THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 27

I slipped the envelope into my pocket and walked back to class, still wondering what could be inside. Money? A letter? A cheque? Well, I’d soon find out.

The empty seat where Lucy used to sit caught my eye. Her absence weighed on me. Where could she be? Still under house arrest? When would she return? Then my gaze drifted to JK’s desk. Memories of the risks I’d taken with my friends flooded my mind. Our so-called victory was nothing but pyrrhic. Lucy, the ultimate prize, was gone. The girl I loved most, and the boy I hated most, both were absent.

I sat down, careful to avoid eye contact with my “CID” mate until the closing bell.

When school finally ended, I headed straight to our meeting point behind the toilet. She wasn’t there. Perfect. I quickly pulled out the envelope and tore it open. It wasn’t money. It wasn’t a cheque. It was a letter.

The name at the bottom made my heart stumble: Lucy.

I checked to make sure no one was around before I started reading.

---

The Letter

Hi KD, I’m so sorry for what happened to you last Friday. I wish I had the chance to apologise in person, but I couldn’t. Please forgive me for what I’m about to tell you.

I will no longer be attending this school. My dad is taking me abroad to continue my education. I know this is hard, but trust me, I’m hurting too. I thought now that we had agreed to date, you would finally show me your love, but it never came to pass.

I wish you the best in your studies, and I hope you’ll find another girl who will cherish you. My mum told me you’d come to our house on Sunday evening, but you didn’t. I had planned to tell you then. Since you didn’t come, I had no choice but to write this letter. I’ll be leaving for Accra this afternoon. I don’t know if I can see you before I go. Goodbye.

---

My heartbeat went wild. My hands shook. Lucy was leaving. Abroad. For good.

Fear pinned me to the ground. My brain froze. But then hope flickered—she said she’d leave this afternoon. Maybe I could catch her before she left.

I shoved the letter back into my pocket, ready to run, but just then my “CID” mate appeared. She looked smug, as if victory were in her hands.

Finally, the kiss.

“I’m leaving,” I told her flatly.

“Hey, you can’t go. You know what happens if you refuse?” she snapped.

I turned on her. “Look, girl, I don’t care what you know or who you’ll tell. Do it fast. I don’t care anymore.”

She reached for my arm. I pushed her off. She landed on the ground and hissed that she’d report me. I didn’t even care.

I ran. I ran without my bag, without thinking, without breath—just running toward Lucy’s house.

A voice inside kept saying it was pointless, but I didn’t stop. I couldn’t.

And then I saw it. That same posh car her mum had driven last Sunday. It slowed, stopped.

Lucy’s voice called me. I ran to the window. She was crying, her face wet with tears, words trapped in her throat.

Her mum leaned out and told me goodbye—they were running late.

The car drove off.

I collapsed in the middle of the street and cried like a baby. I didn’t care about the cars, the stares, the threats from the CID girl, JK, or even MEGA BRAINS. None of it mattered.

All that mattered was the love I had lost. The girl I never truly had.

THE END

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 12

“You never regain lost prestige by going where no one knows you,” my elders warned. I decided to fix my mistake. I had to get my name back. Tonight Lucy would be at choir practice — perfect chance to see her and beg for forgiveness.

I paced until the street lamps came on. I found a pile of blocks by a house and sat. The dusk had that nervous hush where everything seems possible and nothing is easy. I was rehearsing my lines when I saw him — that ugly boy, JK. I knew he went to the same church as Lucy, but I didn’t know he was a chorister. If his singing was any proof, then God had been stingy with talent.

He walked past Lucy’s gate and, minutes later, came out with a girl on his arm. They were close — talking, laughing, even hugging. I was about to move in, to teach JK his lesson, when I saw the girl’s face and froze.

It wasn’t Lucy.

I’d been ready to confront a cheater, but what I’d caught was JK with another girl. The shock made my legs go weak. JK saw me watching and said nothing. The girl seemed about to speak, but JK hustled her away. She’d probably seen me at the gate—either entering or running out. I didn’t wait to find out.

I marched to Lucy’s gate to tell her what I’d seen. I reached for the latch—then someone opened the gate before me.

Lucy stood there, decent and ready for choir practice. Her voice cut me like iced water. “You again? Still watching? Not enough, eh? Want to enjoy the show some more? Shame on you.”

Her words stung. After everything, to be insulted like this — I felt small and foolish. I started to turn away, ready to nurse my wounded pride at home. Then Lucy grabbed my shirt and pulled me back. She hugged me.

The embrace was tighter than the one at the hospital. I was stunned. One minute she pushed me away, the next she was clinging to me. Was I falling for a living contradiction? I told her to stop. I wanted to tell her about what I saw with JK. Would she be angry? Hurt? Betrayed? I didn’t know. I stood there with the story on my tongue, waiting for the right moment.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART11

“You never know whether your friend is a snake or a snake is your friend until one of them bites you.” I didn’t know whose room I’d barged into—until the owner walked in.

Panic switched on autopilot. I dived behind an old, bulky refrigerator just as the door creaked open. A girl entered. A female. Wrapped in a towel. Lucy. She had clearly just finished bathing.

My heart calmed for half a second—at least it wasn’t her father. But my relief didn’t last. Lucy started dancing to the music in her room, carefree, while I crouched sweating bullets behind the fridge like a fugitive.

How long could I hide? What if she saw me? Worse—what if her mother joined her? The heat and nerves worked on me, and before I knew it, I sneezed.

Pandemonium. Lucy screamed. I screamed back. I stumbled out from hiding and she shrieked even louder. In the chaos, her towel slipped to the floor. She froze, naked, trembling in shock.

Before I could even think, someone began banging hard on the door. A man’s voice thundered: “Lucy! What’s happening in there?” He rattled the handle. Thank God she had locked it.

Lucy was speechless, her body shaking, her eyes wide. I begged her silently not to reveal me. She finally answered: “It’s nothing! I just… I saw a big mouse on the bed.”

The man cursed under his breath, muttered insults, and stomped off. Lucy quickly grabbed her towel and wrapped it back around her, but the damage was already done—her fear, my shame, and that split second when I saw what I shouldn’t have.

She turned on me, furious: “What are you doing here? Why are you here? How did you get in?”

I tried to calm her. I explained about the dog, the panic, how I had no choice but to run inside. I thought she might pity me. I thought she might laugh it off. Maybe even hug me. Maybe more.

I was wrong. She shoved me out. She didn’t care about the dog still waiting outside. She didn’t care about the man who nearly caught me. All she cared about was that I had seen her naked.

I entered her room with courage but left carrying pure shame. The embarrassment was so heavy that fear itself couldn’t find space in my heart. I walked past the wild dog without flinching, pushed the gate, and left.

That day I knew my chances of winning Lucy’s heart had shrunk to almost nothing.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 10

“You can’t run and scratch your buttocks at the same time,” people say. I was facing two impossible jobs at once: get JK punished and win Lucy’s heart. Both sounded easy until I actually had to do them. This needed a plan—and other people. I called a meeting for Friday after school. We met, plotted, and decided the order: first, deal with JK; then the three of us (minus Frank) would go to war for Lucy. Whoever won, won.

That Friday evening I decided to visit Lucy at her home. I hadn’t seen her since the hospital and wanted to make an impression—soft voice, steady eyes, all that nonsense. I bathed, brushed, dressed up, and even swiped my mum’s perfume. We lived in the same neighbourhood, so I didn’t need a taxi.

I reached her gate and pushed it open. I’d never actually been inside her house before—only followed directions like a man reading treasure clues. No one seemed around, but I could hear music coming from a room. I walked toward the sound and knocked on the door.

Then a dog started barking. Not a friendly woof—an all-systems GO, teeth-on-standby kind of bark. It ran toward me, full furious speed. My heart thudded into my throat. I had two choices: fight the dog (brandish courage), or run (preserve the one heart I still needed for later). But run where?

I kept knocking, faster now. The dog closed in. In a panic I shoved the gate open and dove into the closest room I could reach. I didn’t care whose room it was or who might be in it; I only cared I wasn’t out in front of that dog. The gate slammed behind me. The dog prowled for a minute, then gave up and stalked away.

I caught my breath and decided it was safe to leave. I reached for the gate—then it swung open.

Who had opened it?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 3

I quickly shoved the letter into my pocket and pushed the toilet gate open. Guess who was standing there? The new guy.

“What are you doing here?” I asked, trying to sound casual.

“I’m here to do exactly what you came here to do,” he said.

Exactly what I came here to do? Did he somehow know about the letter? Did he know I’d just been hiding a love note meant for him? My stomach turned. Should I tell him right now? Or wait until he was done?

I decided to wait outside. I’d tell him everything when he came out. While standing there, my dream girl walked toward me. Jackpot.

I knew she was heading to “answer nature’s call,” so I had to be quick. I called her name politely. Usually, she brushed me off without blinking, but this time she surprised me—she actually agreed to meet me after school. My heart nearly did a backflip.

Just as she entered the washroom, the new guy came out. “You’re still here?” he asked.

“Yeah, I was waiting for you,” I replied.

He smiled, pleased. On our way back to class, he asked, “So what were you doing with Lucy?”

“Nothing important,” I said quickly. He wanted to press, but I shot him my best don’t-push-me look, and he zipped it.

My hand brushed against the letter in my pocket. This was it. Time to give it up. With shaky fingers, I pulled it out and handed it to him.

“Ei, another one? That makes four today,” he said casually.

I froze. Four? So this wasn’t even new to him?

“What do they say?” I asked, pretending not to care.

“They’re all from some anonymous lovers,” he said with a shrug. “But I’m not interested.”

“Crazy boy,” I muttered under my breath.

We entered class, and before long the closing bell rang. My mind wasn’t on lessons anymore. I had one mission left: meet Lucy.

But there was a problem—my boys. We were so inseparable that it was suspicious if I wasn’t with them. How was I supposed to shake them off?

I gathered courage. “You guys go ahead, I’ll join you later,” I said. They raised their brows, but when the leader speaks, nobody questions. They left.

Then I overheard Lucy telling her friend, JK, the same thing. She’d stay behind too. My chest tightened. This was it—the moment I’d dreamt about a thousand times.

The classroom emptied until it was just the two of us. My palms grew sweaty. I couldn’t even look her in the eyes. She turned her head, avoiding mine too.

“So… why did you call me here?” she asked, impatience creeping into her voice.

My throat was dry. No words came out.

“Look, if you’ve got nothing to say, don’t waste my time,” she said sharply.

“Please,” I managed, “just give me five minutes. That’s all I need.”

I was about to pour my heart out when the door creaked open.

The headmaster walked in. “What are you two still doing here?”

Think fast. “I was helping her with a Maths topic she’s struggling with,” I lied, trying to sound convincing.

He studied us for a moment, then stepped outside. Relief washed over me—until he popped his head back in.

“Dwomoh,” he said, “come with me.”

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 2

I didn't want the new guy to see the letter. It could be him, and it could also be me. I decided to find out the writer of this love letter. Luckily for me that day, I was the first student to enter the classroom. The others started trooping in, so I hid the letter in my bag. The new guy joined me on the desk, and we had a good chat that morning. While we were talking, we saw our Maths tutor approaching. Complete silence rained on us. Most of my mates,  including me, didn't like Maths. I don't know if our teacher is the cause or just the subject. When the teacher started teaching, something happened that got us all shocked.
I never knew I was sitting with "Archimedes". The new guy was not only cute but a shark. He answered most of the questions our teacher asked. Surprisingly, he got all of them correct. He also asked intelligent questions. JK could not match him. JK scored eight out of ten in the test we did, but the new guy scored all. I'm sure you are wondering what I got? For the very first time in my life, I got all the answers correct. How do you expect me to even get one answer wrong, while I was sitting with the shark? I took advantage of him and copied all his answers. I became very happy that day. I felt like lifting the new guy with the last strength I had in me. But I didn't. I didn't even show I was happy. I felt I was doing him a favor. Why? I made him sit beside me. I accepted him as my friend. So if he's helping me to excel in my academics, that was not a big deal.

The new guy did not only excel in Maths but he extended his dominance in the other subjects. Soon, JK was forgotten. No one gave him much attention as we used to. All the attention was on the new guy now. Since I was virtually getting the same score as he got, I also got my share of the attention. I found that as an opportunity to win the heart of that pretty girl. Surprisingly, she was not seen so close to JK as she used to. She was either seen alone or with some female friends. I knew that was the right time to strike. I wouldn't waste time. But who wrote that letter? And who was the love letter directed to?

Exactly a week later, I saw another envelope. I went to the classroom with my two paddies, oh sorry, three. The new guy was a member of our group now. We called ourselves, MEGA BRAINS. I was still the leader. I needed to know the content of the letter, but I didn't want my other friends to know about this secret admirer. I decided to hide the letter in my bag again, and find a quiet place to read it. The first break came, I couldn't get the chance. The second break came, I couldn't find any chance. I needed to read it before closing because I couldn't bear the suspense any longer.

I decided to seek permission from our French tutor so that I can go out and read the letter. She wasn't that difficult. So far as you can ask for permission in French, then your permission would be granted. By that time, I had managed to sneak the letter into my back pocket without my paddies knowing. Well, so I thought. I walked to the teacher and rattled my French. Off, I went. I was so eager to know what this secret admirer had written. I went to the toilet, locked the door, took out the letter from my pocket, and started reading.

There wasn't enough light there to help me read. I had to strain my eyes. And the stench was so unbearable. I nearly threw up. I started reading the letter, and as usual, she went on and on telling me how she was dying to be in my arms. I was enjoying every bit of the letter, despite the foul smell I found myself in. I read and read and read until I got to that part. The part that the anonymous writer mentioned a name.

I started sweating. The bad smell was choking me. I couldn't stand it anymore. This letter I had been brooding over it wasn't even supposed to be mine. It was meant for the new guy. Oh, what a complete waste of my precious time. So how do I tell the new guy? How will he receive this? Will he be angry, or happy? Will he continue to trust me, after I had read a love letter which was directed to him? Avalanche of unanswered questions started weighing me.

My thoughts scattered. My heart was already racing when suddenly—BANG! BANG! BANG! Someone was outside, hitting the door so hard the hinges rattled.

“KD, open up!” a voice shouted.

My blood froze.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 1

A very long time ago, when I was in Junior Secondary School, there was a particular girl in my class that every boy wished was his. We did all we could, but we couldn't snatch her away from the tight grip of one boy, whose forehead was so big that it could block the destiny of six generations. Yes, you read that right. We couldn't comprehend why such a beautiful girl would choose such an ugly dude over us. Love can indeed be blind.

We tried our best to convince her to stop seeing this ugly guy, but it felt like convincing a hungry dog to choose honey over bones. It was hard. Very, very hard. At one point, we even thought that this ugly dude had bewitched the girl.

There were three of us friends - EK, MA, and me, KD. We decided to separate the "couple", and then each one of us would try to win the heart of this damsel. Whoever wins, wins. Ewwwwww, you say? This shows how frustrated we were. I was the leader. I was the cutest. I was the smartest. I stood a better chance of winning her love than my other friends, so I never had a problem with that arrangement.

Here's how we planned to separate the two. Oh, I forgot to tell you that this ugly guy, JK, was the most intelligent in our class. He used to teach us during those times when our teachers went on strike. For obvious reasons, I didn't like him, but not his style of teaching. He taught us like a trained teacher, and he controlled the class as if he were the headmaster. He was loved by both boys and girls in my class, except the three of us. There was never a day that you wouldn't find JK and his books together. Most of the time, Lucy, the girl of our dreams, was found next to him in a compromising posture.

One hot afternoon, after we had returned from our second break, the headmaster entered our class with a boy. We thought he was our headmaster's last born. He was well-dressed, with a neatly ironed shirt, polished shoes, and well-combed hair.

You could see on the faces of the girls that they were dying to rest in his arms. He was so cute, perhaps even more than me. Envy was written boldly on the faces of the guys. We just couldn't believe a guy could be this cute.

The headmaster told us he was a new student who would be joining us the following day. After the announcement, he asked me to be the friend of this new guy. I was sitting alone at the desk; my two friends were behind me. So automatically, the new guy had to join me at my desk. I didn't have much of a problem with that arrangement, but my only fear was going to school one day to hear that the new guy had snatched the girl of my dreams away. I prayed hard against it.

The following day, I had a lot of fun with my new friend. You could see from his new uniform and even his skin colour that he came from a rich home. Although my parents weren't poor, the new guy had a lot of things that I didn't have. The very first day he came to sit beside me, he brought me a gift. I thought that was too thoughtful of him, but I asked him to give it to my other friends.

A few days later, I got to school early and found an envelope under my desk. Of course, I opened it. No name, no clue. Inside was a letter—a love letter. I read it carefully, word for word. Still no name.

It was from Miss Nobody to Mr Nobody. The writer confessed she was falling for a boy who sat at that desk.

I looked around the empty classroom, my heart racing.

But the question burned hotter than the afternoon sun: who exactly was she talking about?

The girl I never had Pt 23

The headmaster sat in his big chair with five teachers squeezed into the too-small office. The air felt like a cooking pot; everyone was sweating, JK included. He was soaked through and crying like I’d never seen before. Truthfully, seeing that ugly face tear up made me wince — pitiful, but satisfying after what he’d done to me.

There were no chairs for everyone, so I stood with the senior boys’ prefect. I didn’t enjoy being there. The memory of my last trip to that room rolled across my mind like an old film.

“Are you the senior on duty?” the headmaster asked.

“Yes, sir.”

“You’re in JK’s class. Tell me what you know about the theft.”

I swallowed. “Erm, sir—I didn’t see him take it. I was outside with the juniors and only came back when class started. It was during the lesson that the girl said her purse was missing, and later the purse was found in JK’s bag.”

“Do you think he stole it?” the headmaster pressed.

“Sir—well, I don’t know. People steal when times are hard. He could’ve.” I kept my answer vague. He stared for a beat, then dismissed me.

I stayed just outside the door to listen. From inside I heard the headmaster lash out at JK. I stood there, enjoying the sound a little too much, until a teacher’s voice called my name and I ran back to class.

By the time I got there, everyone crowded around me, hungry for details. I told the story, stretching the part about the caning a bit for effect. My mates vowed to make JK pay. The headmaster then walked into our classroom, flanked by the teacher from earlier and JK himself.

“Stay calm,” he told us. “We must finish our investigation.” He warned us not to jeer or call names—any conclusion would wait until the facts were in. I hated it. Why give JK the benefit of the doubt? If it were anyone else—would he be so patient?

The headmaster told JK to sit. He left the class, and tension broke loose. EK shouted, “How can we sit with a thief?” Support rose around him. JK couldn’t stand the insults; he rose and left, weeping.

“Now!” I hissed at my friends. “Teach him a lesson.” They ran out. I was about to follow when someone grabbed my shirt.

“Leave go,” I snapped.

“If you go out, I’ll let the cat out of the bag,” a girl hissed into my ear.

Her words hit me like ice. Had she seen the purse move? Was she the one who planted it? I sat down hard, fear cold in my gut.

The girl I never had Pt 22

Silence fell like a curtain. Nobody could believe JK had a girl’s purse in his bag. The teacher stared at him, stunned. JK screamed and protested at the top of his lungs, denying it all—but when I remembered the lies he spread about me (and the hospital bed), pity evaporated. He’d pushed me too far. Let him taste the fire I’d been saving.

The teacher grabbed JK’s shorts and marched him off to the headmaster’s office. I watched my partners’ faces. Relief flooded them. I shouldn’t have felt relief. I was still shaking from the morning’s inspection—still trying to work out who had moved the purse from under my desk into JK’s bag. I wanted to ask, but the classroom wasn’t the place, so I kept quiet until the break bell.

At break, I cornered the boys. “Which one of you put the purse in JK’s bag?” I asked.

Frank looked at me straight. “How did you do it?” he asked, voice small with suspicion.

“I didn’t,” I said. MA and EK echoed him emphatically: they hadn’t done it either. I wanted to believe them. If none of us had, then who had planted it?

Before we could untangle that knot, the bell rang and we went back in. JK still hadn’t come back from the headmaster. Word of the theft had spread like oil on water — by the time class resumed, the whole school was buzzing. Most teachers trooped to the headmaster’s office, and our classroom turned into a tribunal with JK as the main topic.

People chose sides fast. Some defended him; others accused. One girl swore she’d seen JK take the purse. The way rumours bloom in a small town is beautiful and dangerous all at once.

Then the senior boys’ prefect pushed into the room. Everyone fell silent. He pointed at me. “KD, come with me,” he said.

Not again, I thought. What now? Had someone named me as an accomplice? Or had whoever moved the purse into JK’s bag been seen?

We walked to the headmaster’s office and knocked. When we went in, JK was on his knees, hands up, eyes raw from crying. The sight hit all the air out of me. This was no longer a trick played in whispers. It had become a public unmasking.

THE GIRL I NEVERHAD, PART 21

When the girl announced her purse — money and all — missing, the whole class erupted. Voices rose, fingers pointed, and everyone suddenly remembered nothing. My friends joined the chorus of shock and denial. I stayed silent, drenched in sweat even though the classroom felt cool.

The teacher stood at the front and studied our faces like he was trying to read a map. Finally, he spoke. “If anyone took the purse, or saw someone take it, speak now. Confess and you’ll face no punishment. If I find out later you lied, the punishment will be severe.”

His words sent ice down my spine. I was trembling. Frank noticed me and tried to calm me with a look. He had no idea. If he’d stood in my shoes for even three seconds, he’d have crumpled. The purse lay hidden under my desk; my hand would not go near it. I’d never felt so trapped.

The search began. Pockets, bags, shoes—everywhere. My mind raced through desperate, stupid plans: slip the purse into my pocket, beg to be excused, drop it outside. No teacher would grant that. Throw it to another desk? I wasn’t Superman. The teacher was getting closer.

My legs felt unmanned. I almost wet myself. The teacher searched Frank thoroughly—nothing. Then he pointed at me. “Stand up.”

I rose, hands up like a criminal. He searched me, then my bag. Nothing. I breathed—briefly. “Not so fast,” he said. “Under your desk, too.”

My heart lurched. This was it. The trap was closing. I had built the trap; now I was about to be eaten by it. I decided to do the only brave thing left: confess.

“Erm, please sir—” I started.

“Stop wasting my time!” he barked.

He checked under my desk. Nothing. I stared at the empty floor, numb. The teacher told me to sit. JK would be the last to be searched.

He took JK’s bag, rifled through it—and then froze. He held up the purse. The class went silent as if someone had pressed pause on the world. How did the purse end up in JK’s bag?

I felt the air leave my lungs.

The girl I never had Pt 20

“You can’t use bare feet to search for thorns you saw in daylight.” I knew going back to Lucy’s house that evening would be risky, so I stayed away. Life’s cheap thrills weren’t worth a coffin. I went to church and prayed—about our plan, about Lucy, and even about that mischievous JK.

Afterwards I swung by Frank’s place to remind him we still had to execute the revenge. The sermon about forgiveness did not change my mind. I was still set on action. Loving Lucy didn’t make me less dangerous; if anything, it made me more determined. As the elders say, if you lie on the floor and beg people to walk over you, some will still say you’re not lying flat enough.

At 7:00 p.m. under the mango tree we—THE MEGA BRAINS—held our meeting. I sat in the leader’s chair while the others stood. We agreed to strike on Monday. If everything went well, JK would at least earn a week’s suspension. We broke, I walked them partway home, and then came back to polish the plan in my head.

Monday came. I was at the gate before it opened—a senior on duty, giving me the perfect view of the playground. EK and MA arrived; Frank showed up as our lookout. Everything had to be surgical.

When class started our target walked in. MA struck first: he made small talk and led her out of the room. EK moved in, grabbed her bag, rifled through it and pulled out her purse. He handed it to me like we were passing a baton. Frank kept watch at the gate.

Half the job was done. The hard part was still ahead: slipping that purse into JK’s bag before the girl discovered it.

IK (it’s JK, not IK—just keeping naming consistent) showed up late—unusual for him—and my chest started to tighten. The teacher began the lesson, and I sat with the purse hidden under my desk. Every minute felt like a drumbeat. What if she noticed? What if she screamed? What if a search started and my palms gave me away?

I kept stealing glances at her. Her face suddenly changed; the colour dropped out of it like someone had punched the air from her lungs. She started to cry. My mouth went dry. The teacher paused and asked what was wrong.

“She said her money’s been stolen,” the girl managed through tears.

The classroom froze.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD PART 25

I was shocked when she suggested it. It felt like being asked to lance a boil between a woman’s thighs without her husband around — dangerous, painful, and downright wrong. A kiss? Behind a toilet? How could I? I told her flatly I wouldn’t do it.

She pouted, spun around, and started walking away. I panicked. With everything she knew about me, letting her slip off like that would be suicide. I grabbed her hand and pulled her back. For a second, my lips wanted to betray me, but I stopped. Sense kicked in. What nonsense was this? Kissing behind a toilet? Was I born for disgrace?

I cleared my throat and told her instead, “Let’s meet in the evening. We can talk… and maybe kiss.”

“Meet you where? I don’t have time, please. What will I tell my parents? That I need permission to go and kiss my classmate?” she shot back.

Her sarcasm nearly killed me with laughter, but I swallowed it and gave her a place and time. She promised she’d show up. We parted ways, though I knew deep down she was dragging me into another trap.

Back in class, my friends had left. I slung my bag over my shoulder and headed home, drowning in questions.

“All because of a girl — Lucy. Is she even worth this headache? Is this love, or lust, or just infatuation wearing church shoes? How do I escape this dirty game without ruining my reputation? Or is it that I don’t even understand love at all?”

The questions circled like mosquitoes around my ears, but no answers came.

By the time I got home, I was drained. I showered, ate, and collapsed on my bed. Sleep came quickly, but guilt came quicker. I remembered the promise I’d made to Lucy’s mum — to find out the guy Lucy was dating. I had even promised to visit her on Sunday. But Sunday came, and I didn’t. I sighed. Maybe instead of sneaking to meet my new “CID partner,” I should go make things right with Lucy’s mum. That thought rocked me to sleep.

When I opened my eyes again, it was 9:35 p.m. My heart sank. I had planned to meet her at 8:00. I was one hour and thirty-five minutes late. Could she still be waiting? I needed to find out.

I slipped into fresh clothes and tiptoed to the living room, but the door was locked. Mum had the keys. Worse, she was in her room. If she wasn’t asleep, my mission was dead on arrival. I searched everywhere like a burglar in my own house, but the keys had vanished. Defeated, I dragged myself back to bed.

The next morning, I overslept again but rushed to school. As a senior on duty, I needed to be there early to supervise the juniors. The first face I saw at the gate nearly froze me: my CID partner. She had been waiting.

The moment her eyes caught mine, her face turned into thunder. Trouble had come. I frowned too, out of defence, and brushed past her.

“Eh KD, didn’t you see me?” she snapped.

“Do I have business with you?” I shot back, pretending I was late for a UN summit.

She tilted her head, smirk sharp as a knife. “Maybe not with me. But you have business with a woman. She’s been here thirty minutes… waiting for you.”

A woman? My heart thudded. Which woman?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 19

I was guided by a quote that evening: “Never go to bed angry. Stay awake and plot your revenge!” And that’s exactly what I planned to do. JK needed to know where power lay. I was furious, but I forced myself to stay calm. I didn’t want a repeat of what happened the last time I let anger lead me into trouble.

By then, my mum had returned from the funeral. She wanted to know how my day went. I was so tempted to confess everything—to pour out the mess I had dropped myself into. But I stopped. She already had her share of problems. Why add mine to her burden? So when she asked, I said, “It was fine.” She looked at me for a long time, clearly not convinced, but I stuck to my lie.

Later in my room, I picked up the envelope that had fallen from JK’s pocket. Curiosity was boiling in me. I tried to open it, but the guilt hit me—what if it was private? It felt wrong. I tossed it beside my pillow and tried to sleep.

At exactly 3:00 a.m., I woke up. My sleep had vanished, stolen by invisible hands. The envelope was still lying there, staring at me like it was daring me to open it. Before I could change my mind, I tore it open.

Inside was a neatly folded white sheet of paper. A sweet perfume oozed out as I unfolded it. A love letter.

But for whom?

I placed it on the bed, stepped out to urinate, then returned and finally sat down to read it. I know you’re dying to see the whole thing, but I’ll spare you the mushy parts. Let me just share the line that burned me the most:

“I knew it wasn’t going to be easy for you, looking at how stubborn KD is. Please, my love, give me some time to deal with KD, after which we can continue enjoying our love. Hey, please stop getting so emotionally attached to my sister. She is not the target, but KD. I have my eyes on you. If you make any wrong move, I will spill the beans. Take care, my sweetheart, and I hope to see you at our usual place. Love you. Bye.”

My head spun. Trouble was looming, and I was right in the middle of it. I had been caged in a dirty conspiracy, and their target was me. But why? What “beans” was she threatening to spill if JK slipped? What was really going on?

At 6:00 a.m., I bathed, ironed my shirt, and polished my shoes. My mum was shocked to see me so ready for church that early. I explained I’d pass by Frank’s place first before heading to church. She gave me money, and I set off.

I got to Frank’s house, but he had been sent on an errand by his mum. With nothing else to do, I continued to church. On the way, I met Lucy’s mum in her posh car. She said she had just returned from Accra and invited me over to her house that evening.

I accepted. Maybe this was my chance to show her the letter. But a chilling thought crossed my mind: what if I told her the truth and she put me under house arrest too?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 24

“Hey — did you put the purse in JK’s bag?” I whispered.

“Meet me after school behind the toilet. We’ll talk,” she whispered back.

Behind the toilet? Of all the places in the school, she couldn’t think of anywhere better? Fine. If she wanted drama, she’d get drama. Her face told me she was up to something; I couldn’t shake the feeling she was playing games.

My friends had been loitering outside. I didn’t know what they were doing — were they beating JK, or doing something else? I tried to slip out to check, but my “CID” mate kept blocking me, insisting I stay put.

While I argued, the boys returned, looking defeated. They explained a teacher had caught them outside and made them kneel as punishment. At once I was glad the CID girl had stopped me — and a little annoyed too.

During second break I called a quick MEGA BRAINS huddle and told them about the girl’s rendezvous behind the toilet. It sounded awkward, but they told me to go and hear her out.

When I left class later I saw JK walking toward the headmaster’s office with his mother. He still looked broken. I sat back down and fretted about Lucy, JK, and, most of all, the CID girl. Who had told on us? Why? Was she playing both sides?

The school bell finally rang and we assembled on the field. The headmaster stepped forward, JK trailing behind him, and spoke briefly. “This morning a student reported her purse missing. A search found it in JK’s bag. He denies it, but since the purse was there, we assume he took it. As it is his first offence, he will be suspended for one week.”

Not sacked. Just suspended. I wanted more. Many students waited to boo, but I had other business. I told the boys to hold back and left for our meeting spot.

The girl was already there, pacing behind the toilet like she owned the place. She hissed at me for being late. I apologised, and then asked the obvious question: why here?

“Because you’re in deep shit,” she said flatly.

Before I could reply, she surprised me. “Now, before we start—kiss me.”

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 18

Even before she could speak, my heart was pounding so hard I could hear it in my ears. I told myself to stay calm, but I knew the fear was written all over my face. She must have noticed.

“Are you okay?” she asked.

“I’m fine,” I lied, forcing a weak smile.

She began to talk, and I sat quietly, listening with rapt attention.

“KD, I know you’re a good boy, that’s why I’m telling you this. But what I’m about to say must stay between us. Have you seen Lucy?” she asked.

“No, ma,” I replied.

“Something happened to her yesterday that—” She stopped. Her phone rang. She excused herself and stepped outside to take the call.

By the time she left the room, my stomach had tied itself into a thousand knots. How could she throw me into such suspense? I was sweating. Did she know about Lucy and me? Was she the one who sent those guys to beat me up? Was this whole thing a trap? The questions kept hammering in my mind.

She came back in.

“Sorry once again,” she said briskly. “I have to rush to Accra, so let me make this quick. I’ve heard Lucy is dating a boy in your class. I want you to find out who he is. I heard she was with him last night in the dark. I sent my boys to bring them both, but the boy ran away when he saw them. I was furious they couldn’t get him, so I’ve put my boys and Lucy under house arrest. Until I find that boy, no one leaves. I trust you, KD. Do this job for me and I’ll reward you handsomely.”

My hands went cold. I looked at her with wide, frightened eyes. It felt like I was sitting with the devil herself. I asked politely to leave.

Before I left, I thanked her and promised to do my best to “find” the boy. She offered me money, but I refused. When I finally stepped out of that house, I let out a deep sigh of relief. I had been to hell and returned without getting burnt.

But even though I’d left the house, the trouble wasn’t over. Lucy’s mum was hunting for the boy dating her daughter—and she didn’t know that the “wanted” boy had just been sitting under her roof.

By the time I reached home, I was exhausted. I wanted to lie down and rest, but barely had I entered my room when someone knocked at the door.

I opened it. And there he was. The one person who never seemed to leave my neck: JK. Of all people, I wasn’t expecting him.

“What are you doing here?” I asked sharply.

“Won’t you let me in?” he said, tilting his head.

“No. Whatever it is you came to say, say it here. And be quick—I have something important to do inside,” I replied.

“Oh really? I knew you were a rascal, but I didn’t know you were also rude to visitors in your house,” he said, smirking.

I could tolerate a lot of things, but not being insulted in my own house. I shoved him back toward the gate. As I was pushing him away, an envelope slipped from his pocket without him noticing.

I picked it up after he’d left, but my anger was too hot for curiosity. I clenched the envelope in my hand, staring at it, not yet ready to open it.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 17

"When you are eating with the devil, you must use a long spoon." How could I leave my meat in the care of a hungry cat? How could I send EK to Lucy’s house while we were all competing for her heart? Lucy had agreed to be mine, but after what happened last night, who knew if she would still stand by that decision?

EK and I finished breakfast, chatted a bit about everything except our “operation revenge” on JK. Honestly, I was beginning to lose interest in that whole plan. My mind was already hijacked by Lucy.

After EK left, her thoughts crept in again. I felt alone. Disturbed. Confused. Every time life gave me a little sweetness, something bitter came along to spoil the taste. Lucy had accepted my proposal, but something didn’t feel right. I sensed danger ahead. How could something so right feel so wrong?

I decided to go to Lucy’s house.

Locking the doors behind me, I set off. My heart started pounding the closer I got. That wild dog was still fresh in my memory. Facing it again wasn’t exactly on my bucket list. When I reached their gate, I muttered a quick prayer. No “Beware of Dog” sign in sight. Careless people. How could they just leave strangers to find out the hard way?

I banged the giant iron gate. My palms were sweating.

“Who’s that?” a man’s voice barked from inside.

My heart froze. That voice… it sounded like the same man who beat me senseless the night before.

Should I answer? Should I run? Should I melt into the ground and disappear?

"The surface of the water is beautiful, but it is not good to sleep on." I decided to retreat. Better to go home alive than end up in another free boxing match. I had barely taken three steps away when the gate creaked open.

I turned—Lucy’s mum stood there.

“Ah, KD, you’re here. Come in.”

What could I do? Refuse? I followed her inside, eyes darting left and right for signs of the wild dog… or that man.

She led me into a big hall and handed me an ice-cold drink. I sipped nervously as she excused herself, leaving me alone. The plasma TV was on, showing one of my favourite movies. For a brief moment, I almost forgot my fear. At least if I died here, I’d die entertained.

When she returned, she apologised for keeping me waiting. I told her it was fine—after all, Tom and Jerry were keeping me company. Then her tone changed.

She leaned in slightly.

“KD, there’s something I need to discuss with you… But first, let me make sure no one else is in the house.”

My stomach tightened. What could this be about? Was it Lucy’s whereabouts? Was it last night’s attack? Or something even darker?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 16

I thought I’d wake up in a hospital bed. Instead, I woke up on the same cold ground where I’d been beaten. My head was pounding. My body ached. My fake Casio read 9:01 p.m. By now, I knew my mum was combing the area for me. The whole neighbourhood was silent except for a few people roaming about.

I got up and started walking home, forcing myself to look normal. My body screamed in pain, but I didn’t want anyone to see me limping.

When I reached our house, the living room light was still on. Mum was wide awake, cane on the table like a trophy waiting for me. My heart started racing again. Another beating tonight would finish me. I peeped through the window — she was lying on the sofa, dozing. This was my chance.

I opened the door quietly and entered, Nicodemus-style. I slipped into my room, changed into pyjamas, then came back to find her snoring softly. I locked the door, hid the cane, woke her and told her to go to bed. No punishment. For the first time that night, I smiled.

---

Saturday. I woke up late, my body still heavy from the night before. I expected Mum to ask questions, but she didn’t. She was already dressed for a funeral and left some money behind. Now the house was mine.

I took a bath, made myself a breakfast fit for a king. Halfway through, the memories hit. The previous night started replaying in my head like a bad movie — the kiss, the blows, Lucy being taken away. My spoon froze in mid-air. Where was she? Was she safe?

A knock at the door snapped me back. Could it be Lucy? That poor girl. My heart raced. The knock came again. I opened the door — it was EK.

I ushered him in and offered him some food. He didn’t hesitate. The way he dug in told me he hadn’t eaten all day.

We chatted as we ate, but my mind was elsewhere. I wanted to tell him what happened last night. I wanted him to check on Lucy for me. But EK liked Lucy too. If I sent him there, would he go to help her… or to take his chance with her?

I was stuck between the devil and the deep blue sea. The girl I loved had been taken by two unknown men. I didn’t even know if they were kidnappers. The only person who could help me find out was also my rival. What should I do?

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 15

“It is only those who are not hungry who complain that the shell of the coconut is hard.” And I was hungry — not for food, but for Lucy’s kiss. I wanted it more than anything. So when someone appeared, I didn’t care. He passed by. Another came out of nowhere and also passed. My patience was thinning. Lucy was practically begging for the kiss, but the traffic of humans was making it a herculean task.

Then she started talking. Her voice was soft, still wrapped in love.

“I never knew this day would come,” she said. “I never thought I’d fall in love so soon. I only dreamed about love — how people fall in and out of it. Until you… until you made it real. I fell in love with you the first day your lips said ‘hi’ and I replied ‘hello.’ But I didn’t want you to see it. I covered it with hatred, thinking it would drive you away. Every time I pushed you off or spoke harshly, I cried alone in my room. I cried because I couldn’t show you my love. I cried because I was too afraid. I cried because I couldn’t give you what you deserved.”

Her words hit me hard. I was lucky — lucky I never gave up on Lucy. Lucky my stubborn persistence had finally broken down her walls.

No one was around now. Just us. I stepped closer. She stood still, gazing at me. I held her shoulders, pulled her in, and kissed her forehead. She closed her eyes. She couldn’t even look at me. Then my lips found hers. A deep, lingering kiss. She melted in my arms. Nothing in this world tasted better than her soft lips.

When I released her, I could feel she wanted more. She’d been starving for this moment as much as I had. And I was ready to obey her hungry lips. I reached for her shoulders again—

—and felt a sharp blow slam into my back.

I spun around, confused. Before I could see the face, a heavy punch crashed into my cheek. My vision exploded. I hit the ground. The world blurred.

Footsteps. A voice. Not JK’s voice.

“Stay away from Lucy,” the man growled. Then, harsher: “Take her away.”

I couldn’t see their faces. My vision was gone, replaced with stars and darkness. I heard Lucy being led away, silent. No scream. No protest. Nothing. Just silence.

A stick slammed into my ribs. Another across my back. My cry for help went unanswered — people nearby heard me but chose to mind their own business. My attacker kept beating me until my body went limp. Then, as the footsteps faded, I slipped into unconsciousness.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 14

 “Don’t wait for the perfect moment. Take the moment and make it perfect.” There could be no better time or place to confess my undying love for Lucy than now.

“Lucy, wait,” I said, stopping her mid-stride. “I have something special to tell you.”

Girls like special things. So was Lucy. Daylight would have made this awkward; evening chatter would have ruined the mood. But the darkness? It was my ally. You could still see if you strained your eyes, but everything else stayed hidden.

She stopped. I moved closer. I almost went down on one knee, but that felt too formal. Instead, I held her left arm gently and began:

“You know what, Lucy? The first day you walked into our classroom, I froze. My mind just… stopped. I couldn’t believe a beautiful girl like you existed in our part of the world. I thought I was dreaming. Your skin—so smooth. Your eyes—so charming. Your shape—so perfect. My heart beats faster every time I see you. I know we’re meant for each other.”

She started to sob softly. My words were working. I pressed on.

“Do you remember that morning when you said ‘good morning’ and I replied ‘good afternoon’? It wasn’t because I didn’t know the time. I was ahead of time—looking for the key to your heart. You’re more precious than gold, diamonds, or silver. Your love has pinned me down. It’s imprisoned me. And I don’t even want to be free. I’m sick with your love, but I don’t want to be healed.”

Now she was crying openly. Her tears soaked my shirt. I didn’t care if anyone walked by. All I cared about was pouring my heart out.

“Why are you telling me this now?” she asked.

“Because your love is an unquenchable fire burning inside me,” I said. “I need your time, your attention, your love to put it out. Be my darling, my best friend. Be mine. Share my joys and my sadness. Will you be my girl?”

“Yes… Yes… Yes, I will, KD,” Lucy whispered.

I was stunned. I’d expected hesitation, a slap, maybe a polite rejection. Not this. She’d agreed to be nobody’s darling but mine. I was thrilled, thankful… and completely lost for words.

“Can I kiss you?” I asked.

“Quickly,” she said. “Before someone appears and spoils the fun.”

Just as I leaned in for my first-ever kiss… someone appeared.

THE GIRL I NEVER HAD, PART 13

“Indecision is like a stepchild: if he does not wash his hands, he’s called dirty; if he does, he’s wasting water.”

How could I love without courage? If I really wanted Lucy, I had to risk it. So I told her. I spilt everything I saw between JK and that girl. Every little detail.

But Lucy didn’t even flinch. She didn’t look shocked. She didn’t even look worried. That puzzled me. I was ready for tears, denial, maybe even an angry slap, but she sighed instead.

Then she confessed to the game.

“The girl you saw with JK is my elder sister. She’s his girlfriend. My mum knows they’re dating. And as long as my sister is dating, she’s expected to protect me from guys who might… harass me. Because we don’t attend the same school, she’s made JK my bodyguard. If he fails in his duty and lets me date anyone, she’ll dump him. So that’s why he’s always around me. He’s not protecting himself. He’s protecting his relationship.”

She even laughed — “from scavengers like you,” she teased.

I was speechless. So JK wasn’t my rival? All this time, I’d been sharpening knives for the wrong goat. My whole revenge plan suddenly felt like a bad comedy skit.

But I had more questions. I asked why she treated me like trash — pushing me out of her room, acting cold whenever I got close. Lucy explained it was to protect her sister’s relationship. She didn’t want her sister and JK breaking up because of her.

That didn’t stop me from wondering, though — what would make a fine girl like her sister fall for an ugly clown like JK? Lucy only smiled and said I should ask her sister myself.

Then came the moment of truth. The crossroads. I had to know where I stood with her. Did Lucy love me? Did she want us to be more than classmates and half-hidden smiles? I was determined. Even if she didn’t say yes, I’d push harder. I couldn’t let invisible forces — or JK’s ugly forehead — keep me from her.

She was late for choir practice, but I wasn’t letting her go until I tried. She agreed I could escort her — on one condition: no one must see us together.

Like seriously? I had no choice. She walked ahead, and I followed. On empty streets, we walked side by side and whispered. When people appeared, we scattered apart like strangers caught in the wrong place at the wrong time.

We reached a quiet stretch. No one around. Just us, the dim sky, and my pounding heart.

I thought, This is it. My chance. My moment. The perfect place to finally propose.