THE COMPANY WE KEEP…..cntd

THE COMPANY WE KEEP
(INSERT 3)

After spending 20 minutes in the car talking about Kennedy, I was almost home and this meant parting company with Monica. The thought of it wasn’t exciting for me, my brother was still in the Copperbelt for school which meant I had to be home alone once again. “Are you still thinking of going out tonight with Katuu?” I asked her with a concerned look on my face. It was during this moment that I understood something, if I wasn’t going to try then I would be losing.

“Why are you giving me that look?” she chocked on her words as she laughed. “Since mum is busy I was thinking maybe we can go together for the all night prayer meeting.” She always managed to make me feel weird every time I would try to bring up church related conversations.

“I know you think I am anti-Christ and all… ” I didn’t say a word because I knew she was still pouring out some issues, shaking my head to disagree seemed like the right thing to do at the time though. “Listen! I have done things and I have hurt people, personally I think I’m passed the point of saving.” She said and got out of the car.
As I sat alone I recalled what Pastor Jacks taught about some weeks ago, he said, “sin creates an environment that will make you think you are so unworthy of God’s love. Immediately such a thought finds its way to your mind you will prefer staying in sin to getting right with God.” I got out of the car to open the gate but she stopped me. “I’m not staying; I need to meet Katuu.” She added.

I knew talking about Jesus was uncomfortable for her because she felt unworthy and her conclusion was to completely do away with him. “It’s okay I understand. Thanks for the ride.” I said warmly. I watched her as she drove off. This was the first time she was opening up to me about how she felt, this meant progress was being made.

I had called Pastor Jacks right after Monica left and he said they would pass by my place since I didn’t have any form of transportation to get to the venue. I had little information of the meeting but Pastor encouraged all the youths at church to attend and support the brethren who had organized it. Time was flying as fast as an eagle yet I was still in my room staring at my closet unable to figure out my outfit for the night.
I miss being a kid, I thought to myself. Black goes with everything, white can do. I tried to wear what would suite me but I was just too focused on people who would be looking at me that I forgot the whole reason of me being at that meeting in the first place. I could hear my phone ring but for some reason I thought it was just my imagination.

It was a private line, how I hate it when guys get my number from my friends. I had a good feeling about the rest of the night so I decided to pick up. “Hello Jane, this is Mutale. I was told to come and pick you up for the prayer meeting by Pastor Jacks. Am calling to let you know that we are approximately 5 minutes from your place.” He said. It was like he had memorized what to say. “Okay, you will find me at the gate.” I said.
Meeting Kennedy earlier that day did pay off because I didn’t have to cook. I got my juice bottle, made sure everything was in order and off I went. As I walked towards the gate, it crossed my mind that Mutale’s voice was similar to that of the gentleman who gave Monica a card in campus earlier during the day. Whilst I was closing the gate a Noah slowed down and flashed its lights in my direction, I locked the gate and waited for it to park.
A tall guy came out, without him saying a word his perfume was all over the place. “Hello Jane?” he said as he extended his hand to greet me. He was now wearing a black slim fit suite with a red shirt inside. Where is his tie? I thought to myself as I stared at him. My knees were now shaking and I needed to get back to my senses. “Is everything alright?” he asked. I couldn’t find the energy to speak so I just walked to the bus in silence.
The people in the bus were very friendly, some were from my Church and the others I wasn’t sure.
I liked my space, being with such a large number of people in the car made me a little uncomfortable. But that’s not what was on my mind. Monica’s guarded personality was fading piece by piece which meant, what I considered as a total waste of time was now paying off.
Though that was the case, personally I was battling with things that I was exposed to by Monica. It was evident that she had influenced me in a lot of ways. “Hey, are you okay?” A loud, but calm voice echoed in my ears. It was a lady who was seated behind me. “I’m okay, thanks.” I said with a wink. She smiled at me and gave me a thumbs up. My name is Norah. You?” She added.
“I’m Jane. Is this also your first time attending this meeting?” I asked. I didn’t want to seem cold so I thought putting my communication skills to work would be a good thing. “Yes, I was invited by my cousin. I think you know him…” Norah said with a warm friendly smile.
I thought she was one of those inquisitive girls, but her intentions were pure. “This is also my first time. What’s your cousins name?” I asked with a curious expression on my face.

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