I'll save you the trouble of trying to figure it out.
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It began a few years ago when I got back from NYSC. I had issues with one of my accounts, so I went to sort it out with the bank.
At the verge of waiting for the completion of my transaction, a man walks in and was really upset on his having issues with his cheque. He eventually took note of me and approached me.
As a new business girl, I needed every contact I could get because I didn't know who will be the client that would give me the opportunity to show my skills.
****
Let's call him Soso(not the real name). He had most of his business meetings in a hotel and that automatically became our meeting point.
I loved that he gave me a very reasonable amount for transport. So, seeing him was more like sorting some bill's out, and since I was new in the real business world, and I was still job hunting, it helped solve the part of taking care of my mum and sis as this was paramount to my well-being.
***
A little forward to the eve of my birthday, I received a pleasant call from Soso saying that my birthday gift was ready for collection. I was new in my church then and had joined the youth choir. I dropped my bag off at church and hurriedly went to receive this gift that warranted a call.
On getting there, it wasn't business as usual. We didn't meet in the restaurant as we usually did. I was asked to go to the room. Anyways, I was too excited to feel too funny, after all, its few hours to my being plus one😊😁 .
His PA who is a woman was present and it looked like they were just wrapping up the business activities for the day. With excitement and peace of mind that we were two women, I sat on the sofa in the room.
After a few minutes, my fellow sisi had to leave, thereby leaving Soso and I alone in the room.
You could see me grinning from ear to ear when Soso brought out N300,000 cash and dropped on the table that it was my gift cause he knew I needed it after I received a 7 days quit notice from my landlord 3 days before that time, who said he wanted to use his house for something.
"God has finally answered my prayers," I said to myself. And just when I was saying, thank you to pick the money up, he said "but you'll have sex with me." Everything within me was dazzled in shock at that moment. It was a sharp "no" that got out of my mouth.
"I'll make it N400,000" he said. I don't know how, but I sha said no again. I added that it was against my value system. Soso then said, "N500,000, just make me cum." 🙅♀️🙆♀️😰 At this moment, somewhere in my head, I had calculated rent, plus registration of my company, plus the extra and in that same split second, I remembered my values, my love for God, my frowning against not working hard for what you wanted, my frowning against the exchange of sex for money and the fact that him cumming wouldn't need him penetrating. The thoughts were fast, but I still summoned up courage to say no. At this point of my saying no, I realized I was more daunting and fearless about my decision. "N700,000, please just make me cum." At this point he brought out the N700,000 cash on the bed, and he was running after me in the room, I could only shout "no, I can't and I won't." As I ran round trying to escape his grasp, I cried and prayed out loud as much as I could. In that motion, I remembered how one of my uncles who had enough extra rooms to take us in said we couldn't stay with him. We even begged to keep our belongings there till we find our feet but he said no. I kept running, crying and telling God to help me out of this temptation plus mess, because if this man raped me, I don't even know how I'll explain that it's birthday gift that took me there. 😭🤦♀️
After lots of struggling, I got out in one piece but with a broken heart 💔 and an uncertain new year. It wasn't my fault 🤷♀️. I had 3 days to park to where I didn't know and I had no money. The birthday wishes for that year didn't mean anything as I was saddled with the question; what next?
The 7th day was here, and my mum had talked to her cousin in Igwurita who was happy to help. That was how I moved from township to village o.🤕 It wasn't easy transporting three of us to town almost everyday but God saw us through. I was even the happy girl with a very heavy heart without people knowing.
Thank God for the people around me and the undiluted word of God I heard to keep me strong in that season.
Jobs were not coming forth for over 6 months, but It took a job in the eight month and two friends to give us the rent we needed for a very conducive place in the heart of the town.
It was a very tough decision then, but it made me happier with myself after the trying period.
I am happy that in this time and era I could stand for something morally right even in my imperfection. I'm glad to know that my value in the eyes of that man can never diminish, and I'm glad that if he sees me anywhere, he can vouch me for good.
I'm glad that I could practice what I preach, even if it was one of the toughest things I did.
I'm glad that I am wealthier than cash 😊(very controversial statement, but na so I de feel 😁).
I'm glad I can tell a girl out there that your problems won't and can't kill you, There would always be a way and you can make the right decisions no matter how hard it might seem.
I just feel fulfilled that I made the right decision on that 24th day of August. You can too. 🤗
As for the picture of a wedding dress, I tried out one when I joined my friend out for her wedding gown search 😉. Don't worry, your wedding prayers for me will soon be answered in Jesus name. Amen 🙏
PS: This story is not to judge you or make you think I'm too holy(I no even near sef 🙄). It's basically for letting you know that your right decision today can make a huge difference to your tomorrow. It can help you write off some bad decisions of the past and give you boldness to make better decisions in the future.
I hope my story inspires you to make the right decision today, tomorrow and in the future.
My Story.
Ala O. Wilcox.
#AlaWilcox #mylife #truestory #decisions #hardbutfruitful #stronger
