HEARTS APART

WEEKEND BLUES

It was five minutes past midday before Benny and I could extricate ourselves from the house. The first port of call for the day was a basketball game at the heating center between the New York Jets and Philadelphia Blues. The gates wouldn't be open for another two hours but I didn't care, I just wanted to get out of the house. I got the car out of the driveway like a professional F1 driver Benny was scared and cautioned me to be careful especially since I was pregnant. I loved spending time with Benny. It was going to be fun We had just passed the money plaza when a thought occurred to me so I took the next exit and turned back to face the plaza. finding a suitable place to Park I beckoned Benny to come with me.

The money plaza was a 10-story building full of different shops selling different items. The building manager had once jokingly told me that is called the money plaza because that's where the money comes to die he says you can't come in with money and go out with the money you will exhaust it and look for other means to get credit to continue shopping.it is a buyer's delight and a seller's heaven. However, buying was not the reason why I stopped and pulled over. As we were passing The plaza a thought came into my head. I had been a visitor here frequently and I was aware that on the topmost floor was a series of lounges sealed off for the use of special customers. The manager once told me that they were booked weeks in advance and always full. I reckoned that we could get a spare room after all like my father said money could get you anything. This was the time to prove it. We got into the elevator and Benny was curious. Where are we going? What are we going to buy? I shut him up. don't spoil the surprise I hissed. The manager's office was on the third floor so we got out and I located the office. Luckily he was on the the side peering over some log books. It was bare with just a table, a chair, and some books on the table. I was put off. he noted my disappointment and said he gets that from everyone who enters the office for the first time. he remembered me of course heavy shoppers like me always remembered he asked me what brought me to his office. he hoped there was no problem I told him no but I needed his help and I told him the reason why I had come he told me that I ought to her booked in advance but there was a spare lounge and today was my lucky day. The allottees had canceled at the last minute because of the death of a loved one. He looked out the glass door Benny had stood outside and was admiring one of the shops at the far end of the nodded towards Benny and I nodded back. He quickly made the arrangements. It cost me an extra 10000 dollars but I didn't care. I was brimming with excitement and armed with a 4-dimensional key when I came out of the office. I motioned for Benny to follow me back to the elevator.

He was beginning to feel uncomfortable. Where are we going? He asked. this time I didn't reply. we got into the elevator and headed to the top floor. When we got there, I stood with my mouth agape. I never expected that this kind of place was in New York and close to me. it was truly apparently for the extremely wealthy. By this time Benny was in raptures. He could hardly move. I looked at the key in my hand and it was tagged no Eighth. The tag was not visible in the manager's office. He told me it was a security feature. The room number would only become visible upon entering the lounge. so we moved along the corridor. I located the door, inserted the key and a voice prompt came out and asked my name. I replied to Susan and added the code without prompting. The manager had given me the instructions that immediately called out my name. I should say the code aloud. There was silence then I heard the noise. It was a noise of tumblers breaking and the door popped open allowing Benny and I to step into another world.

It was luxurious. The chairs, the curtains, and even the bed were lined with pure gold. The rug was Italian and looked very expensive and high quality. at the back of the room was a large screen. While Benny stood admiring the overheads on the ceiling, I walked to the screen. it asked for my name. I immediately yelled out my name and repeated the code I was given without any prompt. the screen came to life. all the shops in The plaza were connected on the screen. I could order anything from the comfort of the lounge. I placed a few orders for men's and female clothes, underwear, shoes, wristwatches, and a bag for myself. I shopped for my trip to Qatar without a care in the world. I owned several diamond rings and necklaces but I couldn't resist this golden pair that I was seeing before me so I ordered it. Qatar was going to be fun I thought. Lastly, I ordered some food for us and I was told to expect delivery of the goods in an hour and the food was coming in 10 minutes.

The food arrived promptly. It was French cuisine and the wine I ordered was exquisite and very tasty. I could see that Benny was beginning to enjoy the taste of royalty and money. After eating we jumped into bed and it was blissful for the next hour. it was a voice prompt from the screen notifying us that our order would be delivered in 10 minutes and the identity of the bearer that made us jump out of bed. The items arrived and were exactly what I had ordered. We tried on the clothes and they were very fitting. I had guessed Benny's size when ordering and I turned out to be right. The items were packed up again by the delivery boy with instructions on how to get to my car and we were soon on the highway going to the stadium where the game was going to take place.

I had no recollections of the game. I was just pleased to be with Benny and I focused on him throughout the game. At about seven in the evening, the game finished and it was time to go home. As we headed home then he asked if there was any church around where he could go the following day which was Sunday. I told him I didn't know as I'd never been to church my entire life. None of my parents were religious and I was raised that way besides the few religious people I knew were always bitter and judgmental. I asked Benny if he was a religious person and he said his adopted mother used to take him to church until she passed on. Since her death, he had not been to church but he felt he needed divine intervention if he was to pass the scrutiny of My Father. I thought it was a good idea. I remembered a particular church I used to pass on my way to work and I told him would check there tomorrow. We got home, ate dinner, and retired to bed.

By 10:00 a.m. the next day Benny and I were walking up the steps of the Mountain of Fire church located ten blocks from the estate. I used to pass it on my way to work and never gave it much thought. I didn't know what to expect. I didn't know what was going to happen but I felt safe with Benny. It was a beautiful service. The choir sang with a melodious voice and the people seemed jovial and happy as if they didn't have any problems at all. the sermon was fiery. I enjoyed myself and I made notes to come back some other time. After the service, Benny approached the altar to pray. I followed suit. I heard him praying to God to give him favor before my father. I followed his lead and I prayed to God to give me disfavor before the Emir of Qatar. After prayer, the pastor was waiting for us as we approached him. He told Benny not to be afraid that, he was looking for acceptance, and that he should follow his heart. I was stunned at how he knew this. Did he listen to our prayers there was something mystical and alluring about this man and I could not help him swallow his every word hook, line, and sinker. We emerged from the church with a newfound energy. He was ready to take on the world and I was ready to take on the emir of Qatar.