REDEEMED

By Andria S Alexander

"Lord, my faith isn't weak. My heart is." She cried.

A terrible accident changes Nyla Joseph's life forever. After a conversation with God reveals that Nyla hasn't been using the gifts that she was blessed with, she realizes that her actions could make the difference between saving souls and losing th

• Language: English
• Publisher: A.S. Jones Publishing
• Release date: Jan 17, 2022
• ISBN: 9798985022216

Book preview

One

Is this the medicine?

I don’t really feel comfortable starting the procedure without knowing that you have someone here to drive you home afterwards. You’ll be in no condition to drive after I pull your wisdom teeth. Dr. Shavon Nelson shared with Nyla.

I’m fine really. My friend Jalisa should be here any minute now.

You’re the last patient of my day. I had a few cancellations, so I’m not in any rush Nyla. Why don’t we give it a few more minutes before we get started?

Okay. An impatient Nyla agreed. Nyla checked her texts and messages for any sign of Jalisa calling. She knew Dr. Nelson was only being polite and felt uncomfortable making her adjust her schedule and day. Just as she began to call Jalisa for the 4th time since she’d been sitting alone in the waiting room, a familiar face walked through the dentist door.

May I help you sir? the receptionist asked.

No ma’am. Thank you. I’m here for Nyla Joseph.

Ivan? Nyla asked confused. What are you doing here?

Jalisa tried to reach out to you. She is having car trouble, and she’s not going to make it on time to get you, so she asked if I could make sure you had a ride home.

Oh no. I’m so sorry about that. Nyla apologized. It’s really not necessary. I can just get a car service to take me home—

No Nyla. It’s okay. I wasn’t doing anything more important than this today anyway. I’m happy to be here.

"Are you sure?

Absolutely. Jalisa said you were getting your wisdom teeth pulled and you were going to be under anesthesia.

Yeah, but it’s no big deal.

Yes, it is. Her dentist interrupted. And I’m glad you’re here Mr.…?

Bishop. Ivan Bishop.

And you’ll be taking Ms. Joseph home?

Yes ma’am.

Wonderful. Nyla, are you ready to get started?

Yes.

Nyla my hygienist Lindsay will get you prepped and ready. I’m going to chat with Mr. Bishop about your discharge instructions. I’ll be back in just a few minutes.

Okay.

Nyla followed Lindsay the hygienist back to the dentist chair.

Just go ahead and try to get as comfortable as possible Ms. Joseph. Is there anything you need? Did you have any questions?

Yes. How long will I be under anesthesia?

About an hour.

And after that?

After that you’ll awaken, we’ll give you some medicine to help with the swelling and pain that may try to sneak in when the numbness wears off, but then you’ll be on your way home.

Okay, that seems simple enough.

You still seem worried. There’s no need to worry. Dr. Nelson does this all the time. She said assuring her. You’re going to be just fine.

Is my favorite patient ready? Dr. Nelson said strolling in the room.

I guess.

Now Nyla, I thought we were friends.

This statement surprised Nyla. She and Shavon Nelson had been friends from their book club for years.

Of course, we are! Why would you say that?

Because you never told me you were dating anyone! she said putting her nylon gloves and goggles on.

That’s because I’m not dating anyone. She replied.

Really? she asked confused Because that Mr. Bishop sure was asking a lot of questions. He’s genuinely concerned. I just naturally thought you all were an item.

Ivan’s a good friend of mine from church, she said. We started new members classes at the same time and have been friends ever since then. He’s like family to me.

Family huh?

Yes. Nyla answered wondering why Shavon looked so doubtful.

Okay. Well we’ll talk about that later. Right now, I’m going to put this mask over your face, and I’m going to ask you to count backwards starting from 20. Just relax.

Nyla looked at the huge digital clock hanging on the wall. It read 2:59 pm. She relaxed herself by counting with each blinking colon 20, 19, 18, 17, 16, 15, 14, 13… she said trailing off to sleep. Her eyelids got heavier until there was no further sign of the bright fluorescent light over her face, and her whole body slipped into a deep and peaceful sleep.

As Lindsay predicted Dr. Nelson quickly finished pulling Nyla’s wisdom teeth and cleaning her mouth. She decided to let Nyla rest even after she finished working on her mouth until she was ready to close her office for the day.

Nyla, Dr. Nelson’s voice said gently. You can wake up now.

Huh, she said confused. I just fell asleep. She slurred

It seems like it, but you’ve been out for a good hour.

Nyla looked up at the huge digital clock that lulled her to sleep and sure enough it read 4:02 pm.

She put her hand to her jaws, and noticed the puffiness, but she was numb.

Don’t worry about the puffiness, it’ll go down in a few days.

Days? she slurred But I have stuff to do! Important stuff! Nyla protested.

Nyla, you’re still very numb, and probably just a little out of it. Shavon said chuckling. I don’t really understand what you’re trying to say. Your friend Ivan is outside waiting to take you home.

Ivan’s here? she asked forgetting his earlier arrival.

Yes Nyla. Remember your other friend couldn’t make it here. She said helping her out of the chair. So, your friend Ivan is going to drive you home now.

Okay. Nyla replied in a daze. I’m sleepy.

That’s to be expected Nyla. Shavon replied to her trying to stifle a laugh. Mr. Bishop, she said directing her attention to Ivan Nyla is a friend of mine. Should you need anything, please call the after-hours number, and I’ll answer immediately for her.

Okay. Thank you. I did some research online while you were working on her, and I read that she could eat soft foods. I bought some Ice cream, instant mashed potatoes, apple sauce and some soup. Is there anything else she should have?

Seems to me like you pretty much have it covered Mr. Bishop. She can have gelatin or pudding, and yogurt too. Even oatmeal.

She doesn’t like oatmeal, but that’s helpful. Thank you, Dr. Nelson.

You’re welcome. You two have a good day. Get some rest Nyla.

Rest. Okay. Nyla replied drowsily. Can we go home now Ivan?

Yes, Nyla. I’ll take you home now. He said leading her out of the office.

Once at Nyla’s apartment, Ivan woke a sleepy Nyla long enough for her to stumble from the car to her apartment and collapse on her couch. Ivan draped a throw blanket around her to keep her comfortable.

While she was asleep, he took it upon himself to prepare a meal of soft solids that she could eat. She was awakened to the smell of hot cheese and bacon.

That smells so good. She said out loud to herself. She looked at her surroundings and noticed her television was on with the volume low. Jeopardy was on so she knew it was about 7:30pm.

Hello? she asked to no one in particular

You’re up. How are you feeling? Ivan asked coming from the kitchen.

Puffy and tender. She said slightly touching her cheeks.

Your dentist said you would feel like this. She left you a prescription, and some special mouthwash. I called your prescription in for you. It’ll be ready in a few minutes.

Ivan you are my hero. Thank you so much. She said trying to smile.

You’re welcome. I didn’t know if you’d be up to eating or not, but I bought a few things just in case you did. I made you some fully loaded instant mashed potatoes.

Oh, is that the heavenly smell that I’m smelling?

Yes. I didn’t know if you would like them or not. I added some extra cheese and the bacon bits I found in your cabinet. Some folks won’t eat anything but fresh, but I did my best.

Some folks don’t live on budgets, but I do, and I love my instant potatoes.

Hearing this made Ivan feel better. He went to the kitchen to set up a small lap serving tray for Nyla. He found a simple blue plastic bowl and 2 matching spoons which he used to serve her the mashed potatoes and a Granny Smith apple sauce cup that he knew that she liked. He added the iced tea from her refrigerator and served her in the living room.

This looks so good! she said. I love Granny Smith apple sauce. It’s the only kind I’ll eat!

I remember. We chaperoned the youth trip to that waterpark last summer, and you packed a lot of them.

You know what? I sure did! she answered, laughing at herself. The A/C went out on the bus, it was a long, hot ride, and I didn’t want the melted sandwich or crushed chips I had. My apple sauce was on point."

Yeah, I remember thinking you were so weird to be that picky about apple sauce—until I tasted it. You got me hooked.

Then you know how good this is. She said gently swallowing some.

Yeah. I do. He said, satisfied to see her eating. I’m going to get your medicine from the pharmacy before it closes for the night.

Are you sure? It’s only a little tender.

Yeah, your dentist said to make sure you try to take a dose before your pain fully sets in. I’ll be back.

Wait! Didn’t they need my authorization or anything? she said reaching for her purse.

I just told them you were my wife. Ivan said matter-of-factly.

Oh. Um… Okay. she responded awkwardly.

Yep. I’ll be back. He said quickly heading out the door.

Ivan waited until he got into his car before he let out the breath that he had been holding since he walked out Nyla’s apartment to say a quick prayer.

"Father God, I’m claiming her as my wife in your name if it is your will. I just took the hugest leap of faith in my whole life Lord. But you said in Matthew 21:22 And whatever you ask in prayer, you will receive, if you have faith. I know she doesn’t know much I love and care about her, but you do father. Your spirit has spoken to my spirit about her since the first day we met in new members’ classes 4 years ago. Father if it is in your will, I ask you to give me the words and the way to get through to her. In your son’s Christ name, I pray. Amen! Oh, and father thank you for not letting me pass out after I told her that I told her pharmacy that she was my wife."

Nyla knew she had a long day, and that she was still coming down from the effects of the medicine, but she had to question if she