Joyce

The sun has just set, the clouds become thick and the whirlwinds take over the earth. The market women are running to their homes. The farmers leave their apportioned lands and take to their heels.

Soon, a heavy rain started. Everyone was already indoors by now.

"Oh my God everywhere is leaking again," Mrs. Evelyn said emotionally.

"Mum, but the carpenter said he has done a great job in the repair of the roof," Joyce stated.

"Yes, he said. I am disappointed in him. And this rain doesn't want to subside. Joyce, go and place a bucket under that zinc," Mrs. Evelyn said pointing to a leaking portion of their dilapidated house roof.

(Joyce hurriedly places a bucket under the roof. She walks back to her seat).

"If not for your father's demise, we would have left this house for ours years back. I pray God grant him a peaceful rest," Mrs. Evelyn said in a sad voice.

"Mum, it's okay. Don't bring back the hurting memories of the past. Dad was a good-hearted man when he was alive. He was the envy of this community and its environs. I know his life was terminated by enemies," Joyce said in a teary voice.

"Don't cry my beloved. What do you want me do if you start crying? Mmm..., Mr. Davies, my husband, I know your spirit won't leave those that killed you. Joyce, go and check the water in those buckets I placed under the rain outdoors," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay mum," Joyce said and left the sitting room.

"Are the bucket full?" Mrs. Evelyn interrogated.

"No mum," Joyce said as she walked back into the sitting room.

"(Standing at arms akimbo) My precious daughter, I want you to make me smile someday. You have been the only treasure your father left behind before he met his untimely death," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Mum, I will make you proud. Your morals are rightly making me become the woman you love me become," Joyce said amidst smiles.

(Now the rain has finally subsided)

"I trust you Dr. Now that the rain as stopped, I will go and continue the cooking outdoors. While you continue in the tidying of the rooms. Understood?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Yes mum," Joyce said.

Mrs. Evelyn went outwards to continue cooking, while Joyce stayed indoors to complete the domestic chores.

"Well done mum," Sandra said.

"Thank you daughter. How are you faring today?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am good mum. Is Joyce around?" Sandra said.

"Yes, she is indoors, being engaged," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Oh, let me go and see things myself," Sandra said and walked to the door.

"Hello friend!" Sandra yelled.

"Who is there? I am coming" Joyce said and exited the room.

"Workaholic lady!" Sandra teased.

"What do you need me do? I can't leave all the domestic chores for mum alone to do," Joyce said.

(The two friends exchanged pleasantries)

"How are you doing?" Sandra asked.

"Not bad. And you?" Joyce said.

"Same here babe. You weren't in school yesterday, were you?" Sandra said.

"I got no option than to stay in the shop with mum yesterday. You know she is a beans cake monger who needs much help," Joyce said.

"You are right. She is a very hard-working woman and aging. She needs you often. I am sure you took from her workaholic nature," Sandra said

"I am blushing. Yes I took from mum. Dad wasn't indolent though," Joyce said.

"You are right. Let's allow sleeping dogs lie. Can I assist you in the tidying?" Sandra said.

"Why not? I won't mind," Joyce said.

(The two friends continued the cleaning as they gestured and talked)

"I think I have to be on my way now. Mummy will be angry if I keep late night," Sandra said.

"You are right Dr. Mum won't want her treasure to be mishandled," Joyce said and the two friends walked out.

"So soon? You should at least take something before you go," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I would have loved to ma, but it's getting dark and I don't want mum to be angered," Sandra said.

"Alright, my Dr. Send my regards to everyone at home, including your pussycat," Mrs. Evening teased.

"(Smiles) It's been long I heard your moonlight tales. I will come and listen to some these days," Sandra said.

"Alright, my Dr. You can come in your convenience," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay ma," Sandra said showing off her gapped teeth amidst the blisters on her lips.

"Mummy, I want to accompany Sandy baby," Joyce said.

"There is no problem. But please don't stay long. You know you are the apple of my eye," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"(Smiles) Okay mum, I shan't," Joyce said

"I will give your meal to the dogs if you stay long," Mrs. Evelyn teased.

"(Laughs) You can't do that mum," Sandra chipped in.

"Don't mind mum," Joyce said.

(Joyce and Sandra left)

"At this juncture, I have to go back home before mum throws my meal away," Joyce said.

"I know you like food a lot," Sandra said.

"As if she doesn't like food. I am going back oo," Joyce said in smiles.

"Okay babe, thanks for the company and gist," Sandra said.

"I am not the chucklesome type. I always told you I love your sense of humor," Joyce said.

"(Smiles) Keep the exaggerations to yourself. You can go home now before mum gives your food to the bull dogs," Sandra said.

"Goodbye," Joyce said with bade and left for home.

"Mum, I am back," Joyce announced.

"God saved you, I almost gave your meal to the dogs," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"(Laughs sarcastically) Mum can't do that to her treasure," Joyce said.

"Don't mind my jokes. My toothless mouth only allowed me to crack that cheap joke," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Toothless mouth? God forbid," Joyce said.

"Age is counting on me. Well, your lion's share of the meal is inside the pot. Go in and get it," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I don't consume lion's share mum. Stop all these jokes of yours," Joyce said and exited to get her food.

Soon, Joyce came out with a bowl of rice and plantains. She holds the bowl as if it was going to fall off her hands.

"Mum, I didn't even know you fried plantains to complement this meal," Joyce said.

"It is not as if we have raw plantains in abundance. I only got those plantains for my queen in order to make one of her delicacies," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Oh, thank you mum. I don't have disdain for plantains besides. Rice and fried plantains are parts of my favorites," Joyce said.

"I have known from outset," Mrs. Evelyn said.

Joyce ate her meal as mother and child continued in their gist.

However, the next morning, which was a Sunday, Joyce and her mum headed to the church to celebrate Sabbath.

"It's a privilege to be standing on this exalted altar today to take you through the word of God. I will be teaching on hard times. Hard times are trying time. During this time, it is always as if God does not exist. My archaic God is alive. Hard times are to test your faith. Unfortunately, many Christians are eroded in hard times. I pray we shall not be eroded in Jesus' name," Pastor Kelvin said.

"Amen!!!" the congregation chorused.

"During hard times you learn to be tolerant and enduring. God doesn't sleep or slumber. Born again Christians must expect trying times, they must expect tribulations. I remember the testimony of one of our sister in faith. She said there was one point in her life when she prayed for God for more customers, because she has a shop. However, it was as if God was sleeping. Instead of her to have more customers, the ones she has were not abiding. To cut the long story short, this sister acceded to praying for church growth, instead of bringing her personal supplications to God. She became a steward and miraculously God surprised her in her occupation. Your own case is not different. Seek God's guides and guards and expect your abiding miracles," Pastor Kelvin preached.

Soon, the sermon was over and the choristers were called upon to take the congregations in acceptable praises in the course of administering anointing oil.

"You are good and your mercy is forever. Hallelujah.

I will celebrate my God.

Do you know there is another fellowship in heaven?

You and I will praise the Lord.

We have come to say thank you lord" the choristers ministered.

However, the service was ended with a benediction and everyone trooped out of the church.

Mrs. Evelyn and Joyce were back from church.

"Wow! Today's service was extremely remarkable," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Yes ma. It's a red letter day. I was captivated in the pastor's sermon," Joyce said.

"You are right Dr. Today's sermon is not different from words of enjoinments," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I pray God give us the grace to forebear always," Joyce said.

"Amen. Joyce, go and get fire woods so that we can cook something for lunch," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay mum," Joyce said and left the room

In no time, Joyce returned with fire woods. Mother and child started the cooking amidst banters.

"Mum, we are starting our West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) very soon," Joyce said.

"Wow! I have forgotten you want to write an external examination after series of postponements. How are you preparing?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am trying mum. Nigeria is known for procrastinations. The time table has been rolled out, but we haven't gotten the hardcopy in our school. However, I checked the time table on Google search through one of my friend's Android phone. We are starting with Physics practical," Joyce said.

"That is good Dr. Let's hope the time table get to your school soon," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I hope so mum. Mum, you are not talking about the Android phone I asked you to purchase for me hitherto," Joyce said.

"Mmm..., I have not forget. I need money to get you an Android phone. Just pray God provide for me," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"God will provide mum. Thank you for all you do," Joyce said.

"Thank God and not the mortal me," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"You are trying mum. Do you believe some of my classmates were not able to register for WASSCE?" Joyce said.

"You don't mean it," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am serious mum. Some of my classmates couldn't do the online registrations," Joyce said.

"What a pity. What are the reasons behind this?" Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Well, mum, Some embezzled the money their parents gave them to register for the examination. A friend of my, Kenny couldn't register for the examination because there was no money on ground. I am very sorry for the poor boy though. He said he would opt in for next year's examination," Joyce said.

"It's well. I am deeply sorry for these classmates in question," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am sorry for them too. Despite the uneasiness, you were still able to register me for the examination. You are one in a million and I owe you a lot. I pray nothing snatch you away from me," Joyce said.

"Amen. You deserve to be treated like a queen," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"I am blushing already," Joyce said with smiles.

"I want you to buckle up for the examination. I know the Lord I serve will grant you wins in grand styles," Mrs. Evelyn said as she put the spices into the beans she was preparing.

"Okay mum," Joyce said.

"Now, go indoors and bring out the used plates for washing," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Alright mum," Joyce said as she walked indoors.

Soon, Joyce came out with some used plates and cups. She washed the objects simultaneously.

"After you are through with the washing of the plates and cups you can come to the living room for your own portion of the meal," Mrs. Evelyn said as was heading to the sitting room with a hot pot in her hands.

"Okay mum. I won't hesitate," Joyce said.

(Joyce made the washing very snappy)

"Mummy, I am done with the washing. Can I have my meal now? I need to munch," Joyce said as she sat on a couch in the sitting room.

"Why not? Go and apportion the meal your belly can carry," Mrs. Evelyn said humorously.

"Mum, you have started again," Joyce said and walked to get her meal.

Some minutes later, Joyce came out with a bowl of hot beans. She sat down and started munching the food.

"When you are done eating, ensure you wash the used plates so that we can use them in the evening. I want to go and have nap," Mrs. Evelyn said.

"Okay mum. I will join you in the nap soon," Joyce said.

(Mrs. Evelyn walked to her room)

***********

It is a bright Monday. Everyone goes out for their daily engagements. Joyce walks through a street and sees an old friend.

"Hello, Joyce!" Betty called out.

"Old friend, how are you?" Joyce said.

"I am very fine. Thank you," Betty said.

"Long time, no see. How is everyone?" Joyce said

"We are fine. How is mum and dad?" Betty said.

"Mmm..., mum is fine. Dad joined his creator some years back," Joyce said in euphemism.

"Jesus!!! What happened to him?" Betty said sympathetically.

"Just a minor illness. He died after spiritual and medical helps of making him stand on his two feet again.

"Just like that? I am sorry Dr. Hope is vacuum has been filled?" Betty said.

"No one can fill my dad's vacuum in my life. Please, I don't want to remember old memories," Joyce said.

"I can feel your pain. Sorry Dr," Betty said.

"Thank you Dr. We've lost contact for long. I thought you left for diaspora after we finished from elementary school," Joyce said

"Yeah. I am back from states for holiday, you know my granny still lives here," Betty said

"Yes, I remember granny. She used to give us custard then. She must be aged by now," Joyce said.

"You are right Dr. Granny is now an octogenarian. I pleaded with dad and mum to allow me see her before she dies," Betty said.

"That is good Dr. How about your studies?" Joyce said.

"I have finished secondary school. I am now an undergraduate at Oxford University," Betty said.

"Wow!!! Congrats Dr. I am euphoria to hear these," Joyce said.

"Thank you pal. How about you?" Betty said.

"I am now at the summit of secondary school education. I will write my secondary school leaving examinations soon," Joyce said.

"Wow! That's pleasing," Betty said.

"But how did you make it to the university very fast? We graduated from elementary school at the same time.

"(Smiles) I know you will ask me this question. Well you know the education system is fast in United States of America (USA). Don't forget I am also a wit," Betty said.

"I have heard times without numbers that the education system of United States of America is very fast. Also, madam I'm aware of your wittiness," Joyce said.

"Don't make me blush," Betty said using her palms to cover her face.

"(Smiles) You are very intelligent then. I remembered how you, Sunny and I used to drag who would top the class then," Joyce said.

"Yes. That reminds me, how is Sunny?" Betty said.

"Mmm..., Sunny has passed on," Joyce said in euphemism.

"OMG (Oh my God). I don't believe my ears. What happened?" Betty said.

"It's a long story," Joyce said.

"You can make it short Dr, Betty said.

"It all started when Sunny graduated from elementary school. He searched everywhere for money to further his education. The poor orphan didn't see any opportunity.

"Good afternoon Sunny, Adams walked in one hot afternoon.

"Guy, how are you?" Sunny said.

"I am fine man. And you?" Adams said.

"Not fine oo," Sunny said emotionally.

"Cheer up guy. What is wrong?" Adams said.

"I haven't seen money to enroll myself into secondary school," Sunny said sadly.

"Tell me you are joking. Is Uncle James not aware?" Adams said.

"Guy, forget about that man. He is selfish. He knows my predicament, yet he has not done anything about it," Sunny said.

"That's bad of him. What have you done about the school fees?" Adams said.

"I have tried all possible best, ran from pillar to post. Yet, I haven't been able to raise any reasonable money," Sunny said.

"It's bad. Do you still have any plan of raising the money?" Adams said.

"I don't know where else to go. I am sick and tired. My world is crumbling in my own eyes," Sunny said sadly.

"God forbid. Your world cannot end when you have me. I can help you," Adams said.

"(Thrilled) Really? Disclose the help to me pal," Sunny said.

"Don't be in a hurry. I will disclose that soon," Adams said.

"Okay friend. Will you mind a cup of water?" Sunny said.

"I won't mind," Adams said.

(Sunny left and came back with a cup of warm water)

"Have it," Sunny said and handed over the cup of water to Adams.

"Thank you very much," Adams said and sipped the water.

"When will you help me?" Sunny said.

"Calm down. You don't have to be in a hurry," Adams said.

"Okay pal. I'm calmed," Sunny said.

"I have a good tiding for you. Tomorrow I will take you to somewhere," Adams said

"Somewhere? Hope I shall be safe there?" Sunny said.

"Yes, you will be safe. I will come tomorrow's morning so we go to where I promised to take you," Adams buttressed.

"I shall be waiting," Sunny said.

"since you have succumbed to my idea, I think I have to be on my way now," Adams said and stood up to leave.

"Let me see you off," Sunny said and the duo left the room.

The next day, in the evening, Adams went to Sunny's house as promised. Soon, the two friend went to the undisclosed place.

"Good evening guys, Adams greeted as soon as they reach an uncompleted building.

"Good evening Python," Pepper said referring to Adams.

"Who is this handsome looking gentleman?" broken bottle said.

"He is my guy. He needs help, so I brought him to our closet," Adams said.

(Now, Sunny was already fidgeting and perturbed)

"(Faces Sunny) Young Man, is that so?" Caesar, the group head said.

"Ye-ye-ye sir," Sunny said in fears.

"Young man, no need to be afraid. We are one family bounded by a tide," Caesar said.

"Okay sir," Sunny said and nodded

"Good. Do you really need our help?" Caesar asked.

"(Faces Adams) Ye-yes sir," Sunny said.

"In that case, we will administer the right help to you. Now close your eyes," Caesar said.

(Sunny closed his eyes)

Sunny's eyes were veiled and two men descended blows on his cheeks. Sunny had no option than to receive the assault. Soon, Sunny's face was unveiled and the cult members rounded him. Sunny was given some preparations to eat in the course of the initiations.

"Now, you are one of us. You can now rule because you have joined the big boys' group. Your name as from today is charcoal," Caesar said and everyone clapped.

"Charcoal!!!" everyone yelled.

"Alright. Tomorrow, we shall take you to a priest for further reinforcement," Caesar said.

The initiations continued with songs. Soon everyone left the scene.

"I thought you said you wanted to help me," Sunny said as he walked home in company of Adams.

"Yes. I just offered you a durable help. You should be thankful to me you know," Adams said.

"Thankful you said? Well I am disappointed in you," Sunny said.

"(Laughs sarcastically) You will soon come around. Don't forget the appointment you have with the group tomorrow," Adams said.

(Bows his head) I regret the day I met you. Depart from me," Sunny said.

"I can't leave you at this juncture. Go home and prepare yourself for the tasks ahead," Adams said.

"Then go to hell!" Sunny said and walked away.

"Come back here pal," Adams said as he followed Sunny.

"Leave me alone. You have ruined my life," Sunny said in tears.

"(Touches Sunny's back) I haven't ruin your life. Calm down. I have given you the greatest gift which you will thank me for later. I am very sorry the way my help turned out to be to you," Adams said.

"I am speechless. Just let me be for now. Goodbye," Sunny said and he walked away.

"Goodbye pal!" Adams said and took a different route.

The next day, in the evening, Adams rushed to Sunny's house.

"Good evening my amiable and compatible friend," Adams said.

"Good evening Adams. How are you today?" Sunny said.

"I am fine. Thank you. Now, can we go to our closet?" Adams said.

"(Looks up as if he was mesmerizing) I have no option. I have started what I can't end. Let's move," Sunny said and stood up.

(The duo left the room)

"Good evening great one," the cult members chorused.

"Good evening to you all," the priest said.

"Great one, we are here for reinforcement," Caesar said.

"Alright. Who needs it?" the priest asked.

"(Points to Sunny) This man here," Caesar said.

"Now, follow me to my inner chamber," the priest said referring to Sunny.

(The priest and Sunny left for the inner chamber)

"(Acceded to some incantations) Now repeat after me," the priest said.

"I..., add your name," the priest said

"I..., Sunny," Sunny said.

"Choose to serve only the great deity," the priest said.

"Choose to serve only the great deity," Sunny said.

"I choose never to go back on the journey," the priest said.

"I choose never to go back on the journey," Sunny said.

"In the rain and in the sun," the priest said.

"In the rain and in the sun," Sunny said.

"So help me gods," the priest said.

"So help me gods," Sunny said.

The recitations continued and the priest made some marks on Sunny and thereafter, gave him some preparations to drink. The priest and Sunny left the inner chamber to meet the other members of the cult.

"They are here," pepper said.

"Well done priest," Caesar said.

"Thank you. I have empowered him. He is now an extraordinary being," the priest said.

"Charcoal!!!" the cult members yelled.

"Can we go now?" broken bottle asked.

"Yes, you are good to go," the priest said.

"Thank you for the gesture great one," Caesar said and everyone stood up to leave.

One day, in the night. The group went on a vigil mission. They were armed. Soon, the cult members reached a shop at the outskirt of the town. They forcefully opened the shop.

Soon, a police van was coming from afar. Immediately the vehicle approached the theft scene, the cult members ran away. Unfortunately, two members, Sunny and broken bottle were apprehended. The thieves were put inside the van and drove to a police station.

However, Sunny and broken bottle were tortured. They exposed the hideout of the other thieves. Fortunately, Adams, an outlaw, was able to elope. Sunny and the other members of the cults were sentenced to life imprisonment. Sunny died after series of hard labor.

(Now, the two friends have walked down the street).

"Oh! No!!! Sunny was emulated by everyone in school then because of his good behaviors. I am sorry for him," Betty said in tears.

"My Dr, don't cry. How things fall apart. Sunny allowed himself to be influenced by peers," Joyce said.

"You are right. But, how can one uncle be so ruthless? Sunny's blood is on Uncle James," Betty said.

"Mmm..., the world is evil my sister. I pray we won't be faced by phenomenon above our capacities," Joyce said.

"Amen oo. Sunny's life was marred. I think I have to give you a bade at this juncture," Betty said.

"Okay Dr. Where are you heading to?" Joyce said.

"I am going home. Coming from church vigil though," Very said.

"(Laughs sarcastically) So you are still engaged in this your flawless and godly behaviors," Joyce said.

"What is what doing, is what doing well. I am for Christ and he is for me. I have placed him at the mainstay of my challenges and have surmounted," Betty said.

"Wow! I love that. I pray God help us all," Joyce said.

"Amen Dr. And you, where are you going to?" Betty said innocently.

"I am going over to a my mother's client house," Joyce said.

"What is the motive?" Betty said.

"Mum, asked me to tell her that she now needs her to assist her for this period. You know I am about to start my external examinations and I need not play truancy toward school," Joyce said.

"You are correct Dr. I pray God grant you successes in grand styles at the end of the examinations," Betty said.

"Amen oo. I think I have to let you go now?" Joyce said.

"Thanks for the company. Send my regards to mum when you get home," Betty said.

"Okay Dr. Send mine too to granny?" Joyce said.

"I will. I will come to your house before I go back to the States," Betty said.

"There is no problem. At least you should have the opportunity to say Goodbye to mum," Joyce said.

"Have you changed your residence?" Betty said.

"No. We have nowhere to move to. We still reside in our eyesores building," Joyce chuckled.

"(Laughs) At least you have somewhere to rest your heads. So, don't be an ingrate," Betty preached.

"You are correct Dr. God has been the paddler of our boat," Joyce said.

"Expect me from now on. Goodbye," Betty said.

'Alright Dr. I can't wait to host you in our triplex," Joyce said ironically.

"(Smiles) You are too funny. Goodbye," Betty said.

"Goodbye friend," Joyce said.

(The two friends took their separate routes)