Novel by DadaDupeola - You RIP what you sow AT THIRTY

                                                     Chapter 1

                           Angela

On a sunny Sunday in June, 12years old Angela had asked for forgiveness twice. Seated in a crowded bungalow auditorium painted cream and decorated with purple drapes and cushion chairs arranged orderly for a clear view of the podium on every side. The color purple used as an embellishment over the hall; purple rug, purple offering baskets and choir robes denoting royalty that aligned with the church's motto which stated "Christ the King". She listened in awe to the preacher standing ahead of her wearing a black suit matching his dark complexion, lean body and sparkling white teeth. The pastor wore a white shirt inside, red tie and a patent leather black shoe corresponding with his  attire which proved to be the mix of ensemble  to attract any audience while making forceful gestures behind the platform. Angela's first confession happened in Church as the pastor clearly pointed out that telling lies was a sin and sinners needed repentance.


She told a lie earlier to escape Church that day. She complained to her mother that she had an upsetting tummy and won't be able to attend Church but Angy's mother insisted. Uttering that her attending service was the cure of her stomach ache, "healing only comes from God and He can only heal you in His house" Angela's mother stressed while putting finishing touches on her makeup. She could not question that statement and knowing she had no choice, the girl tagged along dragging her feet during the 5 minutes walk to end up seated mushed up between two heavily bodied women; her mother and their nosy neighbor.

She wasn't too holy but her believes were people advanced to rapture and others went to hell after death. She assumed in life there was nothing anyone can do to change it,  you have to pray you are one of the chosen who gets to go to heaven whether you are good or not.... Maybe that is where a nearby charismatic Church got its name "chosen".


At that young age, she theorized in miracles not luck. She came to the conclusion miracles only happened after prayers and turns out, Angela's miracle had come without her asking for it.


After the Church service, Angela made her way home walking boldly up ahead while her mummy lagged behind chit chatting their nosy neighbor on the sidewalk. Soon, she notices a truck packed on the side of the road close to her own house and people moving things into an empty flat adjacent the structure of her house. As she walks past where the van is parked, she looks into the compound just in time to see expensive furniture scattered everywhere and a boy, fair complexioned, pink lips and chubby. The young boy whom she figured was her age was standing in between the furniture and the gate of the compound. The boy she will later know as Phillip was starring right back at her.


Her heart skipped a beat and from the moment Angela saw him, she was hopelessly in love. That was the second time she asked for forgiveness and even she had no idea what she needed to be forgiven for.


 ..........To be Continued next week Saturday

                      #Staytuned