He makes midnight calls just to hear her voice, since fate demarcated them temporarily at some kilometers away he would call, and whisper how much he still love her and how hard he is still trying to raise money to launch his book. The last time I heard his conversation with her, he was talking about lecturing as a teacher in a private school at Obiaruku, just the next town not too far from our village Obinomba.
Ify on her side, came from a rich family background and she happens to be an Igbo girl from Anambra State. The way Prieto sounds whenever he talks with her on the phone, shows Prieto has never actually loved no other girl, the way he loved her because as I feel an got emotional intimacy he had with her, while from a long distance anyway.
He used to say; You are my first true love, it's you my heart belong: Before hanging up the phone. Then I knew, he had spent some couple of stale years with her even in younger days. He only calls her but her own chances of calling is remote because Prieto just lost his personal phone. So he makes his calls at the pay phone stand. For the moment that traps him behind bars in the village, Jessica was on board. She’s not as beautiful as Ify, as Prieto used to portray her in description and virtue. Plus, he complained about not bringing some of his photographs, he said, she studies at Obafemi Awolowo University, studying economics. Going to 400 level.  Prieto told me. He travel from Ogun State to see her, in benin. Since the time she schooled in Igbinedion University, before changing course to O.A.U. when he was still at Ogun State University, studying computer science. nothing good they say comes easy.
But I think his relationship with Blessing came natural, but blessing's mother dimed it, as coming to take advantage on her. When she noticed her daughter was passively in love with Prieto, she feels like having no edge, so at every instance she frustrated Prieto’s effort against seeing her. As an obedient girl, she listened to her mum in trying to stay away from him, because the pressure mounting on her mother by her father, was over bearing. As a stubborn boy, Prieto never cease coming to see her, making more call when he feels the need to speak with her.
From his story, its already a distance relationship. Through our conversation, I learnt that loved will always dare you; Prieto still calls, and the taught about her fades away Jessica, away from the canvas of his mind. “Jessica”  is just an about book of chapter to be opened, after meeting at the ceremony. After the ceremony, everyone went their way. The occasion was organized by Prieto’s uncle, his mother’s junior brother, Prieto stayed to help pack the chairs and later went home. On his way home, while passing through the village square, he saw Jessica. He moved close to her, for they both exchanged greeting at the occasion.
Prieto complimented her as a beauty, and good looking. She resisted like every other village girls will do. Jessica said; thank you pretentiously, as she walk by. Prieto’s smooth talking in a soothing manner, most especially when conversing using english language with people. Hello, with a little touch of tenderness, Prieto said to her again; followed by, my name is Prieto and she raised up those eye brows with a smile, partially and she mockingly signifying that he’s most welcome. He ask of her name, then she said Jessica, as he intends having a handshake with her, she resisted again by saying; were you not at the occasion? Didn’t you see me with my fiancée? I was a little bit embarrassed by her response myself, in person. When it comes to this kind of convos, one thing I think to be cultivated is tolerance, Prieto answered her saying; how the hell was I to know who your fiancée was over there, beside I just want to know you as a friend that’s all. Am Prieto but call me Amaechi.
I like You Jessica, Prieto said. As she reluctantly give a handshake away, as if not impress by Prieto. Game sure do recognize game, Prieto knew inside of him, that had it been their introduction was at the city, and not a setting like a village, she would have acted freely, to converse in a pleasurable way, with such a seducer like him, appreciatively deep down inside of his imagination, I found Prieto day dreaming about Jessica’s surprise to meet someone like him, in Obinomba village.
Everyone knew that the air around Prieto was quiet different. His mode of dressing, talking and carriage was quite obvious, that he has grace to his elbow. One of a kind. And even though he notice more young good looking girls in the village. He’s not the type that goes about chasing them like a desperate dog on heat. To snatch the thread from the needle, there is an high rate of promiscuity among this lady. I mean bunch of these youth here, when you sit and listened to them conversate in their dialet. They act and talk carelessly, exposes their body parts, not publicly anyway, but to boys or men that  want or show interest in them trying to get their attention.
I bet even your pussy cat will be perplexed; if at all you have one. That’s a joke anyway! One Sunday, at the Christ Apostolic Church, Prieto met again with Jessica. She came late, but this time around in a responsible manner like a patient, responding to the treatment of love game therapy, given by Prieto. Anyway, if that is the case she’s such an insecure patient, that can’t really explain how or demonstrate her affinity accordingly towards Prieto. She came to sit at Prieto’s back trying to signify her presence in an ill manner.