HIGH AND DRY.

 No one had an inkling that she was going to run mad! Just like that! It is a pity how some people's joy turn to toy in the hands of wicked people who toss it about.

'This one will stay', the pastor assured after a  heavy prayer that almost brought the roof down. If the demon responsible for her delay were around the church premises where the prayer was offered, they could have scampered with multiple injuries.

Joy felt nothing unusual even after the prayers. She felt a little disappointed. To her, falling under the anointing is a sure sign that one's problems have been permanently dealt with. But she has fallen several times and still the sons of Adam have made a wreck of her tender heart.  Ofcourse, it was at a prayer meeting when she fell under the anointing. Still, Odion left. He left when they had a row over Obiangeli  that Odion was having an affair with. It was after this she concluded that marriage was not for her.

'Single woman in her forties is a disgrace to womanhood, her mother had sang into her ear drums  when she came to her office to make a public announcement to her colleagues that her daughter, Joy was giving up on men.

Collins was a tall handsome man with a face that smiled easily. He had swept joy of her feet when he came to make enquiry about the property that was for sale in their company. She jumped at the idea of taking the man around the property. She couldn't trust that important assignment to any of the  junior colleagues who kept giving her a bad eye.  She showed him around, making sure she flashed him all the smile she had and whisking off the strands of hair that kept falling in her face.

He was not only interested in the building but also in her. He was an auto mobile dealer living in United Kingdom. He needed a place he could always stay whenever he came to Nigeria. What began as a business transaction spiraled to date after date and love escapades to lover's nests they could find. In short, within six months of their dating she was convinced Collins was meant for her and all plans were in top gear for their wedding.

Her mother had pressured her to seek counsel and prayers from men of God before committing herself. She grudgingly succumbed taking Collins with her even when her mother had opposed the idea. All the pastors she went to spoke well after each lavish gifts from her that preceded the prayers except one.

When collins had stepped outside at the pastor's request. The pastor cleared his throat and stared Joy sternly in the face. He was a lean short man with eye balls that seems to big for their sockets.

'You are walking into serious danger', he said, stealing a glance at the door as if to make sure they were out of earshot.

'Danger', she frowned without the slightest show of concern.

He pointed  at the door with his short index finger. 'That man outside is not your husband. You will be walking into your doom if you marry him.'

 

Joy rose from the sofa clutching the bales of ankara  material the pastor had rejected saying God's anointing on him was not to be bought. Collins was waiting outside with his eyes searching for answers.

'What now', he asked with a quiet, tattered confidence 

'Don't mind the useless pastor', she blurted without explaining what the man said. What is the  use of one person's evil report amongst seven other good reports?

The day came eventually. The whole city was painted red with dignitaries invited to grace the occasion. Everything was in full gear. Different itinerant drummers also graced the occasion going from one table to the other  singing the praises of the big people sitting outside the model church that was to witness the horror to follow.

The wedding was slated for 10:00am but the choristers had to sing their voices hoarse awaiting the perennial arrival of the groom. Twice, the presiding pastor had come to  check with the bride and her mother to be sure about the groom's whereabouts. 'He is on his way. It could be traffic', Joy's mother told the pastor afraid to accept what the situation was looking like.

Joy had fainted twice. The beautiful makeover had washed off her face in the heat that engulfed her entire intestine. Her wedding gown was now sodden with sweats even though the room where they were was oozing with the fan from the air conditioner. 

And so they waited for hours into the early evening for the groom who never showed up. It took four men to restrain joy who had gotten out of hand. It was from the wedding venue that her case became an urgent  matter referred to the psychiatric hospital.

Collins received an urgent phone call from his British wife who had reported him to the police and also filed for divorce having realized she had been played all along.  The hope of his carefully orchestrated plot had fallen flat like a pack of cards. He couldn't go back and risk being arrested. He must remain in hiding.

I hope you enjoyed this? Till next time. I still remain yours truly,

Julius Topohozin.