“IN LOVE WITH MY BROTHER’S FRIEND”
Chapter 16
Babs and Derin’s engagement was called off, Derin’s father was angry and felt disappointed but was also baffled as to why they called off the wedding at the last minute.
Babalola discussed the issue of his taking over the church with his.
“Father, I have no desire to run the church. I am a pastor and I will continue to preach the gospel, but I don’t want to lead the church; that is not my calling. Taiye is the one who has that calling and you know it.”
“I know and the Holy Spirit has been dealing with me on the matter. I’m sorry for the pressure I put you through. I thought I was doing it in the best interest of the church for growth and sustainability. But now I know better. You will take over the New York church and Taiye will return so he can be by my side.”
“Thank you, Dad, I promise I will not fail you.”
“I know Bablola, I’m proud of the man you have become.”
“That means a lot coming from you Dad, but there is one more thing.”
“Kemi, right?”
His father and mother smiled at him “We think it would be a fantastic idea to be connected to the Olafusi’s through marriage.”
Babs laughed and thanked his parents profusely.
Over the following weeks, Babs found himself navigating countless changes and responsibilities. As he prepared to take over the leadership of the New York church, a mixture of emotions filled him – a sense of duty, anticipation, and a tinge of apprehension.
Babs travelled to New York and for the first two weeks worked with Taiye for a seamless transition. He then spent another 4 weeks after Taiye left connecting with the members, assuring them of his commitment to the church.
Amidst these transitions, Babs did a lot of soul-searching and praying about his relationship with Kemi and their future together but each time he prayed he was always troubled. He continued to pray seeking clarity for his future with Kemi and he approached his responsibilities with a profound sense of purpose.
Kemi had just finished the service and was on her way home when she heard a familiar voice.
“Hello, Tiny.”
She paused, thinking she might be imagining things. However, when she turned around, she found Babalola standing right behind her.
“Babs, what are you doing here?”
“I was in the neighbourhood and decided to stop by and say hello. How are you?”
“I’m fine. I heard you’ve been in New York for over a month.”
“Yes, I’m sorry I haven’t called or visited. The handover took longer than I’d hoped for. Are you hungry? Would you like to get something to eat?”
“Yeah, sure. We can grab some street food and sit in the park.”
As they walked side by side, Kemi noticed that Babs was unusually quiet. It seemed like he had a lot on his mind.
Arriving at the park, they munched on their snacks, each lost in their own thoughts. After a while, Bab spoke up.
“You must have heard what happened with Derin and me.”
“Yeah. I was in shock—Derin, a lesbian?”
“Yeah, it was quite a lot to deal with, and at that time, I couldn’t imagine what life with her would have been. I was just grateful God got me out of the relationship. But in the weeks that followed and since I got here, I’ve had time to think everything through and pray. Derin is a strong woman who loves God and has done so much for the body of Christ. She is not doing well at all, Kemi. I think this is her fight of faith, trying to overcome this part of her has been the most challenging for her.”
Suddenly, Kemi wasn’t sure about the direction the discussion was taking.
“I’m sorry, Kemi. I know the revelation about Derin and the cancellation of the wedding, might have made you hope again, and I hate to do this. But I came here to let you know that Derin needs me. She needs someone to help her fight this thing, and I am willing to marry her and help her because I don’t want her to miss heaven.”
“I love you, Kemi, no doubt, and being with you would be the greatest joy of my life, but love is not all that matters. Sometimes we have to make sacrifices. If I marry you, I will always live in guilt that I abandoned a sister in need. I have come to realize that even though we love each other, it doesn’t mean we are meant to be together. Kemi, I’m letting you go, and I know you will find someone else who cares for you deeply.”
Kemi listened in silence, the weight of Bab’s words settling over them like a heavy fog. The revelation and decision he made were unexpected, and her heart struggled to reconcile with the turn of events. When she heard he broke up with Derin her heart began to hope again. She had refrained from reaching out to him waiting and hoping that he would come for her soon and now this.
Babs continued; his gaze sincere but filled with a hint of sorrow. “I know this is a lot to take in, and I don’t expect you to understand or agree right away. But I need you to know that this decision comes from a place of deep conviction and a desire to help someone in need.”
Kemi, still processing the information, finally spoke, her voice a mix of confusion and hurt. “Babs, surely you can help her without marrying. I believe we are meant to be together.”
Babs reached out, gently taking her hands in his. “Kemi, our connection was real, and you will always have a special place in my heart. But sometimes, love requires sacrifice, and this is a sacrifice I feel compelled to make.”
Tears welled up in Kemi’s eyes, emotions too complex to articulate at that moment. As they sat in the park, surrounded by the sounds of nature, the future they once imagined together slipped away like grains of sand.
Babs continued to offer words of comfort and reassurance, but Kemi’s mind was elsewhere, grappling with the reality that the man she loved was letting her go for reasons beyond their control.
Eventually, Kemi turned to look at him, tears in her eyes. “I’m sorry, Babs, that you have to sacrifice your happiness to save Derin. But I understand the value of a soul. If Jesus could die for the whole world, that shows how important a soul is.”
She signed and continued “I wasn’t proud of my behaviour at the resort. I was selfish and acted unruly, thinking that being in love permitted me to behave the way I did and putting you on the spot. I’m sorry. I realized what was pushing me wasn’t love, but lust. I love you, Babs. I care deeply about you, but I don’t want my feelings to blind me to what is the right thing to do. Your decision has taught me to put other people’s needs before mine and to do whatever I can to save a soul.”
Babs sighed; he never believed Kemi would understand, but then he realized that God must have been working with her.
“I wish you and Derin the very best, and I will be praying for both of you to succeed in your mission.”
“Thank you, Kemi. You don’t know what this means to me.” After saying that, they were quiet as they both contemplated their future without each other in it.
In this heartbreak, Kemi faced an uncertain path forward, one where she would need to rediscover herself and find the strength to heal.
Upon returning home that day, Kemi was taken aback to find Daniel, her ex, standing on her doorstep.
“Daniel, when did you come back?”
“A couple of days ago. How are you, Kemi?”
“I’m good. How are you? It’s so good to see you.”
“You too, Kemi.”
“What brings you to town?”
“I got a new assignment. Can I come in? I have a very important question to ask you.”
“Oh, sure. Do come in.”
