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⊱𝙷𝚘𝚠 𝚊 𝚙𝚎𝚛𝚜𝚘𝚗 𝚛𝚎𝚊𝚌𝚝𝚜 𝚝𝚘 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚜𝚊𝚍𝚗𝚎𝚜𝚜 𝚜𝚊𝚢𝚜 𝚊 𝚕𝚘𝚝 𝚊𝚋𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚑𝚘𝚠 𝚕𝚘𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚑𝚎𝚢'𝚛𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚒𝚗𝚐 𝚝𝚘 𝚋𝚎 𝚒𝚗 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚕𝚒𝚏𝚎⊰

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Cover by Stardust_Wendy❤️❤️

~Not edited!~

Today being Sunday means we the Bolanles' go to church, come back, relax and rest from every work and emotional stress. But no. Some people decided that Sunday is the right day to frustrate me on earth. We attend the biggest Baptist church in the Island as fervent worshippers. After the church service, an elderly woman walked up to me and started blabbing things like;

"Sister your hair is really fine. But I thought your hair is natural? Hahan. This is serious oh. So you mean they can use Virgin hair to do parking gel? Shebi I was telling Tomike that anything is possible with virgin hair. But no oo, she said Mama Iyawo won't do it very well. Ehn but wait, don't you think your hair is too long? It is even reaching your bombom! Children of God are supposed to be modest with what they do and wear. You hear? Try to be more like a vitreous woman."

I even had to painfully chug my laughter down when she said, 'vitreous' instead of 'virtuous' woman. I wonder how people can just open their mouth waaaaaa and start spilling incorrect English.

Out of courtesy, I swallowed every corny insult she threw at me all in the name of advice. She even had the guts to ask, who my parents are so that she could meet them. Meet them my foot! Some adults should really learn to respect their age if they want the younger folks to respect them back. Respect is reciprocal for crying out loud.

On getting home, I bolt out of the car and race to my room, slamming the door very hard in the process. Don't think it is only the elderly woman matter that is paining me. No it is not. Yesterday when I returned from the saloon, my uncle told me that I've been summoned by the school disciplinary board and I should be prepared for my defense on Monday which is unfortunately tomorrow. This is what I have been trying to avoid since day one...the disciplinary board of the school.

Then again, I aggravated matters by doing busybody. I simply asked Derek if there is an history between him and Kiki. Trust me that was the biggest mistake I made.

Simple thing is that, he ignored me up till this very minute. He turned to the Derek I originally knew when I came into this house....the one that doesn't exchange more than three words with me.

So mature of you Aramide.

I shouldn't have asked him at all.

Sighing, I slowly remove my suede block heels from my aching feet. I am not a fan of high heels to be honest. I only wore them today because I wanted it to go with the beaded off-the-shoulder Ankara gown I wore to church. Keeping the heels at the shoe rack, I decide to leave the gown on because laziness is really not letting me to take it off. I pick up my phone and switch my WiFi network on when suddenly, I stare at the stack of books piled on my reading table as if-I'm forgetting something.

What I'm I forgetting?

I huff and twist on my bed still burning my gaze on the stack of my books when it clicks.

My schedule!

I usually write my schedule and put it on my reading table. I climb down from my bed looking for the paper when I finally see the pink sticky note.

Firstly, I'm going to face the disciplinary committee tomorrow. Secondly, Derek is ignoring me which makes me feel awful. Thirdly, Kiki has not been online since yesterday and I am so worried. Heck her line is even switched off....all because of me. Fourthly, the annoying lady from church that indirectly insulted me. And now, I have mid continuous assessment (CA) test by Wednesday, and basketball routines to practice from the school's online coach since our big game with Forrester Academy is close.

Could my life get anymore interesting?

I quickly put my fluffs on and walk down the stairs in light steps to pick a cartoon of cornflakes, tin milk, random cubes of sugar, a plate and water making sure no one sees me while tiptoeing and looking round. My mission would have been complete but a voice stops me on my tracks when I'm about to leave the kitchen.

"What do you think you are doing young lady? And why are you still on your outing clothes?"

Shoot! Caught red-handed.

I slowly turn round to face Uncle Tee who stares at me in utter confusion and amusement.

"Umm...I-" What do I say now? That I decided to steal cornflakes from your kitchen so that I can have my lunch in my room? Okay, that sounds dumb. "I'm sorry." I finally say with a remorseful expression as no explanation in this world, would justify my stupid action. My uncle remains silent as he whistles and opens the huge refrigerator by his side and brings out a bottle of...honey?

"I have told you countless of times that this is also your home. So why tiptoeing around?" Should I answer him..or is that a rhetorical question? "Next time, try honey with cornflakes. Sugar is not that healthy." He flings the bottle at me and on instinct reflex, I juggle all the items to my other hand while catching the honey bottle successfully. My uncle face lits up instantly. Before walking off, he pats my shoulder and I'm sure I heard him mumble something like, 'She's really great with her basketball skills.'

Should I be worried that my uncle did not punish me for sneaking food to my room? Or should I be worried that he is encouraging me? Before overthinking things, I run up the lengthy spiral stairs and lock myself in my room. I can as well enjoy my Sunday afternoon in peace.

***

Okay maybe I was wrong about having a peaceful afternoon. After downing myself in a bowl of cornflakes, I am halfway through the online basketball lecture until some people decided to play loud music.

Aramide, concentrate.

"...If the offensive team puts the ball into play behind the mid-court line, it has ten seconds to get the ball over the mi.."

The loud music interferes with my online lecture.

🎵..𝐼 ℎ𝑎𝑡𝑒 𝑝𝑒𝑜𝑝𝑙𝑒 𝑡ℎ𝑎𝑡 𝑓𝑒𝑒𝑙 𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑖𝑡𝑙𝑒𝑑
𝑙𝑜𝑜𝑘 𝑎𝑡 𝑚𝑒 𝑐𝑟𝑎𝑧𝑦 '𝑐𝑎𝑢𝑠𝑒 𝐼 𝑎𝑖𝑛'𝑡 𝑖𝑛𝑣𝑖𝑡𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢
𝑜ℎ 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑖𝑚𝑝𝑜𝑟𝑡𝑎𝑛𝑡?
𝑌𝑜𝑢 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑚𝑜𝑟𝑎𝑙 𝑡𝑜 𝑡ℎ𝑒 𝑠𝑡𝑜𝑟𝑦, 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑒𝑛𝑑𝑜𝑟𝑠𝑖𝑛𝑔?
𝑀𝑜𝑡ℎ𝑒𝑟𝑓𝑢𝑐𝑘𝑒𝑟, 𝐼 𝑑𝑜𝑛'𝑡 𝑒𝑣𝑒𝑛 𝑙𝑖𝑘𝑒 𝑦𝑜𝑢..🎵

Aramide stop listening to music and concentrate! Oh yeah..the basketball.

"...It can no longer have possession of the ball in the main area..."

🎵𝑇ℎ𝑎𝑡'𝑠 ℎ𝑜𝑤 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑓𝑖𝑛𝑑 𝑜𝑢𝑡 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝑦𝑜𝑢 𝑑𝑒𝑎𝑙𝑖𝑛' 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ
𝐴 𝑠𝑚𝑎𝑙𝑙 𝑝𝑒𝑟𝑐𝑒𝑛𝑡𝑎𝑔𝑒, 𝑤ℎ𝑜 𝐼'𝑚 𝑏𝑢𝑖𝑙𝑑𝑖𝑛𝑔 𝑤𝑖𝑡ℎ..🎵

Out of frustration, I slam my laptop shut while rubbing my head wistfully. I know where the music is coming from but I can't confront the humans disturbing the peaceful afternoon. This is an estate I know. But my neighbours deemed it fit to create choas.

Daniel brothers and male cousins.

Who is Daniel? Simple. When our school did a debate competition last week with Royal City College, I met some cool and interesting students from there, among which are Iwinosa who is surprisingly a cousin to Jamal, Kara her loudmouthed best friend who Jide has been yapping about recently, and then Daniel. I never knew we were neighbours until I saw Derek and him discussing that day in school like real gees.

I hiss and stand up, move towards my window direction while opening it with force. I Glare at the adjacent house which happens to be theirs, thinking of what to do.

So, what have you achieved now that you opened the window?

I facepalm myself and hiss again.
Today is really a bad day for me, noted.

"Sour mood?" My soul nearly vanishes out of my body as I hear the voice addressing me. What da....oh, Daniel. I prop my elbows on the window base while lunching my body forward making sure he can hear me since the distance is quite apart.

"You've got no idea!" I reply with a frown. He mimics my position, by propping his elbows on his own balcony rail.

"Sorry though. I know you are probably frustrated about my brothers loud music. Trust me, I'm also frustrated that's why I came out to read."

That explains why two text books, a notebook and a pen is currently by his side.

"Oh, it's nothing." I simply reply as I wait for the sudden quietness that envelops us, to go away. Okay, I think I'm awkward at starting conversations. I remember when I chatted with Iwinosa, she told me Daniel has been off...like he hasn't been himself lately. Frankly speaking, I noticed it too. He has been acting withdrawn from everyone...I know that feeling of locking and drowning yourself in pains...I've been there countless of times. I always smile to prove to all that I'm okay.

I sigh as I immediately lock up the painful memories of my trance-mares, that are threatening to burst out. I move back a little, hold the first half of my window and bang it hard so a that I'll get his attention. Stupid...I know. It actually works as he raises his face from his book and quirks his brow questionably at me.

Okay, now you have his attention what are you 'gon do?

"Umm, hey Daniel." What?? Did I just say that? Okay let me start again.

"So, how are your friends?"
Seriously?? This is so bad. I know he is not in talking terms with them and here I am asking stupid questions.

Just shut up already.

Daniel stares at me blankly while my innermind warns me to shut up and go...but my mouth fails me as I say rubbish. Again.

"Why are you avoiding everyone? I mean you've been keeping to yourself lately." There and then. I say it. I cuss as I mentally scold myself for being too blunt. This is the same thing that made Kiki and Derek to ignore me indirectly. For being a poke noser.

I mutter a quick apology refusing to make eye contact with him. I have messed up too much. After a minute or so, I hear something.

"Psst!" I raise my head at the holler call, just to see Daniel with a raised paper in the air like a banner. What is he doing? He points the wordings on the paper and mouths, 'read it' I quickly raise my finger back in response, as in to give me a second, as I scramble back to my bed and grab my leopard rimmed glasses. Putting it on, I can now see the words clearer.

"Come outside your gate."

My gate? Me that does not leave my room talkless of coming out of my gate. Wow, so ironic. However after much contemplating and taking permission from my guardians, I go outside the gate after greeting our gateman. Daniel is standing by the corner looking lost. Like a million thoughts are swirling in his head. He is not exactly my friend neither will I say we are close. So it's kinda weird that he made me leave my room. Well anything for my future in-law.

What? I'm stating real facts here. I've noticed the way he looks at Nosa...and vise versa. So it makes sense to me that I am shipping them both.

"Hey." He greets me as I stand metres away from him unsure of what to do. He tilts his head in an amusing way, beckoning me to come closer.

"H-hi?" I reply uncertainty still feeling embarrassed from our earlier encounter.

"I messed up..." He suddenly says with a straight-to-the-point tone. "I should have just hidden my jealousy well. I did not know how to react to thier sudden closeness that's why I stayed away from them all..and I badly miss my friends right now. I'm stupid shebi?" All this while he was speaking, he just stared at the sky emotionlessly.

Is this the point where I have to speak? Okay maybe yes.

"What happened exactly?" I ask carefully. Because I need to know the root of the matter. He sighs and rubs his forehead frustratedly.

"I don't know why I'm telling you all these...but I feel like letting my guts out. I've locked it up too much and my friends will probably detest me right now. So it kinda makes sense that someone who doesn't know about my shit, can hear me out."

"Okay,...I'm listening." He takes a heavy intake of breath and continues.

"That time you saw me reading, I was trying hard to make everything enter. I'm under heavy pressure to make it. To have flying colours by fire by force. My dad thinks I'm a failure.."

Oh no! What a father.

"...and that is not the only problem. Maybe I overreacted when I saw Javier and Iwinosa together. The way they became suddenly close makes my blood to boil. I hate how I feel so jealous. I feel like I'm losing Nosa. Jealousy has made me do a lot of things..both thinkable and unthinkable. So I had to stay clear from everyone until my head is cleared fully."

Wow.

Hell of a story.

Come to think of it, Nosa never told me that she and Javier are now close. I'll query her about that later.

"Jealousy turns us to unwanted monsters. I clearly understand where you're coming from." I've witnessed first hand, when AY will storm out of the house in anger, or when he will rebel against mum anything she treated me as the favourite child. If only I knew she hated me all those while...

"I just wish...I can have Nosa and my friends back."

"See, you do recognise that everything is actually your fault right?" He nods as he shoves his hands into his hoodie pocket. "Learn how to open up to your friends. I do not see why they won't listen to you. They have been with you through thick and thin. I also believe that Iwinosa is not an asset or price. Fine. She is with Javier right? If she still feels that strong attraction to you, trust me she would choose you any day and anytime. Allow nature to take its full course."

Did I just advice someone?
Oh yes I did. A guy for that matter.

He slowly bobs his head taking everything in as silence graces our atmosphere again except for the music booming from their apartment.

"So, I should continue to watch both of them together? Impossible. That is fucking painful. I can't sit back and watch then fall in love. My heart is already ripped into tiny shreads. I cannot handle jealousy at all."

"That is where communication comes in Daniel. Have you opened up to Nosa?" He mumbles in the negative. "You see? Trust my judgement. Come clean to your friends first off all, speak to Nosa too. And for the pressure from your family.. I don't know what to say. Sorry, I'm not good at things like that." I give him an apologetic smile as I clamp my hands together. He gives a sad smile in return.

"Thank you Aramide. I don't regret opening up to you..."

"Daniel! Why the fuck did you..." Daniel is being cut short by a feminine voice that also trails off on seeing us.

"Camilla, what are you doing outside?" She eye him in disbelief as her eyes rotates from I and Daniel. Back and forth.

"Dan...you did not tell me you've moved on from Nosa that fast."

What?

He actually chuckles at the girl presumption and holds her shoulder.

"Dear cousin, meet Aramide my neighbour. Aramide meet Camila my cousin." We both mumble 'nice to meet you'.

"Why were you calling my name like that though?"

"Oh, nothing o. I was just wondering why you left the house in a rush."

"Alright give me a sec. I'll join you soon." She walks out leaving me and Daniel again.

"So, the music..are they turning it off anytime soon?" I really need to ask this. Are they even doing party?

"Actually there isn't a party. And I don't know when my brothers are going to quit their mini stupidity. Sorry in advance though." I chuckle at that. "Tell uncle Tee I send my regards also." Yes my uncle is popular in the estate cause he is the owner. Surprising right? My uncle is too soft, loving and accommodating that is why I am guessing why security has not landed in Daniel's compound yet because of the music. We say our goodbyes as I slowly enter the compound.

"Madam you did not tell us that you're dating the boy next door."
Onome yells from the patio immediately her eyes land on me.

"M-ma?" My eyes widen and I stumble over my words.

"Don't ma me. How long is the relationship? Oya drag yourself here. You must tell me everything today."

Today isn't really my day right?

I think so.

~A/N~

Banner by me😊😊✌️

Claudia baby did you see our Daniel there?😩

The song that was playing; All The Stars-Sza ft Kendrick Lamar.

So Aramide had a bad day tbh🤧 have you ever been harassed at the church or any place before? I love uncle Tee sha. He's the best uncle anyone can ask for.

The basketball game that Aramide is preparing for is bigggg! Y'all should anticipate it oh. Drama go dey ehh😂

Thank y'all for taking my book to 5k reads. It means a lot. And to those that wished me well on my birthday, gosh I feel so loved. Thank youuuuu❤️❤️

Comment in the comment box and vote too!

-Jasmine ©️