'Aunty, why did Jesus have to die?'
Jessica turn to face the sadden but curious 2 year old Britania and smiled.
'It's ok dear. It was a good thing that he died. He died so that we would someday live with him in heaven'.
With that said, Britania smiled and said,'ohh, ok', cheerfully and skipped away.
Jessica smiled to herself not sure if her student understood her. She whispered, 'Lord, I'm glad for where you have brought me from, where I am and what you are about to do'.
'That makes the two of us', a voice interupted.
Jessica jumped and saw that it was Marcia her closest friend and prayer partner standing at the classroom entrance.
She giggled.
'Why you love faas in a me an God business so?'
'Ehhh ehhh an nu your God alone' Marcia joined her, sitting at her desk.
They both laughed.
Marcia had been her friend ever since moving to Kingston. The first time she stepped into Mercy Temple, the chubby girl was first to greet her and Mama at the door.
When you look at Marcia all you could see was teeth. Always smiling. Always cheerful.
'So you going on the singles retreat or not?'. Her hand went up as Jessica rolled her eyes. 'And don't tell me you have no time because school will be on holiday, don't tell me you not interested because at 32, with no kids and no man, we both know that's not the case.
'You have been trying for years now, but'......
'But nothing', Marcia interupted, 'you are a member of Mercy Temple for years and every year you give the same old excuses and you end up being the only single who don't show up'.
'I'm jus not interested in dating or a relationship right now'. Jessica felt annoyed. She placed her teaching materials back in place and arrange her class furniture ignoring Marcia who was typing away on her smartphone.
Jessica shook her head, chuckled and pack away her books.
She thought how lucky she was for God to send Marcia in her life at the time he did. Especially after moving here then losing her Mama.
Her friend was a strong woman in Christ. A bit overbearing but always seeking out the best for everyone. The woman knows how to worship too being the loudest voice in church, on the choir or praise and worship. Man, she could pray you out of hell better than Moses himself. Everyone looked up to her.
Marcia often call herself fab and fluffy because anyone could mistake her 35 for the new 29 because my girl can rock the latest trendy clothes and dance in the Spirit with her killer heels on. The youths at church had nothing on her.
She can afford it too as a Senior Attorney and newly promoted junior partner.
She looked up from the phone and signal with her mouth for me to turn around and I instantly knew what that meant.
'I hope a me unu a wait pan'.
Olivia.
I turn to face her with a smile
'But of course dear. It's not a trio without you'. Jessica opened her arms for a hug.
'Oh cause a me a di star. Don't Marcia?'. She was already sitting next to Marcia who was typing away like crazy on the phone.
'Hmmmm if you sey so'. Marcia cut her eyes at Olivia. 'We should da jus lef you'.
'Now now ladies, don't start it. Please, wrong place and I'm ready to go'.
Olivia turned to Marcia, 'You convince number 2 bout the singles retreat??' Grabbing the phone and trying to read the content of what kept her distracted from their discussion.
'If Jess is number 2 then I must be number 1 and you 3', she grabbed the phone from Olivia and put it in her bag.
Jessica interject before Olivia took her breath, 'Yessssss she did. Although......
I'm really not interested in dating or to be in a relationship.
They all said in unison, laughing.
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Its the last day of school. First day of freedom. Two months away from all the tears, snot noses, bathroom woes, crayon fights and annoying rich snobish parents.
But Jessica beam with joy to know that her kindergarten class will be moving on to Class 1 fully equipped and ready. She enjoys teaching although it wasn't her first choice. Nevertheless, she followed and trust God's direction.
The kids loved her too. Her high pitch but smooth voice singing animated stories from the Bible and of course, her art and craft class. Every student in the prominent private school knew and loved Aunty Jess or Ms. Blake and the parents, who can be a bit too high minded with up turnt noses all came to respect and appreciate her.
Jessica laze around on the sofa, home alone as she often is, memories and thoughts overtake her.
With only 3 years at Roosevelt Private Prep, she is only 2 months away from a well deserved promotion as Senior Coordinator.
'The parents are pleased with you. The schoolboard voted you 5 to none and I am very proud of you Ms. Blake', beamed Sister Athlyn.
'You have been very consistent in attendance and student excellency and you have maintained your stance throughout all obstacles and setbacks. Senior Coordinator. Second in command to the Principal. Well done'.
'Thank you Sis Athlyn', Jessica beamed as she smuled from ear to ear. Her thin lips quivering.
Sister Athlyn handed her a large brown envelop.
'This is your promotion package, if you have any questions, concerns or recommendations please call me for discussions'.
She hugged Jessica.
Jessica sat looking at the package.
Tears building up and ready to flow. She has done pretty well for herself and now, she had no one to share it with.
'Mama, you should be here to see me.
I wish I could see that proud look on you face again'.
'But she is pleased', the voice said.
'Yeah but I miss her even more now', Jessica whine. Tears streaming down with no strength of her own to stop them. Her tears put her to sleep, a routine she was accustomed to.
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'I think something is up with Jess. You nu seet it?' Olivia was looking in the passenger mirror, fixing her hair and wiping lipstick from her teeth.
'Nope'. Marcia focused on the road. Ignoring her.
'Wah you mean nope'. Olivia mimicked her voice. 'If you blind me nu blind but she has always been so secretive. Me just concern'.
Marcia hiss her teeth. 'If you neva blind how come you dont see why she in tha mood? After 5 yrs of friendship you still dnt know none a we?' Marcia was becoming annoyed. She was not in the mood. Not now.
'How you mean?' Olivia was confused as she turn her attention on her friend. 'From the first day me come Mercy Jessica was always reserved'.
'Wah yah talk bout? Jessica nah no secret we nu know. Atleast wah me nu kno. She just missing Mama especially now that she get promoted'.
Olivia blushed. 'well me did kno that. Is just that my instincts keep telling me that she hurting on something. Something more'. She held back tears, feeling confused.
Olivia looked out the window, watching the sea as they cross the causeway bridge into Portmore. Either Marcia was pretending or she is blind. Look like the Holy Ghost left she at the last minute. Olivia smirk at her thoughts then sighed.
Something from her past is still obvious and if she nu forgive herself then she will never be healed. I know, Olivia thought. I've been there before.
Marcia dropped her off at Passage Fort.
'Just pray for her, and let's be there for her no matter what. God will do things in his own time and on his own terms. Ok?'. Marcia understood Olivia's distress, after all, they all are very close.
Olivia nod to mask her tears in case they fall when she spoke.
She stood watching the black Rav4 drove off and disappeared.
Left with her own thoughts, Marcia begun to pray.