As I stood under the scorching sun and in the sweltering heat of Lagos state, clutching and dusting my credentials and certificates and wondering what the future held, I couldn't help but think of the long journey that had brought me here. I had graduated from Lagos State Polytechnic as the best chemical engineering student of the year,full of hope and ambition.The polytechnic operates on three campuses:Ikorodu,Isolo,and Surulere, with Ikorodu serving as the permanent site of the institution.i was filled with abundant joy as I would be going into the labour market with full potentials aspiring to work in the oil sector.

i was 26 years of age, young, dynamic, eager to take on new challenges and experiences, passionate, adventurous and optimistic but years slipped away and I was still searching for a job,.then I received a call from family asking me to return home 331miles away and North of Lagos state to get a job, The federal capital territory,Abuja, just as the name implies serves as Nigeria's capital city, 

housing many government institutions, ministries,and foreign embassies, it's a hub for politics, governance, and administration and that's why it's been called " The Rock city " due to its its rocky terrain.

I obliged and headed out for The journey,

praying and thankful to God I'm going to be with my family again, I got home without a hitch and a warm and cozy welcome awaits me from my dad who is an electrical engineer and a consultant in a private company owned my an Indian, his boss named "Pranay".I was excited and it felt so good to be home again after many years .After a while being at home, I helped out with some electrical designs, drawings, and analysis but the disappointment and frustration etched on my dad's face mirrored my own feelings.'Dont worry,son,' he said, trying to reassure me.'You'll find a job soon,'

I nodded, trying to muster some enthusiasm.But as I walked out of the house, I couldn't shake out the feeling that I was running out of options. I had applied to countless jobs, but no one seemed to want to give me a chance.

As I headed out for another job hunting expedition, I stumbled upon a job posting for a teaching position at ABUTECH ACADEMY, it wasn't my dream job, but it was a start. I applied, hoping against hope that I'd get the chance to prove myself,"and I said to myself" a bird at hand is better than thousands in the forest,"

Then I got a call few weeks later I've been hired as a chemistry and mathematics teacher, my heart was filled with joy. I had known that my background for chemistry and mathematics would make me fit for the job.

After being hired, I progressed in my role, eventually becoming the senior teacher in the academy. My experience at ABUTECH Academy helped me develop good teaching skills and build relationships with students and colleagues.

It's my 3rd year at the academy and a night before the students graduation party, i thought it wise to go have a clean shave and hair cut at the salon adjacent to my family house,.on reaching the salon, it' was too much queue, so I decided to step out and wait for my turn while taking a zephyr, then raised up my face and saw a shadow passing by and fading away gradually until I looked closely and I saw her approaching with a"vision of beauty, with striking features that captivated my attention.Her long raven-dark hair cascaded down ber back like a waterfall, framing her heart-shaped face and accentuating her bright expressive eyes.

Her style was effortless and chic, reflecting her impeccable taste in fashion, she wore a fitted dress that accentuated her slender figure, showcasing her toned physique and highlighting her feminine charm. Every aspect of her demeanor and appearance seems to radiate a sense of inner beauty and self-assurance, making her a truly unforgettable presence".

As i gazed upon her, i felt an intense fascination, my senses heightened by the captivating interplay of her features. Her beauty was not merely physical, but seemed to emanate from a deep wellspring of inner radiance, illuminating her entire being and in that moment, time seemed to stand still, and all that existed was the two of us, suspended in a world of our own creation, the connection i felt was palpable, a sense of mutual awareness that seemed to transcend the boundaries of mere acquaintance .

As I stood , transfixed by her loveliness, I felt a sudden surge of courage. I took a deep breath smoothing out my clothes and composing myself, With a gentle smile, I began to walk towards her, my heart beating with anticipation. I smiled and nodded in greeting. "Hello," I said, my voice friendly and approachable. 'Beautiful evening, isn't it?' I asked, trying to break the ice".

she smiled back and I took that as a sign to continue. 'Mind if I walked with you for a bit?' I asked, falling into step beside her.

we walked together talking about the night and surroundings and swapping phone numbers and just when I was about going back to the salon for my haircut, I asked," may I know your name beautiful?," Victoria and your's?,"She answered," Samuel"I replied..then i said "Nice to  meet you and see you around," "Yeah sure," she replied...and we both went our separate ways.

"As I lay in my bed, the soft glow of the evening fading into the darkness, my mind began to wander back to the enchanting encounter on the road, the memory of her captivating smile and effortless elegance lingered, refusing to be dismissed, the salon's buzz and the fatigue of the day melted away, replaced by a vivid recollection of her presence.

Throughout the night, her image persisted haunting my thoughts with an irresistible allure, I found myself lost in reverie, replaying the brief yet unforgettable exchange we shared and wondering about the mysteries that layed beneath her captivating exterior.

"As I woke up from sleep, her visage was the first to greet me, lingering in my mind like the gentle dawn. The morning light streaming through the windows only seemed to intensify her presence in my thoughts.

Later, as I settled into the rhythms of the workday, u found myself compelled to reach out to her, I dialed her number and when she answered, I inquired about her well-being, my voice infused with a genuine concern ,'How did you fare through the night?' I asked , my curiosity getting the better of me.

Her response was reassuring, delivered with a soft cadence that seemed to harmonize with the mornings tranquility,' I'm fine, thank you' she said, and I'm on my way to work,'. The gentle hum of her voice was a soothing balm to my curiosity, leaving me with a sense of satisfaction and a renewed sense of connection"

Victoria's image has become a constant companion in my mind, a gentle reminder of the serendipitous meeting that sparked a connection between us. Though we live in close proximity, the pressures of her work have limited our encounters, leaving me to bridge the distance between us through frequent phone calls. As I await the opportunity to see her again, I'm drawn to the prospect of discovering more about her life, her passions, and her interests, and I'm willing to wait patiently for the chance to deepen our acquaintance."

"Learning about her job at the POS shop really put things into perspective for me. She's working so hard, significantly earning less than I do, It's impressive how she handles her busy schedule, getting just one day off a week. I admire her dedication and work ethic."

"Every time I call her, I feel a wave of relief wash over me. Her voice is like a breath of fresh air, and she always knows how to make me laugh. She's got this playful way of asking about me, in too - 'Sammy, do you miss me?' It feels like she's genuinely interested in my life, and that means a lot to me."

"Before we met again, I learned a bit about her family, and I was touched by her story. She's got a wonderful family, and despite losing her dad a long time ago, they've stayed strong. She's the first girl and second child among three siblings, and from what I've heard, she takes after her mom's beauty. I'm really looking forward to seeing that for myself."

"I finally mustered up the courage to share with my family about her, and their reaction was overwhelmingly positive. Given our shared heritage from Ondo State and our common Yoruba roots, I thought it would be fantastic for her to meet them. The idea of bringing her home to meet the family felt like a significant step, and I couldn't wait to see how everything would come together. However, when I called her to break the news, our conversation took an interesting turn. She expressed her concerns about meeting my family, citing her shy nature and feeling like I was moving too fast. There was a lively debate on the phone, with her voicing her reservations and me trying to reassure her that everything would be okay. Despite her hesitation, I couldn't hide my enthusiasm and eagerness for her to meet my family. My desperation to make this happen was palpable, and I could sense the excitement building up inside me

"As the Sunday evening unfolded, I couldn't help but feel a mix of excitement and nervousness as I waited for Victoria to arrive. I had been looking forward to this moment for what felt like an eternity, and the anticipation was almost palpable. I had told my family about her, and they were all eager to meet her, but for me, this was about so much more than just introducing her to my loved ones. This was about taking our connection to the next level, about seeing if our chemistry was real, and about exploring the possibilities of our relationship.

As I sat under the tree in front of my house, I couldn't help but think about all the things I wanted to talk to her about, all the things I wanted to learn about her. I thought about her job, her passions, her dreams, and her fears. I thought about the way she made me feel, the way she smiled, and the way she laughed. I thought about the way she spoke, the way she moved, and the way she carried herself with confidence and poise. And as I sat there, lost in thought, I heard the sound of footsteps approaching.*ko'ko'ko," It sounded.

When she finally showed up at my compound, I was taken aback by her stunning appearance. She looked absolutely gorgeous in her green slim-fit gown, which perfectly accentuated her curves. The way she walked towards me under the tree where I was sitting was like a scene from a movie - elegant, poised, and utterly captivating. Her long hair was styled perfectly, and her makeup was subtle yet striking. She exuded confidence and beauty, and I felt my heart skip a beat as I took in the sight of her.

As she approached, she greeted me with a sweet 'Good afternoon' and a beautiful smile that highlighted the dimple on her right cheek. I felt a rush of emotions as I replied, 'How are you, baby?' while taking her hand in mine. The warmth and softness of her skin were intoxicating, and I couldn't help but notice the pleasant fragrance she wore. It was a moment that felt surreal, like the world around us had melted away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in this perfect moment.

As we stood there, I couldn't help but feel grateful for this opportunity to spend time with her. The way she looked at me, the way she smiled, it all felt so natural, so right. I knew in that moment that I wanted to cherish this feeling, to hold onto it for as long as possible. I wanted to get to know her better, to learn about her quirks and habits, to share my own stories and experiences with her. 

As we walked towards the house, I couldn't help but notice the way she fit in with my family. They were all smiling and chatting with her, and she seemed to be enjoying herself. My mom was asking her questions about her job and her interests, and she was responding with ease and confidence. My dad was laughing at her jokes, and my siblings were all vying for her attention. I felt a sense of pride and happiness, knowing that she was getting along with the people I loved.

As the evening wore on, we sat down to dinner together. The food was delicious, and the conversation was flowing easily. she was charming and witty, and my family was eating out of the palm of her hand. I couldn't help but feel grateful for this moment, for the opportunity to share my life with her. I knew that this was just the beginning of something special, something that could potentially change the course of my life forever.

As we finished dinner and sat around talking, I couldn't help but steal glances at her. She was laughing and smiling, and her eyes sparkled in the dim light. I felt my heart swell with emotion, knowing that I was falling for her, hard. I knew that I wanted to spend more time with her, to get to know her better, and to see where this journey would take us.

As the night drew to a close, I walked her out to the gate . We stood outside, talking and laughing, and I felt a sense of sadness wash over me. I didn't want the night to end, didn't want to say goodbye to her just yet. But as we stood there, I knew that this was just the beginning of something amazing. I knew that I would see her again soon, and that our connection would only grow stronger with time."

As I watched her interact with my family over dinner, the warmth and laughter filled the room, creating a sense of togetherness that I'd never experienced before. She effortlessly blended in, her quiet nature and gentle smile captivating everyone at the table. My mom was beaming with delight, my dad was chuckling at her witty remarks, and my siblings were vying for her attention. I couldn't help but feel a sense of pride and joy, knowing that the woman I was falling for could connect with the people I loved most.

Her introverted personality, which I had grown to admire, seemed to bring a sense of calm and serenity to the dinner conversation. She'd listen intently, her eyes sparkling with interest, and then share her thoughts in a soft, melodious voice that was music to my ears. I found myself drawn to her more and more with each passing minute, my heart swelling with emotion as I watched her laugh and joke with my family.

As the evening wore on, and the dinner plates were cleared, Victoria mentioned that she had to head to her mom's mini shop to help out with the evening sales. I offered to walk with her, and she smiled gratefully, her eyes shining with appreciation. We said our goodbyes to my family, and I walked with her to the shop, enjoying the cool evening breeze and the sound of her voice as she chatted about her day.

The shop was a small but vibrant hub of activity, filled with the sounds of sizzling fish and lively chatter. Victoria's mom was busy arranging the day's catch, and the smell of fresh fish and spices filled the air. Victoria jumped right in, helping her mom with the sales and chatting with the customers. I watched in awe, admiring her work ethic and dedication to her family."Who is he?" her mum asked with a gentle tone, then I drew closer and nodded my head,"Good evening Ma" I said , then Victoria replied saying,"oh no sorry mum, this is Samuel my boyfriend ', she replied to my greetings" Evening my son, come have a sit," I felt so relieved and welcomed, her eyes was just like her daughter's and then I concluded in my mind she's truly a replica of her mom,"

As the evening drew to a close, Victoria's mom thanked her for her help, and she smiled, her eyes shining with love and devotion. We packed up the remaining goods, and I offered to help her carry the heavy loads home. She gratefully accepted, and we set off into the evening, the stars twinkling above us like diamonds.

As we walked, the sounds of the market fading into the distance, I'd catch glimpses of her kindness and compassion. She'd point out the different sights and sounds, her voice filled with wonder and excitement. I'd listen, entranced, feeling my heart swell with emotion as I watched her enjoy the simple pleasures of life.

The weight of the bags and crates seemed to melt away as we'd walk together, side by side, under the evening sky. The air was filled with the scent of blooming flowers and fresh earth, and I'd feel a sense of peace wash over me. It was as if we'd known each other for years, not just a few weeks. I'd look at her, and she'd glance back, our eyes locking in a moment of understanding.

In those moments, I felt a deep connection to her, a sense of belonging that I'd never experienced before. The world around us would fade away, leaving only the two of us, suspended in a moment of pure connection. I'd feel my heart beat faster, my pulse racing with excitement, as I realized that I was falling deeply in love with her.

As we reached her house, I'd help her unpack the goods, and we'd stand together, looking up at the stars twinkling above us. I'd take her hand, feeling a spark of electricity as our fingers touched. She'd squeeze it gently, and we'd stand there, holding hands, enjoying the peacefulness of the evening.

In that moment, I knew that I wanted to be with her, to support her, and to love her for who she was. The thought sent a thrill through me, and I'd lean in, my heart pounding with excitement, as I realized that our love story was just beginning.

As I bid her goodnight, the words slipped effortlessly from my lips. "Goodnight, Vicky," I said, my voice low and gentle, the sound carrying on the evening air. She smiled softly, her eyes sparkling with warmth, and replied, "Goodnight, Sammy." The way she said my name sent a shiver down my spine, a gentle reminder of the connection we shared. With that, I turned and walked away, leaving her to make her way to her mom's house, the silence of the night enveloping us like a warm blanket.

But little did I know, our routine was about to change. From that day on, she would come to my place after work, before heading to her mom's shop. I'd watch the clock, eagerly anticipating her arrival, my heart racing with excitement. The door would swing open, and she'd walk in, a smile on her face and a sparkle in her eyes, like a ray of sunshine illuminating my world. I'd greet her with a warm smile, feeling my heart swell with joy and affection.

As we'd spend time together, I'd find myself feeling more and more drawn to her. The touches, the glances, the laughter – it all combined to create a sense of intimacy that left me yearning for more. I'd catch myself stealing glances at her, admiring the way her hair fell in loose waves down her back, the way her eyes crinkled at the corners when she smiled. The touches we shared, though fleeting, only seemed to fuel the fire burning within me.

I wanted to feel her close, to hold her in my arms, to taste the sweetness of her lips. The thought of it sent a thrill through me, a mix of excitement and nervousness. I'd imagine what it would be like to have her by my side but she was too young, to wake up to her smile every morning, to explore the world together. The possibilities seemed endless, and my heart would soar with anticipation.

But it wasn't just physical desire that drove me; it was the deepening connection we shared. I'd look into her eyes, and see the same longing reflected back at me. I'd sense her vulnerability, her openness, and it would touch something deep within me. I knew I wasn't alone in this feeling; she was feeling it too. We'd share moments of silence, comfortable and easy, like a warm hug on a cold day.

As the days went by, our time together became more precious. I'd cherish every moment, every glance, every word. I'd replay our conversations in my head, analyzing every detail, every nuance. I knew I wanted more, but I also knew I had to be patient. I wanted to savor the journey, to enjoy the slow build of our relationship. But the truth was, I was impatient. I wanted to hold her, to kiss her, to make her mine. I wanted to feel her heartbeat against mine, to know that we were in this together.

The anticipation was almost unbearable. I'd wonder what the future held, what lay ahead for us. Would we take our relationship to the next level? Would we find a way to make our love work? The questions swirled in my mind, but one thing was certain – I was ready to take the leap, to see where our love would take us. I was ready to be vulnerable, to open myself up to the possibility of getting hurt, because the reward was worth the risk.

As I looked at her, I'd feel my heart overflow with emotion. I knew that I was falling deeply in love with her, and I couldn't imagine a future without her by my side. The thought sent a shiver down my spine, a mix of excitement and fear. But I was ready to take the chance, to see where our love would take us. I was ready to give myself to her, to love her with every fiber of my being.