I was shocked beyond words. How could my parents be proud of this? Someone had sent a marriage proposal—for me, an eighteen-year-old girl still in SS3!
I forced a smile, then laughter escaped my lips. To my surprise, my parents laughed too, thinking I was happy and ready to accept the proposal.
But after a moment, I steadied myself and cleared the air.
Sarah: "Is this a joke?"
Mum: "We were surprised too… but this is not a joke. God has finally remembered us."
This time, my face hardened.
Sarah: "How can you be happy about this? Just because we are poor, you're not thinking of my future. Have you forgotten I'm still in school? What business do I have with marriage? I don't even know this person, yet you've already agreed that I should marry him?"
My father raised his hand gently, his tone calm but firm.
Dad: "We understand you, Sarah. Trust me, we want the best for you. He's someone you'll surely love. He's a graduate, he studied abroad. He's handsome, neat, and he chose you even though we are not in his level. You should be grateful. We told him your age and that you're still in SS3. He promised to wait until you finish school, and he will even send you to university. He won't rush you. He just wants to engage you, so you'll know you're taken and not accept another man."
Sarah: "Whatever. I'm not interested. In fact, I don't even want to see him. If this is the reason he gave you all this food and money, you better stop consuming it. Pack the rest and return it to him. Don't worry about me—I'll make you proud in my own way."
My mother sighed and leaned forward.
Mum: "You don't understand, my daughter. He means no harm. At least see him first. I know you—you will like him. I was young when I got pregnant with you, and I wasn't even as mature as you are now. Age is just a number; what matters is maturity. And remember, he will wait until you are ready."
I didn't want to argue further, so I left the room and went to check the goods I was supposed to hawk. But I saw nothing. I returned to ask my mother, and she only laughed.
Mum: "I told you, my daughter—your suffering has ended. You won't hawk again. Come, let me show you all he brought."
I walked away without a word. Inside, my heart ached. How could my parents be willing to give me away at this stage of my life? It was clear they had no plans for my future, but I had already made plans for myself. I would finish secondary school, work to save money, start a business, and later put myself through university. I promised myself I would not accept any man until I achieved my dreams.
The weekend came quickly. My parents bought me a new dress, a scarf, cream, and perfume. I refused at first, insisting I would not see him, but they managed to force me until I gave in.
They also rearranged the room—new curtains, new carpet—trying to impress. Each time, I reminded them:
Sarah: "Stop spending his money. One day, you will refund him."
When he finally arrived, my parents rushed outside to welcome him. I felt disgusted watching how they greeted him, but I stayed in my room, refusing to step out. Moments later, my mother came in to beg me.
Mum: "Please, my daughter. Trust me, we only want the best for you. Because of him, we will pay all the school fees we owe. I'll be able to expand my business, and we will eat well again. Don't be selfish—think of us too. I'm sure you'll like him. Just come out first."
Her pleading eyes weakened me. Against my will, I followed her to the parlor.
I kept my head down, refusing to look at him until I heard his voice.
Bolaji: "Hello, Sarah."
Slowly, I lifted my eyes—and froze.
He was cute. Handsome. And far younger than I ever imagined.
To be continued…