I was in SS2 at the time when my first love relationship began. As a young girl of 16, a thing as this must not be brought close to the ears of my father.
My father was a very strict man and a high ranking soldier man. My parent, siblings and I all lived in the barracks where he ensured that my movements as his only daughter was greatly monitored. My father never wanted me close to any man. Infact, I must not be seen talking to any guy.
This was as a result of the popular belief that barrack girls are usually the loose and spoilt kind. He did not want me to be any of this, and he wanted to prove that his daughter is of the decent kind. However, all my secret movements with this particular guy came as a big shock to him in the later part of my story.
I've always admired Michael ever since the first day I had set my eyes on him. As a newly recruited soldier man, he had followed my dad, who happens to be his boss, home after their usual afternoon duty. On seeing him, I froze and could not get my eyes off him. I was enthralled with his features as I stared at him from head to toe.
He was a tall, dark and handsome young man without broad chest, dark eyes and a very cute face. The fitness of his uniform on his body made him even more handsome and admirable. He eventually noticed me staring at him when he released his charming smile.
And from that moment, the chemistry between Michael and I brought forth a strong connection that cannot be easily broken.
Michael and I began our secret love affair. It was made secret because I was afraid of my dad's actions. Similarly, Michael was afraid of what his boss would do if the affair was made open. So, we decided to meet at the Well Junction every evening.
We chose this particular spot because I usually attend my evening lesson at the place and because Michael's quarters was close by. It was a place full of beautiful memories as we deeply expressed our love for each other. However, as time goes on, things began to take another unexpected turn.
I had finished my secondary school education when Michael gave me his first gift. It was a beautiful and very expensive leather slippers. I was really happy with the gift but sadness flooded my heart when I thought of my father.
I wouldn't dare to take the gift home because all that was made secret would eventually become known. "What would I do?" I thought aloud. Of course I can't return this beloved gift back to Michael. It would hurt me so much to return a gift from someone I loved so dearly. On the other hand, the fear of my dad wouldn't allow me to take the gift home. Thus, I hid the gift at the back of the drum in our backyard.
Unable to hide such a thing within myself, I decided to tell it to my immediate younger sister. My sister concluded that we should tell it to our mum who is an understanding and loving person.
On that morning, after our dad had left for his early morning duty, we summoned courage as we approached our mom to tell her about the gift. My mum began to ask series of questions which led to me eventually telling her the whole story. I expected my mom to go mad as I began to say "I'm sorry, mum" in a fearful manner.
To my surprise, she only smiled as she dragged me over and gave me a beautiful hug. "You don't need to hide anything from me" she said.
My mum invited Michael over to our house for dinner. I never knew she had other intentions. We all sat together at the dining table ready to devour the savoury meal placed before us when my mum began to speak.
"Honey, I found out recently that Joyce has been secretly going out with this handsome guy". On hearing this, my heart began to pound heavily in my chest. I almost began to hate my mum for betraying me. I looked in the direction where Michael sat and our eyes met sharply.
I could sense the fear in his eyes as his hands began to shake. "What! Joyce!" my dad shouted. "Who is he? I'm going to deal with him. I'm going to finish him off" my dad spoke with boiling anger. "Infact, you're taking me to his place right now. Get up!" my dad said to me.
"Well, honey you do not need to get angry because I love the guy already" my mum spoke with a smile on her face. "Even you!" my dad exclaimed. "What if I tell you that the guy is right here in our house" my mum continued. My dad searched the house with his eyes until his eyes fell sharply on Michael.
He then looked at me. When his eyes fell on me, I began to speak. "Ehm, daddy, ehm, it's Michael" I said and added sharply "I love him, daddy".
Michael quickly prostrated before my dad and said "I'm so sorry, sir. I'm really sorry but I love your daughter very much. I know I've trespassed but I'll do anything for Joyce. She is the one I love, sir" he said in tears.
"Wow! Beautiful!" my mum said with a cheerful smile and cooling the tension in the house. My dad pulled Michael up from the ground and gave him a hug. "I've always wanted a man like you for my daughter but I'm being strict because I want it to happen at the right time" my dad said. "Thank you, mummy" I said and quickly rushed to give her a hug.
After this, I went to Michael and we both hugged each other tightly. "In my presence?" my dad said sharply. "Oh dad, stop it!" I replied and laughter roared in the air. Michael and I continued our relationship and three years later, after my university education, we got married.
