Dedicated to the one who has been Supportive of this book Peejaymatt

~Chloe~

"Happy birthday to you,
happy birthday to you
may the good Lord bless you
may the good lord bless you today.
May the good lord bless you.
We wish you many happy returns of the day.
Long life and prosperity hip hip hip hurry—"

I can't believe I am officially 16 years of age. It seems like only yesterday when my twin sister I  and were still learning to call each other's names, how time files when you are not looking. We were standing in front of 3 different cakes the one in the middle was the one with 16 candles lit on top. Immediately the song ended Zoe and I share a look of share happiness and excitement before making a wish and blowing out the candles.

Our whole sitting room was packed with friends, family and loved one. And for some reason I was a little bit dejected that Samuel Dawson didn't show up. Was my birthday that un important that he had to forget, even after we shared a kiss in school. But damn If I am being honest that kiss was fire, it ignited something in my that I have been ignoring for so long, the feeling to be loved. Just thinking about it right now is making me blush.

My entire playlist of Kygo was blasting one the stereo, but the song that was currently playing was Remind me to forget by Kygo and Miguel
I smiled broadly at everyone around, they all thought I was enjoying the music or enjoying the party. They didn't know that my mind was far away from here thinking about how Samuel kissed or rather how I kissed him so fervently, it felt so real like he had been dying to kiss me all this while.

"Baby, it hit so hard, I'm holding on to my chest
Maybe you left your mark, reminding me to forget"

I sang along to that part, reading a meaning to that part of the lyrics made realize, kissing Samuel for the first time was the fun part, exhilarating to say the least. The not so fun part was the responsibility that is tied to being committed to him. I still can't get over the fact that he kissed me back, now I am really staring to see it as him kissing me back was to remind me to forget. If that was the case than I am Glad he didn't show up for my birthday party, for obvious reasons this party would be no fun if he was here.

"There's no room in war for feelings
Hurt me to the core, still healing
And I know you're no good for me
So I try to forget the memories"

I sang along to the lyrics  swaying my body to the music even though my movements lacked coordination. Yes you guessed right, I am a terrible dancer but that wasn't the point, the point was to let off steam and my pent off feelings for Samuel. I wanted to believe that that kiss meant nothing to either of us I wanted to remind myself that it was just a mere kiss and I should forget about it. I keep dancing to the song ignoring the weird stares I got from my guest at my party.

After the song ended another of  Kygo's  music came up and I dance my way from the crowd of people looking with judgements eyes to our kitchen. I got there and decided to stick to being sober so I just went for my favorite soft drink, fayrouz drink. After gulping down an entire chilled bottle because I was thirty, I went to pick up a fruit punch with a plate of small chops. I sat on the kitchen counter as I ate and scrolled through my phone. A lot of people were wishing me happy birthday on all my social media Account so I thought I'd start with WhatsApp first.

I went through my messages on WhatsApp taking my time to reply them, both those that posted my pictures on there status and those that left normal messages. Some even asked for my account number to surprise me with a birthday gift and who am to say no.  Sharp sharp I sent them my personal GTB account number which was, 0531118952 Chloe Babajide. In less than and hours alert were trooping in like it's was competition they were doing. Lucky for me none of the transfers where less than 5,000

Omo see moneyyyyy!!!! E go sweet if your birthday nah everyday ooo.

I laughed at what my subconsciousness said before closing WhatsApp and heading to my IG account. The picture I had posted was taken two years ago but I never got to post it, now was a really good opportunity to post it because I didn't get the change to do photo shoot. It's a little hurtful thought because ever since I was 6  I was looking forward to my big 16. I had  already planned with my sister how  we were going to do photoshoot  for it, and I had already mentally picked the different styles we would do.

Looking at my post on IG I smiled seeing how it had over 100 comments, but what really caught my eyes was Dawson's comment, why was he being a hypocrite right now, I get he didn't have the guts to face me after our kiss even i am not prepared to converse with him on the matter, but still. If you want to talk to me talk to me directly don't go through the conners.

This was directly going though the Conners, no calls no Text messages, not even a simple happy birthday on WhatsApp group chat for our set, but here he is, wishing me happy birthday on IG. I was so tempted to delete his comment but it won't speak well of me so I just left it, close the app and kept the phone away in my back pocket.

I went back to the sitting room to meet some people dancing in the center of the living room.  Our center table was no where in sight, I just  hope they didn't damage it in the process of trying to create space for the dance. From the looks of thing it seems to be a dance off.

The song they were dancing to was not no my playlist, not having the strength to argue or complain I just when with the flow watching them as they took turns to dance to soft work by falz the bad guy. While I watched them, I over heard two people talking the  guy which was Muyiwa Cambell said

" C'mon I am soo in. A dance of with a guy I've never meet before and a girl who want nothing to do with me. Well hell yes !!!."

" I can't believe you dragged me to this party because of some girl, Just take him down okay, I am Sacrificing  my social life to be your wing man here. One of  us has to win to tonight."

The girl i think is a friend of his from another school said talking to him in hush whisper, fortunately I was close enough to hear.  I just shook my head at them and  Shortly after Muyiwa went to challenge the guy I believe was also from another school. Before I knew it another dance off  began and  i Must say Muyiwa had some mad ass skills when it comes to dancing.

~Zoe~

The day was finally here, 9th of July my birthday after all the guests had sang happy birthday song for us I had come back up to my room. I smiled looking out my windows thinking about my life and how my birthday didn't go according to my plan 10 years ago. For starters I wasn't expecting to be celebrating my 16 th birthday, pregnant.

I wasn't expecting to have to deal with the burden that my brother, the one I have know and believed in all my life, was going to be behind bars. So much I wasn't expecting but was now my reality and sadly there is only so much I can do to help or change it.

I finally got away from my window to take my bath again. Yes for some reason I just feel soo sweaty, maybe it's because the sun is shining so bright when it's supposed to be raining heavenly, I mean we are in July after all. Sigh Mother Nature and her mood swing, just because it was July and we were in raining seasons doesnt means rain is guaranteed.

Once I was done in the bathroom I  walked into my walk in closet and after standing and staring at my clothes for 30 mins I finally settled on what to wear. The sound of thunder and the drizzling of rain changed my mind. From the lose strapless gown I wanted to wear that stoped mid tie to something more baggy and comfortable since Chloe was wearing the something Similar.

Zoe's birthday outfit.

Satisfied with my outfit I move to my hair. I did my best to comb out my natural Afro hair which was surprisingly stubborn. I did my best to style the hair into a ponytail but  it just cured right up immediately, I groaned in frustration and settled to make its into Bantu nuts. Moving to the next category which was make up,  I drew my brows and used a little brown powder with lipgloss, I wasn't ready to do anything fancy at all. I stepped out of my room to meet Chloe all dressed up. in her own case she did have the energy to style her hair so she just used a blue bandanna to stylishly pack her hair up

Chloe's birthday outfit

we took a few short together and I posted it on our joined iG account. I gave her a corky smile and she just laughed saying

" happy birthday to you too Twin Zozo."

I laughed wishing her the same before leaving her room to get something to eat I settle for sweet potatoes and the remaining vegetables that was cooked yesterday. I sat and the dinning table eating and I thought I'd text Joel while at it. For no good reason i was staring to want him around now, and I don't know why, maybe it's my pregnancy hormones talking or Maybe it's the feeling that i just started developing for him talking. Which ever one it was I did care, I saw him online and I chatted him up

I groaned in annoyance regretting why I sent him a message in the first Place. The minute I dropped my phone to continue eating Chloe came to join me for breakfast. We both ate in silence and once we were both done she offered to wash the plate while I went to the bottom of the stairs about to climb up to my room. I was going to stay in the sitting room with the guest but I didn't feel comfortable with all those judgmental eyes watching and making conclusions about me being pregnant. Chloe sense my discomfort so she smile at me and give me a cut nod and I knew she meant she would stay with the guest .

Getting to my room i climbed out the window taking a small flight of stairs that lead to the roof top. I watched as the clouds began to gather in the sky as the rain increased its pace. I guess Mother Nature is having another mood swing again because the sun was shining brighter than ever like and hour ago. I sigh staring at the clouds as I got Lost in thought, so lost in thought that I didn't know someone was already copying a sit next to me.

"Penny for your thoughts"

" Joel? I thought you said you werent coming."

" correct, you concluded that I wasn't coming, I never said or told you that."

I rolled my eyes at him looking away so I could hide the blush that was slowly creeping up my face. I noticed he was looked at me Intensely and I involuntarily wrapped my hands around my Protruding stomach protectively. When he saw me do this he finally looked away, he was quiet for a while but Seconds later he spoke saying

"I can't believe you're pregnant And I am not the father of the child."

"Hmph, i can't believe you would be selfish enough to say that. I was Raped Joel and yet you waltz into my home and say that to my face."

I half yelled at him and he looks away probably trying to control him emotions. His eyes where closed as he was breathing heavily, in that moment I could here the a song I'll wait by Kygo and Sasha Alex Sloan playing softly but it was loud enough for both of us to hear. A sad smile was on his lips as he opened his eyes and turns a bit to look at me, I was also looking at him when he said.

"I am sorry, Zoe. It was selfish and insensitive of me to say."

"Hmm, apology accepted."

" you know the song play right now is by Kygo and Sasha Alex Sloan  it's titled I'll wait."

"I know the song, Chloe plays it all the time. How could I possibly forget when she made it the ringtone of her first phone."

He smiled at me, a genuinely happy one this time and my heart skipped a beat. Why does my heart chose to Malfunction at odd and  awkward times. I looked away from him as he spoke about the song.

" you know the song remind me of our love story"

" we don't have a love story Joel. I never said yes or no to any of your love letter. And I don't give you a chance to talk to me unless it's academically related."

" are you sure because silence on a matter like that means acceptance."

I went quiet again. This was my chance to tell him my mind, to tell him how I really felt about it. How am I supposed to tell him that when this pregnancy hormones thing has got my feelings everywhere. I sigh knowing this was going to be harder Than i thought and what's worse I am not ready for anything related to love or relationship. That thing scares the shit out of me for no reason at all.

" There won't be a night, there won't be a place
Where you don't cross my mind
Where I don't see your face in somebody (mmm)
I hope you're thinkin' of me (mmm)"

"People say we're fools, people say we're dumb
People say we're caught up in temporary love
We don't know what we're doin', they say we're too young
But they don't know a thing about us"

I said singing along and he smiled at me in response.  I looked at him and he looked back at me intensely, the minute the chorus of the song came up he sang along his eye Never leaving mine as he communicate his emotions through the song.

" I'll wait forever, that's what we said
16th of September, lyin' in my bed
I'll wait forever, it's never too late
Couple thousand miles is just a little space"

" I am sacred. I am scared and tired of relying on certain certainties. Where I am at right now, I don't think I am ready to be committed to love or relationship. Love for me right now is a live ending battle. And I am too young to die on love."

He  turned his sit  to me  so he could look at me properly. With out losing eye contact he said to me with all seriousness.

" love is what you make it to be. I see it as a losing game were someone had an upper hand. And if you play the game right, you'll realize it's more than just a game. It's your life line, i am sorry if I am coming off as too strong Zoe but you are my life line."

"I am not ready to be that important to you right now."

" well then, just like Kygo and Sasha Alex Sloan sang. I'll wait, I'll wait till forever Zoe, until you are ready."

Not having anything else to say to him i looked away and I am glad he got the hint not to push further on the topic. Just when I was about to pick up my phone to Check the time, In that moment Nafessat came running in panting like someone who was being chased.

" there you are. We have a. Situation.... A bird is about to ruining your birthday party and Chloe is allergic to birds. She won't stop coughing and sneezing when ever the bird passes."

" what!! That's bad news, who bring a bird to a party."

" oh shit, my bad I would have sworn I left pikachu at home."

Who in there right Mind names a bird after a Pokémon Character?.

My subconscious commented and it was then the image of what pikachu looks like  from the Pokémon movie came to mind. But really who names a bird, a pigeon to be specific after a Pokémon character.   I didn't care all I wanted was for the bird to be out of my house so I said with so much annoyance

"What !! you brought a pigeon to my party!?!"

"Urrr yes. she is my emotional support animal"

" ooohh don't you test me, boy! You are going to need a life support animal if you don't get that bird out of here! Now!"

I said practically screamed at him so he could Get that bird out on our house. He and Nafeesat got to it while I decided to stay where I was, If my sister was Allergic to the bird and the high chance that I am as well.  After a while is going through my feeds on IG,  reading and responding to messages on WhatsApp I got bored and oddly I began to miss Joel again. I groaned in frustration as my legs on it's own accord took to me out of the roof top to the sitting room that was still heavily populated with guest.

I was trying to find Chloe or Nafessat but I found Joel instead, he waved me over and I went to join him on the three sitter couch in the corner of the sitting room. I Sat with him and looked around for a while, still no sigh of Chloe truth be told I was getting worried about her, was she Okay ? did the bird hurt her ? Did her allergies get worse? I wanted to know so I turned to Joel who was stylishly watch me. The minute I looked at him and caught him staring he said.

" oh am sorry, I didn't mean to be rude by staring, I just couldn't—"

" it's fine. Where is Chloe and Nafeesat, I  can't seem to find them any where."

" oh not to worry they are in Chloe's room. And i think  Antonio and Molly are there too... i think."

"Urgh this is all your fault since when do you needed an emotional support animals. And why the heck will you bring it to a party, this is Nigeria, we don't do that here."

Before he got the chance to respond, one of the guests who must have be someone else's plus one, she looked familiar though I don't remember inviting her. She walked up to us and stared at me like someone who stole the love of her life. I gave her a raised eyebrow and she just rolled her eyes at me bent a little so her cleavage was on full display.  It was my turn to roll my eyes as I looked away from the fellow that was testing my Patience, I  heard her speak to Joel saying

"Hey there pretty boy, all this, can be yours if you answer one question correctly. Is she your girlfriend, girlfriend or you all just talking?"

"actually she is my g"

" Bitch If I kill you, are dead dead or just not breathing."

I said  glaring a dagger at her  were as Joel was tongue tied and  didn't know what to say to her.  She glared back and me proving stubborn and I didn't back down either. Joel couldn't take the glaring contest any more so he said

"hahaha ummm sorry. Okay okay Zozo let get you something to eat. "

And with that he was able to brake the eyes contact and get me out of the over crowded sitting room into the kitchen. The kitchen was empty and Joel got to work getting me something to eat. Once he was done  and he had served the food in a tray, he lifted me effortlessly and place me on the kitten counter, a while later he  said.

" but seriously, are you my girlfriend-girlfriend or you're taking advantage of the feeling I have for you."

"I don't know yet"

Was my response, That was one deep ass question one I am not sure I  will ever have answer to. He smile at me  totally understanding my dilemma as he spoon fed  me my food fried rice and Turkey with salad and a glass of fruit juice

~Chloe~

The party was over finally the house was quiet and the bird was gone. Apparently the Pigeon belonged to  Joel in as much as I was curious, I wasn't ready to find out why he carried that thing to this party.

Nafeesat Molly and Antonio were the only one that decided to stay back to help us clean up while Zoe was in my room making sure I was fine.  Mom and dad weren't around  because they were trying to put things together to get Damilare out of prison. Of cus I wanted to go with them but mom wasn't going to let that happen. Right now I was just having headache as an after effect of being  in the same room with a pidgeon. Who knew I was allergic to  birds in the first place, and does this means Zoe was allergic to them too, i means we are twin after all.

"Hey. Umm can you hold on I'm going to go and check up on our friends. I kinda feel bad that we left them to do all the work."

I hummed in response to Zoe while I was pressing my phone and scrolling thorough status update on WhatsApp. She left my room to do what she said and minute later I felt like using the bathroom so I got up to do that. Right there in the bathroom I saw an envelope and immediately I felt goosebumps but not the good kind.  My eyes never leaving it, I went to pick up the red colored envelope, once I was done peeing and dressing properly I came back to my bed, in that moment Zoe walked in saying.

"Hey you good, are you okay ?"

" umm ... I ... here. Open it."

She collected the envelope from me and nonchalantly opened it. After a while her eyes went wide in horror as her face grew pale reading the content, after a few minutes she read it out loud

"𝚁𝚘𝚜𝚎𝚜 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝚁𝚎𝚍, 𝚅𝚒𝚘𝚕𝚎𝚝 𝚊𝚛𝚎 𝙱𝚕𝚞𝚎, 𝚃𝚘𝚍𝚊𝚢 𝚈𝚘𝚞 𝚌𝚎𝚕𝚎𝚋𝚛𝚊𝚝𝚎 𝚢𝚘𝚞𝚛 𝚋𝚒𝚛𝚝𝚑𝚍𝚊𝚢, 𝚝𝚘𝚖𝚘𝚛𝚛𝚘𝚠 𝚢𝚘𝚞 𝚋𝚘𝚝𝚑 𝚠𝚒𝚕𝚕 𝚋𝚎 𝚐𝚘𝚗𝚎 𝚠𝚒𝚝𝚑𝚘𝚞𝚝 𝚊 𝚌𝚕𝚞𝚎.

Happy Birthday my daughters. See you at 9."

She said, if I was scared before now I was terrified. What does this means ? who sent it? What do they want from us? So many questions were going thought my mind but no one to answer them I was petrified, Zoe was shivering in fears as she sat on my bed. I collected the letter from her to be sure she read the content correctly, low and behold she read it correctly as the words were boldly written in red ink on a while paper

to make matters worse our names were also boldly written in it but the senders name wasn't written. It must have been purposely omitted, I cursed beneath my breath at who ever is doing this to me, to us. I sigh sitting on my bed to cuddle Zoe who was sniffing, seconds later the light began to flicker and just like in the horror movie i love to watch, the light suddenly went off. I began to hear Molly Antonio and Nafeesat voice in a distance loud foot steps were heard. Seconds later it all went quite too quiet for my comfort and began to get worried.

The hissing sound of the door been opened alerted us and Zoe began to wimp in fear.  In that moment we both hear a loud crash beside our window and we knew that someone, a stranger was in my room. Before we could act fast or struggle to defend ourselves we were shut with tranquilizer sending us straight to sleep in five seconds making its easy for them to do with us what ever the wanted.

A/N

Omo I don't know why it took me 1week to writer this Chapter, maybe because it's wayyyyy over 3k words. Who am I kidding you just read 4K words on the dot.

Any way guys what are your thoughts, so much happened in this chapter, like so so sooo much happened.

But I need you guys to be honest, what's your favorite part of this chapter. Like what is the highlight of this chapters for you??

For me it's the part where Zoe and Chloe got kidnapped 😌😌😌😌😌

What about you ?? 🥴🥴🥴🥴

Yes say it I'm a physcho Even me self I know.🥴🥴🥴 but you know what , If you really want to prove to me that I am a physcho then be sure TO VOTE AND COMMENT.

So guys I updated on Christmas Day oooo merry Christmas you guys 🥺🥺🥺
Oh and check out my iG page @moroti_speaks I did a poetry video there, pls check it our like comment your thoughts and share .

Also since it Christmas , I would really appreciate it if you guys can send me something make I use hold body small   You can send it to this acct 0531118952 Chloe Babajide. 🥲🥲🥲 me and Chloe that is sharing the acct

Thank you 🙏🏽