CHINONSO'S POV
Two years had passed since everything had crumbled and reshaped itself. The pain of the past still lingered in the back of my mind, but it no longer controlled me. I had moved on, grown stronger, and started to see the world differently.
I had gained admission into the university of my dreams, something I never thought would be possible just a few years ago. The girl who had been locked in a cycle of fear, guilt, and shame had been replaced by someone stronger, someone who was ready to face the world head-on. And for the first time in a long while, I was truly excited for the future.
It was during a visit home that I ran into Ada. She was different now—more composed, more at ease with herself. We exchanged polite greetings, and I could see the maturity in her eyes. We weren't close anymore, but there was no animosity between us. We were kids back then, caught up in petty emotions and misunderstandings. Now, none of that mattered.
I wasn't angry with her anymore. I understood why she did what she did, even though I didn't agree with it. People change, and we had both changed.
"Nonso," she said, offering a hesitant smile, "I'm really proud of you. I heard about your admission."
I smiled back, surprised at how much her words meant to me. "Thank you, Ada. I'm proud of you too. I hear you've been doing well."
She nodded, her smile growing a little wider. "I've learned a lot, too. We all have, haven't we?"
I nodded in agreement. "Yeah. We really have."
We stood there for a moment, just taking in the quiet peace that surrounded us. It was different now, the air between us no longer thick with tension. It was a relief, honestly.
"I hope everything goes well for you in the future," Ada said softly. "You deserve it."
"And you do too," I replied, meaning it with all my heart.
We exchanged another smile before she turned to walk away. It wasn't the reunion I expected, but it felt like a new beginning for us, one that was long overdue.
Veronica's POV
I had kept in touch with Veronica over the years. She had moved to a new city, focused on her studies, and seemed to be doing just fine. Our conversations were a mix of checking in and talking about our hopes for the future. She had always been there for me, no matter what.
We hadn't seen each other in person in over a year, but we still sent messages and called when we could. Sometimes, I wished she were closer, but I knew she was where she needed to be, just like I was.
"I'm so proud of you, Nonso," she said over the phone one evening, her voice full of warmth and pride. "I knew you could do it. You've come so far."
I felt a lump in my throat. "I couldn't have done it without you. You were always there, even when things were tough."
There was a pause, and I could almost hear her smiling. "I'm glad I could help. You deserve every bit of happiness that comes your way."
"I miss you, Vee," I said, feeling the void that had always existed between us, even though we were miles apart.
"I miss you too," she replied softly. "But don't worry, we'll see each other soon. I'll come to visit once I'm settled in. And who knows, maybe I'll surprise you sooner than you think."
I laughed at her teasing tone. "I'll be waiting."
Tobi's POV
It had been a while since I last saw Chinonso, but I kept track of her progress from afar. I followed her journey, always cheering her on from the sidelines, silently proud of everything she had accomplished. She was stronger than I ever realized.
When we finally met again—by chance at a mutual friend's gathering—I was struck by how much she had grown. She was still the girl I knew, but she was different now. There was a confidence in her I hadn't seen before.
"Nonso," I said, stepping up to her. She turned, her expression softening when she saw me.
"Tobi," she smiled, and for a moment, I forgot about everything else. The past didn't matter anymore.
"I'm glad to see you doing so well," I said, genuinely happy for her.
"Thanks, Tobi," she replied. "How have you been?"
"Busy," I chuckled. "But good. Really good."
We talked for a while, catching up on everything. I could feel the bond between us still there, despite everything that had happened. There was no rush, no pressure—just two people who had lived through their past and were now learning how to navigate their future.
Tobi's POV
It had been two years since I last saw her, and yet, when I looked at Chinonso across the room, it felt like no time had passed. There was still that spark in her eyes, the one I had always known.
We talked casually at first, but the conversation never really strayed far from the surface. I could tell she was different now—stronger, more at peace. But there was still that same vulnerability I had once known. It was like she was holding back, and it made me want to reach out even more.
After a while, I couldn't stop myself. I had to ask.
"Chinonso," I said, my voice steady but with a trace of nervousness. "Would you go on a date with me? This time... no distractions, just us."
She looked at me, her eyes searching mine, and for a moment, I thought she might say no. Then she gave a small, thoughtful smile.
"I'll think about it, Tobi," she said, her voice soft but honest. "I can't promise anything, but... I'll think about it."
I nodded, a mix of emotions flooding over me. It wasn't a yes, but it wasn't a no either. And for now, that was enough.
Chinonso's POV
As the years passed, I began to realize that I no longer needed to carry the weight of my past. I had forgiven myself. I had made peace with my family and the people who had hurt me.
Life wasn't perfect, but I had learned to embrace the imperfections, to appreciate the beauty in my scars. I was ready to face whatever came next.
And then, there was Tobi.
When I saw him again at that mutual friend's gathering, I never expected the rush of emotions that flooded me. I thought I had moved on, thought I had closed that chapter. But the moment I saw him, everything came rushing back—the feelings I thought I'd buried deep inside.
I never thought I still had those feelings for Tobi again. But in that moment, when our eyes met, it was as if no time had passed. The connection, the warmth, everything I had once felt for him returned in a heartbeat.
Maybe, just maybe, I was given a second chance to love him again.