The pastor's wife

Episode 6

The cool air felt heavy against my bare arms, as if they were holding onto raindrops that were reluctant to fall. It was a cold Sunday evening, I sat comfortably under the comfort of my children’s duvet, while I watched them sleep. Then I heard familiar voices in the sitting room. David and Ifeoma were back from church.

“Don’t worry, she won’t do anything to you. Take off your jacket, let’s go inside.”

David Instructed, serious faced as they entered the sitting room. Ifeoma sat quietly on the couch. Her heart skipped a bit when she saw me appear in the sitting room, immediately she sensed my watchful eyes, she became bold and confident.

“You should let me be please madam Ekom. it is not my fault that pastor wants me.” she said in a shaky tone.

“Get prepared for where God will be taking you to Ifeoma. Very soon, you will be so ashamed of yourself, God has revealed to me how such a day will be.”

“And I hope he also revealed to you that I have finally agreed to divorce you Ekom. You and your adopted kids should start packing.”  David said, he didn’t look directly at my face.

I flew on the center table firmly and slapped him twice on the Face.

” You and your Adulterous lover will leave this house of my sweat for me and my Children. I toiled with you! prayed that we grow together. I carried the sands of this house on my head, which led to my first and last miscarriage!

go to hell with your divorce paper, I am  God’s own woman, I detest divorce. I will be patient. Go to hell with your church! with your lover! shame on you two! ” I snapped at them, I was throwing curses at them. Tears rolled down my cheeks, I made choking sounds as I walked angrily into the Room. A film of sweat coated my entire body like a second skin.

The silence was broken only by the whir of the ceiling fan as it sliced through the still air.

David sat down and slowly lowered his head into his hands.

****

“Ekom, unbelievable. You mean David said these words to you?”

Pastor Felix asked. He has been David’s childhood friend since the days of theological school. He founded a big church and had a large congregation too. Pastor Felix was a mature looking man, who had grey hairs and wore round spectacles at all times. He was a learned man of God who was highly respected. He was also the president of Pastors Forum.

“How can a church as big as Hills ministries condone such sinful act from their pastor? I am so disappointed to hear this. What did Lady Georgina say about this?” He asked in a baritone voice.

My eyes were heavy, and I was trying so hard to control tears from running out again.

“it’s okay Ekom. I am really sorry. I need you to pray seriously now. You are a strong woman.” he said as he patted my back softly.

“I am holding a pastor’s meeting for this reason by tomorrow.” He said authoritatively.

My nerves bit with frustration and tension. I was so ashamed that my marriage  was going to be discussed the next day at pastor’s forum

To be continued...

The Pastor's wife

Episode 16

Red glowing eyes stared back at me, and I tried to see clearly who it was. Metal claws closed over my forearm tightly, and I whimpered. Then I noticed he looked like David, the man with the red eye had his height and shape of his head. Then the strange being suddenly turned into my mother inlaw. The fear finally began to set in as my heart pumped.

“Ekomobong!” Her deep voice rumbled and echoed at the same time.

I woke up immediately sitting upright in shock, it was a dream. The bed was soft under me, but the covers were thickly hot. I was sweating through my pyjamas shirt. I looked at the other bed, Teye was sleeping peacefully wrapped in her pink mickey mouse duvet. My heart eased a bit, I kept repeating in my head that it was only a nightmare.

“Mummy are you okay?” Mfon asked, her voice was soft and tender, I held her into my arms.

“”yes, I am fine my love.” I said as I pulled her under the sheet and covered her up.

The feeling that overcame me was wondrous and terrifying.

I wanted to stay underneath the sheet, I wanted to sleep through the entire time, but when I checked the time, it was almost 6AM. I woke up hastily to pray, then made breakfast of fried plantain and eggs for the kids. when I heard the door bell ring my heart skipped, I wasn’t expecting anyone.

I didn’t hear the sound of any car horn or anyone knock at the gate. How did this person pass through the gate?

I tiptoed towards the window to see who it was, I slid the curtain a bit and my heart trembled at the mere sight of people I saw. Should I say they were in thirty, forty or fifty?

I thought they were arm robbers sent by Georgina to come attack me and the kids. I wanted to dial the police, but my instincts wasn’t sure.

Then I saw pastor Jerry, Pastor Ephraim, Akintola and the rest of them whom David mentored.

“What do y’all want?” I asked in a loud Tone, but boldly.

“Good morning maama.” they all greeted in Unison. There was a murmur. Pastor Jerry stood out from the crowd.

“Mamaa please pastor sent us to you.” Jerry said softly.

“I am ready for the divorce now, he doesn’t need to send the whole church to come beg me for a divorce.”

They began to murmur.

“No ma, he is asking for your forgiveness.” They all knelt in unison. But my heart became hardened. I gently closed the curtains and walked back slowly to the kitchen.

“Forgive?” I repeated in a panic whisper, a tear falling down my cheek.

To be continued...