Finally we are ending this book.
I can't believe it.

The Question time, bonus chapter and announcement comes next, do participate guys💜
🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹🌹

       Immediately Jayden gets into the room, he drops his travelling box. Neither of his parents was home. They were brought back by the driver.

He had plans for the day. Which did include winning his girlfriend back. He felt something very strong for Geraldine. He knew that.

Even with how repulsive she could be. He didn't know if he should call, text or maybe go over to her house.

For sure she was going to ignore his calls and text, but going over to her place. He thought twice, about her parents being home.

Geraldine's Mum scared the crap out of him.

On another thought, he decided to face his fears and call her.

________________________ 🖊️

    Immediately she saw the caller's ID, she sits on the bed giving it a look. Picking it immediately would seem thirty, so she decided to let it ring a while, before picking it.

"How may I help you?" She sassed.

"Dee."

It came out so soft and sweet.

She wasn't going to let that get to her, the sweet voice and all that

"Yes, what?" She asks.

There is a little silence.

"Are you still mad at me?"

"Is that why you called? Please hang up." She says trying to sound all rude.

"Baby."

She blushed.

This time she couldn't help it.

She wasn't mad at him anymore but was trying to force it. She was glad he wasn't standing in front of her right now.

"I'm sorry." He murmurs.

"Hmm." She responds.

"Dee." He calls out again.

"What?" She asks, still trying to maintain the anger.

"I want us. Please stop pushing me away."

"You knew she did it all along and didn't tell me..., "

"Because I wanted to create the peace..., "

"Or because you still love her and protecting her?" Geraldine asks sitting properly on the bed, folding her legs.

"She was my first, Gidi. But I'm all yours now. There is nothing between us anymore." He says slowly, while she listened attentively.

She still had her doubts.

_________________________ 🖊️

"I haven't heard from her. I need to go there." Jason agrees with Ashley who was stopping him from leaving, for God knows why.

"Ukeme said she travelled with her mother." Ashley blurts out.

All the stories weren't making sense to Jason, he came to reason with Ashley, but it seemed like things were getting complicated.

"Ukeme?" Jason asks wondering when they started communicating again, besides she and Ukeme, weren't on talking terms.

"Fine, I can't keep lying. She just got back from the hospital. She is a mess, just give her time." Ashley says.

"Ash, what are you hiding?" Jason suddenly asks.

_________________________ 🖊️

     With no signs of her parents, Jewel had decided to sneak out of the house again. This was going to be her second time using public transportation.

First was the day she snuck out to see Leo. She thought of ordering a bolt immediately, while she picks up her phone and every of her stuff, putting them in the right places.

Finally satisfied, she picks up a mini bag, and storms out of the room.

Getting to the stairs, she starts walking normally, like someone who had nowhere in mind to get to.

When she noticed no one was in sight, she dashed out.

_________________________ 🖊️

    It was lunchtime. Geraldine serves herself while her Dad continues raining praises on her.

She was just done with secondary school, not like she had gotten the biggest achievements in her life.

She was extremely glad to have her parents together, and no one fighting about anything.

"Give the big girl the big piece." Her Dad says to her Mum regarding the meat.

"For what? Which mouth does she want to use in eating the big piece?" Her Mum asks in a mock tone.

For once Geraldine was very glad, neither of her parents had spoken about the nude since she got back.

Turning to Aaliyah, she observes the plate in front of her, it consisted of only fruit.

At that moment she wanted to question her Mum about it, but thought twice, she didn't want to spoil the peaceful evening. She knew how little things could enrage her Mum.

"Gidi, can I get a glass of water?" Came Aaliyah's voice.

Geraldine turns to her with a glare.

"Asher, how are you?" Geraldine asks her brother trying to ignore Aaliyah. If she didn't know how to use the p-word, which wasn't difficult, she could get it herself, if she couldn't say common please, she wondered what she was even learning.

"Fine," Asher says and goes back to his food.

"Your graduation is coming soon, you should invite your grandma herself, you know how dramatic she can be." Her Mum suddenly says, reminding her about her maternal grandma. "Don't forget Granny too." Her Mum scoffs referring to the paternal.

If there was something Geraldine it was the fact both women have her Mum problems. To think they are even best friends.

_________________________ 🖊️

   Finally summoning the courage, she knocks.

The first time, she gets no response.

Remembering the doorbell, she decides to use it.

The second time, the door gets pulled open immediately.

Her eyes meet the young lady, in a cleaning uniform.

This was the first time she was seeing that face here.

"Who is that?"

A familiar voice that sent chills into her body.

"Jewel."

"Jewel." The lady repeats.

"Let her in."

   Their eyes met immediately she stepped in.

Nathan looked very much different from the last time she saw him. This time he held just one clutch for support.

As usual, she attempts to run upstairs to search for Leo, there was clearly nothing she had to talk about with Nathan.

Seeing him now, she felt very uneasy.

"Leo isn't home." She paused, turns around.

"He left."

She didn't read any meaning to the statement. She just wanted to see Leo, or get answers and get the hell out. She couldn't stand being in the same place as Nathan.

"Where is he?" Jewel asks stuttering.

"He left... For rehab. It's been weeks, I haven't seen him. My Mum found out he was dealing with hard drugs. He isn't in the county, So..., "

The next things he said, she didn't hear, because she wasn't listening.

Leo was gone.

Leo was gone.

Leo was gone.

"Rehab." Jewel repeats like a lost soul. Now making eye contact with Nathan.

Was he lying to her or what?

"You didn't know? It's obvious you didn't." Nathan says, finding a place to sit.

"He didn't tell me," Jewel says, suddenly tasting the salt on her lips. It dawned on her that she was shedding tears.

She doesn't utter another word, to go to the next person in her mind. Someone who would have answers to her questions.

"I'm sorry."

She heard that loud and care, she wasn't dreaming. She turns back to see Nathan staring back at her.

"For everything. Find it in your heart to forgive me." He says. She could see how hard he struggled to say those words.

That was the last thing in her mind. She could think straight right now. Nathan's apologies weren't going to change anything.

Things remained the same

______________________ 🖊️

"Jewel chose Havard," Jayden says while they both sit across from each other in Geraldine's room.

Geraldine knew that was Jewel's choice, she had already told her. They were currently discussing JAMB.

Geraldine was curious deep down about Jayden's choice. She didn't want him far. She didn't want a long-distance relationship. She knew her Mum was surely not letting her out of her sight. Because she had strictly pleaded with her to choose a university in Nigeria, either Private or federal.

"Jayden, My mum wouldn't want me to go anywhere, she said I should pick a private or federal uni..., "

"Oh, " Jayden responds, making her curious.

"I thought of University of Lagos or UNIPORT..., "

"Those are my choices too. Thinking of picking one." Jayden suddenly says, surprising her.

The excitement she felt in that instance.

"UNIPORT?" She asks.

"I will fill in UNIPORT as my first choice too." He repeats.

Geraldine couldn't hide her excitement any longer, she throws herself into his arms

_____________________ 🖊️

     Jewel couldn't believe the person standing opposite her was Ekanem. She was beyond shocked.

She looked so pale and very sick. Like she had come out of a death trap.

She hasn't said any word, since she got in. Jewel had been the one doing the talking.

She suddenly gets up and disappears into the house. In no time she is back with a white envelope.

"Leo said I should give this to you before he left." Ekanem hands over the envelope to her. Which she receives and puts away.

If there was something that was bothering her now, it was how pale Ekanem was.

"Are you okay?" Jewel asks with concern.

"I'm getting better," Ekanem says struggling to release a weak smile which doesn't work out.

"What's wrong?" Jewel asks joining her on the floor.

"I was in the hospital for weeks, that was why I didn't make it for the exams. I almost died..., "

"Jesus. God forbid." Jewel says.

"It happened, I had an abortion, which almost claimed my life. To think the bastard still didn't flush out." Ekanem yells in tears. Meanwhile, Jewel stares at her in shock.

She felt extreme bad, seeing Ekanem like this, did hurt her.

"Oh my God, I'm sorry," Jewel says pulling her into their arms. Ekanem burst into tears.

"My God, that was why you didn't show up for WAEC."

She seemed very broken.

"It was written for me," Ekanem says slowly, confusing Jewel. "I just want to die." Ekanem sobs.

"Don't say that," Jewel says holding her.

"I'm tired of this life. How can I have a bastard?"

"Ekanem dont say that..., "

"Jewel, you don't understand my plight. You will never understand. It's not as easy as it seems. This shouldn't have happened." Ekanem cries.

"Who is the father?" Jewel asks, inquisitive.

"I don't know." Ekanem sobs into her clothes. "I don't know, Jewel. I can't be having either of the child. The shame is too much..., "

"Ekanem."

"Nobody believes me... Nobody loves me. Nobody cares about me. Not even the woman who gave birth to me. All she cares about is her career." Ekanem cries out.

   The sudden sound of the doorbell, makes them entangle.

Jewel says their maid, the one she didn't like, rush to open the door.

Shocked by who she saw.

At the same time, Ekanem gets up and runs upstairs.

"Queen," Jason calls out and runs after her.

Jewel who is confused gets up and follows them.

On getting upstairs, she sees Jason knocking tirelessly.

"Please let's talk."

Jason was shedding tears. Real tears.

Jewel stares at him very confused.

"Jason." She calls out calmly.

He is shocked to see her standing there.

"Go away. I don't want to talk to you." Ekanem cries out.

"I'm extremely sorry. Sorry for doubting you..., "

"Just go away," Ekanem yells.

This was the most terrifying truth she had found out in a long time.

It was crystal clear.

Jason had something with Ekanem.

How?

______________________ 🖊️

       Geraldine stares at her reflection in the mirror for a while, before picking up her nude lipstick.

They had an event, it had to do with her maternal grandmother.

She couldn't hide how uncomfortable she was in the skimpy gown and heels.

She would have appreciated, a pair of sneakers and baggy jeans with big polo.

Slowly she turns to the necklace her Mum had dropped for her.

She was thinking about how she was going to put on such a problem. It seemed heavy.

Slowly she picks it up and puts it on.

______________________ 🖊️

        Finally gathering the courage to read the letter. She pulls it close to her. Shuts her eyes for a while, before finally opening it.

She tears the sealed envelope. Her gaze meets the neatly arranged paper. On opening it. She recognised the handwriting at a spot.

Her heart was beating. She was nervous, couldn't think straight. Her hands suddenly felt sweaty.

     I love Jewel... I love you. I will keep saying it over and over again. I love you so much, that it hurts. It hurts because you don't feel the same way, no matter how much I tried, to win you over, to reciprocate the feelings. You still couldn't stop loving him. It killed me. It did.

My heart broke the day I found out what he did to you. I wished I could turn the hands of time and it didn't happen.

I want to change Jewel, if not for anyone but you. You are the only good thing I have, but it wasn't easy. I tried Jewel, I tried.

I know you are upset with me. But I wanted to see you one last time before I left.  I wanted to tell you again - how much I love you, and how I'm trying my absolute best to change.

Nathan told my Mum about everything.  I want to change, really I do, but it isn't easy...

Jewel burst into tears, as she puts the letter away.

She picks it again.

I'm depressed and traumatised, maybe I need treatment as everyone says. Maybe I'm not good enough for you. I know I'm toxic. Trust me I do. But I didn't mean to hurt you in any way, maybe it was better off, watching you from afar like I always did. I only wish you the best in life and wish you find someone who would love and cherish you, and not hurt you the way I and my brother did.

Xoxo
Leonardo

Jewel was sobbing hard at the end. She couldn't hold it anymore, she gets up and runs out of her room.

______________________ 🖊️

     
"Why didn't you tell me, Leo was leaving?" Jewel asks immediately she burst into Jayden's room.

Jayden looked extremely stunned, like he wasn't expecting her.

"Jayden." She calls us sobbing hard.

Leo states back at her still not talking. She sits down in tears.

"He just left me like that." She sobs.

"Jewel," Jayden calls out calmly.

"He just left me." She replies sobbing hard.

______________________ 🖊️

      Jayden concentrates on his food, along with his Mum, Jewel had refused to come downstairs, he knew why, while Jason wasn't around.

Grandma and Ivy had left for Lagos today, accompanied by his Dad.

Things with Ivy had become sore, he didn't expect it. There was a time he thought he couldn't leave without Ivy. She was with everything.

But everything changed. Especially after she released Geraldine's nudes with his account.

"Why didn't Jewel come down?" His Mum suddenly asks.

"She is sick," Jayden responds, meanwhile they hear some walking steps. They both look over, to see Jason who runs straight to his room.

"What's wrong with him?" Came his mother's question. He had no answer for that. He wasn't aware. But Jason hadn't been behaving strangely of recent.

____________________ 🖊️

      She had finally gotten her room all to herself. Though it was the least on her mind. She had been crying ever since she got into her room.

"Jewel."

She cleans her eyes immediately she heard her Mum's voice. She wasn't expecting her at all.

"What's wrong?" She could feel the concern in her Mum's voice.

She burst into tears.

"Jewel, what's wrong? Are you okay?" She asks with concern.

"He left." Jewel cries out.

Meanwhile, her Mum stares back at her quite confused.

"Who left."

"Leo." She sobs hard.

"Jewel."

"I didn't get the tell him how much he meant to me, I just wanted him to stop doing drugs, didn't mean to push him away." She sobs.

Meanwhile, her Mum pulls her into her arms. Jewel continues sobbing.

"You will be fine. Trust me. There are going to be many boys. You are still very young. This is your first heartbreak, you can over..., "

"It hurts." Jewel sobs hard.

"I know, baby trust me. I understand what you are going through more than anyone. Telling you to stay away from him, wasn't going to stop you. I knew that. I went through all this. These are what makes teenage hood. Just that the difference is that I got pregnant and had to drop out of school."

Jewel hugs her Mum tightly.

"I have told you before of how I was almost raped. I was drugged. And ended up on your Dad's bed. The very first party I snuck out to. I blamed your Dad. I hated him. You Dad had problems while growing up. He even went to a rehab centre for a year, till he was clean."

Jewel sits up.

"I hate friends I trusted with my life. I was just a naive girl, who ventured into a rich school, where the elite ruled. That was when I knew rich people were mean. Especially when you didn't fall under their social status. I thought I had a friend, till I got stabbed in the back. Friends I would never forget were Cherish parents, Light and late Nancy. Nancy was a sick child. She made sure her Dad helped me out when I lost the opportunity of coming out as the best graduating student and getting the scholarship, due to my pregnancy."

"It wasn't easy." She chuckled bitterly. "Your Dad wasn't there. I almost took my life when I found out I was pregnant, if only my Uncle didn't get there on time. "

"I didn't want you to trade the part I did. I know what teenage love is all about. I know that feeling when you think your life revolved around this one person. Sneaking out and going to see a boy. I did all those things. But it didn't lead me anywhere. Eventually, I met Ken along the way. He helped. We were about to get married when your Dad appeared. Everyone kept telling me how I was separating kids from their father. It turned into my fault... Jewel, I understand you. But there is time for everything. There is. You are still young. You are beaut..., "

Jewel throws herself into her mother's arms immediately.

______________________ 🖊️

    It was graduation day. The day
many were looking forward to. The hall was grandly decorated in blue and black. Which was the colour of the day. Students and parents had started trooping in and out of the hall.

Some of the graduates were seen around.

Geraldine had walked in with her parents and siblings. They walk into the hall, alongside each other, as they head to one of the vacant tables.

The decoration wasn't what Geraldine had imagined. This wasn't Hilton style, she wondered who was in charge of the decoration because they flopped really bad.

The colour of the day for grad students was Blue and a touch of black. So the hall was decorated with that too.

GERALDINE'S DRESS

Funny because she was putting on a black gown, and blue heels. Instead of blue and a touch of black, in her case, it was black and a touch of blue.

Geraldine's eyes suddenly meet Jewel, she wasn't alone, she was in the company of her brothers and parents.

Her jaw dropped when she saw her boyfriend. Every day Jayden got hotter. Making her wonder if it was just her eyes.

JAYDEN'S OUTFIT.

JASON'S OUTFIT

JEWEL'S OUTFIT.

"Congratulations Gidi." Geraldine slowly turns to meet Uncle Kenny's gaze, he was with his pregnant wife and Nicole. Ashley was not were to be seen.

Suddenly she sights him. He was busy talking to Ukeme, they were very engrossed in the conversation.

ASHLEY'S OUTFIT

UKEME'S OUTFIT.

If the was something that had been on her mind since last night. It was who the valedictorian would be.

Now, it wasn't just in her class, it was the whole of SS3.

She knew Ekanem Edit had always been a trait to her. She had forgotten her boyfriend, she sure knew it wasn't going to be her. But would have been extremely glad, if it turned out to be her.

She noticed Ekanem didn't take the exams with them. That alone took her out of the picture.

Her eyes suddenly fall on someone extremely familiar.

Ekanem Edet.

She looked very different. Geraldine noted she had gained so much weight, since the last time she saw her.

She wasn't expecting her. She looked very simple in her blue and white gown. Which was unlike Ekanem. She held unto her graduation gown. Which shocked Geraldine.

But she didn't take the final exams?

That was the question she had in mind.

EKANEM'S OUTFIT

𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐆𝐑𝐀𝐃𝐔𝐀𝐓𝐈𝐎𝐍 𝐇𝐀𝐋𝐋

______________________ 🖊️

        He had been trying hard to find out what was going on with Ekanen from Ukeme, who didn't seem like, she was going to give him any reasonable info.

Those awkward, conversations between you and your ex. If you could relate.

He was only doing this for Jason. The last person he wanted to talk to was Ukeme, not after everything that happened in the past.

"She is fine," Ukeme says, he just hisses directly to her face. That's the only statement she had been making since they started talking.

"Seriously," Ukeme says. "Just tell your cousin to stay clear from her, that's what she wants now. He has done too much already..., "

"What did he do?" Ashley attacks. "Hasn't he apologized..., "

"Does apology solve everything?" Ukeme attacks.

Ashley would blame Jason for the action he took. Any boy their age would do the same thing in his shoes.

"Did she abort it or not?" Ashley asks. Even though the words were harsh, he wanted to get the answers to his questions and Ukeme was just being a bitch about it. "To think now you are acting like a friend..., "

"Better don't go there, " Ukeme attacks. "If you need answers why don't you go talk to her over there. Bloody fool." Ukeme says. Meanwhile, he turns around, wondering what she was on about. Only to see Ekanem standing and talking to Mr John.

He wasn't expecting her at all.

______________________ 🖊️

   He had been looking for every opportunity to talk to Queen since she arrived, but the opportunity wasn't presented to him.

He was almost going insane with the silent treatment.

Had she cut him off?

He was a fool.

He fucked up.

He was only terrified when he found out about her condition. He didn't mean to use her past against her.

He knew the chances of him being responsible for her pregnancy was 50, just like him.

He chooses to refer to the bastard as him. The hatred he had for him was out of the world.

You weren't supposed to wish anyone dead, but Jason did wish him.

He was a beast in human form.

Whatever the principal had been saying, he hadn't been listening. It was when people started clapping that he decided to pay attention. When the Mc comes back on the podium.

A lot of students had gone to the podium to take their gifts, which did include Jayden. Best in physics.

"We are happy to announce and invite this year's valedictorian to the podium to give a speech."

This was the announcement everyone was waiting for.

"The valedictorian is..., "

He paused on purpose.

Some person's laughs.

"The valedictorian..., "

"Guess who it is..., " The Mc says.

There are side talks and laughter.

"Is..., "

"BP is rising here oh." One of the students yells. It was definitely from the Art Class.

"This year's Valedictorian is no one else, but Queen Ekanem Edet." He announced. This was followed by a round of applause.

Jason stared at the man speechlessly. Not moving.

He noticed Ekanem walking up to the podium, immediately she got there, the Mc helped her up.

She was all smiles, making him wonder how she managed to always put a smile on her face. She always did that, Ekanem always had a smile on her face, even in the most critical situation.

Managing to pull that up, even when extremely down. He always gave hat off to EKANEM for that.

She smiled again, immediately she took the microphone and faced everyone.

"Good day, everyone. Parent, The principal, Vc'z and my teachers who have worked so effortlessly. Finally my fellow students." She laughs.

It was very obvious she didn't make any preparations for this. She didn't see it coming.

"Trust me, I didn't see this coming." She laughs. "This is going to be very short. And I'm directing this to my fellow students, those coming up after us. I'm not going to go into details about my life story, because it isn't worth it." She smiled again.

Ekanem and always smiling even in the toughest situations.

People might not have read the meaning of what she just said, but he did.

"My advice to you all is never giving up or relent, the sky is your limit." She says.

______________________ 🖊️

      Watching Ekanem, Jewel noticed the way she had gained weight. Although the gown she was putting on hid it perfectly. This wasn't the way Ekanem would dress to an event.

It wasn't happening.

The grown was simple and cute.

She wasn't even expecting her till she called and told her.

"Special thanks to my Physic teacher Mr John. Thank you so much for everything. I know I always annoyed you, by my behaviour, but you are my best teacher." She says, meanwhile students and parents start clapping.

It was obvious Ekanem didn't prepare for this speech, this was unlike her.

"I want to thank my friends too. Ukeme Udeme. We met right here, but friendship began right here. You haven't only been a friend to me, but a sister. Despite everything we have gone through, you have always been here to support me, thanks for being a best friend."

Jewel was a little bit surprised.

Ekanem and Ukeme weren't in talking terms, what changed?

"To my friend Leonardo Wachijem who isn't here today, I consider him the brother I never hard. He had also been of immense help to me. One of the persons who gave me courage, and supported me at all times."

Jewel releases a weak smile. She had been reminded of him, for the second time today.

"And also Jewel." She chuckles. "I know if I don't mention your name, you will be having my head." She laughs. Followed by a few students.
"Jewel Adenuga, you are strong, and I admire that. Always know that. Thanks for being there. To think we never bonded until our last term here. Thank you." She smiles, meanwhile Jewel returns the smile.

"Thank you, everyone."

A round of applause begins.

______________________ 🖊️

     They kiss for what seemed like an eternity, before moving away from each other.

Jayden stares at her plump lips, not getting enough of it. They had sneaked out of the graduation ceremony, only to hide here.

Geraldine was looking extraordinarily beautiful. He had to ask himself if she was his same girlfriend.

"My exam day is next week Saturday." She says referring to JAMB.

"Monday." He responds.

"Good luck." She says smiling. Meanwhile, he pulls her into his arms.

Currently, the feeling between them was driving him insane, he couldn't stay a day without talking to her. If there weren't talking, they were meeting each other in a secret spot.

It took him great morale, to restrain himself from touching her. He wanted her to come to him when she was ready. He didn't want to force it on her, even though it wasn't easy to handle from his side.

He was sexually active, so it was difficult for him to be in a relationship without sex.

Things had been working out perfectly for them. He only wished it was going to last long. Though many people said high school relationships didn't lead to marriage, even though his parents were proof of opposing the saying. He knew they still had a long way to go. They were still very young.

His life had changed in the space of nine months. He could remember the Jayden who walked through the gates of Hilton College, wasn't the same here.

The Jayden who despised Geraldine from the very moment he set his eyes on her, how it turned to affection was still unknown.

A lot of things had happened in such short period.

Leonardo, his very first friend at Hilton College. He hadn't heard from him since the day he left, he only wished they were going to meet one day.

Jewel court proceeding had started. Nathan appeared in court, to think the case wasn't as simple as they were expecting. Especially with the force the OTEDOLA'S were using. He just wished things would walk out fine.

"My Mum is calling." Geraldine suddenly says, waving her phone over.

"Go first, I would come out after five minutes." He responds.

THE END

Guess, I can't believe it. My baby is over😭😭😭😭😭😭

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