Maybe, You Will See Me Now

017

Ijeawele woke up in a startle. Her gaze wandered left and right. Almost everyone was on their feet swooning to the worship song led by the choristers. She leaned away from the person she'd been leaning on, thereafter realising it was Andrew. Ijeawele was quick to lower her eyes from him just as embarrassment washed over her. She scolded herself for falling asleep and wondered how long she'd been sleeping. Yet, she felt oddly satisfied with her little rest leading her to not entirely regret dozing off.

"Are you okay?" Andrew asked just as he leaned forward, closer to her hearing.

She looked at him once. "I'm fine. You should've pushed me away." Her second sentence was rather lower than the first.

"It's okay. I didn't mind."

Ijeawele looked at him once more. His eyes were as clear as always. Obvious that he truly held no ulterior motive. She shut her eyes the second she turned her head away from him. The worship had ended and the pastor ventured into prayer. During this time, she rolled her lips in just as the feeling of guilt settled. Her mission today was to try and reconcile her faith. Yet, all she'd done was fall asleep and worry about the presence of the man beside her. Even in that moment, she echoed amen because the congregation was doing the same. But Ijeawele didn't want herself alone to carry the blame. Andrew definitely ruined her chances. Somehow, his presence was increasingly starting to get to her.

"Do we have any new comers in our midst today?" The lady at the altar questioned with a welcoming smile on her face. Her eyes wandered over the congregation for any sign of anyone stepping out.

Ijeawele remained quiet. Her gaze blank and ahead. Andrew stole glances at her, waiting for any kind of reaction from her. Finally, he cleared his throat and casually jilted her arm with his. She looked at him.

"Aren't you stepping out?"

A light frown surfaced between her brows. "Why?"

"Because this is your first time."

"You don't know that." She looked away from him. For some reason, she expected him to say something next but he never did.

Ijeawele grew increasingly conscious and guilty. He was right and she was ready to maintain a lie in the house of God. It ate at her conscience. In the end, she stood on her feet and without sparing him a look or a word more, she made her way out of the row and towards the altar where about four others stood in front.

Andrew's smile was simple while he watched her walk towards the altar. He noticed her purse which she'd left behind. Mentally, he made a note to look out for it.

Ijeawele dwindled the pen between her fingers, debating on whether to fill in the address section of the form she was given just like the others. After prayers, they were immediately led to an office at the back. She would hate it if they were to show up in front of her door out of the blue. Although, they would have to call her first. So, she also contemplated putting down her phone number. A voice in her head reminded her of her desire to start over. Here, no one knew anything about her past. She would have to be whosoever she tells them that she is. Mentally, she shrugged off whatever worry she had and quickly filled the form. After a quick and short prayer, they were presented with a little refreshment. A shortcake biscuit and a bottle of Fanta. A welcome gift. It was after they left the room that Ijeawele realised the service had been dismissed. She'd left her purse on her seat unattended to. Her money and phone were in it.

Ijeawele looked around when she didn't find any sign of her purse. She went as far as looking under her seat. Yet, no sight of it.

Andrew. His name popped into her mind. Surely, he would've seen someone take it if at all it was stolen.