From the altar

I was distracted when I saw her first during that morning mass. I couldn't concentrate because the beauty was ravishing. Of course I couldn't imagine walking towards her, not just because I wasn't used to that but because she looked intimidating.

      It was after the mass while I was discussing with my friend that she came around and greeted us or rather greeted him (my friend) then waved at me. Astonishingly I asked him, you know her? And he answered " yes, I do, we are from the same kindred ". I said wow I would like to know her more. He told me " my dear you know many things have just changed, she's now a big girl but we ll know how to do it. I asked him her name and he told me "Chioma". Indeed she wasn't given such name by chance, it was merited. It was on the 22nd of Dec.

        It was the first and the boldest of my moves then. I can't imagine how courageous and determined I was to meet her. Because of her I sat at the back pew to make sure she came for mass. I didn't see her as the mass began and i hoped she would never miss the mass that day. I was already discouraged when the alleluia was being sung before the homily. My eyes dilated throughout the church esp that side she normally stays but couldn't see her. I was annoyed. Fr John finished the gospel pericope and I sat down now determined to listen to his homily. I noticed someone just sat besides me and of course the person must be a late comer. She chuckled when fr said something humorous and I detected her voice, it was her, Chioma besides me. Only God knew that I became unconformable. This is work made easy but it seemed harder. Another person came to join our pew and asked her to shift and she shifted closer to me. I felt the loins of her cloth and her light and chocolate skin, and the more I became nervous but I coded.
        During the time for the sign of peace, I immediately turned right and my back busy shaking hands with all around... just to avoid her... Do you know something? She waited for me. After all my generous peace offering, I turned back to see her extended hand. I took it in my rough palm and it was cold. Infact, I was already discouraged so I cancelled my quest for the morning. I had to leave before the mass so that I could rush outside. Surprisingly my courage came back from no where. "She was not going to kill me" I said and went back but not to my pew again. The mass dismissed and I followed her. She never knew. My mouth just opened and called out "Chioma". My God what have I done? I wished I never called her. She looked at me, I can't forget those charming gaze very promising, it was awesome.
       I knew the time has come I really needed to act before m chutopu onwe m afa there. I just uttered " I just wanted to know whether your name is Chioma because you look like them". She gave a rosy smile and answered "yes I am". Immediately I lacked words again. I just said " OK ,no problem ". She went down. I was asking myself whether I have disgraced myself or what,but I kn the answer within myself, I didn't,it was a bold step. I watched her enter the chapel and came out. I stood besides the gate pretending to be busy with my phone only waiting for her to leave the gate. As she approached the gate I increased my pretence but she stopped behind me and tapped me. I turned wanted to clean my eyes but gentility is needed, she just asked me " what about your friend? And I responded ' he should be fine 'and she answered OK and left. That was 23rd Dec.
        I asked my friend that I need her number and he said we would meet her by 24th night and I agreed. The 24th night came fast. I tried to look good and we were waiting for the opportuned time. It was during time for offering, I sat with my friend watching and observing people with different beautiful Xmas clothes. I sighted someone on a beautiful weavon cascaded down her shoulders. She was wearing a blown gown obviously gotten specially for this particular night when Christ was born. I tapped my friend "do you see what I'm seeing? " my dear" he responded "you see its no more possible to meet her this night, she may have come with someone" . I know the fear in my friend's eye. He wasn't the person looking for her number, I was, and yet he too could be intimidated by her look. If he who already knew her could be discouraged, what of myself. Do you know what? We quited, I quited.
         I have deleted the intention of meeting her that night. During the time for donation we went outside because personally I wasn't interested. We sat outside discussing when we heard a familiar voice "happy Christmas". My friend tapped me with his feet and we coded. " Achomi" he called her " you look beautiful " and she answered "thank you, good morning". " Good morning by now "I retorted impulsively. She smiled and said " its 12:47, its already morning" ,I responded "oh, you are right, pardon me" she smiled again. Those smiles made me feel welcomed. I tapped my friend again signaling about the number mission. I knew I was a coward, but I knew that I was going to forgive myself some day. My friend then asked her "Achomi I'm not with your number". She said " OK" and then called it. As fr was thanking those who donated generously she left. I was very happy that night. That day was 24th night
          On the 25th Dec, Xmas day, I entered the chapel and gazed at the blessed sacrament. I asked Him " Lord, I want her to be my friend can you do it for me? I know you can do it please do it for me. Lord please make it happen. I haven't called a girl on phone before, this is the first time. Lord, if I leave this place, I'm going to call her. I made the sign of the cross and left. When I entered my room. I couldn't make the call. 25th day passed.
 On the 26th, a bazaar day for the parish after my breakfast I took my phone, I dialed her number and cut it. I dialed again and cut. It was the 3rd dialing that caught me at hand. I wanted to cut but it happened to ring before I could cut and now she started calling back. Anyway I didn't pick it. I really had to call her. I glued my phone to my ear as I heard her say "hello" with such an amazing sonorous voice. Of course I responded trying as much to calm my gaiety, "yea hello how are you?
I'm fine"
You know who is speaking? I asked
Hmm no " she responded
Guess "
I can't please, tell me please " she pleaded playfully. I wondered within myself was this how she speaks to people, she must be very phlegmatic. I introduced myself. She was surprised. From her voice I could deduce that she was happy I called. I asked her whether she was going to come for the bazaar and she responded negative. I asked her I wish to see her. She made a promise to be there. I was very happy. Indeed happy.
         I had to hide and observe till I saw her at one corner. She was wearing a splendid gown. I have always known girls with such outfit not to be alone, they must be with someone. I saw her but she has not seen me. I wondered whether she came because of me, I really never knew. My phone rang and I picked the call, it was her and she said "where are you"
            Quite funny, the story of my first love. Please no questions. I know you may be thinking whether it was real, myself I don't know. Please don't ask any question. Just subscribe and get more of my stories. Thanks for reading through.