IMADE AND JAMAL

JAMAL.

"You're leaving?" Imade asks as tears slowly start to stream down from her eyes.

"Don't cry Imade, you'll make me cry." Jamal whispers quietly, placing a hand on her cheek to wipe the tears. "I honestly wish I could stay here, with you like we've always planned but my parents are refusing to listen to me and my hands are tied. I'm so sorry." He tries to explain but Imade wasn't having it.

"We promised to always be there for each other. You know you're my best friend and besides you I have no one else. What am I supposed to do now?" She replies in frustration, still trying to understand why his parents suddenly want him to study abroad even after he has already started schooling in one of the best private universities in Nigeria.

"You'll be fine my little boo boo, you're a big girl now. Let me make you a promise, I'll make sure to call you and text you almost everyday if not everyday so you don't miss me too much, okay? I won't ever forget you as long as you never forget me too. You promise?" Jamal tells her and he could feel her relaxing a bit more. He knew it would take a while for her to get used to not seeing him everyday, coming over to his place, sleeping over and everything they'd do as their daily routine and he couldn't deny he'd miss her terribly.

Himself and Imade had always been inseparable and even if he was trying so hard not to break down in tears for her sake, his heart broke. He was leaving his best friend, sister, companion and the person that understood him the most. No one could ever replace her.

selfish but she couldn't help it. Jamal was her life, her best friend and her love and he was leaving before she even got a chance to

back?"

questions to stop her heart from exploding. It still hurt that he was leaving but at least now she

me good morning and tell me you're safe and you're happy and most importantly, don't let any oyinbo girl take my place. You promise?" She asks, with a childish pout and Jamal

baby girl and you should do the same o.

never forget that." He adds, planting a quick kiss on her

her life depended on it but he didn't mind as he inhaled her flowery scent,

Two years later...

Imade yelled in frustration. He hadn't called or texted her in over a month. She tried calling him several times but he

promise. He called, texted, video called and even sent emails. He was determined to make sure she didn't feel his absence and although it wasn't the same, she still appreciated his effort and was happy he still

knew her Jamal would never leave her hanging for