CHAPTER 12 & 13: BLOOD ON THE ALTAR

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Chapter 12


THREE WEEKS’ LATER

The day was a Sunday, and as usual, the Choirs converged at the basement for their morning rehearsals and prayers. There was nothing unusual about the ritual except the presence of Sarah, a fugitive whom no one, except Blessing knows why she has been running from the Choir. Everyone was on her, but she was already armed with a perfect lie as a backup for her sudden disappearance.
At the gallery, since the service hasn’t started, during the morning rehearsals, most Choir members charges their phones there. But this faithful Sunday, something unusual happened, that was different from the presence of Sarah. After the morning rehearsal, Sister Sarah announced a missing phone.

“Maybe you didn’t bring it along. Have you tried calling your line? You may have forgotten it at home?” Rucks suggested.

“Sister Rucks,” Sarah called her, “I clearly said I was charging my phone at the gallery, and you’re talking about me ‘forgetting it at home’?”

“I’m sorry, but that was just a suggestion. By the way, I didn’t think anyone actually came up here after…”

“Well, since you seem to know this much, kindly explain how I got my phone missing. Look at the charger here,” she dangled it in her face and threw it at her feet. Rucks was taken aback by the sudden outburst.

“I didn’t say you didn’t bring your…”

“Well, you said that.” Bukky came in.

“And you said it right there,” she maintained and pointed to her previous position.

“Oho,” Sarah said, folding her arms.
There was silence, and the aura was tense. There were about six members of the Choir who had either come to the gallery to collect their phones or feed their ears. Eventually, they decided to go meet the Coordinator in his office.

“I don’t know what I can say to this,” he said, leaning back on his chair. “This is just embarrassing; I just hope this won’t get to the Pastor. And that is only if you guys behave as adults.”

“You mean to say if the thief returned the stolen phone?” Sarah asked with a scoff. The Coordinator nodded.

“You know that is not possible,” Sarah countered again. “Who do you think will return a stolen phone? Think about the embarrassment. She would rather not do that…”

“She?” The Coordinator interjected with a chuckle. “You can’t be sure the founder will be a she. We can’t say we are looking for a thief, we should rather say we misplaced it, and will appreciate whoever found and returned it.”

“I didn’t misplace my phone, and the thief is not a founder, a thief is a thief! Besides, the male members, just three of them anyway, went straight to the podium to arrange the musical instruments. None of them was upstairs. The thief is definitely a she!”

“So, who are you suspecting?”

“Sir, I am suspecting no one.”

“So, what are you suggesting then?”

“We search the bags.”

“Come on, that is embarrassing. We need to find another way…”

“There is no other way, Sir. And I got to do this before the Sunday school starts or else…”

“It is okay, it is okay, Sister Sarah.” The Coordinator said and checked his wristwatch. “It’s almost time for the Sunday School. You have just fifteen minutes to do that. I don’t want the Pastor to meet us in this mess.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Sarah said, and exited the Coordinator’s office. At the entrance, Bukky was waiting for her.

“So, what did he say?” She asked as they walked towards the Choirs’ area.

“He wanted me to check your bags,” She replied without stopping.

As they emerged inside the main auditorium, Bukky clapped her hands to gain the attention of the other members. Sister Bukky, a lousy dirty lady who was always left alone due to her incessant gossiping. She is fat, had no friends, not even Blessing was her friend. And she wasn’t alone because she was fat, but because she was always nosy, dirty, cheeky and lousy.

“We are here to catch the thief who stole…”

“Enough please,” Sarah stopped her.

“There is no ‘we’, okay?”

Bukky sighed and sullenly walked through the ambulatory to join the rest of the members standing in front of the altar.  The members all converged afar and watched as Sarah went into the Choir stalls and started ransacking the bags- one after the other. The males watched in silence, each one whispering. The suspense was all upon them, and as each bag was picked, hairs were raised in anticipation, and as each one was dropped, people sighed.

“I told her she didn’t bring her phone to Church, I saw her when she came in. she didn’t even bring a bag,” Rucks said again.

“You can’t be sure of that,” Bukky countered again. “Are you scared?” She asked Rucks, half smiling.

“Scared of what? “For your information, my bag has been checked, I don’t think yours has.”

“Sorry to disappoint you, Sister Rucks, she just dropped my bag too.” Bukky said with a smirk.

“Enough of this nonsense,” Blessing came in. “This is a total embarrassment and a shame. There is nothing to be proud of here. A colleague just came back after a brief illness and all you welcomed her with was to steal her phone.”

“She said she travelled,” Michelle said, calmly with folded arms.

“What?” Blessing asked, puzzled.
“Sister Sarah said she travelled.” She repeated herself.

Everyone was silent. Blessing looked uneasy and hated Michelle for making her look stupid in front of the others. Michelle continued,

“You said she was sick, but when I asked her, she said she travelled. That was why she hasn’t been around the…”

“Why don’t you just shut your mouth and start living on facts?”  Blessing snorted angrily, and the members gasped. “Did you visit her at all to know if she just told you she travelled just to keep you off her tail? I mean, everybody knows you are nosy….and proud!”

Bukky whistled and scratched her head. She looked at Michelle with a squint.

Michelle replied Bukky,“you know, that was why you had no friends!”

“I beg your pardon!” Bukky fought back. “Now, because you were able to get a job with a multinational company, courtesy of the tool between your legs, didn’t give you the permission to just talk to me that way. I wasn’t even the one who said you were nosy and cheeky. I was just a mere observer in all this matter.”

“The truth is, being my leader in this Choir, and being older than I am, coupled with the fact that I was also well brought up, I will not insult you,” Michelle said to Blessing who was expecting trouble.

Blessing hissed. She never liked Michelle for all the reasons she has refused to admit. She is beautiful, brilliant, has a good job, dresses nicely and she live large with a nice car. But she refused to admit that these have been the crux of her attitude towards Sister Michelle, instead, she simply maintained that Michelle was too proud.

“But you,” Michelle turned to Sister Bukky, “we all know you are a ‘nobody’ with a mental case.”

Rucks cleared her throat; she started fanning herself with her hand. “This is too hot.” She said with a smile.

“You are just a fool.” Bukky told Rucks who couldn’t control her laughter.

“Seriously?” Rucks said, “How did mine get into this matter. I was just observing.”

The whole member laughed aloud, but some, like Blessing refused to. Not that she cared what happened to Bukky, but she sure wasn’t comfortable with the easy getaway of Sister Michelle.

“Please, it is enough,” Blessing said.

“Like I said, we haven’t even…”

“This is serious!” Sarah said as she held a bag in her hand, smiling and shaking her head.

“What is it?” Blessing asked, with confusion clearly written on all faces.

Sarah walked between the ambulatory and started coming towards the members who were converged at the front of the altar. She held the black bag, wearing an unbelievable look of surprise.

“What is it, what did you see?” Sister Blessing and others asked.

“That…that is my bag!” A voice shrieked out, and all eyes were on Hannah whose horrific look on her face was priceless!

“You stole her phone?” Bukky asked.

“I didn’t even go upstairs. I was right here; I didn’t go to the gallery after the rehearsals. I was…”

“I couldn’t find my phone inside any bag,” Sarah finally relieved their suspense, but that even brought more suspense.

“But, I found this,” Sarah said, and displayed a pack of condom she took from the bag.

“That is not mine!” Hannah shouted in horror!

The whole members were astonished, more like disappointed.

“Oh, yeah?” Sarah said. “What about these, then?” She lifted up two used condoms tied at the base with semen still lying safely inside it.

“Jesus!” Some of the members shouted.
Blessing wore a look of abject disappointment; she looked at Hannah, shook her head and asked, “Why?”

“I swear Ma, I didn’t know anything about this, I swear to God!”

Hannah started to cry when she saw the look on Blessing’s face. She just accepted her as her Church-daughter and it would be disastrous to have blown it this quick. Blessing, on the other hand, was just disappointed.

“You put it in my bag!” She shouted and charged at Sarah.

She was prevented from getting to her by some of the members. She struggled and kept pointing at Sarah. Sarah stood at bay, looking at the aggressive Hannah who was crying and trying to break free.

“I didn’t put anything in your bag. God only wants us to see who you really are.” Sarah defended herself.

“Ha, Sister Sarah, may you die like…”

“Shut up!” Blessing stopped Hannah.

“This is a house of God, and I will not watch you place a curse on each other! This is embarrassing.”

“I swear to God,” Hannah sobbed hard, “I didn’t know anything about…”

“Then how did it get into your bag?” Sarah queried again.

“Hey guys,” Blessing called out, “we will get back to this later. It is almost time for Sunday school,” she clapped consecutively, “please fall into place.”

She turned at Sarah, “we will get to the root of this. I think someone planted it there.”

“What?” Sarah Shrieked loudly. “You can’t be saying I planted…”

“You did!” Hannah shouted at her amidst her tears.

“Shut up, please,” Blessing barked at Hannah. “You are relieved of every duty today. Sit with the congregation. This is not a punishment. Just try and get yourself together.”

“You found the phone?” The Coordinator asked from nowhere. “You stole the phone?” He immediately asked Hannah when he saw that she was the only one crying.

“We couldn’t find the phone. And no, Hannah didn’t steal the phone,” Blessing responded.

“So, why is she…?”

“She lost someone,” Blessing cut him short. “Please…Sir, if you don’t mind…”

“Sister Hannah, see me in my office after the service, okay?” The Coordinator ignored Blessing.

“No,” a deep voice replied him. It was the Pastor, with a dejected look on his face. Bukky was beside him, half smiling. “You, Brother Ade, Sister Sarah, Sister Blessing, and you,” he shook his head, “Sister Hannah, should all see me in my office after the service. Jesus! I can’t believe this!” He finished and disappeared back into the opening leading to the passage to the office.

Blessing moved to Bukky and whispered, unbelievably, “You told him?”

She tried not to smile, “What? Should I cover this up? I’m sorry. This is the house of God.”

There was a sound of something crashing on plastic chairs; it was Hannah- she fainted! The Coordinator turned to Rucks,

“Sister Rucks, is Hannah the one who stole Sister Sarah’s phone?”
No one replied him!







Chapter 13

The Pastor was on the phone, chatting distinctly like he doesn’t want anyone to hear him. He tapped the butt of his pen on the table as he did so. Any sane individual could see that he was unhappy. The room was dead silent except for his mumblings, the creaky sound of the ceiling fan which swung in slow-motion, and the audible gentle sobs of Hannah who sank on her heels in a half-kneeling position. Her eyes were swollen, red and she looked very ugly. Blessing would deliberately swipe a glance at her and shook her head; this made Hannah wailed more.

Sister Sarah stood behind Sister Blessing where she sat with leg crossed in front of the Pastor’s table, the Coordinator by her side, seated comfortable in the second and last chair available in the office. Sister Bukky, the one who just found the missing phone leaned on the wall, near to the door with arms crossed. Everyone was silent, everywhere was dead. After a while that seemed would not end, the Pastor dropped the receiver. Everyone was on their toes, hairs standing in anticipation.

“First of all,” the Pastor began as he dropped his call, “I don’t want to believe all these are happening. How can these be happening in this Church, under my watch? He shouted and slammed his palm on the table.

Everyone jerked. It was scary to always see the Pastor in such a mood.

“Sir…”

“Please, Mr Coordinator,” he interjected him as he wanted to speak, “this is a slap on your office. I hope you know that?”

“I’m sorry Sir.”

“Sorry?” He scoffed. “Sorry doesn’t even begin to describe how disappointed you must be. This lady here,” he pointed to Hannah who quickly knelt straight, “is part of your member. The same ones I expected you to screen properly before…”

“I did…”

“You did? You think you did? This was the same one you were vouching for to be an assistant to Sister Blessing, isn’t she?”

“Sir…”

“Please, enough!” He shouted him down.

Blessing lets out a scornful chuckle as Brother Ade opened and closed his mouth.

“What is funny here?” The Pastor turned to Blessing who was definitely taken by surprise. “Were you not the same one who came here just this week to tell me you have accepted Hannah as a Church-daughter to you, as our usual practice in this Church for a leader to groom a potential leader?”

“But…” she tried to speak but the Pastor cut in again.

“But you refused to pray and look thoroughly before you decided to accept …”

“But you didn’t believe me when I said she and him,” she turned angrily to the Coordinator, “were having sexual…”

“I beg your pardon!” The Coordinator sprung up from his seat.

Hannah also sprung up from her knees to protest, and Blessing started to laugh,
“You think I didn’t know?” she asked with a dead face.

“I swear to God Ma, that wasn’t true. I…we never did such…such a thing.” Hannah stammered on.

“And yet, used and unused condoms were found…”

“Sir, it wasn’t mine, I swear to God.” Hannah cried aloud again, cutting the Pastor short on his words. She wasn’t afraid of anything more that her parents hearing this.

“Sir, Sir, you really need to do something about this…this…this thing and her rumours. I can’t take this anymore!” The Coordinator was talking about Blessing.

“Of course, you will not take this anymore,” The Pastor replied him in anger. “You have obviously failed in your office and you are… you are just like a waste of space here, right here!” The Pastor shouted at him.

“But…”

“There is no ‘but’, Brother Ade.”

“But this is just a lie from…from this Jezebel!” He finished his statement.

“Watch your tongue, Brother Ade. Can you even hear yourself speak in such languages? Using these foul languages on her? And funny enough, she has proven to be wiser by keeping quiet and watching you dug your grave deeper.”

“I am sorry Sir.” He calmed down.

“Even the Bible says that a fool is thought wise if he could hold his tongue. You are…” he shook his head, “I don’t know…I don’t know what to say.”

“I’m sorry Sir,” the Coordinator maintained. He clamped his hands to his back like a good child.

“You,” he turned to Bukky, “where and how did you found the missing phone?”

“Sir…” she wanted to begin.

“Please, I have a meeting my four o clock, forget the pleasantries.”

“Okay. I went to wash my face at the bathroom when I saw…”

“And did you go to the bathroom?” He asked Sarah who nodded as a ‘yes’.

“So, you agree that you did forget it there, right?”

“Yes, Sir. I…”

“That’s all I need. Both of you should go. Thank you.” He clapped them away and watched them leave his office.

After a long silence, he turned to the Coordinator, “I will get to the bottom of this; be assured of that.”

“Sir…”

“You heard me,” he said firmly. “And you,” he turned to Hannah; you disgraced not only me but your parents and Christ in heaven!”

“Ha!” She shouted. “Sir, this is all…”

“Sir,” Blessing spoke after a long silence, “she…Sister Hannah said she is a virgin. So, this…”

“She…she said so, again?” The Pastor asked.

“Well, I …em….I don’t know if she already told you that…”

“She did,” the Pastor said. “Once when there was this trouble about the accusation….but,” he changed the subject, “I doubt that already.”

“Well, Last week, before I came to see you this week about accepting her as my Church-daughter, I talked to her about how it will be the best for her to shun all sexual sins if she has to take on the mantle of leadership and she said she was a virgin.” She shrugged and looked at Hannah who nodded in agreement.

“This is serious,” the Pastor stood akimbo, confused.

“If that was so, and you know this, why were you keen on tarnishing my image?” The Coordinator shouted at Blessing in anger.

“That was because ever since she has told me, she has always left your school late into the nights; something that wasn’t happening before.”

“Is that that true?” The Pastor asked.

“Sir…”

“I was talking to her, please.” The Pastor interjected the Coordinator.

“Yes, Sir.” Hannah replied in a low voice.

“Why?” The Pastor asked in a whisper.

“He…he only attends to me only when the other students have left.”

The Pastor buried his hands in his head. He gave a very loud sigh.

“Sir…Sir…” the Coordinator started.

“You got something to say to that, right?” The Pastor asked him.

“Yes, Sir. It was all because she was to be groomed separately and…”

“Brother Ade,” the Pastor called his name slowly.

“Yes, Sir.”

“You are suspended until all investigations are concluded.” He said calmly.

“What?” He said. “Sir, this is all a mistake.”

“Yes, you are right. It was a mistake because I thought a male Coordinator will fare better than the fallen females that their scandalous stories have refused to leave as a suffix to the name of this Church each time this parish is mentioned. And now…and now…”

“Sir, this is all a lie. I told you…”

“You are suspended. And that is pretty much all I have to tell you.” He repeated. “You, Hannah...”

“Yes, Sir.” She answered in tears and violent sobs.

“I don’t even know where to start with you.”

“Can I suggest something, Sir?” Blessing asked.

“Go ahead, please.”

“We could ask Doctor Abigail to conduct a virginity test on her so….”

“Yes, yes, I will do that. I will do that, Sir.” Hannah jumped at the suggestion.

It seemed her only way out. The Pastor was surprised and confused altogether.
“You will?” He asked with a frown.

“I will Sir, I will.” She repeated faster.

“Are you sure about this or we should just…”

“Sir, I am sure. I am a….”

“Hold that please” the Pastor halted her before she could say the word ‘virgin’ again. “You already made this claim before. We shall know that later,” the Pastor said. Brace yourself; Deacon Abigail is not going to be back until three weeks’ time. I am sure you all know that. She announced that herself last week. So, I guess we could all wait for her.”

“Thank you, Sir.” They all chorused. The Coordinator’s voice was louder that it caught the attention of the Pastor. Something the Coordinator wanted.

“You, Brother Ade, in your own case, even if you ever passed this sexual scandal test, your position will still be reviewed based on your gross incompetency .”

“Ha.” He said.

“Yes; and that means you may not return back as the Coordinator again if anything as a speckle is found on you.”

“What? Sir?”

“Yes, you heard me. In fact, since Sister Blessing has proven to see far ahead of you, I might have to reconsider the position of a Choir Mistress!”

“Yes!” Sister Mary clenched her fist. “We’re getting there!” She whispered to Blessing who was trying not to betray her emotion. She smiled back at her dead lover, “of course,” she said, inaudibly.

“But, Sir…” Brother Ade wanted to say, but he was stopped again by the Pastor who raised his arm.

“That is all. You can leave now.” He waved them out. “I have a meeting by four. Thank you all.”

“Thank you, Sir.” Blessing and Hannah said.

“Thank you Ma,” Hannah said to Blessing as they were about to leave.
“Don’t mention it,” she smiled back. “I believe you won’t disappoint me when Doctor…”

“I swear Ma, I’m a virgin. I will gladly subject myself to the test.”

“Good.” She replied her and they all exited.

The Pastor watched that little scenery between these two ladies and he was proud of Sister Blessing. As he watched them leave, he realized the Coordinator was still inside his office.

“What are you still waiting for?”

“Sir…”

“Please, leave my office. This meeting is over.” He didn’t even look up as he flipped through his big bible. He didn’t look up until he heard the door closed. He lowered his reading glasses to his nose with a frown,
“Pervert,” he said and hissed.

End of chapter 12 & 13

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CHAPTER 11. BLOOD ON THE ALTAR

*BLOOD ON THE ALTAR ©2015, 2016, Wale-Joseph Oludare (KINGwax oluwadamilare)

No part of this novel may be reproduced in any form. Any play/movie adaptation without the notice of the author (KINGwax oluwadamilare) is an intellectual theft- and will be dealth with under the infringement of copyright laws if Nigeria.

Thank you.



Chapter 11


James opened the door to his room and slammed it shut in anger. He sat on his bed in such a way that he bounced like three times before sinking still. He buried his face in his hands and kept muttering to himself, audibly enough,


“I can’t believe this. I can’t just believe Emeka wants me to this. This is just too much for me. God, why had I even become a member of such an evil group? No benefit whatsoever! I already told them about her, and our plans, yet, they want me to do this. God, help me out!”


“Who wanted you to do what?” A voice shrieked behind him. He jerked off his bed and landed with his butt on the floor. There was a flick of the switch and his room came alive.


“Jennifer!” He screamed. He stood up and started to dust his butt. “Why are you still here? I thought I asked you to check yourself out.”


“And that is fair to you?” She asked.

“Besides, you said I should wait up, that you will be back.”

She flung the duvet aside and stood up naked. James watched her as she swayed to the table and poured herself some vodka.

“We were in the middle of something nice and you just left like that, making me do myself, and you wanted me to just go? Come on James, you can do better. You promised to show me hell when we chatted on Facebook. Remember?”

“We have to do this later, okay? I have an issue I have…”

“Like Emeka want to you to do something to her?” She took James by surprise.

“How did you…”

“How did I know that?” She moved over and sat by James’s side, on the bed. She offered him the drink in her cup, but troubled-James refused. “Listen, James, I don’t know Emeka, but no matter who he is, you have a choice, you know that, right?” She tried to be nice. James wasn’t comfortable with that.

“Listen, don’t get it all wrong,” James said, “it’s just a simple thing, but…”

“But what, James?” She interjected. She wrapped her arms around his shoulder and took a sip from her cup.

“Listen, I am not interested in whatever Emeka wants you to do. Now, you got to give me your attention. I have been dying to have you right back in.” She smiled, turned her head sideways, slowly and bit her lower lips seductively. James looked at her and shook his head.

She was not deterred, instead, went for his todger, James didn’t fight it. After squeezing and fondling it for a while, she was disappointed with the result.

“You didn’t even have an erection!” She said, clearly offended.

James pushed her away.

“I have other pressing issues.” He said, and went over to where she piled her clothes and started throwing it at her. “You need to start going.” James said. “I have to take care of some business.”

“Seriously?” Jennifer asked, bewildered. James didn’t seem to care; he nodded, leaning against the wall. His hands tucked in his jean’s pocket.

“Fine,” Jennifer said. “You’re just a jerk, anyways.” She hissed and started dressing up.

James watched her dress up. She picked up her handbag and opened the door. She turned back at him and asked, “Are you serious about this?”

“I told you, another time.” James replied, calmly.

“Don’t you ever call me again; there will not be another time.” She said as she opened the door to go out.

“Okay, I will do just that. Take care of yourself, Jenny.”

“Really?” Jennifer shouted in annoyance and slammed the door after herself.

James went over to the door and bolted it. As he was just about to go back to have his seat, there was a loud bang on the door. It was loud and consistent James was scared; he quickly went over to the side of the bed and pulled out a club.

“Who is it?” He asked, gripping the club with both hands, getting ready for battle. He wasn’t sure if Emeka has turned against him already. He truly left Emeka with an air which suggested he might not play along, but, that doesn’t mean he’d said ‘no’. “I didn’t say I was not going to do what you asked, boss. I just need more time!” He shouted loud enough for Emeka to hear. He held his club firmly.

“James, it is Jennifer. I’m sorry, okay? Please, open up.”

James shook his head and eased up. He went over to the door, “Jenny, go home. I told you, I will call you…”

“Don’t call me, dunderhead!” Jennifer screamed out. “You are nobody!” She slapped hard on the door and James could hear her footsteps as she walked angrily away.

James sighed. He sat gently on his bed, his head buried in his hands as a sign of distress. He did have a choice, but there will be trouble. Not because he doesn’t want to do what Emeka had ordered him to do, but because it looked like an impossible task. He could still hear Emeka’s voice threatening him if he failed.

“Dude, I can’t help you if you failed this time, okay? The last time you messed up the order given to you by the group, you nearly lost your arm. I had to intervene and remember, you said you owe me. So, now is the time to pay up. You just have to do this or you might not like what I am planning for you if you failed.”

“Boss, listen; please, don’t get this wrong. There’s nothing I wanted more than to get down on Hannah, but…”

“But what? Then get down with her!”

“But this lady insisted on remaining a virgin till she is married. She is devoted to this…this…” he tried to find the right word, but couldn’t, so, he settled for, “this choir business. Since she has been promoted to the senior choir, and accused indirectly by the Pastor that she sleeps around, she decided to prove them wrong by remaining a virgin. She has always does. Even since we met- she never wanted sex.

She doesn’t even come to my place anymore. We either meet at her place, right at the full presence and eyes of her sister, or at a public eatery or something!”

“And so fucking what?” Emeka shouted angrily.

Emeka paused for a moment and starred at James for a long time. James was uneasy, he knew trouble was coming.

“You have a deadline. If Hannah still remained a virgin by that time… like I said, I cannot help you this time.”

James stood up without finishing his drink or making a commitment. He dragged the seat backwards.

“Finish up the drink, James. That’s an order.” Emeka said.

James didn’t even blink. He left Emeka by his table.

And now, James had thought Emeka was back to punish him for leaving him like that.

Then there was another loud knock on his door that dissected his thoughts. He went straight for his club again. It was already on the bed, beside him.

“Who is that?” He screamed loud and clear.

“James, it is I, Jennifer. I said I am sorry! I was only joking when I said you shouldn’t call. Call me, okay?”

James grabbed his face with his hands, “Oh, no; not again!”


END OF CHAPTER 11

*The rest of the chapters will continue in few days time. To get the update on your email as it drops, please, enter your email in the section above the top right corner of this blog.

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CHAPTER 9 & 10: BLOOD ON THE ALTAR

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Chapter 9

Sarah sang along as she washed her clothes. She was washing in a large bowl and sitting on a very low stool. Sarah, also once an important Choir member, but whose time of rave and fame was during Sister Joy’s era. She was then the assistant to the Choir Mistress- Sister Joy, until she found herself right in the prostitution scandal that rocked the Church back then.


Nobody knew Sister Joy wasn’t the real prostitute; Sarah was! And the man who claimed to give his life to Christ knew about this too, but Sarah couldn’t save Sister Joy because it means it will fall back on her.  She reminisced about how it all went down:



                   ******************



That faithful day, weeks before the prostitution scandal, Blessing came to blackmail her with hard evidence on her escapades as a prostitute at the hotel where she worked. She will attend the morning class and engage in prostitution in the evening through the night to make ends meet. She lied to people that she worked as a cleaner at the hotel. Surprisingly, when Blessing brought this evidence, she had wanted nothing more from her than for her to step down as assistant to the Choir Mistress- Sister Joy. It was a surprise that Blessing only wanted her to step down, so, that was what she did.


She could have told the Church to go to hell, but prostitution was and is still illegal in her State of residence, and Blessing warned her not to flee. But, she could have fled if not because she was half-way through her college studies already!


Since then, she had avoided attending rehearsals, which meant she couldn’t be allowed to minister. People asked questions, and she said she was busy and couldn’t make the time. Weeks later, she officially announced her stepping down as the assistant to Sister Joy, and by default and rank, Sister Ruth, who was the church-mother to Blessing, became the assistant to Sister Joy.


Weeks after that, Sarah was surprised when Mr Eric came forward to give his life to Christ and confessed that Sister Joy, the Choir mistress, was a prostitute! That was even a surprise to Sarah because Sister Joy was never a prostitute. Nevertheless, Sister Joy fainted that day and was never seen again after being taken to the hospital. This paved way for her assistant, Sister Ruth as the vocal leader. This automatically makes her church-daughter, Blessing, her assistant. Sarah was reduced to the bench as a member.
The most surprising thing about the man who testified was the way he held the lie like it was the truth- it was never the truth. Sarah knew this, but she must never talk about it. Sarah knew why he had to lie- Mr Eric, a Deacon!


But, that was all in the past. She had since stopped attending the Church altogether for months now, and she felt peaceful. She went over to the line and started spreading her wet clothes; she was determined to let the past rest in peace.



                    ****************



Blessing increased her pace as she made her way to Sarah’s abode. She was sure she will meet her at home; the day being Saturday- almost everyone in the country does their laundries on Saturdays. Emeka’s role in her next mission has been handed over to him; she had to ensure that another web was spurned to complete the network of the next unfolding event.  As she walked on, she reminded herself how Sarah owed her, and unless she was ready to go to jail, she will play along. She remembered what she did for her, what she did for Sarah…




                   ***************



Mr Eric, the Deacon who was forced to testify against himself, really had no choice. He had to, or risk being jailed too! The scenario was a nice playing ground for blackmail. The Deacon couldn’t keep his old dick in his pants, and went ahead to having sex with a minor! Emeka has many friends, and one of them was dating a friend to the minor.


So, one day, Emeka was arguing with Blessing about how religion was nothing but hypocrisy, given the fact that all they do is going to Church and acting like they’ve never sinned. He was an atheist, and having sex with Blessing and Ruth gave him the audacity to say all Christians, especially the female ones, are hypocrites.


While Blessing was still defending that, Emeka told her about a Deacon in her Church that was also having sex with a minor! And when Blessing wouldn’t believe him, he had brought out his phone and called his friend, James, to bring his girlfriend for a visit to his house at the weekend. He asked him to tell his girlfriend to bring her friend along; knowing that the only friend the girl has, was the minor he was talking about.


So, that weekend, Blessing and Emeka waited for their guests. Blessing was still sure Emeka was talking nonsense, but right inside her mind, she wished it would be a revelation that is worthy of wielding as a weapon. Anything for her ascent is welcome!


Then, there was this soft knock on the door; after all it looked like they were never going to come.  She rushed to open the door. The revelation wasn’t much; just this two kids- Hannah and the minor. There was also James, Emeka’s friend, Hannah’s boyfriend. Hannah was then, just a member of the youth Choir; she was never a threat to Blessing back then.


Though, Hannah was the leader of the youth Choir back then, and she led exceptionally well with her soft voice. Blessing didn’t even know that Hannah would be promoted to be a real rival of recent. She used to believe that before Hannah could dream of being in the main Choir, she would either have gained an admission into a college outside the City or die of cancer. But that didn’t happen because Hannah did gain an admission, but it was a college within the City, and she refused to die of cancer.


“Good evening, Sister Blessing.” Hannah beamed as Blessing opened the door. Blessing didn’t say a word; she just went back to her seat.


Emeka tried to hold her hand, but she gave him a stern look, and Emeka got the message and let her be. James went over to Emeka and greeted him with a kind of a coded handshake, known only to both of them and whatever fraternity they belonged to. Kike, the minor, and Hannah’s friend, couldn’t even look up. Blessing kept her calm, even though she couldn’t believe she was seeing properly. Mr Eric, the Deacon, who always makes the special announcements every Sunday, couldn’t have been the one having sex with this little girl. Even Emeka’s friend, James, whom she sees as a guy in his early twenties, would be said to be too old for her.


“Ladies,” Emeka started after they all sat in silence, “this is Blessing…” he wanted to begin an introduction when Blessing cut in before he could start talking about him and her being lovers. She didn’t want that. Not with her status in church. She was supposed to be an example for these kids.


“Yes, Emeka, they know who I am, right?” She asked the girls who nodded.


“Good,” she continued, “and if you are still wondering if I and Emeka are lovers, well, think again, we are not!”


Emeka and James shared a look of surprise between each other. Even Hannah and Kike, the minor, did the same. The only difference being the look of shock in theirs because they knew it would be better if Blessing was also an adulterer like them. Blessing was satisfied with their countenances.


“I am here because of you,” he pointed to the minor, Kike, “I have nothing with you,” he pointed to Hannah who was just seventeen years at that time, and four years older than Kike. “You are old enough to do whatever you like,” she said to Hannah, “but allowing her do the things you do, even worse, is disheartening.”


“Ma,” Hannah wanted to talk, but Blessing hushed her down.


“Could you guys please, excuse us?” Blessing asked both James and Emeka who have been a little bit petrified about the sudden turn of the drama.


They followed each other like lambs to the abattoir. After they have disappeared inside, she turned back to the girls who were already fidgeting.


“You,” she said, pointing to Kike, who never dared to look at her face, “why that old man? Why Mr Eric?” She dropped the bomb on her, and both Kike and her friend were so shocked. Kike went on her knees immediately, and Hannah followed suit.


“Please, I beg of you, don’t tell my Dad. He will kill…”


“Of course, I know he will kill you!” She said. “Now, you need to stop or I will tell your Dad.” Both Kike and Hannah looked at each other and nodded.


“I will stop.” Kike said reluctantly. Hannah flashed a fierce look at Kike and poked her with her elbow.


“What is this?”  Blessing asked, noticing the gesture “What are you not saying, Kike?”


“Nothing, Ma.” Kike lied. “I promise to stop seeing him.”


“There is something,” Hannah countered, “but she is scared to tell you.”


“I see.” Blessing said. “Are you pregnant?” She guessed


“No!” Kike screamed, taken aback. “I am not!”


“I hope so. So, what are you scared to…”


“She can’t stop having sex with Mr Eric!” Hannah came in and Kike nodded frantically with a scary face.


“What? What do you mean she can’t stop? Are they into some king of a covenant or…?”


“No!” Kike screamed again. “Why would I enter into a covenant with an old man like that?”


“An old man like that? And he was not too old to have sex with you?”


“Technically, he has never had sex with me.” Kike corrected.


Sister Blessing was disappointed by half. She feared her hold on them might have loosened. If there was no sex, then there will be no scandal. And with no scandal, she has no weapon against them to use for future purposes.


“What… what do you mean by that?” She managed to ask.


“I am always on top. I am the one having sex with him.” Kike jumped at her question.


“Shut up, you idiot!” Hannah pushed her. “You are a moron!”


Blessing couldn’t control her laughter! She couldn’t believe she heard her right. “Don’t ask her to shut up,” she cautioned Hannah, “and don’t call her a moron. You are at fault here. I am sure you know about all…”


“Not really, Ma.” Hannah cut in. “They were really deep into it before I knew about it. It… it appeared to be too late for her to stop.”


“How?” Blessing cared to know more.


“Did you remember the phone that was stolen from the guest minister’s bag some months ago, during the convention?” Hannah asked, and Blessing nodded. “It was her,” she pointed to Kike, “who stole it!”


“Jesus Christ! She did?”


Blessing couldn’t believe her ears. That case actually made Kike’s father, an assistant Pastor, sack the security guard and suspend some workers from the Church since they couldn’t find out who did it. They were all sent packing in relation on the theft scandal. She covered her mouth in surprise. Kike started to cry, silently.


“Well, Mr Eric kind of found out, a few days later, that it was Kike, who stole it, and he promised not to tell her dad if she agrees to…”


“That bald headed idiot took advantage of that?” Blessing asked and they both nodded.


“Almost eight months now.” Kike said and nodded. Hannah patted her gently.
Blessing was very angry, and for the first time, she didn’t care about her ambition this time.


“Who else knows about this?” She asked.


“Sister Sarah.” Hannah said, much to Blessing’s surpise.


“What? The same Sister Sarah? The assistant to the Choir Mistress?” She asked again.


“Yes. Sister Sarah works as a cleaner in the hotel.” Kike said. “But… also as a prostitute!”


“What? Who told you all these?” Blessing asked.

“Mr Eric.” Kike said. “He told me not to be afraid.  He said that Sister Sarah is also in the business, and she won’t tell anybody. That was the day Sister Sarah saw me in the hotel with him. Mr Eric called her inside and told her what we always do together. Mr Eric said if she told anyone, he will expose her as a prostitute. He even claimed he had had sex with her several times.”


“Jesus!” Blessing exclaimed. “And you kept all these from….from …the Church?” She asked them.

They were silent, but Kike has started to cry again. Blessing asked Kike to wipe her tears and promised to help her stop Mr Eric. She learnt from Kike that they always choose a particular hotel for the sexual act, so Blessing hacked a plan.

The plan was simple-


Whenever Mr Eric wanted sex with the minor, he always calls her and asks her to wait in the usual room at the hotel. The owner of the hotel was a friend to Mr Eric, so, Kike just goes to the manager, collects the key and waits naked in the room for the paedophile to come.  And since all Mr Eric had to do was to always enter the same room with his spare key and goes straight into the act, Hannah was able to hide in the wardrobe and take both pictures and videos.


Four days later, when the kids called her that they’ve gotten the photos and the video, she asked them to bring it to her house straight away. She was satisfied with the results when she saw them.


“Now, we will eliminate the threats, one after the other.” She smiled at the kids who didn’t even know she was now going to use them for her selfish interest. Though, they will be helped too.


The next day, they went straight to Sarah’s house; they met her just in time. She was going for work. She was no doubt shocked to see Kike, Hannah and Blessing together that faithful day. Her fear was justified when Blessing showed her the video and told her the parts she took. She assured her she will report to the police and she will serve a jail time, along with Mr Eric. She was an accomplice to the crime of sex with a minor. Sarah started to cry and she pleaded to be spared. She claimed she felt bad, but she could do anything since Mr Eric was privy to her secret.


“Well,” Blessing began that day, “You are next to Sister Joy in the Choir, and if Sister Joy should leave today, you automatically become the vocal leader, right?”


Sarah nodded with tears.


“Good.” She said, “We all know it is very wrong for someone in your profession to be a leader in the house of God. How do you even feel, standing in the front and asking the congregation to praise God when you know you are only deceiving yourself?”


“I’m sorry.” Sarah wailed.


“Sister Sarah, there is no need for that. It is so disgusting to even think about it. This is what I want you to do if you want us to keep your secret;” she stood up like a Boss and started dishing out the terms and conditions, “one, don’t speak a word about Kike and Mr Eric to anyone. Two, within six weeks, announce that you are stepping down as the assistant to the Choir Mistress.”


“I can even leave the Choir.” She suggested excitedly, glad about the leniency of the condition.


“No, you must not leave. It will be too easy for you.” Blessing halted the idea.


“Please,” she pleaded, “people will ask why I wanted to step down and I will not be able to give…”


“That is your problem,” Blessing snapped at her, “and that is your punishment for being an accomplice to a crime, and a hypocrite.”


Sarah sighed, and nodded. “How am I sure they,” she referred to Kike and Hannah, who have been silent all through, “will not spill the beans?”


“They can’t. For what is worth, I still have a video of her,” she pointed to Kike, “and Mr Eric here with me. And I will not only show it to her dad, I will upload it on my Facebook timeline and tag as many Church members as I would!”


“Ha!” Both Kike and Hannah exclaimed.
“And as for you,” she pointed to Hannah, “don’t you forget you took this video, and you knew about this plan all along and yet, you didn’t report it! It means you abetted the crime!”


Hannah clamped her head with her hands and exclaimed inaudibly.


“So, all we all have to do is keep quiet about this, and I promise, everything will be fine.” She concluded. “I will take care of Mr Eric tonight. Kike, you are free now.” She said and they all dispersed.


At night, she went to Mr Eric, and it was easier for her to get him to agree to leave Kike alone. Not only that, he had two hard choices to make, as laid before him by Blessing as atonement for his sins.


One, he either faces jail and disgrace if he agreed that Blessing may show the video to the police, or, two, he will announce his resignation as a Deacon, and give a confession against Sister Joy that she was a prostitute. As a man afraid of his own works, he accepted to do the latter, which, of course, appeared as his only choice.


That was how Sister Blessing ousted Sister Joy, who wasn’t a prostitute, and Sister Sarah, who was supposed to take the mantle of leadership after Sister Joy. Sister Ruth was the next in line, and Blessing was a church-daughter to her. So, automatically, Sister Ruth was made the vocal leader, and Sister Blessing was made her assistant. It was all a brilliant plan!



          *************



“Well, that was then.” She thought to herself as she approached Sarah’s residence. Hannah has been promoted from the youth Choir, and she is now being considered as an assistant to her. She doesn’t want an assistant; it must always be her and Sister Mary. She worked too hard to be that close, ousting Sister Joy, Sister Sarah, and Sister Ruth to be here. In her mind, she believed that Hannah knows too much, and things may not end well between them if they had to work together. That was the reason she was on an urgent visit to Sarah. Only Sarah could help her out. As she entered into Sarah’s compound, she saw her spreading her clothes on the line.


“Good morning, Sister Sarah!” She said aloud, beaming.


Sarah looked petrified like she has seen the devil. Of course, she has seen the devil, because for years, after she relinquished her position due to this same devil, she has suffered in silence, watching as her own influence petered away while Blessing rose to the head. She has been confined to remain in the Choir, just because of this devil. She has witnessed Mr Eric give a fake testimony against Sister Joy and she couldn’t say a word.


She also suspected that Blessing was responsible for the suspension of Sister Ruth. Maybe she planned it all because she thought Blessing was too quick to take her church-mother’s phone to the Pastor. What kind of a devil does that? They haven’t exchanged many words between after Blessing blackmailed her to step down, except the normal pleasantries being shared and expected among choir members.


She watched in silence as the devil grinned and called her name again. She knew the Saturday must be a wrong one. Blessing held her grin as she made her way towards the petrified Sarah and repeated her greeting.  Sarah didn’t say a word; she just starred at her with unbelieving eyes. Blessing shrugged when she saw her reaction, but she wasn’t bothered.


“Good morning, Sister Sarah,” She repeated, “how have you been?”


Sarah dropped the wet clothes she was holding and started to cry almost immediately!









Chapter 10


“The plank”, was the name of this relaxation center down the street, right after the popular Dede’s close. People named this place ‘the Plank’ because of the popular bible verse that says, ‘remove the plank in your eyes first, before complaining about the dust in your neighbor’s eyes. So, those who come here to drink and merry after the day’s job, will say they are clearing their eyes with the liquors - the reason why they named the place, ‘the plank’. The plank is a very lovely place to be- there are bars, a very big swimming pool, a very big lawn with trees for a good picnic, an open billiard room with a thatched roof and so much more. Dull moments were never part of its offer.


This same Plank was very close to James’s residence. Emeka crossed over to the street behind James’s house and went straight into one of the small bars located inside the Plank. He ordered a bottle of his usual beer and mulled over the next task that Blessing requested of him to do. Not that he has a choice, if he ever wanted to continue his sexual escapades with that brat. He must admit the sex has been good, and he enjoyed every bit of the act, because Blessing has been very unusually surprisingly experienced for a lady who claimed she has never had an intercourse with a man.


The most interesting session was always the oral sexual session. He would like to recollect the memories there at the plank, but it appeared as the wrong place to do that, and the wrong moment too. He hated himself by half because he was nothing but a puppet to this little girl, but he was not ready to end the relationship.


He picked his phone and went straight to the phone book. He swipes down to Jame’s number and dialled. James picked up right away,


“Boss.” He said


“Meet me at the Plank. I’m right at the last table at the left corner of the second bar, before the viewing center.” Emeka said and disconnected.


Emeka knew James wouldn’t have to think twice before yielding to his call. Even if he was about to be slaughtered, he must take the permission to heed his call first and then go back to the slaughterhouse. That was one of the benefits he enjoyed as a leader of their cult group. Insubordination could attract a penalty as harsh as a death sentence. Members may be subjected to the worst treatment they wouldn’t have imagined.


Just last week, a member has been forced to bring his sister forward to be gang-raped as a punishment, in lieu of the death penalty for his failed action. He didn’t have a choice. He only pleaded not to make it obvious to her sister that he knew about the plan. He asked his Sister to follow her to a friend’s place; along the way, he led her to a lonely place and they were accosted. He was beaten as if the ambush was real, while he kept begging them. They carried his Sister to a corner in a bush and three masked guys raped her in turns while he was forced to watch at gunpoint.


After the act, he carried her sister to the hospital and reported to the police. Of course, the investigation cannot lead anywhere.


James jumped off from his sexual act as the ringtone already distinguishes who the caller was. He rushed to the table beside his bed and picked the call. Emeka, his Boss wanted him at the plank right away. The girl he was having sex with was just a random chick he met on the social network. She wasn’t worth the trouble that may arise if he refused.


“Yes, Boss.” He replied Emeka who disconnected from his end.


He looked dejected almost immediately; his throbbing todger wasn’t feeling so good. He turned to the lady in bed, and the girl was already helping herself out to orgasm the moment James disconnected from the sexual flow to pick Emeka’s call. The lady just went straight to masturbation to please herself. James shook his head at the disgusting sight and started putting on his clothes.


“Just wait for me; I will back in no time, okay?” He said as he dressed up.


“Okay, okay, okayyyyy!” The girl replied between her moans as she masturbated frantically.


She grabbed the bed-sheet with one hand, while the other did the work. Her legs almost touched the ceiling. James looked at her with pity and closed the door after himself. He wasn’t even close to the main exit when the girl screamed in a very loud moan that shook the building. He needn’t anyone to tell him she has reached her orgasm. He only stopped, smiled and shook his head again.


“Bitches ain't smiling.” He said as he made his exit into the main streets.
                 
James took a seat in front of Emeka and greeted in the required jargon, known only to their group members as a salutation. Emeka didn’t reply; he only took another gulp from his beer.


“I’m sorry, Boss. I rushed here as soon…”


“That’s not an issue, James. And I want you to ease up.”


“Thanks, Boss.” James smiled. It dawned on him that there wasn’t any trouble. The Boss may just want him to run a personal errand.


Emeka ordered for a bottle of beer to be brought for James.

“Thanks, Boss.” James smiled. He poured himself a stint of the glass cup placed in his front. Emeka watched him had the first taste before he started the briefing of the mission.


“James, you have a very important job you are going to do for me.”


“Anything Boss.” James said, rubbing his palms together in anticipation.


“Don’t get too excited over this, James. This is not going to be pleasant for you. But as you know,” he paused and took a sip, “you don’t have a choice.”


James sank deeper against his chair and sighed deeply. His countenance was frustrated and his shoulders dropped.


“Don’t die before your time bro,” Emeka tried to cheer him up when he saw his face. “it’s not something you can’t handle. In fact, I believe it is something you must have been anticipating on doing. But right now, you just have to hasten the process.”


“I…I don’t understand wha…”


“It’s about your girlfriend, Hannah! Like I said, you don’t have a choice.” Emeka dropped it on him for an introduction.



              *******************



Blessing helped Sarah pick up the cloth that fell to the ground, with a smile full on her face. She didn’t seem to act like it was weird for Sarah to do that; she just acted normal. She stretched out her hand for her to take it. Sarah reached out slowly, she collected the cloth and it fell right back on the ground. She started to cry, “Please,” she pleaded, “let me be.”


Blessing looked around like in a suspicion mode and whispered, “What is the meaning of this, Sister Sarah? You didn’t even know why I am here.”


Sarah continued sobbing silently, but Blessing grabbed her by the arms and dragged her towards the main building. Sarah followed reluctantly, rather sluggishly. She didn’t stop crying.


“You are embarrassing yourself, Sister Sarah.” She told her as she dunked her in the only the chair in her room. “You didn’t even allow me to state my cause, you just…”


“You can’t possibly be here for any good, Blessing.” Sarah summoned some courage and snapped back.


“Well, you are wrong. You see, in the books of Hebrews…”


“Jesus Christ!” Sarah interjected. “Spare me your hypocrisy. You can’t possibly be preaching to…”


“You know, Sister Sarah,” she cleared her throat; “do you need to be reminded that I still have the sex tape, intact, with me?”


“Shhh,” Sarah hushed her down. She looked around like someone was listening- nobody was. “Okay,” she said reluctantly, “continue with whatever you wanted to say.” She looked away, scratching her neck.


“I thought you would say that.” She smiled and continued; “the bible says we shouldn’t forsake the gathering of the saints. But it appears you are doing exactly the opposite.”


Sarah scoffed, she already got her message. “Please, Blessing, let me go. I have been demoted to serve under you and I have done this without choice for years. Please, allow me to go elsewhere. Haven’t I been punished enough by you? Haven’t I atoned for my sins? I can’t be attending that Church again.”


“That church? Like it aren’t a member!”


“A member? See, they might as well change the name to ‘st. Blessing’s church’, because you have definitely taken over!”


“Well, the church still remains, ‘st. Jude’s’ okay? Now, to the order of the day.”


“There is no order of the day, Blessing. I already atoned for my sins.”


“Almost.” Blessing said, coldly.


“Almost? What do you mean, ‘almost’?”


“You see, if you can do this last thing for me, then it will be considered that you have fully paid for your sins.”


Sister Sarah scoffed.


“You’re not interested?” Blessing asked.
Sarah scoffed again.


“Listen, if you do this, I will give you the tapes. Do whatever you like with it.”


“Yeah, right. Like you haven’t copied it elsewhere.”


“Sarah, I haven’t. you want to ear this or not?”


Sarah hesitated for a while. “Let’s hear it.” She said, without looking at her. She knew it would never be good.


“Well,” Blessing started, “this is about Hannah, and that dog that was made the Coordinator!”


END OF CHAPTER 9 & 10

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CHAPTER 8: BLOOD ON THE ALTAR

Chapter 8

Hannah met the Coordinator on her way to the Pastor’s office, he was moody. They didn’t really say much except him reminding Hannah not to forget her vocal lesson at his school by evening. She knocked on the door to Pastor Akin’s door, and the Pastor invited her in.

“How are you today, Sister Hannah?” The Pastor asked, beaming with smiles.

Hannah was relieved; at least to see someone in a cheerful mood today amounted to something for her.

“I am fine Sir,” she replied, returning the smile.

“Please, seat.” The Pastor ushered her to the seat with his hand.

“Thank you, Sir.”

“How has your vocal training been going with Brother Ade?” He asked, with a slight frown. The smiles are all gone now.

‘”Fi… fine... it has been fine, Sir.” She stammered, getting worried about smile that suddenly vanished.

“And, I understand that sometimes when the night came over you during your training session, you… em… you passed the night at…”

“God forbid, Sir!” Hannah was taken aback.

“It has never happened before Sir. Why should I do that?”

“Well, that is what we heard, and I…em…we were thinking…”

“Sir,” Hannah stood up, “Brother Ade has a fiancé. How will I be sleeping over at his place? This is nothing but rumour, Sir.” Hannah was already shaking, eyes swollen with tears.

“Even the neighbours said they usually see someone with your kind of stature at the late, odd hours.”

“That would be his fiancé, Sir. You have to believe me. I have never done such a thing. I swear to God.” She pleaded her innocence.

“Please, sit down, my daughter.” The Pastor urged her. “Please, relax and sit down.” He said again, after Hannah was reluctant to do so.

The Pastor was only trying to get words out of her, but it seems he overdid it. He started feeling guilty, seeing how profusely the poor girl was crying over the false allegation he had tried to cook up. “Wipe your tears my daughter. It is well.” He reassured the poor girl.

Hannah continued to whimper, and sniff like a drug addict. The Pastor waited for her to calm down before he continued.

“There is a rumour flying around and about to perch on the Church’s altar that you and the Coordinator were having sexual relations.”

“Ha!” She exclaimed. “That is not true Sir. I can never do that.” She shook her head frantically.

“I believe you, my daughter. And the reason why I called you over is to let you know that if ever the Coordinator made any foul move towards you, please, don’t hesitate to report him to me.” She nodded like a throbbing todger.

“This ministry, especially this Church, this branch, has been rocked with so many scandals.”

“I know, Sir.” She nodded again.

“Good. And I was posted her because of my integrity and past records to ensure that this Church comes back on her feet. I will never condone any form of sexual or evil scandal in this Church. If any of you has been indulging in sexual atrocities that could affect this Church again, I will use my anointing to curse such a person!” The Pastor finished with a hardened face, pointing to her. It was clear the Pastor didn’t believe her, and that made her cry more.

“Sir,” she managed to gather her wit, “I am really pained to be in this kind of situation. I know the family where I came from, I know the God that I serve. Why would I pick this moment to indulge in sexual atrocity when I have been able to abstain from sexual relation till now?” She wiped her extremely wet face with her handkerchief, blowing her nose loudly. The Pastor was touched and guilty at the same time.

“You mean you are a virgin?” The Pastor asked, not sure he heard right. Hannah nodded, wiping away her tears.

The Pastor sighed and rested his back on his chair. He was in a dilemma. Could it be that Blessing was just making things up so as to excuse herself from mentoring Hannah? He asked himself with no one to answer, and there would have been total silence if not for the sobbing of Hannah.

“Sister Hannah, wipe your tears and go home. I know how to handle this matter.”

“Thank you, Sir.” She said and knelt down, as a tribal sign of respect.

“Please, be on your feet and go home. All will be well.” He repeated and watched as Hannah slid away through the door of his office.

He sighed as soon as he was alone and shook his head slowly. “This branch has been one hell of a nut-job.” He said aloud and banged his fist on the table. Looking at the ceiling, he placed his palms together and prayed, “God, God, you need to help me now.”

He finished and started packing his files to be closed for the day.

                  *******************

Blessing got home and met Emeka lying naked on her bed; she was irritated but didn’t need to show it. To her, Emeka was just an errand boy, who has been helping her to reach her goal. He hasn’t finished his job yet, she still has one last job for him. If all it takes is for her to be his sex machine, she was ready to feed him with it till he gets constipated. All she wanted was for him to do the dirty jobs.

“Hi, baby.” Emeka smiled; his todger standing at attention. She really didn’t like it, but Sister Mary said that if she wanted to have sex with a man, she should just pretend the todger was a strap-on until the process was over. And so far, it has worked.

“Hey.” She said without looking up as she removed her shoes. She slid the strap of the handbag from her shoulders and allowed the bag to drop with a thud. She said on the bed and ruffled her hair.  Emeka dragged himself to her side and squeezed her a little by her waist. She knew he wanted sex. That’s all he ever wanted. But, that was the best time to refuse; especially when she needed to control him. She slapped his hand. Emeka tried again and she repeated the reaction.

“What happened?” Emeka asked, half-seated on his elbow. “Is something wrong?”

“You know it should be!” She snorted. “I don’t even know, but it seems…” she hissed and shook her head, leaving dusts of suspense in the air.

“Talk to me.” Emeka pressed. He sat with his back against the headboard. “Please.”

“Okay.” Blessing said after a big sigh, “I just hope after I told you, you will help me as you have promised.” She did her eyes like a purring kitten.

“Listen to me, Baby,” Emeka said, “I told you I will do anything for you, right?” He asked, and Blessing nodded.

“Good.” He continued, “And have I ever disappointed on that?” He asked again, and Blessing shook her head, eyes like a doll.

“Well… I … I thought since you have,” she shrugged, “since you have already taken what you wanted, I wouldn’t be carrying so much weight again.” She finished her mind game, but Emeka only starred. So, she continued, “You know, guy’s thing. Before you allow them between your legs, they’re like they’re gonna do this and that….but once they have their way, you become…”

“Blessing!” Emeka cut in, “please stop this, okay? I am not every guy?”

“I’m sorry.” She smiled softly and pushed herself into Emeka’s arm; placing her head on his chest.

“It’s okay.” Emeka said, stroking her hair. “So, are you going to talk now?”

“Yes,” she said softly. She slid her hand downwards and grabbed his todger. She bit her lower lip and looked seductively at him. Emeka went crazy. At that point, she knew she had him again.

“Emeka, the idiot, will do anything now!”  She said and smiled within herself, and Sister Mary also smiled from inside the wardrobe.

Read More

CHAPTER 6 &7: BLOOD ON THE ALTAR

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Chapter 6

That day, Blessing got home, sweating like a Christmas goat that just escaped being slaughtered.

“Men are wicked.” She told herself as she removed her shoes by a swing of her legs; the shoes flew to a corner. She opened her fridge and gulped down a bottle of water.

“That was close.” She laughed at herself.

“And that was stupid too.” Sister Mary interjected her from the wardrobe.

Blessing went over to the wardrobe and brought out Sister Mary’s picture. She had accustomed herself to talking with the picture of the dead lady whom she always imagined also talked back to her. As usual, she placed the picture in front of her mirror and started the usual mental drama,

“I know it was stupid, I’m sorry. I didn’t know what came over me.”

“You cheated on me, that is what was stupid,” Sister Mary supposedly said.

“We didn’t have sex. I mean, we could have, but we didn’t. But I’m sorry.”

“Yes, you didn’t because Emeka spotted Ruth alighting from the vehicle just when he was about to take a condom. But, it’s okay, I am dead, anyways.” The picture said.

“Don’t say that. You are alive. I am sorry, please.”

“Okay, I forgive you.”

“Thanks, my love,” Blessing said and kissed the picture.

Just as she was about to put back the picture, her phone rang. It was Emeka. She let it rang out two more times before asking for the permission to pick from Sister Mary. The picture said she could, so she did.

Emeka was full of nonsense, begging her to come to his house because he wouldn’t be able to sleep if they left the business unfinished. After she stood her ground on not visiting him, he asked if he could come to her place- she refused that also. This went on for weeks. Not a day passed without Emeka begging and sending in his naked picture to her phone, hoping to stir a feeling. Sister Ruth has told Blessing that they should be meeting at Brother Ade’s music school and no more at her house. She still feared something may happen between Emeka and her while she was away. That was okay by her; it was better than seeing that gigolo of a boyfriend of hers.

Two months after the incident with her and Emeka, there was a rumour which was almost turning out into physical manifestation about the Pastor contemplating on making Sister Ruth the Choir Mistress! Everyone was happy except Blessing and Sister Mary. So, at home, they discussed the way out.

“You need to act fast,” Sister Mary said.

“I know, but I don’t know what to do?”

There was silence between them, as both the living and the dead mull over a solution. It was the dead that first got an idea,

“You once said that Emeka said he will do anything to have you, right?”

“Yes,” Blessing replied. “What about that?” She asked.

“Come closer,” the picture urged, and Blessing took the picture and placed it against her ear, nodding her head in agreement as Sister Mary whispered the way-out into her throbbing ears.

It was a good plan; she loved it instantly. Since it involved finishing the unfinished sexual business she and Emeka ignited a couple of months ago, she smiled.  She admired her evil grin as she watched her reflection in her mirror.

The rest of the week was trouble for Sister Ruth; she couldn’t even have time for their musical lessons. She was so engrossed in winning back Emeka who has broken up with her. Even the winds knew that Sister Ruth was devastated.

“Emeka was like a prized possession to her; she was damn too ugly for that handsome man,” Blessing told herself in justification for her part in the breaking up process.

“So, what next will you require of me before we finish the unfinished business between us?” Emeka asked Blessing when they met.

“You need to relax, okay. I am not yet convinced you guys won’t get back after you must have had your way with me.”

“I have told you, I am not planning to just ‘have’ my way with you, I am planning on having you to myself. Why should I go back to that ugly girl? I have always been looking for a way to break her forced attachments with me. But I must admit she was always ready whenever I wanted it; so I never really bothered about her ugliness. Sex has been good.”

“Gross,” Blessing turned her lips in disgust. “Okay, you have just one step to go.”

“I told you, I will do anything.”

“And remember,” Blessing started the riot act, “we can’t be seen together. It will be bad; we have to make it remain a secret…”

“I know; I am not a kid. Just tell me what to do and I will do it.”

Blessing braced herself, “Tell her you didn’t feel compelled to be with her again after all you did together. If you needed a wife, you wouldn’t go for her type.”

“I already broke up with her. Is that not the same thing?” Emeka asked.

“No, it is not. It has to be a text message, and it has to be on Thursday evening.”

“I don’t get it, why…”

“Do you want me or not?” Blessing cut in.

“Okay, what time should I text her? I am sure the timing matters too.”

“It does. I will alert you, and you should text her immediately you see my signal.”

“Which is?”

“A call- I will call you.”

“Jesus! Okay; all these for a pussy?” Emeka was puzzled with all the conditions and rules.

“Well, maybe my pussy was paved with gold.” Blessing said calmly.

“God; you are not even a virgin that you claimed to be,” Emeka protested.

“You don’t know that.”

“My finger does!”

“Well, then forget it, since you already have a taste of the gold mine.” She stood up angrily to leave, but Emeka quickly stopped her by grabbing her hand,

“That was a joke. You know that. I will do it. Just alert me, and I will send the message.”

“Good,” she said and yanked her hand off his grip. “And if she replied to your message, do not reply.” She finished and swaggered away.

Emeka watched her as she swayed; he bit his lower lips and held his crotch tightly, “Damn!” He said. “All these for a mining permit?” I should have taken her that day!”

                    

             ****************

THURSDAY, FOUR O CLOCK

The Choir members gathered together as usual for the weekly rehearsals. Sister Ruth plugged her phone upstairs at the gallery as her usual practice and was conducting the rehearsals downstairs at the main auditorium. When they were deep into the practice, Blessing asked to be excused and went straight to the gallery.

She called Emeka on her way up and asked him to send the message to Sister Ruth’s phone, immediately. By the time she got to Sister Ruth’s phone, the message was already in. She didn’t bother to open it; she just minimized and sent back a reply to Emeka from Sister Ruth’s phone. The message reads:

“You cannot do this to me, Emeka. Not after I aborted for you, six times! You need to think about it; where do you want me to start from?”

Emeka was confused with that reply. He called Blessing immediately,

“Was that you? Did you send the message about abortion?”

“Literarily, yes.” She answered coldly. “But technically, Sister Ruth did because it was her phone that sent out the reply.”

“I don’t understand where you are going with this but…”

“Stay out of this okay? I will see you on Saturday night if you can play along. Then you can have your way all night long.” Blessing replied sharply and fast.

“Okay, okay; but for the record, she never aborted for me, not even once. She never got pregnant- I was always protected!” He disconnected immediately.

Blessing hissed and took Sister Ruth’s phone along with her. She gave it to Sister Ruth that a message came in while she was at the gallery. Sister Ruth thanked her and continued with the rehearsal.

Moments later, when she was free, she excused herself in order to read her message; Blessing watched her moment and she expected a reaction. The effect was awesome; Sister Ruth almost fainted when she opened the message. It was the message that Emeka sent. Sister Ruth shook her head and read the message again; slowly,

“Dear Ruth, it is over. You need to stop begging me. I am simply not attracted to you anymore!”

She collapsed in a chair.

Nobody really noticed except Blessing who has been watching her. She raised an alarm immediately and pointed everyone to Sister Ruth’s direction. Three of the Choir members rushed over to a surprised and sad Sister Ruth who kept saying she was fine that she was just feeling drowsy. She tried to stand up but fell back on her seat. There was commotion, everyone tried to make her feel better by doing their part, but she kept saying she was fine, even when her countenance said otherwise.

The plan was perfect, and Blessing loved every bit of it. Without being suspected, she took Sister Ruth’s phone from the floor and slid quietly into the Pastor’s office which was within the main Church premises. She explained the current commotion to the Pastor and claimed she knew what caused it. She handed over Sister Ruth’s phone to the Pastor and directed the Pastor to read Sister Ruth’s reply to the guy. The Pastor was lost in words; he couldn’t believe another vocal leader has been another mistake in his own part.

“This is serious,” he kept muttering to himself, “God, why all these?” He lamented. He scrambled for nothing on his table as he took and dropped everything, opening the drawers and closing it back.

Blessing enjoyed every bit of the Pastor’s confused reaction. At a time, she smiled without the Pastor noticing. The Pastor was silent with this head immersed in his hands. Suddenly, the door to his office flung open, and a very distressed Choir member rushed in,

“What is the problem?” The Pastor asked.

“Sister Ruth, she…” she struggled to catch her breath, “She…she has fainted!”

“Jesus Christ,” the Pastor said, and sank into his expensive leather chair. “Take her to the hospital; tell my driver to take her.”

“Okay Sir.” The town crier left.

“Sister…”

“Blessing, Sir,” she reminded the pastor of her name.

“Yes, Sister Blessing, you can go. But I will like to keep this phone as evidence.”

“No problem Sir,” she said and stood up.

As she was about leaving, the Pastor called her back;

“This Sister Ruth, she is your Church-mother, right?”

“Yes, Sir.” she answered.

“And you didn’t deem it fit to cover up this mess? I mean, due to your closeness with her. I heard you guys are very close.”

“Well, Sir,” she started, “I really wouldn’t have done that if this … this building was never a Church. If it were some kind of a worldly music school, I wouldn’t have minded. But this is a house of God, and I can never cover such madness!” She started throwing her fist in excitement and enthusiasm like a preacher preaching about tithe. She continued her hypocrisy,

“Worshippers of God must be holy and without dark secrets. I know this guy with her, and whenever he visited when I was around, Sister Ruth will ask me to go home, and that will be the end of our practice for that day. I approached her and she denied ever having intercourse with him, and I believed her because I never caught them in the act.”

“Hmmm,” the Pastor hummed, enjoying her. “So, you mean you believed that anyone who is to worship God must be holy? You mean only for the period of holding that position?”

“No Sir, I mean the person should live a holy life, worthy of emulation, forever.”

“I am sure you also have a boyfriend.” The Pastor tried to drill her. “But I am sure you don’t have sex with him.”

She moved towards the Pastor’s table and grabbed a bible,“I swear to God in heaven that I have never in my life copulated with a man, and I don’t even have a boyfriend.” She dropped the bible and continued, “I am a virgin as far as a normal intercourse entails a man have sex with a woman. How can I even do such things? I mean, why should I live a double life? I have devoted my life to Jesus Christ, and I will never indulge in such practices until I am married.”

“You can go, Sister Blessing. Thank you,” the Pastor said and watched her leave.

That was the end of Sister Ruth who was suspended, and like Sister Joy, she never returned to the Church due to the shameful incident. Blessing denied the allegation of replying the message when Sister Ruth approached her for answers, but even if she did confess that she sent the message, it still wouldn’t have saved Sister Ruth, whose messages on her phone were full of former sexts between her and Emeka.

That scandal rocked the Church, and that was the last stroke of scandal under the Pastor’s nose. He was transferred to another Church, but not after he has already filed a letter of recommendation on behalf of Sister Blessing to be considered as the future Choir Mistress. And that was also the beginning of the relationship with Emeka.

The newly appointed Pastor-in-Charge, Pastor Akin, didn’t even bother to read the recommendation letter; he scraped the office of the Choir Mistress completely and held on to the idea of a male Coordinator. The first Coordinator resigned few months after he was married, and Brother Ade took over. Sister Blessing was appointed as the vocal leader after her good works and zeal to the work of God were noticed; one which could not be placed under doubt. The night that she was appointed a vocal leader, she and Sister Mary had a nice time of celebration. She placed her dead lover’s picture on her chest and masturbated with a very big condom-wearing dark plantain!

Chapter 7

That was how Blessing and her lover ensured that Sister Ruth’s reign was not long enough. The Coordinator’s voice snapped her back to reality, back into the Pastor’s office from the land of the past,

“Pastor, I already told she will not talk; not when she is guilty of betraying the only Sister who took her in and helped her grow into what she is now.”

“Brother Ade, I have told you to allow the Sister explain the situation herself. Whatever you guys are saying is total darkness to me.”

All these while, Blessing had remained silent, enjoying the session and waiting for the right moment to switch to the next plan. The Coordinator continued, turning to the Pastor,

“Sir, before your arrival, Pastor Ajani, the Pastor that you succeeded, actually called a meeting after he was served a letter to handover, after the series of scandal that rocked his administration; I was privileged to be part of the attendees. He explained to us that Sister Blessing was the one who exposed the text message that incriminated the…”

“Incriminated or exposed?” The Pastor asked him sternly.

Blessing smiled inside of her. She knew the Pastor had seen the situation from her perspective.

“Well…” the Coordinator wanted to say, but the Pastor interjected,

“We need to be very careful about the choice of words here, because the way I am seeing it, I am beginning to accept, just like she accused you, that you are not happy with how Sister Ruth went down in connection to her.” He pointed to Blessing, whose head was still hung low- though, pretentiously.

“I’m sorry about that Sir, but that is not true. We were…I mean, I was glad, but we just thought she shouldn’t have been the one to do that. Not with the way Sister Ruth treated her as a sister.”

“So, you meant to say that if your own flesh and blood is into something that was as bad as that, and yet, held an important office in the Church of God, you would have covered it up?”

“No, Sir.”

“I think you would!” The Pastor said with all certainty. “This is interesting; I believe for the first time, we are really getting to know each other.”

“Ha,” the Coordinator shifted uneasily in his seat, “don’t see it that way, Sir. We were only worried that she should have displayed some kind of loyalty. We believe even a simple loyalty will go a long way.”

“That is true,” the Pastor agreed.

“Thank you Sir,” Brother Ade quickly eased up. “And that was why we were worried when Pastor Ajani said he has prepared a letter of recommendation to suggest Sister Blessing for the post of the Choir Mistress.”

“Interesting,” the Pastor got more interested, “Please continue,” he insisted.

By this time, Blessing knew the plan was hatched, and the result was already out. She sure overheard that Pastor Ajani had recommended her, but she had waited in vain to be announced, only for this new Pastor, Pastor Akin, to make her a vocal leader and blocked all her hope of getting to the coveted throne. But, the way things turned out to be, she realized that Pastor Akin didn’t even know anything about the letter.

“So,” the Coordinator continued, we kicked against it based on the issue you also agreed on- her display of lack of loyalty. We believed that if she can do that to a close colleague, then, she will show no respect to the Church.”

“You see, Brother Ade, the issue of loyalty I agreed with, was not as you are seeing it currently. Sister Blessing has shown her commitment and loyalty to God and not to men, by exposing your friend.” 

He paused to see Brother Ade’s reaction, and his reaction was full of defeat. He shook his head, shifted in his seat, and started sweating. But the Pastor continued, much to Blessing’s gladness.

“So,” Pastor Akin continued, “you people going against her because she exposed a particular person who wasn’t even fit for the post of a leader in a Church, are only against God.”

“Ha, Pastor.” He gaped and became more inconvenient in his seat. As it appeared, the tide had turned against him. The plan was working.

Blessing slowly turned her head to look at him without really raising it and winked at the Coordinator. An action only the Coordinator noticed. The Coordinator looked transfixed with surprise.

“Where is the letter of recommendation, Brother Ade?” The Pastor asked.

“It is in my office, Sir.” He replied, fidgeting.
“Why haven’t I seen this letter?”

“Em…Sir, it was agreed, based on the same issue we were talking about…”

“The issue of lack of loyalty, I suppose?”

“Yes Sir.” He said, and nodded at the same time, raising his finger like a pupil wanting to ask his teacher a question.

“Lack of loyalty,” the Pastor paused, “to men, right?”

“Ha! Not like that Sir.” The Coordinator managed to say, clearly showing his surprise at the sudden turn of things against him. Blessing only managed not to laugh.

“Please, fetch the letter.” The Pastor ordered and turned away from him.

“Now, is your time,” Sister Mary told Blessing. Only she could hear her dead lover talk.

“Sister Blessing,” the Pastor called her softly.

“Sir.” she answered coarsely.

“Are you crying? Please raise your head.” The Pastor pleaded with her. “You don’t need to cry, God has vindicated you once more. Can you hear me, Sister Blessing?”

“Do it, now!” Sister Mary ordered and Blessing bursted into tears. She wailed louder and sniffed harder. The Pastor was helpless- he tried to make her calm. Brother Ade came in; he held the letter to his chest.

“What happened, Sir?” He asked as he closed the door behind him.

“Well, you can hear and see for yourself. It really hurts to think we are doing some good, and people turned it into a bad thing. You people need to apologize to this lady. She has done nothing wrong by exposing the wrong person in this Church,” he lectured.

“I… em…we are very sorry, Sir. I believe we only saw it in a different way back then. But now, I think with all you have said, I know better-God first, Sir.” He finished his damage control speech that was dry anyways.

After a while, Blessing wiped her face and looked up.

“This is your letter of recommendation, I promise to look into it. But I am not promising to go back out of the decision not to have a Choir Mistress for now. You shall remain the vocal leader and we will discuss more on how you can help us with Sister Hannah. I am glad we still have people like you in the Church.”

“Thank you Sir,” she spoke after a long time, half kneeling.

There was a disturbing silence until she broke the silence again, “Can I be excused Sir?” She turned her head backwards to check the time from the wall clock in the Pastor’s office and added, “I need to pray for at least one hour before I break my fast, and as it is, the time is already…”

“Oh, you’re fasting?” The Pastor asked excitedly.

She nodded.

“May the Lord answer your prayers, my daughter,” he prayed.

“Amen Sir,” she replied with a shy smile.

“Please, be quick about it. You can go.” the Pastor said, rubbing his palms together and smiling broadly. It was clear that she has won the Pastor to her side; another step closer.

“Please, remember us in your prayers,” the Pastor called out as she was about to exit the office.

“I will Sir.” She replied and smiled back, closing the door after her.  Once the door was closed behind her, she pressed her ears against the door, ready to eavesdrop.

The voices were faint, but not faint enough for her not to make sense out of it.

“You need to be very careful as a leader, Brother Ade. We cannot afford to lose such a God fearing Character in this Church. I, personally will not accept that!” The Pastor said.

“I understand Sir, but we can’t just judge a book by its cover. Sister Blessing is not who she was pretending to be Sir. You need to open your eyes!” He said that loudly.

“So, I am blind?” The Pastor asked.

“I am talking of the spiritual eyes, Sir,” he corrected.

“Still the same; you will need to get me a spiritual glasses then, since I am supposedly blind spiritually.”

“Sir, I didn’t mean it that way.” He lamented.

“Please, leave. I have a lot of things to attend to.” The Pastor retaliated.

Blessing quickly left the door and headed to the main exit. As she was close to the door to the main auditorium, her bag got hooked by the door latch and its content spilled. She quickly packed them and tucked them bag into the bag. There was a cucumber; a half-emptied plastic bottle of soft drink, a half-eaten snack, a small note and a pen.  She looked around to ensure that nobody saw her and quickly packed her things; she tucked them into the bag with great disorderliness.

As she was closer to the gate, she brought out the snack in her bag and took a quick bite after blowing the dirt from it. Immediately she opened the gate, she bumped into Hannah who was just about to enter. She jumped back in fear.

“I’m sorry, Ma; I didn’t know you were coming.” Hannah apologized.

“Oh, it is okay, Hannah.” She mumbled between mouthfuls and waved her off, trying hard not to let Hannah suspect anything as she forced herself to swallow.

“Alright, take care, Ma.” Hannah said and continued on her way to the office.

Blessing watched her with great hate and contempt as she walked away.

“I hope you are ready for the showdown?” She asked Hannah who has already vanished into the office complex and not within an earshot. “I just hope you can handle the heat?” She said again and moved outside the Church premises.

She closed the gate, brought out the soft drink from her bag and gulped it all down. She closed her eyes and let out a refreshing loud belch and a big sigh.

“Fasting my foot.” She said and flung away the empty plastic bottle. With a great air of victory and ostentation, she swaggered down the way home.

THE END OF CHAPTERS 6 AND 7

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CHAPTER 4 & 5: BLOOD ON THE ALTAR!!!

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CHAPTER 4

Both the Coordinator and Blessing sat in separate chairs, waiting for the Pastor to come to his desk. The Pastor has summoned Blessing after the Coordinator reported her to him. No word was shared between them, and the silence between them was so heavy that the air was struggling to move around the cosy office.


Brother Ade, the Choir Coordinator fiddled with his phone, doing nothing in particular, while Blessing was pretended to be reading the bible. After a long wait that seemed will not be over, the Pastor came to his seat and apologized for keeping them waiting; especially to Blessing.


“No problem Sir,” Blessing said with her usual smile, “you are simply doing the work of God, and except one is an agent of the devil who doesn’t want the progress of this ministry,” she took a glance at Brother Ade, and continued, “one should understand why you had to take your time.”  She continued her smile.


The Pastor was glad; he blessed her and thanked her, but the Coordinator hissed.


“That is okay, Brother Ade. Please, understand that Sister Blessing is only overreacting as a normal lady should. I am sure she has her reasons. I expect us to settle this as adults.”


“What reasons, Pastor? Why are you indulging this lady?”


“Please, Mr. Coordinator,” Blessing cuts in, “respect is reciprocal; if you address me again as ‘this lady’, I will address you as ‘just a man’.


“You are nothing but a Jezebel?” Brother Ade shouted at her.


“You call me a Jezebel?” She slapped her chest, and her boobs reverberated and juggled like a milkshake.


She stood up, and Brother Ade countered by standing up too. Both of them spat in each other’s face as they rain insults accordingly. All these while, the Pastor kept a steady smile as he segued from one moment of exchange of insult to another. He probably was enjoying the drama.


“Pastor, Pastor,” Brother Ade called out after feeling being overpowered by Blessing, who appeared to be more apt in the game of affront,


“Sir, you sat there and allow this…this…this…”


“This what?” Blessing cut in after he went searching for the right words. “If you dare insult me again, I swear to the living God,” she closed her eyes and pointed to the ceiling, “I will slap you and I will never regret it.”


Immediately she said that, Brother Ade went numb!


“You will slap me?” He asked, rubbing his cheek with his hands as he imagined the effect of the slap that hasn’t come. “Pastor,” he said, “did you hear that?”


The Pastor, who managed to maintain his smile all through the dramatic period only laughed and nodded. “Of course, I heard her. And it will be a shame if you both stop this madness at a time when the drama is about to climax.” He said with all seriousness, his smile has disappeared now.

They both got the message, and they apologized.


“Have your seats,” the Pastor offered, and they both did. “I have asked Sister Hannah to meet us here,” he started, and Blessing squinted in unbelief.


“You asked…?”


“Please, stop,” the Pastor interjected as she tried to talk, “just listen for now. And like you have earlier said, unless you do not want the progress of this ministry, then you may refuse to listen to reasons.”


“Of course,” Brother Ade came in excitedly.
Blessing scoffs and urged the Pastor to continue.


“Thank you,” the Pastor replied. “First, Brother Ade, I want you to understand that your first approach on this matter by reporting to me was very commendable.”


“Thank you, Sir, I just felt that…”


“But,” the Pastor cuts in, raising his finger up as a sign for him to hold on, “you clouded that commendable action with your reaction right here in this office,” he said that, tapping his finger on his table, “and even in my presence.” He pointed his thumb to himself.


“Ha,” he exclaimed.


“Yes,” the Pastor reaffirmed. “You should have kept your calm because I believe Sister Blessing has a reason for all these reactions I will term as being negative.”


Blessing scoffed but remained silent.
“And I believe she has something to say. Is that right?” The Pastor tried to patronize her.


“Of course Sir,” she said, “but now is not the time. When the time comes, when I am sure that all evidence is glaring, I shall talk.”


“What evidence?” Brother Ade shouted. “All you have are insinuations and hearsays. Imagine this agent of the devil accusing me of dating Sister Hannah just because I was assisting her in training her voice!”


“Is that right?” Blessing laughed aloud.


She stood up and pointed right into Brother Ade’s eyes, “You can sit here in front of the man of God and lie? And you have the audacity to call me an agent of the devil while you commit all manners of sexual atrocities with female Church mem….”


“Enough!” Brother Ade slapped away her accusing finger and stood up against her abruptly. “You needed to be expelled from the Choir. In fact, you are suspended!”


“Of course” Blessing laughed dryly, “and your new catch, precious Hannah, will take over; right?”


“Please, relax; both of you,” the Pastor came in. “First, Sister Blessing is going nowhere.”


“I will go. I cannot continue to worship under this evil genius’s full control. I stand for the truth and whoever will take that microphone and worship God must not be an adulterer or a serial sinner.”


“I agree.” The Pastor said.
“Well, I thank God that I don

’t sing. I don’t even…”


“I wasn’t talking about you, devil. I was talking about your precious girl whom you want to hand over the role of a Choir Mistress,” Blessing interjected the Coordinator.


“What?” The Coordinator asked in surprise.


“Hold on there, Sister Blessing and get this straight- there will be no Choir Mistress in this Church, not under my charge.” The Pastor said. “I have made that clear when I upheld the decision to scrape that office and stick with a Coordinator. There will only be a female vocal leader; but as things are at present, this is even becoming unbearable, and I think I will have to call on the Church Elders to investigate this matter.”


“You believed her?” The Coordinator asked, and anticipated a negative response from the Pastor.


“That is not the point, the bible asks us to seek the truth, and that is what we will do. I am even thinking we may have to suspend the whole Choir for now and…”


“Sir, if it comes to that, I will leave!” Blessing cut him short in his words.


“Leave!” The Coordinator shouted, “You bring nothing but chaos already. I even understood you were the reason Sister Ruth was suspended from the Choir so that you can take over.”


“Sorry, who is Sister Ruth?” The Pastor asked.


“Ask her, Sir. Please, ask her. Sister Ruth was her Church-mother whom she was handed over to so she can groom her. That has been the practice in this Church. If there was a Choir member with a potential, they hand such member over to a very good Choir member, preferably a leader, to help train to full potential.


“She was handed over to Sister Ruth who was the vocal leader then, and she sure did a good job on her, judging by how quickly she rose and started taking lead roles. Sister Ruth ensured she,” he emphasized by pointing to Blessing, “had a levelled ground to develop. She took her along to her special vocal training programs and seminars which apparently worked for her. Little did Sister Ruth know she was dining with the devil! When the time of trials came for Sister Ruth, the same person she was helping to grow gave her away.”


“Is that so?” The Pastor asked, turning to Sister Blessing. “Sister Blessing, is that so?”


“She will not answer because I was right” The Coordinator jumped in. “She is selfish and wanted everything. It is now her turn to groom a promising Choir member, and she refused. That is the cause of this whole argument.”


The Pastor raised his hands to stop the Coordinator from ranting further, “We shall come to that,” the Pastor said. “Grooming the next talent for God is the reason we are here, but it seems this is getting more interesting. I want to know how Sister Blessing became a hindrance to Sister Ruth’s ascent.”


“She will not talk Sir; she is probably ashamed of…”


“I am not ashamed of what I did, and I am always happy for doing it. I did it not for men or Glory but for God because. Like I said, I cannot accept a serial sinner to hold the microphone and lead the session of praise and worship for my God.” She finished silently. “And if that makes me a devil, so be it.”


The Coordinator laughed. “Pastor, you don’t even have to…”


“Brother Ade,” the Pastor interjected him again, “Please, stop! Allow me listen to Sister Blessing for once.”


“I’m sorry Sir,” he said. “Please talk and let’s see how you will justify such payment of such good with evil.” He mocked Sister Blessing.


“Sir,” Blessing started, I think it is getting clearer now. You,” she pointed to the Coordinator, “are very close with Sister Ruth when I was her church-daughter."


“So,” the Coordinator laughed mockingly with open palms, “are you insinuating that I was dating her too?”


“Of course not,” she replied.


“That a surprise then.” He laughed dryly and enjoyed his little tide of victory. “I thought all you do is lie.”


“But seeing her get suspended due to my part has been the reason you haven’t been okay with me all these while.”


“Who said that? Why wasn’t I okay with you? I was your vocal trainer for months before you decided not to go on with it. You can’t claim I disliked or hated you; I only ask you to help Sister Hannah just as Sister Ruth, whom you later stabbed in the back, helped you. Or, can we safely conclude you are just scared of Hannah becoming a nemesis?”


“Please, what is the meaning of all these?” The Pastor asked in annoyance because he was getting more confused. “What did you do to Sister Ruth?” He asked Blessing who, in all ways was only pretending to be silent, inside of her, she was enjoying it all. The plan, her plan, was coming to fruition.


She ousted Sister Joy; she ousted Ruth, all to be the only vocal leader. And now, the plan to remove a potential threat, who has been receiving the support of the most powerful man in the Choir, the Coordinator, is already coming to fruition. In fact, just like she told Sister Mary yesterday night, it seems her way to being the Choir Mistress is not far anymore, because as things are presently, both the Coordinator and Hannah, are going down together.

CHAPTER 5

When the Pastor asked her to tell him her part in the Sister Ruth’s scandal, she remained silent and used the little time to reminisce about how it all happened.



*******************

Removing Sister Ruth was just too easy; the case of Sister Joy was more tasking. The plan to remove Sister Ruth came to her without much effort. While she was thinking of how to go about it without getting indicted by the process, the process came knocking without hassle. No doubt, Sister Ruth was very good to her, taking her as a Sister and treating her with respect despite the vastness in age difference. But she wasn’t ready for mercy; she was ready to take over.



Sister Ruth was way older and more experienced in singing and she could even compose songs. She also helped pay many of Blessing’s seminars fees whenever there was an important seminar pertaining to a singing career. But maybe, unfortunately for Sister Ruth, she was not a lesbian like Sister Mary. Maybe if she were, Blessing would have considered soaring together with her. But since the only interest that aligned them was the singing aspect, she felt no real attachment to her since she can always develop that on her own; though it might take a longer time than the shorter while it took with Sister Ruth’s selfless effort over her.



They were not living together; it wouldn’t have made sense if they were since to Blessing, no sexual interaction would have been a waste of space and time with another female. But it wasn’t long before she found out that Sister Ruth was straight in terms of sexual interest. Emeka, then, was nothing to Blessing except a boyfriend to Sister Ruth- her church-mother.
Emeka was an exceptionally handsome guy who loved to stare too much at Blessing, and it didn’t take long for Blessing to note his interest in her. He rarely talks whenever he was with Sister Ruth, but he didn’t disappoint by always staring at Blessing whenever an opportunity arises. She didn’t really like it, being a lesbian; especially when she wasn’t ready to consider bisexualism.


So, a day came by when she went over to Sister Ruth’s for the usual evening vocal lesson. She always went to Sister Ruth’s residence if they didn’t go to Brother Ade’s music school for training. Brother Ade was just an influential Church member because of his music school, and that landed him the office of the Choir Coordinator. This was why most of the vocal practices were done in his school.


But that evil day, Sister Ruth asked to meet at her place, but she wasn’t there. So, Blessing called and Sister Ruth said she should wait up. While waiting, Emeka came along to open the door at the request of Sister Ruth who asked him to come help open the door to her apartment with the spare key with him, so that Blessing won’t be standing outside like a stranded visitor.


“So, you have been waiting for long, right,” Emeka asked while taking a soft drink from the small bedside refrigerator, after he had opened the door to Ruth’s apartment for Blessing.


“Not really,” she replied without any interest.
He came over and handed her a can coke- she declined.


“Wow!” He said, sitting on the bed, preparing to open the can for himself. “You don’t drink coke or you simply don’t want to have anything to do with a stranger?”


“You’re not a stranger,” she replied, leafing through her music notes. She wore a frown, and she hoped he would notice and just shut up. She wasn’t interested in any discussion with him and she wish she could just tell him straight away.


“Well, if it is about me being a stranger, then you might take a drink of your choice from the refrigerator.”


“I have told you, it is not about that.” She raised her voice a little and looked at him sternly, still with the frown sagging over her forehead. “I am not just thirsty.”


“Why didn’t I believe you then?” He pressed further.


“Believe whatever you want,” Blessing snapped at him, “it’s not like I care anyway. Kindly allow me to concentrate on these notes before Sister Ruth comes back.”


“I think you hate me.”


“I don’t hate you.”


“I think you do,” Emeka insisted.


“Why on earth will I hate you? We rarely talk.” She replied, getting angry.


“So, if you don’t hate me, then you dislike me.” He continued, taking a gulp from his can.


“Maybe, hate is a strong choice of word.”
Blessing sighed but remained silent. It is no doubt Emeka was only getting on her nerves, so, it will make sense to just be quiet.


“So, why do you dislike me?” He asked, but Blessing remained silent. Leafing through her notes, but not catching a glimpse from it. “Why don’t you just …”


“I don’t dislike you, okay? I mean, what is the meaning of all these? Why do you even think that I hate or dislike you?”


“Good question,” he said and sat up, “I think you dislike me because you have realized that I like you.”


“Wha..? I beg your pardon?” Blessing closed her notes and sat at the edge of her chair to face him properly. “Are you well?” She asked, meaning to offend him.


“Of course, I am. You know I like you, and I guess you like me too.”


“Now, this is too much, okay? Where did you get all these ideas from?”


“See,” Emeka started, “you like me, it’s glaring, and I like you too. You know that. You don’t have to deny tha…”


“Shut up, Emeka!” Blessing got angry and stood up. “I am not going to sit here and listen to you talk like a fool.” She let out a dry chuckle and continued, “For what is worth, I don’t like you one bit, and I don’t give a penny if you did like me, which is your problem.”


“Listen to me…”


“No, you listen to me, Emeka; let this madness stop and end right here, I can’t even be with you.”


“Why?”


“Why?” Blessing repeated his question in unbelief. “Are seriously asking that question?”


“Of course, but I guess it is because you are very beautiful and has this nice voice and maybe, I am not in the league of…”


“Hey, Emeka, excuse me. Do you know Sister Ruth? Do you know the lady with the best voice in the whole world; dark and pretty?”


“Listen, Blessing…”


“I am talking about your fiancé if you want to pretend you do not understand where I am driving at. She’s got the voice and all that. What else do you want? That line won’t sell.”
She picked her book and announced her exit. Emeka quickly stood up and blocked the door.


“What does this mean?” Blessing asked as Emeka filled the door opening like an inflated airbag.


“Just give me a minute, alright?”


“A minute to do what? Rape me?” She laughed.
“No, no, I can never do that, but just a minute to hear me out. See, I seriously love you, okay? There’s almost no day I didn’t wish you are mine. Ruth might have the voice, but you know she is damn too ugly.”


“You are an idiot! What then do you want with her? Why decided to marry an ugly lady if you know you’ll still be chasing the beautiful ones? Besides, she is beautiful; everyone is.”


“I don’t know or care what Ruth had told you about us, but Ruth and I are only ‘fuckmates’, okay? She likes me, told me so, and was all over my neck until I gave in. I never promised to marry her and she knows that.”


“Jesus Christ, you are even more pathetic than I thought. Please, let me go, now!”


“Please, think about it, okay? I promise to do anything you want. I don’t give a kobo about this…Ruth… or whatever. The moment I saw you, I knew you were just what I have been looking for.”


“Listen, Emeka, I am a child of God, and I don’t indulge in adultery or whatever you and Ruth may have indulged yourself in. I am a virgin and I…”


“What?” Emeka asked, bursting out in laughter as he tried not to. “You can’t sell that line to me, okay? How can a sumptuous, succulent,” he demonstrates with his hands as he carefully pronounced the adjectives, “edible and sexy lady at your age claim to be a virgin? You can’t sell that line, never.” He smacked his lips and continued, “Your lovely lips have definitely tasted the apple, and your thighs have made ways severally for the banana.” He grabbed his crotch and moaned. “Or should I say ‘plantain’? I know you will like the big ones. You don’t have to deny.”


Blessing opened and closed her lips almost immediately, no word came out. She licked her lips and she could swear she is already wet at the mention of plantain. He could have said cucumber. She fantasizes for the first time how different a male’s cucumber might be inside her and she was lost in lust. Before she could realize what has gone wrong, she was kissing Emeka who had taken advantage of her confused state, her hands grabbing the back of his head in ecstasy.


Emeka laid her on the bed and brought out her boobs, he bit her hard nipple in a quick sharp movement, and before she could feel the pain, he covered the nipple with his wet mouth, sucked away the pain and turned it into pleasure. She moaned louder and grabbed him tighter. She wanted it, she wanted him.
Emeka slid his hands between her skirts, and it was easier to find his way into her wet, juicy, slippery hairy triangle with the G-string she was wearing. Like an expert that he was, Emeka scuffled her soft pubic hairs, deliberately brushing his fingers with her clitoris. She wished to collapse in a climax that hasn’t come. She held his hands and guided it inside her wet hole; she pushed up for her hole to swallow it all. This went on for a long time, and they both enjoyed it.



      ********************



        Sister Ruth quickly paid the transport fare as she hurried down from the taxi that took her home. She was sure Blessing would have been tired of waiting for her. She tried Emeka’s number for the umpteenth time and he still didn’t pick up; the same with Blessing’s. Sister Ruth started to think otherwise, even though she kept saying ‘God forbid’ every time her mind kept saying ‘maybe they were having sex’.
She wasn’t even sure she did what her Boss asked her to do correctly because her mind was about getting home to find out why none of them was picking. She hurriedly crossed the road and rushed to her apartment. The front door was locked, but the door to the kitchen was left opened. So, she sneaked right in and removed her stiletto, tiptoeing towards the bedroom. Her heart beats louder than a sound system and she could swear she could hear it.
She went over to the door and tried to open it, but it was locked. She could hear voices and moaning from inside as she pressed her ears on the door. She was right! She clenched her fists and shut her eyes- she wanted to cry. Then, gathering all wits, she banged on the door loudly.


“Open up,” she screamed, half crying. “Emeka, open this door!” She banged with all her strength and cried loudly. Then there was this sound of unlocking the door from the other side, she braced herself for the worst. The door opened to reveal a naked Emeka. She didn’t even say a word; she just wailed and pushed her way in.


“What is the matter with you?” Emeka, who has fallen on his butt as Sister Ruth had pushed him, asked.


Sister Ruth stood transfixed at the sight in the room, her wailings clearly abating.


“What is the matter with you?” Emeka asked again, dusting his butts as he got up.


She sniffed and asked, “Where is Blessing?”


“Blessing? Is that the meaning of all these?”


“No, No, that …that is not… I … em…” She stammered for words.


“So, you thought low of me as to be having sex with your church-daughter or what?”


“No, that is not it. I… I am only asking because I…em...” she started stalling herself; looking around the room, maybe she will find any evidence of someone inside the room while selling her lies.


But Emeka clearly knew what she was doing, so, in a bid to distract her, he went over to the bed and lifted it up, he went to the curtain and slide it sideways, went to the toilet and opened the door for her to see,


“Are you satisfied now?” He asked, feigning annoyance for lack of trust. “Is that why you are crying?”


“No, actually, I…we …I mean, I lost a friend. A colleague at work and we… we were very close.”


“Who?” Emeka asked. “Jenny, Bisi, Lola?”


“You don’t really know her,” she sniffed, wiping her eyes. “See, it’s not about you, it was just that I was very close with this person and...” she changed the subject, “why are you even watching pornography on your laptop?” She asked, realizing that was where the voice was coming from.


Emeka shrugged and said, “I was only warming up for your return.”


“Oh, really?” She said and threw him a big hug.
She clung to him so tight that she almost suffocated him. Emeka held her close and stroked her back gently.


“I love you.” He whispered.


“I love you too,” Sister Ruth answered back.
Emeka ensured that Sister Ruth’s back was facing the door opening; the door was already left wide open. Right behind the door emerged the cunning Blessing, who tiptoed gently, picked her note from the chair slowly with her flip flop in her hands. Emeka, who was still holding Sister Ruth so tightly, ensured that her back still faced the doorway. He spoke inaudibly to Blessing as she made her exit,
“I love you.” He ended it with a wink.
Blessing shook her head in pity as she tiptoed away.

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