TRUNCATED

             The story you are about reading is fictional and just a work of art.   
             Happy Reading.......Enjoy........



The evening breeze felt so cool, Mary could feel its tingling sensation on her skin as she sat by the verandah of her home with her friend Lizzy. They’ve been chatting for over two hours. When is your engagement ceremony coming up? Lizzy asked. With a shrug, Lizzy I’m not ready…. I wish my parents would just delay it for a while. I’m scared…..I’ve only met Joe once…how can I get married to a man I know little or nothing about? Calmly Lizzy said “It’s normal to feel that way before you know it, it’s over and you are married. Just do as your parents say.   On a bright Saturday morning, Mary was betrothed to Joe in the presence of her parents and relatives.  A month after her engagement, at the stream bank, Mary noticed the shadow of a man cast by her side. Dropping her pitcher, she tilted her head back and saw a man standing behind her. Heart beating with fear, she shook like a leaf in winter. It was her first time seeing a man with such appearance. Don’t be afraid said the man.
                    "You’ve been favoured by God , you’ll become pregnant with a son 
                          you will name him JESUS. He will be great and shall save His people 
                             from there sins. His kingdom and reign shall have no end".

Stammering Mary said “How will this happen? I just got betrothed, I’m not married moreso, I’m a virgin. With a smile that looked out of this world He replied “the Spirit of God will come on you”. Various voices popped up in her mind.
                       Who would believe a virgin is pregnant? Imagine the disgrace you
                       and your parents will face. Do you want a fatherless child?
                       The shame might even kill your parents. What if you are banished
                       from the village? Do you think a girl from a low family like yours can
                        have the riches to take care of God’s son?
 Mustering up courage, she answered. “Be it unto me according to your word”. Immediately, the man vanished. In fear, Mary up her empty pitcher and ran all the way home.




What do you take me for? Joe scowled at Mary. A dunce? How can you tell me you are pregnant? We are not married yet neither have I touched you yet. Didn’t you say you were a virgin? How can a virgin become pregnant suddenly without a man touching her? Never would I have the inkling that a decent girl like you from a good family would do such a thing. Now listen and listen well. It’s over between you and me; I’m calling this engagement off. I can’t get married to a girl like you”. Joe said and stormed out of the room. Mary cried, she was heartbroken. Very soon everyone in the village would find out what happened. She needed to do something to save herself and her family. She wept all the way to Lizzy’s house.

What is wrong Mary? Why are you in tears? Lizzy asked. On hearing those questions Mary’s tears intensified. I’m pregnant Lizzy……I'm pregnant. Mary sobbed. Wwwwhhhhhaattt? How can you allow Joe touch you before marriage? You shouldn’t have engaged in such. Are you parents aware? Lizzy asked disappointedly. Joe is not the father…..I was not able to tell my parents……a month after the engagement to Joe, a strange man appeared to me at the stream bank and said I’ll become pregnant. He said God’s spirit will come upon me and will make me pregnant. Shuo!!!!!!Lizzy exclaimed. What kind of nonsense is this you are saying Mary? How can a man appear to you and say God’s spirit will make you pregnant? It has never been heard of in the whole village that God’s spirit makes one pregnant. How can a virgin be pregnant? Mary couldn’t stop weeping. The whole world was crumbling at her feet……even her closest friend didn’t believe her words.

 Lizzy hugged her and said.  “Mary just tell me who the father is……I promise to keep it a secret”. Amidst sobs, Mary replied. “I’m saying the truth Lizzy, no man touched me”. As if ministered to by some force Lizzy answered back and said.” You are aborting this baby……Mary you have to terminate this baby before everyone in the village humiliates you and your family”. But I can’t Lizzy…..it’s a sin, it’s a crime to do that. Mary said sobbing.  I’ll personally get you the pills from the chemist hold on….., Lizzy said and off she ran to the chemist’s shop. Within a few minutes, Lizzy was back with the pills and Mary had no choice than to use them. She couldn’t allow her name be ruined. All through the night Mary bled and the baby was aborted never to be born. 

By morning, rapture occurred............ Where did Mary end up?????????