There had been an on-going rumor that Johnson was getting married to Mary; one of our church members. I chose to ignore it because he had told me that he would never have anything to do with any girl in the church. I could remember vividly a particular conversation I had with him on that issue.

“Johnson I saw you having a discussion with Mary today and I was wondering.”

He waited a while for me to conclude the statement but I did not.

“What could you be wondering,” He asked.

“I was wondering if she is the chosen one.”

“Kel, I don’t know what you are talking about.”

I knew he understood what I was saying, though he pretended not to know. However I decided to use plain language.

“Is she the future Mrs. Johnson?”

“This guy, is that why you have been beating around the bush? Listen and listen very well, I will not marry any girl in this church. I will not allow them to ruin me.”

Those were Johnson’s exact words. However, on this particular Sunday after service, I was searching for him. When I couldn’t find him, I sought the assistance of one of the ushers.

“Johnson must have gone for pre-marital counseling. You heard when Pastor announced that premarital counseling will be holding immediately after service,” Mike told me.

“Yes I remember, that was because Pastor will not be available in the evening.”

“Exactly!” Mike corroborated.

“But I’m confused. What is Johnson doing where they are having premarital counseling? Has he become one of the counselors?”

“Are you asking me? When you see him, you can ask him. Is he not your friend?”

With those words, Mike walked out on me in anger. I was surprised at his attitude. I didn’t see how the harmless question I asked could make someone angry. But when I thought about the issue, it occurred to me that Johnson could be hiding something from me. It however beats my imagination why he should do that. As I was there lost in thought Johnson walked up to me and expressed surprise that I had not gone home. I asked where he was coming from and he started stammering.

“Don’t you know where you are coming from?” I asked angrily.

He was silent for a while, later he told me that he was coming from a premarital counseling session. Johnson was nervous while he was talking. He was finding it difficult to coordinate his words. I couldn’t understand the reason.

“Have you become one of the counselors?” I asked, expecting confirmation from him. The question helped him to regain his composure and he started laughing.

“Of course not. Kel, you are funny.”

“Stop laughing and tell me what you went there to do,” I said with stern face.

“Something happened. Mary is pregnant for me.” He said in a low voice.

“Mary is pregnant…You are already attending premarital counseling…Almost all church members know that both of you are getting married but you could not tell me. Yet you claim that I am your friend. Is it fair?”

Johnson bowed his head and could not talk. He was acting like a child caught stealing. Later when he started talking, he sounded remorseful.

“Kel, I’m very sorry. There is no way I wouldn’t have told you. In fact, I planned to tell you today. I was in my house, when Mary came to break the news of the pregnancy to me. I became confused because I never planned to marry her. But later, I considered that she is a good girl, respectful and beautiful. To crown it all, she is pregnant for me. I took her to the hospital and they confirmed that she was two weeks pregnant. Afterwards, I rushed to Pastor and declared my intentions to marry her. He asked me if I have prayed and I answered in the affirmative. I even told him that I got confirmation that she is my wife.”

“Confirmation indeed.” I mocked.

“Her being pregnant is my confirmation; what else do I need. The following day, Pastor called Mary and she confirmed that God told her that I am her husband.”

“That is pathetic. How can she tell such lie before a man of God I used to rate her high spiritually.” I blurted out but Johnson literally shut me up.

“Saint Innocent, will you allow me to conclude what I am saying?”

I nodded my head indicating that he should continue. I had no moral ground to accuse them because we are all in the same shoe. Whenever a kettle calls the pot black it should expect a backlash.

“We have already gotten the wedding date. 31st June is the date.”

“So fast, that is the ending of this month.”

“Yes, we have to rush. Do you want her stomach to protrude before the wedding date?”

“Johnson you are a b—–ad boy.”

“Same to you bros,” he retorted.

“The biggest hurdle you have to cross is the pregnancy test. What are your plans?” I asked.

“Don’t worry about that. I am in charge. The important thing is the payment of bride price. It is taking place next week Saturday. Please you have to be there for your friend.”

“It’s done. What are friends for?”

“Thanks so much. I know that I can count on you.”