Slowly he walks into the waiting room , not after greeting a teacher whom he saw on his way. Taking his eyes down, to avoid bumping into anything.

Immediately he sights his mum, he increases his pace. People always thought twice when he told them she was his Mum. He could remember the first time, Xavier met his Mum, mistook her for a family friend or Aunt. First reason being, they didn’t look alike in any way. His grandma has been mistaken to be his mum so many times. Neither he or his sister looked like there mother.

Another fact was she looking very young, she didn't only look young, she was, also the way she dressed and carried herself, you would mistake her to be one of this unmarried ladies with no kids. The first term was correct, she was unmarried, but she had two kids, and they both looked like there father, neither of them looked like her, right from the skin colour to every other thing, you could say his gene is dominant.

"Miss Fisayo!" He calls out immediately he gets to where she stood, she was currently typing through her phone, and she looked very serious. The manner and the way she turned to him, he had to rephrase his statement.

"Good Evening Mum!" He greets, meanwhile she tears her gaze from him, down to her phone, she stares at her phone for a while, Ashley watches her without uttering a word.

Most times she acted off and strange, you might think she didn't care, because of her behaviour, but Ashley knew his Mum loved him and his sister more than anything in the world, she had proved it countless of times. She also meant the world to him. Although he loved his grandma very much too. She was just the best, he only just needed to open his mouth to ask, whatever he wanted from her, that he would get.

"How are you doing?" She finally asks putting her phone away, and taking the nearby seat, which Ashley joins her in no time.

"I am fine, you? How is grandma and Nicole?" Ashley asks immediately, meanwhile Fisayo blinks her eyes. A reaction he was familiar with.

"Nicole is home, i guess your granny is fine." She says.

Ashley smiles, his granny and Mum weren't the best of friends, but at least, there was peace in the home, they both had different lifestyles and behaviours. Most times he wondered how they started leaving in the same house, because she was his Dad's mum.

"Big mummy is in Port-Harcourt. At Uncle Jay's place." His Mum suddenly says. This statement got his interest.

That was his maternal grandmother. Who he knew even before his own mother, he only found out about his mother when he was six. Everything was complicated in his little mind, even till today, he hadn't gotten an explanation, and still didn't know what happened.

He didn't know his Dad, he knew both Grandma's. According to his granny, his dad wasn't dead, he was in jail. His parents weren't married, but had him and his sister, it was just too complicated. Calculating his Mum's age, with his, he concluded, she conceived him when she was just sixteen and his younger sister when she was twenty-three. Everything was just complicated to him.

He had never seen his mother with any other man, who wasn't related. With his mindset, he always believed there was aman somewhere. How could she just be like that, without a man in her life? She hasn't a nun.

"Thank God she didn't have a stroke. Because she almost did." She says and sits properly, she is suddenly quiet.

"Thank God,” Ashley says because that was the only thing he could think of.

The sudden silence from his mother's side, makes him keeps mute, while he watches her calmly. The way she looked at him, and her body language, that was always how she acted, when she wanted to break either bad or good news.

He watches her blink twice, like she was finding it difficult to say something.

"Mum!" He calls out calmly.

"Your father is back." Now those sent chills into his body.

                         ______________________🖊️

   She hugs herself, while she walked. With no intention of where she was going to. She had been avoiding Geraldine, because she didn't want to start an argument with her.

It was obvious Geraldine liked Munachi's personality, and she couldn't take it, she couldn't bear it, when people important to her, paid attention to other people, the fear of them totally forgetting she exists.

They were In the same dorm, sat together, walked together, now they were both preparing for the quiz competition together, more ways for there friendship to blossom. And maybe Geraldine would forget about her too.

"Jewel." She turns around immediately, only to see Nathan advancing towards her direction. She wouldn't deny the fact, she was surprised. That was her crush, the guy she always stole glances of, the boy that made her heartbeat. The boy she always wished would notice her, now he is finally talking to her, it's making her uncomfortable.

She takes a deep breath, before responding. He was already standing two steps away from her.

"Hey!" Jewel manages to reply, meanwhile he lets out a smile. It felt like she was going to melt that instance, secretly she thanked the lord, she was dark-skinned because her cheek would have turned into a red tomato.

"Where are you off too?" Nathan asks taking a few steps closer. Meanwhile, Jewel tries to control her heartbeat.

"Nowhere." She responds trying to keep a straight face.

"That makes the two of us. Though i have an aim. Fresh air." Nathan says now walking alongside her. Meanwhile, Jewel folds her hand across her stomach.

"Oh." She says because she was suddenly short of words. Nathan suddenly stops walking, which confuses her, so she does the same. Now taking a good view of his face.

God blessed him with the looks, not just the face, but the body. She took note of his hair not being braided, most times she wondered who braided his hair in school, because it never stayed more than a week. He was always changing weaves.

“How old are you?" He suddenly asks,
a question which surprises her, because it was too personal. Also, why was he interested in her age.

She didn't know if she should tell him the truth or rather lie, because she didn't know why he was asking.

Besides he looked older than she was, his physiques. Or maybe he didn't like being friends with girl's who were younger in age, or perhaps he did. She didn't know she had been staring and quiet for rather too long.

"Jewel," Nathan calls out. That voice which always sent chills into her body, it was deep, she loved it.

"Sixteen!" She responds truthfully. Meanwhile, he gives her a look, which makes her very uncomfortable.

"Any problem?" She asks.

"No!" He smiles. "Not really. I thought as much, but Jason always made me think otherwise, also your other brother. You guys are triplets, they don't look sixt..., "

"They are boys." She cuts him off.

"I know, just weird to me. Well, sweet sixteen." He says and smiles, making Jewel smile too.

"There is nothing sweet about it," Jewel says, making him chuckle. "What about you?" She suddenly asks.

"Huh?" He asks fully lost, meanwhile Jewel licks her dry lips.

"How old are you?" She asks, not believing her voice.

"Eighteen." He responds, while he bites his lower lips, a reaction she took note off.

"Oh. Nice!" She wasn't surprised, she had expected it.

                         ______________________🖊️

"I don't like that soup," Eva complains, looking grim. Meanwhile, Cherish who held Zara turns to her direction.

"I like egusi!" Cherish says with a smile, you could hear the excitement in her voice.

"If you don't like it, just give it to me!” Zara suddenly says, smiling from ear to ear. "But Senior, no one hates egusi soup.” She argues. "You are the first, I  have seen.” She pushes forward.

"If i start making a list of what I hate, you would be left shocked, so let us skip that,” Eva says, licking her dry lips, while they advance towards the cafeteria.

This days, she had been walking in the company of Cherish and Zara to the cafeteria. At first it seemed weird for Cherish, but since she noticed no one tried to punish her, when Senior Eva was around, she seemed more comfortable with it. Even in the dormitory, Ekanem and Ukeme, didn't get the opportunity to punish or send their unnecessary errands, because she was always in the company of Eva.

More like she had turned out lucky these days, even Ashley had totally been ignoring her.

Even though Eva sent her little errands, it was better off than what Ekanem or Ukeme would do. Eva was very different from them. Despite the fact she was a senior, she never yelled, even when she made little mistakes, she

always spoke calmly. And was always ready to make corrections.

"Cherish." She heard someone call. Turning back involuntarily. Only to meet Jason and his group of friends.

She lets out a small smile. “Senior Jason!" Zara calls out waving, even before she could respond.

"Small!" She heard Jason call back. She knew he was probably referring to Zara. He often referred to her as that. Cherish just waves with a small smile, before climbing the stairs alongside Eva who was quiet all through the conversation.

"Senior Jason reduced his hair," Zara complains like it was a big deal to her, meanwhile Cherish who hadn't noticed it, nods her head. "He is finer with his hair full.” Zara comments.

"Who is he?" Eva suddenly asks, clearly directing the question to Cherish.

"Family friend." Cherish responds sincerely.

"Oh!" Eva says, nodding her head.

                          ______________________🖊️
"Hey!"

Jewel had to blink twice, immediately she sees the person in question. Seeing Ekanem standing a few step away from her, at the balcony was surprisingly.

Firstly, it was late. Almost bedtime, and she left her room, not just over to there's, but came to the balcony. Not just that, Ekanem was actually talking to her, not only that. But in acalm tone.

"Any problem?" Jewel asks, not after taking a good look at Ekanem, didn't care she did it, offensively.

She watches Ekanem attempt to utter a word, but instead keeps shut and folds her arms. Also, Jewel doesn't stop giving her an irritating look.

They both stand in silence for a moment, no one uttering a word.

“Ekanem, I don't like been in your company,” Jewel says turning to her with a raised eyebrow. Meanwhile, Ekanem takes a deep breath.

"Please don't mention what you saw to Ukeme." Ekanem suddenly blurts out, which was quite a shock to Jewel.

Ekanem had never spoken so soft to her. What was funnier was, she had always known about this, apart from walking into them by mistake, she had seen them before, but they where too busy to notice, so if she wanted to tell Ukeme, she would have done that a long time ago. The only reason she even made a statement when she open the door, was because she was in a bad mood. It was none of her business, besides Geraldine had asked her not to interfere.

She was only wondering what kind of best friend, would do that. She was stabbing Ukeme at the back, and still had the guts to continue been friends with her.

"I don't want to have issues with her," Ekanem says, her voice calm.

"Or you are scared of her beating you to pulp?" Jewel says with a mock smile. "Ekanem they are other boys to hook up with. It mustn't be your best friend's boyfriend, is that asshole Ashley even worth your friendship?" Jewel asks with a raised eyebrow.

"I love him!" Ekanem blurts out without thinking. Making Jewel turn to her with a raised eyebrow.

"And you think he feels the same?" Jewel scoffs. Meanwhile, Ekanem pauses for a while. Seemed like the question got to her.

"He does!"

"Then why hasn't he broken up with her?" Jewel asks. "If he loves you, he should do the right thing. The fact remains he is playing you both, in fact he is playing you, why? Because you made it easy for him. Ekanem do you know what boys in our class call you?"

"A free giver?" Ekanem responds, trying to keep a straight face, Jewel could still tell it affected her.

"I don't care. It's just for fun..., "

“Ashley? You said you..., "

"Yes, I d..., "

"I won't tell Ukeme, even though I  dislike you so much, and would want to. You know why? Because it's not my business. But I  would tell you the truth, I don't care how you feel about it." Jewel says staring back at her.

"You worth nothing in the eyes of our classmates, because it's no longer hidden, that almost every boy in class has slept with you. They view you as a classless whore and...,"

"That's your view towards me, Jewel. You just judge even without knowing anything. Who told you I have slept with almost all the guys in our set? I had fun with few of them, i won't say I am proud of it, but you shouldn't just start saying what you don't know.” Ekanem explains looking grim.

"Almost every guy claims they..., " Jewel pauses and gives her a look. "You know, it's none of my business, you can differentiate between what's right or wrong. So it's your business. If you are worried that I would spill to Ukeme. Then you have nothing to be worried about." Jewel says now breaking an eye contact, there is a sudden silence.

"Thanks."

"Ekanem!" Jewel calls out softly, making her stop and turn to her. "I can't believe you didn't insult me, during our conversation!" Jewel chuckles. "Are you really scared of me talking? Do the right thing.”

                          ______________________🖊️

      It's five minutes into the first lesson. They had just left the assembly hall a few minutes ago, and where currently gathered in Mr John's office. It felt tight and overcrowded, because they where ten students, plus Mr John, inside the office.

"Good morning everyone!" Mr John says, after clearing his throat.

"Good morning sir!" They also greet. Meanwhile, Mr John looks around, before uttering another time. "I'm glad you all made it. I won't inconvenience you by asking you all to study together, due to your different class schedules." Mr John stops.

"I hope you all know this is a big competition for us? You all should prepare hard. I would be coming from time to time. But I would want this to be a study section amongst yourselves. I  know you all want it that way..., "

"Yes Sir!"

The response was obviously from the art students.

"Anabel, you are in charge of the Arts teams. Make sure the study session is convenient for all." Mr John says, meanwhile the girl

In question nods her head. “Munachi, you are in charge of the Science team." Mr John concludes.

He heard someone groan, but decides to ignore it.

                          ______________________🖊️
"That's not the right answer," Geraldine says to Nengi, who is currently solving an equation.
                
The classroom seemed rowdy, the teacher who was supposed to be teaching them currently, wasn't available, so it was converted into a free period.

"It's okay, am not doing again. Bring your note, let me copy.” Nengi who had given up, suddenly says closing his book, this acts makes Geraldine laugh.

She could remember how he was bragging about how he would do it by himself, Nengi wasn't a straight-A student, but an average, just like Jewel. They had to make an extra push to pass.

"Brother, thought you said..., "

"I didn't say anything!" Nengi argues, making Geraldine burst into laughter. During this period, she adjust, since he was currently seated on Munachi's position. She had exchanged seats with Nengi for the time being.

"Go away, chicken head." Geraldine mocks, her eyes falling on Leo whose eyes were on Jewel who was busy writing.

She watches Jewel take her head slowly, almost turning to Leo's direction, meanwhile Leo looks away immediately.

"What did you write here?" Nengi asks.

"If you can't see it, draw anything that comes into your head," Geraldine says not looking away.

She watches Jewel who was oblivious of what was going on, take her head once again. More like Leo knew she would, because he looks her way immediately, to the amusement of Geraldine.

"Gidi!" Nengi calls out. "I am serious." He says.

"Where is it? " Geraldine asks, tearing her gaze from Leo and Jewel's direction.

                          ______________________🖊️
"Pass it!" Gbemiga says to Axel with a raised eyebrow. Meanwhile Jason takes the coco pops in question, and empties almost everything into his mouth, and also on the run, because he knew what he had done.

"Just run and never come back. Because if I catch you, hmm!" Gbemiga threatens, you could tell he was pained. Jason had done what he hated the most, he never joked with his food, also Axel's laughter wasn't helping.

Jason who had gotten to a reasonable spot, suddenly stops. Trying the chew, and laugh at the same time, also avoiding choking.

"Thunder fire you!" Gbemiga says looking grim. You could hear his loud voice.

"Just for common coco pops, in fact, same to you," Jason says laughing, and choking almost at the same time.

"Thunder fire you too." He says now heading back, meanwhile Axel who war holding his stomach while he continued laughing, tries to lean on the pavement.

"Don't forget, it's turn by turn. First to do." Gbemiga says.

"Abeg go and sit down. Something breeze has entered." Jason says now getting close to where they sat.

"Senior Jason!" A soft voice calls out. A voice he had gotten used to.

"How are you?" He asks, turning to her direction. She was walking all by herself.

"Fine!" He heard the excitement in her voice, he just lets out a small smile and gentle nod, meanwhile she smiles at him, before hurrying away.

"Nathan has finished this one. See how she looks so innocent." Gbemiga comments.

Meanwhile, Jason watches her till she had disappeared into the air.

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