Echoes Of My Soul

Chapter Two

"Let’s take the first chorus again," Mr. Tobi instructed my fellow choristers as Nathaniel and I walked into the church premises. 

We tried slipping into the back unnoticed, but Mr. Tobi’s hawk-like gaze caught us.

He lifted his head and spoke into the microphone. "Moro and Nath, kindly remain standing!" 

It was as though time froze. Nath and I exchanged glances, dread etched on our faces as all eyes shifted toward us. 

"If there's no genuine reason for your lateness, please, move back and walk around for 15 minutes," he announced.

It was the standard punishment for tardiness, and the room immediately shifted focus, avoiding the awkwardness of watching us. 

After a few tense moments of silence, Mr. Tobi raised an eyebrow. "I assumed there was a genuine reason for the lateness then?" 

"Yes, sir," we responded in unison, nodding like synchronized puppets. 

"Good. Write down your reasons and submit them after the rehearsal. Let’s proceed," he said, dismissing us with a wave. 

As we took our seats, I exhaled in relief. Mr. Tobi had a way of keeping everyone on their toes—especially me. 

I was still gathering my thoughts when my name rang out again. "Moro, come and lead us. We’ll be ministering the song you composed," Mr. Tobi announced. 

I blinked. My song?

"Nath, to the keyboard," he added casually. 

“Oh, wow!” Nath and I exclaimed in unison, our surprise audible. 

"The disciplinarian accepted my first-ever composed song?" I screamed internally.

What a day!

Susanna, the pastor’s daughter, erupted in cheers, jingling her ever-present yellow tambourine. The rest of the choristers rose to their feet in a standing ovation as I made my way to the front. Mr. Tobi handed me the microphone while Nath adjusted his seat at the keyboard. 

My heart raced as I looked toward Nath for reassurance.

He lifted his head just in time, flashing me a smile that said, _You’ve got this._

I nodded, encouraged, and returned the smile.

"Take all of me, Jesus..." 

***

Nathaniel’s hands paused on the keys as Moromoluwatiketike hit a higher pitch. He wasn’t the only one stunned—Mr. Tobi raised an eyebrow, impressed. 

"What manner of voice is this?" Nath whispered, astonishment plastered across his face.

"Lord, this lady is going places," he muttered under his breath. 

***

The rehearsal ended with a flood of compliments aimed at me. "Thank you," I mumbled repeatedly, baffled by the attention.

My voice? What was so special about it today? 

As the choir dispersed, some exchanged pleasantries, while others left for home. I stayed back to jot down my "genuine reason." 

"Sister Moro!" Susanna’s cheerful voice called. She approached with a warm smile and hugged me tightly. 

"How are you, Susan?" I asked, returning the smile. 

"Good! I can’t wait to resume school," she squealed, practically bouncing with excitement. 

I laughed, shaking my head at her enthusiasm. "I know the feeling. You’re ready to escape Ajegunle, abi?" 

She grinned and nodded, her eyes sparkling with excitement. 

"David’s school, right?" I confirmed. 

"Yes, ma," she answered, looking every bit like a child who couldn’t wait for Christmas morning. 

"Enjoy the time you have left here, ehn. It’ll be gone before you know it," I advised with a knowing smile. 

"Yes, Mama Moro," she teased, reclining against the chair. "But I still can’t wait!" 

"Good girl," I replied in Yoruba, watching as her expression turned blank. 

"Ah ah, what did you just say?" she asked, already gearing up for an explanation. 

"Ask your mummy when you get home," I said, waving off the topic to avoid prolonging the conversation. Susanna wasn’t one to give up easily, and I needed to leave soon. 

"But—" 

Her protests were interrupted by my phone ringing. She fell silent as I picked up. 

"Hello? Oh, okay, I’ll be on my way now. Thank you, ma," I said, ending the call. 

Hurriedly, I gathered my things. 

"Leaving already? Won’t you wait for Bro Nath?" Susanna asked, noticing my urgency. 

I glanced over at Nath, who was deep in conversation with Mr. Tobi. "Please tell him a client called me," I said, handing her the sheet containing my "genuine reason." 

"Okay, ma," she replied as I rushed out. 

***

Nathaniel jogged down the serene street, earbuds in place. His mother’s voice came through the call, calm but insistent. 

"I wonder when you’ll listen to me, Nathaniel," Mrs. Juliet began. 

He sighed, jogging in place as he prepared himself for the usual topic. 

Ever since he completed his master’s, his mother had been relentless in her campaign for him to bring home a wife. 

"Mummy, when it’s God’s time, it will happen. For now, enjoy your motherhood," he joked, attempting to lighten the mood. 

"God’s time?" she echoed.

"How will God’s time come if you don’t socialize? You’re always indoors with your work! How will you meet "The One?" 

"Mummy, God’s time never passes anyone by," he replied, stepping into his compound. 

His gaze lingered briefly on Moro’s apartment before he shook his head and continued inside. 

But as he entered his home, he froze in shock at what awaited him.

To be continued!

Author's note: Beloveds! 🥹 My sincere apologies for taking too long to update you guys. My school schedule is a whole lot, but God is helping! 🥹

I pray He grants me the grace and strength with the next chapter. 🙏🏿

Until then, what can you say about Moromoluwatiketike so far?

What about Nathaniel?

Have you ever been late to church rehearsals with no genuine reason? What was your experience? 🌚😂

Thank God, Moro and Nath had theirs, oh.🤪

Please don't forget to vote and share, and I'd love to read your comments.

God bless! 💙