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Chef Terry

Today is the day I finally meet Nuerkie’s parents. She had a virtual meeting with my adoptive parents. We also underwent some tests to confirm that we didn’t share any biological ties. Thank God the results showed that we’re not related. She suggested I bring my famous grilled grouper as a gift. But I don’t want to be solely known for food. I got her mother a cute bouquet of flowers and her father a personalised, signed copy of a book she mentioned he loves. I usually cater for the author’s events, so getting my hands on an autographed copy wasn’t difficult. I made sure the author wrote a personal note in addition.

I wanted to wear a long sleeved shirt and remove my earrings but she asked me not to. I ignored her second warning, and removed the earrings. I cannot carry all the three ‘signs’ (dreads, piercing and tattoos) of a bad boy to her parents.

She opened the door, looking gorgeous as ever and led me to the hall where her parents were already seated. Her mother’s expression went from expectant to confused. After exchanging pleasantries and handing over the gifts, they seem to relax her a bit. Her father loved the gift. I realised Nuerkie’s mother kept glaring at my hair and tattoos. After her eyes were satisfied.

“Have you been to prison before?” she blurted after her observation.

“Oh Mama!” Nuerkie exclaimed “You do not have to answer that” she said to me.

“No, that will be rude. No, Mama Jessica. Why did you ask?” I said.

“Then why this long hair and tattoos? you are a handsome man but you will look like a gentleman if you cut your hair” she said.

“I will take your suggestion under advisement” I said, and she nodded her head before leaving Mr. Nartey and I.

He continued his interrogation and concluded the conversation with.

“Nuerkie is my only daughter, she is precious to me. I don’t want to see her sad. Just know that I will do anything for her”. The last sentence felt like a stern warning. I just nodded my head with a pursed smile.

The visit went better than I expected, not everybody is open-minded to their child dating an abandoned orphan. But this felt right apart from Mama Jessica’s disapproving looks at my appearance. Nuerkie and her father did not seem to care. Since our families are alright, I cannot wait to plan our future.

MAMA JESSICA

Who did I offend? What is the meaning of this? God, what kind of man did my daughter bring yesterday? It must be a dream, she is probably trying to test me. I sat in my appliance shop, thinking about the day before. I have called my little sister, Jemima to pass by. If only one of the guys I sent her way had worked out. Initially, I wanted Pastor Jordan to marry her but when Imelda mentioned it was her desire, I let it go. I set up dates with so many decent men but see what she has brought. My husband too is there saying that, once she is happy, we are happy. He and who? What will my prayer circle think when they come for the wedding?

Not long my sister came in, interrupting my prayers. I narrated my concerns to her. She reflected for a while.

“Ah…how old is Nuerkie?” she asked.

“She will be 35 next month” I answered.

“You don’t want her to marry the man because of simple hair and tattoo. Me that I married a decent- looking man, what happened? Didn’t he beat me like a thief?” she exclaimed.

“Your case is special”

“You are the same person who complains that she is too picky. And she is too primprom¹. Do you think your daughter will just date anyone?” she asked.

“No, Nuerkie is quite careful about the people around her, even her friends”

“Just don’t judge the gentleman. Pray and if it is not God’s will, then it will not happen”

I have heard my sister but she does not understand how I am unhappy with this Terry thing. I even asked Reverend Dave to join me in prayers.

I was able to close early, because I have hired Annette, a young lady from my church as the store manager. She reminds me of Imelda, so obedient and prayerful, very respectful. Quite unfortunately, she is from a very poor home, I would have asked my son to marry her since Imelda has rejected him on several occasions. Or? This should not matter, we have enough money to take care of her. Plus, she will be eternally grateful to us, I will speak to Cudjoe about it.

My son, Cudjoe… Hmmmmmmm. He is meant to be the Managing Director in our business, but he has decided to be a nightclub owner. How that business is still running after the number of times he has filed for bankruptcy? Only God knows, he should thank his sister for the money she makes us.

I returned home earlier and there sat Cudjoe at the dining table having a late lunch, probably getting ready to head out to run his den of sin.

“Mamacita, you are welcome. How were sales today?” he asked.

“Cudjoe, when are you giving me grandchildren?” I asked

“Ei Mama! You will not even ask how I am doing”

“With the number of yam pieces on your plate, you are fine. Answer my question”

“Unless you wait for Nuerkie, she is in the comfortable lead”

“What about the lady at my shop? Annette, she is so serviceable and humble. I heard no man has touched her, proper church and home trained girl”

“Clearly not my type Mama, I love me a baddie!”

“Baddie? What is that?”

“A hot woman, long wig, long nails, anklet, big buttocks…”

“Oh, those ones are all ashawo ooo!!!”

“Are you saying your daughter is an ashawo too? cause Nukes, does her nails, the occasional anklet, it is big buttocks she doesn’t have”

“Cudjoe, don’t kill me before my time. At least, talk to Annette and see”

“Mama, you are always sending these prayer warrior girls my way, they are not my type. If you don’t stop, I will just have sex with them ooo” he threatened.

“Yesu mogya nka wanim!! Foolish boy” I removed my right slipper and flung it at him which he dodged swiftly while laughing out loud.

What have I done to deserve children like these? Hmmmmmmm… God help me.

Three months later

Things have been going very well with Nuerkie and Terry, they love each other so much. They find it difficult to spend time together due to the nature of their careers, but they make it work.

On occasions, they go on a double date with Shika and Jordan, causing Nuerkie and Shika to get closer. This is sometimes difficult for Nuerkie at church because she has to manoeuvre between Imelda and Shika when she wants to socialise after the service.

Imelda is her childhood friend, and one of her mother’s spiritual daughters, while Shika is a new friend, they get along because of their love for business and entrepreneurship. They discuss their challenges, Nuerkie who inherited a business and Shika who built hers from scratch.

NUERKIE

Another long day at the office and it has been three days since I laid my eyes on my boyfriend. And we live in the same city!! What an atrocity!! Terry was called to cater for a famous music festival, he rented a food truck. From the videos, it looks like business is going well. It will not be bad to pass through and check on him. He also mentioned leaving his car at the restaurant.

I finally made my way to the festival grounds. I decided to park elsewhere and walk to the venue. I paid for a ticket, the things we do for love. I finally made it to where his truck was and business was booming.

“Chale, the guy selling the hot dogs is sexy papa! My type paa” two girls standing in the queue commented as they admired Terry. I noticed him smile and flirt with the customers, calling the ladies “baby girl” with a sweet voice. I am not mad at the skill, if that is bringing us customers, go ahead. He still had not yet seen me.

“Hi, I’m Kwesi and you are?” a young man in his early 20s approached me. I was surprised at first. Then it dawned on me, I was dressed in my site clothes, a fitting T-shirt and baggy barrel jeans. It is just left with a septum piercing and I blend right in.

“Nuerkie” I replied.

“Are you a model or something? I am sure I have seen you on IG before” he stated.

“No, I work with a construction company”

“Cool. Are you here for Gyakie or AratheJay?” he asked.

“More like Sarkodie” I replied in a sarcastic tone.

“Oh, I don’t think he is performing here. Wrong event” he said.

“I was kidding, how old are you?” I asked.

“Oh! It’s like that! I am in 2^nd year” he replied.

“So, like 20?” I asked.

“Yeah, you’re in final year?” he asked

“No, don’t let my slim frame deceive you, I am 35”

“An Auntie? No issues here. I fit handle” he said, squaring his shoulders.

“Kyekyekule² by this time, bye” I teased, leaving him confused with the archaic reference and walked to the front of the queue.

Before any of the ladies in front could protest.

“MY LOVEEEE!!!!” Terry squealed as soon as he saw me and signalled that I come through the back. I ignored the murmurs and made my way inside. I washed my hands and he put me to work, bagging the orders.

We sold out before the main act, leaving some customers disappointed. When it comes to food business, it is better to sell out than run at a loss. He delegated the assistants to clear the truck and return it. He asked them to video call him when they are done.

“Someone is learning how to delegate” I said as we walked to my car.

“Yeah, learning from the best” he replied as he wrapped his arm around me.

My parents are away on a trip, so I decided to spend the night at Terry’s. I know, as a Christian girl I should do better. I have always judged my girls for sleeping over at the man’s place. Here I am, doing the same.

For some time now, things have not been completely innocent. I have had sex just once, long time ago in university. A grave mistake, one where this so called ‘shepherd’ took advantage of my naiveté.

With Terry, some boundaries have been crossed with his tongue. Once on my office desk and others at the backseat of his car or in his hall. I always avoid him after for some days and then go back for more.

It is 4 am and I can’t sleep, he is fast asleep beside me, bare-chested. I should have gone home, here I am having ungodly thoughts. I started planting kisses on his face, waking him up.

Four days later…

I was engrossed in my work, when Terry barged in with my assistant trying to stop him. I signalled her to leave us alone. I was not expecting him

“Why have you been avoiding me?” he asked.

“I have been busy with work. Why did you just barge in like that? What if I had a visitor?” I replied.

“You have been off since Saturday, what did I do wrong?” he asked.

“T, I just need time alone. I am tired of carrying this relationship”

“Carrying? I am confused”

“We agreed to abstain and see what happened Saturday” I said.

Yes, Saturday, I eventually gave in and went all the way.

“Nukes, you said you were okay. I kept on asking if you are sure and you said yes. Damn, you even pulled my dick out of my boxers!” he exclaimed.

“So, couldn’t you say no?” I asked.

“The last time I said no, you argued with me and we ended up at the backseat of my car”

“We agreed to abstain!”

“Nukes, we did not agree. I said I will try. And I am confused. Because, when I say no, you get mad. When I say yes, you get mad after. What do you want from me?”

He was right, there have been times where he refused and I get upset and give him a cold shoulder.

“Just ignore me!” I said, exasperated.

“Are you sure? Because it never ends well. This is getting tiring, we create boundaries, you cross them and somehow I end up getting blamed” he sounded frustrated.

“Well, you have to help me enforce them!”

“Oh Nuerkie!! Have you seen yourself? You are so gorgeous and sexy, who am I to deny you? but to prove to you I can be a team player, I will enforce.  Just don’t get angry when I remind you of this interaction” he warned.

“Even if I get angry, I will get over it”

“Nope, you have to get comfortable with obeying our rules, not angry” he said,

“Who sent me to date a chrife girl kwraa??” he said aloud to himself and I giggled.

“Alright, I will be comfortable with the rules” I said, got up and hugged him.

“You came empty handed?” I asked, noticing he didn’t bring anything.

“Yes, take it as your punishment”

One month later…

My restraint lasted for a good two weeks. Here I am back to square one, all sweaty and panting in Terry’s couch. Anna, my friend is right, drink deep or taste not indeed. This time, I was basically practising with Terry at this point. I was reading materials on how to get better at sex. Am I becoming an addict? I took a shower, and this time around. I did not get angry, I am tired of getting angry and wallowing in guilt. I accepted responsibility for my part, Terry did resist, till I showed him the new lace bra I bought.

I summoned Anna and Elorm for an emergency meeting. We met in Elorm’s bakery because she was in the middle of packing some orders. I wanted to add Shika, but I remembered she is married to my pastor. Nobody gossips like those two, I guess they come after Tetteh and Agnes.

“Is everything okay? the way you wanted us to talk gidgidi diɛɛ” Elorm asked as we helped her arrange pastry packs for a wedding reception.

“I need help. I think I am a sex addict” I blurted and Anna accidentally dropped the cupcake she holding, thank God it fell onto a bowl of chicken, not the floor

“Oh Anna, be careful!!” Elorm picked up the cupcake and set it aside.

“Wait! Ah! Nuerkie, I think you are overusing the word addict” Elorm said.

“Do you think about it all the time? With everyone and anything?” Anna asked.

“Oh no, it just Terry. For some reason, this is the one relationship, I can’t abstain. All others have been difficult but I am able to” I said.

“You can’t? I thought you had a lot of rules, wearing old underwear, not sleeping over, always in a public space…” Elorm started.

“My dear, I bought a new underwear to show him and we ended up doing…” I said and Anna just kept on laughing.

“Anna, this is serious!” Elorm said.

“Chale, it’s Nuerkie we are talking about. Remember the grief she used to give me for having an active sex life? Even judging me for marrying Mark because he is uncircumcised? Allow me to savour the moment. All the sermons we receive from her even when we kiss our boyfriends? Nuerkie, you have always dated people you did not necessarily love or insanely attracted to. You like them alright, but you were dating based on their functionality. What they could do for your life and business in the long run, Terry is both. Not only is he functional, you love him and the man is sexy rough! I don’t blame you!”

“Anna, Elorm, I need a solution” I said.

“We are the last people to give you a solution my dear. I am married and I didn’t not abstain with Mark. I don’t know about Elorm” Anna remarked.

“Chris and I were able to abstain for a year, so I guess you can try. You can speak to Pastor Zoe or Shika, they should be able to help” Elorm said.

“Now you know that prayers are not enough. Hahahahaha!” Anna teased.

“See why I don’t like to add you to these conversations” I said.

“I am sorry, I just could not help it. I think it is because church and society never tell us what to do with these feelings. They just ask us to shove it down like they don’t exist. If we opened up the conversation and we start talking about them early. We will probably have better control over these situations” Anna said.

“True” I replied.

“So, but don’t give up. Keep trying, both of you. You lose when you give up altogether” Elorm said.

“Now, let’s talk about more serious issues, on a scale of 1-10, rate Chef Terry” Anna said, making all of us laugh.

“Heyyy, please I am a lady” I answered.

“Lady that likes sex. Ei! Madam Nuerkie! Well, from the way you called an emergency meeting and diagnosed yourself as a sex addict. I have my figure” Anna joked.

“Anna, stop or she will not tell us anything again” Elorm warned while struggling to stifle her laughter.

“No hard feelings Nuerkie, but it is good to know you are human too. On a serious note, try as Elorm said and talk to your pastors. They are well equipped for this topic” Anna said.

I eventually left them and went to see Terry. I did not mention my conversation with the girls. We just hang out, chatting and planning our future. We both agreed to try and when we fail, we will speak to our pastors.

IMELDA

The Lord I serve is a magnificent God, he is the great I am that I am. The Lord that restores, He said in Joel 2:25, “I will restore to you the years that the locust has eaten…” If I knew this is what God had in store for me, I would not have wasted my time pining over Jordan.

You know, God indeed knows what is best for you. I am happy I listened to Him and gave Minster Kelly a chance. The man of God has been amazing, a prayer warrior, a singer…he recently went on 21 day fast for the launch of his new album, he has lost weight. He also said he sought the face of the Lord concerning his marriage. He did not tell me what the Lord said, but he assures me it is something positive.

It is like I am obsessed with this gift the Lord has comforted me with. Kelly shares the word with me, prays for me and is a proper gentleman.

I spoke to Mama Zoe about Kelly, initially she was enthused but after some time, she came back and implored me to be wary. I got confused and turned to Mama Jessica who assured me that Kelly was the one. In fact, she felt it in her spirit. We concluded that maybe Mama Zoe’s anointing has been affected after her divorce. Marriage gives you a covering, and a double covering if you are married to a man of God. Even women of God can be led astray, I hope she realises it early and come back to Rev. Dave because some of the women are ready to replace her already.

Anyway, Kelly has been moved to the second branch with Pastor Isaac. Because of his voice, the church is growing. Shika volunteered me to assist with their choir sometimes. I know it was her plan to rid me of the choir I built at the headquarters, but what the enemy meant for evil. God turned it around. Kelly and I ended up spending more time together, ministering.

Today, I will be ministering at the new branch hence I need to look my best.

At church

After announcements, Pastor Isaac called me to sing one more time to close the service. I started and then I noticed everyone was pointing and gasping. I turned around and right there kneeling was Kelly with the most beautiful ring I have seen. The church screen had the inscription.

“Imelda, Will you marry me?”

Kelly was handed a microphone and started singing one of the songs from his album. A song about love. Tears started streaming down my face, I said yes, knelt down and started speaking in tongues as he placed the ring on my finger. The congregation kept on shouting in excitement and joy.

After they calmed down, Pastor Isaac spoke

“I know our general overseer may not be excited about me allowing a proposal during service, because he doesn’t want it to become the main focus of the service. But I just had to, Imelda has served RLM very well. She is a beacon of light and a true Proverbs 31 woman, if we do not show God’s glory in her life, how will people know the God of RLM is a glorious one? If you are single, this is your sign. Tap into this marriage, pray, serve the Lord faithfully and he will never disappoint you”

The congratulations kept flowing during the week as I waved my hand everywhere I went. My followers were happy for me. In no time, my proposal was trending. People were asking about the song Kelly sang as well, so he ended up releasing it as a single. The album launch is scheduled for much later, the song made it to top 5 on all digital streaming platforms nationwide. The best Christian proposal song they called it.

My father on the other hand was angry that Kelly did not seek permission to ask for my hand in marriage first. We had to go with Pastor Isaac to beg for his forgiveness and Kelly asked for my hand again, which he reluctantly agreed after asking him a multitude of questions. My mother and everyone else were happy for me, except Jordan and his wife. I did not get a personalised congratulatory message from them, they sent it in the group chats like everyone else.

Reverend Dave called us to his office and prayed for us. He was excited and agreed that I be moved to head the choir at the new branch since Kelly will be busy as a musician when the album comes out. He also offered to pay for the church wedding décor for us.

Who cares if Jordan or Shika are unhappy? My Lord has answered my prayer. I am going to be a wife. All my years of serving the Lord, being a good and faithful servant has paid off. Mama Jessica has started counselling us and I am grateful for Kelly’s dedication. He even asked her to make us meet three times a week so we can finish early. He said God asked him to marry as soon as possible in order not to miss his window of favour. He had to do it before the album launch or else, it will not be successful.

God bless Kelly for lifting my head. I thank him for his patience, he has been so upright with me. People are shocked we haven’t even kissed. That is what happens when a man is serious with his walk with God. It is now time to plan the biggest wedding of RLM.

Ever since people heard I am about to get married, offers to bless the wedding have been flowing. Mama Zoe also offered to pay for my gown, Mama Jessica promised to pay for the catering. Kelly too has been getting some other pastors offering to sponsor certain parts of our wedding.

This marriage is indeed blessed and a sign that God’s hand in it…

Author’s Note

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Lexicon

1. Primprom – Ghanaian shortened slang for ‘prim and proper’
2. Kyekyekule – it is a Ghanaian call and response children’s rhyme. It is also used to refer to children in a informal or mocking tune.