Battles in the shadows

THE TORCH BEARER

From the time Brandon found out the new information about Laura, his interest in her hit the roof. What happened that her name changed? He didn't see any wedding ring so she can't be married right? Were the Robertsons no longer her parents? What in the world had happened to her? He went on a thorough research aided by his grandfather who was once a public prosecutor. It has been two weeks now and grandfather has remained silent on the matter.

By mere curiosity, Brandon decided to check his new found friend at her place of work. He had no relative at the nursing home but hoped that they would allow him to get in to see his friend and maybe help out too. He smiled at the idea and walked briskly towards the strong Victorian styled two storey building. It had a beautiful and green lawn with flowerbeds of different types of flowers. Everything looked so peaceful and he stopped to look at some elderly people sitting chatting away by a tall glass window with some nurses and that was when his eye caught something. No. Someone.

Laura walked out of the nursing home with a broad smile on her face. Today's session was much blissful than the other ones so far. She had managed to get the wily old Deborah Robertson to admit that she had a grand daughter she threw away and now the end process was to make her feel the guilt to her death bed. She could get good rest afterwards...either in the grave on in heaven. That brought a wicked smile to her lips.

"You seem to be in a great mood today." Someone interrupted her thoughts. How rude! She looked at the culprit and her smile vanished.

"You promised to permanently remove the dark clouds from my sky but why do I always feel wretched each time I see your face? Get off my case Mr. Holmes."

"I had no intention of ruining your perfect mood today Lauretta." He apologised sincerely.

"Whatever. What do you want?" She asked.

"I just came to check how you do what you do here; helping the elderly people."

Laura looked at him with sincere concern for his sanity. Why was he following her around as if he had nothing else to do?

"Brandon, are you sure there is nothing wrong with your mind? Is it normal to be stalking innocent foreign students around London and making them lose sleep because of some fanatical weirdo?" Sh said with a roll of her eyes and walked away slowly and yet he followed.

"Lauretta..."

"It's Laura wacko!"

"What is your problem? One minute you are nice to me and the next you are terribly hostile. Let me help you."

Laura felt like insulting him in her language (Setswana) but she saw no use of that because he wouldn't understand anyway but that would till be satisfying.

"It is not normal for anyone to be this kind unless you are Jesus and He isn't here anymore! Brandon! Stay off my case!"

"What do you want with the Robertsons? I mean, what happened between you guys? You were a happy family."

This really infuriated Laura. What was the guy's problem? Why can't he just mind his own business?

"Why are you visiting Deborah Robertson? What is in it for you?"

Laura felt like kicking the daylight out of him but she controlled herself. He wasn't worth her time.

"Listen white face! You are getting on my last nerves. Aren't you Christians supposed to help others be more like Jesus? You bring the worst out of me. So it is settled. Get off my case."

"Lauretta, pain is a part of life. We learn through it and grow strong too."

"Like you did?" She said sarcastically. That was low and she knew it. Brandon wasn't the only one digging around, she had snooped around to verify his sad story.

"You are not the only one who has been hurt Lauretta, so get off your high horse."

"I don't expect anyone who has no knowledge of what have been through to understand me. My high horse is mine so move back before you get kicked off and end up with a broken body Holmes! Find another soul to save, Christian."

She laughed briefly and began walking away. Brandon felt defeated. She was a terribly hostile and heartless person. How was he ever going to bring her back to God? He remembered they used to go to church together during his visit to Botswana and she loved God.

No. Things won't end like this. He will succeed in this mission. He will get her to reconcile back to God.

"Lauretta. I love you but Jesus loves you more." Laura turned back and glared hard at him.

"Have you lost your damned mind?"

"No. Your words hurt me but I won't let you go. I will be your friend even..."

"If it kills you?" She sauntered towards him and looked straight into his deep blue eyes. With a smirk she said,

"Friends huh?"
"Just friends."

Hello great readers. Thank you for your patience and love. It's been hard for me to update but I hope it gets better from now on. Please don't forget to give your feedbacks. Stay blessed.