Chapter 2
The weeks that followed were a whirlwind. I split my time between my studies, preparing for my military service, and trying to win over the Andersons. It wasn’t easy, but I was determined.
Every Sunday, I’d show up at their house, dressed in my best clothes. I’d help Mr. Anderson in the garden, pulling weeds and trimming hedges until my hands were raw and blistered.
“You missed a spot,” he’d grunt, pointing to a patch of overgrown grass.
I’d nod, wiping the sweat from my brow. “Yes, sir. I’ll take care of it right away.”
Mrs. Anderson was no easier to please. She’d watch me like a hawk as I helped her in the kitchen, chopping vegetables and washing dishes.
“That’s not how you slice onions,” she’d say, her voice sharp. “Here, let me show you.”
I’d watch carefully, determined to get it right the next time. “Thank you, ma’am. I appreciate you teaching me.”
Janeth would catch my eye from across the room, giving me an encouraging smile. That smile made it all worth it.
One evening, as I was leaving their house, Mr. Anderson called me into his study. My heart raced as I entered the room, wondering what he wanted.
He sat behind a large desk, his face unreadable. “Sit down, David.”
I perched on the edge of a leather chair, my back straight as a rod.
“I’ve been watching you these past few weeks,” he said, his voice low. “You’re a hard worker, I’ll give you that.”
I nodded, not daring to speak.
“But loving my daughter takes more than just hard work. It takes commitment, sacrifice.” He leaned forward, his eyes boring into mine. “Are you ready for that?”
I met his gaze, my voice steady. “Yes, sir. I am.”
He nodded slowly. “We’ll see. Your military service starts soon, doesn’t it?”
“Yes, sir.”
“And what then? You’ll be gone, leaving Janeth behind. How do I know you won’t forget about her?”
I felt a surge of anger at his words, but I pushed it down. “Sir, I love your daughter more than anything in this world. Distance won’t change that. I’ll write to her every day, call whenever I can. And when I return, I’ll marry her, if she’ll have me.”
Mr. Anderson’s eyebrows shot up. “Marriage? You’re thinking that far ahead?”
“I am, sir. Janeth is the one for me. I’ve known it since the day we met.”
He sat back in his chair, studying me. Finally, he spoke. “Alright, David. You have my permission to court my daughter officially. But remember this: if you hurt her, there will be consequences.”
I stood up, my heart pounding with excitement. “Thank you, sir. I promise, I’ll never let her down.”
As I left the study, I saw Janeth waiting in the hallway. Her eyes were shining with unshed tears.
“I heard everything,” she whispered, pulling me into a hug. “I’m so proud of you, David.”
I held her close, breathing in her scent. “I meant every word. I love you, Janeth.”
She pulled back, cupping my face in her hands. “I love you too.”
We shared a k#ss, sweet and full of promise. In that moment, I felt like I could conquer the world.
But life had other plans for us. Plans that would test our love in ways we never imagined.
The next few weeks flew by in a blur of stolen moments and tender goodbyes. In one of those nights, I took Janeth to our favorite spot on the beach. The moon hung low over the water, casting a silver path across the waves.
I turned to her, taking her hands in mine. “Janeth, I know we haven’t known each other long, but I’ve never been more sure of anything in my life.”
Her eyes widened as I dropped to one knee, pulling out a small box from my pocket.
“Janeth Anderson, will you marry me?”
She gasped, tears spilling down her cheeks. For a moment, my heart stopped, fearing her answer.
Then she nodded, her face breaking into a radiant smile. “Yes, David. Yes, I’ll marry you!”
I slipped the ring onto her finger – a simple band with a small diamond. It had cost me every naira I’d saved, but seeing it on her hand made it all worth it.
We held each other close, the sound of the waves mixing with our laughter and tears.
“I’ll wait for you,” Janeth whispered. “No matter how long it takes.”
I k#ssed her, pouring all my love and promises into that one gesture. “I’ll come back to you. I swear it.”
As we walked back hand in hand, I felt invincible. Little did I know, our greatest challenge was yet to come.
