
10/03/2025
TAINTED VIRGINITY
Chapter 9
Glory had settled into her holiday routine in Lagos, managing her aunt’s jewelry shop in the bustling Balogun Market on Lagos Island. The market was always alive with activity—traders shouting over one another, customers bargaining, and the constant hum of movement. It was a fast-paced environment, but she had grown accustomed to it over the years. Her best friend, Gladys, also worked on Lagos Island as a saleslady in another shop, and they often met up after work to go home together.
On the other side of the island, Ikechukwu had his own business selling male footwear at Mandilas. He was a hustler, like most Lagos boys, trying to make ends meet. Glory had barely given him a second thought after their first encounter in the bus, but that was about to change.
---Glory Writes---
Glory had just stepped out of the bathroom when her phone rang. She didn't recognize the number and hesitated before picking up.
"Hello?" she answered cautiously.
"Glory, it's Ikechukwu. The guy from the bus yesterday," the voice on the other end said.
She relaxed at the familiarity of his voice, even though she barely knew him. "Oh, hi. How are you?"
"I'm good. Hope you got home safely yesterday?" he asked.
"Yeah, I did. You?"
"Same here. Listen, I was wondering… since we go in the same direction after work, maybe we could meet up and go home together tomorrow?"
Glory hesitated. She wasn’t sure she wanted to encourage anything with him, but at the same time, it seemed harmless.
"That depends," she finally said. "My friend Gladys will be coming along. Is that okay?"
Ikechukwu chuckled. "No problem at all. The more, the merrier."
Glory smiled slightly. "Alright then, see you tomorrow."
When she got to work the next day, she told Glady's about the guy she met at the bus stop and how she would be meeting him after work and Glady's agreed to go with her.
The next day, after closing shop, Glory and Gladys met up with Ikechukwu near the market. He looked different this time—more composed, less tipsy. He had a confident but unassuming demeanor, unlike Uche, who was effortlessly charming. They chatted about work, the struggles of doing business in Lagos, and the endless hustle that came with it.
What started as simple conversations on their rides home soon became a daily routine. Ikechukwu was always there, waiting for her and Gladys, making sure they got home safely. It was a small gesture, but it didn’t go unnoticed.
Slowly, what seemed like casual friendship blossomed into a real relationship. But deep down, Glory knew she wasn’t really into it. Something was missing—maybe excitement, maybe passion. Or maybe she was still haunted by her past with Uche.
One evening, while closing up at her aunt’s jewelry shop in Balogun Market, Glory turned to Gladys with a sigh. "That Ikechukwu guy keeps calling me. I don’t even know why I gave him my number. I really don’t want anything to do with him."
Gladys, who worked as a saleslady in another shop nearby, smirked. "Why not? He seems like a decent guy. And let’s be honest, having someone to pay your transport fare every evening and give you monthly stipends isn’t a bad idea."
Glory rolled her eyes. "That’s not a reason to date someone."
"It’s not just about that," Gladys insisted. "You always say you want a serious guy, not a player like Uche. Ikechukwu may not be your dream guy, but at least he’s trying. Give it a chance. Who knows? You might grow to like him."
Glory sighed, unconvinced but unwilling to argue. "We’ll see."
Yet, for now, she let it be.
(To be continued…)