Her Past

Still Broken

'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.