It was a bright Tuesday morning, and Edward sat comfortably with his mother, Lady Ngozi, in the sitting room of their large village house. Sunlight poured through the windows, spilling across the tiled floor. They sipped wine quietly, enjoying the rare calm before the day's business began.
"So, you've bought the JAMB form for her?" Lady Ngozi asked, eyes sharp with curiosity.
"Yes, Mummy," Edward replied, a satisfied smile playing on his lips. "Her exam is next month. I'm confident she'll pass. I've heard about her from everyone—she was the top student at her school. She's smart, disciplined, and hardworking."
He paused, a soft smile lingering on his face as if savoring the thought of Nneka.
"Mummy, I really like this girl. Even though she's young, I'm willing to wait for her. I already told her my intentions during our phone call today, and she accepted. But I'm taking it slow. No rush."
Lady Ngozi leaned back, studying her son intently. "Nnam… are you sure about this? I know her family is good, but I'm asking about you. Your heart. What if she meets someone else while you're training her? Right now, she's just seventeen. You can only be sure of her 'yes' when she turns twenty at least."
Edward swallowed hard, a flicker of anxiety in his eyes. "Mummy… yes, she's young. But her mother is firm. They won't even allow anything traditional for her until she's twenty-two. That's six years away. For now, I just have to follow her mother's guidance and wait."
Lady Ngozi nodded slowly. "Alright, I understand. If I were in her mother's shoes, I'd do the same. Keep doing what you've started. I like the girl; she's exceptionally beautiful. But as she enters university, keep your eyes on her."
Edward smirked confidently. "Mummy, I might be young, but I'm not a child. That phone I gave her—I set it up so I can monitor her if I need to. You don't have to worry."
His mother's eyes widened in admiration. "You are too smart for your age," she said, standing and walking toward her room with a smile.
The moment she left, Edward dialed Nneka's number again—his fifteenth call of the day. They had already spoken multiple times, yet he still smiled sheepishly at her voice.
"Nna m! Mama! I've gotten admission!" Nneka's voice rang excitedly as she ran into the compound, waving a letter like a flag of victory.
Ezinne froze in surprise, then burst into joyful laughter, hugging her daughter tightly. "Oh my daughter! Imo State University accepted you?"
"Yes, Mama!" Nneka cried, her face radiant with excitement.
Her phone rang immediately—it was Edward.
"Congratulations, Nne!" he said, his voice bubbling with happiness. "Finally, you're going to school. I'm proud of you."
"Thank you, Eddy," she replied shyly. "God bless you for everything."
Edward laughed softly. "I haven't even started, Nne. Tomorrow, you'll go to the school to approve your admission and pay the necessary fees."
"Okay, Eddy. Thank you so much," she said, her excitement barely contained.
After the call, Ezinne held Nneka's hand and led her inside. That night, under the soft glow of the lantern, Ezinne called her daughter close.
"Nneka m, you are about to become a woman on your own. I won't be with you in school, so remember God. Remember the home you were raised in. Choose your friends wisely, spend carefully, and even if this young man provides for you, save something for yourself. Life is unpredictable."
Nneka cried softly and hugged her mother. "Mama, I'll miss you. I don't want to leave."
"Nneka, don't worry about me," Ezinne said gently. "I have my phone now; I'll call whenever I feel lonely. Your uncle and Angela are nearby too. Promise me you'll stay prayerful and focused."
The next morning, Nneka woke early. She bathed quickly and dressed in a neat black gown paired with flat white sandals. Her beauty shone effortlessly, the quiet confidence of someone who knew herself.
Ezinne escorted her to the junction, where Angela appeared suddenly, breathless from running, and hugged her tightly before wishing her safe travels.
Inside the first bus to Owerri, Nneka dealt with the discomfort of a bulky, fragrant passenger beside her. She clutched her perfume tightly, determined not to draw attention but secretly grateful for her composure.
Upon reaching Owerri, she boarded the IMSU shuttle. The bus was filled with elegantly dressed students, and Nneka couldn't help but glance at herself repeatedly, wondering if she truly belonged among them.
Her phone rang—it was Edward's cousin, Jane. Jane spotted her immediately as she stepped down.
"Oh my!" Jane exclaimed, staring at her with awe. "You are even more beautiful in real life. Nneka, right?"
Nneka nodded shyly, feeling warmth creep up her cheeks.
Jane guided her around the campus, helping her complete the clearance smoothly. Together, they found a hostel—a clean, furnished, self-contained room with a gentle, born-again roommate from Anambra. Jane even sent pictures to Edward, who approved immediately and paid the fees online.
By 4 p.m., Nneka had returned home, surprising her mother with her early arrival.
Monday morning arrived quickly. Ezinne cooked early, preparing food for Nneka to take along. Nneka dressed in jeans and a polo, looking mature, poised, and effortlessly beautiful.
At 7 a.m., the car Edward had booked arrived. The driver loaded her luggage carefully. Mother and daughter embraced tightly, holding on as if afraid to let go.
Nneka stepped into the car, trying to fight her tears. As the vehicle moved away from the compound, she looked back, unable to stop the sobs from spilling out. Ezinne smiled proudly, waving as she watched her daughter leave.
During the journey, Nneka spoke to Edward on the phone, recounting her emotions and anticipating the new chapter ahead.
"If I were going to Lagos State University," she whispered to herself, "I might have fainted. It's just Imo State, and my heart is racing this much. But I can visit home anytime, so I have to stay strong."
Edward's voice crackled through the phone, calm and reassuring. "Don't worry, Nne. You're going to do well. I'm proud of you, and I'll always be here if you need guidance."
Nneka smiled, clutching her phone, feeling a mixture of excitement, nerves, and hope. The future awaited—a world filled with challenges, opportunities, and perhaps, love. But for now, she was ready to take her first steps, carrying the blessings of her mother, the guidance of Edward, and her unwavering faith in God.