02/03/2026
When Love Wasn't Enough
Episode 13
When Nnamdi was done with his morning routine, he headed straight to Somto’s place. His heart was light, almost like he had been waiting for this moment since he arrived home. The sun was bright, the air was calm, and he felt good just thinking about seeing her again.
As he walked into Somto’s compound, there she was seated on the veranda, legs slightly folded, her wrapper tied loosely as she bent over a wide tray, cutting vegetable leaves. The green leaves glistened fresh under the sun, and the sharp sound of the knife cutting against the tray filled the quiet air.
“Hello, darling,” Nnamdi said softly, smiling as he approached her.
She raised her head quickly, her face lighting up. “Welcome, dear,” she greeted warmly, but her hands didn’t stop. She continued cutting seriously as though the vegetables were in a race with her.
Nnamdi bent closer. “Can I help you out with something?”
She shook her head playfully. “Nooo, you’re my visitor, so relax and wait for me to finish.”
Nnamdi frowned jokingly. “What nonsénse visitor? Abeg do, let me help you jare.” His smile widened, his eyes glittering with mischief.
Somto chuckled and shook her head, giving up. “Okay ooo, if you insist. Go inside and bring the stock fish. Start cooking.”
Nnamdi snapped his fingers. “Nice! You know my field very well. Now you’re talking.” He stood up proudly and walked into the house, making her laugh even louder.
Hours later, the kitchen was filled with the rich aroma of vegetable soup mixed with stock fish and spices. The two of them worked together like a married couple. Somto cutting, stirring, and monitoring the fire while Nnamdi handled the meat and stock fish like a professional. At last, they were done.
They sat cross-legged on the floor, a big tray between them, steaming soup and fufu ready. They began to feed each other like a lovely wedding couple, their laughter ringing out.
“You know,” Nnamdi said as he placed a lump of fufu into her mouth, “I really do miss this moment, especially when I’m in school. I’m glad that we are doing this again.”
Somto chewed slowly and nodded, but then her face dropped. “Yeah, same here. But… you will soon go.” Her eyes dimmed with sadness.
Nnamdi’s smile faded. He leaned closer. “Hmm, you know it’s for our own good. I do make sure I focus very well in school so I will achieve my dream and take care of you very well.”
“I know, my love,” she sighed. “Just that it’s always so boring without you here.”
“I know and understand,” he said, touching her chin gently. “Soon, it will be okay.”
Meanwhile, across town, Jasper sat in a Bét9ja shop, eyes glued to the screen. His shirt was rough, his face drenched in sweat. For months, he had been losing money. Money he didn’t even have. Gà mbling had swallowed him whole. His pulse raced as he placed another bét, but as always, luck betrayed him. He slammed his hand on the wooden table in frustration.
“Chai!” he muttered, grinding his teeth. He thought of using the house money, but fear held him back. If he lost again, it would be trouble.
He stepped outside angrily, his mind heavy. As he walked down the street, a familiar car slowed to a stop in front of him. He froze. Sandra. She was seated in the driver’s seat, her friend Perpetual beside her.
The window rolled down. “Good afternoon, Jasper,” Sandra greeted calmly.
Jasper didn’t even look at her properly. “Good afternoon to you too.” His voice was flat, casual.
“Nnamdi told me everything that happened. I’m so sorry, please.”
“I have heard,” Jasper said, his tone dismissive.
“So… are we good now?” Sandra asked, hope flickering in her eyes.
“We are,” Jasper replied, finally looking at her. “But not in school. I don’t want any wahala for me and my friend.”
“It’s okay,” she said softly. “But I’ll try to fix this as soon as possible.”
Jasper sighed. “Alright then.”
“So, where are you going? Home? I can drop you off.”
“There’s no need,” Jasper liéd quickly. “I’m already close to the house… besides, I’ll branch and see someone around that corner.” He pointed..
Sandra nodded slowly. “Okay then. How about your friend? when is he coming back?”
“I don’t know. Maybe weekend or so,” Jasper replied.
“Alright. Do have a lovely day, Jasper.”
“Thanks,” he muttered, walking away without looking back.
Inside the car, Perpetual leaned forward. “Who was that?”
“Oh, that’s Jasper. Nnamdi’s roommate,” Sandra explained.
“Oh, I see,” Perpetual said quietly. “It’s okay. Let’s just go.”
Back at Somto’s compound, Nnamdi and Somto had finished eating. They là y back lazily against the wall, too full to move, their eyes half-closed from satisfaction.
Somto turned to him suddenly, her face serious. “So, babe. Can we do something? It will mean the world to me.”
Nnamdi turned his head slowly to face her. “What’s that, baby?”
She hesitated. Her fingers twisted the edge of her wrapper. “So… I… I… I want us to do a bløød cøvenant. Promising that we won’t ever leave each other’s side.”
Nnamdi shot up immediately, his eyes wide, his heart pounding. “What??” he exclaimed, staring at her in disbelief.
To be continued…