He's All I Have

•21•

There was an intense staredown. I stared at them with a mouth wide open, and they at me in disappointment. I quickly recovered from my shock. I tried to think of reasons why they could have been there. They looked disappointed but I didn't lose hope that they might have been there to take me home. Maybe they had forgiven me. Maybe I had my family back. The more I looked at them, the more I realized that probably wasn't a possibility.

My father finally broke the silence.

"So betraying your family wasn't enough? You had to embarrass us too?" He said.

I couldn't believe my ears. He didn't even greet me or care to know where I slept at night, or if I had even eaten. All he could do was criticize me and I wasn't even staying at his house anymore.

"What do you mean?" I asked him because according to me, nothing I was doing was an embarrassment. 

"Did you have to go around town speaking on something I forbade you to? People I know will see you. I get it, you are mad at me, but did you have to tarnish my image?" he said seething in anger.

How can one be so selfish that all they see is them in someone else's life? My life wasn't about him, it was about me and my God. I could have lost it at this moment but I decided to keep my cool.

"Dad, my being here has nothing to do with you. I found God when I most needed him. There are many people in this world who are hanging on by a thread. People are weighed down by life and do not know the freedom that is in Jesus. If I could tell just one more person about it, then my joy will be complete. I'm sorry my actions embarrass you, that is not my intention, but I will not give up speaking about Christ, not ever. I do hope that you find life in Jesus too one day."

"Are you really preaching to me right now? Huh. Well since you still have not learned your lesson, it will please you to know that I won't be paying your tuition. You are on your own." 

With that, he walked away. Mom gave me one last look and I could see a hint of concern in her eyes but no word came from her and she too walked away. I could feel the pain in my heart. I didn't know it was possible to get disowned twice. 

Funny enough, I felt nothing towards being completely cut off financially. I had lost my accommodation and basics.  I had already assumed that tuition was part of the package. I was actually partially relieved because they needed the money anyway. God would provide for me. 

I sighed in disbelief, said a short prayer, and continued evangelizing.

                            ★★★★★★★

When the next week started, I tried every day to avoid Zach because his indiscretion to his dad had gotten to me. I couldn't trust him anymore. Friends don't do that to friends. I succeeded in avoiding him, but only for a day. We shared too many spaces to avoid each other. Campus church was most of my life and his too. I couldn't miss Tuesday prayer and neither could he. Once the prayer was finished, I quickly packed my bag and left hurriedly. I practically ran from the auditorium as I headed out of the building. It was too late though, Zach had already run after me.

"Hey. What's up?" He said as he caught up to me. "Who are you running away from?" He asked.

"You." I said as I rolled my eyes. 

He looked confused and shook his head questioningly. Huh, how nice. 

"I can't believe you, Zach! Talking to your dad about my life? It's not your place." I half screamed and half-whispered.  I wasn't even angry anymore, just disappointed.

Zach looked defeated. He tried to say something but no words came out.

"Well, are you not going to say anything?" I questioned.  The man finally composed himself.

"Look, I'm sorry. It didn't happen like that. It's not like I just went and told him about your life. It just happened." He said and shrugged his shoulders.

"Huh. What does that even mean?"

"It means I didn't start a conversation about you with my dad. He heard me recording a voice message to you and he asked who I was speaking to. I couldn't lie so I told him about you. Besides, the man is easy to talk to. Things just come out."

"So you didn't tell him about my parents and stuff?"

"What? No?!! I wouldn't unless you wanted me to. He only knows about you coming to church and your singing. He knows you have a story, just not what it is."

I let out a sigh of relief. It was not as bad as I had imagined. A heavy weight had been lifted off my shoulders.

"Oh. Makes sense now. Sorry about that, I just like to keep my life private."

"No worries. I'm the same."

"Why didn't you tell me he was your dad? It's so weird. My teacher and my friend are father and son!" I exclaimed

"Ha. Just you wait until your father teaches at the same school you're going to. It's even weirder. I figured you knew."

"Nah, I had no idea. And he's easy to talk to? Wow. He scares me." I said as I mock shivered.

"He scares a lot of people but he's not all that at home."

"Wow, okay." I said as we laughed.

Our laughter filled the hallway and we were without a care in the world at that moment. Those who saw us would think our lives were perfect. Funny enough, there were far from it and more drama was on its way.

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To the lovely people saying welcome back, thank you. I had no idea you guys would still be reading this when I haven't updated in a year. I love you all so much. I am back, and more chapters are on their way.

13-05-2021