Life in a single lane: Nkem

I walked out of The Palms Shopping Mall feeling so fly. I had gone to see 'The Avengers' with a couple of friends only for me to run into Nkem my ex boyfriend.

Rewind 5 years ago

Nkem and I had been an item back in school. We complemented our outfits, won many 'best couple' awards, we were quite popular. Everyone admired us. He had loved me with such pure innocence, he thought I was his everything, he thought the sun rose and set at my feet. I meant everything to him.

Until one day I had told him I was tired. I was tired of his ass always checking on me. I was tired of his doting. I had wanted some variety. I wanted someone that I could be adventurous with. With Nkem it had been either my way or nothing at all. I craved adventure, I craved craziness... I heard stories from my friends about their wild nights on the town and  here I  was, stuck, playing faithful girlfriend to Nkem while my life swiftly passed by. I was young, hot and wanted to be free.

 I wanted out.



I had walked out on him that night, telling him it wasn't his fault but mine, telling him he was too good for me and I really just wanted to live my life. He had cried and begged and grovelled and I had slammed the door shut behind me. He had heard my escapades after that day with other guys. I had left him in the lurch... embarrassed... hanging

Now 5 years, constant bouts of loneliness and 7 heartbreaks later, here he was as I walked out of the cinema. His lovely voice jolted me back from my reverie.

Hello sunshine.. It's been a tall while. I smiled sweetly as I heard that name. Sunshine that's what he used to call me back then. We hugged each other. I caught a whiff of his after shave. Nkem hadn't changed- still the same neat person. He looked so handsome and clean cut and smelt like money.

How have you been boo boo? I replied

Just as he was about to reply  I saw my cousin whom I hadn't seen since she went to study for her masters in the UK.

OMG! Amaka, you didn't tell us you were coming to naija. I ran from where I stood with Nkem to meet her.

I just came back to see my fiance's parents o! I'll be getting married in December.

Suddenly Nkem was by our side asking how we knew each other.. Hmm! my cousin Amaka.  I said

His look whimsical,  he was like for real?

I went on,  Yes I haven't seen her in ages o!

Nkem then looked from me to Amaka and then looked at me again and said-

Sunshine, meet my fiance, Amaka

I begged for God to allow the ground open. That prayer went unanswered


Life in a single lane is a new series i'm introducing to this blog showcasing the joys and struggles of being a single woman. Send your experiences to cakesbymizvuitton@yahoo.com and it will get published. Fictional characters are welcome.