Chasing the Fantasy ||Completed

Chapter 16: Pit of deception

At the end of yet another Sunday service- one which had been more explosive than ever- he walked to his counseling office half grodgery. He removed his shoes from his sweaty feet, stretched himself briefly on his swrling chair before standing up and walking to the windows. 

Looking outside, he could see cars clogging at the exit and some dodging the jam by creating an alternate route way too close to the church garden at the back. The instagrammers were posing on the water fountain in the center to prove to their followers that they were not just christmas- and - easter- only type of church goers. Near the instagrammers were a group of women who from lip- reading could be seen whispering about the sermon. The hard truth is that even before the service ended,  the prophesied death of the two politicians was blasting everywhere like multiple bombs.

He closed the blinds and looked over his shoulder- as the creaking sound of the door echoed the presence of his wife. One of his favourite times after service was hearing all the complements that Nancy showered on him, as they drove the voices of doubt away. Although he should trust his delivery, hearing the accolades muted his insecurity. He was addicted to them like coke.  So when Nancy entered with the quizzical look on her face, he knew one way or another, he had messed up.

"Joe", Nancy called, her voice thick with concern as she sat on the leather seat, and slapped her birkin bag on the table.

"You never -" she broke off as if groping for the right word. "You should have informed me that you were going to drop these bombshells. Have you thought of their reaction should they hear of you blabbing about them?"

"There is nothing to worry about. You think too much.", he said. Clearly, it was a statement to paliate his own rising anxiety.

"You know how ruthless those two politicians can be. I just hope you know what you are doing. Anyway, We are heading back home.  Don't take long with counseling today. Love you!"
"Love you more", he said while implanting a kiss on her cheeks.

Immediately she left, he told his secretary to let those waiting to come in one after the other for counseling to commence.

The first person to be called was Juliet, the spy. She looked like a beauty goodess in her pink chiffon dress, deep waves remy wig, light make-up and signature red lipstick and literally like a model on the cover of vogue magazine.

The loud click- clack of expensive heels marched in. Juliet took the seat opposite, and he was immediately taken aback by her beauty- a slow tingle travelled down his back. He was so enchanted by Juliet's beauty that he found it hard to compose himself.

"Good day, how are you?", he said while peering through her as he studied her face, eyes, hair, mouth and neck.
"I am doing well. By the way, Pastor, I love your sermon. There is always nuggets of wisdom sprinkled in everything you say", said Juliet flirtatiously- the corners of her mouth turned upwards showing speckless white teeth.

All of a sudden the smile wiped out from a face then taking a more serious one.

"I wished that my coming here today would have been due to a wine- sipping issue, but Pastor it is more consequential"

"What is the matter my lady. You can tell me anything"

"My grandmother is very sick with lung infection,  has been admitted to the hospital and is at the intensive care unit. I was hoping that you join me in praying for her and possibly visit her."

"I am really sad to hear your story. I don't have words that seem appropriate,  but I want you to know that I care. Let's pray", he said, and they held hands together as he prayed.

He then gave his number to Juliet to contact him for further arrangements.

With that he was swayed, falling into the pit of deception.

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