Save Me?

Five.

29th, January, 2017. 
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.
The Church of The Nazarene. 

9:30 a.m. 

~

"The lord said, to come as you are... but, he didn't say to stay as you are!" Pastor Nicholas shouted into the mic, as he wiped the layer of sweat that was beginning to form on his forehead.

"Did you hear me!? I don't think so, so let me repeat! The lord said, to come as you are... but he didn't say, to stay as you are!" He repeated coming down from the podium closer to the congregation, as they erupted in Amen's and Hallelujah's. 

Tony and I were currently at church. Someplace I found myself every Sunday, since moving in with him.

Growing up, Jelani and I used to attend church very often, but we stopped attending once we got older, and more wrapped up in the family business [the family restaurant]. 

Since being reintroduced to the church scene by Tony, I managed to meet so many new and interesting people.
I tried to attend bible study when I could -or should I say, when I felt like it. I even attended and participated in most of the many church activities, the church would have. 

~ 

Standing from the bench I was seated in, I gathered my belongings walking into the isle of the church, making my way to the door.

The loud chatter and laughs of the the church members consumed me, as I stood by the church doors waiting for Tony.

He was a bit involved in the church so he'd usually stay a while after the service to socialize with the members. 

"So, ya'll coming to Fannie's house after? For Dinner?" I heard behind me. 

Turning around I came face to face with Nasir, and instantly smiled.

Nasir or Nas as we called him, along with both of his brothers and mother, was one of the first persons I met, after I started to attend this church. I Believe that was only because, Tony and Nasir's older brother [Anthony] are "Best Friends". 

Embracing him with a warm, tight hug. I smiled as I released from the hug, stepping back a bit, rubbing my swollen five months stomach.

"I'm not sure yet, i'll have to ask Tony." I told him as I stepped out of a lady's way allowing her to pass. 

"Okay. so that's a yes" he said smiling causing me to laugh. After my laughter died down, he asked me about my pregnancy and how far along I was. 

"I'm five months and a week." I said rubbing my stomach. "It's almost time for me to give birth, and I can't wait. I'm tired of being fat" I said chuckling a bit.

"You're not fat. you're pregnant. You look quite fine to me. But let me get going, you know how Fannie can get." He told me. 

"Okay Bye! See you at dinner!" I said Hugging him as he left and replied with a you too. 

After he left I looked back over at Tony and he was still speaking with that girl. But this time they were laughing and very close to each other.

I sighed blowing my breath taking a seat on one of the benches closest to the door, while I continued to wait for him. 

~

Closing the bus door after I entered, I placed my church bag on my lap pulling the scarf from over my shoulders. I rubbed my stomach sitting back in my seat as Tony started the bus, driving away from the church. 

"Nasir, asked if we were coming over to Fannie's for Dinner." I told Tony starting up a conversation. 

"Yeah, we going." He answered keeping his eyes on the road.