Good morning, fam!🖤

I trust that this meets you well?🥺💞 I missed you guys though.♥️ Well, let's get to our update for the week. I am not sure if I will be able to update another chapter this week but never say never, right?🌚

The song for this chapter is- Shadow Of Mine by Alec Benjamin.

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"𝐼𝑛𝑛𝑜𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡? 𝑝𝑓𝑓𝑓𝑓!
𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑟𝑦𝑜𝑛𝑒 𝑖𝑠 𝑔𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑡𝑦
𝑜𝑓 𝑠𝑜𝑚𝑒𝑡ℎ𝑖𝑛𝑔.

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           ~𝚂𝙷𝙰𝙺𝙸𝚁𝙰 𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙸𝙾𝙻𝙰 𝙼𝙰𝙻𝙸𝙺~

"Do you need me to get you anything?" The soft, convincing tone of Mama Heather did nothing other than rile me up, a little more than I was. I shook my head, unable to come up with an answer, fisting the sheets in my hands with my head buried in the pillow as I tried to muffle my sobs. I heard her exhale, an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air.

"How about a bath?" She asked, again.

"I don't want anything! Just get out!" I yelled at her, lifting my face off the pillow to meet her worried gaze. I hissed through clenched teeth, pulling the covers over my head and sniffing lightly. I just wanted her out of my space. I didn't want to do anything. I didn't want to talk to anyone.

"Maybe you should just stay indoors and not go to school," She urged, leaving me puzzled as to how she was still able to maintain her calmness with me. My head shot up from where I lay, the heated glare on my face clashing with her dark brown eyes that had worry engraved in them. 

Was she kidding me right now?

Stay home?

Really?

"I can deal with the pain, just go." I croaked and she nodded her head, walked over to where I lay and she dropped a soft kiss on my forehead before sauntering out of the room. I exhaled, turning to my side, so I could find a comfortable position for the cramps that wanted to consume me. But it was as if the more I tried to move, the more the throbbing ache in my abdomen intensified. I could barely feel my back and my legs.

They were hurting like a bitch!

It seemed unending and it had me convinced that there was some sort of devil that was controlling this thing and seeing as I was not the nicest person on earth, it was taking it out on me. It made me feel like I wanted to die and the throbbing ache that hammered at the sides of my head only amplified the whole thing. I groaned, kicking my legs in the air, light sobs leaving my lips.

I just wanted to crawl into a hole.

But then, I had just two shitty options. I could decide to skip school and stay indoors, but that meant having to endure the presence of the devil incarnate in this house, or I could go to school with these terrible cramps. None of them was a good option! I knew the option I was going to go for because I would rather shave myself bald than stay indoors. I rolled over to the other side, picking up my phone to check the time. It was just past six. I sucked my teeth and garnered the little strength I had left in me, getting up from my bed.

I practically staggered into the bathroom to take my bath. I was done in no time and I went into my closet to get dressed. I smoothed my hands over the crease on my skirt, looking up only to have my eyes anchored on a familiar black cardigan that was hung neatly in one of the compartments that housed my clothes. I strode forward, taking it out and shrugging it off the hanger. 

I didn't get a chance to return it after he gave it to me the other day. I brought the woolly material to my nose, his addictive scent wafting into my nostrils, rendering a wave of comfort to wash over me.

You didn't get a chance or you didn't want to return it?

Ehn, it's the same thing! Not like he minded me holding possession of one of the numerous sweaters he owned. He probably wouldn't notice that it was gone. I shrugged my shoulders and wore the black material over my uniform, then I walked out of the closet, heading out to my dresser. I tugged off the hair bonnet on my head, working my fingers through my braids that seemed to have tangled into knots. I applied some hair serum onto my scalp and some mousse to retain its brightness. I dabbed a little gloss on my dry lips for moisture.

I took one wry glance at myself in the mirror before moving over to the couch in my room and picking up my school bag. I took my phone and left my room, shutting the door behind me. All my prayers not to run into her were completely washed down the drain when I descended the staircase and heard her strident voice echoing throughout the halls of the living room.

"I don't give a damn! Get the fucking job done!" She bellowed and I flinched, my heart lurching to my throat at the sound of her voice. I wasn't the one she was conversing with but I could feel the weight of every word she uttered. It made me wonder about the kind of fear she has managed to spark up in her victim. I stopped short, retrieving my earbuds from my bag. I tucked them in my ears and played the song that had been on repeat on my phone.

I took in some air and resumed trailing down the stairs. And there she was by the dining table, tapping her red manicured fingers on the surface of the glass table that was filled to the brim with numerous foods for breakfast. She had a calculative look on her face and I could tell by the incessant tapping of her fingers on the table, alongside the cold and detached look that took residence on her perfectly made-up face that she was very pissed.

The thought of skipping breakfast seemed like the ideal thing to do but I knew it was akin to a suicidal thought because I was on my period and I couldn't afford another slump episode at school. So, I decided to at least take some coffee. The food suddenly seemed like the most interesting thing in the world as I approached the table, not sparing a glance in her direction.

She was the world's biggest clown if she thinks I am going to say anything to her after the crazy ass stunt she pulled on me the other day. I couldn't even look at her without remembering those words that have haunted me since then. I dropped my phone on the table and began preparing a cup of coffee for myself, feeling her heated gaze on me.

I picked up my mug and my eyes darted over to her. I arched my brow at her, seeing how she had her eyes narrowed at me. She looked displeased at the fact that I had earbuds in my ears. But I didn't give a fuck, she could go to hell, where she came from by the way. I was about to take a sip from my coffee when she got up from her seat and yanked one of my earbuds out of my ears.

"What?!" I barked at her.

"Where are your manners?" She queried, cocking her brows at me and a mirthless chuckle escaped my lips. Was she kidding or was she just trying to be funny?

"Oh, I exchanged them for some bottles of pills and a few injections." I sneered at her, picking up my phone from the table. She scoffed, biting her lip. The sight of her only aggravated me more than I was.

"You won't speak to me like that!"

"Drink the fucking coffee yourself and go back to hell where you came from!" I snapped at her and snatched my earbud from her, storming out of her presence. I marched over to where David had the car parked, tugged the door open and got in. I slammed the door shut, throwing my bag beside me.

"Are you okay?" David asked the minute I got into the car. I looked up from my shaky hands and swung my head in his direction. I watched him gulp through the rearview mirror, earning a scoff from me.

"Get me out of this place," I ordered him, leaning into the leather seat with my eyes closed. I was digging my nails into the skin of my wrists, using it as an anchor to keep myself calm and trying to prevent myself from breaking down. I bit down on my lips, a shaky breath leaving my lips. The throbbing ache in my abdomen grew worse with each passing second and my hands wouldn't stop shaking. I felt a warm liquid drop on my lips. I groaned softly, bringing my hands to my face to wipe my tears.

I sat up, tugging at the sleeve of the cardigan I was wearing with my eyes fixed ahead, staring into nothingness. I exhaled, picking up my phone to keep myself busy with it but I could barely concentrate because of the pain gnawing at my stomach. 

"We are here," David's voice drove me out of my thoughts and I turned to him, sending him a death glare but he just stared back at me completely unfazed. I rolled my eyes and got out of the car, shutting the door with a bang, and then I made my way into the building. The hallway that buzzed with so much liveliness grew eerily quiet the moment I set foot in it.

Of course, what was I expecting? That somehow, throughout the midterm break and the past few days since we have resumed, the fight between Chizaram and me would suddenly be wiped from their memory by Aliens? Fuck no. Their curious eyes bore holes into my body as I pranced forward with my eyes set dead on them. The judgy looks they cast at me, their snickers and whispers only amplified the way my stomach churned, my skin crawling with irritation.

It just made the whole thing so nerve-wracking!

They disgusted me to the core with this particular attitude. Like for once in their miserable lives, they should just fucking try to mind their damn business! I halted in my steps and palmed my face in frustration.

"For the love of God, y'all have something to say to my face, then fucking say it and not stare at me like I dropped from the sky or something!" I said through clenched teeth, arching a challenging brow at them and I watched a few of them roll their eyes, mumbling profanities under their breath, then went back to their business.

"I thought so," I sneered and started approaching the staircase.

"Kira, hon!" The overly familiar voice screeched and a groan escaped my lips, my fists clenching in annoyance.

Oh, you have got to be kidding me!

God, Moi-Moi, please, not now.

I increased my pace and resumed walking like I didn't hear her call me in the first place but she was faster, she caught up with me in no time and skipped to my front with a full-blown smile on her overly glossed lips. As usual, her braids were left unpacked and her brown eyes sparkled with so much excitement. They glowed so brightly under the bulbs that illuminated the hallway. It had me furrowing my brows for a moment, wondering what was so amusing to her.

"Get to the point!" I bit out harshly but the sharpness in my tone did nothing to scare her off. Was this babe possessed? I glared at her, folding my arms around my chest. I felt that sharp pain in my tummy again and I clamped my teeth on my lips, wrapping my arms around myself.

"You look pale, are you okay?" She asked concern etched on her face, eliciting a snort from me. I didn't respond to the question she asked me, I just stared at her, waiting for her to state the reason she accosted me. I was trying so hard to hold back the words that were hanging on the tip of my tongue because I was struggling to be considerate and not take out the aggression of this cramps on her.

She didn't seem to mind that I didn't answer her question.

"How are you holding up?" She asked, still beaming at me. Now, that question ticked me off and I could tell that she saw it, judging by the soft flicker of emotion that flashed through her brown orbs.

"Holding up about what?" I queried in a bored tone, tilting my head to the side. And right there, I saw a look of pity creep up on her face. It was as though the control I was holding onto was yanked away from me. My face contorted in a deep frown that had her shifting backwards.

"Don't do that," My tone came out so dead.

"Do what?"

"You know what I am talking about, Maureen!" I growled at her and she flinched, blinking softly.

"Don't fucking look at me like I am Blue Cove's most hated human! Like I am an object of pity! Like I am a fragile little thing that's going to break into a thousand pieces! It irks me!" I yelled and her face fell.

"I'd never do that to you, Kira." She said softly, riling me up even more. Was this girl nuts or was she hard of hearing? Can't she fucking see how her presence aggravates me? Can't she take a fucking hint and realise it when her presence is not wanted!

Jesus Christ!

"Girl, what do you even want from me?" I asked, squinting my eyes at the dark-skinned girl.

"I just wanted you to know that I am here for you if you need a friend." She answered with subtlety coating her tone and I scoffed at how pathetic she sounded and the ridiculous smile she had plastered on her face.

"And I look like I am in dire need of a friend, shey?" I asked, ambling forward until I was stopped right in front of her, unable to hide the disgust that simmered through my veins at the sight of this wannabe bitch! She was so pathetic and it was even more pathetic that she couldn't see it.

"No, I am just__"

"Maureen, let this be the last time you will approach me and spew bull crap to my face." I cut her off from speaking, my voice coming out in a monotone and then she blinked and I could have sworn I saw something flash in her eyes.

Something along the line of…frustration?

But just as quick as it came, it was gone, replaced by a much softer emotion in them.

Who was Maureen Isadora Daye, really?

"Kira," She called and reached out to take a hold of my hand but the questioning glare she got in return had her retreating. 

That's what I thought.

I rolled my eyes at her and sauntered off to class.

                                       •••••

       ~𝙲𝙷𝙸𝚉𝙰𝚁𝙰𝙼 𝙰𝚂𝙷𝙻𝙴𝚈 𝙹𝙾𝙷𝙽𝚂𝙾𝙽𝚂~

"Chi'm,"

"Chi'm,"

"Chi'm,"

"Baby, listen to me__" Jeremy raced after me on the staircase but I didn't stop to listen to what he was saying. Instead, I increased my pace, desperate to get out of sight before he catches up with me. I wasn't having this conversation with him.

Never.

He was like a dog with a bone and he was faster than me. He caught up with me in no time, grabbing me by the waist. I shrieked, trying to wiggle my way out of his grip but he was stronger and wouldn't let me go. I stopped struggling and exhaled.

"Chi__"

"Don't Chi'm me! Am I a chimney? O Gini?!" I snapped at him, and when he finally let me go, I turned to him, glaring at him. He was starting to frustrate me with how incessant he was. The boy was as stubborn as a mule and wouldn't take no for an answer.

"Babe, how long are you going to keep avoiding her?" He arched his brow at me and didn't seem to acknowledge the fact that he was beginning to infuriate me. I frowned, folding my arms around my chest.

"She needs you. She needs her best friend. Just talk to her, at least." He crooned in an attempt to get me to see things his way but it wasn't even working because if looks could kill, he will probably be six feet beneath the ground by now.

"And I said I don't want to talk to her!" I shunned him.

"Not now, at least. I will talk to her whenever I want to and there's nothing you or her or anyone will do about it." I responded stubbornly. He sighed, his shoulders slumping in defeat and he pinched the bridge of his nose.

"That's one problem I have with you. You don't listen, babe. I am not asking you to reconcile with her. Not now, at least. You can do that at your own pace. Just talk to her. That's all I am suggesting, babe…for clarity." He countered and I yawned boredly. An action that seemed to set him off.

He tucked one of his hands in his pocket, brushing the other one through his afro. Talking was something he finds difficult to do and it gets him so irritated when he has to repeat a particular thing so many times. He massaged the nape of his neck and puffed out some air through his mouth, then he held my gaze.

"You won't listen. You just won't. I don't understand why I tried talking with you in the first place." He stated matter-of-factly and the expression on my face morphed into a frown, one of my brows tugged up defensively.

Was he being serious right now?

"What's that supposed to mean? I am suddenly the bad guy now?" I squinted my eyes at his tall frame, filled with the need for him to expatiate what he meant by that. 

"Babe, I didn't say that. I am just trying to__"

"No, no, no, no. Ini, don't patronise me. Push comes to shove and I am suddenly the one overreacting. You are going to fight with me because of her? Wow!" I chuckled humorlessly and took a step backwards.

"Jesus, Ashley!" He cried out, throwing his hands up in the air. He sounded so frustrated.

"You might as well date her then!!" I shouted at him and that threw him off balance. He veered backwards in shock, his eyes almost bulging out of their sockets. He stared back at me, utterly frozen like he didn't believe I just said that to his face. He chuckled, disbelief evident in his tone. Then, he chuckled again, meeting my gaze and staring at me as though he didn't recognise the girl that was standing in front of him.

But, I wasn't even done.

"You don't know how much it hurts that she thinks I am doing too much when I was only trying to help! You weren't there to see the look in her eyes when she yelled at me to leave her be, so don't you fucking stand there and try to play the devil's advocate!" I hauled the words at him sharply.

I went on.

"This is not the first or the second that she will be going through a rough patch and I'll be her first object of aggression. Now that I won't have that anymore, I am suddenly a bad person. I can't keep going back and with someone that's not making efforts to change or make things work! She promises to change and still makes the same mistake again!"

"Bruh, I am fucking done!" I wheezed, my eyes growing blurry with each breath I took. I stared back at the brown-skinned boy whose expression was nowhere near readable. He squeezed his eyes shut and raked his fingers through his hair before opening his eyes slowly, then he nodded afterwards.

"Understood," He answered curtly.

"I am just saying__" I tried to speak but he cut me off, calmly.

"You don't have to say anything, babe. Just do whatever it is you think is best for you and just so you know, I am always on your side and I respect and support whatever decision you make. We will talk when you are calmer than this." He said and approached me, taking me in his arms and then, he pressed a soft kiss on my forehead.

"I love you." He whispered and let me go, spinning on his heels and heading back to his class. The tears that had been brimming in my eyes finally dropped when I exhaled.

What was I supposed to do then?

I was at a loss for options.

Maybe we rushed into this. Maybe we are not just fit to be friends. Maybe her burdens and baggage are just hers alone to bear. Maybe…she's just too broken to be fixed.

                                        •••••

      ~𝚂𝚃𝙴𝙵𝙰𝙽 𝙱𝙸𝙱𝙸𝚃𝙰𝚈𝙾 𝙾𝙻𝚄𝚈𝙸𝙳𝙴~

All I wanted to do was stay away from my class for the rest of the day and go home but the picture of me walking in on my mom at home with her asking me why I was home early didn't come out so well. The thought of it made me shudder softly, tucking my hands into the pocket of my trousers. That woman was very good at being unpredictable. 

Sure, it was tempting to go home and even though I saw her leave for work this morning, it wouldn't come as a shocker if I got home and met her there. I was so tired. Someone could literally hold ten fingers in my face and I wouldn't see up to five, that was how blurry my vision had become.

You just had to finish that series yesternight, now, look at you.

Yeah, well, on the bright side, I got to finish it and I can start another one.

"STEFAN!"

The familiar voice that was thick with vibrance and excitement called out to me and I fought the urge to roll my eyes. Oh, God. Allan, not now. I'd rather be around Abasi than him right now because, to some extent, I could still tolerate Abasi's madness. I wanted to wing it and act as though I didn't hear him call me but who was I kidding?

"You heard me," He said in a sing-song voice and I chuckled, turning around to face him. The light-skinned boy was grinning from ear to ear. He had his blazer draped around his shoulders and white earbuds stuck in his ears but he couldn't be listening to music and talking to me at the same time, right? It was either that or the music was oozing out at a really low volume. 

It felt as though I was staring at Abasi because the duo exuded nearly the same vibe. They were both so involved, vibrant and let's not forget the life of the party.

"Hey, man." I smiled warmly at him and we exchanged bro handshakes, then I saw him squint his eyes at me.

"Are you okay? You look worn out…" He paused, taking me in again and I stifled a yawn.

"I am okay. I am just tired. I will be alright once I get some sleep. It's just our school being its wonderful self." The sarcasm dripping from my words was indescribable.

"I know, bruh. I know. Coach wants you to come to see her. I was on my way to your class but I am glad I don't have to go through that stress to go get you. And judging by how exhausted you look, I'd say you should bench it and go get some rest in class. For real, you look like a Zombie." He had this teasing look in his eyes and I fought back a grin.

"I thought that was Jeremy's thing," I mumbled and heard him snicker.

"Alright, bruh. Say hi to Moyo and Idris for me." I told the light-skinned boy and he nodded. He patted me lightly on the shoulder before walking away. I let out a deep sigh and brought my hands to my neck, tugging my tie off, then stuffed it into my pocket. I stopped walking and considered heading back to class but it didn't seem like the best option because those two devils were going to frustrate the living daylights out of me and I wasn't in the mood.

Well, auditorium it is then.

It was almost closing time anyway and we had a free period before then. I started making my way to the auditorium but I stopped short when My phone chimed lightly in my pocket and I retrieved it, unlocking it. Her message was the first thing that popped up on my screen, causing my lips to stretch in a wide grin.

REINA 🖤

Where are you?😒

I chuckled, brushing my finger over my hair. I tapped on my keyboard and began typing a reply but the light footsteps which I presumed were coming opposite me had me whisking my face from my phone and my eyes zeroed in on the petite girl that just walked out of one of the empty classrooms in this block, dabbing her lips with her fingers. The top buttons of her shirt were undone and her ridiculously short skirt couldn't have seemed more out of place. 

What the fuck…

I squint my eyes at her frame, the smile on my face morphing into a deep frown, then transcending to a look of utter disgust. It had goosebumps scattering all over my skin, repulsion threatening to consume me. I didn't even want to allow myself to think about what it is that she was doing in that classroom. Never. I would probably just end up puking my guts out. She couldn't conceal the shock that was written all over her face. She seemed like a deer that was caught in headlights and if it were a different situation, I would probably be on the floor, laughing my ass off.

But right now, I couldn't have been more disgusted than I was. I scoffed, tucking my phone into my pocket. I pinched the bridge of my nose and glanced briefly at where I was coming from debating on whether to leave or not but what was the use when I knew she would follow me?

Maybe I should have just stayed in the classroom because being around my friends was a much better option than being with her right now.

"Stefan, baby, it's…it's not what you think." She spoke up, trying to defend herself and I chuckled, cocking one of my brows at the bs that just spluttered from her mouth. I found it funny because I didn't understand when she became a mind reader that she knew what I was thinking or not. I wasn't even angry, instead, I was thoroughly amused.

I chuckled, again.

She tugged at the sleeves of her shirt, strutting forward. I didn't understand how someone as small as she was could be so devious. It baffles me every damn time.

"You don't look too pleased to see me," She stated, matter-of-factly and for once in her miserable life, she got something right. She wet her lips with her tongue, tucking a strand of her blonde braids behind her ear. I could have sworn I saw her lips quiver, her green eyes shimmering softly.

Girl, really?

Was she going to play that card right now?

"What did I say about showing your face to me again, huh?" I grimaced and she scoffed, flipping her hair off her shoulder with a look of disbelief marrying every inch of her face. She seemed to have gotten her strength back.

"Oh, spare me that bullshit, Stefan," She demanded, taking a step forward.

"Don't do that!"

"Don't talk to me like your heart didn't skip twice when I walked out through that door. Jesus Christ, Stefan, you pretend a lot!" She yelled at me with so much vigour, fury flashing in her eyes and darkening them in the process. She was so irritated and didn't bother to mask it.

I just watched her with this bored expression on my face.

"This is not something to lie about. You can't. Your body language and your facial expression sold you out!" She snapped.

"I get that you are angry at me but this whole fake hate thing…" She trailed off, her voice breaking as she maintained eye contact with me.

"It has to stop." She whispered.

"You love me. I love you. We can finally be together without anyone stopping us." She persuaded me with a light smile on her face.

The whole thing was so amusing because she was so convinced. No, she was so sure she had me all figured out. She was so sure I still loved her. I stared at her for a long while, and then a peal of humourless laughter escaped my lips with a slight shake of my head at how pathetic she sounded.

"Demi," I called her and she stared at me expectantly, hope swirling in her eyes. I approached her, staring fixedly at her.

"What part of my face sells me off or no, let me rephrase, what part of my body language sells me out and convinces you so much that I am into you as much as you are into me? I genuinely want to know. Come on, tell me." I urged her with a sly smile on my face. 

"Tell me, Demilade."

She cocked her head to the side, a smile dancing on her lips and she leaned forward to touch me but I reeled backwards, casting a disgusted glance at her hands. God forbid, it wasn't me she was going to touch with that hands.

"There," She chuckled victoriously.

"If you really mean what you said about being over me, then you shouldn't be scared of my touch. I think you are the one lying to yourself because…" She trailed off with a smirk on her face.

"You know what my touch does to you and I will be honoured to jog your memory. Do you remember, what my lips does to you? How even a graze of my finger on your skin was enough to knock every breath out of your lungs? Boy, you were made to be MINE!" She chuckled.

"Face it, Stefan. You are not over me." Her eyes were sparkling and sultry. At this point, every trace of drowsiness I was feeling had completely vanished from my face.

"Guy, comot," I hissed through my teeth and gently swerved her aside but it was far from Demi to allow me to walk out on her and she made her displeasure clear with her next words that had me whirling around.

"You think she doesn't have secrets too?" She questioned in a mocking tone. She got what she wanted. My attention. I turned to face her, furrowing my brows and she scoffed, pushing her braids off her shoulders with her eyes set dead on me.

"God, Stefan, you are so naive!" She spat out those words like they burned her tongue.

"You think she's this perfect little angel? No, let me rephrase, your perfect little angel? Oh, honey, you will be shocked." She deadpanned and I felt the weight of her words hit me so hard. Every trail of innocence that hung in her eyes was completely gone. She looked every bit like the Jasmine I knew. Her green eyes held an unnerving amount of coldness in them. That dark, dark emotion had the hair on my nape standing erect. It had fear creeping into me!

"Don't talk about her." I warned her. I was trying so hard to control my temper but this girl was pushing me towards the edge of snapping. Completely.

"Aww, baby," She cooed, taking light steps towards me with a sweet smile on her face.

"Poor Stefan is so blind to the heart-wrenching secrets his friends are keeping from him. How sad?" She whispered, pouting at me. Then, she chuckled a dark, creepy chuckle that soon morphed into a more sinister sound. Her laughter seized, and she brushed her braids backwards, a hint of malice and mania twinkling in her eyes.

I was immobilised.

I was torn.

I was tongue-tied and utterly stupefied, trying to wrap my head around what she meant by what she said. I wanted to say something but my brain couldn't process a thing and my mouth couldn't convey any words. I just stood there, frozen with words stuck in my throat, fright slowly crawling up to my face. Then, she blinked, softly and just like there was a switch controlling her, it flickered and her eyes grew so warm.

"I don't want to hurt you, baby. Please, don't push me past my limit. I am not asking for too much or am I? I just want you back!" She cried out in frustration and I reeled backwards.

"You know me too well by now that I always get what I want and I don't care who gets burned in the process." Her tone was hard and demanding, her gaze piercing and downright cold.

"I ALWAYS WIN! ALWAYS!" She fired at me and I felt my heart drop to the pit of my stomach, a harsh breath leaving me. Her strident voice resonated in the entire wing in loud echoes that threatened to split my eardrums. I was so sure that the whole school heard her yell because of how loud she sounded and I was further taken aback by the crusty look that was plastered on her face.

The audaciousness and determination that hung in her tone were enough to tell me that she wasn't bluffing and that disturbed me deeply.

"You can call my bluff, please, by all means, I would love for you to do that and I swear down, I will ruin and burn everything to the ground. Don't push me, Stefan. I don't want to get cranky." She told me, looking me dead in the eye as though she wanted every word she uttered to stick to my brain, her tone eerily icy. 

I suddenly felt so cold from the inside out.

"I will break you, ruin everything for you and still get to have you in the end. I don't want to get mad, so please," She shut her eyes, massaging her temples and groaning softly.

"There's only so much that I can take, don't push me to the edge, baby." Her glossy lips curved in a light smile and she sauntered forward, standing on her tip-toes and looping her arms around me, then she claimed my lips in a soft kiss.

She pulled away, chuckling softly. Her hands moved to my collar and she straightened it, wiping off the non-existence dirt on it. Her bright green eyes met mine and she dropped a lingering kiss on my cheek, her lips moving to my ear.

"I love you, Stefan. So much. More than she could ever...ever love you."

"You should get some rest, you look tired." That was the last thing she said to me, giggling softly before she strutted out of my presence.

It was as if an alarm went off in my brain, my head started banging so hard. I couldn't comprehend what she just said and trying to understand it just amplified the ache that throbbed at the sides of my head. I just stood there, frozen and plagued with a thousand thoughts running through my mind.

The rational part of me tried to convince myself to discard her words but then, the tiny part of me just couldn't shake it off.

A/N

At this point, I am so honoured to tell you guys that I don't even know these guys anymore.😂😂😭 Be like say everybody dey lie give us ni o.😂💔

You people should tell Jasmine to look for her soulmate elsewhere na! The boy doesn't want her!😂

Anyhoo, y'all should tell me what you think about this chapter and remember, some things can only remain a secret for so long. Also, just like Shakira said, 🌚 some things are better left unthought.🌚

Shaaaaaa! Don't forget to vote, comment and share!♥️ It might be till next week, my loves, or not.

Adiós✨

Love, Didi.♥️