Chapter two of 3

I waved her goodbye. I had great time with her even though she's got a boyfriend. Get into my room as everyone had locked themselves in their rooms. I took my toiletries to go and shower. I left drained, I was powerless. I did not do much, but instead I let the water hit my head. I had a long day today. Longer than my ordinary days, came out, went to my room. Check my phone. And two missed calls and it was my dream wife and still chances are there but either way, there might be some possibilities that can cease her to be my lady I decided to call her back. She answered fast. We talked through the phone and joked too, she is what I desire on a woman, funny, God fearing, decent, etc.

"Hey um… has your boyfriend called you yet,"

"What? Why?"

"To wish you a goodnight sleep,"

"No he hasn't called. I tried calling him, to wish him a good night sleep but he told me he was busy, he'll get back to me when his done; and he hasn't why do you ask?"

"I did not want to be there one switching off your lights because you have a man, and it wouldn't sound nice if I said goodnight after him!" I said.

"Argh… man don't be silly."

"Hey I enjoyed every minute I spent with you today it was a day well spent!" I said.

"Wow! I appreciate that!"

We talked and talked over the phone, sharing ideas, teasing each other, we had a long chat that even I was amazed by the response she gave me.

"Ok goodnight princess, sweet dreams." I said.

"Goodnight Joe."

The whole night I couldn't sleep, I kept on having visions. I kept on dreaming about my little sister, chasing her with Moos at the Millie Farm that dream kept on repeating itself. I went downstairs to my scrap room to expand my nightmare. Didn't even know what the dream meant. I expanded my mind and went all out. I did 6(six drawings).

The first paintings or drawings were of Musa and Lungile, running about the farm having fun. It was a drawing of her in a white dress sitting on a swing under a Marula tree, facing up. I drew Lindy, did not finish the seventh one. I slept at my scrap room! And passed out forgotten that there was varsity that needed my attention.

My family was at the kitchen having breakfast and I was resting on my scrap room. I got up late my alarm did not wake me, my battery was flat my head was killing me it was paining like I had so much to alcohol in my system. Yes so much to drink you never thought that I would know about alcohol or had experienced it. After the accident I gave myself into alcohol, I loved my little sister so much. I lost my focus on my school work. I let peer pressure took over and rule my life. I partied and came back home drunk, many would think that as I partied hard maybe I misused woman and became a womanizer, the truth is, I feared woman. When I looked at them I would see my little sister's shadow. I could see her in tears. Believe you me when I say alcohol will never solve problems, instead of reducing them, they became more, many people out there drink a lot of wine, trying to drug the mind not to think hard about the trials and tribulations won't go away, when the mind gets sober, you find your problems as they are.

Wasting money is another problem, it's another stress, another problem, what I've learnt was to move on with myself get my life in order, and aim for the best in life.

Holding a grudge, Is what slows us down, I hated the people who abused my little sister, they did what they did, they are pleased where ever they are, they are getting on with their lives whilst I sit miserable on bars and taverns. I almost lost my passion, my talent, my gift of painting. I almost threw it out of the window with the bottles I drank.

Alcohol is good for having fun at parties just to refresh and cool down, Alcohol should not be drank every day because your body will be addicted to it, your body will get in a habit of being fed by alcohol every now and then. My father never gave up on me, as his father gave up on him.

Life is worth a living for, God created man in his image in his form. Jesus the son leads us straight to the father, the only way to him alone is to be baptized and accept him as Lord and savior.

When my little sister was killed brutally, I was only twenty and was saved by the grace and i was born again. I thank the pastor who showed me the right path of life! Life is more precious than getting drunk. God loves us all.

I happened to ask him a question that was haunting me.

"Pastor would God forgive me for going astray?"

He said "Son God knew you from the very beginning of your life, he loves you, and the situation you faced was already there!"

"Hold on! Man of God! Just stop right there! How is it possible that my God! My creator would let a terrible thing happen to me and my family, how can he let us go through this situation?"

"Listen son!" he said "I can see your frustrations, but listen to me and focus on each and every word that is going to tell you!" I sat down and tried to be calm. "God trusts you! He brought you to this situation with a purpose; he knows that you are stronger than you think you are! Remember Gideon from the bible? The Angel came to his hiding place, were he was terrified but the Angel spoke to him and said 'strong soldier' son you are strong and you can beat this, God we'll never give you a heavy load that will be too much for your shoulders to carry!"

"Its heavy pastor, I can't handle this load!" I cried. I seemed to be taking it hard than everyone, but mom and dad became strong for Musa and I.

I couldn't move on, but with the help of this Man of God, God has sent, I managed to get my life back on track and aimed for the best.

Life is worth living, God knows each and every one of us in this entire universe as David the Psalmist had spoken 'You examine me each day when I'm asleep at night, you know me very well'

I wanted to share this testimonial just for a little bit before I could carry on and share my story of my quest on finding my women on how life was as a young adult.

I got up and washed up, my neck was killing me, and I had my late breakfast and decided to check on Lindy's car. I went to check for it outside but it wasn't there, I panicked I didn't know what to do, I rushed upstairs to get my phone and remembered that there's a landline phone on the house going to my room would be a waste of time! I dialed my father's cell phone numbers, he's the only one who knew about cars because mom wouldn't answer me even though I would ask, as for Moos his at school I shouldn't bother him.

I dialed his cell phone numbers because if I would call him from the office, that receptionist of him, Ms. Pretty would ask me to briefly explain myself and give her every single detail of myself.

"Pops pops!"

"Whoa! Whoa! Whoa! Slow down and take a deep breath and tell me what's going on."

"Pops last night there was a car here a white Corolla Etude and I don't see it now!"

"Oh! So that's the reason you are calling? And you can't seem to breathe properly huh?"

"Father, please stop playing games, and please do tell me if you know where the car is or you've seen it! Please!"

"Check it on the garage you'll find it there."

"How did you manage to put it there?"

"I called the breakdown truck to pull it in… I didn't know that you would be absent from varsity today… the car would have be burnt by the hotness of the sun if it was to be left outside."

"Oh! Yeah am sorry pops I over slept I just got up… and thank you for what you did, I appreciate it!"

"It's alright so is there anything else?"

"No there's nothing more"

"Good then… allow me to carry on with my job."

"Yes Dad,"

"And before you hang up, please remember this, don't try to be something that you are not, be yourself no matter what, you hear me?"

I took all my attention and check on the car, checked the respirators everything seemed fine. I am an African child, we do believe that sometimes, when you mention the dead or kind of mention their names you are bringing them or inviting them to life! So there's no explanation about Lindy's car it seemed fine. Perhaps, Lungi didn't want her to leave here yesterday. Maybe she wanted her to stay over, I wouldn't know. I spent time trying to figure it out, what was the problem with it, got inside the car, and did not bother to start the engine. Musa came back early from school. I was still seated inside the car. And i happened to find her diary book, all good and bad things that happened to her. I don't know why girls do this, writing every single thing about their private life on this little book. Look at it now; it has landed on the wrong hands. What was written in it was private information so I'll share it with you; I'll just read where I happened to page up.

"Dear diary it's almost four months since I've started to date V.J I'm starting loses my patience with him he is my first love, but I don't know if I'm supposed to feel like this! He never calls, he only text's me, I don't know if my mind is playing tricks with me. I suspect that maybe he has got himself a new girlfriend; I don't know maybe I should stop calling him; I'm becoming a noisy mosquito, his no longer interested in me. Perhaps I shouldn't keep my hopes up, busy hoping that he might come around. I would understand if he was in training camp, training to become a soldier, but no! He was a good guy when we first met but ever since I denied having sex with him before marriage he started to act strange…" I was still reading but Musa bang the roof top of the car!

"Bang ha… ha… you are frightened… Jesus J.R what are you doing." He exclaimed.

"Jesus Moos are you crazy? You almost gave me a heart attack!"

"You should be scared, why are you reading other people's privacy?" he snatched the diary out of my hands.

"What are you doing?" I stormed out of the car.

"Wait! Don't come any closer or I'll tell her that I saw you reading it!"

"No! You wouldn't do that… you wouldn't sabotage your brother like that!"

"Of course I would, have you forgotten whom you are making a deal with?"

"Whatever man," I got under the car to check if it wasn't leaking any oil, and boom! It was leaking oil.

"Since when have you become a mechanic?" he asked.

"Since I got a crush on a miserable girl,"

"Huh! Miserable, why do you say she's miserable, she doesn't look miserable to me?"

"It's written on the diary."

"What?"

"Yeah I now know that his current boyfriend doesn't afford to put a smile on her face, but I can."

"Are you serious?" he said.

"Yes! It's written in blue and white, just right there"

"Wow! So um… you are going to use that in your advantage?"

"Yep, I'm going to use my charms to win her love."

"That's great news and I have to admit it, that Lindy girl is so fine brother, you surely do have a taste, just like pops."

"Yeah, she is one fine girl… please grab the oil and pour it!"

"What page were you reading again?"

"Ha… ha… so you also want to page up 'people's privacy' huh?"

"Come on JR I also have to use it on my advantage."

"Yeah, yeah,"

"Like really now, you gave me an assignment, a task to help you get this girl, but now you are not helping… come on man you are not helping at all."

"I don't know what page it is, I just opened and read the page."

"Ok let me do the same then, maybe I'll get something better too," he said "Wow did you knew her birthday?"

"No why?"

"She was born on the nineteenth of July…"

"Ok now I know when her birthday is, so what's her birthday wish this year then?"

"… I was about to read that but you chose to speak upfront!"

"Ok I'm sorry… please read."

"Ok! 'dear diary, on my birthday I wish that when it reaches, I would have found myself a new man, I wish that the new man could adore me and take me out to dinner on my birthday and probably take me to dine in at Ushaka Marine World, get to order my favorite sea food. I wish that he could propose on my birthday,' Moos even changed his voice tone and tried to imitate her voice… 'If am not taken out on a date to Ushaka Marine World, I wish I could get…' the buzzer went on at the gate and rang. Musa looked from the intercom to check who it was and it was Lindy.

"Who's at the gate?" I asked.

"Your girlfriend," I have not tightened the leaking pipe, the oil sprayed my face, I moved from the position of the pipe.

"Hey carry on… I could get what?"

"Man never mind that are you ok?"

"Yes I'm ok! Just finish the line would you!" I yelled.

"… 'Get married on my birthday'… are you happy now?"

"Yes… I am so does that…" the buzzer went on again.

"I'm going to open up for her and where did you take the diary from?"

"Put it under the car seat… hurry!"

"Ok! But are you sure it was there?"

"Just put it already… you are making me to be more nervous!"

"Hi Lindy, please come on in, we are at the garage!"

"Ok thanks!"

She got into the gate, came to the garage. She looked so lovely, as she always do; you know beauty lies in the eyes of the beholder.

"Oh hello Moos… how are you today?" she asked.

"Am all good tomato sauce,"

"Ha... ha… ha you are very funny."

"Yeah, what can I say?"

"Look I'm sorry about yesterday…"

"…No, it's nothing, you don't have to blame yourself for it...I just want to say that. God loves us, and whatever situation you are facing right now it shall come to pass. For God is able, continue reading from his book of life, you will never be shaken by any situation that may come your way."

"Wow… J.R! Have you heard that?"

"Where's Joe?" she asked

"Look my lady whatever course you are doing; I solemnly think you should leave it!

"Why?" she asked

"Because I think you should be a social worker or a Psychologist. What do you think Joe?"

"Yeah you are probably, right… ah… ah damn this…"

"Are you ok?" she asked

"… Pipe I can't seem to tie it properly!"

"Ha! And I was amazed since when have you became a mechanic?" said Musa.

"To have some little faith wouldn't hurt you know!"

"I think you should leave it to the professionals, there's no any other way… hey Lindy what would you like to have?"

"Please this time around, just a cold drink."

"What flavor?"

"Twist lemon…"

"And a coke for me please,"

I got out from under neat the car; I undressed my vest and tried to wipe the oil out. I did not know which side she was seated. I don't know what's up with girls and six packs they all don't have that same likeness towards guys who happened to have a one pack a fat tummy, as I wiped myself she stared at my abs, and chest, my arm muscles and my neck. She gazed at me, lost focus even though when Moos was handing her, her drink. I thought I had to set her free.

"Didn't your parents taught you that it is rude to stare,"

"Did it not occur in your mind that you should have become a model?"

"Ha… ha… and you will be my manager right?"

"And I could make a lot of millions by signing you up first!"

"Would you guys stop flirting and take your drinks."

"Thanks for the drinks Moos…"

"Tell me why do you girls stare at our bodies?"

"Oh you want me to answer that?"

"Yes please!"

"Tell me why do you guys stare at our boobs and butts?"

"Oh, I have forgotten that you answer a question with a question?"

"Am glad that you now know me," she then took a sip on her soda.

"Wow you guys make a funny couple!" said Musa.

"What!" we both spoke.

Time flew, I went to shower And dressed up for church when I climbed down the stairs you could tell that Lindy had her own imaginations running through her brains, the Angels of God seemed to work in my favor. This made my quest to be easier.

"Ok let's go guys,"

"Aah… aah am not traveling with you guys to church I'll wait for Mom and Dad." He said.

"Why are you not coming with us Moos," asked Lindy

"Because you guys went all out: it's Friday night for goodness sake! We are going to church: for crying out loud!"

"Whoa! Whoa, stop being so melon-dramatic and let's go!"

"Nope am not going, you go on together you both, wore matching colors, and I'm the one reserved! No! I'm not coming with you."

"Mxm am going."

"Bye! Bye, you drive safely and make sure you protect that pretty face of yours Ms. Lindy."

"Has Moos always have been like this to every 'girlfriend' you bring home?"

"No! He hasn't am also surprised by his reaction."

"That's weird!"

"Yeah it is… it's all because of you!"

"Because of me, how is that so?"

"Because Lindy you are the first girl I've ever brought home!"

"Oh!"

"Yeah,"

"So technically you are trying to tell me that you don't have a girlfriend?"

"Yes I don't!"

"Why would a handsome guy like you not have a girlfriend?"

"I don't know! … Excuse me I need to make a phone call!"

"Ok!"

"Hey Mon… I am outside your gates… are you going to church?"

"Yes Mon… Am coming?"

"What is 'Mon'…? Have you guys shortened Monk?"

"Nope,"

"So which word have you taken?"

"It's Monsieur in all,"

"Monsieur,"

"Yeah it's a French word used to address a fellow brother or an elder!"

"Wow,"

"Hey what's up Mon…? Why weren't you in school today? Hey Lindy, so you are joining us tonight."

"Joe invited me,"

"So to answer to your question, I slept at my scrap room. I painted 6 painting, and did not finish the seventh one I was tired!"

"At what time did you sleep?" asked Lindy.

"Around 3 am."

"Jesus! Mon… are you trying to kill yourself with paint."

"We have arrived… This is where I fellowship."

We walked into the church, we as brethren's in our church we take weekdays services important. The Lord uses different people to minister his word! The spirit of the Lord Manifests and dwells to those who have accepted Christ and…. The Lord has chosen his brethren's to be baptized by, fire, and in spirit. During our weekday services we get to grow spiritually through our Lord and Savior, we do half of the programs that we do on Sundays. Our leader our father, the man of God does not minister nor preach during the week but fellow Christians preach. We all wait in awe, for we do not know whom the spirit will appoint on that evening. After we have sung and danced, we take it to the next level.

We give God the highest praises, we worship him not just to open our mouths, and we shout praises to him giving him all the glory. We do praise him but it's not enough, we gather together four times in a week Monday, Wednesday, Friday and Saturday. It's not enough the Cherubim and Seraphim worship him night and day calling him; you are Holy, only one Holy God there's none like you.

Pastor Nkosi took the stand and greeted all the brethren's inside the house of God.

"Hey am sorry to interrupt you." I whispered "this is our Pastor he doesn't preach on weekdays but he chooses anyone from the congregation."

"Oh ok, so you mean that he works in spirit?" she also whispered. "And there's a possibility that he might choose me or you?"

"Yes anyone could be …"

"Come on son, come and share with us." That was coming from the background as I was busy whispering to Lindy. I did not know that the Holy Spirit had chosen me to minister that evening. I saw the look and the attention given to me that, I had to take the stand.

I love the Lord, but I never thought that my faith has reached a level where I would stand in front of a congregation and Minister God's word.

I took my bible as the brethren clapped their hands. I went to the pulpit, I could feel God's presence on my shoulders a part of me wanted to cry because of the heat, I felt at the pulpit I looked at them and sang a song!

"You are holy my Lord!

You are holy!

You are holy my Lord!

You are holy!

You are holy my Lord!

You are holy!"

After singing I said a short prayer just to strengthen me.

Lord here I am your servant!

Use me the way you want,

Speak to your people towards me! If today is what you have planned for me?

To minister your word Lord! Let thy will be done!

I'm your servant whatever you want me to do I'll do it!

Whatever my God you want to say, I'll say it!

Lord I am ready! I'm ready! I'm ready.

Amen.

May we please all be seated? Greetings brethren in the name of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ! Am standing here today brethren's I wasn't prepared for this! And my standing here today,

Doesn't mean that I'm neither wiser nor holier than anyone among you,

I don't do things accordingly,

Hallelujah!

"I'm a sinner, don't act surprised, how can it be that, this sinner share the word of God?

We are all sinners here, is there any one here who doesn't sin?

The congregation went silent! I knew that they wouldn't say that they are not sinners, I then resumed.

"The bible says 'he who says does not sin, makes the Lord our God a terrible liar!

We are sinners and the Holy Spirit comforts us,

Each day we are being renewed to be better human beings,

I'm glad that the Mercy of the Lord found me; I wouldn't be standing here today,

If it wasn't for God's grace and mercy perhaps right now, I would be lying down on the ground,

Not knowing who I am, but the love that God has for us, is beyond measure,

Without wasting your time let us all open on our bibles on the book of Hebrews,

Hebrews chapter eleven on verse six, Hebrews 11:6.

Our topic tonight is about FAITH!"

I preached and shared what the Holy Spirit was addressing me to speak! After the service, fellow Christians shook hands with me, they all almost said one thing, it was like they were prepared to tell me this 'powerful message man!, the service was great!, whenever the Lord chooses you next time to share his word please don't make your heart to be hard, just preach to us.'

On our way home, Trevor and Lindy kept on whispering to each other, they kept on poking, and I knew something was up but they did not want to speak.

"Come on Mon… say something, I know you've got tons of words that you want to utter."

"Ok then I'll speak!" He said "did you prepare that message today?"

"No I didn't,"

"No you are lying to us J.R you did prepare that message!" said Lindy

"So you guys think that I wouldn't speak like that without preparing?"

"Yes!" they both spoke!

"Like really now, why should I explain myself to you?"

"Wait! I know you did prepare it!" Trevor said.

"What."

"That explains why you weren't in school today?"

"Yes you are right," Lindy agreed with Trevor.

"Come on guys, I've told you… hold it! Was the message not good enough for the both of you?"

"Mon… the service was on fire! The way you spoke, Mon it was like flames were coming out of your lips, God himself was speaking right through you Mon."

"Definitely, I Agree with you again Trevor, the Joe who was speaking at the pulpit is different from this one driving now!" said Lindy.

"You know what? Suit yourselves; I won't listen to whatever you've got to say now."

"Sorry my friend, if we have offended you!"

"Hey please stop at that Black and White wall,"

"What are we doing there?" asked Trevor

"That's my house, where I live." answered Lindy

"Oh it is?" I asked "But you didn't give me any direction to your house, how do I know where you live, How did I drive and come here?"

"Look Mon… you are acting strange today…"

"… And we forgive you, we will not tell anyone." concluded Lindy I was frightened myself. I knew I was driving but it never occurred to me that I might drive and reach Lindy's house, things that the Holy Spirit does sometimes do scare me, when it enters you its strange.

I sort of found myself on a similar situation today as Ezekiel, the Spirit of the Lord led him to a mountain filled of dried bones, they had no skin, and you wouldn't even recognize a relative even if you had one.

God spoke to him to breathe on those bones and he gave life to the bones, And with my situation. Trevor and Lindy kept on talking I didn't want to attend them but I ended up paying attention to them and listened whilst I kept my hands on the steering wheel Boom! Here I am at Lindy's street, it was totally confusing.

"Hey Joe, tomorrow is Saturday, I prefer that we start early for our painting lessons."

"Any time is fine with me, just come by my house and we'll continue where we left off!"

"Ok cool see you tomorrow then."

The gate opened and a mature woman stepped outside the gate.

"Wow that lady is pretty, I suppose it's her mom," admired Trevor.

"Hey Ncane." said Lindy, meaning Mom's younger sister.

"I've been worried sick, where have you been?" She asked.

"Am sorry, i should have called…"

"…I tried calling you several times, but your phone kept on sending me straight to voice mail…

"…Sorry I put it on silent when I got in to church."

"Ok, that's a relief,"

"Relax Ncane these two gentlemen took care of me."

"Oh sorry …?"

"…Sorry just call me Nance Nelly"

"Good evening Ncane." said Trevor, he introduced himself.

"I'm Trevor Hlatjwayo and this is my friend Joe…Joseph."

"Sorry I couldn't introduce myself properly."

"Never mind my friend he's a shy person." She smiled.

"Come on in and join us for coffee."

"No perhaps some other time we…"

"….Actually never mind the place we wanted to visit we'll go tomorrow."

I got upset. Whenever I tried to create an idea to escape, I always don't find my way with this guy. But then maybe it's for the best! We got into the house.

"Wow it's a lovely home you have here Ncane." Trevor admired.

"Yeah it is beautiful, I heard you kept on admiring my house and paintings so, where do you hide your work?"

"Paintings," Ncane looked surprised she had no idea of what I was talking about.

"Actually let me put the kettle on." She rushed to the kitchen.

"So how do you guys know Lindy?"

"We…um…" I disquieted, I wasn't waiting for this kind of question.

"We are in the same class,"

"Oh! So you guys are also studying to become Psychologist?"

"Huh?"

"Yes!" Trevor agreed.

I got alarmed. What was Ncane talking about? At first she looked surprised when I talked about paintings and now we are studying Psychology isn't she mental disturbed or something?

"Um…Ncane… what…uh…is your occupation, what is it that you do?" Trevor probed.

"I'm a Matron at the hospital."

"So have you loved being a nurse since you were young or it's a career you just woke up one day and said. 'I want to be a nurse'" Trevor asked.

"Actually my father used to be a doctor, his soul Rest in peace! I used to take his stethoscope to listen to my dolls heart beats!"

We both laughed, and she came holding a tray with three cups and biscuits.

"Tea's ready!"

"Oh yay" said Trevor "I love tea,"

"And I love to drink herbal tea!" said Ncane.

"Oh Lindy you made tea?" said I.

"Yes!" she answered.

"I would love to have some coffee!" as I looked straight into her eyes.

"Oh ok I'll bring it for…"

"…No don't worry you've done a remarkable job!" as I tricked. She could see in my eyes that I had changed.

"I'll help myself, just tell me where all things are and I'll help myself."

"Ok come with me to the kitchen then!"

"Oh Joe… I wish to see the kind of wife you are going to marry!"

"Why Ncane,"

"You'll make a good husband!" she admired.

"Oh you think so?"

"Yes son!" she said.

"Well then thanks, I appreciate that!" I held her arm and dragged her to the kitchen

"Ncane!" called out Trevor "Where is your family?" she got silent and starred her tea for a while.

"Ncane did I say something wrong?" his voice toned down.

"Oh son, you've asked me a sad question."

"Oh am sorry if I offended you I didn't mean to." Trevor consoled.

"It's ok son, it's ok don't worry I was once married in a life time, had all the joys, perfect husband, a perfect marriage. But then, the devil didn't like what I had. Evil spirits entered my mother in law."

"How?" he asked.

"She sent me out packing because I was barren for 5 years."

"But why? Grand children are a gift from God!"

"They are my dear, but I guess I was on the wrong side of the road."

"Am sorry" he consoled.

Meanwhile Lindy and I are arguing at the kitchen, she was so nervous.

"Relax, stop shaking" I said "I won't do you any harm I just need you to explain, that's all."

"I'm not just that I… um…"

"Lindy you might fool everybody or even you're Aunt, but you can't fool me!"

"Joe look," She sighed "I didn't mean to, I love exploring things that's why!"

"So exploring things made you lied to your Mom's Sister, that woman sitting there is your

Mother! But why are you doing that, why aren't you studying Psychology?" She just shut her

Mouth, kept her lips bolted! She did not utter even a single word she was all shaky and

Quavering, Trevor called out.

"Hey Mon…! We have to go! Mom is calling me; maybe she's also getting worried,"

"I'm coming Mon! This conversation is not over yet!" I said.

"Monsieur, come on I don't like keeping mom in fear because of my coming home late!"

"I said I'm coming,"

"Ncane thanks for the lovely chat and tea, I'll make sure I come by for a visit again just for tea

And biscuits, they were delicious." he said.

"Ncane have a great evening!"

I was so anxious about tomorrow, I couldn't wait longer, and I wanted to know why she had to

Lie like that.

On my way as I was driving back to drop Trevor at his place, he tried to re-tell Ncane's story but

I couldn't concentrate; I was worried what if I was falling in love with a fake? What if she's not?

What I think she is? What if I'm in love with the wrong girl?

"Mon… I'm trying to tell you what kind of adversities Lindy's aunt went through!"

"Am sorry Mon, it's just that am worried about Lindy!"

"Why are you worried about her? She looks fine to me!"

"I think that she's got issues!"

"Huh? Why?"

"Mon… her Aunt thinks that she's studying to become a Psychologist!"

"Come on maybe she does have an explanation for lying about that!"

"Yeah Maybe… Ok Mon I'll see you around!"

"Cheers!"

A new day has come a new sun has risen today, I have been waiting for this I needed to get answers, I Had a long thought about this, today is Saturday morning; she probably might not come early for her Tutoring; but she didn't I thought that perhaps I should fix her car, and then this time around I became more patient enough to fix the leaking pipe. I went out just to test drive the car and it was fine. I got in to my bathroom and took a bath.

The house was quiet I wondered was I alone at this house? I was bored didn't have anything scheduled for Saturday except her. Ok then let me go to my scrap room and do what I'm good at, to express myself through art. Just when I opened the door there they were, Lindiwe and Musa busy giggling wasting my paint.

"Guys what are you doing?" I asked politely.

"We are painting," Musa answered.

"Where are Mom and dad?"

"Mom is at the boutique, and pops you know him, his at work making millions" he bragged.

"Hello Joe". Lindy greeted.

"Hi Lindy… please bring my brushes, you are mishandling them!"

"There you go again! You don't want me to learn how to paint you don't want me to know art!"

He then threw the brushes.

"You can be such a snob sometimes…I think he needs cheering…" Lindy signed to Musa, they

sprinkled paint on my face.

"Guys what are you doing?" I tried to be serious but they carried on, they were laughing and I couldn't

resist, I also sprinkled some paint on them, I played along, it's

good to loosen up sometimes, laughter is great and heals to those who are broken inside and having fun is the best solution and way beyond, fun makes you forget yourself and be joyful.

As we were busy painting each other, it got to a point where Musa signed at me to gang on Lindy, we both turned against her and suddenly she saw our plot against her, we threw the paint balls to her at the same time, she ducked and Musa's paint ball hit me so as mine.

She stayed down with laughter; Musa raised his hands and surrendered.

"You know what I give up!"

Lindy and I continued laughing, my stomach was now sore, the funny part that was so hilarious was that my paint ball hit Musa straight into the face, he looked like a wannabe clown and as for me it was even worse; I looked like a bird has released its waste on my face. Before he went out he did it again, he gave me a signal to paint Lindy again as this time she wasn't noticing at all. Moos wanted to pay back. I knew for sure that he wouldn't let go nor back off! Without him being the last one having the last laugh or to say it's over. Even when he was young he wouldn't stop until his the last one to put an end to whatever he would be doing by that time.

So this time he won't let Lindy laugh at him like that he has to have the last laugh.

He took a bucket that was a quarter full, and tossed it on her. And I was like "Whoa!" will this kid have a girlfriend? Will he ever grow up? I didn't even get to laugh she exhaled so hard; she wasn't ready for that, Musa laughed at her so hard.

"Am out, Peace be with you." he said.

"I'm sorry Lindy… I um…"

"… its … its ok!" she breathed.

"Am going to take a shower." he laughed as he walked down the passage.

"Hey are you sure you are alright?"

"Yeah, I am, I started all this, I just wanted to cheer you up!"

"Come on; let me take you to the bathroom, so that you can slip on clean clothes,"

"So what about this ones," she pointed.

"I'll clean them up!"

"You can wash?"

"Yeah…I can! There's nothing I can't do!"

"Wow!"

"Yeah, so go on in, I'll try and find you something."

"Ok."

She took her shower and I gave her my track pants. That electrified me, to see her dressed on my clothes it is so endearing to see the women you love on your clothes. It gave me that effort to try and attempt my luck, and energy to love her more. When she came close, to me by the washing lines, she walked slowly and looked embarrassed. She wasn't sure that her clothes were clean.

"Hey,"

"Hi,"

"So you washed them?"

"Yeah I did."

"Ncane was right, you will make a good husband, and you won't mind doing the house chores if your wife were to be sick nor…"

"Nah I don't think so… But only God knows."

"Um Joe… I… Um"

"Yeah… What?"

"I want to explain, why I lied and why I did all of that."

"… Look you have your own reasons…"

"Just let me explain myself please."

"Ok!"

"Look! My family wanted me to become a Psychologist; they said I'll be good at it! I'm a strong person and I can counsel someone, I did not like that! I don't want to do that!!!"

"Look! Lindy, perhaps you should consider it! And after all you are good with words and also gifted."

"Gifted? What are you saying?"

"I saw you yesterday, how you counseled Musa. You are truly gifted!"

"Oh really now,"

"So tell me, why do you want to be assisted with your assignment?"

"Um… actually it's not an assignment."

"Oh! So what is it then?"

"It's sort of like an interview!"

"An interview, what kind of an interview is this?"

"Yes for me to get into an art class I have to deliver a project first then they'll take me!"

"Tell me? Why are you doing all this?"

"What do you mean?"

"Why do you have to go through all of this?"

"Because Joe… I believe that. Once a person can set his mind on something he or she can do it! As long you have set yourself, you can, no matter what people can say…just press on."

"Yes Ms. Maseko, you are right, I can do it!"

"Do what?"

"Do anything!"

"Huh" she looked surprised she wasn't sure what was I talking about this time. "You are a good Psychologist; you know how to give hope, to the hopeless."

"Are you trying to bail out on me right now?" she looked terrified. And I just starred at her "Joe please! You can't…"

"I'm just joking, I'll teach you… But I have to admit it though you are not really good with paints."

"Ouch… I know, but you shouldn't have rubbed it in."

"So is it still three weeks?"

"Yeah sort of two weeks and five days."

"But you said a three weeks!"

"Oh?"

"Yes!"

"Ok then let's give it a try."

We went inside, I showed her and gave her the instructions on the paint and what kind of paper to use for fine art. Days went by, and she has said it, once you put or set your mind on something you can do it and you can achieve it.

As we got to spend more time together, I fell more and more in love with her, she was not what I had now thought she was, but what I have felt for, in the beginning, when I first laid my eyes on her, she's an extra-ordinary girl, she's kind, loving and care's, she's a patient person, she's fun. Now I have the guts to say all this about her. Getting close to her, made me saw the inner person in her. To understand her flaws and weakness, some days her car would break down and she would call me to pick her up, and ride along to varsity, we were now the best of friends. Trevor was happy that I was getting close to her.

"Mon… I think you should tell her, how you feel."

"Not now Mon… but when time has come."

"Ok if you say so… I'll leave you to it."

This one day as I pick her up from her gate, it was less than ten minutes, after we drove off from her gate; we came across Mercy her best friend.

"Look that's Mercy let me stop over there so that I can give her a lift."

"Mon… there are plenty of other girls that go the same varsity as we are, why her?" asked Trevor.

"Because…"

"Because, what?"

"Because she's Lindy friend, actually not friend, best friend just like you and I."

"Hey Mercy!" shouted Lindy.

"Come on in, let's ride all together."

"Ok."

Mercy is the kind of girl who hides her emotions, she hides her feelings. But you should tell that she is not feeling well.

"Are you ok friend?" asked Lindy.

"Hey Joe, thanks for the ride, I wasn't sure if I was going to make it to campus."

"It's ok! We all live in the same neighborhood; we have to look out for each other."

Just when I said that, I made Trevor upset he didn't even say a word.

"Dear, what's wrong?"

"I'll tell you later,"

"No I want to know now!" she insisted.

"I can't explain with them being around."

"It's ok they won't tell anyone I know them."

"So you trust them?" her eyes were red, it was like she was crying all night or even for days.

"Look because you insist on knowing what is troubling your friend, I'll pull the car over here, Trevor and I will step out, and give you a chance to speak."

"No don't" spoke Mercy "I'll tell you… its rude anyways to let the owners of the vehicle out and stay in."

"No you don't have too!" said Trevor "We'll go out."

"My mom has been diagnosed with cancer!" She said cancer and tears dripped out of her eyes "What am I going to do if she dies?"

My eyes began to be red too and so as everyone else on the car.

"Where is it situated on the body?" Lindy asked.

"Lung, It's on a lung." Trevor's eyes were redder than mine, he spoke in tongues. It was all because of the heartache, he felt for her. We all went silent, but Mercy wept.

This was getting hard for me, what if it was my girlfriend in so much pain? How would I comfort her? What are the right words that are meant to console ones heart, mind and soul? Pain is one! It all goes straight to the heart. This situation is hard, I usually run to my father for advice, but this time around I had to stop! I needed to stand up on my own.

"Mercy," I said "Stop crying, you need to be strong for your mother, she expects you to be strong, and I know it's hard. But put it all in God's hands, he knows everything."

"I'm not a Christian Joe!" she said. "Is this some sort of God's way to punish me for all the wrong things I have done?"

"No!" commanded Trevor "You wouldn't endure God's wrath. God loves us all! He wouldn't create humans if he would bring grief towards them! He won't punish you…"

"But he killed many people during the times of Noah!"

"Yes I know."

"He also killed tons and tons of people in Sodom and Gomorrah!"

"Thank goodness, you are aware of the bible!" he said.

"Keep reading it!" I said.

"And understand it!" said Trevor "You'll find your answers please read on the book of John, read the whole chapter."

"And please do join us to church." suggested Trevor.

"Will my going to church save my dying mother?"

"No!" said Trevor

"So why would I go to church…?"

"Going to church won't save your mother, but if…"

"… If you believe and repent she might live…"

"And you must have faith my dear." said Lindy.

"Wow I'll do whatever it takes."

"You won't do anything" said Trevor. "You just go and accept Christ Jesus as your Lord and savior and start from there,"

"You'll be fine." I said.

"I now understand why you hang out with them more often these days; they sure do know how to revive some one's spirit."

"Yeah they are so kind." replied Lindy.

After some few classes I went to my car, I don't know what it is, whether it's luck or not! When Lindy was comforting her friend Mercy she left her diary on the back seat of my car.

I had to use it to my advantage what if I don't get this chance again. At first I never knew how to open and read it. But now I had to read from the new dates. Our classes were not over for the day. But then as she once had said before 'once you can set your mind onto doing something don't just give up without a fight, Aim high and be the best you can be, make sure you achieve and never lose hope.'

I went to search for the card that was given to me by Michael Ngozi so that I could give him a phone call, and there it was! The diary seated at the back seat. I wanted to open it by my gut feeling said no! I listened to my instincts. And did not open even though I knew for sure that it wouldn't be easy to know how I was progressing with the assignment I have already assigned for myself, minutes didn't even pass by, she was going to catch me invading her privacy, reading her secret and she would hate me. She expresses herself more on it than on us. Actually the diary is her best friend cause it doesn't talk back it just agrees to whatever you tell it, it's either wrong or right, it will never tell.