Dedicated to Ortsejolomi_ because I really love her book : gallery of a broken heart. You all should Check out her book.

~Zoe~

Christmas that one holiday that is beyond compared. In Zayatun Bello's voice it's the one holiday that fills the earth with so much love and care. It was the 21 is December 2018 and I was with my family we went for a beach party at the lekki leisure lake. It was the first time Chloe mom and I were going out as a family along with serenity my daughter. It was also her first family outing as well as she won't stop giggling and laughing.

The Osun state governor would have  been here as well but he couldn't make it. He had Offical matters to attend to and I'm my heart of heart I knew this gathering would have been awkward so I am glad he couldn't make it. If he did then he won't be able to stay long because of the  attitude Chloe and I will unconsciously give him.

We were in our tent having lunch which  was Chinese food and I was busy savoring the taste in my mouth. Serenity was hitting the table as an indication that she wanted some so I gave her the part that wasn't too spicy or difficult for her to chew. Since she was just growing her tooth, she could really chew much she was using her saliva to March  the food in her mouth.

She stared at me while Trying to Chew on the one I give her with the little tooth she has. When she got got tied she swallowed it like that's i and gave her water to drink. He began hitting the table again for me and I gave her the softest part of the rice to chew and swallows. When she finished eating that one well she looked at me with her dove eyes and instantly I knew she wanted more.  I just laughed at her and she giggle as well before I put some more into her mouth. I have no idea that all this while my biological mother was watching me.

"You are such an amazing mother Zoe, I don't why it took me so long to so it."

" it's okay mom. At least you are here now and you are going to Make amends. Beside I am sure you would have been a better mother if only you held unto us when you still could."

She smile at me letting my words resonate in her ears. This was indeed a magical moment for me and for serenity. Chloe would have been siting here with us oo , but for some reasons, she was taking a horse ride and acting like a Girl name Uwana from the literature text titled My Uwana. we both read the book when we are in JSS 1 and it was about a girl who rides a horse to school in the  middle of Canada. Such a weird yet touching and interesting storyline, i would have read the  book finish oo bit Omo the book had  six-three and I gave up at chapter two. Before I could get further  lost in thought again, mom spoke

"Hey, looks I... I know I haven't been like the best mom the Universe has to offer. And i have Made horrible mistake that made you Wish and wasn't your actual mom. I know, I see the way to look at Mrs Babajide and trust me it hurts that you don't look at me like that but it's cool. I guess I deserve that, maybe even worse than that but still. I'd like you to find it on your heart to forgive me Because believe it or not from this day  forward I will continue to be there and be the best mother you can ever ask for. I am sorry I wish you and your twin sister away when you were newly born."

She said concluding and apologizing and I simply smiled at get. That single act caused tears to flow from hey eyed I'm river's off water. At that point thank Goodness I had finished eating so it was easy to Will my self to stand up and go and hugged. It felt foreign ad first because it was my first time hugging my mom, but as the cool breeze blow sending shiver down my spin do began to feel the warmth our hug radiating through our bodies .

" it alright moms. All is forgiven. We all make mistakes, it's the ability to correct and learn from them is what makes us human."

" thank you Zoe. Thank you. My beautiful princess thank you."

She said a i nested  my head on her boob and and she resting her head not hair. Thank Goodness I was able to tame it down with gell and edge control. Serenity In that moment clapping  her hand in the air  as she squealed happiness dripping from her vocals. I carried her out of the stroller and hand her to mom so they could bond. While they were at it I went to easy my self at the nearest restroom for ladies.

Once I was done I followed the part I took so I could go and meet with my mom. I could  see her from where I stood she and Chloe were having a conversation although not a heartbreaking or heated one because I could see smiled on there faces. Be for I could get to them i heard a voice, one I want all to familiar with because I have Been crushing on him for as long and I can remember. It was Jayson and before I could control my urges I took a detour follow the sound of his voice. I found him  lounging on one of the chairs singing his heart out to one of Shawn Mendel's song.

"Hey Jayson."

" oh zoe, hey what's up."

" yea soo umm i ... look I know  have been nothing but a horrible person to you. And I know this is not the time or place to say such thing but. I need to just  so I can't clear my mind and get it off my chest. I just wanted to apologize for, everything for dragging your names in the mud and all that drama we all to endure. My twin and I we would traveling soon but umm if it's okay with you. I would love it if you have dinner with us this Christmas Eve. I know you are in love with her, with Chloe"

" head over heels"

" so please come. Make it a night to remember. For you and for Chloe."

~Chloe~

We were still  in Nigeria and this was because we wanted to celebrate Christmas here on our mother land. Yes we were supposed to  go to Harvard university immediately after graduation to go and see how things were.  But From the looks of what I saw it wasn't really my calling hence why our flight was canceled and we had to move the internet to late January. Either way i and Zoe still had to  there for an interview to see if we are fit for their school. 

That was due to happen second week of January 2019, right now we are still in December 2018 so I was still living in the moment. I did my best to enjoy Christmas with my newfound family, Mrs Babajide, her son Damilare and her  fiancé was here.

But they weren't the only ones her, Molly, Antonio, Mariam, Nafeesat, Mrs Tiana Williams her husband, Jayson, Joel and My mom. Yes it wasn't your Ideal nuclear family but who cares about that, charisma was so about share and right now no matter who you are or what You have done to make me hate you, I am willing to share in the Christmas spirit with you.

I smile genuinely at every one at the table because for the first time in forever, I was truly and genuinely happy. Very very happy at that because  Beginning to see and enjoy the true meaning of Christmas, not seating on a lonely couch to watch A Netflix  Series that was sure to make me cry myself to sleep. In that moment of starting at Molly and Antonio, I remember another very important rule of our friendship.

RULE NUMBER 5
Always share thanksgiving and Christmas wish Bone with your besttie

I chuckled remembering that. I can't believe we crated this rules at age 7, if felt like such a long time Ago. We were about to pray so so we could all eat the pounded yam and egusi soup that Zoe and Molly made. Yes Molly joined in the cooking not because she felt sorry for what happed the last time. Oh no that is still and outstanding Issues between Antonio, Molly and I but we thought we'd cooperate, burry the hatches for just this one day. Now it was time to pray on the meal, we just cooked.

" farther Lord we Thank you for making this day possible. For letting us witness this day no as incredible individuals but as United family."

"Amen!"

Everyone choruses we all diving in enjoying our meal with genuinely happy smiled on our faces. We made small talks at we ate and it was in that moment that Mrs Babajide's thoughts it best to share the news she had been talking On and on about for a while now.

" so girls. I know you all weren't expecting it but I  thought it will be best to have plan B."

" plan B for what. If it's Harvard university then don't worry ma. I am positive we would get in, we are brilliant like that."

Said Zoe and Mrs Babajide's just shook her head at her Zoe has always been overconfident.  Lucky for her or always works to her Favour so am not surprised at her statement. That was what Mrs Babajide used to recognize as her as she said.

" Zoe ahan let me die before you burry me nah, Hia. As I was saying yes I know you both are going for an interview in Harvard university it thought I'd secure you both in OAU. So if you don't like Harvard or you didn't pass the interview, you both can come school in OAU. It's a very good university and i graduate from there even did my Masters there self"

"Wait hold up OAU, as In Olawole Ateredolu university. My dear school ?"

I said excitement bounding off my. This was by  far the best gift I have ever received, i was really really happy and pleased with this new honesty. Mrs Babajide just laughed an nodded in response to my ridiculous question chuckling lightly.

"Yes dear that school."

" that's a pity.  I was hoping it was university of Lagos, because that where I put in my jamb form."

" are you sure you want to school all the way out here in Lagos?? Away from your sister??  I mean you both will be Miles apart."

Mrs Babajide's said In responded to Zoe's protest. She was saying this because she had nothing that the fraction and tension that was always between us was long gone.  I just shock head in response it's about time she noticed the difference us. That was a huge improvement if you ask me, and what's more she notices calmest and peace existing between us. The table was quite for a while as we waited for Zoe response to what Mrs Babajide said.

" on second thought you make a good point."

" though as much. So depending on how things go over there. Just keep in touch okay."

" okay ma!"

We said I'm union as well continued eating. We made other small talks over the meals we ate and once we were don't. Jayson and Antonio came to the kitchen to help I and Zoe I'm the dishes. As disappointing and and ridiculous ad it sounds we ended up doing soap fight with the liquid soap we were meant to used to wash plate.

" chios chloe we are supposed to using this thing to wash plate oo not your body."

"Shot up is not you that started it."

I said slashing soap on him. He laugh out loud excitedly before he reacted and splashed soap on my body too as we keep washing plate Antonio took that moment to rub the foam from the soap on our heads.

" Awwwn you both would make a fine mr and Mrs Santa clause! Ho ho hoo!"

Antonio exclamation putting more foam on our head and body as he washed his own division of the plates. At the end of the day half of the kitchen floor and our clothes was filled with soap and form how we were able to wash the whole plate without braking Any in the process is a miracle indeed.

" o.m.gawd what is up with you guys. Ontop plate you want to wash! Look look at how you messed ups every where. Is it plate that is not not to 20 you people were wasting like this!"

Mom exclaimed the minutes she walked inside to   Check up on us. We laughed at her out bursts and she rolled  her eye at us saying.

" it's only you all had a little to much to drink so it's pretty obvious. Go get yourself cleaned up we would be having a family game night in an hours time ."

She said leaving us in the kitchen. We giggled and busted into laughter like we have been holding the laugher in all day . After we had sobered up we went up to our room to use the bathroom so we could wash up, we didn't want the soap to dry up on our skin and cause skin cancer. Her according to Jayson one soap dries up on your skin it will give you skin cancer the following day.

"Really, Jayson, that's why you want to chance me in my own walk In bathroom so you can bath first."

"When you are talking your time to Remove cloth inkoo, me I don't want to have skin cancer oo"

I  just should my head at him in response. This boy is such a joker, since when do liquid soap staying on your body cause skin cancer. It's like I have not heard it before even me as a science student who always reads ahead of class and every holiday I get, I nor read reach that side.

"Chia Jayson Mustapha na you know oooo! Sha do and baff. Use the new  dettol soup that is their oo!!"

I yell at him from within my room and he yelled back his response. Taking his time in the bathroom, while he was busy doing that i finally got the privacy I needed to get out of soapy and wet clothes. The minute I was dressed in my bathrobe  he came out of my walking bath room a small towel tied round his waist.

"Jezzz dude put some clothes on will you. Gawd my Virgin eyes!! Oh the horror, I said with one eye open as rushing into my walk I'm bathroom."

He laughed at me muttering something under his breath And I laughed in response. By the time I was done was all dressed in karkie shorts palms and an orange shirt. Water was dripping from his hair like crazy making me wonder if he just poured water on it again. I had no Idea I was starting at him, slowing Checking him out until I saw a smirk on his face and my faces went red in embarrassment as he said.

" you like what you see?"

" that's it, get out of my room, out !!!"

" oh yes you do, yes you doooo."

He said in a singing song instead,i pushing him out of my room so I could get dresses. Once Had rubbed my Venus body cream and Worn my undies I got properly dressed in a Tuttle neck sleeveless gown. I did a little bit of make up to bringout my face a bit and one I was done I used the new ice age cologne I got as part of my birthday gift this year. Remembering what I event through on my birthday was a really tough one, one I do not even wish my enemy endure once I was satisfied with my look. I took small spin in front of my vanity mirror and I was certified with my look. It was in that moment Jayson walked it, he did a double take at the sight of me his eyes wide as a sauce the minute they landed on me.

" ewwweee Miss Chloe Babajide's In Santa Claus clothing. It main me we are doing to march oo, chia see person pikin see as he fine , if you see an for road fine am respect."

" you This boy and your drama. I wonder how your are not in art class self."

"Me? art kee , nooo. Me I like money do I went to Commercial class. I want to be rolling on million, you is people skull you will be operating on, as per scholar."

My gawd I busted into laugher is this because a commercial student or a comedian which one, because the way he his just making me laugh ehh.  If I'm second thought he just Try yo rhyme skull and scholar together. My goodness the audacity he's even wiggling his eyebrows at me. I groaned in annoyance not knowing what to say. I just took a hold of one  of my pillows and chase him around my room hitting him with it.

" I wee kill you to today, you this Jayson of a boy!!"

"Guy why you dey chase me nah complement faaa!!!"

He said in response enjoying the chase. That only infuriated me as caught up to him and pinned him down to the floor. My face was imaginable close to his as I glared at him  In annoyance. He smirked at me in response and it was then I realized the position we were in. 

Before I could pick my self off him hands had sneaked behind my waist to hold me in place and in one swift motion he was on top and i was beneath. In that moment I began to fear the worst would happened, my heart beating rapidly in my chest and my face was beyond flushed. I have never been in such a position with Samuel Dawson before and we only ever kissed once.

But this feels I am feeling Jayson on top of me, it's way more intoxicating and stronger than the way I felt for Samuel, couldn't this be, no definitely not. There is no way way could feel something for Jayson when i haven gotten over how Samuel and I ended. I am still pretty hurt about it I just chose not to duel on it. In that moment remember that this guy hovering over me, once to a bullet for me a literal grenade was what he took for me. Now would be a good time to ask why he did that.

"Whats on your mind amore mio."

" why did you take the bullet for me at prom?"

" do I seriously have to answer that question?"

"Yes, i... need to know."

I said in response uncertainty evinced I'm my eyes. Would I like what I would hear? Or  I should decline him telling me, reminding me that some things are better left unsaid. He sighed making me looked at him, I noticed he was having an intern battle on whether to tell me or not. Eventually he spoke saying or rather asking.

" can I kiss you instead? I promise I'll tell you right after."

"No you—"

My words got stuck in my throat as his  lips had collided with mine. My eyes that were wide opened from impact flushed close I'm responds to the kiss and before I could help it a moan escaped my throat urging him to kiss me further.

"Holly Molly!! You guys should have locked the door. I didn't know you  both were getting down and dirty  In here."

Molly said interrupting our make out session which was the best make out section of my life. It was quite unfortunate it had to end abruptly thanks to Molly.  I wish I could stone to get out or something, or make her Unsee what she see then make her disappear for 24 hours.

Now  I know what Molly feels like when ever I walked in on her kissing Antonio. It was embarrassing and annoying at the same time.  And it was obvious Jayson was as well because it was with the speech of berry Alan that he got up from me and headed for the door Molly was standing by.

" whoa you move way faster than Berry Allen, who knew kissing chloe would give you that kind of speed."

" fee i have no idea what you are talking about.
We have a family game to get to."

He said bypassing  her  and walking away. Molly turned to me a question look on her face, i had already had already gotten to my feet head towards her, she held onto giving me the same look. I just grimace at her when you held until my shoulder saying.

" is there something that is going on that I should know about."

" sigh don't even ask."

" okay little miss poutty mouth."

Said making fun of me as she made kissing faces at me. I glared at her attempt to mock me  giving her abara in the middle of her back where it hurt the most. She screams running out of my room and I chase her downstairs to give her another one.

A/N

Guys!!!! This is the second to the last chapter of this book oooo 😭😭😭😭😭 who is slicing onions here it is affecting my eyes biko🥺🥺🥺

So guys this book is coming to an end and I need you all to bombed me with questions, suggest any thing you feel me and the character of this book should know 😌😌😌

Flood my comment section you all. And pls be kind enough to vote and share as well. Thank you.