My name is Aka episode 55 – 56

MY NAME IS AKA
Episode 55
By AMAH’S HEART

I got things ready because we were meant to go to court that Monday.

All files and documents were set, I took them to his office for a final checking before we leave.

Our time in court will be in three hours, there was still time to grab breakfast before we proceed.

But ever since yesterday, I haven’t really been in a perfect mood

“I cast my burden upon the Lord..” I muttered quietly to myself as I reclined to my office chair.

I swinged left and right with my eyes shüt.
“Come unto me, all he that are heavy laden..I will give you rest…”

A bible verse dropped in my heart, I repeated it before saying a short prayer.

“Right in my mother’s belly you formed me, in the dark of the womb you called my name and lightened my ways…”

I paused, gave a long heave as I try to remember a relatable Psalm.
It was 138, and I love every line of it.

The noise coming from the television screen filled the entire office.
CNN news was on.

My boss had asked me earlier to change his TV channel to Algerzera news this morning.
But they kept talking about flood and certain outbreak of a new illness in Japan.
He said I should put it on Faith channel.
A certain preacher was talking about pride and used a man in the Bible named Nebuchadnezzar as his case study.

My boss asked me to leave it there.

I returned to my office but the CNN news wouldn’t let me focus

There’s always some bâd omen each time in the news.
Just like now, watching a strong wave swept off beach goers in North America.

A drunk truck driver loses control and ran into an apartment

this was unforseen dānger
Imagining the family having dinner, gathered around their table and this drunk driver became a tool in the dev!l’s hand to bring sådness to this family.

“Lead me not into temptation, please deliver me from evīl…”
I didn’t just say it like I was quoting the Bible, I said it like prayer

I took the remote control and tuned down the television volume.

If people knew the evïl that goes around in the world claiming lives and shattering heart they will sit up and held on tight to God.

The vanity of this world is taking fast effect on humanity

“Upon this rock I will build my church and the gate of hell shall not prevail..”
Another scripture dropped but I couldn’t relate to it with the chaos in my heart.

“… nothing about me is hidden from you. Forgive me in anyway I have fallen short…”
“…I need your peace, just like the quiet waters and the stillness of the ocean. Peace to steady my troubled soul.. your peace oh God, I seek…”

The intercom on my office desk beeped,
I picked up and it was my boss asking me to put a call to an associate of his concerning a case.

I quickly did that and jolt down some given information.
I went to my office laptop and began to punch in the information I gathered.

I saved important documents my Dropbox and since this was very important I included it.
I forwarded the needed once to my boss via email.

I went to my Dropbox again to check for awaiting memo that I haven’t attended to yet.

As I browse through I came across a saved work if mine that was dated a year ago.
That was the period I started work
I opened the file and marvelled through it

It was about forgiveness.
I wrote it like a psalmist poem
It was very refreshing to read.

I heaved sadly as I flashed back to finishing school and just as the second week was approaching, Mr Law has called me to get ready that weekend he was taking me out for another sweet celebration for just two or us and he also got something important he will like to ask

I already knew that something special was coming my way but what I don’t know is if it was also what God will approve.

I have looked forward to going out for another celebration with Mr Law after I have celebrated in school with friends and well wisher.
After school celebration which Mr Law was present
Mr Law kept to his promise by showing up during my convocation ceremony, he didn’t come alone.

He brought Amara, Nneka and Sylvester
My best friends and I was very happy.

Nneka was heavily pregnant but she still made it down with her step daughter.
They even look like mother and daughter, as the pretty girl clinged to her side with a very attractive smile.

She wore a shiny gold ring that was quiet obvious.
I was so happy that she was well settled with the man that loves her truly and a step daughter that acknowledges her as Mom.
Nneka was all blown with pregnancy and I kept laughing at her transformation.

I remember she telling me that Mr Law gave her a huge amount of money as a wedding gift
I know he will, Mr Law is selfless and naturally kind.

Sylvester couldn’t stop laughing at Nneka’s huge body transformation.

It was indeed funny because pregnancy really made her way bigger than usual and even her nose and cheek shared in the fatness.
Nneka was equally laughing and said Sylvester should marry first and when his wife becomes pregnant she will pay them a surprise visit, she want to come and check something.

Sylvester said his wife will be beautiful during her pregnancy
Nneka said “okay, let’s watch and see..”

Mr Law took us all out to have a great time
Alot to eat and drink

Amara’s dress was so lovely, although short but she looks pretty in it, she even wore a silver heels.

She said the dress was from Mr Law, he bought it for the occasion and gave her money to go get a nice shoe which she did.

I love the fact that they went all out for me, thanks to Mr Law
He may have his ânnoying side but the goodness of his heart covers multitude of his síns.

Amara gave me a gift, Nneka too did.
Sylvester made me a delicious meal which he packed in a food warmer

Apart from the gifts, their presence means a whole lot to me and It felt like the happiest moment of my life
It was certainly the happiest time I ever had

Although I would have greatly appreciate Daniel’s presence too but he had called me a day to my convocation
It was unexpected call from him, seeing an international number ringing on my phone.
Alas, it was Daniel and I almost screamed my lungs out
I was happy as we spoke extensively
He congratulated me and said he was super proud of me.

His every word felt like a huge blessing to my soul.
He encouraged and prayed for me
He told me that Manchester is cool and he love it there
He hopes I travel out someday to experience life outside the country

Daniel said he has recommended me to his Mom, since I studied Law, it will be very easy to fit me in.

I thanked him for his prayers and kind heart
He promised to call or chat me up whenever he was less busy.

A day to the very day that Mr Law and I were supposed to go out for a private dinner
He got the saddest news that shook him.
Mr Lambert, his Dad was déâd

Mr Lambert never got better after that accident, he was even flew abroad for special treatment.
And he d!ed after a month of returning from UK treatment.
He had lived the rest of his life on a wheelchair and been bedridden for a long time
Mr Law was dévastated and that was how our meeting and all was cancelled.

He became busy traveling and making arrangements for bürial.
It was såddening, I know Mr Lambert has hürt alot of souls in his ignorance but the later punishment was way heavier than anyone could imagine.

He probably had the chance to recognise his síns and ask God for forgiveness
I can’t tell if he did or not but forgiven him when he was gone was way too late but I still did and that made me think towards forgiven my parents too.

It was during that period I wrote down this poem on forgiveness which I later typed into my system because every word of it felt powerful.

I know what they did remained fresh and it hürt anytime I think of it but I had to forgive them

I’m not without sin and can’t boast that I haven’t offended someone knowingly or unknowingly

Their ill treatment pave way for God to send helper to my aid.
Mama Zaram was better after sending some medication I got from the hospital to her with some money.

My telecom beeped once which is to remind me that the court time was in 40minute time
My boss said he was on phone call with some international clients and asked me to remind him once is time.

I love my Job and I get to learn a whole lot of things here
My salary was okay and my boss is awesome.
Everything is a prayer answered for me and for all this I’m very grateful to God.

Read – Gunshots episode 49 – 50

MY NAME IS AKA
Episode 56
By AMAH’S HEART

The life we live is not ours, it can be taken away at any point and we don’t have a say over it.
Holding grudge is a big bürden and wasting our time in sín is indeed a useless way of life.

If Mr Lambert was a poor man, I’m sure he would’ve d!ed long time ago but Money sustained him for a period of time but it couldn’t save him from dying and his money wasn’t able to bring him to his feet again.

What a life.

After the burial, Mr Law and his siblings flew back to UK and he remained there.

It’s over a year and he haven’t returned back but still manages to pay the few workers in his house, they were about five as others were dismissed

Amara’s job as a cleaner was spared
Sylvester was the cook and he also goes to the market like Nneka used to

There was a care taker and she’s a military married woman
Mr Law employed her before travelling

The gate man and another man that comes to cut the grasses, the flowers, clean the swimming pool and the entire compound too.

Amara’s work was inside the house Which she became very serious with after she had a misunderstanding with Uche and later breakup with him.

Daniel’s Mom helped me through, I did my national youth service corp in one of the law firms she worked out for me.

I even started attending their church, it was far from my place but I still find my way down.
I joined the ushering department and made great church friends.
One of them was Chuka
He was one of the lead singers in the church.
He’s in the choir and his voice is angelic

We became very close and he speaks on marriage but I told him we needed to seek the face of God towards that and I wasn’t very interested in getting married right away after graduating.

He promised to pray and also waiting untill I’m ready because he felt convinced that I’m his wife

I got a better job through Daniel’s mom’s recommendations after my NYSC

Working with barrister Luke Agani, who was an intentional Law students before returning to build his law chamber in the country
He is a married man and also a nice boss.
I have met his wife, she’s also a lawyer but have a different Law firm in another location far from her husband.
Very pretty and jovial
I admire them and barrister Luke place his family pictures around his office.
On the wall and on his desk

He has two young children, age 11 and 7

His daughter is 11 and the son is 7.
His family matters to him and he made it very obvious and doesn’t joke with them.

I wasn’t the only fresh law graduate working for him.
We’re three
Joan, Stephen and I are the main staff
They needed a receptionist and Ify, whom I spoke with sometimes back and she told me that she was in need of a job desperately
She broke with Uche long time ago and she’s been homeless and jobless too.

I told my boss about Ify and he said since she’s from me then he has no problem with it

I called and informed Ify and also told her she can come live with me.

Ify started working as a receptionist with a good salary of forty thousand.

She was so happy
We also attend church together and sharing room a place with her was great because Ify was fun and lively

She listens and takes correction

She was entirely a new person unlike before.

Two of my other colleagues were mostly in the field.
I’m barrister Luke’s secretary and the second staff he employed

Stephen was the first and Joan was employed five months ago

Working for a man of uprightness and integrity, who has the fear of God has helped me to also remain upright

I rented an apartment after my NYSC, it was closer to the church unlike my former school lodge
That’s where I live with Ify

A room and parlour selfcon in a great neighborhood.

Amara comes over sometimes.

Amara’s gift to me during my graduation was a set of jewellery
A neck chain, wrist watch and a fine bangle, she added a nice two piece ankara gown and a note.

She apologized for not listening to me or taking my advices all this while

The insülts and ganging up against me

She thanked me for always being there in her life and never letting go despite how she treated me
She was ready for whatever I will advise and for my guidance
She appreciates me everyday for bringing her to this city and taking care of her despite having no job as of then.
She apologized for the hùrtful words and actions towards me and promised to do better moving forward.

She was learning fashion designing and also watch YouTubes for further tutorial.

She personally made the simple ankara dress for me to prove to me that she was serious this time and putting effort in whatever she’s doing.

I read her letter and I felt a tear drop.
I silently hope that she has really changed for good
I thank God that night for Amara and all the wonderful people he brought my way and still bringing.

Amara is currently running part time in college of education and she’s also got little time to attend to her fashion designing tutorials.
I’m proud of her and will continue cheering her on.

She told me last month that she was back to a talking stage with Uche

Uche has a school now and he’s doing way better for himself
He’s a better Christian than he used to be and that’s was why he came apologising to Amara for whatever wrōng he did.

Even though he’s way older than Amara but it’s obvious that Amara likes him alot and ready to give love another chance.

And they weren’t rushing things like they both started off before but taking everything slowly and hoping it turns out better this time.

Mr Law called me back then after arriving UK, he got a tech job but it’s only a year contract job

He mentioned to me that he noticed his younger brother was going the wrong path, he was into drügs and he needed to stay close and monitor him before he destrøys his life and that’s why he has to take up the tech job for a period of time

He wanted to be close to his siblings, especially his brother who he doesn’t want to go åstray

Since his father is late and his Mom is faraway in another country with her new family, he has to take up the role of both parent, guidance and big brother

He has to take up the job so that he can get busy and also make more money.

He asked me to be a good girl and take care of myself

This has been over seven months and I haven’t really heard much from him.

He’s been gone for too long and I have never stopped praying for him.

Daniel came into the country last year, he didn’t stay for long, we were able to see and he took me out for dinner

We talked about a whole lot of things.
He mentioned his uncle securing a good job in a hospital for him, as a bio chemist

Practicing exactly what he studied and he loves it.

He talked about God’s involvement in his life and told me that he once dated a nurse and the relationship was going on fine, she was also a Christian, not a real one like she claims
She wanted him to engage in intimacy with her.
He had to call it quit.
The relationship lasted only five months and ever since he haven’t thought of another relationship.

Séx before marriage is a big no for him and he already made a covenant with God that is only his legally wedded wife that will see his nâkedness.

His wife is the only one that he will give his virginity to and untill then he’s not going back on his word no matter how the world fancy or indulges in primarital séx

His body is the temple of the living God and the dwelling of the holy spirit

Sin is the only thing that separate us from God and he doesn’t want anything that will bridge his relationship with God.

Not just keeping himself but his lifestyle must also be of godliness.

At that moment I began to wish I was still a virgin, it could have also been one gift I would’ve given to my lawfully wedded husband.
I began to énvy the lucky woman that will become Daniel’s wife.
He’s a great guy, loving, caring and a good Christian, not by lips but his actions portrays so.

I felt bâd for the time I engaged in intimacy with Mr Law.
truthfully nothing was really important to me at that moment not even my virginity.
I wanted to show Mr Law how much I love and appreciate him but I know better now and I wish I was this wise, I would’ve done things differently.

I have been down but refused to stay down, I have risen in righteousness and I will never go back to my old ways.

We had a great time chatting and he asked if I was in any relationship at that time
I told him I wasn’t
He asked about my boss and I let him know all that was going on with him

Mr Law may even be in a relationship abroad and probably decided to settle down there.
I can’t really tell.

I don’t know but I wish I got the chance to know the special thing he wanted to ask me on our outing before the news of his father’s dismiss struck and things have never remain the same again.

Daniel asked if i still love my boss and awaiting his return
I couldn’t just lie about it
I looked forward to Mr Law coming back and offcourse I still loves him but this time not worldly ways of love.

I also loved Daniel too but I always thought, ever since he moved abroad, I wouldn’t matter much and he will definitely meet a prettier lady, stronger in the Lord, who will love and respect him.

I don’t want to get my hopes high, not with Daniel or Law

I focused on myself and my walk with God as I pray fervently for a life partner that’s just like Daniel
A man who has the heart of God.

I don’t know if it was my reply that made Daniel to go mute during our conversation after he asked me if I still love Mr Law
I told him I do and I don’t know how to start explaining myself on the kind of love I was talking about to him.
that will make me appear güilty, I håte it when I’m blabbing while trying to explain myself.

We didn’t talk about love or anything too personal until we left
He as usual went to dropped me.

He took my hands into his and told me to remain steadfast and remember that he cares about me and will never forget me.

We chat once in a while, he sent pictures to me while at work
He was getting busier as they goes

I began to chat less with him
Is over a year now he returned back to Manchester and gradually our friendship has gone cold
But the godliness he instilled in me is burning everyday like fire

I haven’t had time to consider other relationship.
Chuka is still my friend and reminds me of his proposal which is part of my prayer points.

I have been praying for God’s guidance towards that
I don’t just want to jump into a relationship because of pressure, self interest or pity.

I want to be in a fruitful godly relationship with a man after God’s heart.

Anything that’s not of God does not please me anymore.
I have men coming for relationship and I have been praying for God to help me make the right choice.

Even though right now, I’m not ready for relationship but it’s God’s will alone that must be done in my life and it doesn’t matter if I’m ready or not.

The telecom beeped twice, it brought me back to the present

I picked up and my boss informed me that it was already past 30 minutes

I was carried away in my thoughts and totally forgot time was far gone.

I quickly apologize, ran to his office to get his bag and the file
His driver was waiting downstairs already
My boss asked if I have had breakfast

I told him I haven’t

He wanted to know if I was feeling alright because I seem a bit dull

I assured him that I was fine

He said he will ask the driver to stop on the way to the court, I will go grab lunch from fast food since is past breakfast time.

I thanked him

On our way out, Ify who is the receptionist asked me in Igbo if we’re still coming back to the office or I will go home from there
Sometimes if we closes late from court, my boss drops me off and I go home from there.
I told her that we may come back, I don’t know when we will be closing from the court
She asked if she can remained some of the ofe akwu and rice that she prepared from home.

I told her not to bother because I may not be able to eat it since barrister Luke already promised to get me lunch.

She called me “enjoyment girl” in Igbo and we both laughed it off

Our court time and a personal meeting with the client ended by 4:30pm

Barrister Luke dropped me off and I went home

Since Ify close by 5pm she will be home by 7pm
My phone beeped as I was coming out of the bathroom.
It was Mr Law, a message that says he will be home by weekend

This brought a fat grin on my face
I felt overjoyed.

I thought he has forgotten me.

He’s been gone for more than a year and I have looked forward to the day he will return
I can’t wait to finally see him.

Tbc