Jaycee had been blaming herself for what had happened between Corrine and her boyfriend. Had she gone too far with her prank? Jaycee couldn’t justify her actions but her pride prevented her from coming clean. Amos, who knew of her agony, tried to convince her that the missing phone strap wasn’t the main cause for the breakup. It was just a lame excuse that Danica had used to leave Corrine. He reasoned that no self-respecting guy could stand the demanding and unreasonable Corrine. Though not totally convinced, Jaycee did feel better knowing that her mischievous trick was not the sole cause for the unfortunate outcome.

“Will you ever dump me using such lame reasons?” Jaycee couldn’t help asking.

“Of course not! I would not leave you no matter what happens,” assured Amos.

“Sure or not? So you won’t ditch me even if I two-time you?” said Jaycee jokingly.

“If you two-time me then it only means that I’ve not been a good boyfriend. I should reflect on my mistakes and become a better boyfriend,” declared Amos.

Not believing what she was hearing, Jaycee pinched her left cheek to make sure that she wasn’t dreaming. She felt the pain but still found it difficult to believe that Amos was so seriously devoted to her. She told herself that she had to treasure him and to remain faithful to him.

It was Jaycee’s day off and she had arranged to meet Amos downtown. She wanted to window-shop at one of the latest malls that had opened recently. They went into a branded boutique famous for its range of genuine leather products. A classy long wallet caught Jaycee’s eyes. It was just the right colour and the right size for her but the four-figure price tag was far from right for her budget. She shrugged, having to accept that she would never be able to afford such luxuries. She then went on to admire the other display. Though Jaycee didn’t say anything, Amos could sense her desire to own the wallet. He couldn’t help feeling helpless in not being able to get her what she craved.

Amos couldn’t stop thinking about the wallet. He wanted very much to buy it for Jaycee but his savings was minimum and it would take too long to save up enough to buy it in time for her birthday in two months time. Just as he was vexed by his inability to raise the money, his mother entered his room. She was there to hand him his poly tuition fee for the coming semester. As he took over the fee which amounted to a few thousand dollars, he knew exactly what he was going to do with the money.

It was Jaycee’s 17^th birthday and she had made herself available to celebrate her special day with Amos, rather than to hang out with her ‘sisters’. Amos had made a reservation at her favourite Italian restaurant and had even placed an order for a specially baked birthday cake. When it was time to hand her her birthday present, Amos asked Jaycee to close her eyes and to use her hands to ‘feel’ the present. Though Jaycee was able to tell what it was almost immediately, she couldn’t believe what she was holding until she opened her eyes.