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Pastor Jordan and Shika are flourishing and their counselling sessions are going well so far. Imelda is unaware of this and still hopes Jordan will leave Shika.

Nuerkie met Minister Kelly, a gospel musician her mother set her up with. Will her mother’s plan to marry her off succeed?

FRIDAY

SHIKA

Jordan and I got into a big fight some weeks ago. We have made peace but he is being distant. He eventually opened up about his past, his addiction to weed as a teenager and how he had to go to rehab and travel to the states. I am not angry at the fact that he was an addict, but why did he wait so long to tell me? And the first time I hear about this, is in front of our counsellor. In the beginning of our relationship, he kept bugging me about opening up while he carried such a heavy secret. He apologised and pleaded, which I forgave but he has been distant. He comes over to the shop, but barely my apartment and even when he does, he meets me downstairs in the car park.

Today, there is the launch of ‘The Ruby Room’. Yes, my mother is successfully opening her jazz bar which will feature Marcus’ band, the band I used to work with and other artistes, including AceKing who is Jay’s friend. I did not want to perform but Jay said it is the least I can do for my mother, so we selected a collection of jazz gospel and inspirational songs for me to sing.

I thought Jay will not be interested but he was insistent on attending and being there for Ruby. He mentioned he will be 15 minutes late in picking me up because Imelda insisted on him leading the opening prayer at a program she organised.

I wore my Dzidula dress by Julieperp, my current favourite designer and paired it with a strappy heeled sandal and a clutch. I felt confident and beautiful – let’s see if Jay can match my energy.

Finally, he arrived and the moment my eyes landed on him, I was in awe. He was not in his usual long-sleeved shirt and trousers. This time, it was a charcoal grey suit, but the blazer was tied in a neat knot at the waist, with a gold necklace I designed for him on his neck. He looked like he stepped out of the dream Pinterest board.

“Did you lead opening prayer dressed like this?” I asked, after exchanging pleasantries.

“Yes…” he answered confused.

“Hmmmmmmm, with your chest in the open like that? Eiiii!” I exclaimed.

“Hahahahaha, I just remembered what happened, Agnes actually said ‘Ei, thank you for dressing up for us’ and I was like ‘It is for my woman, I am taking her on a date’ and they exclaimed. The usual ‘God when’, ‘do you have brothers?’ etc.” he answered.

“You just want my trouble in that church” I said.

“Oh how? Isn’t it the truth? I am taking my babe out” he said as he opened the car door for me.

The launch was successful, a lot of people attended, the music was good, ambiance cosy and food, spectacular. We went backstage to greet Ruby who had a mischievous twinkle in her eye.

As Jay drove me home, I noticed he was nervous. I just could not stop admiring how he looked, and prayed against the thoughts lurking in my mind. A man of God is not supposed to look this fine.

“Don’t wear this attire again, till we get married” I blurted.

“Ah! You too, don’t wear this again. This your new designer is causing confusion” he joked and we all laughed.

When we got to the car park, I was surprised when he stepped out of his car.

“Ei, are you coming upstairs?” I asked.

“Yes…. why?” he asked surprised

“For some time now, you just watch me walk into my apartment from the car, and you have been a bit distant” I said.

“Really! I haven’t noticed, you, let’s grab some tea and talk about it” he said as we walked into the complex.

As soon as I opened my door, the place was decorated with petals, candles and balloons, complementing the apartment. There was a photographer already capturing my surprise and confusion.

At the centre was an empty space, Jay walked into it and went on one knee. I mean, I know we are about to get married with all the counselling but I did not expect a whole proposal.

“I know you are surprised by all this, we are almost done with our counselling sessions. I figured I officially ask once again if we are on the same page. For me, I am still down with being your husband. You are the most amazing person I have met, from the first day I spoke to you after service, till now. I thought I was coming to Ghana to just help a ministry and my parents’ clinic. But God had the most perfect plan for me, which is you. I love you, Shika. Will you do me the honour of being my wife?” he asked and opened the tiny box he was holding.

The ring was beautiful, I remembered I designed it some months back. It was a colleague from Jay’s workplace who placed the order. Everything makes sense now, I remember being touched by the inspiration and description. It was a three stone engagement ring standing for the holy trinity, band made of gold. The center stone slightly larger, giving off champagne when the lights hit it.

“Ermmm…” Jay cleared his throat interrupting my thoughts.

“Yes, I will be your wife” I answered and extended my left hand for him to do the honours, with the photographer squealing in excitement.

We hugged and kissed. The dream proposal, just us, no noise. That is how I always dreamed it will be. Nothing fancy, in my space with the man I love. Just then Melody popped out of the bathroom, now I understood how my apartment got decorated.

We took some pictures, shared a meal before cleaners came around to clear everything.  Ruby called and shared in our joy as well as Jay’s family. I was still reeling from excitement, I could not stop admiring the ring on my finger. After designing thousands of engagement rings, I am finally wearing one.

“I am happy you like it” Jay said softly.

“like? I love it, you did good” I said and he smiled.

“Now you understand why I was a bit distant. I was scared the surprise will be ruined”

“Ah! True!”

“Okay, I have to get going. Let’s talk wedding date and everything later. I love you” he said.

“Love you too. Spend the night?” I asked.

“I wish…but we both agreed. Me spending the night after such a lovely evening will lead to what we both don’t want. The last time I slept over, I really struggled. First time should be after marriage as we agreed.” He said.

“Well, I am rescinding my side of the agreement” I argued.

“Doesn’t work like that. We both know what is right” he said.

“The way you are insistent on waiting, I hope you don’t have a micropenis ooo” I said.

“Come on, you have seen it hard through my pants before. At least you know it works” he said.

“True…” I hugged him and he planted a kiss on my cheek, shared a prayer before leaving.

Damn, what a disciplined man! I asked for it and here I am. I turned my attention to my ring. I usually don’t like posting on social media. But come on now! At that instant, Jay’s phone call interrupted my thoughts.

“I just thought I should let you know that I will be posting a picture of your hand on my Instagram. I will like to add an image of us but you hate the attention” he said.

“Feel free” I said and he was excited and surprised at my answer.

I was so elated, I called Mama Zoe and we spoked for a while. We prayed together before I drifted off to sleep.

Next morning

I woke up to numerous missed calls and messages of congratulations. Not only had Jay posted a picture of my hand with the caption ‘She said Yes’. The photographer also posted a picture of Jay and I in an intimate embrace, just when we were about to lock lips. Jay called and wanted to ask the photographer to take it down.

For some reason, I remained calm and asked him not to. It will just draw more attention to the picture. This too shall pass…

Minutes after,   Agnes and Tetteh dropped the Jay’s photo in our group page and added the comment which made me laugh

“This one na pepper dem picture”

NUERKIE

Kelly picked me up for the midweek service he spoke about. He insisted on driving us to the location. His car is not bad, but when you are used to sitting in bigger cars for years, a saloon car feels too close to the ground. At least, he had AC in this car. The service took place on one of the campus ministries of another denomination, they really worshipped him when he arrived. Some tried to ask if I was their future ‘mama’. I swiftly answered no.

After, they gave us take away packs from Mayenii. I did not want to accept because I know how costly their food is especially for students who need it more than I do but Kelly insisted it will be rude to reject it.

On our drive back...

“I hope you enjoyed the service” he asked.

“Yes” I lied, he sang well but the theatrics were too much for me and the pastor just spewed a bunch of punchlines, no real teaching or preaching.

“I felt the spirit of God strongly. That pastor is powerful…” he said.

“I suppose so” I answered.

“This Mayenii Food, I don’t get the hype” he said.

“Really! I love their food. I usually get it for lunch” I said and he looked shocked.

“400ghs on lunch?” he asked.

“They have a special corporate lunch menu for 150. The 400 and more is for the fancy dinner, à la carte etc.” I answered.

“You are their customer paa ooo. Anyway, no need to carry lunch on Monday. I will bring you the best jollof you have ever tasted” Kelly said.

“Alright. From where?”

“I will prepare it myself” he said.

“Oh okay. I can’t wait” I pretended to be excited. I am very skeptical about eating from other people’s kitchen. Not everyone is hygienic or even a good cook.

We finally got to my house.

“Alright, thank you. I had a nice time” I said.

“Me too… so see you Sunday for church service then Monday too for lunch. We should get married at this point. Should I come and pick you up?” he asked

“No thank you”

“I can drive your car if mine is too uncomfortable for you” he offered. I was taken aback.

“Oh, don’t worry, I will be coming with my parents and their driver” I said.

“Oh…okay.”

“What service will you be ministering?” I asked, hoping to avoid him.

“Second, I will be in Kumasi on Saturday and will return late”

“Alright. See you, goodnight” I said and rushed in.

Immediately I walked into the front door, my mother was seated waiting for me.

“Eheh! How did it go?” she asked eagerly.

“Mama, this one won’t work ooo” I replied.

“Why? what did he do?” she asked.

“I don’t know. I can’t pinpoint what exactly it is. But there is something off about him” I said.

“Oh hoh! this my daughter! I know what is off with him. It is because he doesn’t have a big car or plenty money. I have told you, with these men of God, it is timing. He will become rich like Rev.Dave ooo. I remember when he started, he and Mama Zoe with their small Corolla, now see them. It is time” she lamented.

“It is never about money Mama, there is just something…” I said.

“You give him another chance and then see. Once he has not done anything wrong. Just keep going. Don’t give up” she encouraged.

“I hear you” I said.

I made my way to the kitchen, reheated the pack of Mayenii and sent a picture to Terry.

“See what I was gifted today” I texted.

“You just can’t escape me. We are meant to be 😜” he replied and I scoffed.

Monday

I went for first service to avoid Kelly. I did not like his reaction when I mentioned I will be attending church with my parents and their driver, in addition, why does he want to drive my car after our first date?

I was about to ask Efua, my assistant to order lunch for me when Kelly sent a reminder about the jollof he has prepared. He was thirty minutes late.

“Sorry for the delay, when you don’t have a big car, you cannot threaten other road users” he said as he dropped the food on my desk and made himself comfortable. I then called Efua to bring cutlery. He remained seated, waiting for me to serve us. The least I can do is serve since he cooked for us.

I disliked the aroma of the jollof, it had a fishy smell. I love fish but not in jollof. But I will excuse this. It was also a bit too sticky and oily, the stir-fried veggies too were greasy. And the spice? It was too much, I started sneezing and coughing after the first bite. The chicken was fried but too dry and hard. Kelly seemed to be enjoying his meal.

“Oh, you should have told me you don’t eat pepper” he commented as he saw me struggle with the food, continually sipping water with every bite.

“I do but this is off the charts” I said.

“Food has to be spicy, water must flow from your nose so you know the real deal” he added.

“I see” I replied.

I barely ate half of the food, he finished his and ate the rest of mine, stating ‘food should not be wasted’.  After, he asked me to pray before he left. I realised he did not add dessert, probably not his thing. I miss Terry’s jollof already but it was time to focus on work.

After two hours, my stomach started rumbling. I was about to call Efua to order food for me when she entered with food from Mayenii. I wanted to kiss her but HR will have to deal with me.

“How did you know?” I asked astonished.

“The smell of his food and the way you nearly emptied your water bottle told me what I needed to know. Anyway, it was Terry who sent it, I did not have to order” she said as she placed the brown paper bag on my desk.

I took out my phone and I called him.

“How did you know I miss you?” I asked before quickly correcting myself “I mean … I miss your jollof” I added hastily. He laughed softly on the other end of the line.

“Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaketh” he said midst laughter.

“Don’t flatter yourself” I said as I opened the pack and it was fried rice. Something to erase that terrible meal I just had.

“A little birdie told me someone tried to replace my lunch order business. How did it go?” he asked.

“Efua is the little birdie. It was disastrous! I miss your jollof!” I said.

“Manage the fried rice for now, which jollof? I have made you several” he said.

“The special one, with prawns” I said.

“Oh, that one is not on the restaurant menu. That was from my private kitchen” he said.

“Okay, I will be placing an order for tomorrow” I said.

“Private for a reason, if you want it, come house make we cook together” he said.

“Into the lion’s den? No please” I replied.

“But you can eat my food? Come on Nukes, I will not do anything that will make you uncomfortable. I am free Sunday, 2pm I will send the location. Anyway, I have to go, time to prep for dinner” he said and cut the call.

Minutes later, he sent a location to his place. I stared at it…not sure. I guess I have six days to decide.

IMELDA

Friday evening, I was having a little conference for the ladies in church. I pleaded with Jordan to give the opening prayer. He came dressed like a model, I had difficulty focusing. I did not hear a single word he uttered during prayer. Just as he was about to leave, Agnes and her big mouth asked if he dressed for us.

Well, seeing this IG post makes sense. Wow! So, he is really going through with it. Marrying this Lady! I don’t even know what he sees in her. After all the prayers and visions?

I saw the picture of Jordan’s status, the ring is alright, I think it is too big. From nowhere, Tetteh posted the official photo from the photographer on the choir page. I wonder if that was the pose or they really kissed, I am sure she has used her backside to deceive him. As others were admiring the picture, I found it ungodly. How can a pastor be posing with his beloved like that? Not wife? I had to type congratulations too after all…

Saturday choir rehearsals, the ladies kept admiring her ring and passing comments. She also kept flashing it for them. Shika was in the middle of giving announcements when Jordan walked in for the pre-service meeting taking place later. The choir members stopped concentrating and started giving him fans. He walked to Shika quickly, rubbed her back gently and whispered into her ear causing an uproar before he left. I didn’t get the fuss, he just greeted her. Shika called them to order stifling the silly smile on her face before she continued.

Preservice meeting

The pastors congratulated Jordan again and as the meeting was coming to a conclusion…

“This is going to be one of our church’s biggest weddings!” Rev Dave exclaimed.

“Oh, no. We want to do something small and intimate. We will host a small brunch for the choir members and youth later but the main event will not be in the church” he answered.

“What!!! My youth pastor not getting married in my church!!! Then where?” Rev Dave exclaimed.

“I hope not in an ungodly place!” Pastor Isaac chimed in.

“Not exactly, but there will be a church celebration, we will have our thanksgiving here. I will explain everything later to you Pastor Isaac and Rev Dave in private” he said.

“If your fiancée is pregnant, we will not judge you. If that is the case…” I said.

“No, she is not, okay, I am a US citizen so we will be getting married there. She has her visa already so we are planning to get married and then see the way forward with her obtaining citizenship. I hope this can stay among us” he said, my heart sank. Shika does not only get the best man, she gets dual citizenship.

“That means you will move back?” Rev exclaimed, visibly worried.

“Yes, this we already know, Reverend Dave, but not yet. We will return after the wedding and live in Ghana for some years. You know she runs two businesses as well. All is not set in stone yet. Don’t worry Rev. Dave, I will not just quit abruptly. I love RLM and currently training my replacement already. The younger ones are gravitating towards Brother Frank who teaches Sunday school” he said and Reverend looked relieved.

“Eventually you will be going back to your old church. Probably God’s will for you was to find a wife in this church” Pastor Isaac said and they all agreed and congratulated him once more.

The moment the meeting was over, I walked him to his car. I was about to express my discomfort with his engagement when I noticed Shika seated at the passenger’s seat waiting for him. She was busy on her phone with her right hand as she used her thumb to toy with her engagement ring on the left. I congratulated the two of them once again and watched them leave.

Monday evening

I sat on my couch lost in thought, confused about everything. I took the day off in order to fast and pray.  Mama Zoe and I did not meet after church because Shika once again had hijacked her time. Mama Zoe tried reaching out today but I was not in the mood. I kept asking God to intervene and create a change. I hoped to see a message from Jordan, saying the wedding was off but nothing…

Not long, Kelly came through. He has been visiting more often than usual, hinting at a relationship but I have been adamant.

“The jollof you prepared today was good! But I had to add small chili oil to give it some kick!” he exclaimed.He asked me to cook jollof for him. He said he wanted to impress some pastors who are visiting Ghana for the first time.

“I hope the pastors enjoyed it. This time I was not focused so the rice was a bit oily and sticky” I said.

“It was perfect for me. The pastors enjoyed the food, they ate everything. Imelda, you seem dull. Is everything okay?” he asked.

“Yes, one of those days” I replied.

“Well, whatever or whoever it is, once they don’t give you air to breathe. They should not occupy your thoughts. Come, let me sing for you” he brought out his guitar and sang for me.

That calmed me down a bit, here I am thinking of Jordan when Kelly is here, showing me all the care and attention in the world. He ate some banku I had prepared and we watched some gospel music videos together. My mind went off Jordan and I was grateful for Kelly’s presence.

Next day

 Mama Zoe came by my apartment after work, she looked worried. She sat at the dining table with me.

“How are you feeling? I hope this engagement news did not shock you too much” she asked.

“It did Mama, I believed he was the one for me. But maybe God is using this to show me something else or someone else” I answered.

“Imelda, I have told you to take your time and figure out God’s will for your life in this season. Jumping to another person immediately is not the solution” she said.

“I know. But God blesses us and adds no sorrows. So, let’s keep praying” I said and she agreed.

She prayed with me and as she was about to leave, Kelly appeared with some fruits for us to eat. She smiled at me as she entered her car. I should probably give Minister Kelly a try, who knows?

He brought his guitar along again, and we spent time in the presence of the Holy Spirit. We even composed a song together, he recorded it on his phone. He said, he would definitely add it to the album he was working on and dedicate it to me. What a thoughtful person!