[IMAGE: https://i.ecency.com/DQmR2uqUxWg7i7ha5r7eCMgz3YaFepSZFGUGW4SyWkCvA1f/1780526427146.jpg]

I never believed in friendship until I met that young beautiful lady called Mary who happened to be a co-worker in a school where we both work as teachers. She was employed as an English Language teacher by the school management.

However, there was one thing I noticed about her, that distinguished her from all English Language teachers have ever known. Yes, Miss Mary was so humble. The way she related to both staff and students was so endearing that I got attracted to her personality. Our sittings were not far from each other in the staff room, so we started becoming close. Just as the tree planted by the Riverside, our relationship blossom. She introduced me to her parents and I also introduced her to my family. People started admiring our relationship from both far and near. Some even became jealous among the staff but they couldn't separate us.

I trusted my friend so much that I didn't bother to make my own findings when he introduced a guy to me and advised me to consider him for relationship, "Best friend, there's this guy I want you to hangout with, "Mary continued. He has been seeing your pictures on my status and I think he so much in love with you. Wow! I couldn't help but smile because in our one year of friendship, Mary had never discussed men issues with me. She continue persuading as I starred at amazingly, "I have known the guy for quite some time and I know you won't regret it if you give him a chance. "Well, Mary has been a trusted friend, I don't think she can mislead," I thought within myself. "So, when am I meeting this your gentleman, Mary?" I asked. Mary told me not to worry that she would arrange a date for us which could likely be the following day. Without mincing words, I became restless and anxious. I was about to have my first date in my 27 years of age. I didn't even know how to prepare or the perfect dress for the meeting, but Mary kept calming me. She kept on talkiing about this guy for the rest of the day, you know; she couldn't stop talking about his handsomeness, his faithful Christian living and all. "Mary, I hope you are not talking about a ghost here, because I have heard so much about this your mystery guy but you have shown me no picture of him, I said to her. "Hmm, my bad! Pardon me. Mary deeped her hands into her purse and brought out her phone. She opened it and showed me a fair white man, truly handsome and seemed calm. "What do you think, Mary asked having shown me the picture. I couldn't say a word. I rose and smiled at her, "till tomorrow " Mary. She eagerly stood up as well because it was already closing time and we were the only ones remaining in school because of our gist. So, went out hands in hands as we crack several jokes on our way.

Throughout the night I couldn't sleep, I was thinking about how to look perfect because the guy I saw in the picture was looked so much exquisite. I never wanted to be termed a village girl. So, I picked the dress I bought for my upcoming birthday. The day broke and I headed to school. It was a normal day at work as usual, but Mary wouldn't allow me rest. She would wink at me and teased every minute she passed until I became so uncomfortable in the staffroom. "Mary, wait! " I ran after her, "I think I will cancel this date if you won't behave yourself" I told her. She just laughed it off and went into her class.

Thank God it was already closing time. I really wanted to go home on time, had some rest before the 7pm date. So, I told my friend that I wouldn't be wasting time in school but she didn't agree. She insisted I followed her to her house and go for the date from there. I told her that I had to pick my clothes from home but she told me not to worry that she had got me a dress that would befit my outing. That was how I followed Mary to her house.

At exactly 7:30 pm, a car arrived at Mary's compound. I anxiously looked at Mary's face and she said It was him. For the first time, I asked, "Doesn't he have a name?" And she said, "Steve is here". I hurried jumped up to straighten my dress that Mary got me, because it was a bit tight and mini. I looked myself in the mirror as I adjusted my hair. After which I sat patiently in the plastic chair in Mary's room. I thought she had gone to bring in Steve, but to my surprise Mary didn't come in with Steve to even see me. "Where is Steve?" I asked surprisingly. "He's there in the car waiting for you ". Mary answered carelessly, picking up my handbag, "Let's go". I looked at my friend, she didn't look like she was going with us. "Are you not going with us again? I asked, because our agreement was that we would go together, while she might take another table at the restaurant, Steve and I would take a table and had our discussion. So, we got out and I saw that cute black car with tilted glass. I hadn't seen Steve but I knew he must have seen me from the car. My mood had changed. Mary didn't tell me she wouldn't follow me. I was highly disappointed that she could leave me in the hand of a stranger. Eventually, Steve winded down probably when he realized I was reluctant to enter. He smiled at me and called me by my name, "Hi Juliet, you look so beautiful, come in" I smiled back and looked at Mary's face who also asked me to enter and have a wonderful evening.

Well, I put my mind together, entered the car and waved to Mary as the car zoomed off. Immediately, Steve started engaging me in conversation and I was even surprised he had known so much about from Mary. The conversation seemed so interesting until he made a U-turn close to where he said we were going to have dinner. "Wait Steve, where are we heading to?" I asked agitatedly. "Just calm down, I want us to pick a friend in the way". Immediately, I knew something was wrong, I couldn't help myself. I knew I was in danger, I tried to pick my phone but he collected and threw it into the bush. "Steve, please" "Steve , please!" It was exclaiming untill he gave me a slap. We had already driven about an hour outside my town.

I kept crying and praying within me but Steve's eyes were as red as fire. Just when I thought all hope was lost, there was a flash in front of us. I guessed it was police checkpoint. I looked straight into Steve's face but he threatened me not to say anything or react somehow. Then, the police drew nearer as he slowed down his car. I couldn't talk but I made sure I didn't wipe out my tears. The police shined their touched light into our faces and asked us to alight immediately they saw my face. Steve told me not to bother to come down as he opened the door to talk to the police, but they shouted at him, "Are you mad, we asked both of you to come down!" Then, I could see the panic in Steve's face. I quickly rushed out of the car and two of the police men took me three steps away from where Steve was to asked me questions. Shortly after, they asked Steve to open his booth but I couldn't believe what the police brought out; some calabashes, local soaps, sponge and cutlasses. Then, it was dawn on me that Steve was a ritualist. They handcuffed us immediately and drove us to the nearest police station. That was how I was rescued from Steve. I slept at the police station that night but I knew trouble would be looming at home because no knew where I went. The following morning they contacted the police headquarters in my zone and they made a prompt arrest of Mary because Steve had confessed he paid Mary a huge amount of money to lure me. The police also informed my family that had been in fear and reported I was missing. My family came and Steve and Mary were charged to court. I learnt the biggest lesson of my life. My only friend betrayed me and till today I rarely trust people.

Thanks for reading.

Picture is from metaAi.