“Great is the guilt of an unnecessary war.” – John Adams.

•••

“And here we are.”

April announced aloud, as the group strode into the large monstrosity of a hall. Not exactly a monstrosity, since its appearance was quite wide of a terrifying mark. It’s setting was like that of a simple school hall, divided into three large columns and pillaged on several pillars of two rows which ran parallel to one another. The colors – purple and white dominated the room, exuding a daylight disco feel of some sort. And of course just ahead, was the five feet tall threshold which acted as the podium.

“Is that some sort of magic word to summon our superiors from wherever they are?” Dabby said dryly, as he smirked at April by her left from where he stood with Itunu. She couldn’t believe that the boys had gone ten minutes, without throttling each other or finding reason to do so. She’d have been marveled by the development, if she didn’t know Itunu was the enemy. “Because I don’t know why you have to announce that. Everyone knows this is the hall, we ate dinner here yesterday evening remember?”

April simply rolled her eyes, and pulled Rena alongside her towards the podium. The boys followed of course, just because they weren’t already pouncing on one another – didn’t make them buddies, or revel at the idea of being alone together. They had arrived at the facility well into the evening yesterday, and after they had been given the brief orientation program on the institution’s history and mission—dinner had been served. Afterwards, everyone had been sent to their beds instantly, so there had been no avenue for further mingling.

“Don’t you just feel like driving a kick hard into the middle of his legs?” April whispered into her ear, as she pulled them further away from the approaching boys. Her friend’s left arm was linked in her right. “I mean it’s so annoying that he’s planning something so bad, and I can’t just hit him with a slap right now. Hey, do you think he’d fall for it if I slapped him really hard, and say I did it because I was angry he’s so cute? Boys like him are too full of themselves, he might actually believe.”

Rena chuckled, shaking her head. “Nope, I don’t think so. Although if you get Dabby into beating him up, he wouldn’t need convincing to believe that. But the thing I’m worried about is if Dabby is fit for the task. He might be taller but, football guys are always more rough and tougher. Plus, Dabby is a big baby. Do you know he is scared of butterflies?”

“Butterflies?” April’s head jerked to her friend.

“Yup, butterflies. Moths, wasps and other flying stuff.” Rena laughed. “Even roaches. So you can imagine how those really big ones that can fly scare him? Is it someone that runs the other way when he sees cockroach that I will tell to beat a football captain? We’d be lucky if Itunu doesn’t squash him like someone killing cockroach.”

April laughed. “Anyway, just putting it out there. It just sucks that we all have to be divided. How long is this exercise, before everyone regroups and have a group activity? I don’t how long I can keep these hands to myself. They really want to fist bump Itunu’s face.”

Rena smiled. “If you like, I can go get some chains to tie them down for you. But for now, just restrain yourself. We don’t need him suspecting him more than he already does. In fact, we have to do the opposite. Act really cool and nice when he is around, while Tomi works that Legide lead. Get the information out of her, and we’re through here. It can’t be so difficult, since the last time I saw Legide talking to Tomi, she was grinning all over like an idiot who just got a smiling virus.”

“Hmm, I see.” April nodded. They were literally talking in whispers, to conceal the details of the conversation from the boys. “But what’s it with this new found optimism of yours? You weren’t so confident and enthusiastic about this yesterday, but now you’re all high spirits. I’m not complaining, I’m just—well I’m complaining cos I don’t know. Telling me to calm down until we discover what he’s up to, like you have something more evil in mind when we do. Please, tell me you do!”

“Free me,” Rena laughed, pulling her hand from April’s. “It’s not only evil, you’d soon see satanic.”

“Aren’t you guys even concerned about what is happening here?” Itunu’s inquiry drew them back to the present, and now as she stared him down – the idea of driving a kick hard at his groin, did pose itself and it was really tempting. But no, she had more control than that.

If I were you, I’d be concerned about what I’m going to do to you when this is all done.

“Concerned?” She frowned. “Why should we be concerned? They said the social prefects should go the hall and wait for their instructors. So why should we be concerned about the instructors? That they may get lost on their way here? I highly doubt so since this is kinda, like you know—their everyday job.”

“No, I don’t mean that.” He shook his head, pocketing his hands. Dabby stood by his right, a good measure of space between them. “Like what if this is some sort of learning exercise or test? You know, we’re social prefects. They said we should go to an empty hall, and after almost twenty minutes no one has arrived. What if there is something we’re not seeing that we should be seeing. Or something we should be doing that we’re not doing.”

“Like what? Asides from asking each other ridiculous questions of course.” Dabby smirked, and the girls shared in his amusing remark. Itunu didn’t seem bothered by it in anyway, though.

“Well, this is an empty hall. We’re social prefects aren’t we?” He continued. “And this is particularly a disorganized hall. Chairs and tables scattered about in no manner–”

“Yeah that’s what happens after a group of teenagers eat in a place, when they’re parents aren’t around.” April cut in. “What’s your point?”

“Just listen, will you? Now this place is disorganized, there are even decorating items on the podium.” He paused to point out the tall threshold before them. “What if they placed us is in this untidy place because they wanted us to take care of it like social prefects would be inclined to. You know, for like a real actual event.”

Rena laughed. “Okay, first of all – this hall is too big, and the chairs and tables too many for only four of us to tidy up. Let’s say we can even do that, that’d take way too long. Several hours even, thus eliminating our lectures and all as it’d have taken up the entire time. And if that’s what I came all the way from Lagos to do, to clean up my mates mess? Then I’m really going to start doubting if this place is as professional as they call it to be.”

As if on cue, two people strode into the hall the moment Rena finished with her counter statement. The duo consisted of a man, middle aged probably – she guessed as she took in his appearance of a black plaid suit and leather black oxford issues. There was no single strand of hair on his head, but his oval shaped spectacles and well trimmed beard gave him a very distinguished, magnetic look.

The woman on the other hand, who was much fairer in complexion and younger in age – wore a black jump suit and brown nude wedges. Her hair was French braided, and she wore very heavy make-up giving her an ethereal appearance that suited her. Hooped earrings, and a number of hand jewelries jingled as she moved.

“Hey guys, once again welcome to the Bright establishment.” The man started, clasping his hands as they both halted before her and the rest. Itunu and Dabby also came to stand by their sides. “Sorry for the delay, we were caught up in a little emergency. So, are you ready to get down to business?”

Rena exchanged a curious, yet enthusiastic look with the rest and they all nodded together.

“Great, first of all let’s settle down on a table.” It was the woman who spoke this time around, her voice smooth and high pitched, void of any hoarse attribute. Rena always longed for a voice like hers, and judging by the impressed look on April’s face – she knew her friend was probably thinking the same thing.

They proceeded to taking a round, coffee table in the center of the hall. The adults on one side, and Rena and the rest on the other.

“I’m Janice, B-T-W and this black thing here is Kunle.” The woman continued, gesturing to her colleague in a playful manner that caused them all to laugh in unison. Rena knew she wasn’t wrong to doubt Janice was the social type, for all she knew this duo before them were social prefects just like them in their time. “We’re your instructors here in the social world. So go on, introduce yourselves.”

Right after the pleasantries phased had passed, they delved right into the main agenda.

“First of all, I want someone to tell me what being a social prefect actually is?” Kunle asked, his eyes fixated on her – as If urging her to take the wheels, even if he didn’t implore her to do so with words.

Rena’s throat bobbed, and she finally sat up to answer lest his gaze melt her skin into fluid.

“Uhm, well the social office is concerned with all—hmm, how would I put this, it’s just like the name implies really. All social events and matters of the students is our business. School parties, extra curricular events, and any other stuff that has to do with people relationships with others, I guess.”

“That’s right, there is no other way to use it. No other word to use to define it, asides from students’ social matters.” Janice agreed with a nod. “But the question is how far do you think that role extends? Is it just limited to only school parties and events, or it’s much more than that? Even passing borders that you don’t even think it could?”

“Well,” April cleared her throat. “We do know that it’s essential for us to have a great relationship with anyone, more than any other prefect. And also with the teachers. We’re sort-off like the link from teacher to student in some way. We relay the students wishes in a way that the teachers don’t find repulsive and irrational, and also explain the teachers’ wants to the students in a more empathetic way.”

“Great, I love your replies.” Kunle smiled, a dimple bulging from his right cheek. Rena couldn’t help but bite her lower lip at the sight. Who didn’t like a guy with a dimple in the right place? “Now tell us, what are the things that make you know that you’re qualified to man such office? Those qualifications that the teachers and other members of the school staff saw in you, and knew you’re fit for this office. I want to hear them.”

Well, because you know – we’re popular!

Itunu spoke up. “It has to do with our influence mostly, and our popularity amongst the student body. Of course the school wouldn’t put up illegitimate people who hardly are recognized by people, and don’t have any influence. For example, I’d be minted as the captain of the football team next term when the S.S.S. 3 begin with their exams. And Dabby here would get the same status on the basket-ball team. The girls might not be the head of any active group, but their very social activities speak for them.”

“And your looks, obviously.” Janice smiled, much to the surprise of the group. “Oh, let’s stop being modest shall we? Asides from the fact that the social prefects have to be popular, we all here know that such popularity has something to do with appearance. I’ve not exactly been opportune to see the face of everyone that’s in the facility at the moment, but I know definitely not everyone looks like you guys. Most people won’t. You’re all very attractive people.”

For some reason, her face and that of her mates flushed hard even if they were quite used to receiving compliments of such nature from people. She didn’t know about the others, but she was only more flattered because it was coming from a woman who defied the limits of gorgeous. If there were.

“Most times the school usually ships you guys to be couples.” Janice continued. “I remember during my time, I was the social prefect and the male social prefect was this childhood friend of mine…”

What?

She exchanged a funny look with Dabby, and they laughed discreetly.

“…it isn’t like your school where you guys are four. They’d have probably changed it now though, since the population would be a lot high. What, why are you guys laughing?” Janice smiled, catching on to Rena’s exchange with Dabby. “Oh, I think I know what is going on. The same thing is with you guys, huh?”

Rena nodded. “I can’t even remember how I met him, or the first time we talked.”

“Oh, you remember quite well Rena.” Dabby smirked. “The reason why you say that, is because you don’t want to talk about it. It’s so evergreen in your memory, because it was the day you experienced what love at first sight meant.”

Rena deadpanned, while everyone else burst into laughter. She couldn’t believe her ears. Dabby was the only one who had the audacity, to tease her in the company of a superior, overseeing couple. Fortunately, the adults found it every bit as amusing as he did. Nevertheless, she was going to get him back for it.

“Ah, so you’re that type huh?” Janice smiled, eyeing Dabby up and god! He was returning an equal assessing glance – like she wasn’t a decade older than he was or something. “Anyway, now that we’ve cleared that – let’s move to the basics. Socials span a lot of activities, but the major one and the most significant thing you could helm is your end of the year party perhaps. On the valedictory, and graduation program the school’s administration likes taking more power in that knowing that it’s a day of both the parent and the student. But the end of the year parties is for only the students. Is that the same way it is in Lake High?”

“Absolutely,” Itunu nodded. “In fact in those other events, they hardly let us do anything, asides from attending the event.”

Kunle laughed. “I see, so let’s pay more attention to what you’re allowed to do then. There is little time to teach you on how to start a peaceful protest that could give you more power to influence stuff in areas you don’t exactly have jurisdiction.”

“First of all, let’s start with the definition of a good party.” Janice said. “So please, someone go and define what a good party is supposed to have?”

As the day proceeded, Rena found herself enjoying it exceedingly despite her alert, worrying state. But there was little she could do, anyway. The outcome all rested on Tomi’s shoulders and she knew she could trust him to deliver. She could only hope he wasn’t having as much fun as she was currently – so his mind would be more focused on the mission.

*****

“Do well to remember at all times, that great communication facilitate better health recovery. Why don’t you start on each other for a change, I couldn’t help but sense there is some tension between you guys during the whole thing or maybe it’s just me. Whichever one it is, I trust you’d handle it well. Now, if you would excuse me – I have other stuff to get to. Have a smashing day ahead, see you tomorrow.”

The female geeky therapist finished, with a curt expression as she buttoned her white overcoat and adjusted her black rimmed glasses. Picking her bag from the table, demarcating their seats and hers – she finally took her leave and left them behind.

“Wanna tell me about this tension issue that’s between us?” Tomi said, rising to his feet and tilting his chair to face hers. Slumping back down, he plopped his right elbow on the arm rest and rested his chin on it locking gaze confidently with Legide’s. “Because I can assure you the tension wasn’t in anyway coming from my direction. If you want I can go get a tension detector. Pretty sure the alarms would start blaring when I place it on you.”

His quip worked, and her face broke into a smile. The first smile she had given today. He didn’t know why she was such in a sober mood. He thought he had evicted all negative feelings concerning them, last week but all of a sudden she had returned back to her sour mood preceding their reconciliation. Almost as if there was a development, and that notion alone made his insides quiver in fear like a mouse would when in a gathering of cats.

“Nothing is wrong actually, I’m fine.” She shrugged. “I just don’t have any particular reason to be cheerful.”

“I think you do,” He disagreed. “We just concluded exams, and have a holiday ahead of us. That’s enough reason to put a smile on anyone’s face that has been quarter as busy as we have in this past term. We’re away from school and those overbearing teachers. The people here are very modern and young. What else? Last night we had hamburgers and Chapman for dinner. Like when was the last time I had a real actual, good hamburger in this country? We had bread and Nutella in the morning also. The food timetable is really awesome, I can’t even spot swallow there.

“Don’t get me wrong not that I don’t like native food, but when you eat them almost every night – then It wouldn’t be bad to have something nice for a change. And we’re not having the same cycle of bread, rice and yam here. I’m not a foodie but I can’t help but get excited at it all. And the facilities are just crazy also. There are like five leisure rooms in each hostel, each has a Large LCD TV, with game consoles and dish TV. And how many are we? It’s enough to go round. Let’s not even get started on the pool, and other games available.”

Legide chuckled. “You sound just like Ella now, just with a high pitched voice and time to time squeals. Yeah, this place is breathtaking. I can’t seem to understand why it isn’t popular, and why it’s even here in Ogun state of all places and not in Lagos.”

“That’s because you can’t find this sort of big land in Lagos.” Tomi cut in. “Almost everything is for residential purposes. And even if you do find something this big, the price would be so exorbitant that you’d spend the next couple of years gaining back that money before you earn anything.”

“I know right. I don’t know, I’m just not moved by it all. Maybe I should make more efforts. Do you have any ideas?”

“To bring you out of your bad mood?” He arched a brow. “That’s not a problem, really. The problem is keeping you in a good mood. I fear the thing I can do to bring you out of your mood isn’t something I’d want to do for a long period of time.”

“Oh really? Give me an instance.”

“Well, off the top of my head – I have entertaining you with my hot shaku shaku dance steps.”

She erupted into a fit of laughter, but motioned for him to go on.

“I could try break dancing also, but I fear I’d break more things around here like the window and my bones for example. Then there is also singing. All these mosquitoes that have been disturbing us since, I can make them disappear with the sound of my voice.”

“Abeg, abeg.” Legide held up a hand. “Calm down, I’m already laughing at the picture not to talk of the actual thing, sef. I really appreciate the entire mission to rescue me from my bad mood, but sometimes I’m too tired to be happy. Sometimes I just want to be calm, you know. You should be able to relate.”

“Being too tired to be happy?” He repeated her words, before giving it thought. “Well, there are times I’m indeed so exhausted that I’d remove myself from any social event, although I won’t call that too tired to be happy, but I could call it too tired to catch fun. And catching fun does bring happiness. So indirectly it’s the same thing, perhaps. Yeah, I can relate to your predicament.”

She rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t go as far as calling it a predicament. That’d mean it’s a bad thing, but it really isn’t. It’s just not a great thing, which I still want nevertheless. See, I don’t even understand what it is. I just know It’s a part of life that’s needed. Or deserved.”

“You deserve to be calm?” He asked, sitting up and bracing himself up with both hands on the arm rests. That was a development. She deserved it? Was it perhaps an action taken to punish herself of a wrong doing or the consequence of a crime she had already committed, or was about to. “How do you deserve such thing?”

“You really don’t want to do this right now, Tomi–”

“Then when would I want to do it? I really don’t understand you Legide.” He pressed on. “Here I was thinking that we had gotten over our indifferences and qualms last week. We were even smiling the time we were loading our stuff into the lorry. But now you’re back to this gloomy mood like that moment never happened? What’s going on? And please try and answer like a normal human would. Give me a clear picture of what’s wrong. Don’t break it into pieces and turn it into a puzzle.”

“It’s because it’s a puzzle.” Her throat bobbed.

“Sorry?”

She sighed, rising to her feet. “It’d be best if we’re not interrupted any soon.” He watched her as she approached the door of the health consultant’s office exit, and locked it. After turning around to see his surprised gaze. “What? She said we could stay here as much as wanted to, and I’m sure that included privacy if we wanted it. And don’t worry, I won’t be making an attempt to do something you clearly don’t want. One rejection is enough, I can’t handle another.”

“I didn’t mean it that way,” He smirked, as she returned to her seat. “I’m just happy you’re willing to open up without much pressure. I mean not like I didn’t put pressure on you, but I sorta anticipated it’d be more difficult.”

She exhaled sharply. “You’re quite right in saying that we’ve gotten over our differences. The ones we faced some time ago. Last week we were back on good terms, and were even joking around together so of course it’s somehow for me to return back to this mood I’m in. But it’s true in saying that I’m not conscious of it. Not like I’m not in control of what’s happening, but it’s simply because I just can’t help it.”

“Can’t help it, how?”

“You,” She said, and the breath he inhaled clogged right in his chest. “You’re the cause of everything. One moment I’m alright with you, and the next I’m angry with you for no tangible reason. Whether or not you do something wrong, my mood with you just keeps on swinging from good to bad. I’m afraid I can’t really control it.”

“And why is it swinging so much?” He edged closer to her.

“Isn’t it obvious? I’m still angry with you.” She sighed. “But I can’t be, since you apologized and I don’t even have any reason again to be angry with you. It’s all just silly and stupid.”

Okay.

“Angry with me, why exactly?”

“Oh, you really want me to lay out all the cards on the table huh, don’t you?” She sat up. “Fine, since you like torturing me so much, and I know you won’t stop anyway until you get the information out of me—I am angry because my feelings aren’t reciprocated. And it feels more annoying because, it felt like you had something and it was mutual. Because, believe me I know when a guy likes me and he doesn’t. It felt like you did, and then you told me you didn’t.”

She wasn’t on the brink of dissolving into tears, nah she looked quite strong enough. But if her incessant rubbing of her hands, said anything it meant that she was very nervous and uncomfortable with the topic which was quite laudable. Because he didn’t think he could discuss such with anyone if in her shoes. That would only boost the other person’s ego unnecessarily and make them feel they were more important but he wasn’t such person. That didn’t mean he wasn’t flattered though.

“Legide,” He inhaled, reaching out for her left hand and clasping it in his. “I’m so sorry about that. It wasn’t my intention to lead you on or anything. I wasn’t even doing anything in trickery, as much as you think. But if that’s what you want to believe then I guess I can’t exactly change that. Still, you should know that if it felt like I had feelings for you, then it was exactly that. I don’t play games, you of all people should know that.”

Her face squeezed into a frown, and he anticipated that she’d pull her hand back but instead it softened under his touch.

“So, what do you mean? That you have feelings for me also? What about Rena?”

“I don’t have feelings for Rena.” He said in the most convincing tone he could muster. This was it, the make or break point. He had to put on a solid act to convince her that he was on her side, and not Rena’s. His skin shivered at the magnitude of the lie, almost as if his consciousness was shaking its head. “I don’t know why you think like that.”

Finally, she pulled away. “You don’t know why I think like that? Why else would you bring her up after I took a bold move by kissing you, and telling me – we can’t.”

He had prepared for this particular contingency.

“Okay, number one – I didn’t bring her up. You did. Number two, while you are quite right – it’s not the way you think it is. Rena just like you, also has feelings for me and as weird as this sounds—I’m more closer to her than you. Meaning, she is a closer friend to me. So of course if I was considering hurting anyone’s feelings, then hers would come first. It doesn’t necessarily mean that I like her or we have a thing that’s going on.”

She swallowed hard, and he knew by the swift change of her facial expression that she had bought the lie.

“And all those rumors about you guys dating, it isn’t real?”

“People have been saying stuff like that, ever since the beginning.” He shrugged. “It’s nothing new. Rena is that popular. People would always say stuff.”

“Some people say they saw you guys at ICM.”

“With Alexis and April. Believe me, we’ve never gone out to hang out one on one.”

Which was technically the truth, because their one meeting alone had been in her house. That didn’t exactly qualify as going out to hang out now, did it?

“Okay, wow that’s a lot to take in.” She eased into her seat, her previous displeased state having vanished already. “So now the million dollar question? Do you have feelings for me, Tomi Adeiye?”

He had to bite his tongue hard, before replying—for fear it might that it might contradict what he wanted to say.

“Isn’t it obvious?” He went for the obvious, route trickery and it worked well since her face became a fireworks of flustered smiles.

“That’s a lot to take in. But why are you telling me this, now? Nothing has changed since you sort-off pushed me away back then at the clinic.”

“To be honest, I don’t know.” Another truth he had spoken. Even if he was on a mission, he still had to contend with the fact that it was possible not to have feelings anymore for this vision in front of him. “I’m just confused like you are. But I’m sure as hell not going to tolerate you being sad for another–”

And once again, she cut him off with a kiss.

Reminding himself that it was part of the mission, he snaked his arms round her waist and reined her in closer. She gasped for a bit, before claiming his lips again – molding firmly into his hands. This kiss was every bit as ravenous and wild, as their first with a dash of more urgency almost like she was catching up on lost time and punishing him for rejecting her the first time.

She pulled away, her hands still clutching his face. “It was a good idea, to close the door after all. But I’m not really comfortable, mind if I sit on your lap?”

Uh-oh. 

He still tried to summon whatever that was left of restraint in him, as he nodded and she settled on his laps. Her legs on both sides of the chair, and her buttocks rested on a rather disobedient part of his body, that he feared was out of control.

“Great,” She laughed, before crashing her lips down to his again and he knew deep inside that he’d be telling the world’s greatest lie if he said he wasn’t enjoying the kiss in any way. But that didn’t make it feel right, rather it did the contrary. It was then he knew without doubt, that it was Rena he really wanted. Not like kissing Legide didn’t stir up all sorts of fire in him, but it just didn’t feel as right as it did with Rena. With Legide, it felt like he was committing a crime or taking something that wasn’t his.

After a couple of seconds had passed again, she pulled away so they could both come up for air. Her right thumb remained on his lower lip, toying and stroking it in a very sensual way.

“I can’t believe this is happening, this is the last last thing I thought would happen here.” She chuckled in spite of herself. “It feels like a dream.”

“Well, it’s real.” He said, lowering his lips to her collarbone and planting a light kiss there to maintain the solid act. “I just hope now that you’d be totally open to me and that there would be nothing we’re keeping away from each other. Since you know the truth of the way I feel now.”

And just as anticipated, her body went stiff and she removed herself from his laps.

“There is something you need to know, Tomi.”

“What is it?” He’d have stood up instantly in anxiety, if not for the fact that he was trying to conceal a rather obvious development.

“It’s something that I don’t know if its legit and normally I wouldn’t have kept it to myself, but then it had to do with someone I really didn’t like at the moment–”

“It’s Rena, isn’t it?” He didn’t know when he sprung up to his feet. “What’s going on with her? What do you and Itunu have planned for her?”

“What! Have planned! Me and Itunu! Why would you think I have anything planned for her!” She shrieked in a bewildered tone, that wasn’t in any way feigned. So she didn’t have anything to do with it. “Wait, is this all what it’s about? You getting to see the real reason of my worries? Were your earlier words a lie? Do you even like me at all?”

“That’s not an important question, right now!” He couldn’t help himself from crying. “What’s happening with Rena?”

“I don’t know! Why would you think I have anything to do with it–”

“Because now you just said you have something to tell me–”

“Doesn’t in anyway mean that I have anything to do with it!”

“Then what do you know about it then.”

A tear slipped from her right eye lid. “All I know is that someone wants her destroyed. On the football game day when we hosted AIS, I was going to the toilet when I ran into a conversation with him and some other person – another girl. I don’t know who the girl is, I didn’t even know it was Itunu. I wouldn’t have known if not for the fact that she mentioned his name. All I know is that, someone wants Rena destroyed and Itunu is supposed to gain from it, because then she’d want to claw her way back up or something and she’d need him. Something like that.”

“Wow, just wow!” He roared. “And you kept it to yourself, because if that happens she’d be out of the way, right? I wouldn’t like her anymore?”

“How is that less despicable than what you just did right now!” The tears running down her cheeks increased. “You just lied to my face, and even enjoyed kissing me for almost three minutes. God, you’re such a fuckboy! I thought I knew you, I was so wrong.”

“If that’s what you think of me, then I really don’t care.” He snarled, stepping out of the space between their chairs and heading towards the exit. He had nothing left here. “But know that I’d go to any length to protect anyone that I care about. And I’d do the same for you, even if I didn’t have feelings for you.”

With that he stalked out of the room, and slammed the door shut behind him. As he journeyed out of the consultant’s sector of the building, adjoining with a large hallway that led outside – he began pondering on all what he had just found out. He wasn’t the target after all, it was Rena all along and Itunu wasn’t the main, actual enemy. He was only a pawn in the grand scheme of whomever the real nemesis was. Who the hell could it be?

It’s not totally because of that though. I can’t help but feel like I brought this upon you…

Rena’s words resurfaced in his head, as his head pumped with a throbbing headache. She was right after all, she brought this whole paranoia conspiracy thing on him. For all he knew, his status wasn’t even threatened in any way. But he had gone to despicable lengths, toyed with the feelings of an innocent person – all so he could unravel the mystery behind her doom. But still, it was her doom and it was his own problem also as far as he cared about her. They’d have to address him sacrificing his soul for her later, but now they had to act fast.

All these while, they thought it’d be stupid to confront Itunu – since they all believed he could work the Legide’s front, but that was all in vain as she had nothing to do. They were left with absolutely nothing, except taking the bull by the horn and matching violence with its evil twin. There was nothing else they could do.

“Tomi, what’s going on?” Alexis came up to him immediately, as he began to descend the short stairwell, leading outside to the compound. “That frown on your face, could it be that you’ve–”

“Legide isn’t a part of it. She knows nothing.” He swallowed, increasing his pace.

“What? And you believe her? We saw both of them–”

“No, you don’t understand!” Tomi halted to face him. “She told the truth, she actually knows nothing about it. She said the only thing she knows is that one time she overheard Itunu discussing with someone about destroying Rena’s reputation. That the only bad thing she did was not telling anyone about it, because well I rejected her and she thought it’d be convenient if Rena was out of the picture.”

“Still, that doesn’t make it any less humane.” Alexis disapproval of Legide didn’t wane, and that caused Tomi some discomfort. Like he owed it to himself for them to clear her name. “What do we do now?”

“The urgency in her voice, I can sense that we might be too late already.” They both strode down, and got off the stairwell. “We need to do the only thing we can do. Confront Itunu. He’s an accomplice and we need to find out the real, actual person behind it all before whatever they have planned for Rena happens.”

Alexis swallowed. “But still, we can’t just confront Itunu on our own. Look at both of us, I might be a bit built but that won’t stop him from beating us both to pulp if he wanted. Oh look, Mofiyin is headed here he might have a solution.”

They filled Mofiyin in on the development – all three of them, standing at the base of the stairs while the other students were scattered all over the compound. Most indulging themselves in frivolous activities by the pool, football field and basketball courts. But not them, they had a mission.

“I can’t even believe you guys are even thinking about this,” Mofiyin shook his head. “For goodness sake, who is that one person that measures up to Itunu and wouldn’t want any harm to come to Rena?”

“Dabby,” Tomi slapped his hand over his forehead. “Yeah, sure they’re childhood friends and all but how the hell are we supposed to fill him in on this in the space of how many minutes exactly? And expect him to understand and also do what’s needed to be done? It’s too much to do in one hour, and we don’t even have that sort of time.”

“It’s just like you said, Tomi. We don’t have a choice.” Alexis cut him short. “Now we better head back inside and find them, because Itunu isn’t outside here. I bet he is still with Dabby, Rena and April which is perfect and if he isn’t, we’d just find the scumbag Itunu later on. But right now we need to move.”

They headed back inside, running down the hallway and rummaging its length. Peeking into every room, and inspecting every secluded corner. After about five minutes of fruitless search, like Alexis anticipated – they saw two tall figures in the distance, heading their way. One light skinned, the other quite dark.

Perfect.

They all ran towards them, and halted in their front. The two social prefects obviously taken aback by their action.

“Damn, I know I’m awesome and all but you guys really don’t have to run to me when you see me.” Dabby frowned, folding his arms. “Whatever thing you wanted to say could wait, you know?”

“Unfortunately, it can’t because this bitch right here has something bad planned.” Alexis detonated the bomb, before Tomi could get a chance to explain. “I know this might sound crazy and like a fairy tale, but Itunu is in accomplice with an unknown person to destroy Rena’s reputation.”

Dabby laughed incredulously, while Itunu tried to mirror his surprise but it was all glaring he was stunned.

“What the hell are you guys, saying? This guy here can take a bullet for Rena, believe me. He is that crazy about her.”

That made sense.

“Yes, but he’s going to gain from it because then she’d be obsolete and would take him as she’d want a scrap of popularity, since she’d have hit rock bottom.” Tomi sighed. “I know it’s a lot for you to take in, but you have to believe us. Just look at his face, look at his face hard and tell me if you don’t see the guilt in it.”

Dabby still fazed, turned to face Itunu – skimming the entirety of his face. “Is this true, Itunu? You’re involved in something to harm, Rena. There is no point in denying it, because if you do and then something bad happens – I’d ruin you. You know that dark secret that everyone talks about?”

…Dark secret?

Itunu’s jaw clenched, and his hands balled into fists.

“I’d tell everyone about it, and I’d provide them with evidence. Or oh? Do you want me to show proof that I know it and tell the boys here and they’d–”

“Fine, stop it! Just shut the fuck up!” Itunu cried. “I admit that I agreed to helping Benita…”

“Benita!” Dabby exploded suddenly, grabbing Itunu by the collar and slamming him hard to the wall. The latter hissed, and tried to push him away but apparently Dabby was a lot stronger than he looked.

Tomi and Mofiyin pulled Dabby back, while Alexis did his best in restraining his captain also.

“Look, you can burst his head into a wall after we get the needed information out of him!” Tomi groaned, as Dabby tried to power his way through. “Itunu, for the love of God can you tell us what’s happening? If you don’t, we’d release him on you and he’d beat you black and blue. Right before he spills your little secret.”

Itunu shoved Alexis away, and began pacing. “I was only involved in the beginning,  I don’t have any control of what’s happening again–”

“But you know what’s happening, right!” Tomi cried.

“By the time I found out, it was too late. When I pieced everything together.”

“What do you mean it’s too late?” Dabby spat.

“Benita wants to ruin Rena to the extent that she’d be too ashamed to show her face again. So tell me guys, what’s the smartest idea that could come to mind? The most efficient? How do you make someone so ashamed to think of disappearing and not show her face again? What needs to be shown, that would make her not be able to show herself again?”

Tomi almost staggered back. “You’re releasing a naked photo of her?”

Itunu cackled. “I wish it was that lame. No, it’s much more worse. Benita got her hands on some sort of sex drug. One that amplifies the person’s thirst and make them literally descends on the person next to them. I can’t remember the name, but if Rena takes it – I assure you she’d have sex with the nearest person.”

“You bastard!” Dabby’s anger intensified, almost as if he had caught on to something the rest haven’t. “That was what was inside the drink you gave her yesterday when we arrived. I knew it was suspicious the way you swapped your bottle of Coke with her Sprite. I know you hate Sprite, why would you take Sprite? But then I just thought it was you being the charitable fool you were. How could you do that!”

“I didn’t know what it meant! I didn’t know until after I gave it to her!” Itunu swallowed. Tomi’s head was still in hiatus, trying to process all the information being dished out. A sex drug?

“So how are they going to catch it on tape? Is there someone in place in the hostel that’s going to record or what? And how come this hasn’t happened yet? She’s still pretty normal.”

“It kicks in after twenty four hours, and since this is the exact time we arrived yesterday it’s right about time.” He sighed. “I can’t do anything to prevent it. And no one is supposed to record. All that’s needed is a lot of people to see it and spread the news to rest of the school. That’s all it’d take. You see, it’s not that bad maybe if–”

“You’re crazy,” Mofiyin shook his head. “But still, the girls would be returning to their hostels soon. Everyone will. There would be no boy around her?”

“Of course, that’s the point. It’s not supposed to be a boy.” Itunu retorted.

“It’s supposed to be a girl.” Tomi swallowed.

“The idea of Rena caught banging another girl would definitely go places and ruin her totally.” Itunu said. “Especially when the girl is her friend, and would of course want no part in it. She’d have no choice than to force herself on the person. Every one that walks in on them would see it as an attempt of rape. Like I said, I didn’t know it was this lethal. I could have–”

“Shut the fuck up!” Dabby roared, just as an announcement came on over the radio.

“…It’s gender enlightenment classes time, all prefects are to return to their hostels immediately. All prefects please, return to your hostels now…”

“Oh shit, what does that mean?” Alexis’s lower jaw dropped.

Dabby swallowed. “It means we’re too late.”

----------------------------------

Shall we begin? *Laughs Ominously*

What do you think is about to happen here? Is Rena about to be ruined? Or maybe, just maybe—the boys could save her somehow. Find out next week, In the next chapter that picks up after this.

Drop a comment and tap that star.