In The Name Of Papa

In The Name Of Papa #12

Behold, they shall surely gather together…

-Isaiah 54

Love jolted awake. Her weave flailed at her sudden movement and then fell gently over her neck and face. Daylight hit her eyes. She closed them and opened them again, letting out a yawn.

She rolled on her back. Her feet came into view. One of them was covered with a wedge sandal while the other was bare. She recalled getting into the activity of removing both last night and then throwing her weight on the bed in exhaustion.

Around her lay her phone, handbag and work documents.

She murmured something as she managed out of bed. She had slept alone. Leye was on a ten-day trip out of the country to return later in the day.

Love undressed, removing one piece of clothing at a time as she made her way to the bathroom. She noticed that the water heater was still on from when she flicked the switch last night. She switched it off now and proceeded to fill the bathtub. While this happened, she took a pee. She felt a cramp in her lower tummy, much like the ones she got whenever she was on her period. But she was five days late, a possible sign that she was pregnant. She hadn’t had time to run a test yet. Since the Tuesday after Easter, she had been occupied with BCC-related activities. Combine that with the infrequent visits to Abeokuta to ensure that all was going well with the clinic there. She’d wake up each morning with eyes begging for more sleep, and go to bed each night like one tranquilized.

BCC was constructing a new office complex on a stretch of land that was located on the other side of the highway that branched off to the main church premises. The one across was a larger piece of property on which a theological college was slated to be built. Love had had her hands seethed in the business of ensuring things went well with the new office project. She had also been in more than a few transactional meetings to facilitate the acquisition of a couple of shelf companies and successfully functioning ones. She had a small team of capable business personnel she was working with, but it seemed she was carrying the load alone. Her desire to impress Papa and prove her worth to her growing number of adversaries pushed her beyond her limits. Love had never been known to have a stop button when it came to work, and it was beginning to tell on her in just a month.

She had lost weight, sleep and a healthy appetite. But none of it slowed her as much as the strong antagonism that came from Adonijah and the board of directors.

It had begun with Adonijah vehemently disagreeing to Papa’s new governing laws for the church. The news had dropped on all the leaders at a senate session a day after Adonijah’s ordination. Papa announced that the new constitution had passed through the board of directors, who showed no objections. Adonijah’s grouse was that he was a member of the board but had not been privy to the changes Papa made.

β€œI excluded you because I had bigger plans for you, Aloy,” Papa explained. β€œYou are now the general overseer, and no longer a member of the board.”

Adonijah seemed like he was going to protest, but instead he threw in a question. β€œJust like that? I’m kicked out?”

β€œJust like that, you have been elevated, Aloy. Many wish to be where you are.”

Adonijah dumped his complaints into silence. The senate members with fixed eyes on him, were expecting a retort, but none came. Papa continued.

β€œThe G.O., from now on, presides over all the pastors and various departmental leaders. He is the head of everything that relates to the spiritual and outreach activities of the ministry. Pastor Love, on the other hand, is the head of management, presiding over everything business. Her team is responsible for the maintenance of the church, the upkeep of the pastors, the financing of projects and administration of BCC-owned businesses. What I have done is simply split my office in two between both of you. It is my wish that you work together as a team to ensure that Bethel Christian Center reaches the height God wants it to attain.

β€œWe would be buying into flourishing companies and corporations, and also building a couple of ours from the scratch. We have contracted the services of a management firm that would be working with Pastor Love to ensure that we get the best deals. BCC is stupendously blessed. It would be unwise and shortsighted of us not to make investments that would secure our future.

β€œWe have to embrace the change. It is for everyone’s good. I also implore you all to give Pastor Love every support she needs. She is new here, and her methods may not exactly be toothsome to some of us, but I assure you, she is doing well and has my total backing.”

Adonijah shifted in his chair. He seemed to be swelling by the minute.

β€œSupport her. Encourage her,” Papa stressed, his focus on him.

But Papa could have been speaking to the air for all Adonijah cared. The moment he got the chance to twist the minds of the board members, he painted a picture about Love that was prickly. She was thence summoned to appear before them, with instructions to come along with her business plans. Papa was out of town then for his introduction. Love had been forced to face the board alone.

For fear of how Papa and Leye would react, she kept the information to herself. When she appeared before the board, she went fully equipped. But from the instant she stepped in and was thrown the first question, she knew it was a witch-hunt.

They wanted to know her top score. What was her success story? Why had her late husband’s church not grown under her management? What was her plan for BCC? How were they sure it was not purely for her personal gain to be in charge of administration?

And on they went until there were no more questions to throw at her. Next, they moved to her organizational plans, finding faults at every juncture, picking at holes at each turn. It was then she began to crack. She was not the type of leader to show all her cards; she had carefully left out important details of her strategies and devices.

β€œIt is either you’re not skilled for this job or you’re hiding a lot from us,” one of them had said, casting sharp eyes into hers. She warded off the stare by concentrating on the perfect finishing of the table before her.

Finally, the board moved to the third phase of their attack. They asked her what the mission and vision of BCC was. Without effort, she replied them. But they wouldn’t stop there. They pressed harder. The church was already set to run in a certain way, they reminded her. She was not to disturb the natural order of things. It didn’t matter her position; she was answerable to Adonijah and other pastors who had been there before her. She wasn’t to run projects or new ideas without reporting to Adonijah and the senate. The success and longevity of her position hinged on the deference she was to show her superiors. Being an Omotosho wasn’t going to save her. The other Omotosho wives before her had known their place in BCC and kept to it. She was to do the same.

β€œAnd finally, read Proverbs 31,” a certain female board member said. β€œAsk God for deep understanding of that passage. You are a mother to many, Pastor Love. Use your office as the wife of our dearest Pastor Omoleye to build other women up. Many look up to you. Let them find you where God has placed you. Not where you desire to be amongst the men. May God guide your heart into submission and understanding.”

Love felt bile in her throat. But she thanked them, picked her files and left the conference room. When she got home, she dialed Papa and related to him all she had passed through.

β€œAdonijah did this in my absence?”

β€œYes, Papa.”

β€œI am so sorry, Loveth.”

β€œIt’s fine.”

β€œI will address it upon my arrival.”

Love was soon learned that the old man didn’t throw words around aimlessly. A few days after the phone call, she got an email from his office, inviting her for a meeting with the board of directors that was supposed to hold later in the day. She knew Papa was angry; she hoped that he was angry enough to stick his neck out for her.

 

It had been a tedious day like every other for the past three months. Love was lying on the couch in Leye’s office at church, trying not to fall asleep. The sun had just begun to set. Leye was on his way in from the airport, chauffeured by Najib. Love was upset at herself for not having prepared any meal for him. He wasn’t going to complain, of course, knowing that she hated being culinary. But sometimes she felt it was a good thing to surprise him with choice dishes.

Exhaustion left her in a deep sigh. She shut her eyes and finally gave in to the sleep that was tugging. She didn’t get quite far when she felt her husband’s lips on hers.

β€œHey, babe.”

When her eyes opened, she saw a frown of worry on his face.

β€œYou’ve lost weight, sweetness.”

She inhaled his scent. β€œAnd you’re looking dapper.”

She was referring not only to the fresh look on his face but also his outfit combination of a pair of Canali woven tailored pants and an Alexander McQueen shirt folded at the sleeves – as was his habit.

β€œYou’ve not been sleeping. Look at your eyes.”

β€œI’m fine.”

β€œNo, you’re not.”

β€œI missed you.”

β€œMe too.”

He took her hand which was rested on his chest and kissed it. β€œSo, board meeting, huh?”

β€œYeah. Papa is pissed at Adonijah.”

β€œDetails.” Leye stood up and made for his desk. Love sat straight, stretching out her legs. Leye returned with a two bowls of chicken salad and a burger.

β€œI stopped on the way here to buy these.”

Love took what was offered. She realized that she was actually hungry. He sat beside her, and as they ate, she gave him a summarized version of the hell she had gone through, making sure to strip away the emotional angle.

β€œHow dare he?” Leye asked angrily, dumping his salad aside.

β€œAdonijah is not alright, Jeremiah. He…”

β€œI’m not talking about Adonijah!”

Love looked at him wearily.

β€œHe knew the wolves were coming after you and he let them!”

β€œLeye, please don’t start.”

And she was going to say more to appeal to his calm but Ify knocked on the door and entered.

β€œPapa is here,” she announced. β€œHe wants to see you.”

β€œMe?” Love asked.

β€œBoth of you.”

Ify retreated. Love stood up, holding on to her salad. β€œKeep your cool in there, babe.”

β€œI’ll try,” Leye replied, walking ahead of her. She followed him into Papa’s office. The man was in the middle of a phone call when they walked in. From his tone, Love could tell he was upset. She looked at her husband; he still bore an angry look. She waited for the inevitable.

Papa dumped his phone on his desk and turned to his son. β€œOmoleye?”

β€œGood evening, dad.”

Papa nodded and turned a smile on Love. β€œThe strongest woman.”

She went to him for a hug. β€œHow was your trip?”

β€œInteresting.”

β€œOur in-laws?”

Papa shook his head in an amused smile. β€œLet’s not go into that now.” He looked down at her. β€œTaken that test yet?”

She gave no answer. She had stopped at a maternity clinic in the morning for a pregnancy test. The result was known only to her.

β€œI hate to break your pillow talk,” Leye remarked, β€œbut we have to talk, dad.”

β€œWe do, indeed. Sit.”

β€œNo.”

Love pulled a chair and helped herself into it.

β€œI don’t like what you’re doing to my wife,” Leye began. Papa raised his hands in innocence. β€œThe board members went out of line, and they wouldn’t have done that if you didn’t put her in the line of fire. I would ask, respectfully, that you take the heat for your own mess.”

β€œMess?” Father stared at son, his arms crossed. β€œOmoleye, I am not in the frame of mind for your tantrums this evening.”

β€œProtecting my wife is now tantrums?”

β€œMust everything be a fight with you? This your anger at me has gone on far too long and unchecked and it’s now making a fool out of you.”

Leye retorted harshly in Yoruba and a verbal exchange ensued between them. Love kept her head low as she consumed what was remaining in her salad pack. The men soon ended their tiff, with neither of them bowing to the other.

β€œLoveth, I apologize for that,” Papa said. Love was careful not to give a response. β€œI actually called you in here to let you know that the men and women you had had the unfortunate encounter of meeting are not just ordinary members of BCC. They have vested interests in the church, and have contributed immensely to its growth, financially. This was why they felt they could question you the way they did. I’d like to let you know that they have only just begun, and after today’s meeting, it’s going to get worse for you.”

β€œAnd you stand there, saying that so casually,” Leye spat.

β€œI’m speaking, son.”

β€œBabe, please…”

β€œAs I told you before, Loveth, ignore them. I will handle them. It takes a certain type of ruthlessness and cunning to do so.”

β€œOr you’re just using Love as bait to do what you should have done to them a long time ago. I warned you, dad. I told you they would become a thorn in your flesh. I expertly advised you to use outsiders as your board of directors, but you wouldn’t listen. Look how far they’ve gone. How powerful you’ve made them. They are not supposed to have the kind of control you’ve given them. And this your latest act of making Adonijah the general overseer is going to end in a disaster.”

β€œOmoleye, that’s enough.”

β€œIf anything happens to my wife, physically, emotionally, psychologically, I’ll come after you.”

β€œDarling, please,” Love pleaded.

β€œI’ll be in my office.”

Leye marched out. Papa took his seat.

β€œHe thinks you’re pushing me,” Love said.

β€œHe’s still angry at me. After all these years. Nothing I do seems right to him.”

Papa’s hurt was unmistakable.

β€œHave you tried to say you’re sorry?”

β€œIsn’t it too late? And will it change anything? Will it undo all I’ve done? That’s what he wants – a perfect father. The one he used to know as a little boy who could do no wrong in his eyes.”

β€œYou need to tell him you’re sorry.”

β€œI’ve tried.”

β€œYou’re not trying hard enough, Papa.”

Papa didn’t disagree with her. β€œWe’ve missed so many years as father and son. Do you think we can ever get it back?”

β€œAnything is possible.”

β€œCan you help?”

β€œHelp? As in bring you two together?”

β€œSpeak to him on my behalf.”

β€œNo, Papa. That’s one bridge you’ll have to cross on your own. So, changing the topic, how is Alice?”

β€œGreat. I had the chauffeur take her home. She’s exhausted.”

β€œDo you love her?”

He smiled. β€œDeeply.”

Love liked the way her unexpected questions never caught him off guard. He was always ready with an answer.

β€œDoes she love you?”

β€œDo you love your husband?”

β€œMore than I like to show.”

β€œAlice loves me. But she doesn’t know.”

β€œSome of us don’t want you to get hurt.”

β€œSome of you shouldn’t worry about this old man.”

Love went up on her feet. β€œSee you at the meeting.”

She left the office. Outside, Mina was waiting.

β€œYou have a video call from the investment analyst guy.”

β€œHe’s finally returning our call,” Love said, heading towards her office. β€œHow many minutes before the meeting?”

Mina brought her phone to her face. β€œEight…em, seven.”

β€œI’ll take the call.”

Mina dashed ahead of her and threw open the office door. She handed her a tab. Her caller was waiting, an overweight man whose size filled the screen of the tab.

β€œMr. Silva.” Love shooed Mina out and shut her door. She commenced with her call, settling into her chair. β€œLet’s make this a quick one. I have a meeting in a few.”

Mr. Silva nodded and a dialogue ensued. Thirty minutes later, they were still speaking. The door opened and Mina poked her head in. It was the second time she was dropping by. Love looked up.

β€œMr. Silva, thank you for your time. I’ll swing by your office tomorrow.”

β€œMrs. Omotosho, wait…”

β€œBye.”

Love hung up. She breathed out.

β€œMommy, you need to hurry to the conference room right now. Papa is giving it to the board. I’ve never seen him so angry.”

β€œWhat happened?” Love asked, rising up.

β€œI don’t know but he seems really angry at the board of directors. Oh! Daddy said I should give you this.”

Mina walked over to Love with a folded piece of paper. Love opened it.

Please go home, sweetness. Things are really hot in here. I don’t want you getting hurt.

Love crumpled the paper in annoyance.

β€œDaddy said you shouldn’t come for the meeting?” Mina asked.

β€œGet Najib. Let him take me home,” Love instructed. β€œBring my handbag along.”

She nursed her annoyance as she headed out. If Papa was frying her enemies, she wanted front row seat to view the drama. Leye was being unreasonable for asking her to leave. But she knew it was probably the wise thing to do.

She rode home, listening to Mina and Najib argue over the president’s health status. When they arrived at the house, Mina assisted her in preparing dinner, and afterwards she had a shower. She dressed in something short, silky and sexy, and lay in bed, waiting for Leye. But her head had scarcely hit the pillow when her eyes shut. She was awoken by the touch of Leye’s thumb on her lips.

β€œI slept off?”

β€œI’m sorry I’m just coming home. The meeting just ended. It was…” he exhaled, β€œhell.”

β€œReally?”

β€œAll because of you.”

He kissed her cleavage.

β€œMe?”

β€œWere you this much trouble in Abeokuta?”

Love chuckled. He rested his head on her chest.

β€œSo what happened?”

β€œYour dear old Papa gave the board of directors a piece of his mind. He basically reminded them that their role was only advisory and not decision-making. And that you didn’t need to run your policies by them. Adonijah tried to speak several times but he got shut down. And quite embarrassingly too. I think the love relationship between both men is dead.”

β€œSo Papa stood up for me.”

β€œYeah. He pulled the family card. In his words, β€˜you do not come after my own. If you do, you’re coming after me, and I will retaliate without mercy.’ ”

β€œHe said that?” Love blushed.

β€œYes,” Leye replied, stroking her thigh. β€œAnd right after that, he dissolved the board.”

β€œNo way!” Love tried to spring up but Leye held her down, lifting himself to kiss her.

β€œHe dissolved the board?”

β€œYes, all of us were fired. And a new board is taking over. Non-members of BCC.”

Love managed up. β€œHe did that?”

β€œYeah.”

β€œJeremiah, this is good news. He listened to you.”

β€œAfter how many years? And it happens only when they start to misbehave.”

β€œBut he took your advice.”

Leye stood up. β€œAm I supposed to be impressed by that?”

β€œLeye…”

β€œI’m sorry, I’m not carried away by all I saw this evening. None of it would have happened if he listened to me.”

β€œBut he’s doing so now.”

Leye began unbuttoning his shirt. β€œGood for him. I’m just so glad to be free from the board’s obligations. I can now concentrate on my calling and do away with all that church politics. It’s draining.”

Love sighed. His attitude was draining too. She went to him and helped him out of his belt.

β€œDon’t you think it’s time to stop being hostile to your father?”

He looked down at her with an unsightly expression.

β€œYes, Jeremiah, you have to forgive him.”

β€œDid he ask you to do this?”

β€œHe’s changed. You know that. If you didn’t, you wouldn’t let me be around him.”

She undid his fly.

β€œForgive him, babe.”

β€œDo you know what it feels like, growing up, trying to please a father, doing everything to be the perfect child, but you’re never good enough?”

Love understood him.

β€œThe church was more important than I was. He always made me feel inadequate, just for me to find out that he was less than perfect himself. Love, many years have gone by. A lot has been lost. I don’t think we can get it back.”

The unhappiness in his eyes worried Love.

β€œLet’s have dinner,” he suggested, putting on an empty smile. But he kissed her warmly. β€œI’m sorry for my mood.”

β€œIt’s fine.”

β€œI know your Papa has changed. But I’m finding it hard reconciling the person he is now to the man he used to be. It’s going to take some time. I need to learn to trust him again.”

β€œOf course.”

Leye kissed his wife’s forehead. β€œYou’re a wonderful person, Loveth.”

β€œSo they say.”

She zipped up his fly and wore a night robe. They went downstairs for dinner which ended in a pleasant mood. Leye gave her details of his ten-day trip and what he had accomplished while he was away. Love put him up to speed on what she had been doing in his absence. They chatted over other issues that concerned their love life and marriage. Leye suggested a getaway at a resort during the weekend.

β€œGreat idea.” She held his eyes in a deep smile.

β€œWhat is it?” he asked. She shook her head.

β€œYou want to say β€˜I love you’ maybe?”

β€œYeah. I love you maybe.”

He laughed. β€œI love you too, sweetness.”

Love broke away from his adoring gaze and tilted her body backwards to peer into the living room. β€œMina!”

She heard an answer and soon Mina was in the kitchen.

β€œThe thing I gave you?”

β€œYes, ma.”

Mina dashed out and returned with a small, white parcel. She handed it over to love but remained standing.

β€œYou may go.”

Mina curtsied, but hung around.

β€œMina?”

β€œOh.”

She curtsied again and dashed out.

β€œAnother gift for me?” Leye asked. Love pushed the parcel to him. β€œYou spoilt me too much, Mrs. Omotosho.”

β€œOpen it.”

Leye put his glass of red wine aside, and keeping his eyes on Love, he opened the parcel.

β€œLook at it.”

His eyes stared down and fell upon a pair of white baby shoes on which the words were written, hi daddy.

Leye slowly lifted his head and looked at Love, disbelief on his face. She nodded.

β€œWe’re pregnant?”

β€œYes.”

β€œYou’re sure?”

β€œYes.”

β€œI thought you were on the pill.”

β€œYou told me to stop taking it. Remember?”

β€œI didn’t know you took me seriously. We’re really pregnant?”

Love nodded again. Leye took the shoes and held them in both hands. She understood that he needed a moment to himself. She rose up and cleared the table, dumping the dishes in the sink. When she turned, she found him standing behind her. She was seized and held in a tight hug.

β€œYou are a miracle to me, Loveth,” he spoke into her hair, hands going underneath her robe to find her waist. β€œA blessing to my life. See how easily you gave me what has eluded me for years. See how it just came like all I had to do was think about it.”

β€œI did nothing, Leye. This is God’s doing. After all you went through with Diane, you need to have smooth sailing with me.”

β€œWords fail me.” He kissed her head. β€œYou wouldn’t understand.” She looked up, their lips met.

β€œYou’re going to hate me from this moment,” he stated. β€œBecause I will fuss and fuss and fuss.”

β€œLet’s start fussing now,” she said in glaring seduction.

β€œNo. Nothing of that sort is happening. Not until you’re out of the first trimester.”

Love baulked. β€œWhat?”

β€œYes, Love. No sex until…”

β€œLeye, relax. Nothing is going to happen to the baby.”

β€œI just want to be careful…”

She spun around and had her back to him, pressing her bum into his midsection.

β€œBut since you’re putting it this way…”

He palmed her breasts.

β€œUpstairs, daddy.” She slapped his hands.

They hurried out of the kitchen and ran up the stairs like little kids, giggling over the sheer silliness of their excitement.

†††

Alice was having trouble falling asleep. The power was out, the generator was bad, the weather was hot and the mosquitoes in her room just wouldn’t let her be.

β€œCan animal scientists just tell us the truth that mosquitoes have mutated and insecticides don’t work on them anymore?!”

She flung the plastic hand fan she had been using to cope with the heat.

β€œKeep quiet nau. Somebody is trying to sleep here.”

Alice cast a cranky eye on her bed where Wemimo who had been fitfully sleeping was now frowning up at her.

β€œI don’t know how you can sleep through this heat,” Alice grumbled.

β€œWell, thanks to you, I can’t anymore.” Wemimo lifted herself up. β€œI think you should go and ask that your neighbor to borrow you his rechargeable fan.”

β€œI’m not the one he likes.”

β€œI should go there so that he’ll start telling me one long story after the other like he did the last time?”

β€œI’m naked nau, Wemi. I’ll come and start wearing cloth again?”

β€œTie wrapper.”

Alice cussed. She picked an Ankara wrapper that was neatly folded beside her pillow and wrapped herself in it. She hurried out, using the flashlight from her phone to brighten the way.

The neighborhood was already asleep. There was a mix of darkness and electricity from the houses surrounding hers. The power situation in the area had gotten worse over the past month. Papa had offered to buy her a new generator but she had declined, reasons being that they were soon to be married and it would be a waste. Now, she was regretting her decision not to accept his generosity.

She stood before her neighbor’s door in the next compound and knocked loudly. His generator was on. Sometimes one needed to bang on the door to be heard.

The door opened and a man, dark as a moonless night, came to view.

β€œAlice?” he called in a surprised voice.

β€œGood evening.”

β€œEvening, dearie. What brings you to mine at this ungodly hour?”

β€œYour rechargeable fan, Oga John. Heat wan kill me and Wemimo.”

At the mention of Wemimo, his eyes tweaked up.

β€œHeat will not kill you fine ladies in Jesus’ name.”

β€œAmen.”

He withdrew into his house, returning shortly with a rechargeable fan.

β€œEse gaan,” Alice said, all smiles. β€œI’ll sleep well now.”

β€œGreet Wemimo for me o. Tell her to come and see me tomorrow morning. I have something nice for her.”

β€œI will. Goodnight, Oga John.”

Alice turned back in the direction of home, reminding herself to pass across his message. He wasn’t kidding when he said he had something for her. The last time he made a similar promise, Wemimo left his house with an envelope containing ten thousand naira. She had also gotten saliva slobbered on her cheek. The man was a licker.

As she stepped out of the compound the flash of bright headlamps from a car across the street caught her attention. She gave the car a look. It seemed familiar, but she couldn’t recall where she had come across it. The tail of the car was to her so that she couldn’t see who was sitting in it. But when she had a second look and caught the BCC poster on the back windscreen, she knew at once that it was Wesley’s car.

Perplexed as to what he was doing in her neighborhood at that hour, Alice went across the street and strode towards the vehicle, her flashlight held up. Wesley was not on cordial terms with her, due to some cold encounters they had had in the past. She found his presence outside her house a bit unnerving.

When she approached the vehicle, she stopped at the driver’s window, knocked and flashed her light in. The disturbing picture of Wesley and Tara with their lips locked in a kiss met her, but what was more unsightly was Wesley’s hand resting on Tara’s breast.

They broke contact at her intrusion. She moved away, stunned.

Seconds passed and Wesley let his window down. β€œAlice?” He was wearing a flat smile.

β€œI did not just see what I saw, Wes.”

β€œGood evening, Alice.”

β€œWhat the heck was that?!”

β€œNothing that warrants your raised voice. You didn’t answer my greeting.”

β€œGreeting? Seriously?” Alice bent a little and sought for Tara’s face. β€œOmotara, you want to explain things to me?”

β€œNo.”

β€œCome down from the car, please.”

Tara stepped out of the car but remained on the other side.

β€œThis is what you left Moore to be doing?”

β€œAlice, calm down nau,” Wesley pleaded. β€œWhy are you talking to your friend like that?”

β€œNo, leave her, let her talk. She always wants to police everyone’s life.”

Tara’s words pricked Alice. She withdrew from her line of interrogation. β€œI just want to know what’s going on between you two.”

β€œWe’re courting,” Tara answered at the same time Wesley said, β€œWe’re dating.”

β€œDating? Courting? Which one?”

β€œI don’t have to answer to you.” Tara peeped into the car. β€œBye, boo.”

β€œBoo?” Alice questioned as Tara walked past her, crossed the street and disappeared into their compound.

β€œUncle, start explaining yourself.”

Wesley came out of the car. β€œWe’re seeing each other.”

β€œOr seeing each other’s privates?”

β€œAlice, we’re adults.”

β€œYou’re a leader in church. You’re both born-again Christians. You do know what that means, right? It means you are not to be sexually active.”

β€œAlice, I know, but…”

β€œBut what?”

He shrugged. β€œYou understand na.”

β€œIs Tara still a virgin?”

β€œShe’ll have to answer that herself.”

β€œReally, Wesley?” Alice shook her head in disappointment. β€œWhen are you going to tell her what happened between you and Wemimo?”

β€œShe doesn’t have to know.”

β€œDon’t be a jerk, Wesley. She deserves to know.”

β€œI said, she doesn’t.”

Alice moved a step towards him in a daring manner. β€œI will tell her everything. And I’ll also tell her how you enjoy sleeping around with girls in the church, promising all of them marriage and dumping them. But you keep getting away with it because of the load of cash you keep throwing into Adonijah’s pocket.”

He gave a chuckle that affected only one side of his lips. β€œYou’re threatening me. I think this your pastor title is giving you a big head.”

β€œI will tell her about you. My friend’s emotional and spiritual state is more important to me than your evangelical penis which you’re spreading around like a bad gospel.”

β€œAlice, you’re only speaking to me this way because you’re screwing Papa.”

Alice’s eyes narrowed at his insinuation. β€œSome of us are not enslaved by the thing between our legs.”

β€œTrue. One can say that about you. Stiff as a pole. But the old man?” Wesley laughed. β€œEveryone knows you just have to be a young, dark, slim female, and he’s spreading your legs wide open on his office desk and screwing the shame out of you.”

Alice threw out her hand and hit his face. It was a weak slap, but it hurt his pride. He grabbed his door. β€œGoodnight, Alice.”

β€œWait.”

He stopped.

β€œAll those dick pics you sent to Wemimo, I have all of them. Even the ones with your face on them. The next time you make any offensive statement about Papa to me, I’ll have you and your little man all over the internet. Yes, stiff as a pole me will open your ass wide and screw some shame into you.”

β€œYou’re not going to do it, Alice. You’re not that type of person.”

β€œDon’t push me.”

She picked the fan and made her way home. When she got into the living room, an angry Tara, pacing about in the dark, was waiting for her.

β€œYou’re older than me, Alice. You are kind to me. You gave me accommodation in this house at no cost. You have been good to me. I appreciate all of that. But what I don’t appreciate is you embarrassing me in front of my boyfriend and raising your voice at me as if I were your housemaid!”

β€œTara, I’m sorry I shouted on you and spoke to you that way–”

β€œYou embarrassed me! Is it that you always have to let me know that you’re better than me?!”

β€œNo, Tara.”

β€œThen why did you do what you did?!”

Wemimo emerged from Alice’s bedroom.

β€œWhat’s going on?”

β€œNothing,” Alice replied. β€œTake the fan. Go back to bed.”

β€œIt’s not nothing!” Tara yelled.

β€œTara, it’s between you and me. We can talk about it like adults. I’m sorry for how I behaved.”

β€œTell me what’s going on nau,” Wemimo repeated.

β€œI said it’s nothing nau, Wemi.”

β€œWhen did you start lying to me?” She hissed and gave Tara her attention. β€œKilode?”

β€œI was with Wesley in his car outside. We were kissing and she came and flashed her light on us and started talking to both of us condescendingly.”

β€œWesley,” Wemimo repeated. β€œWho is Wesley?”

β€œWesley in church,” Tara answered. β€œThe usher leader.”

Wemimo stared at Alice in surprise. β€œWesley? The Wesley I know?”

β€œYes,” Tara responded.

β€œAh. Wesley again?” Wemimo clapped her hands. β€œWonders will never end.”

β€œWhat does that mean?” Tara scowled.

β€œIt’s not me that will be the bearer of bad news o.” Wemimo walked over to Alice, lifted the fan and retreated to the bedroom, leaving Tara confused.

β€œWhy was she making those statements?” Tara asked.

β€œSit, dear.”

β€œWhat bad news is she talking about?”

β€œPlease, sit.”

β€œI can’t sit. Just say what you want to say.”

β€œTara, Wesley is an ass. I’m sorry, I have to say it that way. I can’t sugarcoat it.”

β€œYou clearly don’t like him.”

β€œIt’s not about whether I like him or not. Wesley has a bad rep with sisters in the church. I would know because I’ve had three cases brought to my table.”

Tara folded her arms defensively. β€œWhat cases?”

β€œHe dates them, promises them marriage as a way to get between their legs, and when he’s tired of using them, he dumps them. I reported all three cases to Bishop A and they were tossed aside. Wesley got a slap on the wrist for them. The ladies didn’t want to go further. I was ready to have him reported to the senate. But they were scared of being judged and seen as immoral. I suspect Bishop A subtly threatened them as he did to me. So I had to let it go.”

β€œIs that all?”

Alice drew back at the question.

β€œI know what this is about, Allie. Wesley is Bishop A’s protΓ©gΓ©. And you’re Papa’s girl.”

β€œGirl?”

β€œThere’s a serious divide in the church right now, with Papa’s followers upset that Bishop A is now the G.O. So, I’m not surprised that anything and anyone connected to Bishop A would irritate you, going by your personality.”

β€œAre you kidding me, Tara?”

β€œWesley admitted to me that he used to be that person you just described. But he has changed. He’s no longer that man. Besides, he took me to see his mom who likes me and endorses our relationship. If he just wanted to knack and go, he wouldn’t have gone that far.”

β€œSo you believe he’s changed? You believe all he told you?”

β€œYeah. The same way you believe Papa.”

β€œWhat has Papa got to do with this?”

β€œAlice, take the log out of your eye and see that you’re no different from me. In the end, we want the same things. A man and a home. So don’t come here acting like you’re going to get angel’s wings and a halo over your head because you’re with Papa. The only difference between him and Wesley is the name and money. Other than that, they are the same, just as we are.”

β€œThey are not the same.”

β€œSays who? You think nobody knows what you two do behind closed doors?”

Alice gasped. β€œTara?”

β€œAbeg, free me.” She began towards her bedroom. β€œYou’re not the only one who likes to enjoy good thing.”

Alice slumped into the nearest couch. Wemimo returned to the living room.

β€œYou heard everything?”

β€œYes.”

β€œShe thinks I’m sleeping with George.”

β€œShe’s only saying that because she is presently having sex. Wesley obviously, has disvirgined her.”

β€œWemi, Tara adored George. Talking badly against him in her presence was like blasphemy, but now she opens her mouth and says all these things… I’m confused.”

β€œConfused? Bishop A is at work.”

β€œEven after being promoted to general overseer?”

β€œIt was a bad move by Papa but I want to believe that he knows what he’s doing, or else… Hmmm.” Wemimo shook her head gloomily.

Alice’s eyes went wet.

β€œBefore you start crying on my head, let me go and enjoy the fan. Goodnight.” Wemimo left the living room, abandoning Alice to her despairing thoughts. She hated having her name being tainted. Her reputation after a nasty past was something she fought hard to leave clean. But Adonijah was making an excellent mess of it. However, she worried for Papa more. If people thought he was sleeping with her, imagine how much of his history with women they knew. Wesley and Tara couldn’t possibly be the only ones aware of his past.

Alice’s phone buzzed. She answered the call when she saw it was Papa ringing.

β€œI’m about to turn in,” he said. β€œJust calling to say goodnight.”

β€œHow did the meeting go?”

β€œRough.”

β€œBut you dissolved the board as you said you would?”

β€œYes.”

β€œAnd you’re still going to be the chairman of the new board?”

β€œI’m afraid so.”

β€œGreat job, George.”

β€œThank you, sweetheart. The next move would be on Adonijah. But I’m not in a hurry with that. I’m more interested in seeing how the changes that have been made will affect the ministry.”

β€œBut Adonijah is not waiting, George. He’s going about spreading lies about you.”

β€œWhat lies?”

β€œAbout your past. People already know.”

β€œI see.”

β€œYou need to do something about that.”

Papa was silent.

β€œGeorge?”

β€œGive me a minute.”

He continued in silence, and returned several seconds later.

β€œThere’s only one thing that can be done, Alice.”

β€œAnd which is?”

β€œCome out with the truth.”

β€œWhat?”

β€œI’ll spill the beans on everything I did in my past.”

β€œGeorge, no. There has to be something else we can do.”

β€œNo, there isn’t. That is the only way, Alice. I’m finally ready to clean out my closet.”

Β©Sally @moskedapages

 

 

Sally

Author. Screenwriter. Blogger

You may also like...

50 Comments

  1. ola says:

    Wah. ….A long one I must say
    Just wondering if these might also be a marathon…..thinking out loud

    1. Sally says:

      Loool! Marathon days are gone
      Thank you for reading

  2. Biodun says:

    It was clear that Tara was going to fall for that asshole’s charms. She’s no longer a virgin anymore.
    I doubt that Papa’s plans will backfire. The old man knows what he’s doing. So far, it’s working to his favor. Let’s see how far it’ll last

    I could totally feel Leye’s happiness. Imagine the years of trying for a child and all the heartache and you just get one so easily. It’s like heaven

    Sally, thank you. You make this thing look so easy.

    1. Sally says:

      And thank you too, Biodun

  3. Sarah says:

    So interesting, can’t wait till the next episode comes

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Sarah

  4. Adeola gem says:

    Thanks Ms Sally for this episode. Are we expecting marathon episodes?

    1. Sally says:

      Just one bonus, dear
      No more marathons

  5. Anonymous says:

    Wow…this is still one story I still can’t predict.
    It’s ‘nice’ to see the behind the scenes of lives of persons we see on sundays, midweek and vigil services spitting fire. But realising that they are just as human as the next person with their struggles and insecurities. Not for the purpose of judging them (at least for me) but to awaken the consciousness that these people are not God and as such should not be made into one. So the goal is to personally build that personal rapport with God for myself and not relying on any man because they are mere vessels (which can break, crack, be dirty depending on the care they give to it)

    Nice Sally!

    1. Sally says:

      You are absolutely in my head. You put it aptly

      Thanks for the contribution

  6. Rikitava says:

    Awwww…….I’m so happy for pastor Love and Leye,they both deserve all the happiness. I think Papa is on the right path, confessing his sins will neutralize the power adonijah thinks she has over him,even Phoebe will be left to bite the dust. I can’t wait to see how things will turn out.

    1. Sally says:

      Me too, dear
      Thank you!

  7. Olori Ade says:

    Been expecting this episode for a long time and it’s worth the wait, good job my chocolate Sally

    1. Sally says:

      Thanks, dear
      ?

  8. Oluwakemi says:

    Like someone earlier commented , this iis one story I can’t predict. Happy for Leye and Love. Papa George I think you are on the right track. Tara I just pity you cos by the time you realize your folly, many water would have passed under the bridge. You are a lesson on knowing God for yourself and not through any Pastor.
    Thank you Sally. Great weekend.
    Can we have more though?

    1. Sally says:

      Happy weekend to you too, Kemi.
      Yes, there’s a new episode today

  9. hacolyte says:

    Welcum back Sally, re we expectin marathon episode dis weekend ni just finking aloud ????.
    Happy 4 Leye n Love for dia happiness, Pst Leye shd just soft pedal for Papa n try to 4giv him 4 his past misdeed.
    Bishop A is a fu..king son of d devil, just manipulating all his following n using his trump card of Papa misgiven to taint him n every1 closest to Papa. But he shd b mindful dat d ground is wet n slippery n nobody is beyond falling o.
    Papa cumin out of d closet n bearing his misdeed in d open is a welcumin development but also av is own hiccup.
    Nice1 dia Sally, wait 4 d next episode patiently.

    1. Sally says:

      Well, your patient wait paid off. There’s a bonus episode

  10. Zeeniey says:

    Tara… Shaking my head ehn! Nice one sal

    1. Sally says:

      Bless you, Zeeniey

  11. Wonderful just wooow

    1. Sally says:

      Thanks a lot

  12. omotola says:

    Welcome back sally,twas an interesting read all through. Tanks for your beautiful write ups,mwahhhh!!!

    1. Sally says:

      ?
      ????

  13. Awwww…..
    Aunt Salz u rock maami
    enjoyed dis waiting for d next episodeYour Message

    1. Sally says:

      There’s a new episode up, dear

  14. Iyanu says:

    Wawu!!!! This is spicy loving this all the way thumbs up ma’am

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you!

  15. Patience Bassey says:

    Good, atleast papa is righting his wrongs. Thanks Sally

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you too, my dear

  16. Folarin says:

    Thank you Mrs Dadzie

    1. Sally says:

      You’re welcome, Folarin

  17. datoks says:

    So happy for love and leye.. I think papa should come clean..Good job Sally. You just keep blowing me away

    1. Sally says:

      It’s what I love to do
      ?

  18. CHINNY says:

    Welcome back Sally. Plot is getting thicker.
    Someone should put Bishop A on a leash abeg. Tara has done something with pervy Wes…

    Ooooi love and leye are having a baby???

    1. Sally says:

      Thank you, Chinny ???

  19. Oluwatofunmi says:

    As I usually say, Tara is just an ode that allows her brain to be washed by every Dick.

    I’m so happy for Love…she totally deserves the love and happiness Leye gives her and tbh ehn, Leye is just hubby goals ???

    George, I doff my heart. To think I greatly doubted his “change”. I’m glad he has Alice. I hope Alice and Love would soon have a middle ground.

    Been anticipating the next episode after that marathon, so you can imagine my excitement when I saw this in my mail. Thanks Sally!

    1. Sally says:

      You’re most welcome, dear

  20. Brownie says:

    Sally, I love you. Well done.

    1. Sally says:

      I love you too

  21. chic says:

    I’m really loving this

  22. Pacesetter says:

    Thank God Papa is making amends. Our God forgives and love us.

  23. Biola says:

    Na wa o!
    From one drama to another.
    Thanks Sally for sharing ??????

  24. Funmilola Adekola says:

    I got emotional when I saw the baby shoes (in my head) too.

  25. Seye says:

    Thank you once again Sally. That is the most I can type in appreciation for your works.
    The Wesleys of this world ehn! They’ll sample all the babes in Church and then go and ‘import’ one babe from somewhere. Alice and Wemimo looking out for Tara isn’t bad, but is she ready to see from that angle?
    I like the Adonijah vs Loveth war. Although it’s a lot deeper than that but I like what it’ll likely throw up.
    And for me, I’m a fan of disclosure at the right time. The indices we’re having makes it look like the best decision for Papa. Make he kukuma talk everything and let the rumors be confirmed. Then we will see if his ‘level of grace’ can lead to forgiveness from his flock.
    Big ups Sally, blessings

  26. She’s baaaaaaaackkkkkk…. So getting the not it:
    I adore Love and Leye’s relationship: godly but spicy. People make it seem like Christian marriages are a boring affair of just calling each other “brother husband and sister wife”. Me? I want this kind of marriage. Dear future husband, don’t worry I’m a romantic all the way.

    As for Alice, she needs to understand that she’s entering a battle field by getting involved with Papa so worse is yet to come.

    Wemimo sha, I love her carefree attitude but usually people like this have a well-masked gooey interior.

    Dear Tara, kneel down let me pray for you: Oh Lord my God, any body using your picture to roast corn… May their corn not don. AMEN.

    I think I support Papa (I can’t even call him George) airing his dirty laundry. I always tell people that everyone has some dirt in their past. It’s easier to acknowledge it and move on than to try to bury and live in denial.

    Awesome job, Madam Sally

    1. calabar gal says:

      LOL @ ‘using your picture to roast corn’ Ur prayer is so apt! Wesley don over harvest the corn sef using God’s pishure!

  27. Turban Girl says:

    Awwwww, poor Tara, she would be properly roasted, no saving there. Alice, I get the feeling she is naive when it comes to church politics, she needs to step up seriously. Leye and Love, Yorubas say “ti isu eni ba ta, a ma n fowo bo”, congrats in the baby!! Thanks Sally

  28. calabar gal says:

    Dear Sally,

    I thought I had dropped a comment last week but I was shocked to discover there was no comment from me. Maybe I forgot to click the publish button?

    U never disappoint as usual. Several twists and turns we did not see coming. May they unravel in good stead. Thank you for this episode and the wonderful bonus episode. A thrilling , gripping read.

    Looking forward to the next ones – more grease to your pen and your intellectual capacity… xoxo

  29. AOS says:

    Church business is not a small something oh…..am just loving this Papa anyhow oh.
    Great job Sally…..xoxo.

Comments are closed.