Engaged To The Dead.
Episode 1.
We kept looking deeply into each other’s eyes in the eatery that night, sitting before each other, smiling sheepishly like we just fell in love the previous day, not knowing that that was going to be the last. But, Jerry and I have been in love since my second year in the university.
We met one day when I went to get foodstuff from the market after lectures. I stood under the scorching sun waiting for any available keke or bike to take home, but none was forthcoming. I had already made up my mind to trek, and was about doing so when this Toy0ta camry suddenly parked before me but I ignored, and began my trek home. This fine young man in fair complexion with an average height and a moderate b0dy came down from the car, and then started talking and walking behind me.
By Blessing-Enejo Abrahams Elleywrites.
“Hello young lady, may I have a few minutes of your time?” He asked and as soon as I heard that, I stopped and looked back.
“Yes, good afternoon” I said.
“Good afternoon. How are you pretty lady? Isn’t the sun too scorchy for your beautiful skin? ” He said with a grin.
“Please sir, I’m already so exhausted. I’ll appreciate it if you tell me the reason why you stopped me so I can proceed.”
“Oh, so sorry about that. Please hop into my car let me take you to wherever it is that you’re going” He said still grinning.
“Wherever it is that I’m going? Even if it’s Jerusalem?” I asked and he busted out laughing so hard.
“Yes, I’m ready to take you to wherever you’re going. Forgive my manners, my name is Jerry, I’m a lecturer here in one of the departments.” He said stretching forth his arm for a handshake.
I was reluctant at first due to the different kind of news we used to hear on a daily basis about how female students go out and never return, and after some days their remains are found in the middle of the road but deep down, I needed the ride but I was more concerned about my safety. He noticed it, and then he spoke.
“Come on, feel free, I won’t bite you” He said with his hand still stretched.
“Ah, I’m sorry, it’s just that im sc@red” I said scratching my head.
“Come on, don’t be. I’m a nice guy” He said smiling.
“Well, my name is Ajifa, I’m a second year student of History and International relations” I said putting the tip of my fingers in his palm.
“Wow, Ajifa!” He said alreading collecting the heavy bagco bag I was carrying.
“Come, let me drop you” He said ushering me to his car, opened the front door and I sat quietly. He came and then sat on the drivers seat, started the car and we drove out of there.
“You’re from Kogi State, and you’re Igala by tribe?” He quizzed.
“Yes. How do you know?” I asked with a giggle.
“Your name. I did my youth service in Ankpa. Ajifa was my neighbor’s daughter’s name”
“Oh!” I exclaimed.
“That’s nice. I’m from Ankpa too” I added and he turned swiftly.
“You don’t mean it! What a coincidence!!” He said in exclamation and I smiled.
“Well, I’m from Bayelsa state” He added.
“Nice to meet you” I said with a smile.
“My pleasure” He said smiling back.
Well, he took me to my hostel and from that time, we became really close friends and thereafter, lovers. Now in my fourth year and he’s been one of the best gifts from God.
Now, back to the eatery…
“Why are you staring at me like that?” I asked with a broad smile.
He grabbed my hands with eyes still glued to mine.
“I’m just… I’m so sc@red of losing you. I can’t tell why I’m feeling this way” He said.
“Sc@red of losing me? God forb!d. You should know that there’s no way such is ever going to happen”
“Hmm” He said, and then went on his knees. Dipped his hand into his pocket and brought out the most beautiful engagement ring I had ever seen. My jaw dropped in awe, and I immediately covered my mouth in my palm.
“Ajifa, please marry me, let’s spend forever together” He said holding the ring in the air.
“Yes! Yes!! Yes!!!” I exclaimed in excitement, and then gave him my ring finger. He slid in the ring, k!ssed it, and then hugged me tightly.
“Don’t ever leave me” He whispered in my left ear.
“Never! Even de@th can never separate us” I said whispering back.
“Sure?” He questioned again in whispers.
“If I ever leave you make I d!e” I said and we both busted into laughter.
I was the happiest human on earth that night. I kept staring at the ring which wrapped around my index finger so beautifully, and I kept smiling from ear to ear.
Jerry dropped me in the hostel that night, hugg!ng me in the car and patting my back without letting go for almost two minutes.
“Abeg it’s ok. This one you’re hugging me as if we are never going to see each other again” I said withdrawing myself.
He busted into laughter. We bade each other good night and he was still there watching me walk into the hostel after telling him to go and he refused, saying I should go in first.
I couldn’t wait to show my ring to my room mates. As soon as I stepped into our room, I raised my left hand in the air revealing the ring.
“I’m engaged!” I said loudly, and they all screamed for joy.
After like an hour, I tried Jerry’s number but he wasn’t picking. I dropped my phone, showered and made noodles. I ate, picked up my phone and redialed his number but he still didn’t pick up.
“Maybe he’s still driving” I said to myself, dropped the phone and decided to rest my head a little.
After like another hour, one of my room mates tapped me, jerking me up from sleep.
“Babe, your phone has been ringing” She said.
I grabbed it and checked who it was, it was Jerry. I called him back but he still didn’t pick up, and finally did the fourth time but it was a lady’s voice I heard.
“Who is this?” I questioned.
“Good evening. The owner of this phone had an acc!dent a while ago, and was brought to Aquina hospital.” She said and immediately, the phone slipped down my hand.
“What is it?” My room mate who was still awake asked.
“Jerry had an acc!dent” I said dropping a tear.
“What?!” She exclaiming sitting up.
I didn’t even mind what I was wearing, just a top and shorts. I slid my legs into a pair of slippers I saw not minding who owned it. I dashed out of the room while my room mate followed. I arrived at the hospital and after telling them who I was and who I came to see, I was taken to a private ward where someone lying on the bed was covered head down with a white sheet. I turned and looked at my room mate, and then at the nurse who brought us there.
“Why are we here? I questioned with popped eyes.
“You said you were here to see the guy who had an accident. Check and see if he’s the one now” She said.
My heart started pounding so hard, and I was visibly shaking. The nurse approached and then uncovered the person’s face. Lo and behold, it was my Jerry. I passed out. I cried for days till the following week Jerry was buried. At the funeral service according to tradition, I was made to take off the engagement ring and put it in the coffin. I did after k!ssing it with unending tears dripping down my eyes. Jerry was buried, and I wasn’t even myself for days. I didn’t eat, bath, nor brush.
On the sixth day I finally did after much scolding from my Mom. I managed to have my bath, picked up my toothbrush and started to brush. After I was done I faced the mirror and started patting my face with a towel when all of a sudden, I noticed the ring I had thrown in the coffin now back on my finger…
To be continued after 100 shares, that’s if you like the story.
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©️ Blessing-Enejo Abrahams Elleywrites
