Ruth's pov
After everything, I walked home, lost in my thoughts, when I looked back and saw David and Temi behind me. I quickened my pace, but then I heard Temi call out, "Hi, Ruth!"
I turned to greet her. "Oh, hi Temi! How are you?"
"We're fine," she said, but David, walking beside her, didn't even glance my way. He just kept his eyes ahead, his posture stiff.
I continued, trying to make conversation. "So, how was service today?"
"Fine," Temi responded with a smile, but there was a hesitation in her voice.
"Hope you enjoyed the meeting today?" I asked.
"Oh yes, I did," she replied. "God loves us so much, He gave His only Son."
I smiled at her enthusiasm, but then I heard David scoff. He made a sound with his mouth that caught my attention, and then he said, "Oh please, do you actually believe that crap?"
I felt a twinge of frustration, but I calmly responded, "Yes, I believe it. Why wouldn't I?"
David smirked, shaking his head. "Who would give up his only Son to be sacrificed?"
I thought for a moment, feeling the familiar warmth of my faith. "God did. He loves us so much, He sacrificed His Son for us."
David let out a dry laugh, shaking his head. "And His Son just allowed Himself to be killed? Even if His father was being wicked?"
I smiled, my heart aching for him, knowing the doubt in his voice came from a place of deep confusion. I could see he wasn't ready to understand, but I felt a quiet hope rise within me.
I replied, "Well, David, the Bible says in Genesis 1:27, 'So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them; male and female he created them.' God made us in His image to prove how much He loves us."
David raised an eyebrow, clearly skeptical, but I continued, my voice gentle but firm. "And Jesus is God. He gave His life for us because He loves us. Even when it was hard, even when He was in pain, He chose to save us. That's how deep His love is."
David said nothing, but I saw the flicker of a thought in his eyes. Whether or not he was listening, I couldn't tell, but I knew this conversation wasn't over. He was lost, yes, but I prayed that one day he would see the truth. For now, I was content knowing that I had spoken my heart, trusting that God's love would reach him in His own time.
When I got home, I quickly got to work preparing dinner for my parents. I made swallow and soup, knowing it would make them happy after a long day. After finishing the meal, I sat down and turned on the TV, keeping myself busy with a Christian channel. The calm voice of the pastor filled the room, soothing my heart.
Just then, my parents came in, and my dad smiled at me. "Ruth, how was service today?"
I smiled back and answered, "It was fine, Dad."
He nodded, and I went to my room. I yawned as I climbed into my bed, the exhaustion from the day finally catching up with me. I whispered a quick prayer before closing my eyes and falling into a deep sleep.
That night, I dreamt.
In the dream, a man in white stood before me. He looked gentle, his presence peaceful and full of light.
"My friend, how are you?" he asked with a kind smile.
"I'm fine," I replied, feeling a deep sense of comfort from his words.
"Come, my child," he beckoned, his voice soft yet firm.
I walked closer to him, and we began talking. He looked at me with so much love, as if I were the most precious thing in the world.
"You know, you are the apple of my eyes," he said, his voice filled with affection.
"Yes, I know," I answered, my heart full of warmth.
I found myself telling him everything on my mind,thoughts about my day, about my struggles, and my hopes. It felt as if there was no judgment, just understanding.
Then, he stood up, walking towards me with a sense of purpose. "Continue to be good, Ruth. Help others, preach my love. Forgive, as I would forgive, my dear."
I nodded, feeling the weight of his words in my soul. "Yes, Sir," I whispered, remembering the Bible verse about love that echoed in my heart.
"Love your neighbor as yourself." — Mark 12:31
He smiled gently and said, "Good."
"Goodbye for now, Ruth," he added with a knowing look.
And then, he whispered something only the two of us understood "Later, my little dove."
The dream ended, but the warmth of his presence stayed with me, like a gentle embrace that calmed my spirit.
The week went by quickly, filled with my JAMB tutorials. Every day, I attended classes, working hard to prepare for the exams. It was exhausting, but I kept going because I knew it would help me achieve my dreams. On Friday, after finishing my tutorials, I was walking home when I saw David.
"Hey, David!" I called out, trying to sound friendly despite the awkwardness that lingered between us.
"Hello, church girl," he said, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"My name is Ruth," I corrected him, rolling my eyes.
He shrugged, not bothered. "Alright, Ruth. How are you?"
"I'm good. Will you be coming for service today?" I asked, trying to make conversation, though I already knew he probably wouldn't.
"Only if you give me a kiss, I will come," he said, smirking with that same arrogant attitude.
I stopped in my tracks, my eyes widening in disbelief. "No," I replied firmly, refusing to entertain his nonsense.
"Oh, come on, you're too uptight," he teased, stepping closer. "Just look at you, dressing all modest and prim. You look so old."
I stood my ground, feeling a surge of frustration but keeping my composure. "My body is the temple of God," I said, quoting scripture with confidence. 1 Corinthians 6:19—"Do you not know that your bodies are temples of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own."
David's smirk faltered for a moment, and I could see that he wasn't expecting such a response. I didn't say anything else but just walked past him, holding my head high. I refused to let anyone, not even David, make me feel ashamed of who I was or what I believed.