CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

JAYDEN'S POV

"Where are you going?"

I heard a familiar voice asked making me stop and look back.  I watched Jeff and Tobi catch up with me and immediately Tobi linked his hand on my neck. He was shorter and so he was literally dragging me.

"Guy, remove your hand Jo."
I said sounding annoyed but Tobi being Tobi that just sounded more like nothing and he did not even act like he heard me.

I stared down at Jeff wondering why he had that silly smile on his face after what happened this morning at the cafeteria.

"Stop frowning jo. Where are you going? Meeting up with Joy?"
Tobi asked with a smirk and I could not help but laugh.

Most people in this school are crazy, they just don't know it yet. I have been hearing these strange stuffs about me and the new girl because we hugged.

Come on, it was just a hug.

A hug that happened when we realised that we were actually child hood friends and play mates who got separated because she moved away.

Yes, Joy is beautiful, she is also a national basketball player and that is mind blowing but does that mean I am suddenly in love with her?

Not sure.

"I am going to the basket ball court for training with Anike."

Tobi rolled his eyes while Jeff silently watched us under his lens.

"I thought you were meeting up with Joy. That girl is perfect."

I laughed not having much to say. I am still shocked at the love this girl has received and I kind of wonder how Anike feels knowing she only received hatred ever since she stepped foot into that class.

"You guys are not studying today?"
I asked Jeff,

He brushed the back of his head,
"Jada is with Joy. Helping her settle in or something at her hostel."

I nodded.

"So where are you guys following me to abeg? And I am not dating the girl.
She is just a childhood friend and soon to be club mates."

I explained at least to get them off my back.

I did not want them to follow me to the basketball court. I have something I want to tell Anike. She has been ignoring me since morning and I guess it is because of the shitty act I made this morning. How could I have just plainly ignore the person I was walking with?

I don't know why but it has been on my mind ever since. I hope she is not angry or something.  I was trying to recall Joy's face at first and then the basket ball came up and i was just engrossed that I did not notice her leave.

Saying it even makes me feel more like  jerk.

"Guy that is how love starts and aside from my baby Mercy she is the hottest in that class. There is no need denying it with us, your gees."

"Leave him, he is claiming good boy. Jayden the most dangerous bad boy and player of class 2."

Jeff added,

I glanced at the both of them with a smirk, well they were right, and we all knew it and maybe that was why we all bursted out laughing.

I have missed time like this. Times where we joked around.

"Jeff you like Jada right? I could see you were lying this morning."

Jeff stopped laughing, Tobi got quiet too and just turned to Jeff in shock.

Jeff could not make eye contact with me,

"I have to go now."
He suddenly said and ran off with Tobi at his tail.

A great way to get them off my back.

I walked the rest of the journey alone and when I got to the court  I saw Anike seating on the floor staring down at her leg and slowly massaging it.

Moving closer made me heard the song she was listening from her laptop. She was still in her uniform and her hair was in a tight bun. I don't know why staring at her made me excited, hell when did I even start feeling like this?

Well she is my friend, I guess I also feel like this when I see Jeff or Tobi. Right?

I walked right up behind her and made a roar shocking her. I laughed out loud at her shocked look while she just rolled her eyes after realising what just happened.

"Sorry, have you been waiting for long?"

I asked seating in front of her after dropping my bag. She did not  reply though, just stared at me and for a second I was worried. I should apologise first. Instead of doing that, I now pranked her again.

"Uhm... yeah, I even finished my assignments, but it's cool. You must have been busy."

She said with a smile but it sounded more sarcastic. Sadly again, she was right, I forgot I told her to meet up and was busy with my assignment too.

"Are you okay?"

"I am fine just hungry. I need some food. We can't practise today so is it okay if I leave now?"

Yeah, she's angry!

And for some funny reasons she looks cute. Her lip was in a pout and her cute face looked even cuter. I was fighting the urge to pinch her cheeks. If I do that, it will be end of matter.

"I am sorry about this morning. I had no idea when you left."

"It's fine, you two seemed engrossed and I just had to leave."

"I am sorry again."

She stared for a while and then just nodded.

Why am I even apologising this much? Or why do I feel the urge to make sure she is not angry.

"It's fine. I heard Joy is your childhood friend."

News fly,

"Yeah."

"Do you think I will be accepted into the basketball team now that you guys are more than complete? You have a national player now."

Why will she think that?

"No. Well there is enough space for the both of you. You worked hard this past two weeks, and you should just think about getting in. Nothing else."

She nodded but got the uncertain look all over her face.

"Don't you want to get in again?"

I suddenly asked,

"Of course, I want to. I was just saying."

"I will talk to the coach to make sure that doesn't happen, okay?"

"Yeah, thanks."

She smiled a little and went back to massaging her legs.

"Does it still hurt?"

I could not help but ask as I contemplated on helping her. Not able to keep my hands, I slowly reached for her bandaged ankle, and she flinched but then calmed down.

"A little. I just want it to heal quick so I won't miss the game next tomorrow."

"My magic hands will heal it immediately."

She laughed wholeheartedly,

"Well if it can, do massage it well sir."

"Yes boss."

I said chuckling myself.

We stayed in a comfortable silence for a while until she spoke up,

"I am scared."

I stopped what I was doing and looked at her immediately, in contrast to her words she was smiling.

"Why?"

"Mid term is coming up soon. I don't want to have to deal with all that talks, but I will be fine."

I held her hand, Jada was in that spot last term and i know how toxic that class can be.

"You know what fuck them! They are just jealous and scared of you."

She smirked,

"What about you? You are like the best student are you not scared?"

I chuckled,

Honestly,  I have never thought about it. 
But I have a question to ask myself, why is her brown caramel eyes looking even more beautiful this evening.

"I am not scared. I am just up for the challenge, makes it even more interesting. "

She grinned,

"That's great to know! Challenge accepted. Thanks for for massage boss. I have to go now, there is a bible reading program at the church."

"Oh, yeah, I heard about it. Are you going?"

"Of course. I find it hard to read my bible alone, but it might just be faster now. You want to come?"

To a bible reading?

I don't think I have ever gone to church aside from a Sunday and I actually enjoy the service here than at home. But going for a bible reading? I'm just not sure I am up for it. I will rather just sleep at the hostel.

"Not sure."

I drawled out,

"Come on, It will be fun. And I've been looking for a partner to come with. Jada is helping her friend, Mercy is reading for the test and you. Please, it is just for 30 minutes."

I can say no.

I say no to my friends all the time. I love the comfort of my room. Heck, I even say no to Jada. It can't be that hard to say no to someone I just met in three weeks.

"Yeah, okay I will come with you."

Jayden what the hell is wrong with you????

What is wrong with Jayden ooo???

Hello guys!!

I am so sorry for the late update 🙏

Thank you so much for reading!!

Please vote, share and comment!

Thank you so much and I apologise again for the late update.

Love y'all

Eniola_writes 💕💕