Sunday 27th September, is a day i hope to forget.
****It all began yesterday, Saturday 26th September, my mother came to my room, she woke me up to perform my morning function. This i clearly understood, she was doing her possible best in ensuring i become responsible. Well, while i was doing my chores, i received a phone call from Felicia crystal, this left me amazed. "why would felicia be calling me?" I wondered. My inquisitiveness made me answer the call.
Felicia exhaled so deeply, i could hear her over the phone. "February, I need your help." Felicia said.
I was bothered by her tone, "Felicia, what is the matter?" I asked.
"While reading today's newspaper, I came across an article, about the street drug Dawinge." She answered.
I became concerned, "What does Felicia know about the drug?" I wondered. "What does that have to do with me?" I queried her.
She snuffed, "Nothing actually, I just want to ask for your help." She replied.
"What do you want from me Felicia?" I asked again.
"Two days ago, while I was walking home, I came across two guys, they were exchanging some kind of drug. The seller talked of a man called The Anarchist, I think that the Anarchist is the one responsible for the production of this hard drug." She noted.
I was suspicious, wondering what Felicia's intention is. "Why are you telling me all this! Isn't your father the town sheriff?" I inquired.
"Yes he is, but I can't tell him. He would think that I am pocknosing into Matter that doesn't concern me." She muttered.
I scoffed, "Isn't that what you are doing?" I asked.
"Yes, but it is for the right reasons." She answered.
I smiled, Felicia definitely is losing her mind. "What right reason?" I queried.
"I overheard you and Madison discussion, about how the drug maker could help you two find out what exactly is going on in our town." She revealed.
I was caught by surprise, "What are you talking about?" I whispered.
"Don't play me for a fool February, I know everything you, melody and Madison have been up to." She said distinctly.
I was petrified a little bit, "I don't know what you are talking about." I tried denying.
"Continue denying the truth, you can't hide it forever. Well, I guess I have to find out the truth myself." Felicia muttered with a clear mind.
"Don't do anything you will regret Felicia, I am warning you." I tried advicing her.
"Someone has to find out the truth." she mumbled.
After our conversation, i came to a conclusion, felicia had definitely lost it. She is desperate to solve the mysteries of scholar town, i am so sure she would get burnt in the process of doing so. I had no other choice, i made a promise to myself that i would not let that happen. So, i asked kelvin to spy on felicia, and keep her out of trouble. At first, kelvin bluntly refused my request, but i made him understand this was a life and death issue. This left kelvin with no option than to agree to my request.
By 10:00am, i called kelvin to receive update regarding felicia. From my conversation with kelvin, it sounds like Felicia's plan didn't go the way she expected. The neighborhood threatened to get her arrested for pocknosing into matters that does not concern her. I was a little bit relieved, but still, i asked kelvin to ensure he does not let felicia out of his sight. Few minutes later, i received a phone call from Madison, asking me to come to frisbee shop. I was reluctant to go meet up with her, cause i was so tired after the hectic house chores i performed. Eventually, i agreed to honour Madison request, and meet with her at frisbee shop. Moreover, i was feeling the need to have one of frisbee's burger. About 45 minutes later, I arrived at frisbee shop.
I was so famished, "Where is the waiter?". I asked.
Mrs. Frisbee was the one who came to me, she was excited to see me. "February, how are you doing?" Mrs. Frisbee asked.
I smiled, "I am fine ma, thanks for asking." I responded.
"What can I get you?" She asked.
I snuffed, "Vegetarian burger and kelp juice." I replied.
"Okay, give me five minutes." Mrs frisbee responded.
Madison and i had a long conversation with eachother concerning Felicia, Apparently, she also called Madison. She is determined to find out her truth.
"We have to do something about Felicia." Madison said.
I was pissed at Felicia, what is going on with that young lady, became the only thought in my mind."What can we do!" I exclaimed. "If you have an idea, I am all ears."
"I was thinking you could explain things to her, tell her why she needs to stay out of our business. If so, tell her about the danger involved if anyone comes to find out about what she is doing." Madison said.
I sighed, "Madison, you don't know Felicia like I do, this will only encourage her the more." I replied..
"So what exactly are we going to do?, We can't just allow her join our crew." Madison said tentatively.
"Why not?" I queried.
"I am not sure we can trust her." Madison grumbled.
I was caught unaware by madison's argument, "How exactly do you know that?" I whispered.
"I don't know, it is just a feeling." Madison answered.
Not a minute pass by, when i received a call from kelvin, I didn't hear him talk, all I kept on hearing was different kind of unrecognised sound. I began to imagine what was happening to both kelvin and felicia. Eventually, i heard a voice from kelvin cell, it was felicia, it seems kelvin and her ran into a little trouble in their quest. While having a conversation with felicia, i kept on asking her "how is kelvin?" she said he was doing well, but i knew she was lying, and this was proved when I overheard the sheriff had sent one of his deputies to get me. It seems both kelvin and felicia have been apprehended by the sheriff department and it is all my fault. I instantly went to the sheriff department before the deputy arrived.
By the time i got to the station, i noticed a group of guys who were in detention. I tried asking what was going on, but no one would talk to me. I was then taken into the sheriff office. It was there everything that happened was revealed to me.
The sheriff clears his throat, he stared right at me, "Welcome feburary, i am honoured to meet your acquaintance." He said.
I was a bit scared, i could hear my heartbeat skip. "sheriff hiram, i am glad that i could
finally meet with you, but i wonder, why are you after me?" I asked.
The sheriff smiled, "There is no need to be worried, i just need your help inother to clear a little formality." He said.
I was concerned, "If i may ask, what exactly is this formality that need to be solved?" I queried.
The sheriff snuffed, "Outside. Deputy bring them in." He muttered.
One of the deputies brought in felicia and kelvin, which literally gave me a shock. I began to imagine what exactly both of them did. From the sheriff statement, it seems kelvin got into a fight with some set of guys, who were intending to assault felicia. The sheriff had actually called to thank me for watching out for his daughter. To cover up my tracks so he wouldn't find out that i had is daughter watched, I said to him, "that is what i do for friends". Although, the sheriff was pleased, but one thought kept on bothering him, I could see it on his face. After a deep exhale, the sheriff asked the question.
"How did you find out about the place my daughter was heading to?" He utters.
I stared right into the sheriff eyeball confidently, "Sheriff, she called me this morning, trying to convince me to follow her to a particular neighborhood, she claimed the drug maker stayed. I told her to stay out of it, she is no detective, I explained to her that she should inform you her father, but she refused. She said she wanted to solve this mystery herself. I was busy at home performing my morning function, so I could not go with her. I called kelvin, pleaded with him to go stop Felicia before she does anything stupid. I hope I didn't do anything wrong?" I responded.
The sheriff exhaled, "No, You did the right thing. It's only because of you my daughter is safe." He said.
I was eager to the leave the sheriff office, the thought of him asking me another question really bothered me. "Sheriff, is there any other thing you want to discuss?" I inquired.
He looked confused, "What do you mean?" He replied.
"I want to know if I can leave." I said confidently.
He chuckled, "Of course you can. I can't keep you here, you have done nothing wrong". He said.
Afterwards, the sheriff commended my effort ones again, and thereafter allowed me to leave. After I left the sheriff department, I was panting deeply. Felicia didn't say anything, but i knew within me that the fight had just began. The young lady would not be pleased that i had her followed, and also exposed her intentions to her father. I had to make a choice, it was hightime i reveal the truth to felicia before she finds out from someone else. I needed to be sure I was not making a mistake, so, i called Madison and melody to meet kelvin and i at frisbee shop. About 20 minutes later, we were all at frisbee shop. I told Madison, melody and kelvin about my intentions to tell felicia all that has been going on in town.
They did not agree initially, most especially melody who was unwilling to trust Felicia. After much convincing and explaining, they accepted to do what I asked. I told Madison to call Felicia, and ask her to come meet her at frisbee shop. I was sure Felicia would not pick if I made the call myself. After a while, Felicia arrived at frisbee shop, she looked furious after seeing me, she wanted to leave, but we stopped her. We sat felicia down, and told her everything that has been going on in town. This freaked her out, she was so scared and terrified. I tried consoling her, suddenly, i noticed two heads hiding behind the chair in front of ours. This petrified me, i screamed, Madison and melody were instantly terrified by my scream.
Kelvin became worried instantly, "what is going on?" He asked.
The two heads behind the chair appears to be that of ben and james. They now know about all the terrible event the town has been facing. I was so afraid that they would spread this news to the entire town, that would cause unrest. I tried to convince both parties like i was doing to felicia, but they insisted they would not listen to me. This caused a lot of troubled heart, as both guys demand that we let them go, which we were forced to do, so as not to attract the attention of the people in the diner. Although, i knew within me that both ben and james could not do what they had promise. They were clearly bluffing, moreover, they are not heartless. However, despite my optimism, i was so unsure of what i was doing, i began to consider other option if i could not trust James and ben with the truth.
Madison, melody and kelvin were not pleased at all. The expression on their face tells the entire story. Trying to solve one problem landed us in another. Madison was terrified Benjamin would tell her mother just to spite her. This was definitely all my fault. Out of anger, Felicia walks away from the diner, we could not even get her on our side.
Melody nods her head in disappointment, "What mess have we gotten ourselves into?" She asked.
"Felicia and James are the least of my worries, I am more concerned about Ben. I know he would tell my mother all this just to spite me. I am seriously in trouble!" Madison muttered.
"Relax ladies, we need to think of a way to fix everything, and we can't do that with a troubled mind." Kelvin said.
"I am sorry you all, this is all my fault. If only I had listen to you people, this will not have happened." I muttered.
Melody held on to my shoulder, "It's not your fault February, it was destined to happen." She said.
I scoffed, "But I should have expected this." I replied.
Madison sighed, "You don't have to blame yourself, we will find a solution to this problem." She said.
"Ladies, I have something to say." Kelvin muttered.
Melody stared right at kelvin, "Is it a plan?" She queried.
"Kind of." Kelvin replied.
"Then, let hear it." Madison said.
From kelvin point of view, we could easily convince both james and ben. He believes the only reason why james and ben are threatening to speak up concerning this matter, is that they feel left out. You see, each one of us in this group, has a connection or relationship with atleast one of them. Which probably got them wondering how come they did not involve us in their quest. They feel we do not trust them, as such, we chose not to invite them to help us out. To get back at us, they are promising to expose the truth. Kelvin thinks we could stop their intentions by inviting them to the group like we should have done initially. However, despite how convincing kelvin was, Madison and i strongly decline to do that which he ask of us. We were so sure we could not trust ben nor james with crucial information. I for one, I am absolutely sure they would blurt it all out if they get to know the truth. Which would definitely ruin our entire quest, and expose us and that would be dangerous for all involve one way or the other.
By 8:43pm, I arrived home with Madison, while we were discussing, i realized Madison's mother was watching both of us through the Window.
I was feeling tensed, "Do you think ben has revealed everything to your parents?" i asked Madison.
Madison exhaled, " I don't think so, I didn't get any call from them, so probably not." She replied.
"Okay. If you have any new information, do not hesitate to inform me." I whispered to her.
She smiled at me, "Of course, Good night." Madison said.
"Goodnight." I replied.
Well, I was entering my house, when I received a text message. It was from the school Newspaper, "The blue and black." I applied to be one of its writers. The text message confirmed that I got the job, it also contained my first Assignment as a writer. I am expected to write an Article regarding, "The danger of drug abuse".
All of a sudden, I realized if I am going to work as a full time writer, I would no longer be available to lead the group. Someone else has to takeover the mantle, I had to find a new record keeper, who will come up with the plans and handle the documentation. I went up to my room to have my bathe before joining my family for dinner. While I was heading to the dining room, I came to a decision, I had to tell the crew, they should decide what they want. Few hours later, I went to bed to sleep, I was extremely tired.
Sunday 27th September, I woke up, got my bath, ate breakfast and went straight to church. My church is not like other churches, it is special. You see, my church uniqueness made the senior pastor divide the entire congregation into three different (3) section which are namely; the Adult section, the youth section and finally we have the children section. I was in the youth section, were we had Madison as our pastor. Despite our past differences, It has always been my joy to hear Madison Archers preach. Unlike most youth, she is empowered by the holy spirit. It was something visible to all who had eyes and intent of using them. Well, Just like every other Sunday service, Madison begins her message with a short opening prayer.
"Dear lord, i ask that you take absolute control over this service. Whatever i would say, i seek that all who hears your word would not only be hearers but also doers". Madison said.
The entire church congregation shouted out a resounding "AMEN."
"Brethren, we are gathered here today to share insight regarding the word of the lord. But before we do, i would love it if you all put down your pen and book just for a moment." Madison requested.
The congregation did as she asked.
"This past few weeks, the town as been faced with so many tragedy, to the point people are beginning to ask themselves if their beloved town had accepted darkness. I was not left with that luxury, so i decided to meditate upon the word of God. Right in the word, i found my strength in two different scripture. The first is found in the book of 2 chronicles 7:14, it says, "If my people, who are called by my name would humble themselves, and pray and seek my face, and turn from their wicked ways, then i would hear their cries from heaven and will forgive their sins and heal their land", In my quest to find more strength, i found the second scripture in the book of luke 18:1 which says, "men ought to pray and not to faint." Then i realised that the recent incident would show how strong we are, if truly we have faith in God, which would make us rise up despite the evil the devil cast against us." Madison taught.
Richard a member of our church congregation stood up and shouted, "preach on pastor."
This got me irritated, cause i began to wonder why someone would be behaving that way in the presence of the lord. Thankfully, Richard could not break Madison concentration, as she continued with the message instantly.
"Brethren, you can now pick up your writing materials, and ensure you jot down the message of the day into your note." Madison said.
She informed the congregation that the message of the day was titled, 'PRAYER'. This intially got me wondering, why did she chose that exact topic. Well, at the moment she was not open to answering questions.
"I know many are wondering exactly why i chose prayer as the message of the day. In time, when i am done with the message, i am sure all your questions would have been answered. Prayer, it's a word constant in the mind of man, yet man do not know what it signifies. But do not worry, that is what i intend to breakdown. You see, prayer means conversation. Many of you might find it strange, but the moment you are praying, what you are actually doing is communicating with your creator. In lame man terms, you are having a conversation with a person or a being you believe has sovereignty. Before i proceed, i would love if you all take this scripture to meditate upon. "James 5:13-20," This particular scripture tells you the importance and purpose of prayer, when it is added with faith. Many of you believe all you need when asking your creator for something you seek or desire, is to pray. I have to say, you are so wrong. I would use the life of Elijah to explain my point to you all, but before i do so, open your bibles to 1 kings 18:41-46." Madison said.
The congregation did as she asked.
Madison went on, "If you all are paying close attention to the scripture, you will observe that Elijah was praying for abundance of rain. The scripture also noted that Elijah had to pray seven time before the abundance of rain befall isreal. This is what got my attention, i realized most of us are the opposite of elijah. You see, for elijah to have prayed seven times, it means he failed to see the abundance of rain the six times he prayed. But unike some of us here, he did not let that stop him from praying further, I would even say it made him more willing to pray. This will he had within him is what i call faith. The scripture in hebrew 11:1 says, "Now faith is substance of things hoped for and evidence things not seen". Implying you need to believe that your prayer has already been answered before it could become a reality. Furthermore, i would say they are lot of men and women who did not allow the way things appear to shake them. Instead, they allowed those situation to be the anchor to remain faithful to God. That is what I want for each and every one of us here today.
In conclusion to the day's message, i would encourage all to ensure they build a relationship based on faith with the lord. For him only could save and deliver us." Madison concluded.
Thereafter, Madison left the altar, this was followed by the youth choir singing while the ushers collects the offering. They placed it in the front of the altar, this was to indicate the fulfilment of the word of the lord found in "malachi 3:10" that says, Bring before me your tithe and offering, so that they may be food and meat in my house." Afterwards, Kennedy was given the honour to coordinate the closing prayer so that all may go home.
However, that was not the case for My friends and i, cause i called up a meeting late last night, to share my decision regarding the crew. Suprisingly, none of them were in frisbee diner when i arrived. To pass time, i ordered for burgers and flavoured smoothie, I was famished. While i was eating, they all arrived at the diner at the same time. This got me worried, cause they were staring at me like i committed a sacrilege. Afterwards, they all sat down with me at my booth, still giving me an awkward stare.
Melody looked gloomy, "you want to leave us all alone." She said.
I was surprised, wondering how melody found out, "Who told you that?" I asked.
"We found out from Jessica that you applied to be one of the school register writers, and you got the job." Madison responded.
I sighed deeply, "I am sorry for not telling any of you, I did not want to offend you all." I muttered.
Melody stared at me, her facial expression tell that she was annoyed. "Well you did." She grumbled.
"Please forgive me friends." I pleaded.
"Why?, You could not trust us with this good news." Kelvin said indignantly.
I cried out, "That is what I intended to do now, that is why I asked you guys to meet me here. I wanted to tell you guys everything." I noted.
"Well, there is no need for that now." Melody confronted me.
I was petrified and scared, "You can't say that melody." I said.
"All of a sudden, Madison burst into laughter, "We are just pulling your legs, we are so happy for you February." Madison muttered.
I was in awe with this revelation, "You are?" I asked.
"Of course we are." Melody said confidently while laughing.
I cleared my throat, "Okay. In that case, I have something to tell you ladies and kelvin." I muttered.
Madison looked concerned, "What is it February?" She asked.
I sighed, stared directly at each of my friends, i said to them all, "I won't be able to give my 100% to the group any longer, that is why I think we should have a new documentarian, who will keep records and evidence we find. This is why I want you all to make the decision yourself."
"What are you saying February?, there is no way we are going to replace you." Madison confronted me.
"I am sorry, but you have to. I am not saying I am leaving the group, all I am saying is that we need someone who would make the decision and handle the documentation. That can no longer be me since I will be busy working for the school register. I need you all to understand my point of view." I noted to the crew.
They were not pleased at all, They felt like I was leaving them. This was what I wanted to avoid, I just really hope they understand.
"You are right February, I think it should be Madison." Melody said.
"No, you can't be serious, I can't be the group documentarian." Madison argued.
Kelvin smiled, "Yes you can, You are Madison Adelle Archers, there is nothing you can't do." He said.
Madison was full of doubt, "You all really think so?" She queried.
Melody laughed happily, "We know so." She replied.
I smiled at Madison, "You are one of the best person I know, I am sure the crew will be safe in your hands." I muttered confidently.
Madison exhaled, "In that case, I accept." She said.
"Good. Here is the journal and tape recorder, You need to record everything for safety reasons." I informed her.
Madison raised her head to face her friends, she stared directly at each one of us, with diligence, she said to us, "I understand. I promise you all that you wouldn't regret your decision."
Thereafter, Felicia, ben and james arrived at frisbee shop, they took a seat at our booth, I was confused. "what was going on?" I wondered. All of a sudden, I received a message on my phone, it was from melody. It looked strange since she was in my front. She said Madison, kelvin and herself convinced our three friends to keep our secret and work with us. With that settled, we began planning for our next mission, "which is finding the drug lord." We have witness the effect of the drugs on human, we knew we had to get rid of it before it ruins a lot of life. Since no one was willing to do anything about it, It became our priority. We also believe the drug maker could help us understand everything going on in our town.
Few seconds later, we were approached by Elizabeth sanders, who came rushing into the diner. She said to us, "I need your help, save me." Suddenly, i saw a group of armed men coming down from a bus, pointing their guns towards frisbee diner.
I was terrified, i screamed out, "Everyone, get down!!!"
Those men started shooting at us, they destroyed the diner with bullet. My friends and I were lucky, as we were all able to scramble under the table and escape the shop through the back door. Thereafter, we asked that Felicia call her father to inform him about all that happened, We were so frightened. Madison looked straight into the eyes of Elizabeth, and asked her the question everyone was too scared to ask.
"Elizabeth, what have you done this time?". Madison queried.