HIM

CHAPTER 15

We stopped in front of a large gate which opened to another huge building. Well, it was a church. Wait! Why would Flen bring me here, to church? That was weird! But I didn't protest, instead this time I followed his lead.
There were no people inside,so what was the deal? He walked to one of the pews and sat down. I sheepishly sat down beside him not knowing what to do. He kept his head bowed for a while, me taking my time to study the place.
"We can go now, " he whispered to me. I didn't say anything, I just stood up and headed for the door. I didn't even want to ask about the church, though I felt compelled to do so.
"Uhmm, I am getting myself a phone today," I told Flen.
"Wow! I can see you've started missing me so often already."
"No, my boyfriend asked me to buy one so we'd communicate more, " I joked.
"Oh, I didn't know you had one. But am going to get your number first before he does, " he said winking at me.
"That was a lie, " I admitted.
"Bad enough, ever had a boyfriend though?No lies this time," he warned.
"Not really."
"Oh. "

After checking out a variety, I settled on a sleek model of a gold Huawei phone. Paid for it, also bought a SIM card, and there Flen was the first to have my number. Good.
"So, where are we to go next? " I asked.
"Just trust me and you'll see where, OK? "
The place looked familiar, definitely it was the river. Only that we'd used a different route this time, and this other side was grassier at least. The sun wouldn't be setting till the next one hour plus, so the waters weren't as compelling but it's tranquility was still felt. Clear waters surrounded by green, blessed with nature's silence,
"Seems you're the only one who comes here, " I tell him.
"Well, honestly I think I am. I've never met or seen anyone here whenever I come. "
"So you don't see me? " I asked jokingly.
"You know what I meant, you like it? "
"I love it, " I declared.
He looked at me and grinned. Then I saw him take off his T-shirt and pants, and shoes of course. I gasped not really understanding his action, before I saw him jump into the waters. "Ooh, '' I let out the breath I was holding.
"Come on in Linn, " he called.
I just stared at him then me and I guess he read that because he said, "I'll turn around. "
"I don't have a swimsuit you know, " I laughed at his choice of words.
"Take my T-shirt, am sure it's long enough. "
Well, sounded good but I felt totally weird changing even without him looking, and worst that we were ending up in the same waters with no one around.
OK, not that I didn't trust him, Flen was proving to be nice all the time. I just have never been close to any guy as such. Well, never mind my blubbering because I walked in anyway, holding the hem of the top like it was going to be blown up or...
Nothing, just shut up!
That was all so weird, staying in water together, no one saying anything, just looking at each other then boom!
"There's a crocodile coming up for you Linn, "Flen shot up as he swam out of the water.
Holy crap! I jumped out of the water as fast as I could only to be met with a rib-cracking laughter. No! That wasn't fair, I just pouted and sat on the grass.
"Sorry, " he said but didn't sound any genuine.
I thought for a second before asking him, "Flen, what does the church mean to you? "
He gave me a shocking look, "What do you mean? "
I also didn't know what I wanted him to say. So I paused for a while before starting.
"We were a happy family of four, that's my father, mother, brother and I. I remember every Sunday we'd all go to church,sing and dance. It was always a happy day though I really didn't like my Sunday school class because the teacher talked a lot. But after the service, we'd never go home immediately. We'd always eat out, take photos and more like go for swimming," I paused a bit because I felt I was going to break down with the next statement. Flen was just listening, not saying anything or even moving.
"But after the loss of the two important men in my life, never once did Mum or I step inside a church building. I still don't know why. All I remember during one of my classes is my teacher mentioning a great teacher called Jesus whose father was God. And she said that God loved and cared for his people. But I still don't understand why if God loved and cared for us, he let us lose them simultaneously! I long for the life we had as a family, the joy and completeness we felt of being one. I miss everything about that time."

He moved closer and I felt a piece of cloth on my cheeks, that's when I realized I had been crying. I took the handkerchief from his hands and wept my eyes dry, not adding any say.
"Come closer Linn, " he said.
I did as told, and unexpectedly he pulled me to a hug, with all the wetness regardless. I didn't try to raise any resistance, it felt comfortable.

Sometimes, we don't need to get answers in form of words. Silence can be the best we need at the moment, to feel those near us assuring that they understand. It doesn't matter if they don't speak it out, because you realize there are times you just need a listening ear. That's all.