JEMIMA’S IV

“Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him.”

That was my Father, Pastor Francis Bamidele reading to us 1 John 2:15 at the family devotion that morning.

As far as I know; I’ve heard that verse many times though little did I know that this is in fact God’s message to me that morning warning me against the doom that awaited me that day.

I call it doom because it was going to be one that would change my life forever.

My name is Jemima Bamidele, the 3rd child and only female amidst the four children of Pastor Francis and Bola Bamidele.

It is the culture in our family to observe Family Devotion every morning.

This morning I was thinking about how I would attend the Banquet night (though done in the evening) of we the graduating SS3 Students which I will be attending alongside Sharon my Best Friend.

I know my Parents would not let me attend to such so I had to look for an excuse to go. The party was to take place inside our school but our friends from other schools could be in attendance.

So many warnings came across my way that day, to change my mind from going for the “Banquet night” but I had set my mind on going for the outing.

After the Family Devotion that Morning, I was asked to lead the Prayer. And then came the time to report our plans for the day.

“Mom and Dad, I’ll be visiting Sharon this afternoon around 2pm.” I said when it was my turn as I already figured out that me saying I was going out by 5pm would be suspicious. So my plan was to leave for Sharon’s place by 2pm and we would go together to the venue by 5pm.

“Hope you remember today is Bible Study?” asked Dad.

“Oh, Bible Study? I have even forgotten.” I said and I really had. Oh, how much I love our Bible Study time but I just couldn’t miss the party.

“Well, make sure you are back before 5pm.” Dad finally said.

“Okay Sir” I said and I left the sitting room.

I felt prompted within me to let go of the Party and go for the Bible Study but an idea came up in my mind.

“I’ll go for the Party and leave the place when I feel Pastor is about to start the message.” I concluded within me.

I went round doing my daily chores when my phone vibrated making me aware of an incoming message. It was Sharon and what I saw made my heart leap for a second.

JEMMY, I HEARD CHRIS AND HIS FRIENDS WILL BE COMING TOO. ARE YOU GOING TO BE ALRIGHT? LET ME KNOW IF YOU CHANGE YOUR MIND ABOUT GOING. LOVE YA.

I replied immediately “Why? I mean who invited him?”

“WHO ELSE? DAVID OF COURSE. THEY ARE FRIENDS”. She replied.

“He and David? Friends?” I thought aloud…

David was our class captain for the session, so officially he still was till we graduated. He had asked me out once and I had bluntly refused. As a result of that, his interest for me transformed to hatred especially when he discovered I had a crush on his friend Christopher.

I had once embarrassed myself in front of all their friends so mostly all our mates were aware that I had feelings for Chris. His presence at the party might definitely make me a laughing stock of the boys.

“Today is going to be a long day”I sighed.

By 2pm, I was moving out of the house to Sharon’s when Ezekiel my younger brother shouted my name;

“Aunty Jemmy” that’s what he calls me.

“Yes, what is it this time?” I looked back to see him run up to me.

“You are already going?” He asked.

“Yes, and right now you are delaying me.” I replied angrily.

“Hmmm, please remind me the verse Daddy read to us this morning.” He asked pleading.

“Okay. Love not the world neither the things that are in the world; if any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him.” I replied.

He then repeated it again, looking at me right in the eye like it was directed at me.

“I am going.” I said and turned to go; as I was in haste to get to Sharon’s place.

“Okay, Bye Big Sis. Take care of yourself.” he said and ran off.

“What is wrong with him? Looking at me like it was meant for me” I thought and hissed.

I was in for Big Trouble, I just didn’t know it.

The Big Trouble is that…

Watch out for the next episode.