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˗ˏˋ༻ʚDelphine's Povɞ༺ˎˊ˗

Friday arrived sooner than anticipated. Locked in my room, I neatly buttoned my school shirt and approached the mirror to see if I looked decent. I wasn't anticipating this day for several reasons. One, I felt like an ineffective friend knowing that Kim's debate club needed one more member to fill the spot. Two, I was going to attend a stripper club event with Krystian, which I was not looking forward to at all. I couldn't believe I had agreed to go to that club with him. Without really being there, I could envision how the place would look and smell.

I collected the wrapped gift off my bed and carefully placed it in my bag before closing the zipper. The best part about today was that it was Kim's birthday. I wasn't going to let her have sad thoughts, even if her club was probably going to be dissolved.

I got out of my room and made my way downstairs. I'd told Debby about Kim's birthday and how she was planning a modest party later that evening. Of course, she had no idea I was going to two locations at once, and I was not going to tell her that. Moving to the dining area, I observed Debby clutching her iPad and staring intently at the screen.

"Good morning, sister." Debby had recently been working long hours, which made me concerned about her health. She'd told me yesterday morning about a huge client she couldn't say no to. I wasn't sure who the customer was, but I was relieved they'd brought my sister back into makeup.

"Good morning," she responded without even looking at me. I walked closer, my gaze drawn to the two mugs on the table and the slice of bread stacked on the ceramic dish.

"I thought you'd be in your room." I sat down and helped myself with breakfast.

"I thought so too, but I have so much work, you know." She rubbed her tired eyes before reaching for her mug. "After seeing that Trust—"

"Sister, you don't have to call his name; I get it." My hands tightened around the mug. It was not my aim to be blunt, but I couldn't help myself. Debby hesitated, her lips opening and shutting repeatedly.

Ding~

I paused drinking my tea to look at my sister. "Are you expecting anyone, Sister Debby?"

She shook her head slightly, "I'll go get it."

"Let me." I pushed back the chair and got up. My sister needed to rest after working so hard lately. I was afraid she would tumble on her way to answer the door. I approached the door and pulled it open. I expected to see a recognisable face because the gateman had let them in, but I was taken aback when I saw the person in front of me.

"Sister, it's Inspector Jerry . . ." I hollered, then glanced at the visitor once more, ". . . again." He gave a smile as I stepped aside for him to get into the house. "Good morning, sir."

"Good morning, Delphine." I couldn't help but scratch the back of my head in a confused manner as he made his way to one of the sofas. What was he doing here? Those thoughts kept roaming my head.

"Good morning, inspector." My sister made her way to the living room, wiping her hand before extending it to the officer.

"Good morning," he shook hands with my sister before sitting back down on the sofa. "How are you?"

I noticed the small nylon bag resting at the officer's foot as I stood and watched him in utter confusion. Debby was too, if her expression was anything to go by.

"I'm fine, thank you for coming."

"I came to check how you both are doing," he reached for the mystery nylon and stretched to Debby. "Came bearing gifts as well."

Debby hesitated before taking the gift from him. I moved closer to my sister just in time to see the cookies and snacks in the nylon.

"We are fine. Thanks for your concern and the gift." She placed the snacks aside. "But you don't have to come every time. I feel we are slowly becoming a burden to you. You've got work to focus on, and we don't want to make it harder for you."

The inspector's expression made me take two steps back. Was I the only one who noticed it, or was my sister too unaware? "It's okay; you're not having me work harder. This location happens to be on the same path as the station. It's really convenient to stop over and check on you."

"Do you usually do this for other people as well?" Debby asked as I moved to the dining room and sat down to complete my breakfast. I drank my tea and looked at the inspector. All he did was chuckle at my sister's query. I wasn't dumb, but I also didn't want to jump to conclusions.

I sipped the last of my tea after checking the clock and hastily grabbed my backpack before hurrying to the living room.

"I'm going, sister." I swiftly said, interrupting whatever polite banter was going on. "Bye, inspector."

It felt so much like déjà vu as I stepped out of the house. But unlike the theory, something like this had happened before.

˗ˏˋ༻ʚ♡︎ɞ༺ˎˊ˗

Everyone seemed excited when I arrived at school. I wouldn't blame them; it was the final day of CAT. Walking down the lobby to my classroom, I felt my phone vibrate in my skirt pocket. When I pulled it out, I discovered it was a message from the class group chat. Kim had invited everyone to her party at Groovy Lit. I wasn't sure where it was, but I knew I'd go for Kim's sake.

"Delphine!" After hearing my name, I hesitated at the door. Mustering a smile, I moved to my seat.

"Hey, birthday girl." I wasn't big on hugs, but I did it because it was her birthday. I sat down after the hug and opened my zip to get her present. "Happy birthday."

"Thank you!" She squealed, grabbed her gift, and unwrapped it in seconds. It contained a grey jewellery box, which made her squeal even louder, forcing gazes to focus on our desk. Kim was significantly more special than Femi, so I had to go all out to get her a famous brand from an expensive jewellery store.

"A silver bracelet?!" She exclaimed with joy. Despite its thin and modest appearance, the bracelet had cost much more. "I love it!"

She wrapped her hands around me, and we hugged for the second time. This was what I wanted, something to ease the pain yet to come.

"Kim . . ." Slowly, I eased away from her embrace. "About your debate club," Kim blinked, probably oblivious to what I was about to say next. "I couldn't get all nine names."

Kim's expression plummeted, making me feel worse. I despised being in a difficult place. Perhaps I shouldn't have offered to help out. "I'm sorry."

She carried the jotter with the names of persons who were interested in joining her club. I squeezed my lips while diverting my gaze elsewhere. Being the one who made her upset on her birthday was not something to be proud of.

"It's not your fault," I heard Kim say, followed by a small sigh. "You got me eight names; I could never with my effort."

"So . . . you're not mad?"

"Sad, yes. Mad?" She shook her head. "I could never."

Feeling better, I settled into my seat. Kim continued to admire her new bracelet when the classroom door opened, showing the Elites. Krystian and I established eye contact almost instantly. His very presence served as a reminder that we were heading to that ridiculous club later today. Kim stood up, drawing me out of my thoughts as she dashed up to the group before they could take their seats.

"Hey, Krystian," Kim greeted with a blinding smile.

"Happy birthday, Kim," Toyosi responded instead. "We saw your invite to the group."

"That's why I'm here. Will you be coming?"

"Of course," Hymn offered a smile, "We wouldn't miss it."

That got Kim grinning from ear to ear, "Don't forget gifts." Waving at the Elites, Kim turned and walked over to her seat. "They're going to be at my party!"

"I heard." The fact that she was making it seem like a big deal was beyond me. It wasn't like they were Beyoncé. Romeo used that moment to walk into the class, and I tried my best to ignore him.

"I kind of feel bad for him," Kim whispered, forcing me to crease my brows. Romeo walked past our desk to his seat located at the back without saying a word.

"For Romeo?" I was surprised, "since when?"

"Since I saw his sister's condition," she pouted, then turned to glance at Romeo.

Sister's condition? "You've met Grace?"

It was Kim's turn to act surprised. "You have?"

I nodded. Kim took a few seconds to recover. "I can't help but see him in a different light now."

"If only he'd stop being selfish."

"What?"

I shook my head. "Forget it. How did you meet Grace?"

"Remember the time I tried gaining his attention after school, but he chose to completely ignore me?" I nodded. "Long story short, I saw myself in front of this hospital."

"You can't just see yourself in front of a hospital, Kim. Did you force yourself to go to his destination?"

"No!" I squinted my eyes at her. "I just got on the bike as a way of protesting, and . . . and instead of him listening, he got behind me and told the bike man to move."

"You entered okada?"

"Not voluntarily," she let out a frustrated sigh. "I never knew he was going to pull that trick!"

"Okay," I shook my head, "continue."

"We got to the hospital, and I saw what I wasn't expecting."

"Grace,"

Kim nodded, "I feel bad for him . . . well, for Grace. Don't you think we should, like, tell our parents to pay for her treatment or something?"

"Knowing Romeo, he wouldn't want that."

"But this is about life and death!"

"Tell him that." Romeo was just too prideful to accept help from anyone, which I fear might cause his sister's life. I wanted so badly for a change of subject, so I tried to come up with something. "Where's Groovy Lit?"

"You don't know Groovy Lit?!"

"Am I supposed to?"

Kim only stared at me with complete shock before schooling her facial expression. "How about this? You come over to my place, and we go there together."

"Okay," I responded. It wasn't like I had a choice. It was better than paying extra for an Uber.

˗ˏˋ༻ʚ♡︎ɞ༺ˎˊ˗

Sitting in the bleachers with my classmates, I pretended to concentrate on the football game taking place on the field. It had been a long time since everyone had been on the pitch watching our class boys play with another class, and now that the test was done, they decided this was the best way to celebrate.

Goal!

Everyone rejoiced when Krystian fired a shot directly into the opponent's net. Previous me would have winced and rolled my eyes, but instead, I found myself smiling. Krystian smiled as he turned to face the stands, scanning the crowd that was cheering him on. It didn't take long before his gaze met mine, followed by an annoying wink.

"Oh my God!" Kim exclaimed beside me, "Krystian just winked at me!"

"Many are mad few are roaming," Daniela, sitting beside Kim, commented, "are you blind? He winked at Delphine."

"Delphine?" Kim looked at me, then shook her head before focusing her attention on the ongoing game. "You've got an eye problem, Daniela."

Daniela chuckled before wrapping her hands around Kim. "You are in the first stage, my love, denial."

I let the two bicker back and forth without adding anything to their conversation. The commercial class tried to score a goal, but Romeo was just too good, as he jumped and caught the ball easily.

The game ended when the alarm sounded, leaving our class as the victorious class. Everyone got up from the bleachers in pairs and we all proceeded to get back into the school's main building.

"Where are you going?" I couldn't help but ask, as Kim detached from Daniela and me, to follow a different route.

"I'll be back," she reassured in a quiet voice. I was a bit worried but said nothing, as I let her go on her way.

"I feel bad for her," I heard Daniela say. "She's about to let go of her club on her birthday. Omo, this school no get conscience."

Before I could reply, Krystian approached us, his skin drenched in sweat. I had seen him talking to his friends earlier, so I was bewildered as to why he was suddenly standing in front of me.

"Daniela, can I talk to Delphine for a second?"

"Yeah, yeah, sure!" She replied quickly, with a sheepishly broad smile, before racing out.

"What is it?" I folded my arms once Daniela was gone.

"Why? You don't miss me?" I groaned so loud and almost facepalmed myself, which earned a perfect smile from Krystian. Scolding myself, I shook my head to get back to reality.

"I'm going," I sidestepped Krystian and took a step, but he stopped me with his fingers wrapped around my wrist.

"Why the rush? This is important, you know?" Exhaling, I turned to face Krystian again, waiting for him to speak. "The fake IDs are ready."

"We are really going through with this?" Krystian nodded. I stared at the ID he had in his hand. If there were other ways to find out that Toyosi was a stripper, I would take that. Going to a club? Hell no. "It's also Kim's birthday; we have to be there."

"Kim's birthday won't be anything later than seven," I stared down at my sneakers. There was no going around this, no point looking for excuses.

"Fine," I took the fake ID from him and stared at the little square passport at the top. I noticed it was a face cut of my WhatsApp profile picture, which was low-key funny. "We'll meet at Kim's birthday party."

Krystian nodded. I tried to find some reassurance from him but couldn't. This was anything but reassuring.

˗ˏˋ༻ʚ♡︎ɞ༺ˎˊ˗

I had to lie to Debby about sleeping over at Kim's place because I didn't know how long Krystian and I would be at the club. I looked through my outfits, trying to figure out what would be appropriate for a birthday celebration and a nightclub. Of course, I couldn't find any and instead chose a silky sky-blue dress with an open back. The dress was short and ended a few inches below my butt. I considered wearing the dress in its original design, but my morals wouldn't allow it, so I grabbed a black pop sock to conceal my legs.

Sitting in front of my beauty desk, I took out my eye pencil and lightly darkened my brows. I used my makeup brush to apply a small amount of dark powder to my face, followed by a small amount of rose lip gloss to look presentable for Kim's party. After my facials, I chose silver jewellery. I had the right earrings and necklace to go with my attire, so I didn't hesitate to wear them.

After I finished dressing, I went into the living room and saw Debby sitting on a sofa, laughing at something on television. This was the most relaxed I'd seen her since the event with Trust. As I approached, I shook my head, attempting to clear my mind of that man.

"Sister, I'm ready," I said, gaining her attention.

Debby turned, a casual gaze turning into a bewildered look. "You're looking beautiful!"

"Is it too much?" I asked, looking down at my outfit.

"It's perfect," she gave me a reassuring smile. "You're leaving now?"

I nodded, clutching at my silver purse. "I promise to call."

"You should." She lifted a glass cup and gulped the water down her throat. "Wish your friend a happy birthday for me, and tell her I hope she visits soon."

"I will," I said, moving towards the door. It didn't take long for me to be out in the cool evening breeze. I wasn't going to Groovy Lit directly, knowing how I wasn't sure of its destination.

I found a keke soon enough and texted Kim I was on my way to her place. A few minutes later, the keke man stopped in front of Kim's gate, and I paid him before getting down. I knocked on the gate a couple of times before the gateman answered. Unlike last time, he'd recognised me and opened the gate without asking any questions. I cautiously moved to the house because, unlike last time, Kim wasn't at the gate, waiting for my arrival.

"White!" I heard screaming before a black cat made its way to the far end of the living room. Staring at the cat, I realised I hadn't missed it one bit since my last visit.

"Oh," a mini Kim appeared, pulling herself low to scoop her cat in her arms. "You're here again. Kim, your friend's here!"

Based on the pandemonium in front of me, it was clear that their mother was not at home; tumbling footsteps could be heard, and I looked up to see Kim descending enthusiastically. "Delphine!"

"Happy birthday," it was difficult to imagine she was two years older than me. Kim was not dressed. She wore a pink short and a black top, and her hair was pulled back in a ponytail.

"Thank you! Come, let's go upstairs." She got a hold of my hand and began pulling me upstairs.

"Wardrobe crises again?"

Kim gasped, nodding her head. "You're here at the right time."

It didn't take long for Kim to drag me into her room. On her bed were two beautiful outfits. I wasn't sure what the crisis was. Both outfits were insanely pretty; would look good on her.

"Mother got me these as my birthday gifts this morning. I'm so confused about which to put on because they're both so pretty."

I sighed as I moved closer to her bed. I stared at the two beautiful flowery dresses with a calculative gaze. One was sky-blue and the other, yellow. Of course, I wouldn't let her wear the same colour as me, so I pointed at the yellow dress to avoid twinning.

"This is perfect," I said, holding up the yellow dress.

Aside from twining, Kim did look best in yellow. Kim smiled as she held on to the dress. It seemed she already had her bag, shoes, and jewellery sorted out. She moved to the bathroom to get changed, as I just sat on the bed and stared around.

"Most of our classmates have started arriving at Groovy Lit," her voice echoed from the bathroom.

"So it's just the celebrant being late." I didn't have a choice but to indulge in the conversation.

"I guess . . . but it's not my fault, you know." I scoffed, of course, since it was a 'wardrobe crisis'.

"I'm sorry about your debate club, again." I knew it was a painful topic, but I just couldn't help it. I wanted to help, but instead, I made things much worse.

"About that, you won't believe what happened." The bathroom door opened, and Kim walked out looking ever so pretty even with no makeup on. She moved over to her makeup desk and sat down so she could apply makeup on her face. "Earlier today, Romeo came when I was moping in the debate club, and his demeanour sort of changed."

"Changed?"

"Like my heart sort of skipped a bit."

I scrunched my nose. "For Romeo?"

"I can't believe it either," Kim shook her head before grabbing her powder brush. "Long story short, he wrote down his name."

"I'm so confused," I creased my brows, staring at Kim through her reflection in the mirror.

"Maybe he isn't that bad."

"He isn't," I admitted. "Just stubborn."

"And annoying,"

I cracked a smile. "Come on, people are waiting. The earlier we start your birthday, the better for everyone."

More like the better for me, but she didn't have to know that.

˗ˏˋ༻ʚ♡︎ɞ༺ˎˊ˗

When Kim and I arrived at Groovy Lit, the venue appeared to be full as she led the way into the building. The establishment had two segments, but she had only booked the indoor segment. Our classmates were already there, either because Kim was well-liked by them or because they simply liked parties.

"Happy birthday, Kim," Hymn approached us holding Ore. Regardless of how much I disliked Ore, I couldn't deny how beautiful she was and how fortunate she was in the figure department. Hymn looked gorgeous as well, smiling brightly at Kim and me. I watched as he stretched two boxes towards Kim."Gifts from Ore and Toyosi."

"Where's Toyosi? And why isn't Ore giving it to her herself?"

"Why do you keep prying into matters that aren't your business?"

I chewed the inside of my lower lip as I stared at Ore. Hymn, seeing that things might get out of hand, cleared his throat to attract our attention. "Ore is being . . . shy, and Toyosi couldn't make it."

Ore and shy were two words I never expected to hear in my lifetime. Deciding to let Ore and her troubles slide, I asked instead. "What's wrong with Toyosi?"

"And how's that your business?" Ore was right up in my face within seconds, reminding me of how much I despised her.

"Please . . ." Kim dragged, moving in between Ore and me. She took the package gifts from Hymn and held it securely. "Thank you, Ore. Tell Toyosi I say thank you as well."

I knew it was Kim's subtle way of trying to separate Ore and me, and since it was her birthday, I decided to let it go.

"What about the gift you got for me?" Kim pouted. Hymn gave her a small smile as he slightly lifted a guitar we never took note of. "I can't play."

"But I can," he responded. "I hope you won't sue me if I play you a song."

"Sue?!" Kim turned to me. "How can I sue for something so out of a movie?!"

Did she expect a response from me? Instead, I surveyed the structure with my eyes, looking for a secluded spot to stay until Kim finished speaking with the Elites when my gaze fell on Krystian. He probably had been watching me since Kim and I stepped in, as he gave me his iconic wink.

"Excuse me," I said to all three before making my way out of the tight circle. I approached Krystian, who was having a small chat with Ukeme, one of our classmates. Krystian wore a black vintage shirt over blue trousers and blue Nike trainers. It was a simple outfit that nonetheless made him look elegant.

"You look good," Krystian spoke, his gaze shifting from Ukeme to me. I cleared my throat and moved to the booth where he was seated.

I looked around, hoping not to be affected by a casual compliment. "I'm surprised Ore gave Kim a gift."

Krystian shifted his focus away from me and onto his friends, letting out a hearty chuckle. "She didn't; Hymn did. But since Ore didn't get Kim anything, he had to give his in place of Ore's."

"That's why he's opting to give Kim a song in place of a birthday gift?" Krystian nodded. "What about Toyosi? What's wrong with her?"

"A cold,"

I couldn't help but laugh. "And you are buying that? It wouldn't take a genius to know that your friend is lying."

"Can you give her the benefit of the doubt?" I couldn't believe what he was saying. I should've expected that given that he was friends with her, but I couldn't help but feel disappointed. "Innocent until proven guilty, right?"

"Wrong," Krystian had completely ruined my mood, and it was best not to speak to him so I wouldn't feel worse. Wasn't Kim done with her conversation with Hymn? I stopped to look for Kim, only to find her laughing with a different set of classmates. Sighing, I decided to scan for a staff member who could help with my order when I spotted Romeo in the middle of the crowd. He looked like he'd just arrived, and his eyes roamed the place for something or someone.

"Your boyfriend's here."

"Can you stop?" I snapped. Romeo's gaze eventually met mine, and he didn't hesitate with his steps as he approached our table.

"I need to talk to you," was his curt response as he got close. No hi or hello? No excuses for why he acted like a jerk these past few days; nothing.

"Well, I'm not ready to talk to you." Call me immature, but I was still mad at what he did. "Whatever you want to say, say it here."

It was a good thing that aside from Krystian, everyone else was minding their business. Better that than unnecessary drama.

"Are you sure?" His eyes moved from mine to Krystian.

"I didn't have water in my mouth, did I?" I wasn't in the mood for his prideful tantrums. I've had my full share of annoyance from Krystian and wasn't ready for Romeo's.

"Are you sure you are not going to regret it?"

"Are you threatening her?"

"Stay out of it, Golden; no one asked you to jump in." I stood up, frowning at Romeo and his complete rudeness towards Krystian. "Get out if you are not going to say what you came here for; I'm tired of your behaviour already."

Sometimes I questioned what I saw in Romeo that qualified him as a friend. The worst part about it was that I still saw him as one. Romeo, on the other hand, let out an incredulous laugh and glanced at me, disappointed.

"Whatever you say, Delphine Udeme."

˗ˏˋ༻ʚ♡︎ɞ༺ˎˊ˗

Hey everyone, here's your Valentine's gift...

Are we missing something? What are your theories on Romeo and about this chapter in general?

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