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~Jared Adedamola Richard~

J A R E D

Do you believe in fortune telling? A miracle? Or better, your own prediction created from scads of observations?

I'll go with the last, since my summed up clues came to life with 'the unknown' falling into one of the loopholes he/she accidentally left.

The game wasn't as fair as it should have been, but it became one the moment that picture was taken this morning, by the mysterious person's shadow I saw after the 'flash and click' sound of the camera.

I knew immediately that another scandal was going to come up, but my guess wasn't definite because some seconds later, my classmates made their way into the classroom and thereafter, conducted some series of exclamations after they met only Zirachi and I in the class.

I couldn't think straight, my mind was so preoccupied on how 'the unknown' or whoever took the shot, was so careless as to let he/she's shadow come into view.

Maybe it was done deliberately?

Or a mistake?

My gaze irregularly at intervals, would stare at Zirachi wondering how she might not have any connection with 'the unknown', as I thought back to her desperate pleadings yesterday at the infirmary.

What if she also had no idea on why and how all this was happening, what if she was just a mere pawn in all this and most importantly, what if she was actually being sincere yesterday ?

I was conflicted on different what if's, and the likelihood of everything going on now being staged or done, by this anonymous mastermind with a username of, 'the unknown'.

However, after third period was disrupted with the outrageously edited posted picture, I knew my hunch was correct and also Zirachi might be honest.

Because even if she was actually working for 'the unknown', there was no logical reason as to why she'd tarnish her already bad name either for attention or money.

Money could be the reason she was doing all this, but remembering how she rejected the amount I offered to her on a platter of gold, I thought against her assumed need for money.

I also noticed that the new uploaded picture, had a hand in readjusting her already alone behaviour to a more sulky one, as her head was on her desk throughout third period.

She also didn't attend the combined class we had with the science and commercial students the next period, but instead, totally disappeared when everyone left for the class which was held in the assembly hall.

Talking of Idia, she was strange today and covered up in all black. A big black hoodie, a few inches above the knee length skirt which got the rest skin protected on a pair of long black socks.

I was a bit thrilled when she came into the classroom this morning immediately after Assembly was concluded, without her being clingy or following me around.

The only thing I received from her, was a hurried wave with a short broad smile which only stretched across her lips for five seconds to be exact. That was contrary to what a normal day Idia would have done, if she saw me on a morning.

All too suddenly, she was no where to be found after the automatic bell rang for break commencement.

I was supposed to be relieved that I could finally have a breath of fresh air without her invasion or presence, but for some odd reasons I wasn't a bit filled with delight.

What was it that she'd done to me?

This moment I wanted her far away from me, then when she adhered to my wishes of not bugging me, I became all fidgety in worry.

I hesitantly set out to look for her, I didn't want to contact any of her minions, but after I saw Lara, Dafe and Midas in the hallway, I knew that Idia wasn't there because Lara especially, appeared to be in a fit of anxiety after she lashed out at a trash can.

I left.

Almost without being seen by them but, Dafe's eyes for the briefest of all moments saw me, that I was so sure of.

Idia didn't have a favourite place, she did have one in the past, but I strongly had my doubts that she was back to the same place she forbade herself from and promised never to enter.

It was possible that she was there, very possible, but I couldn't take in that possiblity considering how that place withheld so many awful memories for her.

She wasn't the only one that was affected by that room, those who knew what happened some years ago also had trouble stepping into that place.

So I wondered what compelled her to go there after all these years. Only one thing came into my mind when I thought of how she'd been since morning.

Issues?

She must've been bothered by something and wasn't able to keep it in check and so, that room was where she could conduct her obsessive outlet.

It was located some few corners away from where I was, as my pace fastened just to get there quickly. But upon reaching the entrance of this place, I gave it a second thought and decided to get in unnoticed and that would only be possible if I went through the other entry.

Only a visit to this pathway made the memories from years ago to resurface, as it ripped open like fresh wound, perfectly spilling blood all over again like it did years ago.

If the exterior of this place could have much effect on me, I wondered how it must have been for her. And worst, she was inside doing that which was forbidden.

I was exasperated at how silly Idia could be, she knew everything concerning this place but still, couldn't keep her vile emotions in check.

On reaching the other entrance, I boldly in a stealth mode, walked through the door with little or no efforts in not getting caught, just a push of it's handle, paved way for my entry as I climbed up the short stairs.

The first thing that embraced my visual was the unfamiliar dimness of the room, it really had been a long time since I was here, because everywhere seemed foreign yet the same.

The absence of exuberant students seated on the bleachers with hearty cheers and hoots, made this place which was formerly known as, the indoor basketball court of GHS, to be obscured by a suffocating peace.

It was too serene for the actual purpose it was built for, after the grievous incident that went down, this place was never the same. We all silently knew never to bring up visiting here, or to come over when a game was ongoing.

Some students still stopped by, the ones that didn't care or just had no idea on what happened would still sit and cheer ignorantly. The school authorities had previously closed this court for a year, but reopened it even after another one was built.

A complete shut down was supposed to be the case in order to respect the memory of what happened, but it wasn't closed.

The outdoor Basketball court was preferable and had more population of students visiting frequently, but this one was just, godforsaken, as Lara always called it.

"I said the two of you should kneel down, your friend obeyed but you want to form tough, abi?"

A voice raged out, Idia's voice.

I walked further and sat at the extreme end of a bleacher, where my presence wouldn't be easily noticed.

Here was more dimmer as the spotlight was thrown at the middle of the court.

I finally saw Idia.

She was really here, looking drained up in anger as she yelled at a student who obviously was from a class below ours. The girl she yelled out was unfazed as though she didn't just witness Idia's frenzy state of rage.

She was strange, unlike the other student who obeyed by kneeling she did not, but instead glared at Idia, maintaining her disobedient say and not moving an inch or budging under the heated daggers thrown at her by Idia.

The other girl on her knees, tugged at the skirt of the bold girl, pleading in tears for the girl to just obey. But that was pointless because even if the girl was to finally kneel, Idia was already pissed off and wouldn't let her off so easily.

I relaxed comfortably on where I sat, ready to watch what was to unfold without meddling in.

"How dare you!" She yelled, yanking the girl by her braids, as she forcefully pushed the girl to kneel down.

"Who do you think you are? A filthy brat? Even your brother will not dare to disrespect me, so who the fuck are you!"

Brother?

Who was the girl's brother?

I leaned forward to have a much closer look at the whole show and most especially, a view on the girl's face.

I saw her, she was his sister.

"ESE!" The girl called out a name which appeared to be hers.

"That is my name which your fish brain can never process, or even dare to understand."

It happened so fast, one second the girl was done talking then the other, she received the hot palm effect from Idia on her face.

The other girl screamed in a high pitched exaggerated voice, which echoed through out the court.

She wasn't even the one that was hit but you'd think she was, it was like she could share Ese's pain and would do anything to reverse the slap.

Ese didn't react but looked like she had finally yielded without saying a word, Idia smiled maniacally noticing the girl's vulnerability.

She crouched down to Ese's kneeling height.

That position that Idia took alarmed the crying girl, as this time she decided to use her voice to speak up in pleas, and not the whole noise she'd been making. "Please leave her alone. She doesn't mean it, Please!"

"Please just leave her........" The girl repeated, crying in an almost uncontrollable manner as she hiccupped frequently in-between tears.

Idia still had no mercy. Her frame of mind was currently wrecked and so, she derived an undesired pleasure in just listening to that girl's pleas and Ese's sudden accept of defeat.

This was what I feared immediately the possibility of her being here increased, she still wasn't over this mode of outlet and maybe she had never been over it.

She once again yanked Ese's braids but this time, she enforced so much pressure but Ese still didn't respond, it was just the other girl dramatically wailing like there was no tomorrow.

"Pleasee...eee...ee..." the stupid girl continued while hiccupping.

The main entrance was forcefully open as some light rays escaped into the court, revealing the presence of Lara and Dafe with Lara looking very annoyed

"See ehhhhh, it's not because you're bigger than me you'll now be intimidating someone. Don't you ever drag me like that again, because it seriously will not be funny." Lara seemed to pass those warnings to Dafe, who looked like he didn't give a shit about her, typical of him.

"What do we have here?" He asked no one particularly, as no response was given except that girl's continuous wail.

Can you please just keep quiet! My subconscious expressed that anger only in my head

"Is that Ese?" Lara asked rushing towards the Ese girl, she also squatted down while Idia got up, rolling her eyes in annoyance,as she stood with arms akimbo.

"Idia, did you do this to her face?" Lara asked in disbelief, turning over to look at Idia in shock.

"Can't you recognize her? She's Midas's sister. How could you!" Lara shouted in a teary voice, when basically she wasn't about to cry but was just overwhelmed.

The wailing girl saw this as a chance to increase her wail and this time, accompanied it with sobs that didn't sound like it was going to end soon.

"Okay. That's it!" I stood up in annoyance, going over to the girl.

As I approached, everyone had their eyes on me as Dafe's jubilant smile for fun, completely faded when he saw me.

"Get out!" The wailing girl jolted in shock, at my sudden yell and appearance.

She was frightened, so scared to even look up but had her head lowered to the floor, as she shook with great vigour of fear.

This girl was being overly dramatic.

"I said get out!" I repeated, but this time in a more composed tone yet enforcing much authority.

"You don't need to bark at her, we were about leaving anyways." Ese said.

I thought I heard wrong, until she supported the wailing girl to get on her feet, and thereafter, her empty eyes calculatedly zeroed and seized up the appearance of everyone in the room, except her friend which she firmly supported.

After she was done, she turned to leave but paused after taking one step away.

"A quick remainder," she started to say, when her wimpy friend dragged her by the arm, silently telling her to stop and leave for good.

I really wished, she'd really listen to her friend for her own betterment, because if she was about to trash out nonsense it wouldn't be taken lightly.

"You all," she said with her index finger pointing at each and everyone of us. "Are bunch of worthless and pathetic LOSERS!"

Stillness crept into the whole court the instant she said all that without an iota of fear.

I wasn't stunned at the rude and bold stunt she just pulled off, the others had not said a word as though expecting something, just any little thing that'd make those words she spat out to be unheard.

"Omo...lara..." That voice drawling Lara's name out with an astonished smirk, belonged to Dafe.

His eyes fell far from the glint he had some seconds ago, as he was obviously grimmed and maybe a bit triggered at the girl's words.

"Midas's sister, right?" He asked, as he went over to the Ese girl, standing before her face-to-face as her height matched his.

"The name's Ese." She responded with her arms folded in a defensive stance, which shielded her weak friend who hid behind her.

He scoffed. Actually fucking scoffed and thereafter, broke into a fit of laughter which resoundingly lacked humor.

"We'll be taking our leave now, since you've decided to laugh like a lunatic."

Oh! So, it's now her stupid self knew she was to leave? I really thanked whatever lucky stars that was protecting her because, I was in my tolerance mood of condoning the shit she'd been displaying, if not, I would have forgotten she was Midas's sister.

"Not so fast," Idia hollered in pure enragement, as she enforced so much might into pushing both girls.

The crying girl lost her stamina and fell back to the floor.

I sometimes like now, wondered where the tall slim girl that looked as though she was frail, got the strength to push people around, same thing she did at the cafeteria.

"And where do you think you're going without my permission?"

All these while I brought forth the command for both girls to dismiss, my subconscious self didn't take note that Idia, hadn't responded or even acknowledged my sudden arrival from the shadows.

This was very odd.

"Will you both get back on your knees before my backhand does the next talking!"

"I know you are deeply irritated right now. But please," Lara paused, reaching out for Idia's palm as she held a strong vehement eye contact with her.

"Can you look pass Ese's behavior and not let your anger get to you. Yelling or doing that which I am so sure you have in mind, will not help at all. Remember the last time this happened and how it ended? so please, let them go."

Twitch

I saw the foreign twitch of two different emotions totally disagreeing in every context, flick over her eyes for a very brief moment, which I wouldn't count as a second, but it sure didn't last up to one.

She seemed to cool down, with her eyes now sealed in a shot and legs rooted to the floor, I felt that coldness, the charade of a bitter sass melt down completely like ice.

"I think it's time to kindly make use of the exit now." Lara suggested angrily, I couldn't decipher how and why she used that tone but she wasn't smiling either ways.

"Get out, Ese!"

Here was the same person advising Idia less than a minute ago against yelling. She shouldn't have, if she knew she was going to scream out.

Ese finally did herself some good by almost leaving when Dafe spoke loud enough for everyone to hear.

"I like her, she's the bold type."

He chuckled in deep sarcasm, or was it scorn? I couldn't understand what he meant by that. But it was curtly followed by some synchronic beep notification which came from everyone's phone.

This was definitely not coincidental, because it wouldn't be the first and maybe not the last time, GHS students received beeps from their phone in sync.

It was just about an hour ago the whole of Ss2 was alerted in this same manner, during some ongoing classes but yet, that account which caused the whole commotion didn't seem to be filled in satisfaction.

Lara was the first to fetch out her phone from her blazer, her expression quickly morphed into that of horror, as her brows knitted still looking at whatever it was that displayed on her phone.

No one said a thing, the shuffling sound from the video recording playing on Lara's phone was the only sound heard throughout.

Ese and her friend were already leaving nonchalantly when Chioma halted their steps, as she burst through the main entrance, with lightening on her racing pace.

I forgot so soon that she was a fast runner, because as she got nearer, her legs magically did wonders in increasing the heated tension which was already befalling on us.

"What in God's name, HAVE YOU DONE IDIA!" She questioned all of a sudden without bothering to even stop running properly.

I couldn't hide the confusion and shock I had, because it was clearly written on not only my face but that of Dafe and Lara also, as she raised her head up from the phone.

"Why here of all places? ANSWER ME!" She yelled again

My inner self was forced to double check if it was actually Chioma speaking because she wasn't the type to raise her voice, and worst, at Idia.

"Hey! hey! hey! what's wrong?" Dafe inquired.

"You're just so self absorbed. Not giving a fuck about your actions and the effects it has on others! Why? Why are you like this?" She poured out directly infront of Idia, totally ignoring Dafe's question alongside the mini scene she was causing because we all were curious.

Even Ese and her friend was still present, silently wanting to also know what was really happening.

Chioma inhaled and exhaled deeply, facepalming herself as she closed her eyes and opened them back after some long lasting seconds.

"You promised....." She said as her tone lowered towards the ending, Idia surprisingly had not given any response. She just stared right at Chioma, watching everything she said and all.

"......never to come here again."

The moment I finally could comprehend a bit of what she actually meant, my heart swiftly sank down, jabbing hard against my chest.

I wasn't the only one that got hit by realization, because after Chioma made her last statement, confusion suddenly replaced itself with understanding on the faces of Dafe and Lara.

"Okay girls, here and definitely now, is not the time for this. We have to seriously LEAVE!" Lara emphasized with worry emanating from her voice. I could tell, hear and also feel the tensed stare she darted between Chioma and Idia.

"Such level of disrespect coming from another nonentity." Idia smirked with folded arms, as she squarely faced Chioma, surveying her appearance over and over again from head to toe.

"Did you just call me? Chioma, a nonentity?"

"And? What are you? If I can remember correctly you are, and was definitely one when I picked your sorry ass up from being a NOBODY to SOMEBODY!" Idia flared up.

"IDIA!" Lara called out, in something akin to bewilderment.

"Don't you even think of interfering Omolara, mind your damn business! Same goes to you two," She said, referring to Dafe and I.

"I don't blame you, I blame myself for fooling around you all these while, thinking you were an actual friend. I had to put up with every single thing you did, throwing yourself at a worthless boy -wait ooo am I the worthless boy? - who will never love you! Living pretentiously and claiming 'boss lady', when you're totally FAKE!"

"Everything Idia, I did for you, but you dare call me? Chioma? A nonentity!"

"You did nothing, absolutely nothing for me. Idia doesn't take favours or help from miserable and useless low lives of your caliber."

Chioma saw pain at that moment, as tears streamed out of her eyes like the rivers, no matter how she kept using her palm to clean off some, they were still difficult to stop.

She was overthrown by her emotions, like always.

"They're coming, they're coming!" Lara said hurridly, looking down at the long abandoned phone in her hand, as she switched it back on.

Whatever it was that she saw on her phone, definitely had to be bad news because, the feets shuffling hard against the floor as though a marathon was being conducted on school grounds, told a partial answer on what she meant by 'they'.

Some people were clearly coming, school mates to be precise and this was not going to end well, because Chioma's tears were unending.

"Where exactly are you?" Lara questioned no one but just thin air, with her voice echoing.

"Stop being a coward and come out, enough of the games." She said again, confusing us all on who she was talking to.

"You really baffle me," Chioma paused, cleaning off what seemed like a finally tear, until another slid down her left cheek.

Girls and being emotional.

"A nonentity? Low life? Miserable? and worst of all, useless?" She said, laughing dryly amidst tears. "You should be ashamed of yourself, he's currently watching everything you're doing and what you've done, going against the 'unspoken rule'."

No, she didn't just say that.

I unconsciously shook my head in deep shock at how far both girls could go, just to humiliate each other. But Chioma went too far for her own good.

Out of nowhere, students started trooping into the court as the previous dimness also suddenly became overshadowed, by a light which illuminated the whole room.

I also noticed the phones which were held up in the air by their owners and obviously on recording mode, something must've happened.

I really didn't want to interfere like Idia had warned earlier, even before she warned I already had it in mind, not to meddle into her affairs for today. But, looking at where Chioma was heading to with her last words, I had to tread carefully and step into their quarrel.

"Don't bring his name into this matter." Idia responded in a very low voice, which only Chioma and those some steps away from her, could hear.

"Well I just did, and there's nothing you can do about it!" Chioma challenged.

"Omo this girl don grow wings ooo"

"See voltage!"

"Abeg who are they talking about?"

Murmurs came from every inch and corner of the court, with hushed voices circulating words around from ear to ear.

"Don't bring his_"

"Shut up! And that's an order. If you don't want me blabbing out your dirty deeds in front of everyone, you better keep your mouth shut or SCRAM!"

The second option was preferable but trust Idia, stubbornness was intertwined with her since the very first day we met.

"You this filthy_" I rushed over to cover her mouth with my palm. I wasn't expecting her to even struggle, or break free from my other hand which held hers at that instant, but I got shocked immediately she not only broke free from my hold, but also landed a hot intensified slap on my face.

"Damnnnn"

"This boy weak ooo, see as he just chop slap like that."

"What's really happening abeg"

"I don blow like this, once I post this video now....."

Despite the ear splitting slap I just received from the least person I expected, my eyes still found it's way to stare back at her in utter disbelief. With my fingers soothingly touching that same spot and the hurt which followed it's impact, I was astounded.

I clenched and did the reverse with my jaw, still looking directly at her eyes and the remorse which was now suddenly clouded all over her brown orbs.

Dafe saw this as the perfect moment to stupidly laugh loudly, making it know to all that he was laughing at this scene but to me, he was laughing at his idiocy and nothing more.

"And she creates more drama for herself," Chioma remarked, but was completely ignored by Idia, who seemed to be back to her senses as her full attention was now on me.

"I'm really sooo....rry Ja....red, I was....it....was....not inten....tional at all" She spluttered, as her soft hand cautiously tried to offer aid to where she slapped, but I flung it away.

I didn't need her messed up sympathy.

If only if she had restrained herself from coming here after all these years, then I wouldn't have faced any embarrassment. And the unnecessary attention from these gossip feeders would have been avoided but no, Idia chose to be the same person she was.

"I'm really, truly and deeply sorry, I didn't mean....to at all, I me....an my hands were just so....sha....ky and__"

No matter the series of explanation she offered, I seriously didn't care but just had it in mind to leave, as she'd certainly follow me.

And so, she did exactly what I had in mind that she'd do, because immediately I made my first attempt to leave with one step away, I felt the familiar clingy pull at my arm.

On impulse, my heart leapt at her touch. That sense of more-than-just friends closeness which she always initiated was back again, and this time, it multiplied itself.

The instant my eyes met hers which was becoming filled up with tears, I couldn't dare look away or walk out on her like I really wanted to, my legs were stiff on the spot and my hands wanted to erase the single tear which slowly ran down her cheek.

At that moment, I wasn't in control of myself anymore. Because I still let her, wrap her hand around my arm as she cried onto it with muffled whimpers.

I couldn't help but to pat her hair, after fully capturing her in my embrace.

What was I doing?

"Disgusting!" Chioma said out of nowhere, deliberately shoving her way in-between Idia and I, in order to separate our bonding as she walked out of the court.

Different "nawa..ooo" and "yeye couple", overflowed around as students gradually dispersed out of the court, because the whole drama they came to witness had temporarily stopped.

I also didn't miss the hardened glare Dafe at intervals sent towards us, his eyes were mainly fixated on Idia, who tried to cover up her teary face.

What was his problem?

"I know you're still somewhere here." Lara said.

I totally forgot her existence in this whole thing, it was like she was never here or had just minded her business throughout Chioma and Idia's clash.

"Who the heck are you talking to?" Dafe asked.

No response was given back to Dafe's furious question, and before anyone knew it, Lara was already leaving, but paused immediately she made it to the main exit.

Her paused movement seemed to be done intentionally as she retook her steps backwards, the space left infront of her finally revealed the reason for her sudden steps.

My brows involuntarily raised up as a result of the distorted annoyance I felt, the moment the persons hindering her passage came into view.

Dayo and the one and only, Tyler freaking BANKOLE.

_______________________

I'm lost for words 🥲 honestly

I need y'all to comment on Chioma and Idia's quarrel, between the both of them, who do you think is actually wrong?

And who else thinks that Idia has anger issues?

Moving on to Jared, I know you were definitely annoyed at some point while reading his POV, but puhleaseeee 😂 don't hate on my guy.

Omoooo Ese is bold oooo 🙃

A quick guess on who Tyler really is? I left too many hints on the previous chapters so, I need your guess and make una nor forget Dayo ooo 😂

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Vahny🌹🌹🌹..........