My name is Wisdom. I happened to be a witness of one of the most fierce battles of love that history has ever recorded. You can call me the intermediary of these two lovers. Yea! Yorubas call it Alarina. I never had a good love life but I found absolute joy in fixing other people’s relationship. How pathetic! I’m like a candle that provides light to everyone around it, but never gets to see its own bottom.

[Shola narrates...]

Truly, childhood love is perhaps one of the purest forms of love to ever exist. There is a certain kind of innocence attached to it, leaving behind zero room for pride and ego, whatsoever. And yes, it’s also the first time your heart learns to beat for someone else.

I’m Shola Ademowo, the only male child of my military father. I grew up in one of the biggest cities in Kaduna. My father got me enrolled into one of the schools in Kudenda. Janet happened to be my classmate. Best part of it, we stayed in the same neighbourhood. We went to school together, returned home together, and even did our assignments together. No wonder our classmates referred to us as couples.

I wasn’t sure of what was happening back then, but I knew I felt something for her. I was so young and naïve. Would you blame me?

Two years later, Janet and her family moved away from Kaduna, shortly after we had taken our common entrance examinations. Their destination, unknown to me. Life was never the same for me ever since she left, but time they say, heals everything.

This happened way back in 1991. The introduction of Facebook several years later helped so many people around the world get in touch with their loved ones. I was one of those lucky folks. One day at work, I made it a point to find Janet on Facebook. My search query produced a long list of individuals bearing the same name. I glanced through the photos of the first person; lo and behold, she was the one I had been looking for all these eight years. Yes! I found her.

I couldn’t believe my eyes; Janet had grown into a young beautiful lady. I scrolled down her profile, and to great fortune, I found her contact. I didn’t know when I jumped up and began to shout “Yes! Yes! Yes!”

Wisdom: Guy, you dey craze o. You know I’ve been telling you this your love for wrestling will soon kill you. Are you watching a wrestling match in the office again? Wetin dey worry you?

Shola: Wizzy, you won’t understand. [Taking the laptop to him] Remember the girl I told you about?

Wisdom: Which one na? Angelina? Geraldine? Kate... or is there anyone I’m yet to know?

Shola: Hey! Guy, chill na. I never knew you were counting my girls. Don’t you remember my childhood friend I told you about?

Wisdom: Errmmmm…the Hausa girl right?

Shola: You be Eba! She is not an Hausa girl. The girl I told you about... we grew up together in the north

Wisdom: Yea... What about her? Is she married?

Shola: God forbid! I would rather die than not marry her myself.

Wisdom: Ehhhh… What about all these girls you are flocking around with like a sheep?

Shola: Mr. man... forget that side of the puzzle. It’s just a matter of time before the real queen assumes her throne.

Wisdom: To be frank, this girl is beautiful. What gives you the assurance that she is not yet married?

Shola: Tah! Forget that thing jor.

Wisdom: OK. I hear you. You better treat up that file before time runs out against us.

For two day, I tried reaching her via the number I saw on her profile, but to no avail. After several days of trying, I thought about giving up, until one particular night when I gave it another try. I was shocked it went through this time around. On the third count, I heard an angel speak with a Hausa accent.

[Janet Narrates...]

My phone hasn’t been active for over two weeks now. I got it fixed in less than an hour ago when an unknown number suddenly flashed on my screen.

Janet: Hello!

Unknown caller: Hello! Good evening. Please am I speaking to Janet Badmus?

Janet: Yes! This is Janet Badmus. Can I know who I’m speaking to?

Unknown caller: I’m Shola Ademowo.

Janet: Shola? Sorry to ask, which Shola?

Shola: Shola Ademowo. Your old friend, back in Kaduna. Do you remember me?

Janet: What?? [I screamed]

Hmmm… I couldn’t believe who I had just spoken to. Could it be his ghost or is someone trying to pull a prank on me? Shola Ademowo!? After so many years! Where did he get my number from?

Shortly after getting back in touch, I began to have this nostalgic feeling about him. I’ve overheard my big sister – Tolani – talk about love on multiple counts, but I just wasn’t sure if this was the same thing I felt on the inside.

My family and I left the beautiful city of Kaduna when Daddy was transferred to Osun State. There was no easy means of communication at that time; only the rich could afford mobile phones. Somehow, my father was able to afford one, but it was a no-go area for the kids.

Flashback to the penultimate day before we moved to the western part of the country. I visited Shola in his home that evening. I informed him about our departure. He couldn’t believe what his ears were hearing.

Shortly after he had absorbed part of the shock that left visible stuns on his face, I gave him a big hug – the last hug, I presume – he never wanted to let me go. His feelings were so obvious to me; he didn’t want to let me off his arms.

Janet: Ban kwana Shola... Ina sonka! (Goodbye Shola, I love you)

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