SHOUT-OUT to davido_J for her support. ❤️❤️❤️🥺

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    Character cannot be developed in ease and quiet. Only through experience of trial and suffering can the soul be strengthened, ambition inspired, and success achieved.      

                         — Helen Keller

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I don't plan to give up anymore. My Heavenly Father is saying something to me and I need to listen to His voice. Surrendering to God isn't hard, rather it's the best decision. It feels so unfair that not all get to enjoy this peace. I didn't even get to enjoy this peace before but now I do.

I'm like...."Baba God I don do my best, na to leave am for you to handle I don dey do now".

That lifestyle is healthier for me. "Surrender all to whom created all" – this words won't make much sense to you now but I pray the Holy Spirit explains better to you.

My Father has said this to me, "Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go".

I roll out of the king-size bed and drop to the floor. I force myself to my feet and sigh. I'm not a fan of waking up early. I was before but with this soft, comfy bed, I'm not. I'm also tired, you know. Yesterday, I had to supply my online customers with the dresses they had ordered. It's been two week after the fire accident. I'm still recovering mentally, physically and financially from it. Rita is truly dead. It still hurts to remember. She is resting now but I'm worried. I'm not in the place to judge but did she live a life pleasing to God?

Geez! This thought drives me crazy.

People tend to question God alot but always remember that He is mysterious but a faithful God.

"I'm sure it's my therapist that is causing all this spiritual talk," I sigh groggily. Aaron had forced me to meet up with a therapist two times a week. He believes my experience with my Aunt and Uncle might have affected me psychologically. I hope he doesn't think I'm mad. I walk to the bathroom and wash my face. I brush my teeth and sluggishly head down the stairs. I'm still living in Sandra's house and my online fashion business is booming. Why? Because Aaron's mother who is a famous fashion designer bought a gown from me and wore it to an international fashion event. People fell in love with my design and want to have theirs too.

Aaron and I now have a brother-sister bond. He had told me he had prayed to God to be a blessing to someone's life. He wanted to use his wealthy to glorify Him. He donated to charity and for church development. However, when he met me, he felt the need to help me. He said he knew if he hadn't, the devil would have used me as his pawn because I was helpless and alone. That's why he was helping and not because of the reason I had in mind. I'm surprised to see that the Love of God can and has changed the hearts of some people. That's amazing. Love your neighbor as yourself!

Sandra is still the loving friend and sister she is. I stroll into the kitchen and get a chilled bottle of water from the refrigerator. I walk back to the living room. It's dark because Sandra likes to keep everywhere dark. That's her reason for getting thick curtains. The sun ray can't even pass through it. I begin to open them and I switch on the light.

"SURPRISE!"

Everyone – Ekene, Aaron, Sandra, Mrs Yemi and my friends from tutorial jump out of their hiding spots, screaming: "Happy Birthday, Ifunanya".

I freeze.

They begin to sing the birthday song while I scan the calendar in the living room. Today is my birthday and I didn't remember? I'm sure Sandra didn't forget. She is probably the reason for this. I'm smiling ear to ear as I thank them for the birthday wishes.

"You're welcome," they exclaims with bright smiles.

"We need to prepare for the birthday party. Just a small one," Sandra cheers as I go around hugging them all. Ekene hasn't fully recovered but thus far, he has stopped his drinking and smoking habit. They all have taken me as a friend and sister. It's amazing really. It's great to know there are people who truly appreciate you for who you are. It's not easy to find such people buy if you, don't let go of them. It's best to surround yourself with people who will help you grow than do the opposite.

"It's not necessary," I tell her.

"Abegi!" Sandra exclaims and pulls me into a bear hug that squeezed my muscles. I don't know how I survived.

"Party preparation time," Glory squeals and Ekene goes ahead to play music from a speaker in the living room.

They begin to dance along to the song as they exit the roo. I glance at Mrs Yemi. She has a pained smile but she covers it up with a fake laughter. She knows I could see through her facade and so she stops.

"Are you okay ma?" I ask her and hug her. She relaxes in my arm and sighs.

"Yes," she forces a laughter and leans away. A teardrop slips down her cheek and she wipes it immediately.

"You can share with me any problem you have. I don't mind," I disclose and rub her arm. I'm learning alot from my therapist. I can't wait to start studying psychology.

"I thought you don't like sharing your problems. Why are you advising me to?"

I chuckle, "Dr Bisi has a way of making you change your mind".

"Your therapist?"

"Yes"

"That's nice"

"So what's wrong?"

"Hm..." She sighs and her eyes become watery. "I didn't know I failed in raising my child".

"What do you mean?"

"My daughter lost her virginity to that yeye boy that was working for us and then, he stole our money and ran away," she explodes in tears and I lead her to my room where she can have her privacy.

I console her saying: "You did your best. It was left for your daughter to either follow the good path you have laid for her or the opposite. She chose the wrong path despite it's consequences".

She continues to cry. I say every soothing words I know to her. She finally gets herself with a determination to force her daughter to grasp common sense that doesn't seem common to her.

"How's tutorial been?" she quizzes to change the topic.

I allow that and reply, "I've been studying hard for my exam. I still go to my tutorial with my confident outfits and a high self-esteem. It's been good."

"Fashionista," she teases me.

They say Money makes the     world go round, is that true? No! Money is important but the love of money is the root to all evil.

       They say no man is an island.
       Prove it? So far....I succeed more when I commit them all to God.
      They say happiness can be found in one's family, are you sure? Yes! That's if the family truly understands the love of God. The love of God is kind, patient and more. When they accept God and allow His love to transform their behavior to others, they will be more loving to you and happiness can be found in them. However, true joy and happiness comes from God's presence and unconditional love.

The preparation finished at 12pm and the party begins at 1. I'm surprised to see the time and money they invested in party. Sandra had bought a gown for me. Now I understand why she had asked me to select a dream gown. She also forced me to get a photoshoot at a nearby mall. We also did some shopping there before returning for the main party.

I thank God for bringing such caring people to my life. I burst into tears as I watch them present their gifts to me and share the best experience we had had together. Aaron is still the same way he is oo. I'm not surprised.

"I can remember," he says. "You had mind to come and tell me I poured mud on you while driving. Am I the cause of the bad road?"

I shake my head. "You haven't even apologized for that sef".

"I gave you money"

"Money isn't apology," I snap.

"But it made you shut your mouth," he shrug nonchalantly. "People do alot of shameless things for money."

"I hope you aren't referring to me," I whine. "Guys, Aaron is bullying me on my birthday".

They all laugh and I shut my eyes to thank God for my life. He has been with me all through.

      A/N: Thanks for reading. Don't forget to Vote and comment. I hope you enjoyed this chapter?

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