There was quietness that filled the space they occupied in the library.
"Urm, you once masturbated?" It was Miguel's turn to be dazed this time
"Yes, it was a battle for me, especially when I tried to get rid of it. You look quite surprised including you Rachael," Andrew chuckled, bringing Rachael out of her reverie.
"I am amazed actually. In short, I admire you. The fact that you were able to voice out that you have been in my situation and were able to stop the act gives me the confidence that I can do this too," Andrew smiled at Miguel's words.
"I am glad you pointed this out. I hope you can tell us a little bit about your experiences, how you were able to do the right thing at the end," Rachael finally talked.
"I was about thirteen years when I was in a situation like that of Miguel's. My mum was not always around and was kind of new in the environment. I became influenced by boys in the neighborhood, and in no time I started viewing pornography.
I felt it as a way of passing time, and would often masturbate when sexual urges come. I kept doing this for a whole year. Sometimes I use my imagination in relieving myself of sexual urges. After all, it is mostly the thing of the mind and imagination." Andrew sighed, as they looked at him with keen interest.
"My mum later came home a week after one of the holidays and apologized for spending too much time at work. She gave me two books, and she asked me to read them if I had challenges concerning any of my teen problems.
I was happy she showed that concern. At least, she was feeling guilty. One way or the other, it also shows she cares, "Andrew paused for a while, as he glanced slightly at both of them.
"Books? Did they help you in any way?" Miguel asked
"Trust me when I say it was probably the best set of books I ever had in my possession. It talked about various challenges and problems in both teenagers and youth. The title of the book is YOUNG PEOPLE ASK VOLUME 1. It also has a volume 2.
When I started reading it, I saw other changes I needed to make in my life. I finally reached where it talked about masturbation. I became guilty, and saw myself as a dirty fellow,"
"It is okay to feel guilty. Thanks for mentioning those books. I will get them online, and I hope Miguel does too," Rachael commented.
"Yeah, you can get it online. I decided to make changes. Put an end to my friendship with those that promote pornography. I set all my appliances, phones, and laptops to parental control, as I could only view pictures, films, rated 13.
It was a tough one for me because those things only made me stop viewing pornography, as I kept relapsing into the habit of masturbating,"
"I got a grip of myself, as I made out plan actions. When those urges come, I take a brisk walk or turn up my music and dance to shake it off. I prayed most of the time too, as it helped me feel relieved one way or the other. With time, I made progress. I was rather controlling my sexual urges, not it controlling me," Miguel sighed deeply, as he thought of Andrew's words.
"Your first step is to get rid of anything meant to arouse you sexually. Pornographic pictures, adult movies, or audio stimulating sexual tension.
Confiding in someone was another thing I love about you. It is a nice step, as it will help to make you get rid of those urges.
A guilty conscience will come, please don't let it eat you up. Keep striving to do the right thing. Masturbation is bad, and in one sense stimulates and nurtures sexual appetite.
Do not forget to pray. Even tho it seems bizarre, it was the best for me. It was like talking to a best friend about my problems. I will often seek self-control and discipline, and I was glad the Almighty answered my prayer.
Remember your problem is a common one. I was once in your shoes, and I faced it. You too can do it. You can stop masturbating too," Andrew enunciated each of his words.
Miguel had mixed emotions on his face. He was ready to make such progress as that of Andrew, but it seems difficult.
" Immoral thoughts are like viruses or immoral thoughts that come to your mind. The best thing is to get rid of them as soon as possible. Remember that with time, the feelings or urges will fade away.
Masturbation can make one a slave to one's desires. Even if you encounter setbacks, don't give up. Be assured you can win this battle.
You might have to be strict with yourself when proper thoughts seem to invade your mind. If the thoughts persist, try some physical exercise. Do not give up Miguel, you can do this. We will always be here to help you out, and keep watch on your progress," Rachael assured.
"Thank you very much, Rachael and Andrew. Your words have been a great sort of relief. I thought you guys will probably condemn me but you didn't. Instead, you made me realize it was a mistake, and I could make changes to it as long as I never give up.
Andrew, your experience touched me the most. I was surprised you talked about it, because it was more like a secret, especially when it is in the past now. It gives me that vibes to do the right thing." Miguel brought out his phone and laptop from his bag as he handed it over to Andrew.
"I am taking the first step now, and that is changing my phone and laptop setting to prevent me from setting eyes on any sort of pornography. Can you help me out?" Andrew nodded as he began pressing his laptop.
He has always been a programmer, and his love for working on computers was top-notch. In no time, he successfully activated both phone and laptop, not to load anything pornographic in nature. Even if it is searched on the phone or the laptop, it will not work as it has also been decoded with a password.
"I will be leaving my house since I stay alone there. A good friend of mine has offered me a place closer to school and will be moving in before next week. I believe that will also help since my friend is a good one, who has also assisted me in getting rid of pornography. He has been a good friend, who never blamed me too. He was the one who told me to ask for help, and I am glad I did," Miguel smiled warmly, feeling more refreshed.
"I am glad you have a friend who has your best interest at heart. I hope that with your friend being around, and always helping you, it will be easier not to relapse into the habit. And thank you for trusting us," Rachael appreciated.
"No problem. Are you guys going down the road, my driver can drop you if you want."
"Sure, we will join you, right Rachael?" Andrew turned to face Rachael, who happened to nod.
"Of course,"
They all left the library as they made their way to the car.
"Will it be okay, if I visit you today?" Rachael asked Andrew, as he nodded.
"Sure, you are free and welcome to my house every time. I just hope Kevin won't be jealous," Andrew chuckled, as Rachael hit him slightly.
"You are naughty," they both laughed.
It was a good thing Miguel was passing Andrew's street as he dropped them off. He appreciated their help, as they also promised to keep watch on his progress.

.....
Andrew unlocked the door as Rachael followed him inside, keeping the door open, in the best interest of Rachael.
"You coming to my house today feels weird," Rachael felt dazed and slightly guilty.
The last time the group came was about three months ago before he traveled due to his mum's death.
"Don't mind me. Or better still us. We will have a picnic here someday. The green grasses outside make sense," They both laughed as Andrew stood up.
"You know what makes more sense?"
"What?" Rachael asked
"My books. Follow me," he leads the way to his study room.
It was painted blue, as it looked like a mini book store with close to 20 books there. Rachael moved closer as her gaze landed on the books.
"You wrote all these?"
"Yes, I started writing when I was fourteen. It was one of my ways to stop my sexual urges then, as it brings me positive vibes. With time, it turned into passion and talent for me.
I am a writer too, with 23 books written. Five inspirational novels, 15 novels, and the remaining are short stories," Andrew stated.
"Wow, you never told anyone this?"Rachael pointed out.
"Yes, I thought it would be best to keep it as a secret. I am sorry I never told you guys. Being in Science class makes it look weird" Andrew chuckled.
"You are not serious. Being in the Sciences does not make a difference. This is your talent. And you are doing quite well in the Science department," Andrew smiled.
Rachael continued checking the books, as she was beginning to fall in love with the books, especially the front book covers.
"I type, edit my book, make the book covers, and also print them out in hard copies. No one, not even my mum or stepdad knows I write. This room is usually locked, and I only write from Mondays till Friday, when my stepdad is not around," Rachael nodded in admiration.
She noticed the titles of all the books, but was caught off guard with two particular titles which were: ' SAME-SEX ATTRACTIONS, and WALLOW IN IT'. She knew in her heart, that it was the right thing to do.
"I have been wanting to ask you a question,"
"Shoot. You are free to ask me any question," Andrew replied.
Rachael held on to the two books in her hand as she stared at Andrew.
"Are you perhaps attracted to the same sex?"