"Where are you going?"
After Isabelle had told Joel she needed his help, Emily called to tell her she couldn't wait and would be on her way.
"I need to get something and it'll take time."
"I'll only be a minute. Why not wait for me?" She cast Joel a hasty glance when his phone began ringing.
On Emily's end, a car rumbled in the background and then another honked its way past as it zoomed past her.
"I'm already on my way. I'll see you at home. I won't be long."
"Emmy—" the call ended before she could stop her and she stared at her screen with confusion.
"I'll be down with you in a minute," Joel told his caller calmly. "If you can't wait, you and Isaac can get going. I'll catch up with you guys." He nodded at something the caller had said and then hummed before hanging up.
At the mention of Isaac, she had been a little surprised. But decid
At exactly 5:45 pm, Joel arrived at the location they had both picked and then texted her.She had gotten lost in her conversation with her mom, and also with Emily when she returned while downstairs saying goodbye to her mom.The weather was dry and harsh, but she had been informed by her weather app that it'd rain at 6. She had hoped to be early, so they'd be home before then. But as it turned out, she was the one breaking her own rule.Reasons she hated being late: she didn't get enough time to decide what to wear, how to wear it, and if she were to use a lip balm, lip gloss, lipstick, or just go plain. What if she needed sandals to match her outfit and not boots? What if an umbrella was necessary because of an expected rain pour? There was a 99.9% chance she'd forget something and would later find out it was very important.After wearing a black, long-sleeved, ankle-length, floral dress, she quickly slipped on a
It was the first time in a long time since Joel sat with someone he barely knew and had a good laugh.He carried around a stoic countenance, not because he possessed a cold heart, but because smiling unnecessarily made no sense.So, his current chat with Isabelle about the smallest things not only felt new but also weird and reviving.She was just like Isaac — Grace's stepbrother. The two barely said a word unless spoken to. And once they got comfortable, you'll find out just how loud, funny, and crazy they could be."Are you kidding me?" Isabelle was shocked to hear he watched Korean movies. "You're a boy!""So?" He felt a little offended."Uh," she scoffed. "Boys don't watch that stuff.""Says who?""Says every guy I've met.""Well, not me.""That's crazy." She shook her head."Not as
¶¶And the Lord’s servant must not be quarrelsome,but must be kind to everyone, able to teach, not resentful.Opponents must be gently instructed, in the hope that God will grant them repentance leading them to a knowledge of the truth...~ 2 Timothy 2 vs 24 - 25¶¶Last night, Isabelle and Joel had gone from plotting Loveth's road to freedom to small talks on the most trivial things.Their conversation had at first been light, till he blurted out how he had lost his mom in a car crash. From the way he brushed it aside, it was obvious he hadn't meant to let it out and she didn't want to push it any further. But, later that night, her curious mind wouldn't let it be.When he had stated his reason for not believing in God, it had hit deep. She wondered if it was the experience of losing his mom that caused him to feel that much anger or w
Bankole was an ass.Marking his territory like that in the cafeteria, on Thursday, in front of everyone, was the same as attempting to guillotine Isabelle. Sometimes his friend would be in over his head and do foolish things. He was aware Jessica wasn't going to accept this and threatening her would do nothing.After Bankole had done what he did, Joel had walked away, disappointed and vexed.Upon confronting him, Bankole had acted as cocky as ever and met him head to head."What are you going to do about it?" he had asked. "Tell on me?" Then he chuckled. "We both know she wouldn't care because not a single soul can reject this face."Unknown to Bankole, Isabelle already told him she had no plans of ever adhering to his request. Obviousl
These days, Isabelle had been feeling too weak to want to do anything. Sometimes she wished time would just go back to a month ago, when she was still at home, on vacation, deciding if Badmus High was a good option. She wished she could even go back in time and change it all."Are you sure you don't want to come with me to the airport?" Her mom invaded her thoughts as she finished braiding her hair. Feeling too lazy and tired to visit the salon, she had opted for her mom to remake the pigtail she had done for her the week before.Isabelle stared at her mother through the mirror. "Yeah. I told you I have to meet a friend this afternoon."Her dad was should have come home the day before as planned (that is, on Sunday), but due to it being Nigeria's independence day and business had been suspended, he was to arrive Monday afternoon and would be landing soon at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, where her mom wanted to go get him."Yeah." Her mom appeared to want to say more but then backed aw
"I'm so sorry I haven't been able to come over," Isaac said as Joel let him in. Joel clapped his shoulder after shutting the door. "It's fine. I get it." At night, Isaac worked in a bar as a bartender, so he had to finish housework and assignments immediately after school. He had decided to come to see Joel's place this Monday evening before he'd go on to prepare for work. As crazy as it sounded, Isaac was eighteen and had been skilled enough to land a job to mix drinks to one's satisfaction. It wasn't a completely decent job, given the environment he worked in, but it wasn't illegal. Since Mrs. Johnson believed Issac was a part of the family for the money, Isaac decided it was best he showed that wasn't his objective. Mr. Johnson knew of his son's job and had objected at first. But after seeing reasons with him, coupled with the trust he had for the boy, he let him accept the job.Isaac let out a low whistle immediately he took off his shoes and left the foyer. "Nice place you go
¶¶In out-of-the-way places of the heart,Where your thoughts never think to wander,This beginning has been quietly forming,Waiting until you were ready to emerge.For a long time it has watched your desire,Feeling the emptiness growing inside you,Noticing how you willed yourself on,Still unable to leave what you had outgrown.It watched you play with the seduction of safetyAnd the gray promises that sameness whispered,Heard the waves of turmoil rise and relent,Wondered would you always live like this.Then the delight, when your courage kindled,And out you stepped onto new ground,Your eyes young again with energy and dream,A path of plenitude opening before you.Though your destination is not yet clearYou can trust the promise of this opening;Unfurl yourself into the grace of beginningThat is at one w
Kelvin informed Joel their dad would be home soon but had said to let him into their bedroom if he arrived.It had been long since Joel saw his cousins, so it took him a while to recognize the boy and girl that had almost jumped on him when the door had been opened. How they had recognized him could be explained from the many times Uncle Sam forced him to take a picture to send to them. He hadn't asked for a picture of them because he wouldn't know what to do with it. But seeing how happy they were to see him filled him with sorrow."What of your mom?" he asked Theresa, whom he carried in his arms. Theresa was ten years old and her brother, six years older."She's—" The door opened and Joel turned to see Mrs. Lawrence, Uncle's Sam's wife. She had a bowl covered with a ceramic plate in her hand and the reason he never visited on her face. A resentful glare."Good afternoon, ma," Joel greeted.She looked him from head to toe and walked around him. "Your uncle told me you've decided t
Everyone had decided to start all over again.Martin had been discharged and since Badmus High was on a temporary lockdown, he decided to use the free time to intern at an automobile workshop.BHS' football team had been automatically disqualified from the soccer tournament, giving Bankole a tough time to decide what to do with his time. Soccer was all he knew. Since he had decided to abandon his vulgar ways, he couldn't go to the bar or visit any of his old friends.A few days later, his mother showed up again, and this time he had sat down to listen. She hadn't remarried since she left (she couldn't bring herself to do so, she had said) and would love to take him and his sister, Gbemisola, with her. Bankole hadn't been sure at first, but after a few more visits and during a loud disagreement between both his parents, he decided to move in with his mother. Gbemisola wanted to follow her older brother, but Mr Davies wasn
Tope was doing fine, although she felt too ashamed to face anyone. Her parents, especially her mother, had been very disappointed in her but later concluded pointing fingers would do them no good.Loveth was forgiven and so was Joel, but Tope also pleaded that they gave her time to gather herself, to which they agreed.A few days later was the death anniversary of Joel's mother. The whole family — Joel's uncle's family included — had gathered for dinner.Joel had wanted his friends to come along, but they believed it wouldn't be logical if they did. It was their first dinner in a long time as a complete family, which meant there was a lot to talk about. But they promised to tag along in the next one.It was a nice evening, where everyone put aside their differences and had a good laugh. There had been a kind of silent agreement that Victoria Edochie wouldn't want their first dinner as a family to be
Bankole walked into his father's establishment, determined to speak to his father and get to the bottom of this absurdity he had just heard."I'm sorry, but you can't go in. He's in a meeting right now," the receptionist told him, but her stare kept flickering from his face to behind her.His right eyebrow rose slightly at her panicked state, and a mix of laughter suddenly broke the silence in the tensed air as he also heard the elevator doors closing.The receptionist's head snapped to the back as he also looked the same way.A wave of fatigue long-gone returned with an incredible force, almost knocking Bankole off his feet as he found his father's arm draped over a lady young enough to be his daughter.His father's eyes had widened for a split second before they narrowed shot his receptionist a hard glare.~~~Bankole couldn't tell wh
Despite the crazy things happening, the soccer tournament was going great for Badmus High; and at this rate, coach believed they'd be taking the cup home this time, just as Bankole would be recruited by coaches of national teams.Pumped with excitement and determination, Bankole increased his pace, covering more ground as he ran round the school's track. Although it was getting late that Saturday evening, the anticipation hadn't allowed him to sit at home or do anything else. If all eyes were on him this season (being the highest goal scorer on record), he needed to be at his best.It was almost eight when his muscles finally gave in, and he slumped on the grass, beside his bag-pack, panting. After drinking from his bottled water, he sat there for a while, his hands stretched out behind him as he threw his head back, drinking in the cold air that also cooled his skin.As he remained that way fo
¶¶To whom it may concern, be careful of the decisions you makebecause they don't just affect you.Be careful of the path you choose,'cause when a fire is left uncontrolled,it consumes everything in its path.Everything!~ Amberdorn.¶¶Loveth knew her first visit hadn't been accepted with open arms, but what she didn't know was the horrifying effect it brought upon Tope.Joel could tell Loveth was as nervous as he was as they approached Tope's home. Although he had never seen Loveth nervous before, and this did no good to his nerves. She kept running her hand up and down her bag's strap as she stared at the ground beneath her feet.Pushing his emotions aside, he held her hand, stopping it midway down her bag's
She was quiet as he kept his head down. He stole a glance at her face and saw her smiling."It's stupid, right?""Of course, no.""It's stupid. Forget it."She slapped his arm lightly. "No, it's not. Chef Joel."He let out a soft chuckle. "You really think it's a good idea?""Yeah. How long have you known you wanted to cook?""I don't know. I guess because Isaac kept suggesting it and it kind of stuck. At first, I cooked to survive. Then I realized I enjoyed doing it. It became a habit to check magazines for new recipes and also try them."But I never really realized it was something I wanted to do until I looked around and saw we all can't be doctors and nurses. Someone has to make the bags we carry, like Loveth does. Someone has to mix the drinks at the bars or events, like Isaac. Someone also has to teach girls and women to be wise and stan
The past three months at Badmus High had not only been daunting but also life-threatening. Lives were tweaked by fate and their owners either danced well to its tune or broke a leg while dancing very differently.Those who had danced well were rewarded with new perspectives and another shot at being a better person; those who broke legs weren't sure if a future existed for them, and these people included Emily.Emily had finally recovered, physically that is, and was discharged to go home to her family. She came out with her hand in a cast and a mind twisted with horror, but everyone advised her to be at least grateful she came out alive. Many had lost their lives in cases like this, but God had been faithful to her.Emily wanted to believe God had been merciful, but after all, she caused herself and everyone around her, could that be true? Sadly, she didn't believe so.Her parents, being too scared because of
Isaac had gone to his workplace to request for leave since exams were coming up, and he needed more time to read. But it was mostly because he was more concerned with finding Emily and was starting to feel a little ill. His boss had granted him the leave, albeit reluctantly, and he had been leaving the place when he saw Jide emerging from his car.Jide had stopped to get something at a pharmaceutical store close by, and Isaac only crossed the road when he saw a female seated in the front seat.It had taken him a while — after he crossed the road — to recognize that the girl was Emily. Her face was battered up, malnourished, and she was coated in an oversized jumper. Isaac had been attempting to open locked the door when Jide came out.When he confronted Jide, the two had got into a huge fight that attracted passers-by, who were the reason the fight was ended.While Isaac tried to explain Jide was a kidna
Loveth wasn't so discrete in hiding her disdain for Jessica, neither was she trying, and the same went for Jessica, who glared hard at her before returning to what she was telling them.“Look, I know this might be hard to believe,” Jessica said. “Especially since it's coming from me—”“I'm glad you know,” Loveth interrupted Jessica for the umpteenth time since she began talking, and if it wasn't for Jessica's need to prove she was telling the truth, she would have shut Loveth up the hard way.“Isabelle,” Jessica called softly. “I know what I saw, and honestly, I don't see what I'll be gaining by lying to you.”Isabelle had felt light-headed by the news Jessica relayed to them and, with the help of Joel, had sat on the bench.They had reached the bus-stop —where they found Lovett who was waiting for them, so they'd go to Joel's house and see what else they could come up with — minutes ago, when