He smiled at me, and I tried hard not to return it. My parents excused themselves, leaving us alone.
Bolaji: "It's nice to meet you. My name is Bolaji. I'm a software engineer. I've been noticing you for a while since I returned from abroad. I made inquiries and found out you're from here. I didn't want to waste time, so I went straight to your parents to express my feelings. I'm here today to promise you that I will take care of you and make sure you achieve anything you want. Sarah, I just can't stop thinking about you."
I sighed. My mind was a mess—I couldn't even think straight. His handsomeness and the way he spoke had already softened my heart. Truly, it felt like a dream that someone like him even noticed me. But I had to speak my mind.
Sarah: "Do you know my age?"
Bolaji: "Yes. Your parents told me you're eighteen, in SS3."
Sarah: "And what does that mean to you?"
He leaned forward, his voice calm.
Bolaji: "It means you're at the right stage of life. You're beautiful, smart, and mature. If you don't tell anyone, people will even think you've graduated from secondary school already—not because you look older, but because of how you carry yourself. And trust me, I'm not here to rush you. I just want to give you assurance, so you'll know I'm serious. That's why I went through your parents. We can just do the engagement. That way, I'll know you're mine. I won't force you into anything—I'll wait until you're ready."
Sarah: "I'm still in school. I want to be a pharmacist or a businesswoman. I don't think I'm interested in relationships right now."
Bolaji: "I understand you. And I promise to support your dreams. The engagement won't change your life—you'll still live as you are now. I won't disturb you."
Sarah: "I'll think about it."
Bolaji: "Thank you. Will you like to know more about me?"
Sarah: "Maybe another time."
He smiled warmly.
Bolaji: "Thank you."
After a few more minutes, he left. The moment he stepped outside, my parents rushed to me, jubilating. My mother hugged me from behind.
Mum: "Didn't I tell you? I knew you'd love him."
Sarah: "I didn't agree to marry him yet."
Mum: "Come on, Sarah. We all saw how you smiled—you love him already. If you lose him and another girl in this neighborhood grabs him, it's your loss. And I won't let that happen."
I sighed heavily.
Sarah: "All the students in school will know if I get engaged. They'll start calling me 'Married Woman.'"
Dad: "That's called respect. And if you don't want them to, warn them. In fact, Bolaji himself will take care of that."
Sarah: "Hmmm…"
Mum: "So… is that a yes?"
Sarah: "I'll think about it."
That night, I lay awake, tossing and turning. I liked almost everything about him, yet fear gripped my heart. What if I lost my future? What if he failed to keep his promises? And my greatest fear of all—what if he wasn't the good man he appeared to be?
My younger sister, Laila, only thirteen, came to me.
Laila: "What's on your mind, sis?"
Sarah: "I don't know."
Laila: "Hmm. He looks nice, but I'm scared. What if he changes? I think you should focus on your dreams."
Sarah: "He said he would wait."
Laila: "Hmmm… I think you like him already. I just pray he turns out to be a good person."
Sarah: "Hmmm."
Laila: "Good night, sis. I want to sleep."
Sarah: "Okay. Good night."
But I couldn't sleep. I tossed from side to side, my mind filled with questions.
The next morning, Bolaji called my father's phone and asked to speak with me.
Bolaji: "How was your night?"
Sarah: "Great."
Bolaji: "I forgot—you don't have a phone. But I need to speak with you often. What type do you like? I'll bring it for you this afternoon."
Sarah: "No… you can always call me through my dad's phone."
Bolaji: "Don't worry. I'll get you the best. I'll be visiting this afternoon. Have a nice day, okay?"
Sarah: "Okay."
The call ended, and my father looked at me with a smile.
That afternoon, Bolaji returned—with gifts. And in his hands, a brand-new Samsung phone.
To be continued…