27/11/2025
"A LIFE OF DECEIT"
Episode 8
After a few days, Mama Grace settled into her new home and started getting acquainted with her neighbours. One of her neighbours, a rich woman, took a liking to her and they started chatting. As they sat in Mama Grace's living room, sipping tea, the woman asked her about her family.
Mama Grace hesitated for a moment, before launching into a tale of woe. "Oh, my husband, he's passed away," she said, her voice dripping with fake sadness. "He was a pastor, you know. We were very involved in the church back in our home country."
The woman's eyes widened with sympathy. "Oh, I'm so sorry to hear that, Mama Grace. You must be doing okay, though?"
Mama Grace nodded, a fake smile plastered on her face. "Yes, I'm managing. I'm actually a deaconess, so I've been keeping busy with church work."
The woman nodded, clearly impressed. "Wow, you're a very spiritual person, Mama Grace. We could use more people like you in our church."
Mama Grace beamed with pride, feeling like she was getting exactly what she wanted. She had managed to spin a web of lies, making herself look like a saintly widow, a devoted mother, and a pillar of the church.
Her kids, who were sitting quietly in the corner, looked at each other, their eyes flashing with a mixture of anger and fear. They knew the truth.
But for now, Mama Grace was basking in the admiration of her new friend, and she was determined to keep up the charade for as long as she could.
It was finally Sunday, and Mama Grace was up and ready, bursting with excitement. She went into the kids' rooms, waking them up from their slumber. "Wake up, wake up, wake up!" she exclaimed, shaking them gently. "We have church to attend, and I don't know why you people are still sleeping at this time. You've had enough rest, get up, get up, get up!"
The kids groggily got out of bed, rubbing their eyes, trying to shake off the sleep. Mama Grace was on their case, urging them to hurry up. "I don't know why you guys are moving so slow this morning. This is my first time in that church, and I have to make a good impression. If you kids spoil things for me, trust me, I'm never gonna forgive you guys."
She helped them get dressed in their Sunday best, making sure they looked presentable. "Now, remember what I told you," she reminded them, her voice stern. "Your father is late, he was a pastor, and I'm a deaconess. You stick to that story, do you both understand me?"
The kids nodded, trying to avoid her drama. The boy went to take a bath, and when he was done, the girl followed suit. They got dressed in their best clothes, looking like a million bucks.
Just as they were finishing up, their rich neighbor, Miss Natasha, arrived, honking her horn outside. Mama Grace's eyes widened as she saw the luxurious car parked outside. "Wow, Miss Natasha, you must be very rich," she said, impressed, as she ushered the kids into the car.
Miss Natasha smiled, "Oh, this is just one of my cars," she said, as she drove them to church. The car was filled with the sweet scent of perfume, and the sound of soft gospel jazz music filled the air. Mama Grace was in awe, feeling like she was living the high life.
As they drove, Mama Grace couldn't help but ask, "Miss Natasha, how do you do it? You have such a beautiful car.
Miss Natasha chuckled, "Well, my husband and I have worked hard to build our business, and we're blessed to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor."
Mama Grace nodded, feeling a pang of envy. She had never had it so good, and she was determined to make the most of it.
When they arrived at the church, Mama Grace's eyes widened in amazement. The church was huge, with a sprawling lawn and a massive parking lot filled with luxury cars. The kids were shocked, their eyes wide with wonder. "Wow, this is some church," the boy whispered to his sister.
Mama Grace smiled, feeling proud, as Miss Natasha ushered them inside. They were led to the front row, where they sat next to Miss Natasha. The service was about to start, and Mama Grace was beaming with excitement, ready to soak up all the attention.
As the pastor took the pulpit, Mama Grace leaned over to Miss Natasha, "I'm so glad we're here," she whispered. "I feel like I've finally found my place."
Miss Natasha smiled, "You're going to fit right in, Mama Grace. We're a family here, and we take care of each other."
Mama Grace nodded, feeling a sense of belonging, as the music started, and the congregation began to sing.