My Forever Love

In a small town called Lintels, where everyone knew each other and nothing stayed hidden for long, a young girl named Lisa was born. She came into the world through two very young parents who were still trying to figure out life themselves. They were not ready for the responsibilities that came with raising a child, but life gave them no choice. They were still in a stage where they were learning what it meant to grow up, yet they suddenly found themselves carrying the weight of a family. There was no stability, no proper plan for the future—only uncertainty and daily struggles. Money was always a problem. Some days there was enough to eat, other days they had to manage with almost nothing. Arguments were common, not because they didn’t care for each other, but because stress and pressure made everything harder to handle. Still, in the middle of all that chaos, Lisa existed. She became a reminder of both their mistakes and their responsibility. Life in Lintels did not give them space to breathe, but it forced them to keep moving forward, whether they were ready or not. And so, from the very beginning, Lisa’s life was tied to struggle—not because of anything she did, but because of the world she was born into. Lisa’s father, Damien Rowe had grown tired of watching his family suffer. Every day brought another hardship, another reminder of how trapped they were in poverty. Deep down, he believed there had to be something better beyond the town. One evening, Damien sat quietly on the old sofa in his parents’ house, lost in thought. The room was silent, yet his mind felt unbearably loud. Outside, the world moved on as normal, but inside him, everything felt shattered. Tears rolled slowly down his cheeks, warm and heavy. He tried to wipe them away quickly, but more kept falling. He didn’t notice that Nita had been standing by the doorway watching him for a while. “We’re in this together,” she said softly as she walked closer. “I should be the one crying, not you.” Damien lowered his face and wiped his eyes with trembling fingers, but no words came out. His pain sat heavily inside his chest like a stone. “My parents threw me out because of this baby,” Nita continued quietly. “I have nowhere else to go.” Her voice cracked as she looked down at Lisa sleeping peacefully in her arms. “If you give up now… what happens to Lisa and me?” The room fell silent again. Nita swallowed hard, forcing herself to stay strong even though tears already filled her eyes. “Everything has an expiry date,” she whispered weakly. “Things will only get better someday.” Damien looked away. His chest tightened painfully as guilt and fear fought inside him. “I…” he stammered, struggling to speak. “I just want to leave this town.” Nita slowly lifted her eyes toward him. “Maybe if I go to London,” he continued quietly, “I can find work and change our lives. Maybe then… maybe I can finally give you and Lisa a better future.” Nita stared at him in shock. “London?” “At least there are opportunities there,” he said. “This town has nothing left for us except suffering.” Nita looked down at the baby in her arms. Lisa slept peacefully, unaware of the pain surrounding her. “What about Lisa and me?” she asked in a trembling voice. “How are we supposed to survive while you’re gone?” Tears slid down her cheeks. “And what if your parents stop accepting us too?” Damien's heart broke at the sound of her voice. He pulled her close immediately and hugged her tightly, holding her as though he was afraid to let go. “Listen to me,” he whispered shakily. “I’ll work hard. I swear I will. I’ll come back for both of you.” His own tears fell silently as he held her. “I promise.” Tuesday morning arrived cold and windy in Lintels. The streets slowly filled with people heading to work while market stalls opened one after another for the day. But for Nita, the morning felt painfully empty. Damien stepped outside carrying a small travel bag across his shoulder. Behind him, Nita followed quietly with baby Lisa resting against her chest. Neither of them spoke much. The closer they got to the end of the street, the heavier their hearts became. Finally, Damien stopped walking. “I guess this is goodbye… for now,” he said softly. His voice almost broke on the last words. He pulled Nita into his arms and hugged her tightly, as though he wanted to freeze that moment forever. Then he kissed baby Lisa gently on the forehead. “Don’t stress your mother too much,” he joked weakly, trying to smile through the sadness. From the house window, his parents watched silently without saying a word. Nita stood still as Damien slowly walked away. She kept watching him… hoping he would turn back one more time. But he didn’t. Step by step, he disappeared farther into the distance until she could no longer see him. And the moment he was gone, the little strength left inside her disappeared too. Tears rolled uncontrollably down her face. Her legs suddenly felt weak. “Oh God,” she whispered painfully, “what will happen to us now?” Slowly, she turned back toward the house. Every step felt heavy, like the whole world was resting on her shoulders. She stopped for a moment and looked up at the grey morning sky. “Please protect him,” she prayed quietly, holding Lisa closer to her chest. “Bring him back safely to me and our daughter.” The cold morning wind blew gently around her as silence swallowed the street once again. On arriving in London Damien was stunned by the view he saw,he had never seen a place as beautiful as that before. He had lived in Lintels town all his life While walking on the bustling streets of London his bag got snatched from him. He turned right and turned left but couldn't fathom what had happened to him, because nobody seemed to have noticed anything. Immediately his faith dimmed, his face went pale, because all the money on him was in that bag, and his little hope vanished into thin air. Plans on how and where to spend the night became a school of thought. The night was cosy, snow fell all round London, there was nobody he knew, so he decided to spend the night under the bridge. Night after night, he slept under the bridge, while he took on menial jobs during the day. He hustled day and night with the thought of going back to his family just to give them a better life. The money he earned wasn't enough to get him an apartment, because menial jobs don't pay much. On a Friday night, he was done with work for the day about to get something for dessert before going to sleep at his usual spot under the bridge, when he saw a man beating up a lady. He tried to rescue the situation but got shot by the man named Rocki. Rocki fled after shooting him, and the lady sought help but there was no one to come , then she called 911. He bled out profusely, gasping for air, then the memories of his wife and daughter flashed through his mind like a movie. He saw his wife and baby standing by him, and he reached out his hand to hold his wife. While this incident was playing, 911 arrived at the scene,they began treatment and took him to the hospital In Lintel's town Nita was asleep, and she saw her husband standing by her bedside calling her name; Nita, Nita, she opened her eyes and discovered it was all a dream. The next morning, she was sitting in the sitting room, so sad and lost in thoughts, she didn't even hear her babies cry. Oh God it's been 6 months and some days now since he left, and I haven't heard from him. Is he alright? Could something bad have happened to him? Why do I keep dreaming about him everyday, or maybe it is just my imaginations coming to play, she said to herself. Natasha Damien's mum walked out of her room with water in a bucket and poured it on her while she was lost in her thoughts. Mum! Why do this to me? I hope this cools your brain, Natasha said angrily. Look at the time, it's 10 o'clock and yet you haven't done any chores in this house, she spoke with rage on her face. Are you this lazy? Was this how your parents trained you? She asked with a stern look on her face. Your baby is crying inside, but you paid no attention to her. All you do every day is sit and cry as if your life depends on it. “Hopeless fool”. I will go in, and if I meet you here when I am out, count yourself as good as dead. Tears rolled down Nita's cheek as she gently walked towards the bedroom, with her legs trembling, to take care of her baby. The next day Nita decided to embark on a journey to London in search of Damien, the father of her baby. She couldn't travel with Lisa. So she came up with a plan to leave Lisa behind with her grandparents She sneaked out of the house later that day, without the consent of Damien's parents. She had it all planned out. At 4 o'clock, when Damien's mom was fast asleep and his dad was out for his daily job, Nita sneaked out of the house leaving her baby behind. She felt so sad doing this, but she did what had to be done and headed out for London not knowing what her fate will be. Chapter 2| THE SEARCH Nita arrived in London, she was so confused because of the large city. She remembered she had a contact from her childhood friend who travelled to London with her parents years ago, so she decided to visit the the nearest phone stand to make a call. The friend who was called Lora helped Lisa find a place to spend the night. On arriving at Lora's place, both of them were happy seeing each other after 5 years of parting ways. The two hugged each other in excitement. Lora offered Lisa what to eat and drink. When she was done eating, Lora jokingly teased Lisa. What was so important that you had to leave Lintels travelling all the way to London, do you mind sharing, with a smiling look on her face. Nita's smile faded suddenly as if she had just regained consciousness. She dropped the glass of wine on the table. Hmm, she sighed. It ok if you doLisa took to share, I understand, Lora added No it's not that Lora, it's just that I came looking for the father of my child. He travelled to London to hustle more, just to make enough money to fend for his child and me. You have a baby! Oh my God Nita covered her face in shame. No it's alright I was just surprised lora said, I didn't mean to mock you she added Yes I do have a baby she said softly. Tell me, what really happened? It was Damien who impregnated me while we were still in college. I was Scared of aborting the baby because I didn't want to die or commit murder, so I decided to keep the baby. You have passed through a lot, girl, Lora said. I can literally feel your pain right now, she added. So how do you intend to find him in this city, do you have his contact or something? Nope, I don't? I pray faith leads me to him. Pray hard girl because it's not going to be easy on you. So where do you intend to stay after tonight? Lora asked. I don't know, Nita replied. At least you can stay here till you find him, my parents are comfortable with you Thanks Lora I really appreciate it. You're welcome, Lora said. It has been three years since Nita came to London in search of Damien, but she never gave up. She took on jobs as a cleaner at restaurants, worked at the Constitution site with men, and did stuff she wasn't supposed to. She never continued looking for him in her own little way, from street to street with a picture of Dumbbell. She entered the deepest part of London, but couldn't find him. Lora at this point gave up and advised her to do the same but she refused. He is the father of my daughter she said, besides I still love him. What if he is dead, Lora said. No, no God forbid it, Lora don't say that again. Are you aware that the father of my baby, whom we are talking about here. Yeah I know but, he is nowhere to be found, don't you get that? Nita began crying, " Oh, Damien, please come back to me, I miss you everyday, our little Angel misses you too. Remembering that she hasn't seen her baby in three years, made her cry even more. Lora tries to calm her down, it's ok bay girl , don't go too hard on yourself Come to think of it, Lora added, how come I never thought of this. You have his picture right? Yes, she replied. Let's go to the station if they can help you find him or know anything about him. Ok, can we go now? Chill babe, Lora said, it's late, we will go tomorrow. The next day Lora and Nita were at the station, the officer on duty was Graham by name. We have been looking for this man, the father of my friend's child, for a very long time now, so we decided to come lay a complaint, if there can be any trace of him or whatsoever. The officer checked the old hospital and incident records after hearing Damien's name. His face suddenly changed. He quietly asked Nita to sit down. The officer explained that months earlier, an unidentified white person had been brought to a hospital after being attacked during a robbery incident. He had no proper identification, and before the police could locate his family, he died from his injuries. Nita refused to believe it. The officer then showed her a small bag containing the dead man’s belongings — among them was a faded family photograph of Nita and their child which was the last thing found on the dying victim . The room went silent. Nita froze for a while, her whole life flashed before her eyes as she became confused about what was actually going on. She broke down in tears, her legs felt heavy and time seemed to stand still . She felt like dying at that point, her visions became blurred. Lora tried to hold her from collapsing, she tried everything possible to calm her down , while she booked a taxi that drove them home . That night Nita phoned home and broke the news to Damien's parents announcing his death. This cursed serious sorrow in the family Chapter 3| A New Home __________________________________ 1 year later , Baby Lisa has now grown to a young little girl, she is now five years of age. Granny took care of her since when her mom left her, Granny also over pampered Lisa. She gave her whatsoever she wanted, and doesn't scold her when she does something wrong. On a faithful day, Damien's elder sister returned from California, back to her home town Lintels. After a few days of her stay, she saw how granny pampered Lisa. She disliked it and told Granny to allow her to take Lisa to California. She will take good care of Lisa there. At first granny refused, but Roseline had Children too which were Lisa's age range. My children are there to keep Lisa company and they will treat her as their blood, if they grow together as kids. Granny is still not willing to accept that fact. Grandpa intervenes, this girl is lonely in this house. Is this the kind of lonely life you want her to grow up with? Common granny let the poor girl travel with Roseline, she is going to be better off there. At last she agreed to let Roseline take Lisa to California. Lisa arrived in California with Roseline the next morning. Lisa was treated well, Roseline Children never saw her as an outsider, which made her not to feel the absence of Granny. This made Lisa feel the warmth and the love they showed her. They trained Lisa through primary school, college up to junior secondary 3. Days went by and Lisa grew with the hatred of her mother in her heart. She never wanted to see her mother again because she felt abandoned. The pain of not having a father and abandoned by her mother left an unforgettable scar in her heart Roseline never mentioned anything to her about her mom, all they told her was her mom never cared and, and she grew up with that mindset. Lisas mom contacted Roseline after a very long time. Chapter 4| Shadows of London. __________________________________ She asked about Lisa and told Roseline to allow Lisa to come to London to pay her a visit. Roseline was against the idea of Lisa going to London but nonetheless, Lisa was Nita's child , so she agreed. Nita cried her ribs out, mummy I don't want to go, she held onto Roseline's gown at the park. Roseline was pained in her heart to see Lisa crying this way, but there was nothing she could do. Mummy, that woman is wicked, Lisa said to Roseline. Don't say that, she is your mother . No she is not, Lisa added, she abandoned me. I grew up without her and now she wants me. Tell her I don't want to see her . She made a public display which made everyone around feel pity for her. Lisa finally leaves for London. Nita arrived at the station to pick Lisa up, on seeing Lisa she recognized her, she was speechless, and ran to hug her baby while crying, but Lisa was never happy. At this time Nita was married with 3 kids: three girls and one boy. Don't worry Lisa when we get home, you are going to see your siblings, Isabelle, Rachel and Drozzy. Lisa was shocked but didn't let it affect her facial expression. Siblings! She exclaimed in her thoughts, this woman is married, no wonder she never came back for me. But it alright let me see the three little brats first. Arriving at the villa , Nita's three children ran to welcome her when the car came to a stop. She introduced them to Lisa , and also introduced Lisa to them. This is Lisa, your eldest sister. You guys should treat her with respect, do I understand? The children answered at once, yes mom. Lisa met with Nita's husband, who is now her step dad. Good evening Mr Lisa said . It is not sir baby girl , he is your dad. My dad? I was told my dad died long ago, so how could this man possibly be my dad? Keep quiet Lisa , he is now my husband and that makes him your step dad. Turns out Nita already told her husband Garrison about Lisa even before she arrived. Lisa was enrolled into junior high school, she attended apublic school while all three Nita's children went to a private institution. What was supposed to be Lisa's happiness after uniting with her mom, became a nightmare. She was treated as the house- maid , she did everything, all the house chores, washing of dishes, clothes, cars and other stuff. The three children would be watching TV while Lisa worked tirelessly. She never complained, she never murmured for once. The indifferent treatment of Lisa and the three children was obvious, which also made friends and neighbors wonder if Lisa was truely Nita's daughter. Nita's husband grabbed Lisa by the hand forcing her to lay with him, while she wanted to serve him lunch. I will buy you anything you want if you do as I say. Lisa screamed for help. But there was no one at home that could come for her rescue. I feel horny he said just one round, I will even treat you better than my wife. He tried forcing her clothes off her body while talking. Lisa kicked him in-between his legs and ran off. This single act made him hate her so much. She was scared of telling her mother, because she thought her mom never really cared about her. She thought of leaving that house,but where? She questioned herself. My mom has cut all ties between me and aunt Roseline, I how will I reach her to report all this , she cried silently Later that day when Nita arrived home with her three kids, she sent Lisa on an errand, her husband saw this as a perfect opportunity to frame Lisa up. He complained that his money was missing, worth 100 dollars. This made Nita very nervous. Money has never gone missing in this house. How come all of a sudden your 100 dollars are missing? Are you sure you didn't leave it at the office? No, he replied,"I haven't gone anywhere today, it was only Lisa and I who were in this house. I hope that your daughter didn't steal my money." Lisa steals? No it can't be ,she is not a thief Can you swear on her behalf, he said, the child you didn't even raise, you are defending her, am sure this is what she was taught where she came from or whoever she stayed with. Minutes later Lisa returned after getting what her mom sent her for . come here Lisa, did you take any money from your dad's room? Nita asked angrily. No mummy, I didn't take any money, besides I didn't even see any money. Check her bag Garrison says, I have. A strong feeling she is lying. Go to your room and bring your bag now, Nita ordered. Lisa brought her bag from her room, and Nita began searching, she found the 100 dollar in her bag. Are you a thief ? Why have you decided to disgrace me in this house Lisa? Lisa was short of words, and confused about the whole drama. I swear I didn't take the money. Fear gripped her while she struggled to say a word. After all what i have done for you, is this how you choose to repay me? by embarrassing me, was this how Roseline trained you? Lisa broke into tears , trying to explain herself, but nita began beating her severely. Take this girl out of my house, she is a thief. Garrison said , your daughter is a thief, and you still brought her to my house so she could influence my children with her stealing habit. Take this girl out of my house this minute, I don't want to ever set my eyes on her again, he said . Lisa pack your things and I will return you to Roseline. Lisa begs please mom hear me out, I'm innocent. I said go pack up your things Nita scolded Lisa. You ungrateful child. She took Lisa out of the house and wanted to transport her back to California but she had a Second thought, maybe she could stay with my friend vick, she would be better off there, Vick is single and she may need someone to help her with home chores. Nita phoned Vick , and she agreed to take Lisa in. Vick treated Lisa with kindness but not as much as she would treat her own child. Chapter 5 | THE NARROW ESCAPE _________________________________ She made up her mind to return back to California, so that she can meet Roseline again, because that the only place, she was happy Two weeks were long gone, after her mom dropped her with vick. It was time for her to start college, her mom had to send her to an institution in Los Angeles. So she could study for her B. Sc. Lisa left for Los Angeles with the mindset of never returning to London, no matter the circumstances, Besides she won a scholarship exam earlier. Her stay here in Los Angeles, made her realize life was far more than what she had experienced and also imagined . She made a new friend by name Elisa. Fellow students thought they were twins, because of their names and also they never left each other's side. This made everyone jealous of their friendship. __________________________________ Pascal, a class bully, wanted to beat Elisa, because she mistakenly stepped on his shoes, a terrible punch landed directly on Elisa's jaw after she had apologized to him, which made her bleed. The incident attracted the attention of others. She was very sorry, but that didn't make any sense to Pascal and his g**g anyway. Lisa was in the classroom trying to compose a song, when one of the students rushed in to inform her that her sister was being beaten by the bully, which made her rush to the scene. Without any questions she pushed Pascal down, and asked who dared to touch her friend. Before you touch her you have to go through me, she said . Everyone was shocked as they had never witnessed Lisa's rage before. Pascal ran out with his g**g shamefully while everyone laughed at them. Am so sorry, I wasn't with you when this happened, Lisa said. It ok no need to be sorry Elisa replied, beside it was all my fault, I shouldn't have pushed you into this. They both hugged each other while everyone clapped and felt the love between the two. At the scene there was this guy named Troy, who noticed Lisa and her bravery. Immediately he saw he felt his burden disappear, something in him leaped for joy. He has never seen any girl this beautiful in this school before. Where has she been all this while? How come I have never seen her ? So many unanswered questions ran through his mind, while stirring at her from the crowd His friend Nick, tapped him on the shoulder, don't tell me you are falling for that girl bro. She is way below your class. You know her, he asked inquisitively Yeah I do, Nick said , I also know that she is in school on scholarship. Wait, is she among the students my dad is sponsoring on scholarship? Troy questioned again. Yeah ,she is. How come I never knew her? How am I supposed to know bro. He stirred into her eyes while Lisa walked past him, she noticed him too but didn't maintain eye contact. Chapter 6| THE CONNECTION __________________________________ Troy got home that day and couldn't stop thinking about Lisa. He smiled alone when nothing was funny,he hugged his pillow as if hugging her. The thought of her kept ringing in his head. I am going to approach that girl tomorrow, no matter what he encourages himself, wait but what if she snubs me , that is going to be a big turn off for me. Oh God I have to try, oh Lisaaaa, he called and dozed off. The next morning Troy was in school as early as ever, waiting to approach Lisa when she entered the school gate, Nick was standing nearby watching the whole drama. Immediately Lisa entered the school gate, he walked towards her, she turned her face towards his direction and he eventually hid himself, not knowing she has already seen him . She slowly walked towards where he was hiding, when he was counting in his mind to come out , he turned and met her standing in front of him. He froze for a moment, not knowing what to say. Hi Lisa said while she waved at him . Hi, his voice trembles. Ehm , he coughs. Lisa smiled, I think somebody is shy of me , she said with a smile on her face. Me? Shy? There is no way I am shy of you ,Troy tries to deny. Then prove it, she said. Uhm, uhm , he freaks out, ok am not going to lie I am really, really shy. While his face went pale. There's nothing to worry about, I know you like me, so just say it, it's not bad, she smiles. Ok I really, really like you I must admit. Infact I have been thinking of you all night, I just can't get you out of my head. Oh God what am I going to do he added. Elisa called Lisa from a distance,I have to go now byee. Can I at least give you a hug? Nope, no hugs for shy people, she said while running off to meet Elisa. Troy ran to meet Nick, did you see that Nick? Yeah I saw it, I saw how you freaked out, he laughs mockingly. Yeah I know I freaked out , but I think she likes me too. Wow, Nick said, that's interesting. Just try making a good move next time. In the afternoon after lecturer, Nick and Troy were at the basketball court when Elisa and Lisa took a stroll to that area. "Troy, Troy, Nick called .