"Two of you should eat like humans." Aunt Monica reprimanded looking at Chioma and her dad. Dinner was okra soup and swallow. It was her favourite. Same with her dad's. Both of them were licking the soup and smacking mouths. One would think the soup was heavenly delicious. It was. But on the other hand, one could lose an appetite while looking at them.

Jordan had already lost his, I could tell. The frown on his face was too deep. I hid a smile. "Mommy thank you." He stood from his seat. Kaima, the last child also did so.

"Aunt, uncle, thanks for the meal."

"You are welcome." I washed my hands before going upstairs. I took a bath, brushed my teeth and relaxed on my bed before dialling mom.

"Edikan," Dad answered the phone.

"Dad. Good evening. Where's mom?"

"Washing up. Do you need anything? Did something happen to you?" He asked.

"Just wanted to know how you guys are."

"We are fine."

"What of my aunt? Is she better?"

"Yes... But her heart is failing. She needs a transplant but her blood type is the case." He lowered his voice. "Your crazy mother wanted to give up hers."

"What?" I shouted. "Don't allow her. If she insists lock her up."

"I already told her. And your aunt refused."

"Thank God."

"I'm thinking of a solution. But I don't want to dirty my hands again."

"Don't kill someone dad." I could tell what he was thinking.

"Wouldn't that be better and easier? Just kill someone with the same blood type."

"No. You'll commit murder." I heard him sigh.

"Your uncle and cousin are breaking down. Especially your cousin. I feel for him."

"Tell them to have faith. They'll be alright. Everything will be fine." I said. No matter how much I disliked my cousin, I would never wish for his mom's death. It was a horrible thing.

"Aaron, who's on the phone?" I heard mom's voice in the background.

"It's our son. I'll let you speak to your mom."

"Ebenezer?" I heard her voice.

"Mom. How are you?"

"I'm fine. How about you? I know Monica is doing a good job. I spoke to her this afternoon. She said you went out."

"Yes, mama. I accompanied two girls on their day out."

"Did you have fun?"

"Fun? What was fun about carrying bags and watching them try out clothes?" I said. I was always free when talking to mom than to dad. And I liked it. I could tell her most things. But those I couldn't, Dad knew.

I heard mom's laughter. "It's girls for you. Did you buy anything?"

"Yes, a pendant. For her." She knew.

"That's good. Does she like it?"

"I have not shown it to her yet. I want to let her know of my feelings."

"Ebenezer..." She started. Her tone had changed. "Mom loves you, you know."

"Mhmm. "

"And she doesn't want to see you hurt yourself. So she suggests you give up before you fall too deep."

"Mom, since fourth grade. I told you I liked a classmate and you smiled. I told you it was her and you frowned. You still don't want to tell me why. I love her mom."

"If she could return your feelings, it would be better. But mom wants the best for you. She does not want to see you hurt. Aaron stop it." I heard.

"Mom...I don't know what to do if she isn't here. Encourage your son okay?"

"Ebenezer... Aaron!" Geez, what was going on.

"Is everything okay?" I asked.

"Yes. Everything is fine." I heard a muffled sound.

"Mom I want to take her first kiss." I waited for her response.

"Baby, won't she hate you."

" And I already told her."

"Was she angry?" I heard a gasp.

"No. Just flustered."

"Ohhh...kay." Was that a moan? "Aaron, I'm still on the- Oh my God. Please."

"Please what jewel?" I heard dad's gruff voice.

"More." I felt embarrassed for my parents. I could tell what was going on.

"I want to sleep, mam. I'll be ending the call. Goodnight." I cut it and dropped my phone. Chioma stepped in soon wearing silk pyjamas. "Hey." I waved for her to come. She closed the door and climbed into my bed.

"Hi."

"You want to sleep here?"

"Mmm. Eben, I'm worried about Gina. What if that woman doesn't treat her well." I stroked her head.

"Gina will be fine. I'm sure she won't do anything stupid." She sighed.

"I wish she was my sister." I placed my finger on her lips.

"You have a sister."

"Kaima and I don't relate as sisters do. She's always with her friends if she's not at a photoshoot. Or she's alone. I don't like to disturb her."

"Chioma, you are sensitive to people's emotions. But when they are directed at you, you don't notice." I said.

"How?"

"Kaima yearns for your attention. Used to. But you never give it to her."

"When I want to spend time with her there are people around."

"But when she wants to spend time with you, you are too busy for her. Now you wish for an outsider to be your family."

"Oh, Eben." She buried her face. "What should I do?"

"Make time for your family," I said. "But do not forget me." She giggled. I looked at her smiling face.

"How can I forget you?" She stared at me.

"Chioma..." The urge to capture her lips had become stronger. I pinned her underneath me and I saw her eyes shift.

"Eben, stop." She tried to push me off.

"About what I said this morning. I still want your first kiss."

"Eben are you attracted to me?" Does she know? I felt excited. "Physically?" She's so...

"Can a man and woman remain just best friends without an attraction?" I asked and I lowered myself, straddling her. "This was bound to happen from the start."

"You admit it then." I nodded. "So you feel like fucking me?"

"No."

"You don't want me?" She looked away. "In that way?" His voice held insecurities. Was she doubting herself? I looked down at her nightwear. She wasn't wearing a bra. I bit my lips sighting the nipples. Wasn't she aware of the differences between our genders?

"How can I not? Chioma you are beautiful. I am attracted to you in more ways than you know. Be mine." I said making her looked at me. "Give yourself to me. I will never hurt you." Our bodies were close and she was holding her breath. I trailed my hand from her face downwards. I caressed her body, my hand not lingering where it shouldn't. I didn't want her to feel unsafe.

"Eben..." I looked into her eyes. Those eyes I wanted to keep pure for the rest of my life. I didn't want her to be tainted. But... I wanted her.

"Give yourself to me. Be mine. Do you understand what I'm talking about?" She shook her head. I lowered my face on hers before capturing her lips. I pulled her up from the bed, our lips still connected. She was tense. She wasn't breathing. "Breathe," I said. "Relax and breathe." But she didn't. I licked her lips with my tongue before I intruded her mouth. I lowered her on the bed gently while I kissed her. She didn't return it. I broke off and lowered my eyes.

My lips were attached to her collarbone. I gave it gentle kisses so she would not have marks. I decided to take a step further. I unbuttoned the shirt as my lips went lower. I kissed her bare skin. Her hands held my top tightly. I brought out my tongue and licked her skin. I felt her mountains with my palms which were rough from all the training at the camp. I rubbed her nipples slightly before pulling on them and licking them.

She moaned and arched her back. I kissed her breasts again. Her skin was hotter and her breathing was fast. I looked at her face and saw the tears threatening to fall. Her mouth was opened a bit as she panted. I let my hands roam her body but stopped when I got to the band of the trousers. She wasn't ready. I buttoned up the shirt and kissed her again.

"Chioma," I called. The look In her eyes became clear as she pushed me off her harshly.

"Ebenezer..." She sat up. I saw the confusion and fear in her eyes. She called me Ebenezer. "Stop."

"Why? I thought you liked it."

"You did more than kissing. You caressed me."

"You didn't like it?" Who was the one moaning? She was making the sweetest sounds in the world.

"It should be with someone who will be my future." My heart clenched in pain.

"That someone won't be me, will it?" I asked.

"Yes. I mean my husband or fiance or boyfriend. Not my best friend." The pain was becoming unbearable. I clutched my chest.

"I understand." I sighed.

"Thank you." She stared at herself. "I feel weird. I made weird sounds. And when you did that, my stomach turned."

"Did what?"

"Kissed my breast."

"Those sounds were moans. Was it unpleasant?"

"No. I kinda liked it." I felt better.

"You want me, don't you?" She looked away, not replying. I stared at the shopping bag in a corner before bringing it. I brought out the velvet box where the pendant was. I brought it out. "I got this for you." She turned to me and her eyes shone.

"For me?"

"Yes. It would suit you." I climbed the bed and wore it around her neck. She went to stand before the mirror. She made different poses with it making her chuckle.

"Thank you, Eben." She turned to hug me and stood on her toes to peck my cheek. But I turned my face and she pecked my lips. Her face reddened in embarrassment. She stepped back but I pulled her closer. I carried her up to sit on the vanity table. I stood between her legs. I connected our lips again and cupped her face in my palms. I wrapped my arms around my neck.

"Chioma, I love you," I murmured between her lips while sucking them.

"Did you say something?" I shut my eyes in disappointment, before bringing her down. Someone else could have given up on her. But I didn't want to.

"Let's go to sleep." She rubbed the ruby with her thumb.

"It's beautiful."

"Mhmm."

•••

☆Chioma

"And now prefects, hand over your badges to the chosen students." In order, we removed the badges on the breast pocket of the uniform and attached them to the students. They had officially become prefects. There was applause. After a few words by Mr Dayo, we went down the stage.

Then Davis came to give a valedictorian speech. He was the best academic student in their set. I didn't listen to his speech as I tried to drown out his voice from my head. His voice was distracting. It was deep but clear. It flowed like water as it reverberated throughout the hall. He said something that made the audience laugh. I admired him for the last time in his graduation gown and cap. I stood up and walked out.

I was outside the hall. After his speech, Mr Dayo gave words of congratulations to the graduating classes. I covered my ears because I knew what was going to happen next. "Woohoo!"

"Finally."

"I'm outta here." I looked inside the window and saw the students rejoicing and throwing caps. The seniors especially. The juniors weren't that excited as they still had three more years ahead. But the seniors had closed this chapter of their lives.

"Chioma." I was startled and jumped only to fall into hands. Sylvia had caught me. But Davis held her to steady her.

"Yes?"

"Do you want to take a picture? With us?"

"Sure." I agreed readily. We may not cross paths ever again in the future. Davis gave his phone to someone and told him to take a picture. I stood beside Davis who stood beside Sylvia but the two pushed me in between them. They then stood on both sides. After taking a couple of photos while making funny faces, we stopped.

"You know I wish you were my ward. But it's too late. I thought you were a threat so I didn't want anything to do with you. Would you forgive me?" Sylvia said taking me by surprise.

"I forgive you." I smiled sincerely. Davis hugged her. Perfect. I just prayed their union would last. They looked perfect together. I stared at Sylvia's stomach. Their wish should come true. I gave them one last look before leaving. Let the feelings go.

"I'm free!" I skipped around the school compound while avoiding the parents and students taking photos.

"Senior." I turned to face the junior standing before me. I recognised him as the one who told me to pray for his exams. I felt a bit embarrassed facing him. He had confessed during the Confession Session, to me.

"Hi."

"Come. I want us to take a picture. Please." He had so much expectation in his eyes. I couldn't reject him. I agreed and we took a selfie. Then a full photo. "I want to tell you something. A secret." He said.

"That you like me?" I asked. He blushed.

"Hey, Leo." Two juniors ran to us. He ignored them.

"Just bend a bit. Let me whisper it." I bent. I heard nothing but felt his lips on my cheek. I stared at him in shock. "Thank you, senior." He blew me another kiss and ran off. I stood there feeling awkward.

"Leo has done it again." The two junior boys who came ran after him.

"Why are you looking like that?" Buchi appeared beside me. "And why were you jumping around like a mad person earlier?" I smiled at him.

"You know it's a pity we won't graduate from here," I said.

"Yes. I wanted us to host the graduation party."

"Pity. Let's go take photos." I said.

°°°

"Miss, we took in some children three months ago." The Head matron told me. "One of them is a nine-month-old child."

That young? "No one has come to claim them," I asked as I walked towards the nursery. Eben was following behind me.

"Yes, miss."

"Where's the Dean? I have not seen him." I asked turning back towards the main office.

"He has been busy miss."

"Busy with what?"

"Taking care of children miss."

"Didn't I employ workers for that?" I pushed the office doors open. Empty. "Where's is he?"

"Check the inner room." Eben came to stand beside me. I saw the matron cower in fright. Something was wrong. Very wrong. "Are you deaf or was I inaudible?" Eben said. I held his arm signalling him to change his tone as he was addressing an older woman.

I went to the inner room which was meant to be a lounge. I felt the metal doors with my fingers. Eben held them before turning the handle and pushing it open. "Call the police." The words spilt out my mouth when I saw what was happening. I turned around and walked away trying to get the image out of my head. My heart felt pain.

I would be firing the second Dean. "The police station is far from here. Let my bodyguards hold him hostage for now." Eben said. I nodded and held my head before sitting down. Why would a grown man of almost fifty be attracted to a girl less than eighteen? And why would a girl find pleasure when a man that age was eating her pussy? Was she stupid or what? I felt uncomfortable.

The first time this happened, the guy was gay. He forced himself on the teenage boys. He was serving a sentence in jail.

"Miss."

"Shut it!" I said to the matron. She must have known. How many more girls had that man defiled? "Assemble the staff except those in the nursery.

"Yes." She scrambled away. I shut my eyes and rubbed my temples. I felt Eben's hands on my head, massaging it.

"I don't know if she was forced," I told him.

"They will be questioned."

"What should I do with her?" I didn't want her to stay here anymore. She might taint the others.

"It's your decision. But first, question all the others to know if they had been affected too."

"I need your help. I need a change of staff."

"Leave it to me, sweetheart." There was a smile in his voice.

"Let's go to the nursery." I opened my eyes. Eben held my hand as we walked. His hands left mine and were around my waist. I froze but continued walking.

"Are you alright?" I hummed in affirmation. My mind happened to go back to what occurred nights ago. He took my first kiss and touched me sensually. He caressed me with his coarse hands. It felt good, I had to admit. The way his rough hands roamed my upper body. I had never felt anything like it. Never. I even wanted more But I had to stop. I felt guilty. I removed his hands from my waist and felt them.

"Why are your hands a bit rough?" Since I had known him, he was a pampered prince. He didn't even wash plates. There were maids to do all those for him. The only time he got to work was when he stayed over at my house. Mom made him dress his bed. Only.

Eben smiled at me. "Summer camp."

"What do you do there?"

"Everything. I do my chores myself. Maybe that's why." I nodded. It was a reasonable explanation.

We walked into the nursery which was a bit noisy with children running around. This was for three to four-year-olds. The kids were few. I smiled watching them play with each other. A warden saw me and wanted to come but I signalled her to go on with what she was doing.

"You love children."

"Yes. Every child." I replied to Eben.

"You'll be a great mom." I blushed at Eben's words and the thought of having kids in the future. Eben's hand rubbed my stomach. I removed it.

"I hope so." I looked at a corner and saw a little child all alone playing with toy building bricks. I noticed I hadn't seen him here before. I walked towards him quietly. He looked up when my shadow reached him. He left the bricks and inched closer to the wall. "Hey, little one."

I noticed the boy was small and skinny. His mates weren't even here. The boy was smaller than those here.  He looked at me curiously with innocent eyes. Beautiful.

"I'm a friend. I'm not going to hurt you. What's your name?" Stupid question. Could he speak well?

"I like you," I said. His eyes brightened like he could understand me. I walked slowly towards him. "What's your name?" Again, I asked lifting his tiny body off the ground.

"It's Wealth ma. That's the name he was given." The worker standingclose by answered. Wealth. Nice name.

"Where's his mom?"

"Seeping." He answered. Seeping or sleeping?  I smiled sadly. A child this young.

"Wealth. I am Chioma."

"Mommy?" Aww.

"She's not your mother." Eben finally spoke. I got up while holding the little guy.

"Mm?" The child asked looking curiously but cautiously at Eben.

"Not your mommy. No."

"Ebenezer." I turned to face Wealth.

"I can be your mommy. Your little mommy."

"Chioma, you are only seventeen."

"Some of my age mates are married and have children. What's wrong with him being my son?" I asked. Me being married at this age was not right though.

"You are young." I rolled my eyes.

"Don't mind him. Call me mommy."

"Mommy." I laughed.

"Then call me daddy." I looked at Eben in shock. Wasn't he the one opposing me now?

"Dada."

"I said, daddy." Eben glared at the child while releasing an aura that I was even scared of. We both stepped back.

"Daddy." Wealth said meekly. Eben retracted his aura. "Daddy." He reached out to touch his glasses.

"Good child." I gave him a disapproving look. He was too harsh. "Chioma, we still have to meet the staff." I looked at my little boy.

"Wealth, I have to go somewhere. I'll be back. Okay?"

"Mommy." I blew a kiss before leaving. I would get him something later.

"Little mommy. That's bull."

"You made him call you daddy. Should I call that shit?" I said walking to the hall where I'd address the staff.

"I felt left out." Ha. Left out ke? "Can we adopt him? Together?"

~

"I trusted you all. I put the children in your care yet you allowed such a thing to happen, under your noses. How many more? How many more have passed through this? How many more had that disgusting pervert touched? Probably raped?

She was only fifteen. Didn't you teach her better? Giving her body away, for what? I hate talking too much." I said holding my ponytail and running my hand through it. "What was her name?"

"Treasure." The matron said.

"Treasure," I repeated. "She will be under isolation for six months. In her room, she will have everything but never to relate with others till those six months are over. She will continue learning but with audiovisuals and not in the classroom with the rest.

Meals are delivered regularly. Contact with people should not be more than twenty, no," I paused. "Thirty minutes. Anytime exceeding that, I'll be informed. Guards outside her room to monitor her. No males should come in contact with her. None of the females should get familiar with her. The people she is closest to should be separated." I stopped speaking. "Am I clear?"

"Yes."

"It breaks my heart. They are like my kids. No matter the age, I love them all. I expect you to love them too. I expect you to see them and treat them as your own. To guide them like you'd guide your own. I don't expect you to spoil em rotten. They need training too. Academically and morally.

That's why I pay you. But what I discovered today disappointed me a lot. I'm replacing most of the staff here." Some kept quiet, Some begged, some protested. I listened not. I had made my decision. I would only leave the staff taking care of the infants and young ones who were still innocent. The rest would be paid off.

•••

"Eben, I'm exhausted." I sighed entering the backseat. He entered with me. He wasn't driving today. "And I have a headache."

"Mhmm. Should I massage your head?" He asked.

"Yes. Thank you." I lay my head on his thighs. He rubbed my head before massaging it gently.

"Weren't you too hard on the girl? Six months of isolation."

"You think so?"

"Won't she receive fresh air?"

"I didn't stop her from going out. I just stopped her from relating with others."

"Mmm."

"She should know better than to open legs for that disgusting pervert." The image I saw still disturbed me.

"Relax Chioma. Don't think about it. I like the way you handled it. I'm just afraid she might turn insane. You know."

"She won't. She did it willingly. And thankfully she was the only one."

"Hmm. I've been thinking about something."

"What?"

"Finding you a means of making more money."

"Why? I already have more than half a billion in my account thanks to you."

"Not enough. Your dad has much more than that. You should think of being wealthier than him."

"What will I use the wealth to do? But jewellery? Clothes? And I'll also get married. Won't my husband try to do all That? The money will eventually be donated to charity."

"Don't think that way. Try to be independent. But also try to depend on me." He stroked my head.

"Eben?"

"Yes?"

"Will you miss me?"

"Yes. A lot."

"I'll miss you too."

"Chioma, my parents are returning tomorrow."

"So you are going back?"

"Yes."

"Buchi and I will be going last week of August."

"Really? Times running fast."

"I know." He sighed and bit my ear.

"You smell nice." He said. "It's addictive."

"It's my perfume."

"It's not. It's you." He sniffed my face then the crook of my neck. His actions were ticklish making me giggle. He raised his face and looked at the driver whose focus was on the road. He nodded before lowering the partition to separate the front and back seats.

"What are you doing?" I raised my head from his lap and scooted to the opposite window, creating a distance. His eyes flashed slightly. He removed his glasses and cleaned them before putting them back on. His face was expressionless as he stared at me.

Then he inched closer. Slowly. He placed his palm on my thighs. Soon, I was being pinned to the door. Eben raised his lips. "Chioma." His voice sent shivers down my spine and made my skin tingle. I let out a gasp when his hands caressed my face.

"Eben." He pulled me closer and nibbles on my ear. His mouth trailed lower and they were on mine.

"Return my kiss." He said.

"I can't."

"Let me lead you. Follow me."

"I'm sorry." I pushed his face away. "Doing this feels wrong."

"Let's make it right." I threw my head back when he kissed my neck. I almost hit the window but Eben held my head. He kissed my left shoulder and downwards while raising my top. I tried pushing him off but he slid my hands under his top. He let out a groan. I tried to see his expression but he buried his face. I could only see that his eyes were closed.

I tried retracting my hands but I was not in control of them anymore; he was. He slid my hands further. I felt his firm abs. I brushed my hands over his nipples and he groaned louder. "I love what you do to me." He said, his hands sliding under my top. I moaned loudly. I felt a bit of anticipation at his actions.

I knew what he wanted... I kinda wanted it too. It seemed like my suppressed urges were trying to erupt. The next thing, my top was nowhere to be found. Eben's too. His face was on my bosoms, kissing and licking while I moaned.

He reclined on the seats and I was straddling him. I saw his desire-filled eyes. He kissed me again and his hand trailed down my bareback. My hands found their way to his curly hair as I made myself comfortable on him. He pressed my chest against his face and I bit on his shoulders to block a moan. He pulled down my bra straps and kissed the area around my breasts.

I could feel a wetness between my legs. What was that? His hands went to the clasp of my bra. "I want to mark you," Eben said hoarsely.

"Mark me?"

"Give you a hickey." I froze and came back to my senses. I got off him quickly and searched for my top. I saw it close by with his. "What's wrong?"

"I'm sorry. Eben this is wrong. This thing we started that is going on between us." I pointed to both of us. "It's wrong. Doing this with you doesn't feel right."

"Doesn't feel right?" He held my waist tightly while rubbing the area around it.

"Yes. Feels like we are friends with benefits alone. We aren't. So please."

He shut his eyes tightly with furrowed brows. It seemed like he was in some sort of pain. He didn't speak till we got home. "I understand." He said.

And Eben didn't talk to me the rest of the holiday. Buchi noticed that something had happened between us. But I was happy he didn't ask. It was better kept secret.

:::

"We're going shopping?" Buchi asked.

"I thought we were only going to Nedum's graduation." I continued. Mom looked at dad who had a look of mockery on his face. But he didn't speak.

"Let's go. Manuel, are you coming?" Mom asked. Dad shook his head.

"Don't bother. Go on. I'm not going shopping with kids for any reason." Dad wanted to walk back to his room. Buchi and I looked at each other and smiled.

"Mommy you're looking hot oo," I said and I noticed dad freeze.

"Thank you." Mom held Buchi and me on each hand as we walked downstairs.

"Chioma is right. You are slaying in this attire. See the way men will be looking at you. You are gorgeous." Buchi said. Someone cleared his throat.

"Monica wait. I'll come with you." Dad said behind us.

"Daddy I thought you didn't want to go shopping."

"Yeah, with kids," Buchi added.

"I changed my mind. What can you do about it." Dad scoffed. He separated our hands from mom's and linked his with hers. Buchi and I laughed. The thought of other men looking at mom would always get him jealous.

"Where's Kaima?" I didn't see her this morning.

"She went to Idara's house. She's sleeping over." I nodded.

~
"If you like don't wash it after wearing it. Throw it aside and wait for your mother to wash it for you." Mom said selecting many singlets for Buchi. He looked away in embarrassment.

"I'll wash it." He said. We were buying school supplies. Dad wanted us to buy it when we got to the U.K. but mom insisted on buying it here.

Mom dragged me to the place for ladies wear. "You still like cupped bra right?" I nodded. "Choose. I don't expect you to be like your brother. Girls are meant to be neat and good at taking care of themselves. Are you listening?"

"Yes, mommy."

"Did your period come this month?" The first thing I did was to look around. No one was at this aisle. I sighed in relief before turning to mom.

"Yes." She smiled.

"Good. Don't let anyone touch you. Ma nwoke ma nwaanyị."

(Ma nwoke ma nwaanyị: Both boy or girl.)

"I've heard." I nodded as guilt filled my chest. Eben and I... Though he didn't cross the line, I still felt a sense of guilt.

"Don't disappoint your mom and dad. Remember your dad said no relationships till eighteen. I trust you. If you like someone and he likes you too, tell us. Then invite him home. We would agree before he bears the title of your boyfriend." I nodded. At least I was still obedient.

"Yes, ma."

"And if you can't control yourself, let us know. So you wouldn't make any mistakes and hurt each other. Having sex isn't as easy as some think. If you want to enjoy the process, takes time." I nodded. "We'll talk more at home."
~

"Daddy, chocolate," Buchi begged. He even held dad's arm while trying to make puppy eyes. His sugar cravings were at the peak if he could beg this way. It wasn't that Buchi could not afford chocolate. But our parents banned junk food. We always ate in secret unless they permit us to. They were trying to prevent diabetes.

"No." Dad refused.

"Please. Daddy please."

"Chibuchim I said no."

"Biscuit?" He tried another snack.

"Crackers." His face fell.

"Daddy thank you," I said. He smiled at me. I knew what would come next.

"Nne, you can buy ice cream for yourself." I hugged him excitedly and ran off while throwing my twin a wink.

I heard footsteps behind me while I was looking at the display of different flavours of ice cream. "The difference in treatment is too much. Does dad hate me?" Buchi asked.

"He loves you."

"He didn't allow me to buy anything but crackers."

"You can share my ice cream." He hugged me tightly.

"I love you so much." I hummed. I loved him too.

"Aren't you too young for this?" We turned around to see an older woman looking at us with disdain. "How old are you that you are displaying your affection for each other in public." Buchi and I looked at each other before giving the lady weird glances.

"We're twins." She opened her mouth in shock before staring at her watch.

"Oh my, I'm late." She walked off without an apology.

"People sef."

•••

I jumped on Nedum and pulled down his graduation cap before wearing it. He chuckled. "How do I look?" I asked making poses.

"You look horrible, Chioma." I gave Buchi the finger. Only him looked horrible. "Babe, I'm your brother. You can't fuck me."

"Who is your babe? Whose brother are you." I hugged Nedum. "See my brother."

"Okay okay, we want to take a photo. Get in position." Mom and dad walked towards us with a cameraman. The whole family got in position. I decided to stand beside Kaima. She tried to move away but I pulled her closer.

"Stay."

"Smile for the camera." I smiled. Click. Click.

Then we took photos in pairs with Nedum, then he took singles. Mom and dad were with the cameraman discussing something and checking out the pictures. Nedum was with his phone frowning and typing something. Then he smiled. I tried looking into his phone but he raised his hand and grinned at me. "You're short." I gasped.

"Cause you are taller than me ba? Don't worry. I'll pass you in height. Just wait."

"I'm waiting. I have all the patience in the world." He nodded. I looked at him angrily. He knew that I wouldn't grow past him. It wouldn't happen. Though I was tall, he would always be taller.

"So who were you chatting with?"

"My baby girl." His girlfriend.

"Is she here?" I wanted to meet her.

"No." He sighed. "She could not make it."

"Oh." Nedum's eyes scanned me head to toe.

"Mom and dad are calling. Let's go."

~

"I'm very proud of you son. You made me proud." Dad said. Nedum said.

"Thanks, dad. I'm glad I made you proud." He had graduated with a first-class. He had really made us proud. I wish I could go boasting. I looked at my almost empty plate. I could not eat anymore as I was full. I dropped my girl and knife and drank water.

"I'll give you three weeks of vacation before you resume work."

"Thank you," I remembered what he told me when he had come back home. I wasn't happy. I looked at dad. He looked back at me them looked away like he could tell what I was thinking.

"Give him more time." Mom said.

"Do you want more time?" Dad asked Nedum. He shook his head. "Good."

That night...

I took my plate of cake before knocking on the door of Nedum's hotel room. "What's up?" He asked sitting up. 

"Nothing. I'm happy for you." He smiled. "I'll miss you." I climbed the bed.

"You'll be seeing me. I'll be visiting. Even at school." My eyes brightened.

"Tell me about your school."

"Hughton Academy of Arts and Sciences was established in 1893 by Edward Hughton, a cousin of the Queen of England who was married to..."

"Hey hey. Enough. That's not what I wanted to hear and you know that." He smiled.

"What do you want to know about Hughton?"

******

"Take care of yourself there okay?" The director of our school said.

"We will. Thank you, sir."

"Don't disappoint us. Make good names for yourself there." He said. Buchi and I thanked him again. He gave us a few more words of advice before leaving.

"Hey, Chioma." Rhema held my hand.

"Hi." I waved. "Weren't you with Buchi?" I pulled away and stepped back.

"I was. But I'm done saying goodbye." His eyes became deep as he looked at me. " I never got to tell you this." He said walking to me. "I've held feelings for you. Since JSS2."

I was stunned. I lacked words.

"I know I'm not your type, Chioma. I'm not asking you to like me back. Just stay happy. Treat yourself well. Don't ever doubt yourself whether, in beauty or brains, you have them all. If anyone tries to mess you up, give em the finger. Okay?" I nodded. "Smile. I love it when you smile."

I could not help it. I smiled.

" I'll be waiting. Maybe we'll attend the same university." He rubbed my head.

"Rhema!" Buchi called looking a bit angry.

"I'm leaving before Jordan kills me." He said.

"Thank you." I appreciated his words. But he lowered his face and kissed my cheek.

"Goodbye."

When he left I suddenly felt sad. I looked around and I saw Eben leaning on the wall. I smiled. I thought he wouldn't come. He turned and walked away. I hurried after him but noticed we were at a secluded part of the airport. "Eben!" I called after him.

He stopped and turned to me. "I thought×2 you'd forgotten about me."

I hugged him but it didn't last as he pushed me away. "What's wrong."

"I just wanted to say bye. Take care. And thanks for being my friend×." Thanks for being my friend?

"Eben?" I was close to tears. Did he want to end our friendship?

"I'm sorry for doing inappropriate things with you. I'm sorry for taking your first kiss and making you uncomfortable around me."

"But...I thought you wanted me. You were frustrated."

"You didn't want it. I would not like to force myself on you just to satisfy myself."

"Eben, don't end our friendship. Please."

"I'm a horrible friend." He loomed close and held my hand tightly before pulling me harshly with him. He pushed me to the wall and I grunted in pain. "But an even worse best friend." He harshly bit my lips. I resisted but to no avail. He raised his face and in his eyes was another new look. He seemed insane. Crazy. Like he was losing control. My eyes widened with fear as his kiss became harsher. "Open your mouth baby." I subconsciously obeyed and he bit my tongue and sucked on it. Then he stopped and wrapped his arms around me. I heard him grunt angrily. "I'll miss you."

"Me too." I'll miss his company. His comfort his hugs. I'd miss them all. He held my hand and we walked back to where the others were.

"We'll keep in touch. Do not forget me. And don't be deceived by other white guys." I punched him playfully.

"Okay. Take care of Wealth and Gina for me. The orphanage too." He smiled and kissed my forehead. Your family is waiting." I pecked his cheek and ran off.

Soon we boarded the plane. Mom, dad and us. We waited minutes before take-off. I looked at the ground that became more distant and sighed.

"Goodbye Nigeria."

Am I the only one who dozed off while reading this chapter? Too long. I know. 6.4k+ words. I have broken another record. *smiles tiredly* Don't get bored. I'll put up the cast soon.

After this chapter. So congratulations to all of you who made it through the first arc. You deserve 💋. I'm grateful.

It's almost time for me to publish the cast right? That'll be tomorrow.