Eliza's Pov
      As I stood on the front porch connecting to my room, I noticed the calm, tranquil and serenity of the atmosphere. I could hear nothing. There were no traffic noises. Only the chirping of birds and rustling of leaves caused by the cold breeze which was supposed to be soothing but it only made the gloominess worse.

I could also hear the steady rhythmic pulsating of my heart. There was no sight to see out here. The house next to ours looked deserted. I never knew that an estate could be so dull and sombre.

I didn't expect my holiday to turn out like this.

I missed my home. I missed the humming of activities there. Boys playing soccer, Girls chasing each other around the neighborhood. Despite the poor background surrounding us, I felt at home there. Never a dull moment.

I enjoyed the bickering and fighting of mama Ezinne and her mother-in-law. I hate to admit it but I missed the stubborn attitude of big burly Mr Okafor, our landlord and the annoying curiosity of Mama Nneka.

It was 31st December, 4pm on the dot and no one was in. It was only the maids and I. Meredith and my dad was invited to a gala organized by one of his co-workers.

Meredith had always avoided me. We rarely talked. We were just two enemies living under the same roof. After the hilarious encounter with her friend at the pool, she literally avoided me like I was a fly or something.

Because of my dad's absence, I developed a close rapport with the live-in maids. Mr Matthews, the butler and her wife, the cook. Then chirpy and bubbly Ugonma the housemaid, who was in her early twenties and the quiet and mysterious chauffeur, Ikenna who was in his late twenties.

I spent most of my days with them.
Going to the market with Mrs Matthews and helping Ugonma clean the house. It was the only thing I could do to keep from going insane. I knew they pitied me. I could see it in their eyes. But what's done is done. I have a wicked step-mother. How ironic is that?

My dad really made it a point not to spend time with me. As long as I was here.

I was in the living room, watching 'The 100' when they came in. Meredith walked past me with furious strides, heading upstairs, towards their bedroom. My dad did the same thing, not even acknowledging my greeting. A stoic expression on his face.

I knew there was trouble in paradise. A part of me was happy because I've never seen them fight. I knew Meredith would be the cause of their fight because my dad was not a troublesome man.

5 minutes later, Ugonma appeared telling me that my dad wants me to go out and have some fun. It sounded really weird and strange to me. It was already 6pm and I didn't want to go out.

"Ikenna is outside waiting for you. He'll take you wherever you want to go"

She looked sad and serious. It was unlike Ugonma. She was always happy and cheerful.

What's going on?

"What if I don't want to go?" I asked her.

"I would advice you to obey your father." That was all she said and she left.

I brought out my phone and texted Isaac.

Please, tell me you didn't travel for x-mas? I really need a friend right now.

I sent him our rendezvous point and hoped against hope that I'll see him. Because I didn't want to be alone.

I picked up my bag and left the house, meeting Ikenna outside.

We arrived at the 'Golden cinema' and surprisingly Isaac was already there waiting for me. I asked him how he was able to get there before me.
He told me he was already around the area when I texted.

I swore I missed him after the school break. We hugged and bought tickets for 'Coming to America 2'. It was really fun doing this with him.

We left the cinema after the movie and walked to a nearby food stand. The aroma of suya sifted into my nostrils. It was already 8:30pm and I didn't want to go back to that house. I could sense the chauffeur trailing behind us.

We bought suya and was eating it right there with a bottle of Pepsi.

"Is he your bodyguard or what?" Isaac asked gesturing towards Ikenna who was almost close to us.

"I think he is, for now" I said jokingly as I threw a suya into my mouth, munching it.

"Taste good?" He asked.

I nodded as I closed my eyes savoring it.

"I'm so glad you didn't travel for x-mas. I would've been so bored" I told him.

He laughed and I laughed with him.

"What about your brother, isn't he company enough?"

I stiffened as I realized that he was unaware of my current predicament.

"He.... he is. But.... but I needed a friend" I stuttered.

"How are your friends? It's really strange they didn't invite you to their trip outside the country"

"Oh, they did" I said quickly. "But I just didn't want to go"
I commended myself for how quickly I came up with a lie.

I realized that we hadn't broached the incident that happened during the school's Christmas party. That was dangerous grounds I didn't want to walk on.

I mean, how could I tell my crush of my feelings for him?
I really didn't know how to start. It was guys domain not the girls.

I remembered Chioma's frown and Chika's triumphant look. I was now the enemy. Chika has won. I was literally dreading second term.

I remembered the incident that happened in the bathroom with those tall girls (Chika's minions). I couldn't forget what they said about Chika being admitted into the school. With Chika in the picture now, I bet this would be a full blown war. A war I had no strength to fight.

But I just wanted to take things easy for now before I give myself migraine.

As I glanced at Isaac who was busily chatting away with the Hausa man who was behind the food stand. I wondered why he'd never asked about the strange kiss. I guess he's as nervous as I am.

"So next term is your final exam, right?" I asked.

He nodded.

"How's the preparation coming along?"

He sighed heavily "It's a really intense preparation. I couldn't travel with my parents because of it. They insisted I stay and study"

I grinned. "So, no holidays for you?"

He shook his head.

"Wait does that mean you're all alone at home?"

"Yep" He took note of my surprised look. "Hey, I'm a grown man, okay? I can take care of myself"

I chuckled. "It's just that you're really taking this very seriously"

"My dad wants me to ace this exam on my own with no external help. My classmates are paying for logistics but my dad insisted I write it on my own"

"Isn't it scary?"

"Honestly, it is." He smiled. "That's the more reason I want to do it. I want to prove something to myself"

I sensed the ease he had while talking and I admired him for it.

"Did you drive here by yourself?" I asked him.

"No, my driver is in the car. I'm not up to the age remember?" He smiled my way.

I nodded again. Thinking of taking driving lessons with my dad's help.

"It's late." He said as he glanced at his watch. "I think our date is over"

Wait, did he just say, date?

My cheeks turned red like a tomato immediately.

As he walked me to the car,he paused and hugged me. As he withdrew, he leaned forward and my eyes widened. I knew what he was about to do and I expected it.

I closed my eyes in anticipation. I puckered my lips and leaned forward but I felt his lips on my cheeks instead. Disappointment washed over me like cold water as I glared at him.

"Happy belated new year, Eliza" He smiled.

I smiled back but the disappointment mixed with anger was still there.

"You too. Goodnight" I think my tone was harsh but I didn't care as I got into the car immediately and the driver drove off.

How could he play with my feelings like this?!!!

I was lost in thought during the drive home. I didn't know when we arrived home.

I got out of the car and slammed the door hard then stomped into the house.

As I stepped into the hall, I noticed that everywhere was pitch black.

I sighed as I dipped my hand into my purse to retrieve my phone.

Suddenly, I heard a scream coming right upstairs and my heart flipped.

What's going on?

Hey guys, I'm back again with a new chapter.

I think there's trouble in paradise.

And I think Isaac is a playboy, why would he do that to Eliza?

Have a good read.

xoxo