Characters featured in this episode

Summary

You were introduced to Dave and Zoe (founders of the Radiant Life Ministries). We know Dave is a great teacher of the word but his relationship with money is questionable. This is creating problems in his marriage to Zoe, who is being actively pursued by her friend and boss, Yaw Djimah.
We then have Pastor Jordan, Imelda and the Shika love triangle. Imelda is a dedicated church member who believes she is meant to marry Jordan. Jordan has found love in Shika who has a murky past but is striving to be a better version of herself.

Then we have Kojo, an aggrieved church member, who is battling grief.

The first part of season 2 will wrap up some story lines, the second part will tell the stories of the characters Kojo, Madam Jessica, Nuerkie (Madam Jessica’s daughter) and others. Stay glued to this page.

Story so far

Yaw drew Zoe’s attention to the fact that Dave is only nice to her when she has a huge amount of money coming into her bank account. Jordan and Shika are getting along very well, Imelda feels bad about her unintentional hand in the viral blog that broke Shika down. Does she still believe Jordan is the man for her?

Now, Davida, Zoe’s daughter has accepted her fate with staying in Ghana. What happens to her relationship with Omar?

ZOE

My conversation with Yaw left a sour taste in my mouth. Every time Dave has been nice to me, I figured he was just getting back to his usual self. The man I met before we got married, the sweet preacher, the calm man who prayed and cared about my goals. Now, in retrospect, all the grand gestures during our dating preceded a favour he needed. Be it using my tablet to preach, which he eventually coveted or sending me to girls’ boarding schools to evangelise and add them to our congregation. I spent the rest of the day in the office auditing my marriage, every action and the results it bore. I barely finished any task before I decided to go home. I was saving the last three cupcakes for the children, but I gave it to some junior colleagues on my way home. I will rather buy them khebab with my own money.

I got home to the aroma of goat light soup, I love goat light soup. It has been a long time since I had some. It was Dave’s specialty, I walked into the kitchen to see him in an apron stirring the pot. Fiona, our help was washing the dishes in the sink.

“Oh, you are back so soon, welcome my lovely wife” he greeted with a smile.

“Thank you, thanks for the cake today” I replied, Yesu mogya nka Yaw’enim¹ for ruining my day with that observation. By now, he is relaxing in his house and I am here battling all these emotions.

“Are you okay?” Dave asked, concerned.

“Yes, I am just exhausted. Let me go freshen up” I answered.

“No, eat first before you do, the soup is ready, just sit at the dining table and wait for me” he commanded.

The children ate the khebab I bought with rice as I ate the lovely soup prepared by my husband. I had to fake my smiles, so he will not suspect anything. I extended the fake act during sex so we can finish on time. I hated how my brain was now processing every move, waiting for the big ask, what will it be this time?

Sunday service

It was good to see Shika back at church singing again, this time Jordan preached. They make a great couple as usual. By the grace of God, as she sang, the Holy Spirit fell on the congregation. I guess they must have gotten over the news from weeks ago. Everybody seemed into the worship except Madam Jessica, she kept rolling her eyes at Shika. I wonder what her problem is.

After service, I decided to meet Imelda and follow up on the man she spoke about. We sat in Dave’s office this time around.

“How far with the man God revealed to you?” I asked after we had discussed other issues.

“Hmmmmmmm, I am honestly confused, he is dating someone now. I will just wait on the Lord. I have decided not to act or do anything. All I know is the will of God will prevail. Once he is not married, anything can happen” she said.

“Ermmm, do I know this person? I promise not to tell” I said.

“Yes, you do but I will rather keep my cards close to my chest. When the time comes, I will let you know” she said.

“Okay, you know I operate in the prophetic, but I will respect your boundary” I said.

“Well, who did the spirit say it is?” she asked

“Pastor Jordan”

“I will neither confirm nor deny” she said sheepishly.

“Imelda, I have a question for you. Why do you want to get married?” I asked

“Because the bible says we should be fruitful and multiply” she answered in a you-know-this-already tone.

“Yes, but what about those who are facing fertility issues? or those who due to genotype conditions are struggling to find a partner. What do you think? What about Apostle Paul, where he encourages believers to stay unmarried as he is and focus on the kingdom?” I asked.

“Mama, those are special cases” she said.

“Granted, but have you asked God his plan for your life? I am not saying marriage is bad, it is good you have the desire for the institution and you respect it. But sometimes, what we want becomes an idol. Don’t let your thirst for marriage blind the message of God’s will for you in this particular season. I noticed, in the bibles and brunch agenda draft you shared, all the topics are marriage centered, and possessing our husbands. We prayed about this last season, add more topics but don’t make it the central theme. Imelda, I love you that is why I am telling you this. You will get married, don’t worry, God will answer you…”

“AMEN” she interrupted.

“But it can only happen when you focus on God’s will for you this season and if you stop making marriage your idol. In addition, search your heart, look deep down and discover your reason for this particular desire. Don’t let the pomp and pageantry of marriage fool you, it is not easy. It is one of the most difficult things, it is a long journey and you need to be prepared” I said, remembering how I made the same mistake years ago.

“Yes Mama” she said after thinking deeply.

I prayed for her before letting her go. I hope she takes this seriously, if not, she better prepare for her biggest heartbreak. Because my spirit says Jordan and Shika is definitely a forever thing.

After numerous meetings, I sat at the passenger’s seat of Dave’s car waiting for us to go home.

“We need to make a stop before we go home” he said as he sat in the driver’s seat.

“Where?” I asked.

“Yaw Djimah’s house, input the address on the maps” he said.

“Why?” I asked.

“He has been absent for two weeks, we need to check on him” Dave answered

“Last week, he travelled to Senegal, and I can find out from him why he was absent tomorrow at work” I said.

“No, I want him to know I care about him, also his son will be happy to see that the pastor passed by. I remember three weeks ago, he even came with his daughters. This will be an opportunity to know where my future member lives. I sort of know but the last time we were at his house was for the christening of his daughters” Dave ranted and I reluctantly typed the address in the maps.

YAW

Edem came around with the girls so we spend the day together. According to an article she read, we have to be spending time together with our daughters so they can get some sense of a healthy family relationship.

Junior stayed to play with his sisters, Regine does not know about this arrangement yet or else she forcefully insert herself. Per Edem’s standards, we don’t need Regine around. It ruins the goal of this experiment.

The sun was setting and it was time for them to leave.

“I have a proposal for you next month” Edem said.

“Okay, what’s it about?” I asked

“Maybe, it is not necessarily business but it concerns our girls” she said.

“I hope it is not a marriage proposal” I said and she pursed her lips “Edemmmm” I pleaded.

“Wait till you listen to my demands, I will pay you a monthly allowance, you will have access to my trust fund, look, in case something happens to me. You are the only one I trust to take care of our children. If I put it in my will, my family will waste your time in court trying to contest it. It will be easier if we are married. Don’t worry, I have a whole presentation prepared so see you next month”

“But you are not dying Edem, or…” I asked, concerned.

“Don’t be silly, no. But I see how people suddenly lose their lives without a proper plan and families are torn apart. I don’t want that for my babies” she said before she called the girls to enter the car.

Just then the security opened the gate.

“I hope it is not Gbātor²” Edem said referring to Regine.

“No, but there are only two people allowed to drive in anytime, you and Zoe” I said

The vehicle got closer and I saw it was Dave and Zoe. Edem, Zoe, Dave and the kids all exchanged pleasantries.

“Madam Edem, I am specially inviting you to my church” Dave said.

“I will try and come through, my daughters attended once and will not stop talking about it” Edem said.

“Let me take your contact if you do not mind” Dave asked and Edem reluctantly gave him the number. Dave prayed for her before she left with the girls.

“Well, this is an interesting surprise” I exclaimed.

“I called several times to alert you” Zoe said.

“I left my phone somewhere, I was playing with the kids” I said.

“I have never been inside your house; the last time was the naming and everything was held outside” Dave remarked.

“Sorry for my manners, let’s go in and let me give you a tour before we talk”

Zoe reluctantly walked behind us as I took them round. I decided to save the best for last, my study. As soon as we walked in, I noticed she looked tensed.

“Oh wow! This is a lovely place, I like this couch” Dave exclaimed, plopping onto the couch.

Blood drained from Zoe’s face.

“Same, it is my favourite part of the office. I had an encounter here some weeks ago, since then this has been the spot, this exact spot” I said staring at Zoe while, smacking the spot Zoe left a stain, that has been cleaned.

“A spiritual encounter?” Dave asked in a suspicious tone.

“You can call it that, I will one day share the testimony” I said.

“Hallelujah! no wonder I felt at home as soon as I sat down!” Dave exclaimed.

“Oh yes, home…that’s how it feels” I said with my eyes searching hers, as she avoided my gaze “Zoe, join Dave, have a feel of the couch” I added.

“Yes, come sit with me” Dave encouraged.

“Nah, I am good” she shot back quickly.

Immediately, Junior appeared at the doorway and he and Dave got to talking, asking about his absence in the past two weeks. They spoke for a while before Junior left.

“Yaw, where is your washroom?” Dave asked after a while.

“On the left, second door on your right” I said and he got up, leaving Zoe and I alone.

“Hmmmmmmm, memories, right?” I said and winked at Zoe who ignored me completely as she took out her phone and started fidgeting with it.

I walked to my desk, opened the middle drawer on the right, I kept her ripped thong there.

“You left something here the last time” I said and waved it in the air. Her eyes widened with shock.

“YAW! are you mad?’’ she whispered harshly.

I laughed, sniffed it and put it back. Her facial expression at that action was a mix of surprise and shock.

“I miss you” I mouthed at her and she turned away. Just then Dave came back and she excused herself to the washroom.

After, we went back to the hall and there was a football match. Dave made himself comfortable and we watched together.  Edem brought a lot of food, so I served them lunch. Zoe just kept fidgeting on her phone till the match was over.

“Madam Edem is a good cook ooo” Dave said.

“Kai! she just knows how to hire the best chefs” I said and we all laughed.

“Oh. Okay. Thanks so much. We just came to check in on you since you are slowly becoming a member. See you next week then” he said

“No, I will be in Lagos” I replied.

“You didn’t tell me you will be leaving” Zoe finally spoke up in shock.
“No, I am not. I am going to finalise some issues, I want to be stationed in Accra. Permanently.” I said, and I noticed the discomfort on her face.

“Hallelujah!” Dave exclaimed

“But why?” she asked.

“I want to be closer to my children, Junior is 15, he is a good boy and I would like to keep it that way” I replied

“Very thoughtful, no love like a father’s love. That is good to hear. Ermmm…. how about any thoughts on settling down? Since you have rejected all the sisters in the church. Madam Edem doesn’t look too bad” Dave said.

“Come on Dave, don’t pry” Zoe interjected.
“It’s alright, we will see what the Lord will do concerning Edem” I said.

“Wait… like…marry her?” Zoe asked, shocked.

“It’s too early to tell” I said.

“I am happy for you, you two will make a lovely couple. I hope to meet her again, we have to take our leave” Dave said as they got into the car. Zoe still had a confused look on her face.

Three days later

After Sunday, I have been avoiding Zoe. I have decided not to be too readily available to her. It is her time to chase me. The visit from Dave just made me realise how oblivious she is to his actions. Instantly, she entered my office without knocking.

“Wow…you still work in this building? Why are you avoiding me?” she accused

“I have been busy” I answered with my eyes focused on my computer screen.

“Come on, Yaw. You are never too busy for your Zozo. Did I say something on Sunday? Because if you expected a reaction from me by that stunt you pulled in your study, then I am sorry to disappoint you. That is not happening, I am happily married” she blurted.

“Yes, you have made that abundantly clear numerous times” I said, before looking at her “I am showing your marriage the respect it ‘clearly’ deserves by treating you like a colleague. I told you, I love you. I can’t keep hoping you will come around. You are clearly going to be with Dave forever. Let me face my future” I said, feigning a sad tone.

“Oh Yaw” she exclaimed, walked to my seat and hugged me. She stood over me as I buried my head in her heavy bosom. She smelled lovely.

“It’s alright” I said and let go, reluctantly.

“What do you want me to do? I can’t leave Dave” she asked.

“Can’t or won’t?” I asked.

“Both”

“Just allow me to make you happy”

I rose from my chair, walking close to her till she was cornered between a wall and shelf. I towered over her, I lifted her chin with my finger, eyes boring into her soul. My chest brushing against her lightly.

“How? I am…happy” she struggled to say as I leaned in and kissed her. I miss her lips so much.

“We have to stop this” She said as she gently pushed me away.

“I know but I cannot help it” I said as I walked back to my seat.

 “You are marrying Edem, we can’t do this to her” she said as she straightened her dress.

“I was not certain, it is something she mentioned in passing, more like a business proposal. But if marriage to Edem is what is stopping you, I will not go through with it” I said.

“No, listen to Edem. Maybe marriage will help sort whatever is wrong with you and this your obsession with me’’ she said, regaining composure as she walked and sat opposite my desk.

“Now, what is with church people and marriage being the answer to everything? Also, nothing is wrong with me. I love a pastor’s wife and I want her, it is as simple as that”
“I am not a bar of chocolate you can want. I am a person, flesh and bones with a soul. Dead that thought, I am a woman of God. You always say you love me, you want me, what exactly for? If I divorce Dave this moment, you are not going to marry me, and then what happens to our children? I have three kids!” she proclaimed.

“Zozo, you know I will do anything to make you happy. If it is marriage you want, I am willing to give you that and the kids will be fine. We will be a blended family, we can even move to another country with them as their other parents visit them from time to time” I said.

“Spoken like a true man” she said.

“Zoe, you are not a tree, you can move. We don’t have to label what we will have. Just take a chance on happiness, allow me to love and spoil you” I said reaching for her hand.

“I am loved” she snapped as she withdrew her hand.

“If that makes you sleep at night, fine. Dave will always put his desires before you”

“Not his desires but God’s will. I knew marrying a man of God will always make me the second wife to the church. I am okay with that; the kingdom will always be first” she said.

“Well, in your case, the kingdom is his greed for wealth and status” I retorted.

“What makes you say that? I love to spend on my man” she said.

“Zoe, I was openly flirting with you in his presence. The day of the ice cream and yesterday as I stared at you talking about the couch. Dave is not blind, but he will rather have me flirting with his wife and pumping money into his church than losing you. I guess he knows you are a woman of principle and that is why he ignores me. But if I was a nobody, a poor man, he would have been in my office Monday morning to tell me to stay away but hey, what do I know? The kingdom comes first right…” I said and continued working on my computer, leaving her stunned again.

DAVIDA

I have been avoiding Omar since my birthday, he wants us to talk before he leaves. I know whatever we have is not going anywhere, let me rip the band aid off and focus on my future. Ever since I got the car, mummy has been extra attentive to all my movements. Life was better off without a car.

I lay on my bed editing the Sunday service reel of Pastor Jordan’s preaching. His message always gives us views, his look and voice also add some seasoning. Just then, Fiona announces that I have a visitor, she mentioned it was a guy. I guess it is Graham from church or probably Blessing.

I walk downstairs and there stood Omar.

“What are you doing here?” I said as soon as I saw him.

“So, you are alive, you don’t reply my messages or pick my calls” he exclaimed.

“Just making it easier for both of us Omar, we cannot date. Go to your Columbia” I said.

“But we can be friends…” he suggested.

“No Omar, that will not work for me. I know myself, I need to move on and that is by saying goodbye. Now leave before my mother gets home” I pleaded.

“No, I am not going anywhere and this does not make sense” he came closer.

“We have cameras” I lied and he took a step back.

Just then the gate opened and mummy’s car came in.

“See, now I have to answer a batch of unwanted questions. Why did you come here?” I asked.

Minutes after, we were seated in the hall when she walked in. Fiona took her bag from her.

“Good evening Mrs. Osei” Omar stood up and greeted her.

“Good evening young man, I have forgotten your name oo Kanton jnr right?” she asked

“Yes, my name is Omar” he answered

“Ah yeah, how are your parents?” she asked.

“They are well Ma, how was work?” he asked

“Tiring, thanks for asking. I have to go freshen up, are you staying for dinner?” she asked

“No Ma, I am just about to take my leave. Thanks for the offer” he said and she left us.

“I don’t know why you were so scared; your mother is pretty cool” he remarked.

“Yes, to you, because you came into the house. I will be the one to answer all her questions” I said.

“I guess it’s bye, I wish I could kiss you for the last” he said, I was stumped. Omar is my first kiss and hopefully last till I get married.

“Just take care” I said, we shared a light hug before he left.

After dinner, as I sat behind my dressing table, braiding my natural hair in big twists before bed. My mother walked in.

“Is everything okay? You barely finished your meal and your spirit has been down since Omar left” she asked as she took over and started sectioning my hair and twisting it.

“I am alright, it’s PMS’’ I lied.

“Sure, you know you can talk to me. Did he say something mean to you?’’ she asked.

“No, he is a nice person. He will be going to Columbia, he was just sad about me not joining him in NYU so we get to hang out as friends” I said.

“Awwwww, my baby, I know how it feels to lose a friend to distance. That was your Auntie Carmen and I when she had to study in the US too” Mama said as she gently squeezed my shoulders. I was expecting her to wave off my emotions with a memory verse but this was comforting to hear.

“That’s nice to know mum, I hope to make new friends in university” I said.

We spent the rest of the evening talking about her time in university. I listened attentively, my mother has always been a church girl. All the activities and fun moments she shared were all church related. Didn’t she attend any parties? She then went on about how she met dad in her third year. I hope to follow in her footsteps, stay out of trouble, graduate, make money and settle down. I pray God comes through for me. Right now, Omar stays in my rearview mirror as I focus on the path drawn before me, academics, building the church and leaving a legacy.

ZOE

After a hearty conversation with Davida, I walked back to the bedroom to see Dave hanging my suits he picked up from the laundry. I am still waiting on the big ask, and Yaw’s words about him putting himself first were etched in my brain. Maybe Yaw is lying, Dave must have really changed for good.

“Thanks for my clothes. What will I do without you?’’ I said as I planted a kiss on his cheek.

“You’re welcome, and what will I rather do without you?’’ he said.

We showered and then made our way to bed. We were both reading on our tablets when he put his away abruptly.

“Zoe, we need to talk” he said. I removed my glasses and put my tablet on my bedside drawer. Is it time for the big ask already?

“What is it?” I asked, uncertain of the what will follow.

“Since Friday, you have been distant. You try to be nice but it is like as if a part of you is cold and holding back. Is this about me asking you not to quit your job yet?’’ he asked, I was relieved it wasn’t a favour or anything to do with that awkward moment on Yaw’s couch.

“Not at all, I am just surprised at the sudden show of love and attention. You usually do it and then stop after a while. I don’t want to get used to it and then you stop out of the blue one day” I said.

“Oh, my love, no way, this is here to stay. I do get carried away by kingdom issues but this time, I want to be there for my wife, pay attention to her needs. You matter” he said as he planted kisses around me.

Two days later (Friday evening)

Dave decided we have some couple time today, we sent the children to my sister’s. He took me out to a fancy dinner and when we arrived home. The hall was decorated for a movie night. A plush set up, huge cozy carpet with pillows and throws with dessert and low lighting. It looked very romantic.

“How did you get this done?’’ I asked, elated and surprised as I settled on the floor.

“Shika helped” he replied.

“Thank you love” I said as he kissed me.

Halfway through the movie, clothes were strewn all over the place with our bodies sweaty and panting from an intense love making session. Dave really got to work this time. For the first time in a long time, he put my orgasm first not once but twice. After, we showered together and returned to our crime scene to clean up.

We continued the movie as he massaged my feet.

“Honey, you seem distracted” I asked when I realized he was neither paying attention to the movie nor massaging my feet. He looked lost.

“Nah, sorry about that. Just a lot on my mind” he said.

“What is it?” I asked

“I am tired of you being the provider all the time, I know the church keeps me busy but I want to take over” he said. An uncomfortable pit formed in my stomach.

“I don’t complain my love” I said

“I know but you deserve the world and I want to give you that” he said.

“Don’t put pressure on yourself, everything will work out” I encouraged.

“I know and I have a business idea, Hackman wants me to join him in the car business. I believe it is the best time and type of business for me” he said.

“That is good news, how will that work? Will you get a cut on any car you are able to sell?’’ I asked

“That is part, but we all know I will not have the time to market and be conducting test drives for prospective buyers. I was looking into the investment part” he said, the pit in my tummy kept getting bigger.

“That is great” replied.

“I hate to do this, I love you but you are the only one who can help me Zoe” he pleaded. Dave usually just takes the money or asks directly, but this time, he being meek is a whole new level.

“How much will you need?’’ I asked, dreading the question.

“I know it might be a lot, if you cannot get the full amount, it is fine” he continued.

“How much?” I interrupted.

“$20,000” he said.

“Where will I get that money from Dave?” I blurted

“It doesn’t have to be immediate, but from your bonus and other investments you have made. I remember you saying you can take a loan against your TIER 3 payments. I mean after all these years, you should be able to get some” he suggested.

“I am not touching my TIER 3 Dave, but I will see what I can do” I replied.

“When should I expect an answer?’’ he asked.

“I don’t know yet, just give me time” I said. I wanted to leave his presence that instant but that will hurt his feelings.

Yaw’s words kept echoing through my head. Dave will always put himself first…

Author’s note
We are back Baby!

Enjoy season 2 and remember to follow our instagram page (selimsaidso) !

Lexicons

1. Yesu mogya nka Yaw enim – Akan language translates to ‘May the blood of Jesus touch Yaw”
2. Gbātor – Ewe language for “the first one”.