THE WIDOWER.

CHAPTER 26.

CJ watched Olive as she played with her dolls as they waited for the officer working on Olive's case to show up at the Department of Children Services. He was not sure if they would let him take in Olive. It has been two weeks since Olive's aunt,Gladys agreed to let him have full guardianship over her. She wanted Sarah as she called her to live a good life as she tried to fix hers. Nora had helped through all the proceedings and he was happy that she was not turning her back on him.
The rest of the cohorts were arrested but still there was the missing girl,Gwen. Nora was still chasing after them and there was no Gwen. Most of the time even though she was glad Olive was okay,she still was worried about Gwen.
CJ was so preoccupied with Olive's welfare that he almost forgot Nora's agenda. They had arrested a man who was said to be Mr X's wingman but he got bailed even before he could speak making Nora curse corrupt leaders in the law sector one night as they had dinner at Jade's house.
Now here he was and all he had was faith that they would let him have Olive as guardian hoping one he will adopt her for he was yet to get married.
Why are you so sad?" Olive signed.
"I am worried." He replied.
"Then let's pray for God says that we shouldn't worry about anything." She said as she moved to hold his hand.
CJ smiled and bent her head as she prayed silently. When she was done,she tapped him and said Amen.
CJ knew for Olive he could endure the entire process and make sure she was never out of his sight.
She was a lively child and she reminded him of the daughter he never had a chance to meet.
"Mr Mwamba,let's go inside." The officer startled him.
He dragged a reluctant Olive in the tiny office as dust molts hang in the office space .
"They are renovating the new building so excuse the dust." She explained as she moved to open the windows.
She took her sit and perused the documents and stared at Olive.
"Mr Mwamba ,I know Gladys agreed to allow you have full guardianship over her but there is a process and we have to assess you as well." She uttered.
"On this case,you have the upper hand for rescuing her and protecting her all this and officer Nora has a high regard for you. It will take time but I know at the end you will be her guardian. Here fill all this documents and have them brought here on Monday." She instructed as him.
"Thank you for the help." CJ thanked her.
"It is alright,actually I pray for more men like you in this country,God knows we need them." She huffed.
"Your lawyer has made contact with the court for a hearing and we will let you know soon." She went on.
"Thank you ma'am." He smiled.
"No,thank you for helping her. The cases we deal with everyday are heartbreaking but this are among what makes us keep doing this job. All the best." She said as she stood to bid him good bye.
"Thank you." CJ mumbled as they left the office.
"Thank you Jesus!" He whispered.
Olive clutched her hand on his as she smiled at him.
*******
"Hello?" CJ responded to the call as he drove Olive home.
"Hey,CJ. Can we grab a bite as you tell me the progress." Pendo offered.
"Well,unless I tag Olive along." He complied.
"It is alright meet me at the hospital gate then we can go together." She suggested.
"Okay,see you in a few." He said as he hung up.
Olive was still playing on the IPad.
Pendo had been a constant help and a friend he could converse with from time to time. He found out that she was a strong willed and outspoken individual who did not hesitate to say what was on her mind.
She was like a spark in his monotonous life and also a good help when it came to Olive.
She was contrast to Nora and CJ could not help but find her a close friend whom he could share his true thoughts especially when it came to matters of faith.
Jade ensured his faith and commitment was intact by asking hard question and ensuring Rick and he hang out more.
When it came to Nora,it seemed like still waters and he did not know how to manoeuvre around them without waking the slumbering lion.
She was okay to talk to and actually found out she could crack jokes. He was so surprised that he had to explain his shock to her only for her to laugh at how terrible he thought of her.
Nora occupied most of his thoughts and not even one did he stop praying for her.
He wanted God to give him patience and capacity to understand her.
They arrived at the gate as a Pendo waved at them.
She wore jeans,a T-shirt and a pair of converse shoes.
"Hey you? She greeted as slid on the passengers sit.
"Hey Pendo?" CJ responded.
"Hey Olive,this is for you." She offered her a  chocolate bar.
"Well,how come today you are in casuals?" He prodded.
"Today,I am off duty and only dropped here to a report to the head of our department." She replied as she settled in more comfortably.
"Oh! That's good. Where are we going?" He inquired with a small smile.
"KFC, then ice cream house,my treat." She dismissed him too quickly.
CJ watched her and laughed,"you had to say that didn't you?"
"Yes! Before you say it is your treat when I am the one who invited you." She giggled.
"How was your day?" He asked as she shielded her face from the afternoon sun.
"My day was good but even better now with you two." She responded.
"Yours? How did it go?" She asked as she put on her sunglasses.
"It went well more than I expected. I am going back on Monday and I hoping for better news." He said.
"Hallelujah! " she exclaimed.
They both laughed.
Pendo had a light skin and a Charming smile. Her smile and eyes were so interesting and she confessed to have put on contact lenses as her natural eyes were as good as dead. She had problem with them after an accident with her parents and since then has been glasses and lenses.
Her hair and a silk touch though she trimmed it from time to time to prevent it from growing longer than she could comb.
She loved working out because of how she suffered overweight in her teen years and being bullied in school.
CJ could see the clear contrast between the two ladies.
They arrived as he hoped that he would be able to rush back to Nora's place to tell her the good news.
He did not want to sabotage his only chance.