Life Of Jiji

All Rights Reserved

©2021 Tena Ifiemi

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sere - fireboy dml & dj spinall ♪

ribs - lorde ♪

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ÐΛMłΛЛ ТФФК MΞ ТФ the basketball court.

I don't think I should say I was surprised, because when I'd asked him where he wanted us to go and he replied with, 'You'll see', I just waited to see; I didn't start guessing or anything.

"Someone told me that you're the king of basketball." I said as we crossed the court to sit on the bleachers.

Damian scoffed and then chuckled, "Did you hear that I'm the king of Football as well?" He boasted and I slapped his arm, purposely trying to make it hurt.

"Shut up and be modest jare! Stop feeling yourself."

"Ouch." He said. He didn't groan in pain or anything, he just simply said 'ouch' and I glared at him.

Were my slaps that weak though?

We sat at the highest row of seats where we would be quite secluded since the security men do patrol at night. Damian passed me his black hoodie to cover myself 'because its cold at night' according to him. It was when he pulled of the hoodie that I even noticed that instead of his day wear shirt, he was wearing a black T-shirt instead.

"Its also to prevent the security men from spotting us too." Damian said, narrowly answering the question I had in mind. I was previously wondering on the excessive use of black in his dressing today. "If they see us here, they could report to principal and we'd get into trouble."

I stared at him, "Damian...!" But he was quick to cover my mouth before I said anything else. He was so close to me, his body flushed against mine as he pressed his palm to my mouth. He was so close, I swear both our breaths had started to play pan-pan golo.

And then Damian pulled away while I blushed, staring at my palms in my laps.

"Do you want them to hear us?" He scolded but his voice was soft as he did making me wonder if 'scold' was the right verb to use. I shook my head.

"Is it not you that said that we won't get into any trouble?" I grumbled.

I'm not even sure if he heard me but the silence dragged on for a while after that. I used the time to take in this place and how it looked by this time of the night. The street lights were on and thankfully it wasn't the one with the shadow receptor, the one that'll light up whenever people passed by. If it was, we would have alerted security of our presence here by just walking past a light.

The night was cool and I was really grateful for Damian's hoodie. I just didn't want to wear it. I wasn't really cold and I was enjoying the cool night breeze anyway... Besides, I could use it to protect my legs from the mosquitoes. Living in this part of the world, you can't stay out at night oblivious of these pests except you're looking towards having malaria.

The light cast on the basketball court making it stand out from where we were sitting. I took a sneak peak at Damian and saw that he was looking at it as well. It made me smile, because sports is something that I've realized he likes so much. Without thinking I relaxed into Damian's body, resting my head on his shoulders, his body warmth and scent drawing me in. Immediately I rested my head though, I realized what I was doing and tried to jerk my head back up but Damian's arm had held me in place. I feared he might hear how violently my heart was beating in this moment.

He looked down at me, "Are you okay? Does your head hurt?"

"No." I whispered, trying my best to calm my heart down and relax into him.

"Do I scare you?" He asked throwing me off guard and disentangling our position as he stared straight at me.

I avoided his eyes, "What?" He looked at me for a long while as if contemplating whether to explain himself or not. Finally, he sighed and faced the front looping his hand over my shoulder once again, slowly pulling me closer until I rested my head on his shoulder again.

I sighed again, in relief that he had dropped the question. You don't scare me Damian, I'm just really messed up.

"Auditions for the Christmas play are starting soon..." Damian said and I waited for him to continue, wondering why this news concerned me.

"I'm auditioning for Joseph." He said and I looked at him with a smile.

"I never imagined you acting." I said and he chuckled, I laughed along with him.

"Well now you can. Let me just tell you though, the ladies love me." He said with a flip of his imaginary hair. "Tell your mom I saved her a seat in the front row."

I giggled at how conceited this boy could be.

"So, would you audition with me? You could be Mary." He says and I could hear the anxiousness in his voice.

"Damian..."

"I think you'd do well. You even look like a Mary." He hastily added, trying his best to persuade me.

"I don't know about that." I said laughing at the fact that he had actually said, 'I look like a Mary' just to persuade me, "I do know that I'd be too shy to act on stage, though."

He frowned, "Its not so bad. Just try out for the role, when you get in and practice and practice I'm sure you'll lose your fear before the main day."

Noticing he said 'when you get in' instead of 'if you get in', I decided to tweak the topic a bit, "You seem really sure that you'll get this part though." I said with a raise of my eyebrow.

He scoffed, "Because I will?"

I rolled my eyes.

"People hate it when I choose a role because they automatically lose their chance at it."

"Is that so?" I asked tauntingly and he flicked my forehead. "Ow." I said, but I barely even felt it. Still, he massaged the spot he hit for a brief minute before retracting his hand.

This boy is on the verge of making me touchy-feely, I groaned internally when I found myself wishing he didn't remove his hand. May I add that my head is still on his shoulder?

"So, what do you say... Mary?" Damian said and I sighed... I thought he was letting it go.

"I'll think about it." I finally said and he smiled. I swear his smile looked so genuine, I wanted to say yes but I didn't want to get myself into something I'm not sure of. But then, its just an audition, right? It's not like there's going to be a crowd and all.

"What sport are you playing for your house?" Damian asked and I let out a self depreciating laugh. I never even imagined myself partaking in any event.

"None." I even forgot that inter house sports was soon and it was combined with Visiting day this term which means I'll get to see my mom. The thought of it sent a wave of guilt washing across me and I hope my face didn't betray my thoughts right now because this Damian boy is very observant.

My mind was going places and my emotions were very close to being all over the place. Coupled with what I just went through, I just felt really bad. Why did I have to see Uncle Ovie that day? Why did he even come to our house? Why does dad even let him? Why does mom not have to know anything about this?

But then I remember the way dad changed ever since 'the incident' and shut out that last question. I can't have mom treat me like this as well.

I really hope dad doesn't come to visit. I'm not sure I would be able to handle it.

At this thought, I felt Damian start drawing circles in my palm. I almost burst into tears at this point. I drew my hand from his and stood up, shrugging out of his hold. I saw the confused look on his face as I walked away from him and down the bleachers. When I got to the floor, I wrapped my arms around my body and stared into the darkness. I must be very stupid but I just... I just don't understand it...

People aren't usually so nice to me. People who know the actual me aren't so nice to me. Could it be that Damian is this caring because he doesn't know what's behind the scenes. What about when it all comes out? Would it be like Js3 all over again when I disregarded my father's instruction that one time because I thought I had a best friend. Would Damian be another case of Vanessa? Would he still act this way when he finds out like I'm not your regular teen.

Don't tell anyone Jiji, they won't look at you the same way. They'll treat you differently.

I heard Damian's footsteps behind me and my heart stilled as I waited for him to approach.

"Is something wrong?" He asked when he was directly behind me. I shut my eyes tight wishing that if I shut them tight enough and opened them, this moment will disappear.

Slowly, I turned to face him but before I could say anything he asked again, a different question this time, "Are you tired? Does your head hurt or something? You want to go back to the hostel?" At this he checked the time on his watch. When he looked up again, I nodded in reply to his questions, grateful for the excuse he had unknowingly given me.

"I'm sorry. I haven't been checking the time. I forgot that you're ill." I noticed that at that last part, his eyes darted to my wrist.

We began our silent journey to the girls hostel and once a security guy shouted 'Who is that!' while shining his super bright torch in our direction. The mood was lifted then because we were in hysterics as Damian took my hand and pulled me as we ran. When we got to the girl's hostel gate and we finally stopped, my hands gripped my knees as I panted furiously while Damian still looked as fit as ever. It took a long while for me to catch my breath. Damian started getting really worried about my health and I'm sure he was confused as to why I was still laughing like a crazy person while he was, in my opinion, stupidly worrying over nothing.

If I had seen myself when I had calmed down I would see how flushed and happy I looked. Running from trouble is that much of a vibe. I don't know how to explain it, its just a different kind if excitement. And why Damian was staring at me so much, I didn't understand. If I was younger I would've panicked, imagining someone had written 'abused' on my forehead.

"I feel like walking you to the door." He said, bouncing on his feet. "That place looks dark."

"I'll put on the lights." I said, amused. "I know where the switches are."

"Yeah, sure." He says and I could tell he blushed even though I could not really see his face. The way he sucked in his lips and ducked his head said it all. "So I should get going..." He starts to turn slowly and I'm almost certain he's not planning on going anywhere.

"Goodnight." I say as I cross the gates.

"Wait, Jiji!... Sorry, Ejiro. Don't forget the auditions, yeah?"

I chuckled and he gave me a thumbs-up just before shoving his hands in his pockets and stalking off. So unrelenting! I had almost forgotten about the damn thing.

•••

The days to the inter-house sports flew by so quickly, I was trying on blue shirts and shorts before I knew it. I was excited on the day we were given the uniforms because I heard from someone that this year's outfits were the best ever. Until Mr. Tokumbo cornered me on my incomplete Government note and made me stay back after school to complete it... And it was really long! Well, long story short; I went late to pick up my uniform and when I got there, it was just one pair left which consisted of a pair of shorts a size too big and a top two sizes too small. Khadijah found it really funny, of course and if I didn't find someone who was willing to exchange I would have cried.

Every one was in the hall for the sportswear collection after which all the houses would disperse to the field to practice for the march past: my worst part of inter house sports. Of course, there's the feeling of pride knowing that your house's 'eyes right' is absolutely mind blowing but apart from that, the whole ordeal is tiring. Sighting Damian from afar, I waved smiling at him and he waved back in the same spirit.

Speaking of Damian, I actually did go for the auditions and who had to also be contesting for Mary's role if not Chisom? I was shocked to see her and she was shocked to see me as well but almost as soon as the wave of shock had passed it was replaced by the unmistakeable determined look in her eyes which drove my own determination as well. Which was bad, because unlike I previously assumed, it will really hurt if I didn't get the role now. Forgetting my supposed stage fright in that second, I put my all into the auditions. The results aren't out yet but I'm really anxious especially since Chisom came to me at the end of the day saying that she always got the lead female role in school plays so 'who did I think I was?'

Damian, why did you have to get me into this?

Seeing a trio of hands waving at me, I squinted to see Zainab, Tito and Yemisi. Beaming, I waved back at them. Those girls have been everywhere lately, especially when I still had that awful cannula in. They kept fussing all over me and trying to do all my work for me-not that I'm complaining for that one though. One day Yemisi mistakenly bumped into me, hitting my plastered wrist in the process. The look of horror on her face made me burst into fits of laughter. She looked like she was about to faint.

"Why are you still carrying that bag?" Tito said as they approached me while Zainab snatched it from me and set in on a chair.

"You never listen." She said with a frown as she wagged her finger at me. You'd think she was chastising her naughty offspring. Yemisi being her shy self just played with the hem of her cardigan, a shy smile plastered on her fair baby face.

"You guys know I'm fine now, right?" I said as I waved my empty wrist in their faces to validate my words.

"Even though! Even though!" Zainab was saying as Yemisi surprisingly spoke in her small voice,

"You should still be careful." I'm not sure the other girls even heard her.

I just smiled and nodded at them, "Yes, aunties." Was my teasing reply and Zainab and Tito rolled their eyes.

We were chatting excitedly as we made our way to the field where we would split into our different houses when I was pulled out of our little gist bubble. Amarachi was pulling me by my arm, an excited grin on her face.

"My mom has brought my gown and everything! You should see it, I swear its beautiful. The crown too!" And because her happiness was so contagious, I had to smile too.

Amarachi was going to be the queen of blue house, and Mide, her king. I could already imagine how amazing they're going to look together. The both of them already scream couple goals even as 'just best friends'. I'm still wondering when they'll break it to the whole class that they're dating and they've been for some time now.

"Olamide had better not fall my hands sha. If he turns up wearing something not up to par we will break up. I will break up with him." She said and we laughed together at her own vanity.

"You will break up with who?" I heard Mide say behind us and once I got over the fact that I had been startled at his sudden appearance, my laughter doubled. Amarachi appeared to be frozen, refusing to turn back. Even her arms that she was using to gesticulate as she spoke still hung in the air. "Amarachi?" He called with a very amused smile which threatened to burst into a laugh.

"Hmm?" His girlfriend hummed in reply.

"I can see you're really not interested in me anymore. Its okay, I totally understand. Good bye!" Mide said with a smirk and he actually started off on his way, moving quite fast.

"What!?" Amarachi yelled as she realized what he just spewed out of his mouth.

She had to run to catch up with him and his long strides and when she did, she threw herself on his back in a most ungraceful manner causing both of them to fall to the grass as a result. Soon they were laughing and playing and it was hard not to see the multiple I love yous their eyes were confessing with just the way they looked at each other. I had to avert my eyes.

Successfully third wheeled, I scanned the large field to see where blue house had assembled. The whole place was so full of activity and excitement, it was hard not to be in a good mood... Even with my extra large sports shirt and shorts.

All the houses were serious with their marching, trying to make it look as perfect as possible. Seniors were barking our commands around me and it took everything in me not to shout 'jinx' when more than once, the line 'six inches above the ground' had been said at once in two different houses. No house was doing their 'eyes right' yet though, it was a heavily guarded secret for each house and that bit was practiced in secret. No house wanted to get their ideas stolen and all that drama.

"Mr. Zaki said I should get you." Damian said suddenly standing in front of me just as I had began to see my fellow housemates. I stilled in shock as I didn't even know from where he had approached and when he got in front of me. My hand on my chest was proof enough of that shock.

"Where did you come from?" I asked and he hastily apologized.

"Sorry, um... the results are out; for your audition I mean."

A wave of nervousness washed over me but it wasn't enough to beat the one that showed on Damian's face. His eyebrows drawn as though he was focussing on something and his lower lip between his teeth. Eventually, the eyebrows eased out but the lip remained where it was.

"Alright then, what're we waiting for?" I said, my voice coming out more confident than I felt.

As we started our journey towards the art studio where we would find Mr. Zaki, the art teacher slash dance instructor slash drama director, Damian's hand brushed against my arm just before he quickly shoved them into his pockets. I could tell he wanted to hold my hand-because that's exactly the kind of person Damian is-but he was unsure and my heart swelled at the fact that he was so thoughtful.

I didn't realize how much the distance we would have to walk to get to the art studio was until few seconds later when I found myself uneasy with the anxiousness that was eating me away. I never get uncomfortable in silence but at that moment I wanted to hear someone speak and I knew that someone wasn't going to be me. I looked up at Damian only to find him looking at me. I whipped my head back to the front as I strummed the sides of my thighs with my fingers.

"Are you nervous? He asked, his voice raspier than normal.

He cleared his throat.

"Yeah." I replied truthfully. Then I turned to him with a sneer, "Not as much as you, though." I raised my eyebrow after my statement.

"Lol, I'm just worried I'd have to console you if you don't make it." He said and I glared at him. If I had it in me, I'd have really liked to give him a black-eye or two.

"Yeah, right. Mister Would-you-be-my-Mary please." I mocked and I could swear Damian blushed.

I giggled just as he said, "I never said that."

Thankfully, we had gotten to the studio already so I didn't have to reply-there was nothing left to say. As soon as Damian opened the door though, my suddenly bright mood flew out the window as I sighted Chisom beside Mr. Zaki's desk wearing her resting bitch face as usual.

"Damian, Ejiro, you're finally here." The man said in his slight american accent. Funnily enough, he hadn't lived there. He just learned to speak this way. Probably had a very posh childhood.

"Good afternoon, sir." I greeted while Damian just looked on.

"Yeah. So, today's business..." He trailed off as get he went round us to get a binder from the shelf. "This Christmas play, its one a lot of people look forward to seeing which is why picking the character for Mary's role is something I had to do with such great care." He said as he looked at all three of us letting his words sink in. I didn't see the point except that it was dragging on my anxiety and I was getting really impatient.

"All three of you put in your best at the auditions which is why I needed time to think of who really deserved to play this role. I realized that if I had picked immediately I saw you all perform, I might have not have entirely made the right choice because I had someone in mind that day but after reading through my notes and carefully analyzing this, that kinda changed and I've finally arrived at my decision."

Would Damian be disappointed if I don't make it? For some reason, he seemed to really want me to get the role. Maybe because he knew that that frog of a human, Chisom was going to get it otherwise. I'd feel sorry if he had to act with her.

"Chisom, Rosie, Ejiro, brace yourselves for this. But before I say this-"

"Mr. Zaki, just say it already naa!" Damian complained and I couldn't help the short giggle that escaped my lips.

"Fine, its Ejiro. Ejiro gets the role."

Momentarily distracted, I didn't have the time to brace myself for the news which was probably a good thing. I didn't really hear when Mr. Zaki made the proclamation. I guess I found out with the way Damian's face morphed from his earlier frustration into one of pure joy.

"Weldone you guys ." He said. "Congratulations Ejiro." At that he received a glare from Chisom.

"Mr. Zaki what's the meaning of this decision of yours?" Chisom fumed at the calm faced artist. "I always get the lead role. This girl has never even been on the stage in her life! She's going to frustrate you and you're going to regret this so called decision." She spat.

"Chisom, I need you to understand that you can't always get what you want but that doesn't mean-"

"Oh please, save the motivational speech this time."

"Chisom!" Damian hissed, the warning in his tone enough to put anyone back in their place except Chisom. She just folded her arms and turned away from him.

Still unfazed although there was a slight tick in his jaw, Mr. Zaki spoke,
"I would ask you to get out but I'd still like to say a few things. Maybe you're right in saying that Ejiro has never been on stage before but you must remember that you were there once and I gave you a chance. Imagine I disregarded you like how you're doing now. I would like you to think about that as you take your leave now." He ended his speech, and with a nod at the door, he told her to get out.

I was surprised when she actually didn't argue. She just picked up her bag and stormed off. Rose followed behind her and I felt sorry for the poor Year 10 girl who looked like she felt very out of place. I sighed as they left and turned back to face Mr. Zaki who stretched out his hand for a fist bump.

"Congratulations." He said, "I hope you'd work hard to prove Chisom wrong." I smiled at that.

I could tell he was about to say something else when the door swung open. We all turned as Richard strode in.

"Richard." Mr. Zaki furrowed his brows. "Is there a problem?"

"No, sir. Actually I'm here because I'm also interested in this year's Christmas play."

"We've done the auditions already Richard." Mr. Zaki said, looking regretful.

"Not for the role I want. Not for Joseph's role."

It was really silent after he dropped that piece of information. I sucked in a breath and released it. I could already sense Damian's blood boil before I even looked at him in sought of his reaction. When I finally did look at Damian though, he was looking at Richard but then look was not the word to use in this context.

Damian was glaring at Richard so hard, his eyes were about to produce lasers and slice through Richard's body.

Then he smirked and spoke, "Really?"

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pan-pan golo ; this is a game played by children in Nigeria. It could be played in other countries in Africa too except that I don't know about that. It might even be called a different name. I'm sorry that I can't really explain the game: I've never actually played it before 🥴

*me begging Nigerians not to lynch me because I said I've never played pan-pan golo* 😂

In case you've forgotten, I used it in the bleachers scene.

Hope you enjoyed reading this chapter!...

These last two chapters are the longest I've ever written, this one being even longer than the last. I feel so proud of myself! 🤭

I hope it wasn't too long.

I'm probably not going to but if you'd have me write in someone else's POV apart from Jiji , who would it be?

See you when I do.

love, tɛռa !