It was already Saturday morning. The rains of the precedential night had come and gone with all its maliciousness. Makepeville was now due for other activities with it denizens. The ‘city of noblemen’ as elders fondly call it. Unrecognizable nowadays in the stories from its corridors.
It was the day the whole family decided to offer a mass of thanksgiving on behalf of Junior`s stabilized health. Anthony since birth had been a sickly kid. They had planned that after the mass, there would be a family reception in Franck`s house, including close friends.
The mass was scheduled at nine o`clock in Saint Monique church. Time was already ticking as Franck and wife gathered themselves and drove to the parish. They had to be in time since they are the organizers of the occasion. Rev. Father Charles was already there getting things set. For Father Charles was with Father Juan an exorcist who came to pay a visit to his friend, who was his school mate. Fr. Charles had been a spiritual guide to the Dubila family for years. And the family was very much attached to him. The family also donated a lot as charity and in construction projects.
So uttered, the Dubila dynasty was made of Mr. Celestine Dubila and the wife Rosaline. Mr. Celestine Dubila was a renowned and humble person who made fortune through crops export to neighboring countries. By investing heavily on farming and in food plants. He had four kids, Franck, Jessica, Simolen and the last Dorothy.
Franck was married to Jane with whom they had a son Anthony famously addressed as Junior. Jessica the second born of the family had a failed marriage with three kids. That`s: Fred, Liza and Doris, all of them older than Junior. Jessica returned to live with her parents and her kids after the collapse of her union. Simolen and Dorothy were both engaged.
Though Simolen was based in Canada doing doctorate degree. Franck and Dorothy were working with their dad and assisting him run the estate as they both did management in school. Their dad was already tired on certain business domains so the children assisted their father as he was getting old. They were an ordinary family and had love for each other despite the ups and downs.
St. Monique Parish was a big church and the only Catholic Church in Makepeville. The church was built by the determined Christians themselves who wanted a nice place for worshiping and an area that would be spacious to accommodate as many Christians as possible during mass. The inner space could accommodate more than two thousand people having a sophisticated decorative luminal tendencies. A benison that you were in God`s own house. As the priest stood on the elevated alter looking down at the parishioners like when Christ went to the mountain to preach.
Not like that type people will be left hanging outside during Sunday mass services due to the pettiness of the church. Since most church goers in Makepeville own cars and often come to church with their vehicles. Ample care was taken to create a large parking space during the construction plan. With a hall, a meditation space and a Virgin Mary sanctuary spot was also added to this unique architecture. It was a place to be. Making St. Monique a unique parish with a faithful following as their Christians were also full of belief.
Before nine o’clock am everyone was already in church. Franck`s parents and siblings, same as husbands and wives, Mr. and Mrs. Banadzem Cyprian and her junior brother Marco Banadzem were already seated for the mass. It was such a humble moment for the two families that came together for the honor of their child and grandchild. There was a transparent ambiance of togetherness and love for one another. Followed by Franck’s close friends Vekov, James and Mathew. Vekov was very special to the occasion because he was Junior`s godfather and the child was sitting on his laps. Both benefitted a sweet communion.
During mass, Fr. Charles precise on trials and temptations. From James 1, and in his words
“1 A servant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ, To the twelve tribes scattered among the nations: Greetings.
Trials and Temptations
2 Consider it pure joy, my brothers and sisters, whenever you face trials of many kinds,
3 because you know that the testing of your faith produces perseverance.
4 Let perseverance finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything.
5 If any of you lacks wisdom, you should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding guilt, and it will be given to you.
6 But when you ask, you must believe and not doubt, because the one who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind.
7 That person should not expect to receive anything from the Lord.
8 Such a person is double-minded and unstable in all their undertakings.
9 Believers in humble circumstances ought to take pride in their high position.
10 But the rich should take pride in their humiliation—since they will pass away like a wild flower.
11 For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty destroyed. In the same way, the rich will fade away even while they go about their business.
12 Blessed is the one who perseveres under trial because, having stood the test, that person will receive the crown of life that the Lord has promised to those who love him.
13 When tempted, no one should say, “God is tempting me.” For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone;
14 but each person is tempted when they are dragged away by their own evil desire and enticed.
15 Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death.
16 Don’t be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters.
17 Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
18 He chose to give us birth through the word of truth that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created.”
As Fr. Charles finished the verses, he took in some breathe then looked at the congregation and voiced out.
“Junior`s is a miracle child, and a sign that God`s love should always prevail no matter the tribulations. His illnesses and stability are clear signs that where there`s life, there`s hope. Wherein the love of God.” Upon done with these words. Then he called the family and blessed them and wished them well. As the mass finished, Fr. Juan hinted his friend Fr. Charles he would like to have a one on one with Franck Dubila. Without hesitation, Fr. Charles made it possible and offered them his office.
“Greetings Franck, I am Fr. Juan from Brazil. I am an exorcist priest and have been in the domain for so long.” He introduced himself.
In response Franck said, “It`s a pleasure reverend. I am Franck Dubila”
“Glad to know and meet you. I won`t waste much of your time. I just want to share with you a disturbing vision I had about you during mass.” Fr. Juan tried to make himself clear to him.
“I don`t understand Fr. Juan.” Confused and lacking comprehension Franck expressed worries.
“I know you`re like wondering about what I am saying. God just asked me to caution you to be on the qui vive, looming challenges coming ahead of you. I know you come from a blessed family and you have a very big heart. Your family is very proud of you. But know that, no matter your amount of goodliness the devil still remains the devil.” Fr. Juan told Franck and expanded.
“That`s why God asks us to pray nonstop. God will be with you in these hard moments. So put yourself in an attitude of prayers, okay?” Fr. Juan assured him. “I will pray for you too.”
“Okay, Fr. Juan. Thank you so much. I appreciate your concern.” Then left immediately, bypassing Fr. Charles who was also entering the office.
“What`s up buddy? I know you and this your eyes of God. Hope nothing to be afraid of?” Fr. Charles tried to inquire from Fr. Juan.
“The guy has a potential enemy whose been around him for years and would soon sting him.” He told him in plain language.
“I still don`t understand you Fr. Juan. He lives a plain life and tries to be as unproblematic as possible. I know the family since he was a boy. They`re simple people in this city and have never had any trouble with anybody.” Fr. Charles tried to explained.
“As Hell unfolds its conspiracy, pains and retaliation; Franck needs prayers for himself and his family. The enemy is already getting set to strike. I see blood and a series of murders.” Fr. Juan finally opened up to his longtime friend. And the way he sounded, this wasn`t good for the family if care wasn`t taken.
The conviviality that surround the house was unique. A boisterous celebration. A survival story of a long time sickling. All a jollification for the whole family. The Dubila’s and all their in-laws where there in after a long time absent mood. Surrounded by Franck’s close friends Vekov, James and Mathew. Junior ran and played with his cousins Fred, Liza and Doris. Meanwhile, the culinary sector was getting set for the whole family and friends to feed. The dinning sector was also getting set in a quick space. This section was controlled by Jane and her sisters-in-law Jessica and Dorothy. When all set, Jane hinted her husband that it was time for refreshment, that`s it item eleven time. Then Franck took to the floor. “Your attention, please, beautiful people. It`s time for us to get to the table. Before that, I would love my mother-in-law to lead us in prayers. Mama please you
It was now Sunday. A day after the party at home to celebrate Junior`s long time health recovery. Dorothy, Franck`s last sibling had also spent the night with them to help Jane in culinary sector. It was 9am in the morning. The ladies, two best friends were busy packing and arranging things in the house. Vehicles could be heard passing through the sub road near the house. Franck got up much earlier and did the cleaning of the Livingroom. He did not want all to be left at the mercy of his wife and sister. He thought it would be good to make things lighter as many hands easy up things. By nine ‘o’ clock Franck had finished his own section of clean up. Jane and Dorothy were left with the kitchen task only. It was much easier. And she also admired her husband on this domain because he did not often have the big boss syndrome at home. Even though he was a big boss at work. He always humbled himself
Inside the big rushing ambulance all the first aid formulas were applied right up to cardiac massage. The succor team was working earnestly to bring back the boy to breathing again. Despite every endeavors Junior`s condition was clearly worsening. Scaring both the succor team and the boy`s parents. It was painful. Jane could not hold it, neither could her husband. No parents could admit this. None, in Jesus’s name. It was less than thirty minutes ago. Junior who was playing and shouting with life and gaiety now lying in a lifeless state. An inadmissible truth; how life could just metamorphose with a click. This, in revealing how we were just some toy soldier in God`s hand. They arrived the hospital without Junior still showing any sign of life. He was immediately transported to the emergency ward. There, another intervention team was already set to receive him. The doctors were already informed about the case b
It was day two of Junior`s stay in the hospital. Dorothy returned to stay in her brother`s house. This is to assure all was in good order during their painful absences. Jane and Franck took care of the day-care in the hospital beside their son. With hope that any moment the doctor would come and tell them that their son was already awake. A hope that was more than anything to them, their family and well-wishers. They could give anything so that all should become normal again. Yet the only thing they had was just hope and a miracle to happen. Vekov arrived at the hospital that morning. Looking very nervous and disturbed. Probably hit by what had just occurred to his beloved godson-Anthony. He entered the main door where he saw Jane and Franck sitting helplessly on one of the hospital public seats. He went straight to meet them in all due humility like good soul with fellow friends. “J
As Franck, Vekov and Jane make their way out of the hospital. They were met with two cops from the police brigade. They were sent by their captain to meet Franck and also to investigate the situation of the child. They were already at the accident scene and were still in the keeping of the bike rider who knocked Anthony down. Investigations had started and they wanted Franck to give his statement about what actually happened at the scene. “Mr. Franck Dubila. I am agent Michael and this is agent Lisa.” The cop introduced himself and female colleague. “Greetings agents. How can I be of help to you guys?” Franck greeted and acted gently. “We`re from the central police station of Makepeville. We would like you to also give us
By 2pm both men arrived the police station as it was arranged. It was the main police center of the city and served as the judiciary police. The captain of the station was regarded with a lot of respect since many judged him clean due to his plurality in handling criminal affairs. He had the reputation of making things transparent and clean. He fought with all his might the spirit of corruption. Thereby contributing to the good image of Makepeville. Franck and Vekov were welcomed by agent Michael and agent Lisa. The two inspectors of police that earlier visited them at the hospital for questioning. Vekov in his faithfulness kept by Franck’s side to assure he wasn`t all alone in this tough moment. As they were made to sit. Agent Michael started questioning Franck on what really happened. “Mr. Dubila. We would like you to give us a clear narrative of what happened, leading to the accident of y
Days went by and Junior was still in his comatose state. Symptoms of hope were still as far as wide. The doctor had advised that they need not be there the whole day beside the kid. The hospital was well equipped enough with qualified nurses to take care of his situation. And if there was any updates, the family would be immediately informed. Though it was kind of hard for the Dubila family. Jane had completely forgotten that she runs her own mini-supermarket. She was the type of woman who wanted to have her own financial freedom. Being married to a very comprehensive man. It was much easier for her to have funds and placement to impose her own savoir-faire in Makepeville. She was a happy woman apart her child`s persistent health dooms. Cracking and twisting the walls of their calamity. Now that her son was again in malady, she had to confine all the running to her immediate assistant who was also an emplo
The Dubila`s mansion was a come-and-see. One of the finest homes in the city. As it was in the outskirt of the busy city. Placed in a flowery vegetation section. A small paradise on earth. An inspiration from the love of cultivation and nature`s odor. Mr. Celestine Dubila the patriarch and the wife and matriarch Rosaline have always wanted to elevate their children in the best way ever. Being from the Nso heritage; their earlier marital lives weren`t of glorious type even though the matriarch was from a well fed background. They had the challenge to build their own empire. So they vowed they would ever do everything within their rich so that their children should have the best of it in life. They wanted it from their own handwork. Soon things started manifesting as they will, their family act took to reality. They became the seigniors of soil cultivation for food stuffs like beans, maize, groundnuts, veget