Chapter Two- The Warning

      It was already Saturday morning. The rains of the precedential night had come and gone with all its maliciousness. Makepeville was now due for other activities with it denizens. The ‘city of noblemen’ as elders fondly call it. Unrecognizable nowadays in the stories from its corridors.

      It was the day the whole family decided to offer a mass of thanksgiving on behalf of Junior`s stabilized health. Anthony since birth had been a sickly kid.  They had planned that after the mass, there would be a family reception in Franck`s house, including close friends.

     The mass was scheduled at nine o`clock in Saint Monique church. Time was already ticking as Franck and wife gathered themselves and drove to the parish. They had to be in time since they are the organizers of the occasion. Rev. Father Charles was already there getting things set. For Father Charles was with Father Juan an exorcist who came to pay a visit to his friend, who was his school mate. Fr. Charles had been a spiritual guide to the Dubila family for years. And the family was very much attached to him. The family also donated a lot as charity and in construction projects.

      So uttered, the Dubila dynasty was made of Mr. Celestine Dubila and the wife Rosaline. Mr. Celestine Dubila was a renowned and humble person who made fortune through crops export to neighboring countries. By investing heavily on farming and in food plants. He had four kids, Franck, Jessica, Simolen and the last Dorothy.

      Franck was married to Jane with whom they had a son Anthony famously addressed as Junior. Jessica the second born of the family had a failed marriage with three kids. That`s: Fred, Liza and Doris, all of them older than Junior. Jessica returned to live with her parents and her kids after the collapse of her union. Simolen and Dorothy were both engaged.

     Though Simolen was based in Canada doing doctorate degree. Franck and Dorothy were working with their dad and assisting him run the estate as they both did management in school. Their dad was already tired on certain business domains so the children assisted their father as he was getting old. They were an ordinary family and had love for each other despite the ups and downs.

      St. Monique Parish was a big church and the only Catholic Church in Makepeville. The church was built by the determined Christians themselves who wanted a nice place for worshiping and an area that would be spacious to accommodate as many Christians as possible during mass. The inner space could accommodate more than two thousand people having a sophisticated decorative luminal tendencies. A benison that you were in God`s own house. As the priest stood on the elevated alter looking down at the parishioners like when Christ went to the mountain to preach.

     Not like that type people will be left hanging outside during Sunday mass services due to the pettiness of the church. Since most church goers in Makepeville own cars and often come to church with their vehicles. Ample care was taken to create a large parking space during the construction plan. With a hall, a meditation space and a Virgin Mary sanctuary spot was also added to this unique architecture. It was a place to be. Making St. Monique a unique parish with a faithful following as their Christians were also full of belief.

    Before nine o’clock am everyone was already in church. Franck`s parents and siblings, same as husbands and wives, Mr. and Mrs. Banadzem Cyprian and her junior brother Marco Banadzem were already seated for the mass. It was such a humble moment for the two families that came together for the honor of their child and grandchild. There was a transparent ambiance of togetherness and love for one another. Followed by Franck’s close friends Vekov, James and Mathew. Vekov was very special to the occasion because he was Junior`s godfather and the child was sitting on his laps. Both benefitted a sweet communion.

     During mass, Fr. Charles precise on trials and temptations. From James 1, and in his words

   “1 A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.

Trials and Temptations

2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,

3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.

4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.

5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding guilt, and it will be given to you.

6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.

7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.

8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all their undertakings.

9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.

10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.

11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.

12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.

13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;

14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.

15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.

16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.

17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.

18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.”

      As Fr. Charles finished the verses, he took in some breathe then looked at the congregation and voiced out.

     “Junior`s is a miracle child, and a sign that God`s love should always prevail no matter the tribulations. His illnesses and stability are clear signs that where there`s life, there`s hope.  Wherein the love of God.” Upon done with these words. Then he called the family and blessed them and wished them well. As the mass finished, Fr. Juan hinted his friend Fr. Charles he would like to have a one on one with Franck Dubila. Without hesitation, Fr. Charles made it possible and offered them his office.

     “Greetings Franck, I am Fr. Juan from Brazil. I am an exorcist priest and have been in the domain for so long.” He introduced himself.

     In response Franck said, “It`s a pleasure reverend. I am Franck Dubila”

     “Glad to know and meet you. I won`t waste much of your time. I just want to share with you a disturbing vision I had about you during mass.” Fr. Juan tried to make himself clear to him.

     “I don`t understand Fr. Juan.” Confused and lacking comprehension Franck expressed worries. 

     “I know you`re like wondering about what I am saying. God just asked me to caution you to be on the qui vive, looming challenges coming ahead of you. I know you come from a blessed family and you have a very big heart. Your family is very proud of you. But know that, no matter your amount of goodliness the devil still remains the devil.” Fr. Juan told Franck and expanded. 

      “That`s why God asks us to pray nonstop. God will be with you in these hard moments. So put yourself in an attitude of prayers, okay?” Fr. Juan assured him. “I will pray for you too.”

     “Okay, Fr. Juan. Thank you so much. I appreciate your concern.” Then left immediately, bypassing Fr. Charles who was also entering the office.

     “What`s up buddy? I know you and this your eyes of God. Hope nothing to be afraid of?” Fr. Charles tried to inquire from Fr. Juan.

     “The guy has a potential enemy whose been around him for years and would soon sting him.” He told him in plain language.

     “I still don`t understand you Fr. Juan. He lives a plain life and tries to be as unproblematic as possible. I know the family since he was a boy. They`re simple people in this city and have never had any trouble with anybody.” Fr. Charles tried to explained.

     “As Hell unfolds its conspiracy, pains and retaliation; Franck needs prayers for himself and his family. The enemy is already getting set to strike. I see blood and a series of murders.” Fr. Juan finally opened up to his longtime friend. And the way he sounded, this wasn`t good for the family if care wasn`t taken.