BOLD (1)

BOLD Decisions

Beauty froze in front of the mirror. The lip gloss was perfect, the makeup flawless, the outfit… breathtaking. But her gaze lingered on the deep neckline of her sequined dress. If she bent forward even slightly, her breasts would be on full display.

Unmistakably, she knew the gentle tug she felt in her heart was the Holy Spirit.
Wear a camisole, or change the outfit.

She sighed, her fingertips brushing the glittering fabric. “It’s just one night,” she whispered to herself. Besides, something about the low cut made her feel… powerful. Attractive. Desired.

A Scripture flashed in her soul: “Love not the world, nor the things that are in the world.”

She knew it was God telling her to not buy into the mindset that she needed to show more skin to be considered beautiful, but before the conviction could settle, her phone rang.

“Beauty, where are you? Are you not joining our carpool again?” Sasha’s voice was bright over the line.

“I’m coming!” Beauty snatched her beaded purse and shoved her feet into green high heels. The camisole stayed in her wardrobe. Her conversation with the Holy Spirit would have to wait.

---

Olivia’s ankles ached with every step as she walked from the bus stop to Bose’s house. She should have brought slippers for the journey, but the purse in her hand was far too small for that.

Her eyes widened as she approached the house: purple and silver decorations draped the gates, and a huge poster screamed Happy Birthday, Bose! in bold letters.

She was about to step inside the house when a familiar voice called out.
“Olivia!”

Beauty, Sasha, and Lanre walked up to her, closing the Uber door behind them. They exchanged hugs, made small talk, then the four friends entered the house together.

They were greeted by many things at once: Lights from glittering chandeliers, music from the loudspeakers, people in dazzling outfits, and the smell of amazing food.

“Wow,” was all Sasha could say, as they found seats near the house bar.

Olivia glanced at Beauty. She was tugging at the neckline of her dress. Olivia understood why. The gown clung to her curves and left her cleavage in full view. A style she’d never seen Beauty wear before.

Minutes later, Beauty leaned closer. “What do you guys think of my outfit?”

Olivia hesitated, her polite smile hiding the truth she wanted to say. But Sasha grinned wide and shouted over the music, “You look sexy!”

Lanre’s head turned at the word sexy, his eyes meeting Olivia’s. He knew they were thinking the same thing, but somehow, neither felt qualified to talk.

Lanre tried to focus on his phone, but Sasha’s comment kept replaying in his head. He’d known Beauty on campus as a spiritual firebrand, a prayer warrior. Olivia too had once been bold in defending modesty. But over the years, especially after Sasha joined their group, he’d watched the flame in both of them dim.

And if he was honest, he wasn’t in the place to talk either. Not with the silent battle he fought against pornography. Conviction pressed on him, but he stayed quiet.

A text from David interrupted his train of thoughts: I’m here.

---

As David stepped into the hall, his confidence shrunk under the weight of the room’s luxury. His shirt suddenly felt too plain, his shoes too worn. 

But what could he have done? Every naira he owned always went toward keeping his family afloat and paying for his sister’s Post-UTME exam. Clothes were the least of his concerns.

Ignoring his looks, he found his friends near the bar and induced friendly banter. Later, the girls went to take pictures and he was alone with Lanre.

“Beauty has changed shaa.”

Lanre gave a half-smile. “You noticed too?”

“Of course. Do you think she’s okay? I mean, we’ve all known her for years. This isn’t her.”

Lanre shrugged. “I dunno.”

“We should know,” David pressed. “And if she’s slipping, we need to tell her the truth.”

Lanre chuckled nervously. “I’m a guy. Olivia should be the one to say something.”

David shrugged, and Lanre’s smile faded. His eyes lingered on Beauty across the room, laughing and adjusting her dress. He knew that silence was its own kind of compromise.

Hey, reader! I hope you’ve been drawn into the story so far. Welcome to the heart of BOLD, where the real struggles begin. But this is only the beginning. In the next chapter, you’ll see how these battles start to drag them further… and further… away from God.

Stay tuned!