THE LIFE I DIDN'T CHOOSE
The Unexpected Call.
"Nkiruka," my cousin called. It was 7 a.m., and I was still in bed, half-awake. I got up lazily, stretched a little and stepped outside to see why she was calling me so early.
She stood at the door of her room and signaled for me to come in. I followed her, and we sat on her bed, facing each other.
I felt a little uneasy—maybe because her expression was serious, or maybe it was just the darkness in the room, mixed with my sleepy state.
"Obinna called me today," she began.
For a second, I wondered what that had to do with me.
Sure, I knew who he was, but since I returned to the village, Obinna and I hadn't spoken. In fact, I saw him as that forty-something uncle who had refused to get married, and also clearly disliked me for reasons best known to him. Not that I cared much.
"He asked about you," she continued. "Wanted to know why you're still in the village."
That caught me off guard. Why would someone who barely responds to my greetings suddenly be concerned about how long I've been around? Nine months is a long time, yes—but how exactly does that affect him?
"I told him everything you told me," my cousin said, snapping me out of my thoughts. "I explained how you were supposed to go learn a skill, but the money you saved had to be used for other things. So... he wants to see you in 30 minutes. He said he wants to help."
I was shocked—and excited.
After our discussion I stood up from the bed and walked out of the room, trying to mask how excited I was.
The moment I entered my room, I changed out of my nightwear, brushed my teeth, and wore my perfume—all in a rush. I didn't want to keep my destiny helper waiting.
I thought of all the prayers and fasting, the odd hours I had spent awake, asking God to send someone—a helper. Finally, I thought, He's answered. I smiled to myself as I slipped on another pair of slippers.
Outside, my cousin—who looked like she'd just gotten off a call—waved at me. "Go now," she said. "He just called. He is waiting for you."
I left hurriedly.
Knock knock! I said aloud.
"Come in," Obinna responded.
I greeted him. He gestured to the chair across from him, eyes still fixed on his phone. I sat, feeling slightly uneasy, unsure how to act.
After what felt like forever, he looked up and met my eyes.
"How are you?"
"I'm fine, thank you," I said, offering a smile and quickly looking away.
"Why are you always indoors? You never come out. I hardly even see you around," he asked unexpectedly.
I'd gotten used to this question. But was surprised to hear it from him.
"Nothing really. I'm just an introvert. And besides, I don't know anyone here except my family. Even if I wanted to go out, there's really nowhere to go," I replied, chuckling lightly.
He chuckled too.
The vibe felt... strange. Friendly even. This, from someone who barely even responded to my greetings?
But maybe if you go out more often, you'll meet people and make friends," he said, then paused.
"Anyway, that's not why I called you. I guess Chioma already told you what we discussed earlier?"
I nodded.
"So what are your plans? I know you didn't come back to the village to stay permanently."
He paused.
"I want to learn a skill," I said quietly. "I had the money, but things happened, and now I don't. So for now, I'm looking for either a job…or a sponsor", I said, careful not to look directly at him.
"Okay. Esther told me it's a digital skill—web development, right?"
"Yes," I replied, not sure if he even knew what that meant.
He paused for a few seconds.
"Well, some of our well-to-do youth are willing to sponsor a few people in skill acquisition. I was asked to provide a list of those who are interested and really needs the help.
That's why you're here. I'd like to include your name."
I could barely contain my excitement.
"Thank you," I whispered silently, heart swelling with hope.
"Thank you so much," I said loudly.
He nodded.
"Put your phone number here so I can be able to contact you, and keep you updated," he replied, stretching out his hand with his phone in it.
I took the phone from him and typed in my number, aware of his gaze fixed intently on me.
"I've done that," I said, handing the phone back to him and murmuring another quiet,
"Thank you".
At this point, I didn't even know how many times I had said "thank you." I just knew it was more than I should have. More than necessary. I felt awkward…
As I walked back home, a bright smile lit up my face. I stepped into my room and sank onto a stool, replaying the conversation I had just had.
"It's not good to judge someone without getting to know them," I muttered to myself, still smiling. Who would believe that Obinna even cared about me? Or maybe… it's just the Lord's doing.
I had no answers to the questions piling up in my head.
Two days later, I got a call. I glanced at my phone and saw the caller ID—it was him.
Obinna.
My heart raced as I picked up.
"Hello, where are you?"
"I'm at home," I replied quickly.
"Okay, I'll be back by 6 p.m., and I'd like you to come over so we can continue our previous discussion."
"okay," I said, trying to sound calm.
By 6 p.m., I was almost ready. I changed into another outfit and brushed my hair. I didn't want to look too serious, but I also didn't want to appear careless.
I sprayed on my regular perfume, then stepped out.
I walked over to his house, feeling a little weird—it was my second time coming here. I stood in front of his door for a few seconds, glanced at my phone, took a deep breath, and knocked.
Few seconds later he opened the door, smiling. "Come in," he said.
We settled into the small sitting room, sitting exactly where we had the last time I was here.
"How was your day?" he asked.
"Nothing much," I replied, trying to sound casual. "Just indoors."
He smiled. "What about you? How was your day?" I asked. "You mentioned you went out, right?"
"Yes, I went for a business meeting."
"Okay," I said, not wanting to press more. I didn't want to sound like I cared too much.
"I made some enquiries… about the digital skill you mentioned earlier," he paused a little too long. "It's quite pricey," he continued.
"Did you do your research?" He asked, looking up from his phone.
I gave a small nod, now sitting at the edge of the cushion. "It is quite expensive. That's why I've not been able to learn it," I admitted, wondering if that made any sense.
He let out a long sigh. "Hmm… Why not choose a less expensive skill?"
At that point, I noticed my palms were sweaty as I gripped my phone too tightly. Slowly, I loosened my hold.
"Maybe hair making, or something like that," he suggested.
"I've thought about that," I said, my voice barely above a whisper. "But… I don't really have interest in those. And I feel they don't have the kind of long-term value I'm looking for."
He nodded thoughtfully, leaning back a little.
"Well, that makes sense. We'll work something out. Let's just be hopeful?"
For a moment, he was quiet, as if trying to remember something important.
Then he picked up his phone from the armrest and started typing. His lips were moving, but I couldn't hear any sound.
I looked around the room, trying not to keep my eyes on him constantly.
"Have you eaten?" he asked unexpectedly.
For a moment, I thought he was talking to his phone. I hesitated. Then he looked up at me.
"Yes," I said sharply, trying to hide my confusion.
"What did you eat?" he asked, still watching me.
I wondered if I looked hungry or he is just asking out of courtesy.
"food" I replied.
We both chuckled.
I glanced at my phone—I had been here for almost two hours. It was getting late.
"I have to go," I said. "It's already dark. Before my parents send a search party," I added jokingly.
We both laughed, like old friends. I was starting to feel too comfortable… and I didn't really like that.
I stood up.
"Wait," he said sharply.
He got up from his seat and disappeared into one of the rooms. A few seconds later, he came out holding a plastic bag and handed it to me.
"I got you this on my way back."
My chest tightened.
"Thank you," I said, stretching out my hand to collect the bag, surprise written all over my face. "You didn't have to… but thanks anyway," I repeated.
"You're welcome," he replied, sitting back down.
"Good night," I said.
"Good night," he responded.