Let the Heart Beat

By Jomi Oyel

Middle school teacher Ebony swears to never fall in love after she receives news that her crush is getting married to someone else. So, when her former high school admirer, Anthony, returns to town for a vacation, she doesn’t expect to fall in love with him. But is it time to let go of her fears and let her heart beat again?

• Language: English
• Publisher: Love Africa Press
• Release date: Nov 21, 2022
• ISBN: 9781005632878

Book preview

First Published in Great Britain in 2022 by

LOVE AFRICA PRESS

103 Reaver House, 12 East Street, Epsom KT17 1HX

www.loveafricapress.com

Text copyright © Jomi Oyel, 2022

All rights reserved.

No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored, or transmitted in any form by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying or otherwise, without the prior permission of the publisher, except in the case of brief quotations embodied in reviews.

The right of Jomi Oyel to be identified as the author of this work has been asserted by them in accordance with the Copyright, Design and Patents Act, 1988

This is a work of fiction. Names, places, events, and incidents are either the products of the author’s imagination or used fictitiously. Any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is purely coincidental.

Blurb

Middle school teacher Ebony swears to never fall in love after she receives news that her crush is getting married to someone else. So, when her former high school admirer, Anthony, returns to town for a vacation, she doesn’t expect to fall in love with him. But is it time to let go of her fears and let her heart beat again? 

Chapter One

When Ebony stepped out of her classroom to help students into the school bus, she had only one thing on her mind. Gabriel. It was three o’clock in the afternoon, although it seemed like evening because of the overcast grey sky. Still, excitement buzzed in her veins because of her upcoming meeting.

After her students had boarded the vehicle, she turned towards her classroom. Then she paused, waiting for the parent already approaching her to introduce himself. He wore a neat, baggy shirt and his spindly stature made him appear old.

Good afternoon. I’m Kemi's grandpa. How is she coping? he asked softly, holding the young girl in question.

Oceans School was one of the best schools in Nigeria. It was a large, three-storey red brick building with a well-grounded, energetic aura. The child had only joined the school this year and had adjusted brilliantly to the schedule and other pupils.

I assure you, she is performing well in class, Ebony replied with a proud smile.

Thank you. It’s nice to see she is getting along with everyone, the man admitted as he grinned at his granddaughter warmly.

Don’t mention it, sir. I was just doing my job, she replied.

Okay then. It's time to leave, the man announced. Kemi, say goodbye to your teacher.

Bye, Miss Fadipe.

Ebony crouched and patted the girl's hair, Bye, Kemi. See you on Monday.

She watched as the duo crossed to the other side of the road. As she glanced at the other children going home with their parents or guardians, Ebony marvelled at how fast kids grew. One minute, they were cute, pudgy babies. Then, before you knew it, they were active, talented teenagers leaving home for college and exploring the world.

She wanted the whole shebang—marriage, kids, even grandchildren. Maryland was a peaceful and serene town in Lagos filled with people who were loyal, lovely, and protective of one another. It was one reason she would love to live the rest of her life right here. Her perfect dream wedding would be local too.

Suddenly unease balled in her gut, and her body stiffened.

Marriage conjured one person in her mind. Gabriel Omoyeni. The man who once held the key to her heart. The man who’d promised her everything only to break her heart. The only person capable of throwing her into a puddle of hormones.

There’d been a time when they were called the happy couple. Now, there was nothing ‘happy’ about their connection.

Still, all that could change. Earlier, he’d called, asking to see her after school. All through her classes, her mind had fluttered away with anxiety.

Ebony’s gaze absently flicked to her wristwatch, her unease melding with anticipation because she would see him in a few minutes. The evening wind tossed her flared blue Ankara gown, exposing her thick thighs as she stepped away from the pavement, heading to the classroom.

When she got to her classroom, Ebony tidied up her bag and left for Gabriel's office after ensuring the space was in good condition. At Gabriel’s door, she patted her jet-black curly poufy hair, hoping no strands stuck out. He loved her natural hair and used to buy her hair accessories. She knocked on the door gently before entering.

Gabriel sat on a swivel chair with the pen tip in his mouth, his gaze focused on the notepad on his desk.

Ebony’s skin warmed. Her insides jangled, and her heart fluttered with affection. She missed seeing him like this.

Knock, knock, She cooed.

He lifted his head, and a small laugh broke out. Ebony. I’ve been waiting for you.

Her lips curled upwards as she closed the door and sat in front of him. I’m so sorry, I’m late. I was attending to a parent.

Oh really? I hope it was nothing serious? He asked.

She pressed a hand to her stomach, wishing he had made a compliment about her gown. He loved Ankara fabrics.

Oh, come on. It was nothing. I know you are the headteacher at this school, and that’s why you care but trust me, it was just a talk.

Okay. You know it’s not just because I am the headmaster. You are…you know, like a friend to me now, and I care. I wouldn’t want any parent telling me they get wahala with you.

Friend? After going on almost eight dates, they were just friends?

She dropped her lashes to hide the hurt. Okay, Gabriel. You called me here. What is it?

He stirred in his chair. I wanted to tell you something.

Despite the clenching of her tummy, she managed to switch on a bulb of excitement. Why else would he call her here? They had broken up, so there was an option that he wanted to talk about the breakup. Warmth spread across her chest. Okay, go on. What do you want to tell me?

Look, I know you might be mad at me for various reasons.

You mean, the breakup?

Gabriel sighed, then nodded. Yes.

Of course, she was mad. They had been together for a year, and she’d thought everything was going well. They went on dates, shopping trips, and he’d even met her family. Then, one day, he’d come to her house, telling her he needed a break. She’d been devastated but hoped he would change his mind. Instead, eight months after the breakup, they avoided each other and only greeted one another when necessary. She didn’t need the entire school staff to think she wasn’t over him.

Before I start, I want you to know I’m sorry about our breakup. I have news, but you should understand that I didn't want to inconvenience you with my life plans, Gabriel began.

Ebony's heart pounded hard when she noticed how serious he looked. Did he want her back? Was he going to plead for the revival of their relationship? What was she even going to say? Of course, she wanted him back. But there was no way she would give him the satisfaction in a hurry.

I have been hiding this for a long time, but believe me. I swear, I wanted to tell you, he continued.

Pretty sure it is something big, she muttered, wishing he would stop the long story and get to it already.

Very big. Gabriel reached into the file cabinet, brought out a flower-patterned white envelope and handed it to her.

What’s this? Did the boss fire me? She questioned, her mind going in another direction. She had heard that the owner of the school was in town. She didn’t want to be dismissed. This work was her only source of income, and her family would be distraught.

No. No. Gabriel looked away hastily. Go through the letter, will you?

This better be good, Gabriel. I don’t—

She opened the envelope and arched a questioning eyebrow in his direction when she realized it was an invitation card. Her heart was thumping madly as she read the words on the card. All sounds in the hallway were blocked, and she could feel herself spinning.

YOU ARE WARMLY

INVITED TO THE

MARRIAGE CELEBRATION OF

MISS ADA LEXINGTON

&

MR GABRIEL OMOYENI.

It seemed a hand closed around her throat. She swallowed with difficulty before finding her voice.