...But God said So

Chapter 4: Between two worlds

Music pulsed softly through the apartment as Lily stood before the full-length mirror in her bedroom, examining her reflection for the third time in ten minutes.

Her room was a mixture of elegance and chaos. Clothes were draped over the bed, shoes were scattered across the floor, and makeup products covered the vanity table. The warm glow from the bedside lamp reflected off the large mirror, filling the room with a cozy golden light.

Lily slipped on a pair of silver heels and turned slightly, checking how they complemented her fitted emerald-green dress. The dress hugged her figure perfectly, its simple design managing to be both classy and eye-catching.

"You're doing too much," Ife called from the doorway.

Lily rolled her eyes.

"You've said that five times already."

"And I'll say it again."

Ife stepped into the room, carrying a makeup brush in one hand and a clutch purse in the other. Unlike Lily, she was already dressed and ready. She wore a sleek black dress that matched her confident personality, her hair falling neatly over her shoulders.

"Seriously, Lily, na party o, not a red-carpet event."

Lily laughed.

"Tell that to the people who'll be there."

She sat at the vanity and reached for her lip gloss.

The apartment buzzed with excitement as they prepared to leave. Perfume bottles, jewelry boxes, and discarded clothing created evidence of the hours spent getting ready.

Ife walked over and adjusted a loose strand of Lily's hair.

"There. Much better."

Lily studied herself in the mirror one last time.

Her makeup was flawless, her curls framed her face beautifully, and the dress fit perfectly.

Yet something felt strange.

For a brief moment, her mind drifted back to church.

Back to the sermon.

Back to the pastor whose eyes had met hers for only a second.

She quickly pushed the thought away.

"Lily, Lily, one and only Lily!" Ife teased.

Lily blinked.

"What?"

"You've been staring at yourself for thirty seconds."

Lily laughed and grabbed her purse.

"Let's go abeg."

The two friends switched off the lights, stepped out of the apartment, and headed into the night, unaware that their lives were about to change in ways neither of them could imagine.

2 Na party o: it's just a party

3. Abeg: please