"I should get some sleep; I have to be up early tomorrow," Samuel said, glancing between the two women.
"Alright, good," they both replied in unison.
He retreated to his room, leaving Stephanie and Victoria in the living room. Their voices softened as the night wore on, laughter mixing with long silences that only close friends could share. They caught up on lost time, speaking of little things and big feelings until the city outside grew quiet.
By morning, the blinds glowed with filtered sunlight, golden rays spilling across the apartment. The faint hum of the ceiling fan blended with the smell of sizzling eggs and warm spices drifting from the kitchen.
Samuel emerged from his room already dressed for work, shirt crisp, cufflinks in place.
Stephanie stood over the stove, humming softly as she stirred. Victoria leaned against the counter, her eyes roaming over the sleek kitchen gadgets with an amused curiosity.
"Good morning, ladies," Samuel greeted, his voice warm but carrying the weight of the early hour.
Both women jumped slightly, caught off guard.
"Morning," Stephanie replied quickly, cheeks pink from more than just the stove's heat.
"Hope you both slept well?" he asked, adjusting his cufflinks as he stepped closer.
"We did," Victoria said smoothly, a faint smile tugging at her lips.
"I have some early prepping to do at the restaurant," Samuel said. "Steph, do you need anything before I go? Now that Victoria's here, you might want to step out for a bit."
Stephanie shook her head. "I'm fine. I'm making breakfast. Won't you eat before you go?" She tried to keep it casual. "I know you're a chef and I'm no competition, but my food isn't that bad."
His lips curved into a small smile. "I'll have some when I get back this evening," he said, checking his watch.
Then, almost as if deciding on the spot, he reached into his wallet and pulled out a sleek bank card. "Take this, just in case."
Stephanie's eyes widened. "No… I can't—"
"Go and get some clothes for yourself," Samuel said, pressing it gently into her hand. "Since Victoria's here, you can go together."
She stared at the card, torn between gratitude and disbelief. "You've done more than enough for me."
"I know," he replied simply. "But I'm doing this because I want to."
Victoria, watching quietly from the counter, raised an eyebrow but said nothing.
"Thank you," Stephanie whispered.
Samuel gave her a short nod before turning to Victoria. "Please look after her."
"I will," Victoria replied.
The door clicked shut behind him, leaving Stephanie frozen in place, the card still in her hand. Her fingers trembled—not with fear, but from the weight of kindness she hadn't expected.
Victoria tilted her head. "He's really doing all this for you?"
Stephanie nodded slowly, brushing hair behind her ear. "Yeah… he's been kind. Too kind. I'm starting to feel guilty—like I don't deserve it."
"You don't have to feel bad," Victoria said gently. "Some people help because they care. No strings attached."
Stephanie exhaled, placing the card on the counter before turning back to the frying pan. "He said I should get some clothes. Let's eat first, then we'll go."
"Let's go to Balogun Market in my area," Victoria suggested. "This neighborhood looks too expensive for shopping."
---
Balogun Market was alive and chaotic, a beast that never slept.
Vendors shouted prices from every direction, their voices blending with the blare of horns and the shuffle of countless feet. The air was thick with the scent of roasted corn, frying akara, and dust kicked up by the crowd.
"Are you sure we won't get lost?" Stephanie asked, shielding her eyes from the midday sun.
Victoria laughed. "Relax. This is Balogun, not a jungle. Just hold your purse tight and follow me."
They weaved through narrow paths between stalls, pausing to admire a glittering necklace here, a pair of shoes there. Rolls of Ankara fabric hung like walls of color—scarlet, emerald, gold—while shop owners waved them in with promises of "best price, my sister!"
At one stall, Stephanie's fingers brushed over a flowing red gown that shimmered in the light. "How much is this?"
"Twelve thousand," the seller said, eyes sharp. Then, softening her tone: "But for your fine face, I'll do nine-five."
Victoria gave a half-smile. "We'll buy two if you sell them for seven each. Cash."
The woman gasped in mock offense, then grinned. "Only because I like una!"
By the time the sun was high overhead, their bags were full—clothes, shoes, and a few small accessories. Samuel's card still had over a hundred thousand naira left, but they'd spent carefully, as if the money were their own.
---
By late afternoon, they arrived at Victoria's apartment. Stephanie kicked off her shoes and collapsed into a chair, groaning. "I don't think I've walked that much in my life."
Victoria chuckled. "That's Balogun—cheap prices, paid for in sweat."
Stephanie laughed, shaking her head. "The crowd, the shouting… and that guy trying to sell me baby socks ten times!"
"Don't forget the woman who tried to put makeup on you without asking."
They shared a laugh before Victoria disappeared into the kitchen, returning with a chilled bottle of water. Stephanie took it gratefully, the coolness soothing her parched throat.
After unpacking and trying on their new clothes, Stephanie sank into silence, the earlier joy slipping into thoughtfulness.
"Steph," Victoria began carefully, "you have to think about this pregnancy. I don't think you should keep it. You're young, and having a baby now—especially from that… good-for-nothing guy—it's not ideal."
Stephanie's heart tightened. Her fears sounded sharper coming from Victoria's lips.
"Vic… I'm confused," she whispered. "I don't want to go through with an abortion, but I'm scared."
"I'm not telling you what to do," Victoria said, kneeling beside her. "It's your choice. But think about your future… and Samuel. What happens if your parents find out you're staying with him?"
"He didn't do anything wrong," Stephanie said quickly. "He's just helping me."
"I believe you," Victoria said softly. "But will your parents? Or will they assume the worst?"
Stephanie stood, her voice firm. "Stop talking about him like that. He's the only one who's been there for me."
"I'm sorry," Victoria murmured. "I'm just worried. But you need to decide soon. Things can change fast."
The room fell into a thick silence. Outside, distant horns and street chatter drifted through the window. Inside, Stephanie stood at an unseen fork in the road—each path carrying a cost she wasn't ready to face.