Holaaaaa 🤗

I'm back and I really apologize for the late update 😅 it took me hours to type this chapter so I hope you enjoy reading it.

And, I changed Zirachi's pic. The new one's above 👆

~Jared Adedamola Richard~

J A R E D

My eyes shot open, almost the exact same time my own scream rang in my head, sending spark of shivers round my whole being as I quivered not in fear, but the effects my dream still had on me.

So much for wanting to sleep peacefully, at least for some hours.

I scoffed at the impossibility of my thoughts, my eyes flickered to the Bible beside my pillow and I couldn't help but scoff further.

I sat down on my bed and poured a glass of water from a jug, gulping it's content in one go as my throat felt dry like the desert.

My mornings moved in constant circles and today being another school day, didn't help to add or subtract from the habitual sequence.

I opened my closet, searching for the perfect pair of uniforms that not only would be a start to maybe a good day, but would boost my confidence on the whole school drama.

My hands searched through the different ironed long sleeves nearly folded or firmly receiving support from the hanger. The black trousers also, were not cheated on this perfection, accompanied with the black tie who's thick ends had the GHS logo on it.

Others found the logo there to be unnecessary but, I believed on the contrary, it would definitely cause no harm if GHS's goal was to make it's bold reputable stance as one of the best school in the country, known to anyone who came across their students.

So, two logos were tailored on the uniform, one on the tie, while the other was embroidered on the right breast pocket of the black blazer.

I finally chose the uniform that felt better in texture, accompanied with white sneakers in place of the normal black designers shoe I usually wore.

After having my bath I dried myself off and slipped into my uniform, making sure to arrange every side and corner of either the tie, blazer or long sleeve through the use of the mirror. Though I didn't focus on my appearance, but had my eyes on the tie I tried to tie.

My concentration was wholly focused on the tie, that I once again, failed to pay attention to my surroundings. And I didn't notice my room door was flung open, with steps marching towards me.

I reflexively turned around as my environmental senses, came back to life almost instantly, lo and behold, came forth the least person I wanted my eyes to cast even a glance at.

the obnoxious cousin, Dayo Richard.

I was not surprised to see him on GHS's fourth edition uniform, and that explained one thing. Yes, it was quite obvious that he would be resuming today but what angered me the most, was the trouble his arrival at school would cause.

Dayo was trouble himself, that word had been stamped on him from day zero, and he never failed to display his shameful trait of causing havoc wherever he went.

He was a fox, not just any with claws but also a cunning bastard, whose main purpose was to destroy while portraying the innocent and good one. I thought he would have outgrown his mischievous ways, as this was a childhood character he had, but I thought wrong.

He stood with arms tucked in his trouser pocket, smilling in overconfidence while I boiled in annoyance.

"Good Morning brother"

His voice added and multiplied to the rage I felt. I took one last look at myself from the mirror and turned to face him. Not sparing him a second of my time, I walked passed him and fetched my backpack which was already arranged with it's essentials.

"That girl yesterday, was so hot." He said, I slowly came to a halt and had no intention of turning around but instead, stood to hear the next trashy words he was about to say.

Dayo never changed, he knew the precise words that would capture my interest, and make me listen to his useless talk by using his crafty manipulative skill.

"When I saw her running into the dinning room with those slender long legs, I fell in love instantly"- I balled my fist with knuckles fighting in discomfort.- "Her smile was so pretty and it was nice meeting the infamous clingy bitch in person" He smirked.

I desperately wanted to feel his neck or face with my bare hands ferociously strangling him, or plastering slap designs on those lips that smirked at his statement.

I knew better, violence was not an option.With my current position and Uncle's presence, fighting his son was not the best idea as the end result would be gruesome.

I decided to ignore him and continued to walk out of the room.

Staying for breakfast was not on my agenda, I wouldn't want to be in the same room with that man, and then receive unending insignificant talks.

I made an attempt to avoid Grandmother in the main sitting room, but that was not possible.

"And where are you sneaking off to so early in the morning young man?" I didn't receive that as a question, because the outfit I wore already told my location but, Grandmother had not seen me as her attention was solely on the Bible she was reading.

This was her house, and she was free to move around whenever and wherever she seemed pleased to, but being religious in the sitting room was not the right place.

"Good morning Grandmother. I'm off to school, obviously" I stated, approaching the sofa she sat on and plopped down on it by her side, uninvited.

"Quite sounding rude before I spank you child" She warned, sending a harsh glare.

"Before you interrupt me or run off, which certainly you won't do on my watch. Recite the first chapter of Exodus, without missing a verse." She commanded, her fingers flipped over to the next page of the Bible she held.

My breath unconsciously stopped, I literally could not breath properly the instant she asked me to recite the chapter. It wasn't shock but I started to relive the memories of myself, trying to comprehend a single word in that Bible.

When I didn't respond after some long lasting minutes of silence, she sighed in apprehension nodding her head slightly.

"The assignment was to be submitted thirty five days after it was given. Which is more than a month, but you still could not_" she laughed, I could sense the pain she cracked out all in the name of laughing, it wasn't joyous.

She took off her glasses, it was then I could fully behold the eyes behind those medicated glasses, it was glistening with incoming tears. I couldn't bear to see her in this state, she was always like this whenever I disappointed her, and my heart was also in shreds.

"Okay let's start from somewhere, what was so difficult for you to comprehend?" She asked as her eyes ardently pleaded with me to cooperate, but deep behind her hopes I could see it, she knew I wasn't going to give in.

"Grandmother, your religious questions are eating into my time, remember I'm a punctual student," I said, standing up from the Sofa.

"The time is already 6:30, and you know I hate being late_"

"I keep warning you severally against your dirty habit of ignoring questions, it's either you answer or reserve it for later, which you wouldn't dare do to me. But it's still rude," She rebuked, almost getting a hold of my left ear in the process.

"Fine, but you and I know that rule only applies to you so, I'll answer your previous question" I said, walking towards the huge door exit.

"And don't you dare step out of this house without my consent," She said.

"I read the whole chapter but couldn't grasp it's message. I keep on telling you, don't worry about me. It's like squeezing water from a stone, grandmother" I ended, composing the most brief yet fake smile I could summon.

I left the room and did not await her voice yelling out my name.

••••••••••••••••••••••••

"It's time sir," Mr Peter said, I had instructed him to reinforce me ten minutes after we arrived at the school's parking lot.

After arriving here, I didn't have it in mind to leave the car immediately so, I laid down the command.

I stepped out of the car and was met with the various cars parked around the lot accordingly, majority of the luxurious cars here were owned by students. I felt a sharp pang of jealousy, striking my ego.

It's not like I was incapable of owning or driving a car, grandmother was the only obstacle as she felt I was still too young to roam around driving, her reason was illogical itself.

I slammed the door shut and stomped out of the parking lot. The school was eerily quiet this morning as a result of the few people around, and the time which was just-

I briefly checked my wristwatch while heading into the Ss2 block. GHS's founders had merged the different department students together in one huge building.

Despite the spaciousness of this block, I still would have preferred it if the science, art and commercial students had their separate building. With that, the environment would be more conducive and less rowdy.

Opening the Ss2 Arts door, I didn't expect to see anyone in the class as I was always the first to come so early. You could say my classmates were the most tardy people you'd ever meet, for that reason I was most times the first to arrive.

Imagine my reaction when I saw someone here, standing ontop a desk which was situated in the middle of the class. The person wore a grey coloured hoodie which was so baggy, as I found it hard to discern the person's identity.

The hoodie's length stopped some few inches below the person's waist, it was then I could see that it was actually a girl because of the skirt.

My brows creased in confusion as I walked towards my seat, because the girl just stood on the desk and raised her face up to the ceiling mounthed cassette.

What the heck!

I thought against interfering in whatever she was doing up there, but she started singing and her voice sounded oddly familiar, yet melodic.

°Zirachi Joy Mark°

Z I R A C H I

Waking up this morning, I felt different. It was like another person had replaced me or I was possessed by a supernatural force. I couldn't fully understand why I was strangely energetic.

The joy I had in me was too weird for my situation, and the fact that I'd be spending half of my day once again, in that dungeon of a school.

After the talk I had with Pelumi last night, I suddenly felt a bit of braveness surge up within me. Though I won't completely take her advice but still, I brewed up a new goal to behave and act nonchalant towards their words.

I never knew GHS could have a faint feel to it's setting, unlike the first day I resumed when the large building and entrance, was lively with people coming in and out of it. Today, the environment was gloomy and dull, the absence of many students and the early day made the school to appear lonely.

A smile cut across my face as I was happy at the school's quiescence, during the early morning hours.

I wore a big hoodie to hide myself from any unwanted attention, but currently it's use was not needed

When I entered the hallway, I met a few people who paid no attention to me at all, they were too occupied with their phones or talks to notice me.

Thank goodness!

Unexpectedly, my classroom was also empty! With just it's whiteness of desks, chairs, the walls and silence.

I smiled again in satisfaction, coming to school early was not bad afterall. I dumped my bag on the adjoined seat I shared with Deja. Sitting down, my eyes explored the whole classroom as I was captivated, this was nothing compared to my previous school.

I was struck by a device on the ceiling and a crazy thought crawled into my mind. Since I'm class alone I could do whatever I liked and would not get caught.

I climbed onto a desk, without care on who the owner might be. I threw away every thought on the repercussions of my action, and still stood on top of the desk.

I wasn't a novice when it came to this type of air conditioner, which blew air above my head. Because the Matthews had a lot of this installed on different parts of the Mansion ceilings.

I was just marvelled at the closeness. I could feel this one's air by just stretching higher or putting my face up, unlike the ones at the Mansion that were fixed at the top ceiling and was very hard to clean.

Cold air rushed out of the conditioner in motion, caressing my face as I closed my eyes, smiling in pleasure.

This feeling was a rare one, I wouldn't always be alone in this classroom and feel at peace. So, I had to be happy for the mean time, now that happiness was present.

🎶
On another love, another love
All my tears have been used up

On another love, another love
All my tears have been used up

On another love, another love
All my tears have been used up
🎶

I randomly started singing the chorus of Another love by Tom Odell, though I wasn't really feeling deep into the lyrics, but instead the aggressiveness the next part weighed.

🎶
And if somebody hurts you, i wanna fight.
But my hand's been broken one too many times.
So I'll use my voice, I'll be so fucking rude.
Words, they always win, but i know I'll lose
🎶

I sang on repeatedly, with air rapidly crashing against my face ..........On another love_

"So it's you?" A voice said out of nowhere as I jolted in shock.

"Jesus!" I exclaimed after my eyes met his, the person that wished me an untimely death of shock.

"You scared me, when did you get in here?" I questioned the fool, as I tried to get off the table.

"When you were doing whatever shits up there, and singing like a cockroach. How would you know someone entered the class," he replied, leaning back on his chair as he focused his attention on me.

And did he just insult my voice?

I may not sound like Halle Bailey or those singers, but my voice wasn't that bad.

"I don't sing like a cockroach, it's just your ears playing dumb tricks on you." I replied in disgust. He came here just to ruin my mood, rumpling it and bringing out an angry me.

"You're so comical, one minute you act fierce then the next, you'll start crying" He said, smirking in the satisfaction he found as my face fell.

I turned around to go back to my seat and just rest my head before assembly starts. But no, I was currently stubborn to accept defeat at his words.

"If you had chained your girlfriend, she wouldn't be causing trouble and trampling on others," I fired back, folding my arms in triumph, as my comeback seemed to hit his nerve.

"What did you just say?" He asked in a relaxed tone as though he was not affected, but I could see he was just trying to compose himself.

"You heard me right," I responded taking a step forward. "I don't care anymore on whatever you view me as, same goes to everyone. I just want to let you know that you better chain her properly."

And that was the final straw which made him to stand up aggressively, this was my exact aim, to bring out the angry bird in him, while stretching a nerve.

"I'm truly fascinated by your words," he started, taking some steps towards me as I reversibly took mine backwards.

"You never cease to amaze me, who would have thought you had a sharp tongue. When you started crying the other day in shame, you looked so frail but now," he sneered, enhancing closer to me in one long step.

Just a step had him looking down at me, his height and mine was so contrasting and, did I feel low of myself the minute his gaze settled on me?

Yes I did, this was the leverage he had over me which suddenly pierced into my boldness, shattering it beyond what I could repair. I took another step backwards, with hands stumbling into a desk and holding it for support.

"Go on, talk. What were you saying, that I should chain my girlfriend," He mockingly gestured for me to continue.

I wished I could once again spit those words out without my voice shaking, and this time at his darn face, but I couldn't. My voice was lost and each word I tried to produce by parting my lips to speak up, didn't come out, it seemed like I was tongue-tied.

"What happened, cat got your tong_" He paused instantly, almost as if he was jerked up by something, and that thing had a business with the door because his eyes sent daggers there, it was like he could sense something and so his steps did some double takes inreverse, making way for my comfort and breathing space without fear.

"Did you hear that?" he asked, with eyes still calculating the door. I wondered what he was talking about, it's not like I cared but saw this as an opportunity to finally have a good sit on my chair, and temporarily stop trouble.

"Hear what?" I asked with disinterest, proceeding to settle down and rest my head.

"The 'shutter' sound and flash," He explained, sure he did not expect me to respond because while we were talking then, I was too focused on dealing with my fear to have paid attention on my surroundings.

"Well I didn't hear a thing," I replied, with head on the desk. Gradually, the rowdy shuffling of students coming from the hallway, accompanied with different voices braced my hearings from a distance.

"Your dear classmates are finally coming, that should make you happy. Maybe that's what you heard and_"

"Someone took a picture of us," He said, cutting me off curtly. I was too puzzled to say a word, raising my head up I fully met his indifferent expression.

"Remember some few minutes ago, you said you're no longer affected by the way others view you. Well it seems you're going to eat your words before today runs out," He said, putting his hand in his pocket.

His words were unclear, like he intentionally left out some important details and just kept me on the edge of confusion.

"Oh," he paused briefly, "It was good talking to you, Zirachi"

Something was definitely wrong, because his sudden weirdness left me confused. Until, the door opened and classmates trooped into the class.

"WAIT!" someone yelled, gluing everyone's attention.

"Zirachi and Jared were alone in the class!"

That announcer worsened my morning.

____________________

I once again apologize for the delayed update 🥺. More reason I made this chapter long

Your thoughts on the whole chapter.

Zirachi and Jared?

Zirachi is really funny 😂 At least she's not the only one that sings to the Air con, me toooo 😅

Who else thinks like Jared, Zirachi is bold this minute then weak the next ??? 🤔

And his grandmother?✨

Vote. Comment and Share ✨✨❤️❤️

Thanks from
Vahnyyyy 🌹🌹🌹