'If you ever wanted a picture of what our acts of righteousness look like before God...look no further than Isaiah. He minces no words here- filthy rags. There is nothing we could do to redeem ourselves, than what Jesus already did on the Cross. So why don't we do things a little differently this time? Instead of doing good deeds to earn salvation, why don't we do good deeds because we're saved? The emphasis is on because. The reason why, the motive for our actions. It's all or nothing brethren...it's all or nothing. Can I get an Amen?'

Maya and the choir stood up to lead the final song for the Mid-Week Worship Service. The choir had opted for an old favorite hymn 'I Surrender' and as they sung, Maya felt the need to pray inwardly. She waited for the third verse to start and she slowly backed away from her choir mates and sat on one of their chairs

'Father...'she mouthed her words. 'My desire grows stronger by the day...I know you know all things. I know you open doors. I know you're faithful...I want to trust, to believe that you, only you have something greater in store for me...I surrender my fears.'

Fifteen minutes later, Maya was stacking up the hymnbooks when Pastor Dumi approached her

'How are you my child?'

'I am well and you Pastor?'

'I'm fine. How are you holding up?'

'So far, so good Pastor. Finally starting school next week.'

'That's good news. Don't say finally...this was your appointed time. Remember...we operate on God's time...not the world's time. Keep that in mind.'

'Yes Pastor.'

'How is Mercy?'

'She is well. She's settling into her job well...though I know it's not easy, with that incident that happened.'

'Keep on praying for her...and encouraging her.'

'I will Pastor.'

'And how are you coping with Yankho at work?'

'He is still spiting me, as the rest of the team. Sellina is double-sided. She tries to please me and the team.'

'Regardless of everything...always remember that you made the right decision. If God wills to bring someone in your life...remember that He has your lot secure. It may not be easy to get it, but it doesn't mean its' not yours. Keep on seeking wisdom'

'Speaking of men...there is this guy...guys...that I'm interested in. One of them just broke up with his girlfriend...the other is...'

'Pastor Brian?'

'How did you know?' Maya stammered.

'Remember when you said you're going to bring me a referee form to sign...and you gave it to Pastor Brian?'

'He is...he was?'

'Every Christian girl's dream? My daughter...if there is one thing that saddens me most in the state of the church...is this chase. It's no longer the chase for God...but the chase for a man, or woman in the house of God. I'm not saying it's wrong...it's a beautiful desirable thing...but to make that your ultimate thing in life...the sole reason you are found in God's temple...that is dangerous. Seek ye first the kingdom of God...and everything shall be added unto you'

Meanwhile, Timothy was searching for Mercy at the Company Dinner. He had asked Mercy's colleagues who said they had last seen her with the Operations Manager heading outside. He was about to exit the restaurant when he was stopped by Cathy.

'Leaving early?' She asked. She had a glass of wine in her hand. She took a sip and placed two fingers on his cheek

'No, I'm looking for Mercy.' He moved back and took her fingers off him.

'Don't worry, she'll be back.' She took another sip and smiled coyly at him

'You're drunk,' he spoke in return

'I know...it's the only way to cope. One day-I'm the most sought after, the next, I'm...'she took another sip

'The next, I'm just another number...just another girl who keeps people from getting fired...Ha! A toast to life...' She raised her glass to him, and he took it from her.

'You need to go home,' he took her hand and walked her to his car. He opened it and helped her onto the backseat.

He went back in and found Mercy by the door.

'Hey, are you okay. I heard you had gone out with Hannock?'

'Yes, I'm fine. What's up with Cathy?'

'She's had a little too much to drink. I want to take her home. We should be starting off.'

'It's okay. I'll leave with, with Hannock.'

'Are you sure? That guy assaulted you the last time.'

'He apologized.'

'Mercy, what are you not telling me? Cause I can't let you leave with that man, at this time of the night.'

'It's complicated,' she scratched her head

Timothy went to speak with Hannock.

'Daddy's boy, what's up' Hannock patted him on the shoulder. He was chatting up one of the girls on Tim's team.

'I hear you're taking Mercy home,' Timothy replied

'Yeah, you got a problem with that?'

Timothy cleared his throat and put his arms in his pockets

'Yes, I don't trust your intentions with her.'

'What makes you say that?' Hannock got up from his seat and sized him up.

'Well, last time you assaulted her.'

'If I did what I did with her consent, would that still be called assault? You should learn to mind your own business or else that girl's going to get you killed, oh and if I were you, I wouldn't be dropping Cathy home. Her husband will shred you to pieces.'

'What are you trying to say about your relationship with Mercy?'

Hannock pulled him to the side and whispered in his ear.

'Well let's just say, I already tapped that thing!' He patted him on the shoulder again.' You know what, take her with you. You might just get lucky tonight. 'He chuckled and walked away from him. Timothy walked back to where Mercy was standing.

'Get your bag, I'm dropping you home.' He then asked for directions to Cathy's home and after that they left the restaurant with Mercy and Cathy sleeping in the back of the car.

'Are you mad at me?' Mercy asked, after fifteen minutes of silence in the car.

'I'm disappointed.' He replied

'What did Hannock tell you?' Mercy asked again

'How long have you known him?'

'What did he tell you?'

'How long have you known him Mercy?'

'Since I started work.'

'Really? How come he seems to know so much about you?'

'I don't know!'

'Tell me the truth Mercy!'

'I can't. It's too much. It's my past ok?'

'If it's your past, why were you with him today?'

'What's with the noise?' Cathy woke up from her sleep.' Where am I? Who are you? Where you taking me?' Cathy started hitting the driver's seat.

'We're taking you home Cathy!' Mercy exclaimed

'Home? What time is it? No, you can't take me home, not in this state!'

'We're ten minutes away.'

'My husband can't see me in this state!'

Timothy breathed heavily.' So what do you suggest we do?' He asked, with his eyes on the road.

'Take me to your place,' Cathy turned to Mercy.

'How will you get home in the morning?' Mercy asked

'I'll take a cab.'

Timothy was a few houses away from Cathy's place in Area 12 when he turned and headed for Area 36.They arrived at Mercy's place around midnight. Mercy helped Cathy out of the car and into the house. Maya came out the moment the car's engine had gone off. She made her way out to where Timothy was standing by the car.

'I'm sorry I dropped her off this late. It's a long story.'

'She's home safe and sound. That's all that matters. You shouldn't be driving this late in these streets with that kind of car. It's risky.'

'I know. It's even riskier for you. You come home in the AM's three times a week. You need to find another job.'

'Waitressing is all I have at the moment. 'Maya paused at the sound of vomiting coming from inside the house. She was about to go when Timothy held her hand.

'That's probably Cathy, she'll be alright.' Maya locked her fingers into his.

'Thank you Timothy,' she smiled despite the darkness they were engulfed in.

'You're welcome,' he squeezed her hand. 'Goodnight Maya.' He got into the car and drove off. Maya went back in to sort a place to sleep for Cathy.

Maya awoke the next day from the couch on the sitting room at around past five in the morning. Mercy was already up, starting a fire for her bath water.

'Morning,' Maya leaned against the kitchen door watching her sister blow the charcoal and burning items on the charcoal stove.

'Why couldn't she just go home last night?' Mercy responded

'What...oh...you're talking about her?'

'Yes.' Mercy got up and put the pot of water on the heat.

'Are you ashamed of this place?'

'I'm sorry Maya...but...you don't know what she's like. She'll take pictures of this place and send them to people.'

'You are being paranoid, let me go see if she's awake now.'

Maya walked into the bedroom and found Cathy sobbing on the bed.

'What's wrong?' She went by her side

'What am I going to tell my husband?'

'Uuumn, the truth?'

'That I got drunk at a Company Dinner, and spent the night at a Junior's place.'

'You will still have to face him sooner or later.'

'I'm a mess...look at me. I overreacted over a slight misunderstanding and I had a little too much.'

'What misunderstanding?'

'You wouldn't understand my love...and oooow! This stupid headache!' Cathy held her head as if it were going to explode.

'Can I get you something?'

'Orange juice, water, anything'

Maya left the room and came back five minutes later with a glass of orange juice.

'Mercy's taking a bath at the moment, I've put some water on the stove for you.'

'Alright, thank you.'

'Just call if you need anything.'

'Thank you. Hey, I feel like we've met before?'

'Yes, at Timothy's office. You're Cathy.'

'Oooh yes,' Cathy murmured, embarrassed. 'I forgot your name.'

'Maya,' she smiled and walked out. Cathy lay on the bed and scrolled through her phone. There were ten missed calls from her husband, with the latest being thirty minutes ago. She was about to call back when Mercy walked in with her towel on.

'Hey, morning,' said Cathy

'Morning,' Mercy replied as she rummaged through her clothes.

'Thank you for taking me in last night'

'You're welcome,' said Mercy, her eyes on her suitcase. She fished out a white blouse and a red skirt

'Mercy, I know.' This time Cathy got up and placed her hand on Mercy's shoulder

'You know what?' Mercy questioned as her feet trembled

'I know about the abortion. I know it was Hannock's baby.'

Mercy's eyes flooded with tears.' Who told you?' She asked, as she choked.

'He did. You need to stay away from him, or else he'll ruin your future.'

'How? I practically work for him now.'

'You need to quit, that's the only way'

'I can't, the job is all I have.'

'That's not true. If you don't...the job WILL be the only thing you will ever have in this world. Trust me.' She took her hand off Mercy's shoulder and walked out the room. She found Maya outside making breakfast.

'Hey Maya. Thank you so much for your hospitality. I just texted a taxi driver to come and get me. He will find me by the side of the road.'

'Are you not going to stay for breakfast?'

'I have to go get my car, go home and then leave for work.'

'Have you figured out what you're going to tell your husband?'

'I will think of something. Thank you once again.' She smiled at her and headed off.