Eliza's POV
     Aunt Agnes ended up driving us to the party. I checked my phone, it was 4 on the dot. The party was supposed to last for 2 hours, so that everyone will disperse early. This is Nigeria, we never forgot that. The insecurities was what everyone had in mind, we couldn't risk that.

While in the car, Aunt Agnes decided to ask about mom. And I thought  can't we skip this conversation? I want to avoid anything that'll dampen my mood. And this might definitely do that.
"She's fine"

"Okay, it's been long since I saw her"

"Why didn't you come in to see her?"

"You know we're not in speaking terms and we will definitely argue"

"Yeah, like the one we had earlier this evening" I muttered.

"What happened this time?"

"She was interrogating me about the party"

"Well, she's your mother. She's being protective"

"Overprotective, Aunty"

John shifted in his seat. I think he's obviously bored to death with this conversation because I feel the same way.

"Are we there yet?!" John called out.

"Almost"

            When I walked in with my brother behind me. I was so amazed at the population. My party never attracted this much population. But you know, it's Chiomas' party. The entrance was lined with red carpet. While I was busy gawking at everything with my mouth wide open, someone bumped into me.

"Hey, watch it!" A girl snapped and walked away with no apology whatsoever.

"What! Who does she think she is?!" I started walking towards her to teach her some manners but someone stopped me, grabbing my arm. As I turned, I bumped into a hard solid wall. Well, it wasn't actually a wall because I had to strain my neck to see who it was. It was the so called Isaac Eze, who was smiling down at me.

Okay, i'm not that short. Stop looking down at me like i'm a mouse.
Well, Chioma is taller than you so you're a mouse.
Shut up, whoever is playing with my head.
I looked up at his intimidating height.
"Hi"

"Mind who you want to pick a fight with. The senators daughter is not someone you would want to contend with" Isaac said.

"What! That's the senators daughter?" I turned around, staring at her as she was taking selfies with her friends.
"She's saucy" I frowned.

"Aren't we all?" He said still smiling down at me.

What's he smiling at? Do i have something on my face? Where's that girl, Chioma?

"The music is so oooo loud!" John my brother who I totally forgot shouted.

"Oh, is that your brother?" Isaac asked me.

"Um, yeah." I nervously replied.

"I'm Isaac" He extended his hand for a  handshake.

I know who you are. Everybody knows who you are.
I smiled sheepishly and shook his hand.

I was still looking around trying to spot Chioma.
I finally saw her and was she looking at me? Why didn't she call me?
I noticed a scowl on her face. I decided to walk up to her and escape Isaacs' intimidating handsomeness.

"It was nice talking to you Isaac and by the way, i'm Eliza in case you were wondering" I told him and dragged my brother with me.
Wait, was I flirting with him just now? Where did all that boldness come from? Well, he tends to have that effect on people. It's not a big deal.

*         *             *              *                    *
        "Chioma, hi. I was looking all over for you" I said and brought out a gift I wrapped myself and handed to her. "Happy birthday"

"Thanks" She said with a smug smile.

I wondered what was wrong with her. Was she sick?

"Are you alright?" I asked her

"Yeah"

"Okay, I love your dress" I said, the sleeveless white dress was really beautiful.

"Oh, thanks. My mom made it for me" the genuine smile appearing on her face.

"Wow" I said glancing around me. "You guys really did a good work here. Sorry I came late, I was held up"

"No worries" she beamed "my mom hired the best interior decorators in the state. I mean, it's me, right? My birthday needs to be on point"

"Where's Ebube and Amaka?" I asked.

"Oh, they're probably somewhere having fun"

"Eliza, the music is so loud!" John shouted again.

"I know John!" I shouted back at him probably annoyed with him.

"Is that your brother?" Chioma asked me.

"Yeah"

"You brought your brother with you?" She scowled again.

"I know, i'm sorry. We had no one to take care of him so he had to come along"

"Oh, come on Eliza, don't you have maids for that"

I needed to think fast. I needed to say something to cover up the fact that we couldn't afford a maid.

"Um, well......" I stuttered "Our our maid is indisposed"

"I said Maids" She stressed the word.

A bead of sweat formed on my forehead. I wasn't very good at lying. This was probably the first time Chioma was asking about something that was related to my family.

"Chioma! Hey!"
Someone called her. We turned around and it was the saucy girl.

Thank God. I heaved a sigh.

"Oh, hi" Chioma waved at her "Come on, let me introduce you to my friends"

No,no,no. Chioma, I don't want to talk to that girl. I thought as she dragged me, I had no choice but to follow her.

"Chika, this is my best friend, Eliza" Chioma said gesturing towards me.
"And Eliza, this is Chika"

Yeah, i almost beat her ass I thought.
The girl was dark,tall and robust. She had on dreadlocks. And she was very beautiful but her makeup was hideous, if you know what I mean. She also wore a white dress but it was mini. She was almost behaving like the belle of the ball.
I smiled at her and extended my hand for a handshake.
"Hello" 

She ignored me and turned to Chioma.
"Ehe, Chioma, there's this guy you were talking about that u liked. Come and introduce me"

Chioma smiled and mouthed sorry to me, leaving with her.

I was way beyond furious but I held it in.

"Eliza, you're here." Ebube and Amaka appeared out of nowhere. "And you brought your brother with you"

"Yeah, please, I almost forgot. Is there a room my brother can stay in? I don't want him to be caught up with all this craziness"

"Yeah, there's a kids playroom upstairs. I'll take him there" Ebube offered.

"Thanks"

Whew! Eliza almost got caught.

But is it wrong to just confide in her best friend?

What do you think guys?

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