“REDEEMED HEARTS”
Episode 4
Tife hesitated, her eyes shimmering with unshed tears. Arinze sat with her holding her hands. “The reason I left so abruptly was because I received an urgent call from the medical facility informing me that my brother had fallen into a coma. He remained in that coma for six agonizing weeks, and then one morning, he passed away. It broke my heart, but in some strange way, I felt relieved because his health had been deteriorating for years. He couldn’t take care of himself, couldn’t speak, and couldn’t walk; he depended on others for everything. That’s how I found myself completely alone in this world. I realized it was time to end our little charade, so I sent in my resignation and stayed in Lagos for a few months.”
Arinze’s heart arches as he listens to her story. “Tife, God, I’m so sorry. You shouldn’t have gone through all of that alone. You should have come to me.”
“How was I supposed to know that you genuinely cared?” Tife responded.
Arinze shook his head, filled with sorrow. “I’m sorry for your loss, and I want you to know that I’m here for you. You’re not alone anymore; you have me. Even if you don’t want to be with me, I still want to be a part of your life in any way you’ll allow. When we met again, I thought it was an opportunity to settle a score and fulfill my desires for you because, even then, I still wanted you. But I was wrong to keep you in the dark about my fiancée. It was unfair to both of you.”
Arinze reached out and gently touched her cheek. “Tife, we’ve both made mistakes, but we can learn from them. We can choose a different path together.”
Tife looked deep into his eyes, torn between her past and the prospect of a future with Arinze. “It won’t work, Arinze. Do you remember the scene with my father at the restaurant? My past will always come back to haunt us. Besides, I carry so much pain, and I need time to heal from my wounds. My father re-entered my life two years ago, begging for forgiveness. After abandoning us, he started a new family, got married, and had three more children. He never once looked back. I agreed to have lunch with him and his wife that day because I found out they had been visiting my brother in the medical facility. My father claimed he’s a changed person now, married to a pastor. As if that makes everything alright. What about the suffering I endured? I had to resort to desperate measures for money. I’m sorry, Arinze, so much has happened, and I honestly can’t see a future with you. I feel like damaged goods.”
Arinze nodded, his fingers tracing a gentle path down her arm. “I understand, Tife. I’m willing to give you the time and space you need. I’ll wait for you, no matter how long it takes.”
A small smile tugged at the corners of Tife’s lips. “What about your fiancée?”
“I’ll make things right with her, I promise. I know you might think you’re hurting another woman, but this is the best way to prevent a life of regret and disappointment for both of us.”
They stood there, holding each other.
“So, your stepmom is a pastor. No wonder.”
“Yeah, the Rev Dolapo Akinkugbe, the way her presence and demeanour command respect is surprising to me. She wants to help me, but I’m not sure if she’s the right candidate. Right now, all I feel toward her and my father is resentment.”
“I understand. Just give it time; everything will be okay.”
They continued to embrace, one burdened by their pasts, the other hopeful for a brighter future. The night air carried a sense of renewal and the promise of forgiveness.
In the days and weeks that followed, Arinze kept his word. He visited his fiancée and ended their engagement, explaining his feelings and desire to pursue a future with Tife. It was a painful process, but he knew it was the right thing to do. His fiancée was hurt but accepted his decision.
Tife’s stepmom was eventually able to reach her. According to her, she didn’t know That Gbenga, her husband had another family until five years ago, and it took them three more years to locate her. She wants to help Tife come to terms with her past and embrace a new future defined by her.
allowed the devil
“Tife, it might seem like God abandoned you, but He never did. I know you’ve been through a lot – growing up without your dad, losing your mom at such a young age, the terrible ordeal, being sent away by your aunt, and ultimately losing your brother. It’s a heavy burden to carry. But you must understand that God was with you through it all, though it was your parents’ choices that allowed the devil to prey on all of you.”
“I don’t understand. The devil being wicked, yes, but are you saying this is my parents’ fault?”
,
“Listen, the choices we make in life shape our experiences. If your mother made her own choices and your father chose to walk away when things got tough, those were their choices. For example, your mother should taught you how to protect yourself from abuse as a young girl, because if she did you wouldn’t choose to sleep downstairs with a stranger in the house when you should have been in your room with the door locked. I’m not saying it’s your fault, Tife, but our choices, whether good or bad, intentional or not, set off chains of events that affect us and those around us. We can’t change the past, but we can choose differently in the future. Others’ choices may have harmed us, but we don’t have to let those choices define our lives. What I’m saying is, you can still find happiness and live the life you dream of.”
sceptical
Tife was sceptical. “How can I do that? It feels impossible.”
“I know someone who can help you – Jesus.”
Tife sighed, exasperated. “Not this Jesus talk again.”
“Come on, Tife, Life is spiritual, and if you’re going to find the courage to move forward, let Jesus help you. He loves you, just like He loves everyone else, and He demonstrated that by sacrificing Himself for the sins of the world. He wants to help you.”
“Fine, I’ll think about it.”
After their conversation, Tife’s stepmom continued to pray for her and provide support.
Thanks for reading,
To be continued.
Jumie Naths
