Tears of an Orphan
Episode 29
© Mary Francis Solomon
Samuel had been asking Brian about Caleb, and Brian didn’t know why he was so particular about him.
Brian explained that Caleb no longer worked in the laundry because he had an accident, and some people had adopted him.
Samuel still felt drawn to Caleb, though he didn’t understand why.
Finally, Samuel told Brian to give him Caleb’s number.
Brian quickly handed over the number, and Samuel’s urgency was clear.
Sometimes, Samuel even gave more than the charged amount, showing his appreciation for their service.
“Definitely, I’m not going to stop coming here.
Your services are so particular and good.
I just want to hear from him — I like that dude,” Samuel said, his American accent clear and firm.
At Pastor James’ house, Caleb sat in the study with Pastor James.
They were deep in discussion when Caleb’s phone rang.
He glanced at the screen and noticed it was a new number.
Caleb quickly silenced the phone, not wanting to be distracted, and focused fully on what Pastor James was teaching him.
Meanwhile, Samuel sat in his car, feeling an unusual urgency to reach Caleb.
Since Caleb didn’t pick up, Samuel decided to send a message instead:
“Hey dude, this is Samuel.
I’m the guy whose laundry you once brought to his house.
I’ve been asking about you from your boss, and he said you stopped working there.
Hope all is well.
If you see this message, please call me right away. I really want to talk to you.”
Almost immediately, Precious’s call came in.
Samuel picked up with a broad smile.
Her call brightened his mood and eased the urgency he had felt all afternoon.
“Babe, guess what!” she said excitedly on the other end.
“What?” Samuel asked.
“I’ve been offered admission!” she screamed, her voice bubbling with excitement.
“Wow! Congratulations, darling!
Please start coming to my house right away.
I’m on my way home. I need to take you out and celebrate this great achievement with you, baby,” he said, thrilled for her.
“Oh babe, I’m sorry I can’t come.
You know I’m back in Surulere helping my mom, but I promise to come see you tomorrow,” she said, still sounding excited.
“Oh no, babe. I want to spoil you tonight.
I want to take you out and tell you how proud and happy I am for you, baby.
It’s okay though. Can we have a video call tonight?” he asked.
“Sure! Immediately I’m done with what I’m doing for my mommy, I’ll call you so we can connect.
Thank you, babe, for everything.
I’ve never regretted knowing you even for once,” she said excitedly as they chatted, expressing their love for each other.
Samuel reached his mansion, ended the call, went upstairs, changed into casual wear, and sat on his bed with his laptop.
He remembered how he had asked a friend — a lecturer at one of the reputable universities in Lagos — to help Precious secure admission.
Since he loved Precious so much, and she had never given him a reason to doubt him, he promised to spoil her and make her feel comfortable with him.
He thought about the day he had visited his village and spoken to his mom about Precious.
He had shown her Precious’s picture and told her how much he loved her.
His mother had asked if Precious was from royalty.
“Mom, that’s your culture crap.
Nobody will stop me from marrying Precious.
I love her so much, and she’s already part of me.
Whether she’s from royalty or not doesn’t matter.
I want to be with someone who understands me and gives me peace of mind,” he had said, walking out of his mother’s chamber, anger evident in his voice.
Samuel also remembered what Rolland, his bodyguard and close friend, had told him the first day they went to the club.
Rolland had warned him it would not be acceptable for him to marry someone like Precious.
Samuel refused to believe it.
The next morning, when he was called for breakfast, Samuel said he wasn’t hungry.
He sat in his room, thinking about what his mom had said, and planning how to make sure he would marry Precious.
First, the maid was sent to call him.
He refused.
His father sent for him, and he still refused.
Finally, the Queen decided to go to his room herself.
She knocked softly on the door.
“Son, please, can you come out and eat? Open the door,” she said.
“I’m not hungry, Mom. Please let me be. I need some privacy,” he replied, refusing to get up.
“Okay, son. I will give you the privacy you need, but can I see you? I want to be sure if you’re fine,” she said.
Samuel lazily dragged himself from the bed and opened the door.
As she stepped in, the Queen was shocked at the state she saw him in.
To be continued…
Inspired by the Great Teacher.
Dear reader, what do you think Samuel wanted to tell Caleb, knowing he was so restless to reach him?
Why is Samuel feeling this urgency in his spirit about Caleb?
What do you think the Queen saw when Samuel opened the door?
Stay blessed till we meet in the next episode.
Do not copy or edit any part of the story without the author’s consent.
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Written by Mary Francis Solomon.