that on this earth. God is everything.” She admitted.
He smiled at her, staring at her with disbelief.
She rested her forehead on his. “Let’s pray to God and set the date for our wedding. The past is gone, Greg. God is going to help us build a very good future.”
He shut his eyes. “I want us to get engaged in church. The college chapel. But, I want to give you the best wedding. One that you will never forget.”
She smiled and thanked him in a whisper.
He drew back. “Okay. I will not be able to control myself around you, Miley.” He confessed and she laughed a little. “Seriously. Get ready and we drive to Boston to see your parents and my cousin and; I’ll call my uncle so he meets us tomorrow when he arrives New York.”
She smiled with excitement, showing her teeth. “Okay. Your uncle, uncle, Matthias?”
“Yes. The Father. He always wanted me to settle down with one woman but, I wouldn’t agree until fourteen days ago. Now, I am sure that, I want to marry you, Miley. God has told me so.”
She was overwhelmed by his statement. “Thank you Gregory.”
He smiled a little and sighed. “I believe that my parents, wherever they are, they are happy for me.”
“They would be in heaven, Greg. And they are very happy for you.”
He took in her words, grinning shortly. “Amen. So, I’ll be in the living room. Can you be ready in five minutes?”
She shook her head, laughing. “I’m going to see my folks, Greg and they don’t know I’m coming with a man. I have to make phone calls, talk to my sister; plan what to take to them.”
“Oh, we can do that on the way.”
“I’d rather I do that before moving a step from here.”
He nodded. “Alright,” he said and took out his phone. “You can use this.”
She shook her head again. “I don’t want to freak mom out. I’ll fetch my phone in Posh’s bedroom.”
He grimaced. “Are your parents that strict?”
She nodded. “Yeah. You don’t wanna know.”
“Do you think they’ll reject me?”
“They’ll probably think that I should have my bachelor first before getting married but, they will be okay with you.”
“Oh. I hope I will be able to convince them that, we won’t have any kids before we graduate.”
“I’ll handle that” She told him. “Okay. I’ll just…” She begun, pointing upstairs. Maybe she meant to dress.
“I’ll wait in the living room.” He said and they parted.

                                                                              #

Posh took in a deep breath, asking God for strength before pushing the loosely opened door into Mike’s ward.
She found Mike seated on a bed, listening attentively to Pastor Pat. She knew the pastor from the fellowship house that she usually passed, heading to campus.
When the door opened, the pastor, who sat next to the bed and Mike, turned to the entrance.
The pastor smiled but, Mike seemed surprised.
“Hallow?” She greeted.
“Hallow. Come in. Alexandra, right?” The pastor asked.
Posh walked across the room and stood at the foot of the bed. “Yes. You know me?”
“He just told me about you.”
Posh glanced at Mike at the pastor’s statement. “Mike?”
“I told him about my friends. Mr. Patterson has high sense of humor.”
The pastor laughed.
Posh felt like giggling.
“Have a seat, please?” The pastor asked, waving to a chair on the other side of the bed.
Posh walked to it and sat. “How are you doing?” She asked Mike.
“Better, I thank God.”
“Where is Astrophe? The mascot leader.” The pastor asked, drawing the youths’ attention.
“Maybe he went to record with the Faith band.” Posh replied to him.
“No, he left to Ohio.” Mike said.
“Oh. I wanted to have you all together.”
“Yes pastor?” Posh asked.
“I just want to share with you the word of God. The bond between you four is very strong. I love the way you took care of each other, physically and then, spiritually.”
Posh furrowed her eyebrows. “I don’t understand.”
“It all begun with Wayne receiving Christ, pastor. We weren’t better off before. Now, because of him and Gregory converting to Christianity, the whole class has changed.” Mike said to the pastor.
Posh glanced at him and back at the pastor. “You have a word for us, pastor?”
“Yes.” The man of God replied and opened a Bible that was in his hand. “I would like to read Psalm 133 to you.”
“Amen. Go ahead pastor.” Mike told him.
The man of God nodded and begun to read from Psalm 133:1. “The Bible says; behold how good and how pleasant it is for brethren to dwell together in unity!” He turned to them. “God blesses all relationships. Those with blood ties and those without blood ties. Verse three of the same chapter reads,” he said and added from the Bible, “for there the Lord has commanded the blessing, even life forever more.”
“God knows our friendship?” Posh asked.
“Yes” the pastor replied. “And he saved your friend Astrophe for your sakes. God has a purpose with your lives.”
“It is amazing how God works.” Mike reckoned. “Wayne came to make me realize a life of wrong that I was living. Now, in Jesus, I’ve found peace. I just pray to get out of here and go ahead with, mending my life.”
Posh turned to him. “Wayne told you about Jesus too?”
He nodded to her. “Yap and you?”
“Yes,” she agreed. “I’ve also felt different after receiving Jesus.”
“The love of God changes us,” the pastor said.
“Yes” Posh agreed and turned to Mike. “Mike, I am sorry for what I did to you.”
He looked warmly at her. “It’s alright. It was my fault that you became upset anyway.”
The pastor glanced at the two and rose. “I will be outside with the rest of the class 100 who are here.”
Mike turned to him. “More words of God, pastor?”
Pastor Pat smiled. “Yes. I’ll be back. You two need to talk.”
Mike was silent as was Posh.
The pastor left.
There was silence for a short while, until Mike spoke.
“Do you remember the African girl?” He asked, opening the conversation with Posh.
She nodded. “They call her Vicky Prettiz. She is very famous because of her cooking and her singing.”
“She was right about God. We should never have rejected her proposal.”
“You have already received Christ, Mike, and so have I. It is not late for God to change us.”
He nodded. “I have no doubt about that. Wayne recommended that we read the Bible often.” He said and added. “Didn’t he text you that, his mom, who was sick, was immediately healed after he prayed for her?”
Posh became amazed. “No, no. I didn’t know whether his mom was sick.” She said, searching her handbag on her lap, for her cellphone. “I haven’t checked my phone,” she added, retrieving it.
“Check it out.”
“Here is one unread message,” she said, pressing the buttons of her phone. “Amh. He says; Hi guys. Thank you for your prayers. I never told you but, my ma was sick. My dad called me four weeks ago, our last night together at the college club, and told me how mom was sick and that, she was going to die. All the past week after turning to Jesus, I was praying and fasting for my mom’s healing. God enabled me to get the permit to leave campus and return to Ohio to see her. She was dying when I arrived home but, I prayed to God and laid my hand on her in the name of Jesus. My mom was immediately healed from Cancer, instantly.” She read and paused, staring shockingly at Mike.
Mike was not too surprised. “Yeah. Go on.”
“Wow.” Posh said and turned back to the phone, concluding. “I am so happy guys and relieved. I thank God for the healing of mom and I believe that, he is going to heal you too, Mike. Jesus is able and he is so good, keep asking him. Ps. Read Jeremiah 30:17”
“Amen.” Mike said nodding.
“It’s unbelievable.” Posh reckoned. “Wow, God is so powerful.”
“It’s encouraging. I wonder where we were all this time. The devil is such a liar.”
She smiled, nodding her head as she reckoned, “truly. God is good.”
"Amen." He agreed.
She read the message silently again and asked him, “Have you read this verse?”
“Yes.” He said. “The pastor’s Bible. Oh. He left it.” He stretched his left arm to the Bible beside his lap and opened it. “Jeremiah 30, right?”
“Yeah, 30, 17.” She replied.
“Amh. The verse goes; for I will restore health unto thee and I will heal thee of thy wounds, saith the Lord, because they have called thee an outcast, saying this is Zion for whom no man seeketh after” he read and said,  “Amen.”
“So, God promises to heal you.” She elaborated to him.
“Yes.” He agreed. “How is your case going?”
She packed her phone. “I’m out on bail.”
“Can’t I just say that you didn’t shoot me?” He asked, indignantly.
“I confessed. I will get out of this. Thank you for worrying about me.”
He sighed. “Who is fighting for you in court?”
“I haven’t gone to court yet. There’s no need. But, Mr. Hurts is my lawyer.”
“So, who’s accusing you?”
“The police department.”
“Can’t I just file a statement to omit everything and claim that they should no longer persecute you?”
She shrugged. “I don’t know but, I’ll be fine, Mike, don’t worry.”
“No. Tell me, what is the punishment you’ll get?”
“Maybe public chores. They know that I’m in school.”
He sighed.
She looked pitifully at him. “I will be alright. I’m ready for it and besides that, Jesus will take care of me.”
“Alright.” He consented at last.
“So, how are you feeling?” She inquired.
“I broke a shoulder blade. It’s a good thing that I’m left handed.”
“Will it heal?” She asked, feeling worried. 
He smiled at her. “Of course, with God all things are possible.”
Posh smiled at her and they continued chatting for a long while.
The pastor returned later bringing lunch with him and they all ate together joyfully.
God had replaced the four’s terrible unsatisfied life with joy and peace.

                                                                              #

watch out for the final part of this story...
right here @ multtalentedp.blogspot.com

What is this story about?

Two weeks is basically a time frame
14 days of the month.
A lot can happen in two weeks and the author shows that, basing on the life of Astrophe ( Wayne) who is initially a man burdened with the impending death of his mother, his academic challenges and awful nightmares.
In a course of his life he meets a transfer student, Vicky, coming from Africa and upholding some virtues along with undeniable faith that intrigues Wayne.
He first attempts to convert Vicky to his own base life but, she in turn shows that, she is unchangeable.
At the peak of his problems, Wayne agrees that for two weeks, he would try following Jesus; an unseen God and read the Bible to see if his life would change.
Can it be possible?

stay tuned for more in this story and remember to drop your comment wherever on the net by using the hashtag #twoweeksstory

Ahsante, Danke, Thank you, Gracias Merci , Sukriya, (add your own in the comments below)
:-)

TWO WEEKS - Episode 16

Vicky finished her shift at the CD store and hurried home to prepare for her band rehearsals.
40 minutes before the time, she made dough for making her pastries and left them in a warm place to leaven.
She then took a shower and dressed in a red woolen sweater over a top, and jeans trousers.
After having done practice on the mirror, she made short hasty prayers and picked her bag, leaving the apartment.

‘West Circuit West Circuit.’ Vicky murmured, following a pavement way that they usually circled during their morning jogs.
She was so excited about joining the band. She loved singing very much and she imagined that, the band was her opportunity of exposing her talent as a singer.
She longed to tell her mother that she joined the church band. She would be praising and lifting God’s name in Ortegun and probably, in the rest of New York and America.
Maybe there would be choir championship or battle of the Church bands.
She was so excited that, although she recalled Wayne offering to direct her to the music hall, she did not want to look for him first. In fact, Wayne was not available for the morning jog. Vicky already guessed that, he slept at his girlfriend's place and might not have even returned to Ortegun that day.
She lowered her pace when she neared a tall building with a dome shaped roof. It had a lit portico and some people walking on a couple of stairs below it, into and out of the building.
A label at the portico was the one that caught Vicky’s attention.
The Derby
“This must be it.” She said to herself and begun following the path to the building.
She passed two security guards at the entrance and entered the lobby which was huge with marble floors and the dorm shaped roof. Most of the people in the building were foreign to Vicky. She became a little nervous because they also seemed too older than herself or Wayne’s class.
She smiled however, when she caught sight of large swing doors at the end of the busy lobby.
The doors were labeled with golden italic letters.
Music hall I
She increased pace toward the doors and almost touched it before someone called.
“Hey Lady! Don’t go in there!”
She gasped and spanned around, already frustrated that, she had done something wrong.
A man in the University’s security uniform came running to her from the building’s entrance. He was one of the guards who Vicky left behind when she got inside. Maybe he followed her.
Vicky gulped, shaking on her feet. Oh my God please help me. She prayed inwardly.
“You are not allowed to go in there, that hall is under renovation.” The security guard said, halting in front of Vicky.
She sighed. “Oh I am sorry. I didn’t know. We have band practice and we were told to meet at the music hall. My friend told me that, it would be in The Derby.”
“The Derby is all this area; four buildings actually. This just happens to be the first one. What your friend must have referred to is The Derby opposite the Law Faculty building.”
Vicky sighed again. How could she have missed Wayne’s instruction?
“There’s the Music Hall there; neither one nor two. Just music hall. Alright?”
Vicky nodded. “Thank you.”
“You are welcome. Are you a first year student?”
“Yes.” She replied shortly.
“Okay. Just a tip, this building is normally used by post-graduate students so, you might seem out of place coming in here.”
She raised her eyebrows, nodding.
The man smiled and begun to leave, she did too.

Vicky was upset when she came back, outside The Derby. She was already thinking of returning back to her apartment. The little mishap took the best of her.
I was so excited. She thought, hovering around the stairs below the building portico.
She wished that she had a phone and then she could share her awful experience with her mother. But, she didn’t.
“Hey!”
Someone called.
She turned and her face lit up to glance at a familiar person.
She took the few steps to the ground and walked to Kyle, who waited for her across the pavement way.
“Hi," he greeted charmingly. “I see that you are already here.”
She blushed. “Yeah. But, I think that, I got lost.”
“Forgive me. I should have given you instructions.”
“It’s okay.” She replied, fixing her bag braces well over her shoulder.
He begun to move. “So, what type of music do you sing?” He asked as they walked side by side.
“Well. I sing Gospel. I can do Solo. I don’t know if that answers your question.”
He chuckled. “It’s alright. Have you ever been in a band before?”
“No.”
“Can you lead a band if at all you were to be in one?”
She was elated. “Wow. Yeah. I will be so happy.”
He grinned. “Listen Vicky, that’s your name. Right?”
“Yeah," she replied nodding.
“Alright Vicky. Our band is the most popular known band in Ortegun. If you sing with us, you stand the chance of exposing your talent and becoming very famous. We also go outside campus and compete with the college bands of the colleges like MIT, NYU and more other renowned Universities in New York.”
Vicky was very excited. “That is great. So, I’ll be the leading soloist?”
“Yeah. Only if you agree.”
“I have no problem with that," she replied instantly, without a second thought.
By this time, they already arrived the Law Faculty Building. Vicky got a glimpse of it and realized immediately that, they were already there.
“Okay" he said, stopping. “We’ll just meet the rest of the band and we can go for the rehearsals.” He said, glancing behind her.
She turned around and saw another beatifully designed building.
There was a banner at the entrance written; The Derby.
That’s it. Opposite the Law Faculty building. She thought and turned back to Kyle but, he was already leaving, walking into the Law Faculty Building.
Vicky knew that she had to wait.
She crossed her hands below her chest and exhaled deeply. She could not wait to start.
As she stared at the Law Faculty Building that, Kyle disappeared into, she embraced the sight of Wayne and Gregory, coming down together with charm on their faces.
She offered a smile when Wayne glanced at her and, he smiled back.
“Hallo?” She called, through the cool breeze that also made her very chilly.
“Hi!” Wayne replied, walking down to her with Gregory. “Waiting for me?” He asked, halting a few steps from Vicky.
She laughed a little. “No but, it’s nice to see you.”
“Hallo," Greg greeted.
“Hi.” She replied.
“Oh. The band rehearsals. Oh gosh. I forgot that I promised to pick you up.” Wayne said in disappointment.
“You are with the Fangs, Wayne?” Greg asked first.
“No. I can’t sing," he replied.
“Don’t tell me that you are with the Fangs… who Vi…?” Gregory asked her.
“Vicky.” She helped. “Who are the Fangs? Another band?”
“Like the leading rock ‘n’ roll band in Ortegun. But, don’t mind him. So, where are your partners?” Wayne replied and asked.
“There’s one; Kyle. I think that, he went to call the others.”
Wayne frowned. “You are not talking about Kyle Johnson or are you?”
“She’s lost man.” Greg said, shaking his head.
Vicky was puzzled. “Anything wrong?”
“Vicky. Where did you meet this guy?” Wayne asked.
“In church.” She replied, worriedly.
“He must have gone out to look for a soloist. I heard that, he has been in search for one ever since Melissa lost her voice.” Greg said, confusing Vicky more.
“Vicky. You do not want to hang around with these guys. His band is full of boys and they will only harass you. They are not anything close to God or the church.” Wayne warned.
Vicky found her mouth opening but, staying in silence. She sighed deeply.
Gregory laughed. “Oh my God… don’t tell me that you thought that… I mean, I can follow Jesus even Wayne can but, Kyle? Not under this sun.”
Wayne glanced at him and back at Vicky. “They are bad news, Vicky. Take it from me.”
“I’m back.”
They all turned around to face Kyle. He was carrying a laptop and a guy in a dark outfit escorted him.
Wayne frowned at him, taking Vicky’s side. “Kyle.” He bawled.
He raised his eyebrows in queer, approaching the three. “Yeah Wayne. What’s the problem?”
“How can you lie to her?” Wayne shouted.
“Lie to who?” Kyle asked instead.
“Don’t you know that this girl is saved? She can’t join your band.”
“Listen Wayne, our band may not be about God but, we are not singing about the devil. Our content is about life, okay?”
“I thought that, it was a Gospel band.” Vicky said, letting out her disappointed voice for the very first time.
Kyle sighed. “Okay. Maybe it’s not a Gospel band. I mean… those songs have no market these days. People want to hear about life and love. No one believes in a God that they cannot see. I don’t either.”
“It’s fine that you don’t.” Wayne begun and took Vicky’s hand. “But, she does and you are not going to soil her image or reputation by making her sing for your band.”
“Wayne, Fangs is the best band in Ortegun. We already sold more than 100K copies ever since our last CD was out. And that was just a few weeks ago. Singing with us will be her chance of debuting into the music industry.”
“Pick another girl.” Greg suggested.
Kyle turned to him. “I have tried searching in Ortegun. Only she has the best voice.”
“Really, how about Deborah?” Greg asked again.
“She only wants to sing for God.” Kyle replied quickly and added. “Anyway, what’s important is, the record company needs a song in two weeks, otherwise, our band is finished. We also borrowed money to pay for Mellissa’s hospital bills and the next song will be our only chance of clearing the debt and not get into problems.”
Vicky furrowed her eyebrows. Just then she recalled a verse from Romans chapter 8. All things work together for good to those who love God, who are called according to his purpose.
I am here for a reason. She thought.
“You are not going to use her, Kyle. I am warning you.” Wayne threatened.
“Listen.” Vicky begun, freeing her arm softly from Wayne’s clutch. She looked at Kyle. “We’ll do a gospel song.”
Kyle shook his head. “It won’t hit.”
“Let’s try and err.” She insisted.
“I can’t afford an error, Vicky. My life and the rest of the band’s, are at stake.”
“Okay then, I will not sing with you.”
“Right.” Wayne supported her decision.
Kyle pulled a sad face. “But, you can help just this one time to sing one song. I promise that it will be only this once.”
“I am so sorry. I only sing Gospel, all the time. I am also telling you that, a Gospel song will hit; even more than your life songs.”
Kyle sighed deeply, looking down.
“Those are the terms.” Greg interjected, staring boldly at Kyle.
“It will hit Kyle. You have me and more importantly, you will have God. May it be that God wants to use your band because, it reaches more people, to spread His knowledge to the world.” Vicky told him.
Kyle shook his head. “No, you don’t understand Vicky. We need to sell another 100000 copies and we need a hit song.”
“I understand Kyle and I also want to help you help your friend and yourselves. I will join your band only on those terms. We will sing a Gospel music.”
Kyle sighed. “Gosh.”
“Take it or leave it Kyle. Make up your mind, now!” Wayne enforced.
Kyle turned to his company, Fred. He just shrugged.
Kyle turned back to them. “Who will write the song? I don’t know the Bible.”
Vicky smiled. “Don’t worry, I will.”
Kyle sighed again. “I don’t know guys if I am making the right decision but, I can swear to you that Fangs is going down.”
“And we are going to give it a new name.” Vicky announced.
“What!” Kyle exclaimed.
“Yeah. Fangs’ a bad name.” Greg commented. “It means what?”
“Snake teeth.” Wayne replied bluntly.
“Yeah. We are going to name it Faith.” Vicky said nodding.
Kyle sighed. “No, we can’t do that guys. People will laugh at us.”
“Relax, Kyle. It’s only going to be for two weeks.” Greg said.
“If the song doesn’t hit then, you can go back to the old name.” Wayne added, being aware of the routine now.
“Guys, if the next song doesn’t hit and we sell 100K copies, we go to jail.” Kyle explained.
“It is going to hit.” Vicky assured them.
“Why do you seem so sure?” Kyle asked.
“Because, I know the God in whom I believe. He will never let us be put to shame. That’s Joel chapter 2.” Vicky replied.
Wayne noted that in his mind. For further study.
Kyle sighed and decided, “Okay. Since, you are writing the song, we’ll postpone practice till tomorrow evening. We have to becoming every night and on Saturdays because, we have to record by next week.”
Vicky nodded. “It’s alright.”
“Okay good. And I will check you out from time to time.” Wayne promised.
Kyle just gave him a glance and turned to his company.
They left together and the three remained on their own.
“Lets’ go.” Wayne suggested and they began to walk out. “Are you cooking tonight Vicky?” He asked after a while.
“Yeah.” She replied.
“You cook? Ah you have plenty of time.” Greg said.
“I tend to minimize time for doing other things that I can skip.” Vicky explained.
“Example?” Greg asked.
“Watching TV or chatting.”
“Oh C’mon. Watching Television is relaxing.”
“Truly but, it would be better to do that while, I already have my Masters and I have a good house and cars.” Vicky said.
Wayne narrowed his eyes.
“Woho. You are amazing” Greg commented. “I know a few girls who are so determined.”
“Thanks. I believe that, God guides us to do what is right.” She replied.
Wayne was silent, contemplating her reaction.
“Okay. So what are you making?” Gregory asked.
“Buns. Muffins as you may call them but, not exactly that.” She replied.
“When can we come around?” Wayne asked afterward.
“By ten. I’ll be studying after that.”
Wayne nodded. “You are reminding me to work on that time table.”
“Did you read John Chapter 2?” she asked.
“Yeah. And I also covered John Chapter three. I understood that, giving up Jesus was a way of God showing his love to mankind.”
“Yes.” Vicky nodded.
“Oh. You are on the Bible stuff Wayne?” Greg asked.
“It’s called Salvation, Gregory.” Wayne told him.
“I’m a Catholic but, I don’t get the word salvation. The only thing that you are doing is praying and reading The Bible, right?”
“Yeah but, there is more.” Wayne said. “There’s like, real faith in Jesus. I don’t know, like you feel him or something.”
“It’s all about a better relationship between man and God. That was the reason for Jesus coming down; to repair the relationship between us and God. He also revealed the Father that is, God, to us. We are supposed to know and serve God to the extent that he deserves.” Vicky explained.
“But, we do so when we go to church, right?” Greg asked.
“When was the last time that you went to church?” She replied with a question.
“Amh…” Greg begun to recall aloud. “On Christmas eve.”
“See? God needs all the attention.” Vicky said. “Do you also read your Bible often?”
“I don’t have a Bible.” Gregory said.
“So, get a Bible and get acquainted with God. The Bible says in Job 22:21 that, Agree with God and be at peace; thereby good will come to you. In another translation it says that; be acquainted with God and be at peace. Therefore, Jesus has already taken away our sins, we have boldness and confidence to come to God and ask him for his intervention in our lives.”
“Oh.” Greg said. “I never looked at it that way. But, then, won’t I have to stop doing the things that I like to do?”
“For example?” Vicky asked.
“For example, I know that, the Bible says that, it is not good to sleep with a girl before getting married. Something that it calls fornication. But, seriously, that is impossible not to do.” Gregory replied.
Wayne laughed.
Vicky didn’t. She explained afterward. “God is the one who gives us the ability to not do sin. The Bible says that, he who commits sin is a slave to sin. But, the knowledge of Jesus Christ and the fullness of him, sets us free from all sins.”
“You mean that, if I start to pray and etcetera, I will not want to sleep with my girlfriend?” Gregory asked.
“You will consider doing what is right and marry her.” She answered.
“Aah. C’mon. I am not ready for marriage.” Greg opposed.
“Ask God’s opinion for your life, Greg.” She concluded.
Wayne was following the discussion closely. “So, what do I do if I still want to sleep with girls?” He asked.
“Pick a girl, Wayne, and marry her. God understands the way he created us and the Bible says that; for this reason man shall leave his family and be joined to his wife. So, get married or stop doing what is wrong before God.” She said simply.
“And if I don’t want to marry?” Greg asked.
“Get closer to God and he will help you to set your life aright; including giving you your spouse at the right time.”
“Really? It will work?” Greg asked.
“Try and err.” She replied.
Greg nodded. “Since I have nothing to lose, I’ll get a Bible and start reading it.” He resolved and turned to Wayne. “You at John, right?”
“Yeah. Chapter three.” He replied.

                                                                              #

They parted at the fountain and she ascended to the dormitory building.
At 9pm, Wayne came to pick his buns and also repay Vicky the money that she used to buy him his Bible.
Before he left, Wayne returned back to Vicky's door again.
“Coming.” She called.
He heard footsteps coming closer to the door and it was opened. Vicky appeared behind it. “Oh. Yeah?”
“Amh… I don’t know how to put this but… I am going to tell you anyway.” He said.
She raised her eyebrows in queer.
Although she could have, she did not let him in. She did not want to.
“Yes, tell me?” She asked.
He took in a deep breath and said. “Well, I usually have scary nightmares and they give me terrible days. Yesterday I slept alright but, only because I was in Boston beside Sasha. I don’t know if tonight, I will be able to sleep well.”
“Oh.” She said. “Just ask God.” She answered him simply.
“Ask God? Can he help me to have a good night sleep?”
“Do you have a Bible right there?”
“No, no but, I have a Bible app in my phone. Tell me the word and I will bookmark it.” He said, feeling his pockets with his free hand. The other hand held a plastic bag containing Vicky’s Prettiz.
“Okay. Read Psalm Chapter 127 from verse 1 to 2.”
He scrolled the screen. “Is it in the Old or the New Testament?”
“Old Testament. It is also the longest book in the Bible.”
He nodded in understanding. “Say it again, Sam?”
“Psalms, with a ‘p’ like psychology.”
“Oh alright I get it. Wow. It has one, one fifty chapters!" He exclaimed as he perused the screen of his phone.
“Yes. Go to chapter one twenty seven and read verse 1.”
“It says; unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it, labor in vain. Unless the Lord watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep.” He read and paused, looking up at her. “So, God is supposed to protect us and do everything for us.”
Vicky nodded.
“Am I also God’s beloved?”
“You are his son, Wayne.”
He smiled, that made him a bit joyful. “Alright. Thank you.”
“Before you go. Have you heard anything from Annie?”
He shook his head. “No but, I did text her a few days ago.”
“How about calling her?”
“I can try right now.” He said and turned back to his phone, tapping it.
She waited silently as he placed it against his ear.
He lowered it shortly afterward. “She’s not reachable but, I will try calling her again.”
“I just hope that her father’s okay.”
“If anything happened, she would have told us, right?”
“Yes. I guess so.”
“Has she called the apartment?”
Vicky shook her head. “Not while I was around.” She said and added. “Is she from Mexico?”
He chuckled. “Not Mexico but, New Mexico. Anyway, his father lives there. He divorced her mother when Annie was young. All I know is that, the dad didn’t call or look for Annie and Mrs. Earl for over the past ten years or so. They had no communication until last week when they found out that he was sick.”
“Oh. That’s too bad.”
Wayne nodded.
“Mrs. Earl… is she also called Linda?”
“That’s what few people call her. Especially girls, the lady is very strict.”
Vicky laughed a little. “I didn’t notice that.”
“That’s maybe because you don’t take psychology.”
She smiled, remaining silent.
He sighed with exhaustion, pocketing his cell phone. “Okay. I gotta go. Good night?”
“You too. Don’t forget to pray before you sleep.”
He shook his head. “I won’t.”

She shut the door and he left.
Vicky went to her room afterward and prayed for Annie’s father. She was also worried because, there was no news from Annie ever since she left.

After having tea with Vicky’s Prettiz and studying, Wayne drafted a timetable of how he would be spending his day. He saved enough time for reading the Bible and working on his assignment.
Then, he reclined to his bed with his Bible and looked for the Psalm 127. When he read it again, he shut his eyes and prayed for a comfortable sleep.
“Just like yesterday,” he requested God at the end of his prayer. “If you would like but, a better sleep would be welcomed.” He concluded, “In the name of Jesus Christ I pray, Amen.”
He pulled the sheets above himself and dozed off.

A couple of miles away, Greg was watching like he usually did. He did not have trouble sleeping but, this time he was supposed to be watching a movie.
But, instead of the couch, he sat on his work desk. He took out a borrowed Bible from the desk drawer and placed it on the table.
“Okay, God. I want to follow you and hear your plan for me in my life. I was told that, there was more of you than I do know right now. I do know much about relationships and mine have never been long lasting. Can I start a permanent one with you?” he said with his eyes staring at the closed Bible. “Let’s begin.” He said to the atmosphere and opened the Bible to the book of Genesis.

                                                                              #twoweeks stay tuned....

TWO WEEKS - PART II

#2

“… if you lay gold in dust, and gold of Ophir among the stones of the torrent bed, and if the Almighty is your gold, and your precious silver, then you will delight yourself in the Almighty and lift up your face to God. You will make your prayer to him, and he will hear you, and you will pay your vows. The verse 28 of Job 22 says; you will decide on a matter and it will be established for you, and light will shine on your ways.” A black pastor preached with emphasis in front of a mass of about 200 college students.
“Amen.” The congregation chorused.
“People, you have to understand that, for you to pray and for the Lord to hear you: for you to decide on a matter and it be established, depends on you making God your gold, setting him as the first priority in your life. Ask yourself, what is first priority in my life? Is it your family? Is it your boyfriend or girlfriend? Is it your favorite TV program? Have you valued these so that, you avoided to pray, to come to church or to hear the words of God? Is God first in your life?” The preacher went on and paused, wiping sweat that wet his face. “Children of God, we need God more than what we think. The Bible says in Matthew 6:33; seek first the kingdom of God and his righteousness, and all these things shall be yours as well. Put God first in everything you do, ask him for directions. Tell God how much you need him. He is able to fix your family, he is able to fix your education, your life; only if you let him.”
“Amen.” Most of the congregation members shouted.
Vicky sat among the front rows, nodding often to what the pastor said.
“Allow God to be first in your life, people. Let him in in your spiritual life, welcome him in your family; allow him to lead you and to guide you. Tell God, please lead me in this. And Our God, who never lies, will surely make you prosper in all that you undertake.”
“Amen!” the crowd cheered.
After the end of the sermon, a blonde walked to the stage and took the mic. “Thank you pastor. Indeed, as we have heard, we are supposed to put God first in our lives so that, we can access all the blessings that he has already entitled us to.”
“Amen.” The church replied.
She went on, “I have my own example in this, a long time ago; when I was still a teenager, I begun to allow God in my studies. I had a very difficult problem in Math and then I just started praying before beginning my prep. In time as I did so, I begun to automatically solve at least five questions of Math before revising my courses. My grades started elevating in the Assessment tests and I remember that, a year later, I embraced an A plus in my Mid-term exam.”
“Amen!” the church roared.
“Now can we please stand up? Yes… Please stand up for the glory of God.” She asked, as a pianist on one side of the church, begun playing music. “As the song keeps on playing. Let us meditate on the greatness of God. Let us ask him to give us the ability to make him first in our lives. Only he has the ability to change our hearts.” She said and paused, glancing at Vicky seated at the front seats. “Vicky, please come lead us through the worshipping.”
Vicky nodded and dashed to the stage, receiving the mic from the other lady. “Let’s shut our eyes.” She begun, closing her own eyes. “Tell God how much you need him. Tell God that, you can’t live without him. Forget all that weighs your mind. Put it all behind you and allow God to enter in and do his fixing.” She said as the music raised, filling the room with the worshipping atmosphere. “God is more important than anything we need right now. He is the only one who has the power to fix everything. We need Jesus. We need him.” she added and begun to sing;

“I have decided, to follow Jesus.
I have decided to follow Jesus,
I have decided to follow Jesus.
No turning back, no turning back.
Oh no turning back, no turning back…

Most of the members begun mourning, pleading to God Almighty for his presence in their lives.
They prayed for a while with the presence of the LORD flowing in the church.
After concluding the service, Vicky resumed her seat whereas, the first girl walked forward to close the mass with prayers.

“Congratulations, Vicky.” Emeka came behind Vicky and told her.
She spanned around to face him, pulling her shoulder bag well over her shoulder. “Oh. Thank you Emeka.”
“Seriously, you have a very nice voice. Why didn’t you tell me that you could sing?”
“Amh. Maybe we never had the time to discuss that.” She replied modestly, holding a smile on her face.
He grinned back at her. “I also sing.” He said before a guy joined them.
“Hello brother, sister.” The guy greeted enthusiastically. He was averagely short and had, dark brown hair. “You should join the band.” He said to Vicky.
She smiled. “Thank you.”
He stretched out his hand for an arm shake. “I’m Kyle.”
“Vicky.” She replied, shaking it.
“Can you be coming for the rehearsals every Monday and Thursday at 8?” Kyle asked, when their hands parted.
Vicky took some time, reviewing her schedule in her head. “Amh. Yeah. My shift ends at seven so, alright.”
“Great. Then, I‘ll be seeing you from tomorrow night.”
She nodded, smiling. “Thank you. Where?”
“The music hall. It’s in the West Circuit.”
“Okay. I will surely find it.”
Kyle smiled at her, nodded to Emeka and walked away.
The two turned to each other afterward and begun leaving the church.
“It’s amazing that you always save time for God.” He said.
“Well, that’s also what the pastor just preached, making God first in your life," she replied.
He smiled a little. “Yes. Exactly.”
The continued silently, exiting the house of God and begun walking on the sparsely crowded lane that stretched around the campus.
Vicky looked around the extended compound around her. She saw some girls strolling together, holding smoothies. Just then, her initial thought of starting a food business, came to her mind. “You know, Emeka? Just last week I agreed with my friends to start selling food stuff around the dormitory.”
He turned to her. “Oh. That is great. Are there any procedures to follow?”
She shook her head. “I don’t think so. I think that, I’ll make more money that way than the one I get, working at the CD store.”
“Food business is one thing that will always have profit.”
“Yeah. Because people have to eat, right?”
“Yes. So, what happened and you could not start anymore?”
“Ah. One of my friend had an accident and the other left after her father became ill.”
“Oh. I am so sorry for your friends. So, you haven’t had support since then?”
“No.”
“What do you need to start the business?”
“We already made a budget of at least 13 dollars. My other friend also offered to get plastic bags for the packaging.”
“Alright. Need any help?”
“No, no. I am contented with just telling you.”
He laughed too. “What will you be making? Any African food that I might know?”
She giggled. “Oh, you miss home food too?”
“Yeah. I miss Garri. Have you ever heard of that?”
“Yes. I had a couple of friends from West Africa. We shared a lot about our cultures. That was before even coming here.”
“Yeah. So, Garri is cooked from meal of cassava plantain. I don’t think that I can get that flour here.”
“That will definitely be hard.” She replied. “Maybe in the large supermarkets, out of campus.”
“Maybe.” He agreed and thoughtfully added, “we should really start a center for African foods.”
She smiled. “Great idea. I will put that thought in my prayers.”
He begun to laugh just when he felt his trouser pockets. He took out his phone, halting.
Vicky halted too, watching him.
He checked the cell phone. “Sorry a bit.” He said, tapping. “Chai!” He exclaimed, frowning at the phone.
She was amused. “Anything wrong?”
“Nah. This friend of mine. We came together to study here now, he is telling me that, they are moving our things.”
“Moving your things?” She repeated. “From where?”
“Our stay. We live outside campus though. I don’t know what is happening.”
“Oh. I hope you fix things.”
He tapped the phone quickly and hastily pocketed it. “Let me go and see.”
“It’s alright. All the best.”
He thanked, turning around and running away.
“God please help that, it goes well with them.” She murmured, sighing.
She positioned her bag well over her shoulder and resumed her stroll, aiming to the dormitory pathway a couple of meters from where she was.
From yards away, she caught sight of Wayne’s gang.
They sat with him on a rock bench, below a trysting tree.
She paused there for a while, debating on how to avoid them. Despite this, she did have a word for Wayne since, they had not seen each other for over the week.
She decided to walk quickly but, on the only path that was just in front of them.
“Hey!”
She gasped when she heard Mike’s voice.
“It’s that African girl.” Another guy from the same gang, called.
Vicky sighed and paused, turning around to face them.
Squinting her eyes below the scorching sun, she noticed that they sat together, Wayne, Mike, another guy and Posh, the purple haired girl. Their hands were empty unlike Vicky expected. They should be carrying gin. And, from the way they kept chatting, it seemed that, they were all sober.
“Come over.” Wayne called.
Vicky took some time, thinking about that.
Wayne however, turned to his friends and they made Hi5, laughing loudly.
She approached them and agreed in her mind that, they weren’t laughing about her.
Wayne was shaking his head when Vicky arrived, telling Mike. “In all corners, man. He had no way out. That thing really got to him.”
Mike however, twisted his head to Vicky.
Wayne turned to her along with the rest of the group.
“Hi.” She greeted, boldly.
“No change.” The stranger guy said.
“Noo. She is slimmer.” Mike added.
Vicky rounded her eyes with impatience.
“Wait. So, you still hold your Christian values and stuff?” Posh asked, laughingly.
Vicky nodded to her. “Yeah. And I am very happy.”
Wayne was silent all the while, contemplating.
“How comes?” Mike asked.
“I believe in God.” Vicky replied to him. “And he is very loving and kind. There’s nothing in this world that can separate me from him. Romans 8 verse 39”
“How do you believe in something that, you cannot see?” Wayne asked abruptly. 
Vicky turned to him. “Maybe I cannot see God but, I feel his presence every day in my life.”
Wayne laughed. “That is impossible. I figure that, you are imagining things.”
“No,” she denied “You try and see.”
Posh laughed. “Try what? You mean us trying to be Christians, like you?”
Vicky turned to her and nodded. “Yes. You gave me two weeks to see if I can give up my virtues because of everything here but, I proved to you that I wouldn’t. Now, I deserve a chance to dare you to receive Jesus and follow him for a few weeks and see if not, your lives will be better.”
The stranger guy rose at that. “I’m outta here, man.”
Wayne turned to him. “Okay man. Tell Sasha, I’ll come see her later tonight.”
The guy grinned and begun to leave.
Vicky was watching Wayne. He noticed that when he faced her and said, “It doesn’t work that way. We make the bet, not you.”
“That can’t be fair. It’s my turn to dare you.” She insisted, trying to play their game.
“I can’t be wearing a tie and a shirt and khaki trousers like the other Christian guys of your fellowship.” Mike said. “Our bet did not involve any of that.”
“You don’t have to wear khaki,” Vicky assured him “all you need is to believe. The rest, God will reveal to you.”
Posh rose. “I’m out.” She announced and started off.
Vicky glanced at her and sighed.
Wayne narrowed his eyes, staring at Vicky. “Believe? In what?”
She turned to him. “Jesus.”
“Where is he?”
“Here. He is in the spirit. You can’t see him but, he has a purpose for having you hearing about him.”
“If so then, why does all this sound like phony to me?” Wayne asked and Mike laughed.
“That is the wisdom of God. He turns to naught the wisdom of this world. He brings a better life to people through their faith in his son, Jesus. A life without fear and sorrow. A life which, every burden is lightened.”
“I don’t fear anything.” Mike confessed, shrugging.
Vicky faced him. “That is good. But, you ought to be living a better life.”
“I’m okay.” Mike added. “What can your Jesus offer me?”
“Eternal life after this life and now, peace, more income and love and better performance in studies.”
“I don’t need all that.” Mike replied.
“You won’t know till you try.”
Mike rose from the bench. “Yo man, you’ll find me in the ghetto.” He told Wayne.
Wayne nodded to him and turned to Vicky who was still standing in front of the bench.
She was looking dismal as Mike left.
He wondered why. “Sit.”
She turned to him. “What?”
“I said sit.”
She glanced at the bench and sat, facing him from the end of the semi-circle bench.
“So, he is a God that I cannot see?” He asked, opening a conversation.
“Yes. But, the only that you can feel.”
“How on earth does that work?”
“When you just believe.”
“Believe he is there?”
She smiled, nodding. “You finally get it.”
He laughed. “You amuse me with your enthusiasm.”
“Test and see, Wayne. God has a purpose for you in your life.”
He shrugged. With his mother dead and his education failing, “I have got nothing to lose," he admitted.
“No. But, you have more to gain. The Bible says in John 10:10, the thief comes only to steal, to kill and to destroy; I came that they may have life and have it abundantly. ” She replied.
“So, two weeks, alright?”
“Yes.” She replied nodding. “Only two weeks.”
“What do I have to do?”
“For now, close your eyes.”
He chuckled once and did so.
“Please repeat after me.” She asked. “Dear father.”
“Dear father?”
“I come to you today.”
“I come to you today.”
“Because I’ve heard about you.”
“Because I’ve heard about you.”
“I’d like to know you.”
“I want to know you.” he said instead. “That you exist.” He added and chuckled again.
She took sometime then added. “Please forgive all my sins.”
“Please forgive all my sins.”
“And make me clean with the precious blood of your son, Jesus.”
“And make me clean with the precious blood of your son, Jesus.”
“Which he shed on the cross that I may have abundant life.”
“Which he shed on the cross that I may have abundant life.”
“I deny Satan and all his works.”
“I deny Satan and all his works.”
“And I accept Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior.”
“And I accept Jesus Christ into my life as my Lord and Savior.”
“Please change my life LORD and help me to be a better person.”
“Please change my life LORD and help me to be a better person.”
“In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.”
“In the name of Jesus Christ I pray.”
“Amen.”
“Amen.”
She smiled afterward. “Okay. You can open your eyes now.”
He did and squinted.
“How do you feel?” She asked.
He glanced at her. “Normal. Dah? I didn’t feel any spiritual feeling if that’s what you were expecting.”
“It’s okay.” She said simply and begun to lower her bag. She opened it. “Please allow me to share with you the words of God.”
He stretched his hand. “You’ve got me for two weeks. Bring it on.”
She smiled a little and opened the Bible to the Gospel of John.
When she had come to the page, she noticed that he had come to sit closer to her.
“You can’t be reading from that distance.” He explained.
She was silent. She wanted to be serious.
He peeped into the book. “So, who is this John?”
“A disciple of Jesus and an Apostle.”
“What does all that mean?”
“A disciple is like a student. An apostle is a person bearing the vision of spreading the gospel of Christ. They were twelve of them in the Bible. They were also Jesus’ disciples.”
“Oh okay. Like, some kind of pastors.”
“Close enough. Only that, pastors lead one church, apostles go wherever God sends them.”
“And people like you who tell other people about Jesus, are you sent by God or something?”
“It’s the great commission given in Matthew 28. Go into all the world and make disciples of all nations.”
“Okay. We’ll get to the verses later but, you are meaning that, you should make students of Jesus, all over the world, right?”
She gave up a bright smile. “Yes. But, it’s we, now.”
He laughed a little. “Okay. Let’s hear your John.” He glanced at the page. “So, the big 1 is the Chapter and the small numbers are the verses.”
“Yes.” She agreed.
“Okay. Am I supposed to cram these words like you do?”
“You have to understand and believe first. Cramming will come later.”
He nodded.
“Alright. We will read, John chapter 1, verse 12 to verse 13. ‘To all who received him, who believed in his name, he gave power to become children of God; who were born, not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh nor of the will of man, but of God.’” She read and twisted her head to face him. “See, after receiving Christ. You have become God’s child. And, as a child, you are entitled to his protection, his blessings. You are also liable to ask God for whatever you need in life; whether it is a small or a great thing.” She explained and waited for his reaction, he was just patiently listening. “Now, the relationship between us and our Father who is in heaven is different from the relationship between ourselves and our earthly fathers. With God, we must learn to get extra close to him or rather, involve him more in our lives. We cannot see God but, we have to believe that he is there. He only reveals his greatness in our lives, when we acknowledge his presence and request for his intervention in whatever we do.” She concluded and asked. “Do you understand a bit?”
“I think that, I get that, there is a supernatural power called God. He loves us, and maybe he wants to express himself in our lives, my life. So, all I have to do, to enjoy this God is to tell God…. Something? What?”
“Just ask him.” She helped.
He furrowed his eyebrows. “What?”
“Ask can Biblically mean pray. Pray to God before doing anything.”
“Anything? How’s that even possible. I do a lot of things.”
“That’s right. And that is why we pray in the morning before leaving our beds and casually set a prayer timetable.”
He blinked. “Okay. How do I pray?”
“There’s a prayer in Luke chapter eleven.” She said, opening to the part in the Bible. “The disciples asked Jesus to teach them to pray and he led them through one.” She added and went on. “Though, sincere prayers are just what you are feeling to tell God at that moment, in all occasions, we ask God for forgiveness for all that we may have done wrong before we begin to ask him.”
He glanced at the ‘big 11’ and back at her. “Example of a sincere prayer?”
“What are you going through right now that you have not been able to handle?” She replied with a question. 
He glanced away and swallowed. He thought about losing his mother.
“That’s it.” Vicky said, as if she read his thoughts.
He turned to her. “Can you tell what’s inside me?”
“No, except that you are in great despair.”
He drew a deep sigh, confirming her speculation.
She glanced at the book in her hands and closed it, waving it to him. “Wayne, the word of God is living and active. It says so in Hebrews 4:12. Here, you will find more comfort than any that gin or people could provide.”
He reluctantly received the book. “Am I supposed to be reading all these?”
“A clause at a time. I recommend that, you begin with the book of John.”
“I don’t know if I have the time.” He told her.
“On the contrary,” she begun “you have two weeks.”
He grimaced.
She rose. “Will you please come with the Bible later at my place? We will review the first chapter together.”
“You gotta be kidding me. You heard me tell Greg that, I will be seeing his cousin later.”
“Sasha?” She asked.
“Ah hah.” He replied, expressing his amazement that she did not think that.
“We already have a bet.”
“Hey. I never restricted you from your personal commitments.”
“Do you have to?”She almost whined.
“To what? See my girlfriend? Yeah.” He said and added before she went on. “Wait. What time do you need me to come over?”
“Six to seven.”
He narrowed his eyes. “Okay. How long is John 1?”
“Less than two pages.”
He rose. “Let me go to my ghetto and check it out then.”
“Not Mike’s place again?”
He shook his head “Ah no. He usually gets high and I don’t want that for tonight.”
She nodded bluntly.
He rose as well. “So, you don’t need your Bible?”
“I have a Swahili one at home.”
“Oh. Home as in…”
“Ghetto.”
He gave a lopsided smile. “Okay.”
She rubbed her bag braces and nodded, beginning to leave.

                                                                              #

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.

                                                                              #