CHAP 2: DATE

JACKLING POV

      It was Friday evening and I was getting ready for my date. Willow told me I was to meet with Derek at Venues restaurant at 7pm.

She even had the guts to warn me not to be late!

I was not at all excited for this date. It was more like a bothersome task to fulfill.

I wore a pair of sky blue jeans and a white T-shirt which I matched with my white sneakers. I tied my hair in a ponytail and moved to the mirror to take a look at myself.

I knew we were going to have dinner in a fancy restaurant and that my outfit was totally out of place but I was the type to prefer comfort to style!

Besides I didn't want to make any efforts to look really attractive.

Who knows... maybe he might see me in this outfit and loose interest in me?

Well I hope so cause I really hate rejecting a guy.. I don't like seeing someone hurt because of me.

I checked myself out and though I didn't look gorgeous, I looked good.

I grabbed my purse in which I kept my phone and some money and headed out of the apartment.

.....

I was standing in front of the restaurant. It looked fancy indeed. I stood there a little bit confused cause I didn't know what to do next.

Willow just told me where and when the date would be held but she never told me how I was going to meet with Derek.  I didn't have his number neither did I know what he looked like, so what was i supposed to do?

      I took out my phone and was about to call Willow when someone called out my name. I snapped my head up to look at the person who did so and I was met with a brown haired guy. He had dark brown eyes same colour as his hair. He was tall but not more than me. Actually I could say we were of the same height. He wore a two piece red suit and made his hair fall in a careless but hot way. He looked good!

"You are Jackling right?" He asked again making sure he was not mistaking since I didn't respond the first he called me.

"Yes that's right. I'm Jackling kyle" I spoke.

"Glad to meet you Jackling. I'm Derek Cartson, your date for tonight." He smiled and stretched forth his hand to greet which I took in and quickly released.

I'm not very at ease with physical contact!

He noticed it and cleared his throat in order to clear out the awkwardness that had been installed.

"We should get inside... come with me" he said as he started moving towards the restaurant's entry.

I followed him and we made are way into the restaurant. A waiter directed us to a seat found at the corner of the restaurant. I sat down and took in the beauty of the restaurant.  I also took a rapid look at the people found there. They all looked rich and class! All the women were dressed in beautiful evening gowns and I soon started regretting why I didn't wear a proper outfit.

No Jackling! Remember the reason why you are here.

Besides you don't need to compare yourself to any one here because no matter what you wear, God loves you and still finds you pretty.

You are wonderfully made!

I encouraged myself to take away the awkwardness I was feeling and it worked. I didn't care about my outfit or the people around me anymore but turned to concentrate on the guy seated opposite to me.

For an unknown reason him too gave off bad vibes.

Nah! Maybe I'm just saying it cause he's a friend of Tony. I should really stop thinking about this vibes issues

Though I tried convincing myself, my spirit kept on telling me to be on my guards or rather, I should leave that place. I was feeling quite uncomfortable and we were just at the beginning of the date. I sighed internally.

"Is everything okay Jackling?"he asked as he beckoned the waiter to come get our orders.

"I'm fine Mr.Cartson" I replied.

"Just call me Derek" he smiled. But something seemed off with that smile.

I did not feel at ease with calling him by his first name but I guess I had no choice

The waiter took our orders and I decided to order for the least expensive meal on the menu, should in case I was to pay for my plate myself.

He then smiled again at me

"So Jackling tell me more about you" he said

"Um.. well.. there's not much to say about me" I didn't know what to speak of.

Aside from my passion for God and his word, I had nothing to tell him about.

"I don't believe you. Pretty girls like you always have something interesting to say about themselves . Why don't you tell me about your likes and dislikes"

I thought for a while then answered

"I like reading my bible and spending time with the Lord. Also..." I was about to continue but taking a look at him I could see he was carrying a bored look on his face so I stopped.

"Um.. why don't we move to a much spicy part of your life?" He stated after realising I went silent.

I furrowed my brows and he just smirked.

"Tell me about your love life. I know you are single right now and I want to know why? Haven't you met a guy who fits your expectations? What's your type of guy?"

"Uh..." I was speechless at the random questions he threw at me.

"Also, I heard you were jobless. So tell me...would you accept to have fun with me tonight at my hotel? I own numerous big restaurants in this city. If you agreed to my proposal I could get you a nice post in one of them" He shamelessly asked with a disgusting look on his face.

I was shocked!

It's only then that I got to understand why I felt so troubled in my spirit. This man just played nice. From the beginning all he wanted was my body.

I stood up and was about to leave when the waiter announced that our orders were there. He placed both are meals on the tables. I thanked him and he left.

"I think I will be leaving now Mr Cartson" I stated grabbing my purse.

"Huh! Why? Did I say or do something wrong?" He asked perplexed.

Hold on, he's asking me what he did wrong?! So this man actually finds it normal for him to ask me to sleep with him as if I were a hoe or something?!

"Your lack of manners disgust me" I spat and left.

....

At home I slumped on my bed. I was just about to reflect on what happened earlier when the bell rang.

Who could that be?

I moved to the door and opened it. Immediately I opened the door my face fell. It was Max Donovan my the owner of my apartment's building . The dirtiest minded person I had ever seen in my life. I slammed the door close.... well I tried but he stopped the door from closing with his shoes.

"No no no! Not so easy baby" he said shaking his index in front of me.

"What do you want Max?" I asked pissed.

Yes just seeing his face made me angry.

"There are a lot of things I desire... that includes you babe" he smirked.

"Okay. I guess you need nothing then" I was about closing the door again but he held the door open with his hand and I frown.

"Max if you keep bugging me for nothing I will call the cops! " I scolded.

"Wow...chill baby! Don't be so aggressive okay?! Rather the only time I want to see you this aggressive is when we're in bed" he spoke letting out his smelling breath .

He tried getting in but I pushed him out. There's no way I'm letting such nasty person invade my privacy

"Okay I get it. I will move straight to the point. I'm here to receive my 4 month rent."

"If that's all then you can leave. I will just pay all the money I owe you along with my 5th month rent"

"No baby. You have just 2 weeks to bring my money else I will throw you out" he stated.

"What! Throw me out! You serious?" He must be joking right.

Though I had those part time jobs I couldn't still make it to paying my rent bills. The only thing I actually appreciated on Max was the fact that he was patient with me.  But now..

"Or... maybe you could pay me otherwise..." he uttered glancing at my body.

He's eyes were filled with lust. I could feel him eye raping me. He's stare gave me goose bumps and send chills running down my spine.

"Disgusting!... you are disgusting Max" I yelled at him.

"Why don't you try tasting me babe?" He winked.

"Go away! Leave now!" I kept on yelling gesturing him with my hands to leave.

I was super annoyed by his nasty behavior.

"Cool down. You will attract the attention of the other residents here....Fine I'm leaving. But remember you have just two weeks" he smirked and left.

I shut the door and ran to my bedroom. I laid on my bed and tears started streaming down my cheeks.

"Why is all this happening to me? Lord why do you let all this happen to me? This perverted jerk wants to throw me out; and I can't talk back at him because I don't have any money nor place where I could go to. Father please help me! My Lord please listen to my cry! It is said in psalms 21 I shall never lack for you are my sherperd. Jireh provide" I prayed to him.

I even started worshiping. I was down and I needed comfort. I continued until I felt relief.

By the time I opened my eyes again the pain and sorrow was gone. I realised it was already very late in the night.

I prepared myself some dinner since I didn't have the opportunity to eat during the date.

I made myself some pasta. Fast and easy to cook.

I was enjoying my meal when my phone vibrated indicating me that I received some messages. I picked it up and glanced through my mail.

Willow

     Derek told me you left in the middle of your date. I hope you okay. Sorry again for imposing it on you. Stay well. Love you bae!

Me

     Yeah it was too boring. I'm fine don't worry. Take care and be careful around those guys.

I replied. I didn't want her to worry so I didn't give her the details of the date. Though I know I will have to eventually tell her about it during one of our 'girl's night'

I scrolled down my phone and saw I had received another email. Unlike Willow's which i just received now, it showed that the email was received hours ago but I had no clue it was there. I opened it and immediately I finished reading it's content, I fell to the ground.

"God you are great!!" I screamed

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