Salvation

The Rave

Ade
"Come on Esther stop being like this" I whined to my friend who was pulling me towards Jay.  She stopped pulling me then turned to me.
"Gosh your face is a mess isn't there a single trace of makeup in the room?" I ignored her and she adjusted my gown and powdered my face
"Perfect now go get him" unbelievable. I turned to walk in the opposite direction of Jay when I heard my full name being call
"Made!"

Nooooo. Actually my full name is Oluwamadelemilori long right? Not to stress people I just shortened it to Ade.

I slowly turned around and smiled when I saw Jay hug Esther
"Hello ladies, did y'all enjoy the service?" He asked and I nodded. He stared at me before whispering something in Esther's ear which made Esther to wink and walk away.

Lord help me

I avoided his gaze and prayed silently in my heart that he didn't notice

Gosh why did Esther have to say that this afternoon!?
"So Made how are things?"

"Oh me? Things are good! Just peachy" I said quickly and face palmed internally

Seriously Ade? Peachy?

He chuckled and pulled me to a table
"Here be my guest"
"Jay, I don't want people talking" I said and slowly stood up from the table with the label Reverend Jacob's guest
"Let them talk Made you are my friend" he said and I deadpanned
"Everyone is your friend Jay"
"Well that makes you special"
"Please stop  this Jay" I pleaded and he sighed
"Fine" I gave a sigh of relief and he adjusted his pastor's collar

"Oluwamade you can't deny that you have noticed my interest in you"
No no no I don't want to talk about it right now.
"Jay"
"Made, I really have genuine feelings for you, I spoke to Esther and she said I can tell you about them" he said and I slowly sat on the closest chair. He sat opposite me and held me hand
"Made we are not children anymore. You're 24 and I'm 27 we can take decisions without people's opinion. Yes I told you I wasn't ready four years ago but now I am. I really love you Made and if possible I'd marry you but I want to court you first, with your permission"

Let me clear the confusion. Before Jay left for Pastor's college I had a crush on him. I felt it was mutual and told him about it but he went to pastor's college instead.

"I don't know Jay" I said honestly
"Like you said that was four years ago, things have changed, I've changed" I whispered and he sighed.
"No matter what Made you're still the kind, modest and beautiful girl I knew back then and now. I'll give you time to think about it, let's meet at the cathedral by sundown tomorrow, hmm?" He asked and I nodded. Not knowing what else to do, I player with my fingers and gave a sigh of relief when I sighted Esther.

"Looks like Esther needs me, bye Jay" I said and he smiled
"Bye Made, don't forget by sundown tomorrow" he took my palm and placed a kiss at the back of it.

My heart skipped a beat

"I....I won't" I stammered and rushed to Esther who was swaying to the rhythm of the talking drum and other instruments

"You have a lot of explaining to do Esther" I said and crossed my arms
"Not here baby let loose and have fun" she twirled and went on stage. She began stealing the show and the instrumentalists focused on her

Typical Esther

Soon the Reverend signalled for them to round up and Esther came back to stay beside me
"As you were saying?" She collected the menu and used it to fan her sweaty body while waiting for me to speak up

"I don't want you interceding between Jay and I" I said and she became serious
"Baby"
"No Esther, I'll go at my own pace, he had his chance and he blew it, stop encouraging him" I released a long breath and her face fell

"I was just trying to help Ade, you need more friends and"
"Stop it Esther! Don't help!" I interrupted her and her eyes became teary.

Noo don't cry
"Esther I'm sorry I"
"No I'm sorry" she interrupted me with a shaky voice
"You should life your life, I'm sorry for interrupting" she said before she stood up and ran away

No I didn't mean it that way. Everyone looked at me with the stink eye and I shrunk into my chair before standing and chasing after her.

I heard her sobs and traced it to the cathedral. As I go closer I also heard a familiar voice and immediately recognised it as Jay's. I sat in the pews upstairs and watched as Jay consoled Esther in the pews downstairs.

"I'm sorry Esther, its all my fault that you're hurting right now" he said and Esther nodded making me to smile.
"I won't bother you with asking for advises anymore. I don't want to be the cause of your fight or tears okay?" He asked and she nodded making me to smile again
Thank you Jay. The tears didn't stop tho and Jay looked worried

"Come on Esther" he begged and her sobs turned to sniffles making him to smile
"Tell you what? As my apology gift I'll make sure to give you the whole cup of Jesus' blood"
Aww I'd have wanted that. Like me Esther loved the communion so her face lit up like a child's own when just offered candy
"Okay apology accepted" they hugged and I smiled.

Again just like my Reverend, Jay interceded for me. For Esther maybe I should just give it a shot and see where it'll go.