Chapter 23 DILEMMA
Sobrina found herself in a dilemma. She had long abandoned her former lifestyle which used to fill her pocket with money because of her renewed faith and love for Pastor Melvin. She was still owing the University for the two year tuition Randy had stolen from her, and she was broke. She was now in her final year and soon will be required to clear herself from the system. What was she going to do?
"If only I hadn't gone to that fellowship, if only I hadn't met Pastor Melvin. I would have done everything within my ability to raise the money before now", she thought.
She opened up to Pastor Melvin, who had become her confidante among many other things. They decided to sell the new laptop Sobrina had forcefully taken from her father at the end of her third year.
Pastor Melvin sent the laptop to a vendor in Lagunde where his family lived. But Sobrina's conscience tormented her. Her mother had been defiantly against her taking the laptop, "she would sell it", she had argued with her husband. And here it was happening.
Sobrina owned an expensive new generation play station (3), she had stolen it from one of her "Oyibo" a few months ago, during the vacation. She had managed to visit Lagunde during the short vacation before the resumption of her final academic year, when Pastor Melvin couldn't monitor her.
She decided to sell it instead, but nobody wanted it for exactly the amount she needed, and she was running out of time.
She decided she would go plead with her parents, she would confess about the tuition Randy had stolen and damn the consequences. She pleaded with Pastor Melvin to come with her, "you can't eat your cake and have it", he insisted, refusing. It was actually his idea to sell the laptop and when he discovered Sobrina owned a play station, without knowing how, he also collected and decided to sell them both. It was out of fear that he would succeed in selling them to raise the money that she needed - especially the laptop - that she desperately desired other solutions.
She went over his head and confided with the President of the fellowship. He was sympathetic and agreed it was best to visit her home and plead with her parents.
"How about Pastor Melvin?", he questioned.
"He has refused to come with me, he insists on selling the properties".
"Alright, I will speak with him". Pastor Melvin and the president were very good friends.
When Pastor Melvin heard the President of the fellowship had agreed to accompany Sobrina to her home, he decided to tag along. So the trio traveled to Sobrina's family home.
Sobrina's parents lived in a Police college, where the father held a prominent office. When they arrived, they confessed about all Sobrina had done while dating Randy, and pleaded on her behalf. Sobrina fell on her knees and wept as she begged her father's forgiveness.
"I have forgiven you my dear, arise. I will not only pay for this outstanding tuition, I will pay you through a second degree and to whatever level of education you choose", her father promised.
It had been a most fruitful journey, the heavy burden was lifted. Sobrina stayed back at home, while Pastor Melvin and the fellowship's president traveled back to the University the same day. Sobrina's cell phone rang the following day.
"Hello, good afternoon sir", she responded.
"How are you, Soby?", Pastor Melvin questioned.
"I'm good".
"Hope you're enjoying home",
"Yes, I am, but I'll be returning to school on Monday".
"Great, I've missed you. I will be visiting your home again very soon".
Sobrina was very glad to hear that, and about two months later, Sobrina's father sent her the money.
Pastor Melvin went with her to the bank, and paid the outstanding tuition by himself. He also returned the laptop and the play station to Sobrina.
