"What happened. What did you see? How is your father" Derin asked panicking?

"Calm down mom. I had a dream. Where is Dad? I've been calling him for a while now but I've not been able to reach him". Anne asked.

Derin lost her voice as she didn't know what to tell Anne. She was still of the opinion that only Jemima knew all that was happening. How was she going to explain that she didn't know where her father was, her own husband. How was she going to tell Anne all the hurtful thing Dele did now that she was just growing to forgive and trying to forget all that had happened.

" Mom?" Anne called, "Talk to me".

" He's... He... He is fine... Yes fine", Derin lied.

"No, he's not. Don't lie to me, mom. I know something is wrong at home. I saw your messages when I came home some days ago. You were drunk and in tears. I found out about Dad's affair. You don't need to pretend mom. I know all that happened ", Anne said.

Derin burst into tears, she could only imagine how shocked Anne would have been. How disappointed she would have been. She was always in a fight with her father. Derin could only pray that this hadn't caused Anne to have hatred towards her father.

" It's okay mom. I just need you to answer my question". Anne said. "Where is Dad".

" I don't know!" Derin said.

"What!" Anne exclaimed. "When last did you see or speak to Dad?" Anne asked

" I don't know. Maybe days, or weeks. ..."

"Ah, mom! Why! "

"Anne he's probably with his mistress I don't know please".

" Okay mom. But we need to find Dad quickly. I sense he is in danger where ever he is".

"Definitely. Outside God is enough danger already. I need to find my husband". Derin dropped the call as soon as Anne complained of her hostel mates being around.

She searched for Hadassah's phone number. She was the only person she could think of at that moment.

Hadassah picked the call on the second dial.

" Good morning ma", She said.

"Good morning to you to ma", Derin responded.

" Yes, ma. I hope all is well. This is quite early", Hadassah asked.

"I know. And I'm sorry if I disturbed"

"No, no. You didn't. You didn't disturb ma" Hadassah said.

"I just need someone to talk to", Derin said, her voice breaking as she felt another round of tears brimming in her eyes.

" Oh. Okay ma, where do you think we can meet?" Hadassah asked.

" If you can come to the hotel I'm lounging at. That's if it's ok by you"Derin answered

"Perfect. That's just perfect. Send me the address and I'll be there in an hour".

           ••••••••

" Who was that?" Joseph asked from the other side of the bed.

"Don't pretend like you don't know from our conversation. It's Mrs. Adewale". Hadassah said.

" What did she say? What happened?", Joseph asked.

"I don't know, she just asked me to come to see her. Maybe she has had a change of heart"

"Hmm', Joseph sighed. " let's hope so"

"Yes. We will keep praying", Hadassah said.

She prayed inside her for the right words to use later that day. This family meant a lot to her and other people out there. She couldn't let anything happen to them. God wouldn't want anything bad to happen to them.

Hadassah sighed as she got up. And got ready for the outing.

••••••

No one barely had any sleep in the night. Not only because of worry, and questions they had about what happened the previous day. A bit because but Jemima and Toni refused to stop sobbing.

Semiloore was with her mum in the kitchen preparing breakfast. But their minds were far away from thinking about all that was happening.

" Semilore", her mum called.

"Yes mom", she answered while washing the vegetables.

"Do you think either Jemima or Toni came down to eat last night?" She asked.

"No mom. I was awake all through the night. I don't think any of them came downstairs".

" Wow".

"Only God understands the pain those girls are going through. Only God can comfort them". Nurse Temi said as she added salt to the soup she was cooking.

" I'm still shocked about what Jemima said yesterday", Semiloore said. "I really can't believe it".

" Hmm. It must be terrible", Nurse Temi said. She rested her back on the kitchen table. "I remember when my parent got separated. I was so confused, I can understand how she feels".

" Hmm. Maybe. Apart from the fact that her family business will be on everyone's lips. Especially those jobless bloggers", Semiloore uttered.

"How do you mean?"

"Jemi's parents are pastors",

" Yeah. Toni mentioned that".

"And there aren't just any pastors", Semiloore said in a sad tone.

" Huh?"

"Pastor & Pastor Mrs. Adewale mom. Does that name ring a bell?", Semiloore asked.

Nurse Temi did a mental search to check if she knew them. And when she finally got it. Her eyes widened in shock and her jaw dropped.

" Now you get it", Semiloore said after seeing her mother's expression.

      ••••••

I stared outside the window, inside Semiloore's room. The sight was beautiful. We were in a very beautiful estate with parks and beautiful buildings. Just through the window, I could see the happiness everyone around seemed to carry. Once upon a time was when I and my parents had the opportunity to visit parks and recreation centers.

I didn't value all I had until it became obvious I was losing it.

I couldn't even believe and have strong faith as I wanted to. I wanted to pray but I didn't. Although, I didn't want to fall into a position I was in for months. I also couldn't see myself pray.

Indeed, I had forgiven my parents. But it seemed hopeless thinking they would ever get together again. That chapter was done and over with.

I didn't know if I had the strength to accept such a reality. It was too scary.

Who would I live with? My Dad or mom
How will I be a straight 'A' student once again? It seemed so impossible right now.

I heard the door open and turned to see. It was Toni. She looked really beautiful with her added weight and baby bump. I smiled at her and got up from the chair I was sitting on.

I really missed this girl

I ran towards her and gave her the warmer hug ever. That was the only way I could tell her I missed her so much. She hugs me back tightly, so tight I was worried about the baby.

"I missed you!", I confessed.

" I missed you too!" She blurted and we both burst into laughter.

Hitting her playfully on the shoulder... I said
"So you didn't want me to know you were preggy? Who did you think would stay with you in the labor room?" I teased

"How could I tell you. When you ran off and had new friends. Silly girl!" She teased too.

We both laughed and hugged each other again. Suddenly. Her face was all serious again. And I could see the redness of her eyeballs. She had indeed cried all night.

"Jemima". She started.

" Huh?"

"I want to be your friend", she said in a very serious tone. " Friends are always there for each other. You've always been the only friend here. Not for once have I been there for you"

"Friend help others carry their pains. Jemima, you've been the only friend in this relationship. I want to be a friend too. I want to be there for you. In your darkest hours and your broken days. I want to be here with you when it seems everything is going wrong. Jemima. I want to be your friend.  I know I don't know much about being a good friend but I trust God to teach me!"

"I want to be the shoulder Jemima would cry on. I want to hear your stories, your fears, and your heartbreaks. I want to stand up for you. Pray for you. And help you. I want to trust God to help me be a better friend to you. You really deserve it".