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And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.
                – Romans 8:28

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It's funny how "It's Me versus You" comes so easily to my lips. It's Me vs this World. I'm truly a foreigner here since Heaven is my new goal.

It's been a year since that birthday celebration. That's the first birthday party have ever had after the death of my parents. My Uncle and Aunt almost spoilt the joy in that month. I do remember. I remember how I got a call from them. I'm still wondering how they got my number. They thought they could force me into giving them money. I guess my fashion company has been going viral on the internet as well as my picture of my nice tutorial fashion outfits. I suspect they got my number from the internet. My aunt, strident and callous, demanded money from me while also threatening to ruin me. I couldn't take it anymore. With Aaron and Sandra's support, I sued them for child abuse and the court gave them a huge fine to pay for compensation for all I have gone through. It would have been imprisonment but I didn't want to leave their children with no parents. I'm glad that justice prevailed.

How was my jamb?

I am proud and confident to tell you I won't be rewriting. In fact, I have a very good news. The world did try frustrating me because I almost didn't make it to my examination venue. The traffic in Lagos is on another level. However, my jamb result was good. I didn't reach the mark I wanted but I got a score that gave me admission into the University of Lagos to study psychology.

Presently, I'm on my way to the University. I've packed my luggage and I'm just waiting for the driver to arrive so I can be on my way to that great citadel of learning.

The news is too much to swallow isn't it? I'm still trying to wrap my head around my new reality. I can't believe I'm on my way to the University. Wow!

"Madam, no dey look mirror. Have you packed your things? Don't complain later that you forgot anything oo," Sandra hisses and slaps my arm. I whine and she rolls her eyes at me. My eyes fall back at my reflection on the mirror. I've added weight due to the amount of food I now consume. My new nickname is foodie and I like it. I thank God for provision.

My scars are still there though some are getting flat and faint. I know they can't disappear and will most likely be with me for the rest of my lives. I'm not scared. I don't want to change it because the scars remind me that I'm a fighter and to never give up. No condition is permanent. They remind me of all I have overcame. They are not my flaws but my beauty. Always remember you need to have confidence in yourself. Always make conscious effort to boost your self esteem.

"Ify, can I trust you to take care of yourself in school?" Sandra sighs and place her forehead on my shoulder. "Can I?"

"Why can't you trust me?"

She shrugs weakly, her eyes drilling at my reflection on the mirror.

"God will take care of me and I will definitely take care of myself"

"I know God will take care of you. He always does. He always loves us despite the sinful acts we commit. God is merciful," she says and turns to me. "We human tend to fall alot. Can I trust you to get back up? Will you ever backslide from God and move alone? I don't want you to think you are alone".

"Why will I backslide? Why will I forget all God has done for me? Why will I want to leave the perfect peace that comes from knowing Him?"

"A lot of people say these but divert when temptation comes or they see the pleasure of the world."

"I should be advising you since you are also in University. Why are you talking like one old woman?"

Her eyes widens in surprise. "Are you ignoring my advice?"

I shake my head fiercely. "No way! I'm in agreement with your advice. Please don't get me wrong. I want to live a life that glorifies God"

"That's a relief"

"I always remember that all things work together for those who love God and are called according to his purpose. I love God and I always work to leave according to his purpose. I give God the glory," I say and she wraps her arms around me in a tight hug.

The vehicle arrives and the driver takes my belongings into the car. As I'm walking out of the house, Sandra trails behind me her cheeks moist with tears. She can easily visit me since I'm schooling in Lagos but she choose to stand at the main gate, crying while waving goodbye to me as though this would be our last time meeting. Two miles away and I decide to let my tears drop. They were tears of joy.

The drive to my university makes me weary. The traffic is slow and we spend a whole two hours in one street. Sadly, when the road became clear, our vehicle breaks down in the middle. Some bulky men helped us to push it to a safe corner where the driver began some work on it. He realized he couldn't do it and decides to call a mechanic. While all this is happening, my eyes are on a certain young lady that seems to be in her early twenties. She is sitting on a bench, her eyes on her feet. I could see how her tears soil the sand beside her feet. I don't know what she is facing but I wish to help.

I go to the bench and sit beside her. She glances at me with her teary eyes and turn her gaze back to her feet.

"What's wrong, dear?" I ask.

She doesn't reply.

"Don't worry! I don't want to hurt you. I just wish to help"

She rises and goes to the side of the bench so that there is a big distance between us.

"Have you eaten today? We can stop at a nearby restaurant and talk"

"And why should I trust you?" she snaps. "Why?"

"You are right. It's not good to trust stranger"

"Mtcheww" she bows her head and continues to let out her silent cry.

"I really want to help you. Please," I plead.

"Just leave me alone. I'm tired of trusting people. Man has failed me and God has also done the same. What's the point of this life sef?" she mumbles and sniffs. She rubs her nose and wipes her cheeks. Her shoulders shake as she sobs and it breaks my heart.

"You feel all hope is gone, don't you?" I quiz.

She eyes me. "You won't understand. Forget about it".

I stare at the girl. A little voice keeps whispering "save her" and then, realization dawns on me. God is indeed love. He wants to save His Children– all of them. You may experience something and believe God is uncaring. Just know God may have plans to use you to reach other people. Your experience can be used to save others. Before you were created, God has a purpose for you. Just because you are experiencing the negative things of life does not mean God is uncaring. Remember that eternal life is a great gift God gives to the righteous. Your reward is in Heaven and it's the best kind. Don't doubt God no matter what you are experiencing. In fact, you can jot down your tough experiences. Someday, someone might come to you with that similar problem. You will speak to that person, not just from the Bible but out of experience and you will save a soul. Never doubt God. You are more than a conquered. Now, I want to work towards God's plans for me.

"I have something for you," I tell the girl and rise. I get the Book of Quotes I had and hand it to her. It's a new one I had created for my journey in the University. It has quotes from my other book and Bible verses too. However, I want the girl to overcome whatever challenges she is facing. I want to be there for her. I want her to know that despite the difficulties in life, God still loves her and He is always there for her.

From my experience so far, I will conclude that it is you versus the world. The world is not fair, caring or loving. You need someone powerful and stronger so you can be a Victor and that supreme being is God. You need someone who will give you unconditional love and will never abandon you. God is telling you to come to Him. He is faithful and His love..."endureth forever". With God in your life, there is always hope. You just need to have FAITH.

                  The End.

A/N: Thanks for reading. Don't forget to vote and comment. This is the last chapter for this book. Share your thoughts pls 🙏 What have this book taught you or what impression did it have on you?