YOUNG LOVE :love of test and trails

YOUNG LOVE ❤️❤️❤️ At Sunrise College, Esther and Israel were the talk of the school. Not because they were troublemakers. Not because they were dating. But because they were both the senior prefects. Everybody respected them. Esther was the type of girl that entered a place and everyone noticed. She was beautiful, confident, outspoken, and friendly. Her smile alone could brighten the darkest classroom. She came from a wealthy family. Her father was one of the richest businessmen in town, and her mother owned chains of supermarkets. She had everything. Good clothes. Expensive shoes. Latest phones. And friends. Plenty of them. Israel was different. Very different. He was calm, gentle, and quiet. He didn’t talk too much unless it was important. His family was poor. His father worked as a vulcanizer, and his mother sold vegetables in the market. Sometimes, paying school fees was difficult. But despite his struggles, Israel was brilliant. He was always among the best students. Teachers loved him because he was responsible. Students respected him because he was humble. At first, Esther and Israel were only connected because of their duties as senior prefects. Every morning, they stood at the assembly ground together. Esther would handle announcements while Israel made sure students lined up properly. One Monday morning, Esther was shouting at some junior students. “Why are you people late again?” Israel walked over calmly. “Relax, Esther. They’re just children.” Esther turned and frowned. “And that’s why they keep misbehaving.” Israel smiled. “And shouting won’t fix it.” That made Esther roll her eyes. She hated when he corrected her. But somehow... she liked it too. As weeks passed, they spent more time together. Planning school events. Attending meetings. Organizing debates. Preparing for sports day. One afternoon, Esther was walking to class when she saw Israel sitting under the mango tree alone. He looked tired. Quiet. Lost. She walked over. “Why are you here?” Israel forced a smile. “Just resting.” Esther noticed there was no food with him. She knew. “Have you eaten?” Israel shook his head. “I’m not hungry.” Esther laughed. “That lie is too old.” She opened her lunch bag and brought out rice and chicken. “Take.” Israel looked at her. “No, Esther.” “Take it.” “But what about you?” “I can survive.” He hesitated before collecting it. That was the first day. But not the last. It became their secret routine. Whenever Israel came to school without food, Esther shared hers. At first, Israel felt ashamed. But Esther made it feel normal. One day, her best friend, Vivian, pulled her aside. “Why are you always giving Israel your food?” Esther shrugged. “He needs it.” Vivian frowned. “Esther, be careful. People are talking.” “Let them talk.” Vivian looked at her suspiciously. “You like him, don’t you?” Esther laughed. “Please.” But deep down... she knew Vivian was right. She was beginning to like him. One Friday afternoon, the school organized an inter-class debate. Esther and Israel were chosen to represent their class. Their topic was: Love is stronger than money. Esther argued against it. Israel argued for it. The whole hall was silent as they spoke. Esther said, “Money gives comfort. Love without money is suffering.” Israel smiled and replied, “But money without love is emptiness.” Everyone clapped. Esther looked at him. For the first time, his words hit her differently. That evening, as they walked home, Esther asked him, “Do you really believe love is stronger than money?” Israel looked at her. “Yes.” Esther laughed. “Even when you have nothing?” Israel nodded. “Especially then.” That answer stayed with her. Days passed. Their friendship deepened. One rainy afternoon, Esther forgot her umbrella. The rain was heavy. Israel stood beside her. He looked at his old umbrella. Broken at one side. Then at her. “You can use it.” Esther smiled. “And you?” “We’ll share.” They walked together in the rain. Close. Very close. Their shoulders touching. Their hearts beating strangely. That was the first time Esther felt it. Love. Real. Warm. Dangerous. The next week, something happened. A rich boy in school named Kelvin asked Esther out. He was handsome. Popular. And rich. Exactly the kind of boy her parents would approve of. He walked up to Esther in front of everyone. “Esther, I like you.” Her friends screamed excitedly. But Esther shook her head. “No.” Kelvin frowned. “Why?” Esther looked away. “Because my heart is somewhere else.” From a distance, Israel heard those words. And for the first time... he smiled. But happiness never stays too long. One afternoon, Esther’s father came to school unexpectedly. He saw Esther and Israel laughing together. The look on his face changed immediately. That night, he called Esther into the sitting room. “Who is that boy?” Esther knew. “Israel.” “What is your relationship with him?” Esther hesitated. “Friend.” Her father laughed. “A poor boy?” Esther frowned. “What does that mean?” “It means people have levels.” That sentence broke something inside her. She walked away angrily. But deep down... she knew trouble had started. Still, Esther refused to stop talking to Israel. And Israel... though he loved her too... was afraid. Afraid of her father. Afraid of their difference. Afraid that one day, Esther would wake up and realize she deserved better. But Esther had already chosen. And she wasn’t turning back. Little did they know... their biggest test was still coming. After graduation. After JAMB. After life would force them apart. part 2 After graduation, life changed. The school uniforms were gone. Morning assemblies ended. The laughter in the corridors became memories. But Esther and Israel still held on to each other. They called almost every day. Sometimes for hours. Sometimes just to hear each other breathe. JAMB season came. Both of them prepared seriously. Israel studied like his life depended on it. Because it did. He knew university was his only chance to change his family’s story. Esther studied too, but her house was always noisy. Visitors. Family business talks. Parties. Distractions everywhere. Sometimes Israel would call her at night. “Are you reading?” Esther would laugh. “I’m trying.” “Try harder.” “Why are you sounding like my teacher?” “Because I want us to enter together.” That made Esther smile. They prayed together. They encouraged each other. They dreamed together. One night, Israel said, “When we enter university, I’ll work hard, graduate, and make enough money so your father will stop seeing me as nothing.” Esther became quiet. “You don’t have to prove anything.” Israel smiled. “I do.” Weeks later, the results came out. Israel scored 287. A very high score. Esther scored 169. Her heart dropped. It wasn’t enough for the course she wanted. That day was dark. She locked herself in her room and cried. Her mother knocked. “Esther?” No answer. Her father walked in later. “What happened?” She handed him her result. He looked at it. Disappointment filled his face. “All the money I spent?” That hurt more than the result itself. Meanwhile, Israel got admission almost immediately. He was happy. But not fully. Because Esther was left behind. That evening, he went to her house. She refused to come out. He stood outside for two hours. Finally, she came. Eyes swollen. Face tired. Israel held her hand. “This isn’t the end.” Esther looked away. “You’re going ahead. I’m stuck.” Israel shook his head. “I’m not leaving you behind.” “But you are.” He pulled her closer. “Only for now.” That night, Israel prayed for her. Not once. Not twice. Every single night. University life began. Israel moved to Ilorin. New city. New people. New struggles. He had no money for luxury. His parents could only afford little. Sometimes he trekked to lectures because he had no transport fare. Sometimes he skipped meals. But he endured. Because he had a dream. Back home, Esther prepared to write JAMB again. But life became harder. Her father used every opportunity to remind her. “You failed once. Don’t fail again.” That pressure nearly broke her. At school, Israel met many girls. One of them was Sandra. Beautiful. Bold. Rich. She liked him immediately. One afternoon, she sat beside him in class. “Israel, why do you always look serious?” Israel smiled. “I’m not serious.” Sandra laughed. “You are. Let me change that.” They became friends. But Sandra wanted more. One day, she asked directly. “Do you have a girlfriend?” Israel nodded. “Yes.” Sandra frowned. “Where is she?” “At home.” Sandra smiled. “Long-distance relationships don’t last.” Israel replied calmly. “Ours will.” Back home, Esther started hearing rumors. Her friends said, “University girls are dangerous.” “They will collect your man.” Vivian especially kept feeding her fear. “Are you sure Israel is still loyal?” Esther trusted him. But fear is a slow poison. One night, she called him. “Are you with someone?” Israel laughed. “What?” “Answer me.” He became serious. “No.” “Promise?” “I promise.” But distance had already started planting doubt. Months passed. Israel kept sending her encouragement. Past questions. Motivational messages. Prayer points. Every morning: Don’t give up. Every night: God will do it. Then came Esther’s second JAMB. This time, she was ready. She entered the exam hall with tears in her eyes. Not from fear. From determination. When the result came... 286. She screamed. Her mother screamed too. Her father smiled for the first time in months. Israel was in class when she called him. “I made it!” Israel ran outside immediately. “What?!” “286!” Israel shouted so loud his classmates stared at him. That night, he thanked God with tears. His prayers had worked. Esther got admission into Lagos State University. Different schools. Different states. But same love. Or so they thought. Because the second challenge was just beginning. And this one... was bigger than JAMB. Part 3 University life was not easy. Esther resumed at Lagos State University with excitement. New environment. New friends. New lecturers. Everything felt fresh. But something was missing. Israel. She missed him every day. The person who used to encourage her. The person who understood her without explanations. Now, all she had were phone calls. At first, it was enough. They talked every morning. Every night. They shared everything. How lectures were. How hostel life was. How stressful school had become. But slowly... life became busier. Israel was now in his second year. His workload increased. He was also doing side jobs to survive. Fixing phones. Writing assignments for students. Helping people with tutorials. Anything to make money. One evening, Esther called him. No answer. She called again. Nothing. Hours later, he texted. Busy. I’ll call later. That small message hurt her. Not because he was busy. But because she needed him. She was struggling too. Her parents had reduced her allowance. Her father still didn’t trust her decisions. He wanted her to focus on school and forget Israel. One weekend, Esther came home. At dinner, her father spoke. “There’s a young man I want you to meet.” Esther frowned. “Who?” “Kelvin.” Her heart skipped. The same Kelvin from secondary school. Her father continued. “His father and I are discussing business. He’s doing well in London now.” Esther dropped her spoon. “I’m not interested.” Her father’s face darkened. “You will be.” She stood up and left the table. That night, she called Israel. “They want me to marry Kelvin.” Israel became silent. For a long moment. Then he asked, “What did you say?” “I said no.” Israel sighed. “Good.” But deep inside... fear grew. He knew he still had nothing. No money. No car. No house. Just dreams. And sometimes dreams felt too weak against wealth. Days later, Esther returned to school. Kelvin started visiting. At first, she ignored him. But he was persistent. Flowers. Gifts. Money. Even expensive phones. Esther rejected everything. One afternoon, Kelvin blocked her path. “Why are you doing this?” Esther frowned. “Doing what?” “Choosing struggle over comfort.” Esther smiled. “Because comfort without love means nothing.” Kelvin laughed. “That poor boy?” That angered her. “Don’t call him that.” Kelvin looked at her carefully. “You really love him.” She didn’t answer. Because he already knew. Meanwhile, Israel’s struggles worsened. His father fell sick. Hospital bills piled up. School fees were due. His mother cried every night. Israel became the pillar of the house. He started missing classes to work. Sometimes he slept only three hours. Sometimes none. One day, Sandra found him asleep in class. She woke him. “You look terrible.” Israel sighed. “Life.” Sandra bought him food. He refused at first. But hunger won. That day, Sandra saw a different side of him. The broken side. The struggling side. And somehow... it made her like him more. Weeks later, Esther visited Israel in school. She wanted to surprise him. She reached his hostel. Old building. Broken walls. No proper water. She felt pain in her chest. This was how he lived? She entered his room. And froze. Sandra was there. Sitting on his bed. Holding food. Esther’s heart broke instantly. Israel stood up immediately. “Esther!” But she had already turned. She ran out. Crying. Israel chased her. “Wait!” She stopped. Tears falling. “So this is it?” Israel frowned. “What?” “The girl.” “She’s just a friend.” Esther laughed bitterly. “On your bed?” “She brought food.” “Food?” “Yes.” Esther looked at him. And suddenly she understood. He was hungry. Again. Just like secondary school. But this time... she wasn’t there to share her food. That realization hurt more than jealousy. She wiped her tears. “Why didn’t you tell me things were this bad?” Israel looked away. “I didn’t want you to worry.” Esther stepped closer. “We’re supposed to carry this together.” Israel shook his head. “I’m supposed to protect you.” Esther held his hand. “And who protects you?” That question broke him. For the first time in years... Israel cried. Right there. In front of her. He told her everything. His father’s illness. The debts. The hunger. The fear. Esther cried too. Not because she pitied him. But because she loved him. And love hurts when the person you care about is drowning. That night, Esther transferred money to him. Israel refused. “I can’t take this.” Esther smiled. “You forgot? I used to feed you.” Israel laughed through tears. Some things never changed. But far away... Esther’s father was already planning something. And this time... he was ready to separate them for good. part 4 A week after Esther visited Israel, things changed. Not between them. But around them. Esther’s father had become suspicious. He noticed the late-night calls. The smiles whenever her phone rang. The way she defended Israel every time his name came up. One evening, he called her into his office. “Sit down.” Esther sat. Her father folded his hands. “Are you still seeing that boy?” Esther knew lying was pointless. “Yes.” His face hardened. “After everything I said?” Esther looked at him. “I love him.” The room went silent. Her father laughed bitterly. “Love?” He stood up. “You think love pays bills?” “Daddy…” “Do you know what poverty does? It kills dreams.” Esther shook her head. “Israel is not poverty. He’s hardworking.” Her father slammed the table. “He’s poor!” That word echoed like thunder. Esther stood up too. “And if he’s poor today, does that mean he’ll be poor forever?” Her father looked at her with anger. “As long as I’m alive, you will never marry him.” That night, Esther cried herself to sleep. Meanwhile, Kelvin’s visits increased. Her father encouraged him. Kelvin was everything he wanted. Rich. Educated. Connected. And ready. One Sunday afternoon, Kelvin came to their house. He brought gifts. Expensive perfumes. Shoes. Jewelry. Esther refused to collect them. Kelvin smiled. “You’re making this hard.” Esther crossed her arms. “Because I don’t love you.” Kelvin stepped closer. “You will.” She laughed. “That’s the problem. You think everything can be bought.” Kelvin’s smile disappeared. “You’ll regret this.” Back in Ilorin, Israel was fighting his own battles. His father’s health worsened. The doctor said surgery was needed. Money they didn’t have. Israel sold his phone. Sold his laptop. Worked day and night. But it still wasn’t enough. One evening, Sandra met him outside the hospital. She was shocked. “You didn’t tell me.” Israel sighed. “There’s nothing to tell.” Sandra handed him an envelope. “What’s this?” “Money.” Israel stepped back. “No.” Sandra pushed it into his hand. “It’s a loan.” Israel looked at her. “Why are you helping me?” Sandra smiled sadly. “Because I care.” He understood what she meant. But his heart belonged elsewhere. He took the money. Not because he wanted to. But because he had no choice. Esther called him that night. He sounded tired. “What’s wrong?” “Nothing.” “Israel.” He sighed. “My dad needs surgery.” Esther’s heart dropped. “How much?” Israel mentioned the amount. Esther was quiet. The next morning, she went to her room and brought out all her savings. Every money she had. She sent it to him. Israel stared at the alert. He called her immediately. “Why?” Esther smiled. “Because your burden is my burden.” Israel cried. Not loudly. But deeply. That surgery saved his father. From that day, Israel knew one thing. He would marry Esther. No matter what. Months passed. School became tougher. Assignments. Exams. Projects. Life moved fast. But their love remained. Stronger. Deeper. One day, Esther’s father found out she sent money to Israel. That was the final straw. He cut her allowance completely. No transport money. No feeding money. Nothing. Her mother tried to help secretly. But it wasn’t enough. Esther suffered. For the first time in her life, she understood what struggle felt like. One night, she called Israel. Crying. “I’m tired.” Israel’s voice was soft. “Hold on.” “I can’t.” “You can.” “No money. No support. Nothing.” Israel became quiet. Then he said, “Remember when you used to feed me?” Esther laughed weakly. “Yes.” “You didn’t stop then.” She wiped her tears. “So?” “So I won’t stop now.” From that moment, Israel doubled his hustle. He sent her money whenever he could. Sometimes small. Sometimes barely enough. But enough to remind her she wasn’t alone. Love was no longer just words. It was sacrifice. Real sacrifice. By final year, Kelvin returned from London. More successful. Richer. And more determined. He went straight to Esther’s father. “Sir, I’m ready to marry Esther.” Her father smiled. Finally. The plan was working. But Esther had no idea. And when she found out... everything exploded. part 5 It was a Saturday evening when Esther found out. She had come home for the weekend, tired from lectures and assignments. As she entered the sitting room, she saw Kelvin sitting comfortably with her father, laughing. Her heart sank. Her mother was there too. Smiling. Esther froze. “What is going on?” Her father stood up. “Kelvin has come to officially ask for your hand in marriage.” The room spun. “What?” Kelvin smiled. “I’m ready now, Esther.” Esther stared at him like he had lost his mind. “Ready for what?” Her father frowned. “For marriage.” Esther laughed. A painful laugh. “You people are joking.” Her father’s face darkened. “This is not a joke.” Esther turned to Kelvin. “I told you I don’t love you.” Kelvin stood. “You will learn.” That sentence angered her. “Love is not a school subject.” Her father shouted. “Enough!” The room fell silent. He stepped closer. “You will marry Kelvin.” Esther shook her head. “No.” That one word was enough to ignite war. Her father slapped her. Hard. The first time in her life. Her mother screamed. Kelvin stepped back. Esther touched her cheek, shocked. Tears filled her eyes. But she didn’t cry. She looked straight at him. “I would rather stay unmarried forever than marry someone I don’t love.” And she walked out. That night, she didn’t sleep at home. She went to her friend Vivian’s hostel. Crying. Broken. She called Israel. When he picked, her voice was shaking. “They want me to marry Kelvin.” Israel sat up immediately. “What?” She told him everything. The slap. The pressure. The threat. Israel clenched his fist. “I’m coming.” “Coming where?” “To Lagos.” The next morning, Israel entered a night bus. No money. No proper food. Just determination. When he arrived in Lagos, he looked tired. But his eyes were clear. He met Esther under the old mango tree inside her campus. The same kind of tree where she used to feed him in secondary school. Funny how life moves in circles. Esther ran into his arms. “I’m scared.” Israel held her tightly. “You won’t lose me.” She looked up. “What if your words are not enough this time?” Israel smiled. “Then I’ll prove them.” That afternoon, Israel did something bold. He went straight to Esther’s father’s office. The security men almost chased him away. But he insisted. Eventually, he was allowed in. Her father looked at him with disgust. “So you’re the boy.” Israel stood tall. “Yes, sir.” Her father laughed. “You have courage.” Israel nodded. “Because I love your daughter.” Her father folded his hands. “Love?” Israel remained calm. “Yes.” “What do you have?” Israel swallowed. “Nothing much.” Her father smirked. “No car?” “No.” “House?” “No.” “Big job?” “No.” Her father leaned back. “Then why should I give my daughter to you?” Israel looked him straight in the eye. “Because I may not have much now, but I have vision, determination, and a heart that will never break her.” The room went silent. Her father stared at him. Then laughed. “Young man, life is not built on sweet words.” Israel nodded. “I know.” “Then prove yourself.” Israel frowned. “How?” Her father spoke slowly. “Graduate. Get a stable job. Stand on your own. If after that Esther still wants you, we’ll talk.” Israel accepted. Not because it was easy. But because it was fair. When he told Esther, she cried. “That’s too long.” Israel smiled. “Good things take time.” From that day, they focused. No distractions. No fights. No giving up. Israel returned to school and pushed harder. Esther did the same. Kelvin didn’t stop trying, but Esther ignored him completely. Two years later, Israel graduated. With first class. The whole school celebrated him. He got a good job in Abuja almost immediately. For the first time in his life... money started entering. Real money. He rented a decent apartment. Bought his parents a better house. Paid off all their debts. And every month, he sent Esther support. Not because she asked. But because he wanted to. One evening, Esther stood in her hostel balcony and looked at her phone. An alert came in. From Israel. She smiled. From the boy who once had no food... to the man now taking care of her. Life was changing. And soon... it would be time for the final test. chapter six Chapter Six Two years later, Esther graduated. She called Israel immediately. “I made it!” Israel was happy. After all the struggles, they had both finished school. By then, Israel had a good job in Abuja and was taking care of his family. A week later, he invited Esther out. During dinner, he brought out a ring. “Esther, you stayed with me when I had nothing. Will you marry me?” Esther smiled through tears. “Yes.” But there was still one last challenge. Her father. Israel went to Esther’s house with his family to ask for her hand in marriage. Her father looked at him and smiled. “You kept your word. You worked hard and proved yourself.” This time, he accepted. A few months later, Esther and Israel got married. At the altar, they remembered everything. The school days. The food Esther used to share. The failed JAMB. The distance. The struggles. And now, love had won. Years later, they built a happy home together with children. Sometimes they visited the old mango tree in Sunrise College where it all started. And every time they did, they smiled. Because true love had carried them through every storm. The End.