Nobody really understood how difficult it was to be born as a pastor’s kid. They only saw my alluring smile on Sunday morning, and got consumed from the sound of my loud hallelujahs during song ministrations.They didn't know about the nights my bed sheets were soaked with tears owing to the horrible things the girls said about me, including the ones I thought there was a chance we could be friends.
I couldn't even tell my parents how I felt. If I tried, an entire sermon would come from merely being human enough to feel pain. I was filled with people, yet, I was all alone.
Source
Third Thursdays were for choir rehearsals at the headquarter church. My father was the pastor in charge, so without being told, I had to step in as the director of the youth choir there. The girls didn't take the fact that I was in charge easily.They couldn't openly show their resistance, so they could only attempt resistance behind. Somehow, word of their actions always got to me. Too bad, I cared less about these things.
Nkechi and I weren't the best of friends, but we had related just fine before the musical concert of January. The church was to sponsor the winning choir member after the competition. Luckily, I came first, while Nkechi emerged second. It was obvious I would emerge first because my performance was just it: from my key to choice of song, including my delivery. Nkechi was good, but surely not a match. She and her friends went with the rumour that I came first because my father was the pastor in charge, even when it was obvious I did well. This was the birth of her hatred for me.
A concert was underway in the headquarters church. We were to invite members from other branches for a concert that was meant to be competitive. It couldn't be heard that those from a small branch would win those at the headquarter church, so we did our best in preparation for this big event.
Nothing I did was right before Nkechi. The envy towards me grew out of hand. She even recruited the girls in the choir whom I had a cordial relationship with to join her. For every time I was to solo a song, she would be indifferent during rehearsals.
A more senior director had been invited to train the youths for the competition.I wasn't in charge at this moment. Gwen was the director invited. We had seen each other a couple of times during my visit to his branch, so he wasn't a stranger. Beyond that, he had always admired my musical prowess.
It was another third Thursday and we had gathered in the church extension for rehearsal. I was held up in traffic so I arrived a bit late, after everyone else had settled in. As I tried to stealthily get in, Nkechi gave a long hiss which distracted everyone and I was caught.
“Sister Mary, why are you late?” The director had asked
“I'm sorry. I was caught in traffic” I tried to defend myself.
Nkechi and the girls she sat with all gave me a look of resentment. If they could probably say more or do more, they would have, but the atmosphere didn't permit that. Rehearsals went smooth, not until it was time to get the lead soloist for the event. Immediately the director mentioned my name, deliberations became heated.Nkechi’s outlook changed. I could sense the fury in her face.
Source
After rehearsals that day, while I made to leave, Nkechi confronted me.
“You think you're in charge here, abi? She had asked
I wasn't a very forward or confrontational person. I searched her from head to toe and walked away. My silence broke her. Granting her audience or even going confrontational would have been a better option for her, but no, she didn't deserve my words, so she couldn't have the luxury of that. I didn't know there was more in store.
It was two weeks before the concert. I was ready for this. Night upon night of preparing and trying to score the song to be presented. Despite Nkechi's resistance, I had been chosen to lead the choir on that day. This made me put in all my effort. Just to perfect the song, there were several times I had to spend time with the director who played the keyboard, and I would solo the song.
That Friday morning, the senior pastor had gathered the choir to address us ahead of the concert. After the meeting, I noticed Nkechi run towards the senior pastor. They had a long conversation and I could see how the pastor's countenance fell.This wasn't for me to worry, so I just went on with my business.
My parents were absent during dinner. They never missed dinner no matter how busy, so I was a bit worried. While I was there having dinner alone, the maid came
“Your father wants to see you.” She said.
As I got to their room, my father looked up and began to talk slowly which was typical of him.
“ I hear you're now sleeping with Gwen. You're always with him alone."
My eyes became wet instantly and tears rolled down. Nkechi had succeeded in cooking up lies. Her meeting with the senior pastor became clear.
“ You will not sing in that choir again, until I say so."
I couldn't say a word. I stood there motionless and heartbroken. My father's words were always final. There was no need to say anything because a change of heart would be far from it. The entire evening, I cried myself to sleep. I didn't even have the face to attend the concert because I was sure the rumor was everywhere. Gwen called all morning, but I didn't have the courage to pick his calls. My heart was shattered.
