Mrs. Maya ruined my plans—again. With no choice left, I handed the food to Abam and went upstairs.
To clear my head, I swept the house inside and out, trimmed the flowers in Mrs. Maya's garden, and even cleaned her little shop. She was thrilled, and Eva too—since I had basically lifted half her chores off her shoulders.
Afterwards, I showered, dressed up, and got ready to step out.
"Bro, where are you going? I want to follow you!" Abam whined, tugging at my shirt.
"No, you can't this time, okay? But I promise I'll be back soon… with lots of chocolate," I said, patting his little head.
"Bye!" he pouted.
"Bye, champ."
I hit the streets of Bolgatanga, roaming every nook and cranny, scanning notice boards and posters. So many job offers—security guard, store attendant, waiter—but none fit me. Finally, I stumbled upon a big bar and hotel, the kind where tourists came to dine, wine, and party.
It was buzzing with life. The restaurant was massive, the hotel even bigger. And fate smiled on me—I landed a spot as a singer after being grilled with a million questions. My heart danced with excitement. On my way home, I bought sweets for everyone.
"Abam! Eva! Mrs. Maya!" I called, bursting through the door like Santa on Christmas Eve.
"Why are you shouting?" Eva asked, eyebrows raised, scanning me up and down like I'd just wrestled a lion.
"Bro Ade, what happened?" Abam tugged my arm, his little eyes wide with curiosity.
"Ade boy," Mrs. Maya called from the shop door.
"Guess what?" I shouted, my grin splitting wide. "My dreams… oh my… I got a job as a musician! Isn't that wonderful?" I screamed, handing them all sweets.
"Where?" Mrs. Maya asked, her voice muffled as she chewed on her candy.
"Behind St. Barnabas Church, Panya Street."
"You'll start tomorrow?" Eva asked sharply.
"Yeah," I replied, unable to keep my eyes off her slender frame and the curly hair she always straightened in vain.
"Anyway… I'll be stepping out again," I announced, rushing into my room.
There, I pulled bundles of cash from under my pillow—savings I had withdrawn to gift myself something I'd always wanted.
Three hours later, I stormed into the house, yelling, "Eva! Eva! Eva!"
"Yes, I'm coming!" she huffed. "This boy always calls me like I'm his wife or something," she mumbled, rushing down.
"Eva, look what I bought with my hard-earned money!" I beamed.
She gasped, her mouth forming a perfect "O."
"Wow!! Man, you tried! Whoa… ah, Mom would be so proud of you. That means the car is mine." She laughed, throwing her arms around me.
That hug… it sent butterflies fluttering in my stomach.
"I'll take you for a spin on my bike. Let's go bring Abam back from school, then maybe we shop afterwards?" I grinned.
"Okay, babe, let's go," she said, hopping in behind me.
It wasn't my first time riding a bike. Back in Lagos, I'd ridden Pa's bike plenty. I revved the engine, and off we went, flying through the streets. People stared at us, weird looks following as we laughed, screamed, and carried on like kids who owned the world.
We stopped for ice cream. Stopped again for bottled water because we were breathless from the speed. For a moment, we forgot Abam entirely.
Until Eva checked the time. "Oh no, it's 6 p.m.! Mom will kill us!" she panicked.
"Yeah, let's head home," I said, trying to start the engine.
It coughed, stuttered… then silence.
"What's wrong?" she asked, worry on her face.
"We ran out of fuel."
"Oh goddess of mercy!" she cried, hands on her head.
"Perfect timing," I muttered, kicking the useless bike.
"There's no fueling station nearby."
The road around us was empty and eerily quiet. My chest tightened.
"This path is dangerous," Eva whispered. "I've heard girls get attacked here. People robbed. Why did it have to be here of all places? Let's just drag the bike."
She was scared. Honestly, so was I. But I forced a smile. "Don't worry. Nothing will happen."
We pulled the bike together, sweat dripping, our breaths heavy.
"6:30—we're dead!" Eva groaned.
"Stop shouting," I snapped, irritation creeping in.
Silence fell. Inside, I prayed—God, please just get us out of here.
Finally, the dark path spat us out onto a busy road. Relief washed over me as we spotted a fueling station. We bought three liters.
"Geez, I'm riding this time," Eva declared, climbing into the seat.
I sat awkwardly behind her, gripping her waist as she sped off. By the time we reached home, we were arguing over who'd go in first. She shoved me, I stood my ground, then in mischief I lifted her from behind and carried her inside.
Abam was right there, staring at us with a wide grin. I quickly set Eva down, but not before she winced.
"Eva! Mom is angry! She came home early and sent you on an errand but you weren't here. And you, bro, you forgot to pick me up from school with your car! I had to trek home! I'm heartbroken!" Abam ranted.
Before he could scream for Mrs. Maya, Eva shot me a warning look. Without thinking, I grabbed him, covering his mouth, and dragged him to my room with Eva behind me.
"Just put him to bed," she ordered.
I leaned close to Abam. "Sleep, or a snake will bite you, your blood will be poisoned, and you'll die. So better close your eyes."
"Yeah," Eva added, making spooky noises. "On our way back, we heard two snakes planning to attack you because you talk too much."
Abam's eyes widened, and he dove under the blanket.
Eva stifled a laugh. "I'll go shower," she whispered, slipping out.
I was left with the task of tucking him in—again.
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A/N
How's up? 😏
You be good?
So Ade's getting rich, but he doesn't wanna go home to his parents and siblings… what do you guys think? Should he? Or nah?
Drop your thoughts below. Vote ⭐️, comment 💬, let me know I'm not just screaming into the void 😅.
Love y'all 😘 stay tuned for Chapter 15…
Your favorite teen authoress,
Oziomajasmine 💟💞