EPISODE || 2

I was usually always on my phone, trading text messages with Mandy.

Since we'd already known more than we should about each other in that short period of time, there was little or nothing left unsaid.

Mandy already knew I was at that time jobless, even after haven amassed multiple degrees.

She already knew I was from a family that was the true definition of "living under the Grace of God".

She knew I was not lazy and was very open to doing any kinda legit job, as long as It'll primarily put food on my table.

She knew that, just like most Nigerians, I have uncles in the right places.

Uncles who would rather prefer to help outsiders and get praised for it, than impact positively to the lives of us, their immediate family members.

Mandy felt very saddened by my tale.

She told me not to worry, that it was all going to be a story pretty soon.

Mandy had been so certain that my situation was going to turn around very soon, I began to wonder if she knew something I didn't.

I'd in countless occasions invited Mandy over.

You know, from the way we'd connected so well in that short period of time, I'm sure you would understand the hunger in my anticipation to finally put a face to this beautiful soul.

Mandy lived in a neighboring state.

I knew she was an only child and her parents were late.

I knew she was brought up by a family friend because her father and mother were also an only child and their parents (Mandy's grand parents) were also deceased.

I knew she was at the time leaving by herself and was EVER, always at home, so I'd assumed coming over to see me in mines, shouldn't be so big a deal.

Mandy was not on any social media.

Well, none that I knew about.

Up until five months after we'd first started talking, all I had keeping me going was a mental picture.

A picture I'd painted of my Mandy.

I'd pictured a slim, averagely tall, a chocolate complexioned lady, with small bow leg.

I'd envisioned she'll have a nice ass too. One that pronounced her slender waist in a manner that turned necks.

I'd envisioned she'll be a hugger.

I'd envisioned her clingy.

"Baby i don't like to travel". Was always the response I got the first two months of "Baby when are you coming over to see me. You know I can't wait to see you yeah?".

We'd been going back and forth with these before she finally changed the anthem of her response to something I thought "worse".

"Baby i think you should come over. Trust me, it'll be better for the both of us that way".

"Ehn? How now?"