Johnson was one of the acquaintances I had when I newly joined the church but we grew to become close friends. He was a very lively person. You cannot help but like him. He requested for my house address, stating that it will strengthen our bond of relationship and I obliged him.

Later in the day, I was outside, packing-in the clothes that I hanged outside for drying when I saw his car approaching my house. I went to meet him and brought him into my house. Johnson handed a branded nylon bag to me. When I opened it, I saw two shirts, two pairs of trousers and a pair of shoes inside. All were new.

“What are these for?” I queried.

“A little gift from a friend,” He responded.

“These are too much. They are designer’s clothes and shoe. They must have cost you a fortune.” I protested mildly.

“Kel, I actually brought it from my clothing shop. Just manage it.”

“This brother is just too nice,” I thought to myself. I silently prayed that God will help me not to lose him because I felt our friendship would be fruitful to me.

“Please what do I entertain you with?”

Johnson told me that he ate food before coming to my house but I insisted that he must take something.

“Even if you ate food, how about drinks? You cannot come to my house and taste something. What is your brand?”

“Any soft drink is okay by me.”

I went to my fridge, brought a pineapple flavoured juice with two cups and served it.

“Johnson I must appreciate you for everything you’ve been doing for me. The first day I came to the church, I was lonely, though I was in the midst of people. All of a sudden, you came and caused a difference. You are really sent by God.”

“I have not done anything extra ordinary. I’m only being a brother and a friend. Do you remember Pastor’s sermon today, about the love of God. We were all sinners yet, Christ died for us. He has nothing to lose if he refuses to die but he did it out of love. You and I ought to show same love to people around us.”

I marveled at the kind of words coming out of Johnson’s mouth. I wondered why Mummy would ask me not to associate with that kind of person. Anyway, my conclusion was that he was a rare gem and I was so lucky to have him as a friend. There was nothing anyone could do about it. He invited me to his house and I promised to visit him the next day since there will be no evening service. Suddenly, Jane bashed into the house. I was astonished and embarrassed. She came to hug me and I gently pushed her aside.

“What are you doing here?” I asked her in an angry tone.

“I came to visit you.”

She greeted Johnson and headed towards the room.

“Who is she”? Johnson asked in a low tone, steadying his gaze on me.

I was barely able to stammer out her name. I could not bring myself to explain who she really was to me. When Johnson noticed that I was not willing to give further explanation, he saved the day for me.

“Never mind, I understand.”

Jane came out from the room and went into the kitchen. She resurfaced almost immediately with a frowned face.

“Kel, why is there no stout and beer in your fridge. Is like you didn’t notice they are exhausted.”

I bowed my head in shame. I literally wished the ground should open up and cover me.

‘What kind of disgrace is this; why is this girl bent on rubbing mud on me? First was coming to my house without invitation. Secondly, she attempted to hug me. Now, she is asking of beer. What will this brother think of me?’ I thought.

My thought was interrupted by Johnson’s voice.

“Kel, I have to take my leave.”

“So soon?” I managed to ask.

“Yes, I have some things to do at home.”

I knew that he was leaving because of Jane. Of course no decent child of God would be comfortable in that kind of scene.

“Remember you promised to visit me tomorrow,” Johnson told me. At that point, my spirit lifted a bit. That means he had not given up on me.

“I will surely be there,” I assured him.

I saw Johnson off to his car and came back to meet Jane.

“What are you doing in my house? I warned you not to come here again!”

“I have been calling your phone for days but you refused to take the call, so I decided to check on you. What is the big deal?”

“The big deal is the embarrassment you caused me in the presence of my visitor”

“Sorry o, I forgot that you told me that you have started attending church. Is he your pastor? If that is the case, you are the one to be blamed not me. Immediately I came in, you should have quickly said Pastor, this is my sister, cousin or anything you feel like calling me. With that, I will decode.”

“Stop that nonsense! Listen to me, I sent you a message that I am no longer interested in this relationship. We have been committing sin so we have to put a stop to it.”

“Kel, I’m deeply sorry for any harm I might have caused. I am also sorry for breaking the rule. We agreed that I should never come here. I will take my leave but you have to find a comfortable place for us to meet and talk.”

After saying that, she picked her bag and left. I was downcast for the rest of the day. I could not imagine how it would have been if Mummy had seen her. The worst is that she didn’t see any other time to come apart from when Johnson was around.

“This is a temptation, but I know that the God that gave Johnson and other young men in the church the grace to live holy lives will help me. My cases will not be different. Hundreds of Jane put together in one will not make me to go back to my vomit!” I declared loudly.