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Do you remember Madam Jessica? Our church sponsor who is Dave’s favourite member and her special prayers for her daughter, Nuerkie?

And also our aggrieved member, Kojo and his stance towards the church after abandoning his family when they needed them the most? Today’s episode will tell the story of the two characters, Nuerkie and Kojo

NUERKIE

 Another Monday is here and time to run my family’s empire. I glance one more time at my attire, I wore a beautiful African print mid-length pencil dress that complemented my rich dark chocolate skin tone. I picked my designer handbag, my laptop bag and wore my heels as I made my way out of my room.

I am the Managing Director of Nartey Holdings, the family business where we own petrol stations and a construction material supply company. I started with solely running the petrol station business. After pleading and debating with my dad to take over the construction business, he agreed on one condition. I move back home. I had rented a cute apartment not far from the office, citing that driving from Spintex to Dansoman is hell, he solved the problem by hiring a driver for me.

I walked to the living area, hoping to quickly escape but my mother was seated having breakfast, my dad was already out for his morning walk.

“Good morning Mama” I greeted.

“Good morning, did you sleep well?” she asked.

“Yes, and you?”

“By God’s grace. Eh, is this what you are wearing to the office? the dress is showing all your curves and isn’t your hair too long?” she started ranting.

This is why I moved out, all the micro-management of every move. I flipped my 22 inch bone straight wig and straightened my dress.

“Mum, I am the boss and this hair is okay” I replied.

“You look very expensive, and you have a driver too. I have told your father, this is why the men are running away. They will be intimidated by your wealth” she continued.

“Goodbye Mama” I said and began to walk away

“Wait…Nuerkie, I am your mother, I care. Eheh! How far with the date we set up last friday?” she asked.

“It was okay but I don’t think I will be seeing him again” I answered.

“OH! What did he do?” she asked

“I am running late Mama, I will fill you in when I get back” I gave her a hug and left.

I have regretted tasking my mother to set me up on dates. I don’t know what came over me months ago when I randomly called her in the middle of the day. The date she asked about was going well till the gentleman opened his mouth to say “You are beautiful for a dark-skinned woman”.

I go where I am valued and that man has a taste for light-skinned girls. Growing up dark-skinned and skinny in the 2000s was a nightmare till I got into university and all of a sudden, every one believed I can model. I was scared of my over spiritual mother so I rejected the gigs and focused solely on church and academics.  I inherited this beautiful skin from my dad, my mum on the other hand is light skinned and was definitely my first bully. According the her these days, I have ‘grown’ into my beauty. Looking back at my childhood pictures, I have always been gorgeous.

The drive to work was smooth, I have my devotion in the car and listen to a sermon before getting to work. My elder brother, Cudjoe stopped by to ask for money again, Cudjoe wants nothing to do with the family business except spending the profits. He claims to be an artiste manager and a night life connoisseur, whatever that means.

After lunch, as I reviewed some financial documents, my assistant walked in to inform me that Hakim Kanton was in the building to see me. Hakim and I grew up together, our mothers’ stores are located next to each other and our fathers became business partners. The Kantons are the reason we added construction to our portfolio, they own a quarry and we purchase our gravels and stones from them.

“Big madam Kiekie” Hakim greeted with a smile, he looked regal in a suit with his tall slender frame, a face sculpted by God himself.

“Today no kaftan, what happened?” I asked, I am used to seeing him in dressed in kaftans.

“Just a little change for one of those meetings. I hate that appearance matters in some dealings” he exclaimed and I got up to give him a light hug.

“Well, small price to pay, now what do I owe this lovely visit?” I asked.

“Nothing really, I was in the neighbourhood and decided to check in on my favourite MD” he said.

“And you came empty-handed?”

“Come on Kiekie, that can be solved easily. Just call your assistant and I will let her buy you whatever you want” he said.

“I want a house” I answered swiftly.

“Ei! you never let any opportunity pass you by” he exclaimed

“That’s why I run this business my dear”

“By the way, if you are ready to marry. Why didn’t you tell me?’’ he asked.

“What…what are you talking about?’’ I stuttered.

“I met Madam Jessica at the store, and she asked me about my eligible Christian business partners for you” he teased

“Mama and her big mouth!” I exclaimed.

“Are things that bad that she is reaching out to me?” Hakim asked.

“No, they are not, and she has been hounding me to marry. I decided to just throw her a bone and ask her to set up dates for me. Hakim, it has been one nightmare after another. I don’t know what came over me to take such a decision” I exclaimed.

“Well, if it is just marriage that you want, the 2^nd wife position in my life is available” he said.

“Farida will kill me” I exclaimed.

“That is not a no then, plus Farida will be glad to have you as a sister wife, let me call her” he said as he reached for his phone from his jacket.

“No, the answer is still no. And is Farida okay with you getting a second wife?’’ I asked, astonished.

“As long as she is involved in the decision making, then she will be cool with it. We are both realists, that day is bound to come. But at the moment, I am happy with just one wife” he said

“But will you be okay if Farida gets a second husband?’’ I asked and he frowned.

“It is against our religion” he replied with a grin. I just shook my head and continued working.

“How is Omar? I saw his image on a billboard some weeks back. Isn’t he supposed to be in uni?’’ I asked steering the conversation.

“He is alright, he will be leaving next week. He is heartbroken that his girl is not travelling with him” he replied.

“Tell him this too shall pass. He will move on and it will become a distant memory” I said.

“Yep, said the same thing. Anyway, I have to get going. This was just a quick check up. If you change your mind about being a second wife, call me. Imagine being a Kanton” he bragged.

“Not happening, and imagine bagging a Nartey” I scoffed and we both laughed before he left.

As I was wrapping up, I received a call from Imelda. Imelda and I are childhood friends that grew apart when I travelled for school and later changed my place of worship. Moving back home has reignited our friendship but we still have our differences. I cannot believe I used to be so uptight like her, thanks to Elorm and Anna, I am a work in progress. Imelda called about the bibles and brunch event and the changes she made to the agenda. I looked through and I was glad it was no longer so marriage centred. I cannot wait for the event to fellowship and pray with other women in Christ, it always calms my spirit and reminds of unity and community.

After a long day, my assistant, Elikem reminded me of another date my mother had scheduled. I rolled my eyes, it was too late to cancel. It was set up by Mama and Rev. Dave. The location of the date made me laugh, it was Mayenii restaurant. The chef there, Terry, also known as T and I have had some moments in the past.

Terry went on about two dates with my girl, Elorm, but things didn’t work out. One hot Sunday afternoon, Terry and I spent some time together. What started as a normal conversation turned into a steamy kiss which I cannot explain. I tried avoiding him, he came to my office late one night, just to stir up certain feelings I thought were dead and left me high. We avoided each other for a long time till the Iron and Fire event organised by Pastor Jordan, he was one of the mentors. Since then, he has been texting and calling.

I like Terry but the fact that he dated my friend makes it weird, another thing, he is too different from what I typically date. He is attractive alright, but a man with long locks and tattoo will send my mother into a coma.

The last thing I want to do is ask a man to sacrifice his identity for my sake, it never ends well. And now, I have a date at his restaurant.

At Mayenii

After 30 minutes, my date did not show up. How dare he stand Nuerkie Nartey up? Since I am already here, I might as well eat. I am sure T is busy in the kitchen. I ordered the special for the day and placed a call to my mother asking for the name of this surprise date. The name popped up and I am not surprised he stood me up, the CEO of Nubian Mining, Yaw Djimah. Where does Rev Dave sometimes buy his audacity from? Why will Yaw agree to a date arranged by a pastor? He has visited RLM only twice. Moreover, he has like three baby mamas and five children. Clearly not my type, I did not escape teenage pregnancy to marry a born – one not to think of born-five. Daabi ee!

 I was glued to my phone when Terry’s voice interrupted me.

“A special meal for a special lady” he said and set the plate in front of me.

“How did you know I was here? Aren’t you supposed to be busy in the kitchen?” I asked.

“After mentoring and catering at your church event, all the workers know you so I was told. Why have you been ignoring me?’’ he asked

“T, this is not the time. Go back to the kitchen, you have clients’’ I dismissed him.

“Not till I see you taste my meat” he flirted and I rolled my eyes.

“Do you always pass dirty comments to your clients?” I asked as I picked a morsel with my fork.

“No, only one client” he winked at me as the piece made its way to my mouth. It was tasty and juicy, just how like I like it. I didn’t want to give him the satisfaction.

“It’s okay aaa” I lied.

“Then let me take it back” he reached for the plate and I smacked his hand.

“Feisty as always. There are other places available for you to smack” he joked and walked away.

I enjoyed my meal and even ordered dessert. I quickly left my money under my plate and snuck away. Calling for the bill will alert Terry of my exit. I got home, and received a text from him later.

“Always running, and that is how to run into the idiot that stood you up today”.

His comment stung, but part of it was true. I have been running to these dates, each one worse than the last. My mother apologised for Yaw’s behaviour. At this point, what can come, can come.

……

It has been six months since Hilda passed, life has been kind to Kojo. Right after his mother’s burial, he got a new remote job that pays in dollars. He managed sell his old car, topped up and bought a new one which his girlfriend Sena, basically drives to and from work since he works from home. Sena showed him the apology from Rev Dave, Kojo has forgiven him but he will definitely forget.

Members think his absence is solely due to the unfair treatment of the church. Yes, it is a reason but it is not the only reason. Going to church is a painful reminder of his loss, Hilda was the usher and was always walking around to ensure a smooth service. He missed the occasional smiles she gave him when she walked past him or wanted his assistance.

He was still healing from such a painful loss. He loves his current job but where was it when he needed money to take care of his mother?

Sunday

KOJO

After my devotion, I made my way to the tennis court. Ever since I stopped attending Radiant life, my life has been blissful and my Sundays filled with joy. Church caused me so much pain, I usually listen to a preaching online or read the bible myself, after I go play tennis with some friends and then have brunch with them. Next, I get home and listen to a podcast while I cook for the week. Sometimes, Sena comes around and cooks. The apartment is usually deep cleaned on Saturdays by someone I hired.

During the week, I go to the gym after work. I have made a little progress building muscle and looking fit.

I came back from brunch and started cooking for the week. Not long, Sena arrived, from church as usual.

“You didn’t go to church today too?’’ she asked after we had exchanged pleasantries.

“I told you I am on a break” I replied.

“Kojo, even if you will not go to RLM, there are other churches. I hear the Harmony church is good” she said.

“I hear, I will give it a shot” I lied.

We cooked together, after I showered as she washed the dishes and then we ate together.

“How is Mama Hilda’s one-year planning coming up?” she asked.

“Everything is sorted, Kwesi will be coming down. We will host a small reception here, I am keeping it small, just you, Kwesi, a couple of close family members and I. We should not exceed twenty” I said.

“That is good”

We watched a movie and I noticed her mood changed.

“Hey, is everything okay?” I asked.

“Yeah” she said unconvincingly.

“Sena, you have been my babe for four years. What’s up?’’

“Exactly that, FOUR years! And when did you start calling me babe instead of beloved? Is it your new sports friends from the gym or tennis?” she nagged.

“I am sorry my beloved, what is wrong?’’ I said and she calmed down,

“We were supposed to get married almost two years ago, but Mama Hilda’s situation caused the delay. I am not saying we should get married this minute, but let’s start something, be it counselling or anything. You have been dragging your feet, or don’t you want to be with me?” she asked.

“No, it’s not that. You are right, we can start counselling but not with RLM. I don’t go to church there anymore” I said.

“Then where else? That is my church, remember you invited me and I became a member later.”

“You know we don’t need to get married in a church right. If it’s counselling, we can go to a trained therapist not an old married couple who did a few weekly courses and think they can counsel. Then after, straight to AMA and register, we can get one of our pastor friends to bless the ceremony. The church is not necessary” I interrupted.

“My soul mourns when you speak like this Kojo. Don’t let the devil triumph and win you over. It’s not too late, you know the family I come from and how church is important. I don’t ask for much, I am not a demanding girlfriend. I don’t ask for the expensive and fancy things in life, this is just one favour. Let’s get married the right way… please’’ Sena said and burst into tears. I hugged her.

“Alright, I have heard you. Schedule the first session and I will be there” I assured, she wiped her tears.

“Really?’’ she asked.

‘’Yes, my beloved”

“Thank you so much and God bless you” she exclaimed.

The church is not the only reason why I have been getting cold feet about this marriage….

Monday evening after the gym session

Logo and Nana, two acquaintances from university turned friends due to training sessions noticed I was not focused during my workout.

“Chale, what dey do you?” Logo asked.

“It can only be one thing, woman matter” Nana joined and I laughed.

“Wosop? Your woman preg?” Logo asked

“Oh nah, pressure, she say make we marry” I answered.

“That be Nana ein field” Logo exclaimed.

“Chale, if she be good woman wey you love am, marry am. If you no make ready aaa, then no force. E pain me say me then Elorm no marry but looking back. If we got married the time she wanted, we won’t have lasted. I was too immature for her. Quite unfortunately, she moved on before I grew up. So, you love am?” Nana asked…I took a deep breath.

“Ei! The way your answer dey delay diɛɛ, horror ooo!” Logo exclaimed.

“What at all is love?” I asked.

“You are asking this question at this time?” Nana exclaimed.

“The bible explain am in 1 Corinthians 13” Logo answered.

“We will come to how Logo knows that verse later. Sena is her name, right?” Nana asked.

“Yeah”

“Does she stress you?” Nana asked.

“No, she’s cool”

“Do you find her attractive?” logo asked

“Yeah, Sena is a very pretty girl” I replied.

“Do you share the same principles in life, religion?” Nana asked.

“We used to, I don’t even know anymore man. Ever since the old woman left, I have been questioning a lot of things. Sena be chrife, wants the whole church thing. But I don’t think I am that person anymore, I just discovered I love sports, tennis and the gym. I also realized, I want an active person, let’s do activities together. But she is the ‘let’s stay in’ type. The last time I took her for a hike, she complained throughout” I said.

“Hmmmmmmm…. have you told her this?’’ Nana asked.

“I did, I mentioned I wanted us to do more things outside of church activities, but whenever I suggest an activity, she is hesitant. The last time I took her skating, she complained that they played secular music there so it is not her vibe” I said.

“Buei, everywhere in Ghana too they play secular ooo. But there are other Christian activities” Nana said.

“Yes, but the activity-based events are for families. For couples, it is usually conferences or a play. There may be other activities but it is usually organised by other churches, there are rarely inter-denominational activities for everyone” I explained.

“Hmmmmmmm…true. What about sex? at least, if you be compatible with that one, it helps” Logo added and I went mute.

“Ah ah ah, four years, you no chop am?!” Logo exclaimed.

“We are believers please” I retorted.

“Wait, you chop woman before?” Logo asked

“I no sure. Kojo has been a church boy all his life” Nana added.

“I don’t kiss and tell” I said and walked away as they chased after me trying to make me answer.

The last person I want knowing my virgin status is Logo, that guy can talk. I hate that it is a sign of weakness to be a virgin at 32. I am not going to lie, I have struggled with it. The former youth pastor, Pastor Sammy was my mentor. He and his wife both married as virgins, and they said it was the best decision ever. Gradually exploring their desires and learning together was another level of intimacy for them.

On the other hand, one of my friends who married at 26 says he regretted not experimenting with other women. Now, though he is faithful to his wife, he wonders what it would have been like trying other women and figuring out his kinks. According to him, his wife is not freaky enough.

Then again, sex is the least of my reasons for these cold feet. I just don’t know who I am anymore. It is like I am on a new journey to rediscovering myself.

“Don’t mind them, I love it when a man is a virgin” a voice interrupted my thoughts as I unlocked my car. I turned and it was a beautiful lady exiting the car parked next to mine. She stepped out dressed in a pair of tight shorts and a bralette, definitely showing her well-toned body. She had a big afro, big beautiful eyes and dimples. Her face was so cute. Her sneakers had unique colours, customised I guess.

“OH, we are twinning” she said, pointing to our cars. We both drove a 2024 Hyundai Tucson, mine is grey and hers white with colourful shades of blue design paintings at the side.

“Yes, thank…you” I said, not sure on how to interpret her comment.

“Sorry for eavesdropping. Bad habit of mine, I am ƞdi” she extended her hand.

“Kojo, Ndi? Where is that from?” I asked.

“It’s Ewe for morning, yes my parents are weird. No more questions” she rattled and we both giggled. Have I been cursed? All the beautiful women I know and find beautiful are Ewe.

“Well, unique name, Ndi… I have to leave. I like the design on your car?” I complimented.

“I did it myself, I am an artist. Anything spray, design, mural, office branding, I am your person. Are you on Instagram? Here, give me your phone” she asked and I unlocked my phone, opened the app and handed it to her. She typed in her handle and followed.

“Okay, I will definitely hit you up for a job” I said.

“For a virgin like you, you can hit me up for anything” she teased and we both laughed.

 I got into the car and watched her walk into the gym, I did not realise I was admiring the sway of her hips and then dip in her lower back. Logo came out of nowhere and banged the roof of my car disrupting my thoughts.

“Chale, drop me for house” he said as he sat in the passenger’s seat.

“No Nana?” I asked.

“He dey go see some woman. Chale, you dey spy Ndi. That girl is a puzzle” he commented.

“How?” I asked.

“She is beautiful, sexy and very friendly. If you try move to am, she will put you in brother zone fast eh. We don’t know her deal, who she is dating or anything”.

“Interesting…” I said.

“You want chop am? Plus, your virgin dick?” Logo asked.

“You will walk home ooo” I threatened and he kept quiet.

Her name lingered on my lips throughout the rest of the night, Ndi…

Author’s note

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