It was just as if I was reading the book of Revelation. Philip got entangled with bad friends, who brought him nothing but trouble. He joined the cultist against his will but under the influence of alcohol and drugs.
He was forced to do his first assignment or the one closest to his heart will suffer the consequences. He yielded, afraid of facing to see his loved ones dead.

Phil turned his head, his eyes red, full of regrets and pain. I felt my heart heavy, as I tried to remain strong at least for him. He needs to let it all out. I also need to know his final decision(s).
"I wept that very day, my heart feeling like sinking. I betrayed the trust and love between Joy and me to save her and my foster parents. Trust me when I say that the cult leader meant it as I have seen proof of how he causes the death of other people without even thinking. Most importantly, no traces tend to link to any of his apprentices in this evil act.
Joy came to my hostel the next day, venting out his frustration as she kept beating me. I tried to explain but she wouldn't listen. I kept saying sorry, as I blamed myself for being careless. She broke up with me, and that was when I decided to ace things up.
I become cold and with a plan, I decided to be the leader of the AZA cult group. Within a year, the leader was killed by the rival cult. They quickly made me their leader, especially since I was the Vice Chancellor's son. Whenever I see Joy avoid me, calling me names, I feel my heartbreak.
I planned on making my supposed best friends suffer for bringing me into the dark world of cultism. It was like the worse dream ever, something I keep regretting all my life.
Last year, I saw you sitting around this area, a book in your hand. You were smiling and I guess you were reading a comic book. Your smile caught my attention.
I made findings of who you are. I noticed how you go out of your way to help others. Even tho you are a Pharmacy student, you still offered to create a means of entrepreneurship for final year students.
I saw the qualities of Joy in you, much better one. You are even patient if only Joy could be patient enough to listen when I tried to call her in secrecy.", Phil stated, placing his head in between his hands.
" You did what was wrong even tho it was to save Senior Joy. You can't continue blaming yourself. It has been close to 2years since this happen, so you have to gear up. You have to tell her everything, ask for her forgiveness and also that of the Almighty. Mistakes are part of life, but the ones rectified are the best"I found myself comforting Phil.
"Yeah. That is why I need your help, because one way or the other, you are closer to 2 of the people I have hurt greatly. The first person is Joy", Phil broke out, holding my hands creasing them gently.
" You are the best", he acknowledged forcing a smile on his face as I blushed slightly.
We ended our conversation there as we both made our way to the car. According to him, he wants to start apologizing and seeking their forgiveness. The person on our top list is Senior Joy.
Throughout the ride to Senior Joy's house, Phil kept getting negative vibes, not sure Joy will listen to her but I urged him to continue driving. At a time he wanted to turn back, but I told him not to but to believe that things will turn out t well. I prayed silently in my heart, hoping things go as planned.
Finally making our walk into her hostel, as Phil bribed the security men, nervousness was obvious on his face. He looked disturbed, more like an anxious groom waiting for the arrival of his groom.
It was a good thing it was Saturday, as it seems like most students in the hostel boarding are gone. Phil knocked gently On the door, but we did not get any reply. He tried again, but no answer.
We both looked at each other for a while before Phil force opens the door to see Joy on the bed, her head resting on the wall. She looked as if she has been crying, her eyes closed partially, with tears line down her face.
"Senior Joy, are you okay?", I asked moving closer as Phil stood behind.
She raised her head scanning the two of us, as she looked at me intently.
" Michael, get him out of here. I don't want to see him", she ordered as I leaned closer to her, holding her hands gently.
"Senior Joy, try to stay calm. Breathe in and out gently", I said as she breathes in and out.
" I know everything that happened. He wants to tell you the truth about everything. Just calm down and listen to him. You do not have to forgive him, but give him a listening ear. I believe you can do that because you are my role model and a mentor. Do listen to him", I stated calmly as she nodded before cleaning the tears in her eyes.
"Philip, let us talk", she deadpanned as I stood up ready to leave.
I braced Philip's shoulder giving him a silent 'You can do it" encouragement.
"I will leave you guys for now. Patience is a virtue, be slow to speak, quick to listen", I mumbled before leaving the room.
I breathed in and out gently hoping they will solve the mystery between them. It would be difficult for Senior Joy to forgive Phil. She once trusted him, and he broke it. If truly they like each other, I hope she can forgive Phil.
I went outside sitting on one of the benches in the upper part of the building. I don't know why but images of the moments between Phil and I kept crossing my mind.

I kept pacing trying to while away time, but the images kept persisting.
" This is not the right time to think of something like that, I told myself.
"You are attracted to Phil, Michael", I could feel my subconscious telling me.
I rested on the bench, my whole mind becoming blank. I am not supposed to be attracted to him now. I'm supposed to stand by him. Oh my! He is three years older than you Michael', I kept telling myself.
With shaking hands, I rested my body trying to calm my nerves. It is just an attraction, it will go away with time", I told myself.
"Won't it be better to give in to your feelings? It is agonizing to see you trying to control something you shouldn't be controlling. Philip is a good person and you two will be good together", I could feel a part of me whispering these thoughts in my head.
" You should be careful tho. He still has feelings for Joy. Not only that, you are only going to make yourself fall harder for him", I heard yet another whisper.
"I have feelings, not for me to give in to it but to learn how to control them", I kept chanting on my head, as I rested on my legs, trying to catch some rest.
*****
I felt a tap on my shoulder as I raised my head.
" Sleepyhead, hope you dreamt about me", Phil said, looking up with his vibrant smile as I chuckled.
"You seem confident Mr. Phil. Why do I feel you and Miss Joy are now a couple", I teased.
" Hahaha, it is not funny. You are making me feel like an old man with that Mister. Anyway, she has listened to my pleas, and forgiven me", Phil stated beaming with a smile.
"Wow, that is great. You explained to her right", I said, trying to calm my nerves.
" Yes, I explained but she did not want to listen, so I did something", a smirk appeared on his face.
"Wait. What did you do?", I asked?
" I kissed her, and sparks began flying. Even tho it was for a few seconds, she calmed down", Phil chuckled after explaining as my face flushed.
"I guess she still likes you", I blurted out
" Yeah, but she still refuses to be my friend. I only need her forgiveness right? But I feel my heart aching somehow", Phil explained and for a split second, I felt a tiny bit of jealousy.
I closed my eyes and opened it immediately.
"A thousand miles start with a step. Rome is not built in a day. She needs time to recover okay", I assured him as I patted his shoulder.

He turned to face me, as he smiled at me.
" Thank you, Michael. You are the best thing that has happened to me in year's",
I felt my heart racing at his confession.