[STORY] DIARY OF A PASTOR’S SON (Episode 19)

Episode 18.

I had always known my father to be very strict and had always stayed unmoved by his decision. He would never change his mind about letting me go to University without turning a new leaf. But then I desperately wanted to gain admission that year. So I had to dance to the tone of his music. Yes, I needed to do that just so he could change his mind about me. And don’t forget Agatha and I was yet to complete our punishment. One of them was to do a ‘morning cry’ (Evangelism)
So in the quest to make a U-turn and make amends with God as my father had demanded, one morning, I woke Agatha up so we could go do the morning cry and wait for the next punishment that awaits us. She said she doesn’t know how to preach and if only I could preach while she accompanies me.

Well, we did go out that morning as early as 5:30 am. We went with our Bible and torch lights to the neighborhood. I didn’t want anybody to see my face, so I hurriedly did whatever I needed to say. You know, nobody can actually give out what they don’t have. There was nothing in me to preach, I was even blabbing on the process.
Before 6:00 am we were already walking back home. On getting to our apartment, Bukola and I bumped into each other. She had a surprised look on her face and I could tell she was shocked by what she saw. We didn’t say anything to each other. Agatha and I climbed the staircases while Bukola existed through the gate.

***
The following day, I attended a youth service which was organized by the youth pastor. When I walked into the youth forum that Thursday evening, they were about to start, and I went to the back seat. I actually like being in the back, standing in the front was never something I liked. I always felt uncomfortable doing it. While we were still standing, we did some singing; praise, and worship. Then we eventually sat down after 10-15 minutes. T
The residing Youth Pastor; Pastor Ben began by welcoming every one of us. “Femi, you are with us today? Wow! Thank God for your life,” he said to my discomfort. If only he knew how that made me feel, but I only had to fake a smile.

“So our topic for today is ‘Dating’.” He said and paused. He stared at us to see how we would react. I was wowed and likewise, most of them groaned, because they knew he would talk about some weird stuff. I’m sure you know what I mean? I adjusted vehemently on my seat to hear clearly whatever he would say.
He continued: “Well, some of you may not like this topic but we need to talk about it to save as many of us who are already lost in it.
“We need to talk something about dating. Most of you have been carried away by this six-letter word,” he added. Just then, Desiré walked in. She walked straight to the front seat, of course, she was noticed by all. “Why are you late?” the youth pastor turned to her. She stared shyly but couldn’t utter any word.

“So we need to know what the Bible said about dating, what it should be and what it shouldn’t be like,” pastor Ben went on. He started by telling us his life story; how he and his wife met and how they were lovers and sweethearts in high school. He said despite breaking up with her when he gave his life to Christ and realized he had been doing the wrong thing in the name of dating, they still ended up together. There was a momentarily murmuring and laughter among the youths.
He said that was his fate and destiny, and such can’t apply to every one of us.
Pastor Ben bluntly condemned the word ‘Dating’ as a way of a Christian brother or sister. Courtship was the word he said was the right way that believers should follow when it comes to relationships with the opposite gender.
“Sir, what’s the difference between Dating and Courtship?” someone stood and asked. When he cleared his throat, he answered by saying, “The major difference between the two is this, dating may or may not lead to marriage but the sole purpose of courtship is marriage.”

“Sir, do you mean all courtship eventually leads to marriage?” asked the fellow who had asked the difference between dating and courtship.
“Well, not all courtships lead to marriage, but 90 percent always lead to marriage. But the good thing is, both parties must have not had any form of romantic affairs while in courtship, so if it doesn’t lead to marriage eventually, then there was no harm. Do you understand?”

“Yes, sir,” we chorused.

“So don’t waste your time having an ungodly relationship in the name of dating. The church must be aware of your courtship and likewise, both parents should be aware too. Courtship is not a secret affair as seen in dating.”

After a series of teaching on what a Christian relationship between the opposite gender should be like, Pastor Ben went ahead to encourage us to keep ourselves until we are ready to settle down. And then we would pray to God for directions and ask him to reveal our life partner. He equally said that one of the worst mistakes one would ever make in life is, ending up with the wrong partner. Such a person would live the rest of their life in regrets and unending endurance. Amid his teaching, something led to another, and then he started asking each of us if we are still a virgin or not? That was weird and I never expected that from him. I felt my heart beating faster than usual. I looked at their faces, some laughed while some had a serious look. What has virginity got to do with today’s topic? I had pondered.

Omo! I watched half of the youth declare themselves a virgin and I felt so ashamed of myself. When it got to my turn, I couldn’t help but lie. Yes, I lied before the pastor right inside the church even when he threatened us not to lie. How would everyone look at me as a pastor’s son? There were about three brothers and a sister who were bold enough to say they weren’t a virgin anymore. Pastor Ben asked them to wait behind to see him after the service.

His teachings really inflicted injuries in my heart that my conscience wouldn’t stop pricking me. “Our topic next tomorrow would be on Premarital sex and its consequences,” he added

After the service, I couldn’t go home. Then that calm voice came again, “Femi, how long do you want to continue without confessing your sins?” I looked back and I saw the four of them surround Pastor Ben. Mechanically, my legs led me to where they stood. “Femi, are you also one of them?” He turned to me. I simply answered by nodding my head affirmatively. Pastor Ben sat us down and began to counsel us. He went on to tell us to make up our minds that we would never go back to our old ways. There was something about him. The way he talked and the effect of his word on my spirit.
Long story short, it was through Pastor Ben I made my ways right and confessed all my sins. He then told me to reach out to Biola and make sure she didn’t abort the baby.

~ Biola’s POV ~

It wasn’t my first time being pregnant. I had been taking pills throughout my relationship with my boyfriend in school before we packed up. So whenever I missed my period, I asked him to give me money for pregnancy tests and pills. Since Femi couldn’t afford such money, I had to cook up lies to one of my uncles who sent me some money.

So, I arranged the abortion myself as usual. I went to the nearest pharmacy and told them what I needed. As expected, I was cautioned and given directives on how to use it by the Pharmacist. Just so you know, the pills are quite expensive.
I must confess, I felt guilty doing this again. I had thought I was in my safe period during the time Femi and I was together.

I took the pills home and followed the due directives; I swallowed some while I inserted the rest down there, yeah. I’m sure you understand? Normally, I would have to experience bleeding in which the fetus would flush away, but this time I noticed nothing of such happened. I was beginning to doubt if I was actually pregnant or not.

Two days later, I went back to see the pharmacist, and I complained to him. He administered a pessary to induce the dilation and labor but nothing happened. He waited and tried again but still, nothing happened. He administered three pessaries and none worked.
“Can’t you just go through with the pregnancy? I mean you’re already halfway through.” He added.
“Ahh! Halfway bawo?”
He didn’t say anything. He was pretty unpleasant to me. Like, he didn’t support me going through the abortion process. He never said so but I could read it from his face and every single word he uttered.

After three days, I went back to see this dude, and he told me that he could only try the chemicals one more, and if that didn’t work, I would have a cesarean. Mehnn… I was horrified. It eventually didn’t work and sad to say, I spent money for nothing. I didn’t want to do a cesarean. I still value my life that much. So, eventually, with the swelling of my breasts and other symptoms that I couldn’t hide, Aunty Bose (my brother’s wife) found out I was carrying a baby!
Aunty Bose was disappointed in me. She pressured me until I told her who was responsible. I was so ashamed of myself. There was nothing she didn’t say to me that I felt like the earth could open and swallow me. She went on to call Femi’s father to inform him.

~ Femi’s POV ~

That very day, we were done with dinner and about to sleep when my father’s phone rang. I was in the bathroom having my shower when he answered the phone. “Hello, Bose,” he began. Then after some minutes, the next thing I heard was, “You said Femi did what?”

I froze; a sudden coldness that hits at the core.

To be continued…

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