"I'm not a queen, I'm a reckoning. And you're next on my list." - Yemisi

Y E M I S I

"Chemistry is the worst!" I exclaimed, tossing my books onto the table. "I'll never get this stuff!" I ranted, exasperated.

Tyler looked at me, and for a moment I thought something reasonable would come out of his mouth, but nah-uh.

"It's not hard, you're just dumb," he stated, looking away from me.

"Excuse me?" I spat. "Did you really just say that?"

Tyler sluggishly looked at me, and sighed. "I'm just telling you the truth. You're just not cut out for chemistry. Why are you even studying science?"

I clenched my fist in anger, glaring at Tyler. Who was he to tell me what I was cut out for?

But what really got my blood boiling was the question that followed. Why was I even studying science? As if I had a choice.

I thought about all the times my mom had drilled it into me that science was the only respectable field to pursue.

"It's stable, it's secure, it's prestigious," she'd say. Never mind that my heart wasn't in it. Never mind that I'd rather be studying art or literature or anything that didn't involve endless equations and lab reports.

But no, my mom has other plans for me. She enrolled me in the science program without even asking me what I wanted. And now, here I am, stuck in a class I hated, with a teacher who seemed to take pleasure in making me feel stupid.

I glared at Tyler. "I'm studying science because I don't have a choice."

Tyler raised an eyebrow, clearly taken aback by my outburst. "What do you mean you don't have a choice?"

I shook my head, feeling a lump form in my throat. "My mom," I muttered.

"She's the one who decided I'm going to be a neurosurgeon because it was her dream, but she got stuck in the acting industry. She enrolled me in this class without even asking me what I want."

Tyler's expression changed from curiosity to surprise. "That's rough," he said. "I had no idea."

I shrugged, feeling a little embarrassed. "It's not like I have a choice. She's paying for my education, so I have to do what she says."

Tyler nodded thoughtfully. "I get it," he said. "But maybe you should talk to her about how you feel. Maybe she'll listen."

I laughed bitterly. "You know mom, right? She's not exactly the listening type."

"Well-"

Ring! Ring!

Finally, class was over. It was lunchtime. I closed my book and threw it in my bag, before letting out a satisfying hiss.

I took my money out of my bag, and headed to the cafeteria to meet David, who'd invited me to lunch for the third time this week, and I have to admit, I'm starting to enjoy his persistent company.

"Care to join us? My treat."

I glanced at Tyler, who stood up, shouldering me with his height. He had that smug I hated, plastered on his lips. But for some reason, he looked. . . cute. I felt a flutter in my chest, which I quickly suppressed

What the fuck?

No way am I going to let Tyler's sudden interest in me get under my skin. Especially not after what he'd just said about me not being cut out for chemistry.

I raised an eyebrow, trying to sound nonchalant. "Us?"

He nodded, tugging both hands in his pocket. "Yeah, Divy, me and Felix."

Divy?! Wow, he has a nickname for her as well! I felt a pang of surprise, followed by a twinge of annoyance.

"Oh, really? And why would you want to buy me lunch anyway?"

"I don't know. Maybe I just want to see if you can handle a conversation that doesn't involve complaining about chemistry or being rude."

Rude ke? Am I rude?

I rolled my eyes. "Well, I suppose I can try."

"Hallelujah," he said, falling into step beside me.

I shot him a sideways glance, but he just winked and kept walking. We walked in silence for a few moments, the sound of our footsteps echoing off the walls.

As we approached the cafeteria, the smell of food wafted out, making my stomach growl with hunger. I quickened my pace, eager to grab a seat and dig in.

Tyler kept pace with me, his long strides easily matching mine. We pushed through the doors and joined the lunchtime crowd, the noise and chaos enveloping us like a warm hug.

"Ty!"

I sighted that Divine girl waving at Tyler, and he smiled back at her.

"Come on," he said to me, leading me to their table.

"How far?" Tyler greeted her, and they did a complicated handshake.

"I dey." Her eyes met mine and she acted all nice. "Hi, Yemisi. It's a surprise to see you here."

"Divine," I said coolly, dropping into the empty chair across from her. Tyler sat down beside me, his thigh brushing against mine.

Divine's smile faltered for a moment, but she quickly recovered. "So, Yemisi, how's everything going?" she asked, her voice dripping with sweetness. "Have you been coping with chemistry? I kinda noticed you in class today, and you looked confused."

Is she a science student? I thought she's an art student.

I shot her a dry look. "It's a blast," I said sarcastically. "I'm really loving the feeling of being constantly confused and frustrated."

Tyler chuckled, and Divine's eyes narrowed slightly, but she kept smiling. "Well, maybe you just need a study buddy," she said. "I'd be happy to help you out, Yemisi."

"Really? Why?"

"I just think it's nice to help a classmate in need. Also, we're kinda friends now, right?"

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her claim. "Friends?" I repeated, trying to keep my tone neutral.

"Yeah, I mean, you and Tyler know each other and I'm his best friend, also Felix's. I think we'll get along pretty well."

I glanced at Tyler, who was watching our exchange with interest. I wasn't sure what to make of Divine's sudden attempt at friendship.

I mean, she did help me out that day by telling Makayla off, but that dosen't exactly make us friends. Plus, Tyler and I aren't even friends.

"Felix?" Tyler said with furrowed brows, staring at someone.

I turned to see Felix trudging towards our table, his eyes fixed on the floor. He looked...broken. His usual confident stride was replaced by a slow, hesitant walk, and his face was pale and drawn.

Divine's expression changed from friendly to concerned in an instant. "Felix, wassup? Is everything okay?" she asked, her voice soft with worry.

Tyler's eyes narrowed, his gaze fixed intently on Felix. "Dude, what's going on?"

I watched, feeling a pang of concern, as Felix slowly sank into the empty chair beside Divine. He looked like he'd been through a war.

"You were right," Felix muttered, staring at the table.

Both Divine and Tyler exchanged glances, before turning to Felix.

"Who was right?" Tyler asked.

"Divine," Felix mumbled.

"Me?" Divine asked, pointing to herself. "What was I right about?"

"Zainab! She's really a cheat."

"I talk am!" Divine exclaimed, slamming her palms on the table and leaning back in her chair.

Tyler's eyes widened in surprise. "Whoa, hold up. What do you mean?" he asked, his voice low and serious.

What was there not to understand? Mumu.

"She's been cheating on me with...with Maverick and his guys," Felix spat out, his voice trembling.

Divine's expression turned sympathetic, and she reached out to put a hand on Felix's arm. "Felix, I'm so sorry. That fool!"

I hadn't realized Felix was dating Zainab, let alone that she was cheating on him. No wonder she acted weird the day he was speaking with me.

"So, what happened?" Tyler asked.

"I broke up with her."

"Bro, I'm so sorry about that," Tyler said.

Divine nodded in agreement, her expression sympathetic. "Yeah, Felix, I'm really sorry. You deserve so much better than a slut like Zainab."

Felix shook his head, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. "I should have listened to you, Divine. You warned me about her."

I sighed heavily, sitting upright. My heavy sigh seemed to echo through the table, and suddenly, all eyes were on me. Tyler's gaze snapped to mine, a questioning look on his face. Divine's eyebrows shot up, and Felix turned to me, his expression curious.

"What happened ?" Tyler asked.

I shook my head, feeling a bit self-conscious about drawing attention to myself. "Nothing na," I said, trying to brush it off.

"Why did you huff like that?"

Huff? I sighed! Jesus, Tyler is so dumb sha.

"I just...I don't know, Zainab's just really something else. Felix, I'm sorry about all that. You should be with someone better, more sensible and definitely prettier than that Zainab girl. She's not even that fine sef, so just forget her. She's undeserving."

Felix's eyes locked onto mine, a surprised expression on his face. He stared at me, his gaze intense, as if he was seeing me for the first time.

Divine's voice broke the spell, but Felix's eyes lingered on mine for a moment before he looked away, a small smile playing on his lips.

"Thanks, Yemisi," he said, his voice low and sincere. "That means a lot coming from you."

I nodded and flashed him a small smile, before standing up to go order something to eat.

                         ✿✿✿

I stepped out of the Range Rover and onto the winding driveway of our compound. The driver, Uncle Tunde, gave me a warm smile as he handed me my backpack.

"Is my mom home?" I asked him, shouldering my backpack.

"Big madam dey inside," he responded with a big smile.

I nodded my head slowly and rolled my eyes at him, before walking away.

As I walked towards the house, I couldn't help but take in the familiar sights of our compound. The lush green grass, the vibrant flowers, and the tall trees that provided shade from the scorching sun.

Just then, my eyes met an unfamiliar vehicle, parked close to one of the trees. "Who's car is that?" I wondered.

My mom owns seventeen cars, but they were all parked at the big garage in the backyard. Only two were under the tent, the Range Rover and her Bugatti. So I couldn't help but wonder who owned the car close to the tree.

I made my way to the front door, which swung open as I approached. Our housekeeper, Ms Bimbo, greeted me with a warm smile and a bow.

"Welcome home, small madam! How was your day?"

"Where's my mother?" I asked, ignoring her greetings. I dumped my backpack in her arms and she hugged it tightly.

"Erm, she get visitor o. No go inside."

"Why not?" I snapped, eyeing her from head to toe.

Ms. Bimbo's smile faltered, and she looked around nervously before leaning in close. "Na one Madam dey inside with your mama," she whispered, her voice barely audible.

My eyes widened in surprise, because I thought it was one of her roadside services that was inside with her.

"Get out of my way. And go make sure Mr Ade has prepared my lunch."

"As you wish, small madam." She bowed and left.

Mitchew.

I walked towards the living room, hearing some distant yelling. As I approached the room, the yelling grew louder, and I could make out my mother's voice, firm and authoritative.

I slowed down, curiosity getting the better of me, and peeked around the corner to see what was going on.

"SHE'S MINE! MY DAUGHTER! SO YOU PEOPLE SHOULD STOP BOTHERING ME!"

I saw my mom's face, her eyes blazing with anger, her cheeks flushed with indignation. But my gaze was drawn to the person she was talking to, who had their back to me.

I couldn't see their face, but I could tell it was a woman, her slender frame and curly hair a stark contrast to my mom's imposing presence.

Who was this person, and what did she do to trigger my mom's wrath?

"Your daughter? Are you joking, Jackie? If I hadn't-"

"SHUT UP!" My mom yelled, slapping the woman across her face.

Ahahn?!!!

I took a deep breath and walked into the living room, my eyes fixed on my mom's angry face. She didn't seem to notice me at first, too caught up in her argument with the mysterious woman.

But as I approached, her gaze flicked to mine, and for a moment, our eyes locked. The woman, sensing my presence, slowly turned around, her face coming into view.

I was met with a face I have never seen before. Her light skin seemed almost radiant in the bright lighting of the living room, and her features were finely chiseled.

Her eyes, a deep brown, locked onto mine, and for a moment, I felt like she was staring right through me. Her gaze was intense, yet gentle, and it seemed to hold a deep longing.

But I shrugged it off, thinking she was just being weird. Little did I know, her eyes seemed to be drinking in every feature of my face, as if she was committing it to memory. Her lips curved into a soft, sad smile, and for a fleeting moment, I thought I saw a glimmer of tears in her eyes. But it was gone in an instant, replaced by a mask of calmness.

I couldn't help but wonder who this woman was and what she was doing in our living room, arguing with my mom.

"Jackie, is she-"

"No!" my mom cut her off sternly.

"Mom, what's going on?" I questioned my mom, going to stand beside her.

My mom's expression softened slightly as she put a hand on my shoulder, but her eyes never left the woman's face.

"Nothing, dear. Just a. . .misunderstanding," she said, her voice tight with tension.

The woman's eyes averted to my mom's hand on my shoulder, and I saw a flash of pain in her eyes. But it was quickly replaced by a neutral expression.

"Get out," my mom ordered.

The woman's eyes locked onto my mom's, a spark of defiance flashing in them for a moment before she nodded curtly.

"Fine."

She turned to leave, but her eyes lingered on my face, and I felt a shiver run down my spine.

As she reached the doorway, she turned back to face my mom. "This isn't over, Jackie."

My mom's expression didn't change, but I could sense a tension in her body, a coiled energy waiting to be unleashed. The woman's eyes flicked to me once more, and then she turned and walked out of the room, leaving an uncomfortable silence in her wake.

"What just-"

"Nothing. Go to your room," she cut me off.

"But-"

"Yemisi, stop it! Just do as you're told ah!"

I flinched at the sharp tone in my mom's voice, feeling a sting from the sudden reprimand. I looked up at her, searching for some explanation, some clue as to what had just happened, but her face was closed off, her eyes flashing with a warning.

I knew better than to push her when she was like this. I turned and trudged out of the room, feeling a mix of confusion and frustration.

I climbed the stairs to my room, feeling that something important had just happened, something that I was missing.

<————>
A/N

Wow!

Who do you think the strange woman is?

Omo, Yemisi's life is just getting juicer daily oo😂

And, what do y'all think about Divine?

Please, lerrus communicate 😗🩵

I want to know your thoughts.

Thanks for reading and please don't forget to vote 😗🫠

merry Christmas 🎄

CiCi 🌹

🌺TEASER🌺

"Tyler, stop," I whispered, trying to break the kiss.

But Tyler just deepened the kiss. I felt myself melting into him, my resistance weakening. I felt like I was drowning in Tyler's passion.

No!

His lips were fierce, demanding, and yet, somehow, gentle. It was like he was pouring his entire soul into the kiss.

Just as I was starting to get lost in the kiss, Tyler suddenly pulled back.

"See you in class," he said, his voice devoid of emotion, devoid of passion.