The high kings of this age are greediness, selfishness and ungratefulness but in the face of all these vile goodness still lives, though it's almost in extinction but it can never be deleted.

                    Eka was raped at the age of 33 and impregnated by her colleague who offered to give her a lift from work. She was an army personnel who had chosen to live a single life due to her lack of desire in giving herself in marriage to anyone. She planned to die a virgin.

"Please forgive me, I have brain cancer and have only two months to live, I can't leave you here alone without my junior to continue my love and care for you, please 'don't abort the baby' I'm so very sorry" he pleaded when he realised that she is pregnant.

"How about you going to jail for this?" She asked bitterly

"I don't care, as long as it's for you" he said unshaken

"I forgive you for the sake of your condition but this child would not be born out of wedlock"she informed after giving it a thought for a month plus, because there is no need in killing a dying man. She only told her Immediate family members and church members about what happened and informed them of her decision against suing him but marrying him so that the child would not be born out of wedlock, though they were bittered and vengeful but they agreed to respect her decision and support her.

They got married a week before the man's death and he willed most of his properties to her and his unborn son, dedicated his autobiography to him, made a lot of video recordings of himself for him together with pictures and drawings, made a pamphlet of advice for him, he showered his wife with love and care before he departed from here. He died a happy man because he had succeeded in claiming the love of his life before his death.

               Her said colleague had a long time obsession for her, she turned him down severally when he approached her after making her reasons known to him, after a lot of failed shot shutting and persuading from him, he decided to be her friend so that he won't loose her completely in his life.
He was 10 years older than her and needed her as a wife as she was the love of his life.
He reasoned against leaving the world without leaving his living blood behind to be with the love of his life and take care of her on his behalf. Hence he had to betray her in order to protect her. He hurt her by raping her after hearing that he is dying in two months time from brain cancer.

                   After deciding against abortion,She raised up her boy child as a widow with the help of her family and church members. She taught him moral values and acquainted him with the knowledge of good and bad together with its reward.

"Choose the right" she always advised him but let him know that he has the right to choose between the two and he is surely going to get his choice reward. She showed Ikang motherly love and told him to love himself first by choosing and doing good at the right time, place and persons so as to be loved by others as well.
              
                  Eka died from car accident when Ikang was in senior high school one at the age of fourteen.

                "Death is a part of human life that you can't do without, nothing good last forever, by life or death you will get to loose your loved ones in the course of time, what that really matter is how you represent that loved one of yours after his or her departure from your life, it goes a long way to show how that person lived so far and how successful or a failure that person had been to you. So make your choice baby and live for you and what you believe in, I love you forever" Ikang remembered his mom's last pep talk after willing her properties to him and before giving up the ghost.

         
                     Ikang choose to be himself all the days of his life. He got his senior secondary school certificate while doing part time work in a filling station so as to grow his wealth, get a driving license after and purchased a car for commercial purposes before getting into the university,he only hustle when he doesn't have school activities.

            Two young ladies stopped him one day at around six twenty two pm, they asked for a drop without a known destination and rushed into the vehicle while he was asking their destination. He waited until they got settled in the car before he asked their destination again,

"Please do you know the cheapest inn in town?." One of them asked and the other asked her in their dialect where she will get the accommodation fee from, reminding her that all they have left on them is their transport fare together with snacks money and she argued that their safety is Paramount that before tomorrow they will figure out how to get themselves back to their home town..

Ikang happened to understand their dialect thanks to his overly social life and late parents occupation.

He used their argument time to assess them, they were both young probably eighteen or nineteen, friends maybe because they don't look alike, beautiful, one black and the other chocolate complexion, both in jean trousers and tops, natural make up, no artificial eye lashes, no visible tattoos or bad mouth that easily gives away a bad personality, decent enough he reason.

"Yeah?" he answered

"Take us there please" Elle the black one said while Abigail the chocolate complexion considered him.

"No wait! Look bros we are stranded, we came to write university matriculation examination (UTME), they started late and finished just now and we can't go back to our town due to it long distance and lateness, as there is no guaranteed safety in night travelling this days and we are just left with enough money for our transportation and snacks, we have no relative here to go to, please can you fund our accommodation fee tonight in a cheapest inn and we can do your laundry and some of your domestic chaos tomorrow morning before we leave for our town?" Abigail explained innocently causing Elle to shrink exclaiming Ouch and really!
Ikang looked a little taken aback.

"Then get help from home" he suggested because her demand sounded bizarre

"We are not with our bank details if that's what you mean and we don't want to risk our parents lives by telling them to come and get us this night." She explained tiredly

"So your parents approved of your slacking in an inn?" He demanded incredibly

"As long as it's safe" Elle chirped in
Ikang saw their vulnerability and offered to let them spend the night at his place without any condition.

"Do you mind spending the night at my place without any condition because even the cheapest inn in town may not be as safe as you want it to be."he deadpan

"And Why would a human of this age be that kind?"the girls synced  curiously and he shrugged

"Look if I wasn't me first off I wouldn't have you enter my car without knowing your destination and making bills settlement. Second off I wouldn't have spared you the time of my life listening to your story. Third off I would have thrown you out of my vehicle after listening to your story because I would think that If you had been wise enough you would have carried more than enough money in case of necessity and what about banking, you can get money from your bank through ATM or counter withdrawal to solve your problems. I just want to help you because of your age and my person, I see the little sister that I don't have in you and I do it for the sake of the God that I serve. So please make your decision now because we have spent about twenty minutes here already." He informed and they look torn between rejecting and accepting the offer

"What choice do we have, it's worth the risk, let's trust that he won't try anything funny because if he does he will regret it in hell." Abigail said to her friend in their dialect.

"We don't mind hospitality at your place sir." Elle said politely

"Okay let's go then but first we make a stop at a boutique for your night wear because you won't be comfortable in your current out fit and after restaurant for our dinner at my expense " he added when he noticed their almost protest before starting the ignition and taking them to his one room apartment after covering clothing and dinner, told them to make themselves comfortable. He showed them every part of the house and granted them access to it. They had branched provision shop to get tooth brush, cream, sponge and some snacks. He went driving when they wanted to shower and told them he would be back soon.

"I am accommodating two female strangers at my place tonight"he informed his best cousin through call while in a hold up

"How shameless, have you gone nuts? that's highly suicidal for your mother's sake!" Ette (father) disapproved

"I know, that's why I am informing you but this is my desire here, so don't worry because it will not end up badly, I assure you"he affirmed

"That's nonsense, I don't trust your life in your hands, I am slacking there tonight!" He deadpanned

"No, that would be intimidating and suspicious to them and I don't want that" he declined

"Do you know that you're your late parents only child and as such the only survivor in their blood line''he asked

"I'm sane bro" he chirped in

"I am coming over to see them and to bring something for you and no "NO" from you" Ette informed before cutting the call cursing.

Elle and Abigail showered hastily, got dressed for fear of him returning before they are done refreshing and go over their jamb question paper only for him to return almost two hours later. He showered and dressed in a trouser and long sleeve night wear and they attributed his choice of night wear to the cold weather.

Ette rang the doorbell and Ikang answered while postponing the girls questioning looks.

"Welcome bro" Ikang greeted first to cool down Ette's steam.

"How far bro?" He greeted while giving him the security alarm he bought before acknowledging the girls

"No probs" Ikang answered sheepishly

"Whoa where did you get this two lovely flowers from?" Ette feigned surprise while referring to the girls

"Girls meet Ette my cousin, Ette this is Abigail and Elle, my friends" Ikang introduced them

"It's nice to meet you" Elle said while shaking hands with him

"Same here" he replied feigning a smile

"It's a pleasure to meet you" Abi greeted innocently

"The pleasure is mine" he countered by replying mischievously and adding his own effect by giving her hand a little squeeze as a warning because he has the feeling that it's only her that can hurt his cousin between the two of them.

"A firm grip you have there but thankfully I'm no egg" she informed him before he freed her hand glad that she got the message.

"Ette happened to be in the area and he decided to stop by" Ikang announced at seeing his cousin's threat to his girls and in a way to send him off.

"Okay girls, too bad I am leaving so soon, I trust that you would take good care of my bro here, he is a good guy." He warned

"Good nyt"they synced happily

"Dream of me" he joked while leaving

"Hmmmm" Abi replied

"I am slacking at Odudu's place tonight" Ette informed Ikang on his way out and Ikang knows that he is doing that because of him. Odudu is Ikang's tenant and family friend

"You dey worry oh" Ikang complained

"Keep that alarm hidden next to you while sleeping, a touch is enough for security alert." He ordered ignoring his sarcasm

"Good night" Ikang greeted

"Be safe" Ette replied before entering his friend's place which is just opposite Ikang's apartment.

Ette is Ikang's older maternal cousin. An atheist, a politician whose love and care in the world is mostly Ikang.
Ette took it upon himself to always look after Ikang since from birth because of Ikang's overly innocent nature, he is too goodly natured for his own good and in a world like this. He is always afraid for the safety of Ikang's person because his kind is the easiest target for opportunists and rogues. Ette does everything possible to protect his innocent cousin from the dangers of this world.

Ikang insisted on the girls sleeping in the bed while he took the couch.

Abigail got her desert and mineral from the fridge, asking the rest if she should get theirs too and they complied, she did that before switching the television on to her favourite channel without asking anybody's permission, Elle and Ikang marvelled at her audacity and she said;

"What! You granted us access remember" she directed it at Ikang

"Absolutely" he affirmed while smiling and admiring her free spirit and loosed personality

"You see....."she shoot at Elle

"You're so sick" Elle said and Abigail stuck out her tongue for her

"That must be your mother bro.....Wait do you know that we don't even know your name, what a conscious humans we are" Abigail said pointing at the portrait on the wall looking a little stunned

"Yes and the name is Ikang meaning light. I am Efik in tribe, Christ worshipper. That mother of mine is late now, I have relatives around and without, a two hundred level medicine and surgery student in unical. What about you?" He asked the two of them

"Wow what a good way to relay information! Don't mind me that's just how crazy I am. Your God is your strength" Abigail said to him trying to hide her sympathy and he nodded smiling

"I'm sorry for your loss, we are friends from a pastor and farmer parents, from Boki LGA here in Cross River State, Christians but not born again, we do good to those that do us good and the reverse, I think it's safe to say that we belong in the world for the record." She revealed trying to indirectly warn him of his real intention.

"Speak for yourself" Abigail chirped in.

"As if you even have a mind of your own" Elle mocked

"You bet"she retorted and Elle waved her off.

"Noted" Ikang informed

"So where is your girlfriend, I notice there is no woman belongings apart from ours here?" Abi asked curiously

"And what's your concern there?" her friend inquired

"Ever heard of the word 'CURIOSITY'?" She directed at her pal turning to face Ikang, she readied herself to listen to the most interesting part of a human life according to her. Despite them meeting only today, she sees Ikang like an old friend.

"So?" She pressed

"Okay to burst your bubble, I don't have a girlfriend, not courting anyone yet, I value purity and holiness in life, that's it" he relayed

"So what you're saying in essence is that you're a virgin?" Abi demanded

"If you say so" Ikang complied

"Hmmmm....." Abi conceded

"my corpse can't even buy that" Elle muttered smugly.

"So why are you not with your bank details?"he asked trying to draw the attention from himself.

"Our parents are in charge of it with the excuse that we are not yet mature enough to manage our financial lives well,they promise to handover when we are nineteen." Elle informed

"I see, the things with some African parents, how old are you anyway?" He inquired

"Eighteen plus" Elle supplied

"The good thing is that we are getting our freedom soon through school, it will be time for rebellion!" Abi exclaimed excitedly

"I can hardly wait!" Elle concord

"I totally disagree with you. School is not an escape way from your parents discipline, it's an additional development for you."
He lectured

"Yes papa" Abigail mocked and Ikang ignored her

"It was risky for you to confide in me but I thank God that I wasn't another person, I want you to be more organized and prepared in future, carry more than enough necessities to avoid vulnerability, Accept Christ and live for him, practice holiness ie if you're still innocent do everything in your power to keep it that way until after your wedding night because that's your highest pride especially to the man of your dream. Men even an unbeliever have more respect, value and love for their wife if they married you a virgin. If peradventure you have lost it go celibate, Get salvation and sanctification, work for it, be sure to go to heaven if you happen to leave this world anytime. We all are here for a test on our individual agencies, everything in the world is smoke, you come with nothing and you will go that way, the aim of life is heaven and hell, we are candidate of one out of the two, your end depends on you and your life is solely in your hands, God is for those that need him and the reverse is the devil. He wants God's own together with his. Like my mom would say 'choose the right but you have your agency so do whatever you like with it for you're still the one that will get the reward'. By the way, when do you intend to leave tomorrow? " He supplied

"Wow that was such a long lecture, I feel like I am in school already." Abi said feigning exhaustion

"I feel like I'm in the Sunday school anchored by dad" Elle informed hand fanning herself

"we are leaving by 10am if you don't mind" Abi answered

"Not at all" he assured

"Thanks" she said skeptically

"You seriously sound like my dad, I wish I had recorded that to play for my dad to hear his alter-ego" Elle informed smiling

" If you're for real thanks anyway but for the record, you really will make a good daddy." Abi insisted admirably

"We appreciate your kindness anyway" Elle chirped in.

"No problem. At 6am I will be leaving for morning hustling to be back by 9, there is egg, bread, Lipton, Milo, milk etc in the kitchen for your breakfast" He informed and they nodded appreciatively

"It's my bed time and I usually pray before I do anything, since you're here I think you should please join me in my bedtime prayer, finish up your desert so that we can do that or you can suspend it till after the prayer, that's if you want to stay up late " Ikang suggested

"We choose the later option because we don't usually sleep early on Friday night" Abi deadpanned looking at her friend who was trying to figure out her reason. Though she wasn't lying but she didn't trust the intention of Ikang's kindness hence the later choice still.

"Okay" he agreed and went on his Knees and told them to take any posture they desire but they mimicked him. They sang choruses and the girls prayed first on Ikang's insistence, he prayed last and he retired for the day after reminding them to switch off the TV before they sleep.

The girls agreed to take turns in sleeping after watching the TV late into the early hours of the morning, they were in bed but only Elle actually slept while Abi kept watch.
Ikang went to ease himself and drink water by two O'Clock and thought that they are both asleep, he recheck the door for safety before going back to sleep unknown to him Abi was watching every of his move. Though she really didn't need to but according to her theory humans are not god's to know the thought of each other.
Elle took over by three thirty am but whoa nothing suspicious really happened till sunrise.
Awoken by his 5:30 am alarm
Ikang changed to a day outfit, brushed his teeth before waking the girls for a short morning devotion and to lock the door after him, only then did they get a good sleep till 8am woken by their alarm, they swept the house, wash dirty dishes, put the house in order, showered and prepared breakfast for the three of them and waited for his arrival. He returned by 9am, showered and had breakfast served by the girls. He prayed before eating.

"You're ready to leave"he stated the obvious and they nodded

"I believe that is yours " he said pointing at their night wear neatly folded on the bed by them for him.

"We thought it's refundable" Elle said,

"No everything I bought for you is yours to take home" he assured and they packed all they left behind that he bought for them and thanked him, he prayed for their journey before they go to the car.

"I believe in your person hoping that you won't let yourselves down" he said before starting the ignition

"I'm sure the God of our parents won't let us" Abi replied laughing.
When they got to Etim Edem park, Ikang booked ticket for them in the next bus because the last one had just left before returning to wait in his car for other passengers.

"I need an Angel, send me an Angel now" Abi's phone ring and she saw daddy on checking the caller identity and remembered that she should have called them earlier

"Good morning daddy" she decided to be official because it's their parents habit to use English when they are pissed

"What is taking you so long to be back here?" Oh they are beyond pissed to ignore my greetings,

"We are at the park, we will soon be moving" she informed

"And where is Elle?

"She is right here with me,"
"speak to them " she mouth before handing the phone to her

"Good morning sir "she tested the water

"Get yourselves down here before noon" he ordered as if it's possible, for a journey of 4 hours and it's already half past ten

"Yes sir" she replied to cut the conversation short and he cut the call. Just like that? No how are you? what about our safety and welfare,parents! In fact Some African Parents! she thought.

"chills that was a fiery hot spot!"Abi exclaimed and breath deeply while Ikang smiled

"You're happy because you don't have parents that is controlling your life right?" Elle attacked him

"Believe me It's for your own good"he assured

''If you're in our shoes you wouldn't be saying that" Abi argued

"Count yourselves lucky because there are some children out there who need somebody to show them some act of care but can't find, to contradict your opinion on my life controller, God is my life controller and I bet you wouldn't have him controlling you because there are a lot of things you think are good that you would be deprived of, so count your blessings still."he notify

"Blablabla"Elle joked

"Dude I admire you, I had lost hope in the whole humanity thing long ago only to be restored by you. Had I been told, I wouldn't have believed that there is even one person on earth that's still pure if I didn't witness it first handily. I planned to be a rebel in my family but for the sake of you and my parents God, I won't, what's the name of that your God again?" She asked uncertain

"Jesus Christ?"he replied confused

"I accept Jesus Christ as my personal Lord and Saviour, I let go of my past grievances and surrender my life to Christ for his total control from now and for the rest of my life in Jesus Christ mighty name Amen!" Abi confessed and to her friend and Ikang it looked like her usual act but she was serious and final this time around. Ikang has affected her positively like no one has ever done. She actually planned to loose herself to the world when she is in school out of her obnoxious parents eye because according to her she saw no use in being pure, the world itself doesn't like purity, guilt controls the human race and some has even lost their conscience and as such there is no room for innocence in today's world.

"Are you for real girl?" Elle inquired incredibly and she ignored her and concentrated on Ikang who was trying to get her attention

"If you really mean what you just said, I must warn you that it's not going to be easy for you to stay focus on your goal but with prayer, faith and work you will be victorious eventually." He warned before presenting her with salvation and sanctification pamphlets to help her work out her salvation and sanctification, he promised to be sending her subsequent books for her follow up and told her to let him know if she has any challenge in any area of life, he has secretly volunteered to become her sponsor in Christ already. He joined hands with her in prayer for her and they both saw Christ on the cross, his blood dropping on them bonding them together, they were standing hugging each other, Abi's left palm in Ikang's own held up, each of their right hand on each others back holding unto each other firmly looking out to their needy audience, they were joined together by the saviour as his kingdom stewards here on earth and she couldn't be more certain that she has made the right decision and that he had lead her to the man she didn't think exist, they both wept uncontrollably re-confessing their allegiance with Christ before trying to pull themselves together.

"Whoa that's so deep, I didn't see that coming and as for me, I will let you know my decision later."Elle declared to Ikang when they were sober enough

"No problem"he assured

"Thank you, may God's presence never depart from you in Jesus Christ name Amen!" Abi degreed admirably

"Same with you."he replied before they exchanged numbers.

"Okay I think it's time to get going" Elle informed and they went to get settled in the bus. Abi held Ikang's face with her two palms, looking at him adoringly for a moment to imprint his face in her memory, she kissed him on the fore Head and they bid each other fare well before the bus left. Ikang stood there looking at their retreating car until it's out of sight. Now he has additional responsibility, his worth is increasing each day he thought.

"Oh this girl is smitten" Elle said when she saw her friend still looking back at Ikang's disappearing figure.

Abi didn't get admission in her choice school but was given admission in university of Abuja by jamb. She studied there setting a good example for other students there while still communicating with Ikang. They got married after she returned from service. Her husband couldn't have loved her more when he realized that she had actually been responsible in retaining her pride. She preserved her glory for her destined spouse. They faced challenges together and overcame by the power of their God in them. Life is easy when you have Jesus Christ.