Important announcement in the Author's note. Please read.

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Third Person POV

It was heat day. Every house was seated at the or designated section of the stadium on the bleachers, dressed in their different sport wears. Limelight had three different sporting gears for each student. Sporting attire for practice which isn't compulsory to wear, sporting attire for heat which won't be as fancy as the sporting wear for the real deal. Their main sport wear was set to come a week to the D-Day.

All field events had already been done including the football match. Green house won red house and blue house won yellow house. The final match was due two days to the inter house sport.

Green house was leading senior boys high jump, senior girls long jump with Elyon winning the gold for her house, senior boys discus and senior girls shot put.

Blue house was leading with Senior boys javelin, senior girls high jump, senior boys long jump, senior girls discus and senior boys shotput.

On the score board, blue house was still leading with five golds and Green house running up with four. Soon it was time for the track events and it would basically tell who the winner would be to an extent.

"Can every athlete make their way to the middle of the field. We are about to commence the track events, starting with the 200 meter junior boy race. House coaches, you have five minutes to get your athletes to the starting line." The commentator announced and every athlete picked up their gears and walked to the field.

Elyon, Jamal and Vanessa walked with the rest of their house mates to the field, carrying their spikes in hand while Vanessa was carrying a bag of water and box of glucose. Elyon unconsciously looked to the side and saw Tolani glaring at her spitefully and she rolled her eyes.

"Urghh! Give it a rest already." She muttered to herself but Jamal heard and turned to look at her.

"What is it?" He asked and she sighed.

"Tolani has been glaring daggers at me all day, it's frustrating." Elyon replied. Jamal looked over her shoulder and confirmed it.

"She's just jealous, don't let her pettiness bother you." Jamal replied, resting his hand on her shoulder.

"Jealousy is a bad thing. Before you know it, she will hate me, I'm thinking she already does and then she will be vengeful and would want me killed." Elyon rambled and Jamal laughed, pulling her to crouch down with the rest of the team.

"Now you are being extra dramatic. She won't kill you. I'll make sure of it. I promise." He said, looking into her eyes. She looked away, covering every butterfly effect she felt in her tummy with a sigh.

"I honestly hope you are right." She murmured to her self.

"200 meters junior boys, take your position." The commentators voice announced and everyone had their focus on the athletes. Elyon and Jamal watched two of the green house junior boys team on the first and last lane, the best lanes to run in.

"On your mark..." The referee called and the athletes went on their knees.

"Get set..." They took their position and stayed that way for a moment before the whistle went off and the athletes took off, raising dust with their feet. Each houses were cheering and hailing their athletes. Elyon and the rest of the athletic team were also doing that. At the end of the race, green house was first, green house was second and blue house was third. Elyon and Jamal traded high fives. Coach Adesola quickly came to them.

"Great work guys. Now we are tied with blue house and we need to keep the gold coming to this house. It's going to be a tough one but the number of our golds now will determine the winner of this inter house sport..." He continued to speak.

"200 meter junior girls, get to the track." The commentator announced again and the race began soon after.

After everything, Green and blue house were tied to seven golds each and 800 meter senior boys would be the tie breaker. Jamal was seated on the floor with Vanessa spraying muscle pull repellant on his thigh and Elyon tying his spike. She just lost the 800 meters senior girl to Skye as she came in second place.

"Please don't get muscle pull. I beg you. We need this to break the tie." Elyon said for the umpteenth time and Jamal chuckled.

"You have little faith in me, Elyon. I am crushed." He teased but she shot him a look that showed it wasn't a joking matter.

"This isn't funny. Mateo is fast, I've seen him run and it's hella scary. The gap between both of you won't even be up to half a meter." Elyon said and Jamal sighed.

"I would be lying if I say I am not terrified right now but I could seriously use more supporting words and less frightening ones." Jamal pointed out and she exhaled.

"I'm sorry. You are right. I shouldn't be hard on you, especially after you got us the last gold that tied our scores. What I'm supposed to say is, good luck. I'd be routing for you." Elyon smiled and Jamal smiled back. Immediately he got a goofy idea.

"Don't I deserve a good luck kiss?" Jamal asked, smiling teasingly and Elyon giggled while Vanessa just cleared her throat, giving both of them a weird look.

"800 meters senior boys! Make your way to the track right now your race is about to start." The commentator announced and Jamal smiled, standing up. Elyon stood up with him as well.

"Well, I guess this is the moment of truth." He said and Elyon's grimaced expression at his choice of words made him laugh. "I know, that's sounds stupid." He admitted and she nodded, smiling.

"Can you lean your head down?" She asked him nervously. Jamal squinted but still did what Elyon said. He leaned his head lower to almost her level and immediately Elyon wrapped her hands around his neck. Instinctively, his hands wrapped loosely around her waist, drawing her closer. He felt her lips on his earlobe and he felt his body involuntarily shiver.

"Good luck." She whispered softly before moving her lips to kiss his cheek much to Jamal's surprise. Elyon then leaned back slightly, watching his eyes dilate as he looked at her, lips slightly parted and speechless.

"Hellooo!" Vanessa annoyingly interrupted their chemistry bubbled and Elyon quickly moved away from Jamal, looking away from Vanessa's teasing gaze.

"Your race is about to start. You should get to the track." Vanessa reminded Jamal whose mind immediately clicked.

"Ohhh...right, yeah." He mumbled and he started making his way towards the track where the other houses were waiting. He looked back for a minute, locking his eyes with Elyon for a moment before turning back again and jogging to the track. Vanessa looked at Elyon whose face was flushed.

"Alright. I was going to ignore but both of you are so hard to ignore, honestly." Vanessa voiced out, knocking Elyon right out of her reverie. Elyon turned to look at Vanessa with a confused expression.

"What?" She asked, nothing hearing a word Vanessa had said earlier. Vanessa rolled her eyes.

"You like Jamal." She deadpanned and Elyon's eyes went huge.

"What?! No! We are just friends." Elyon quickly defended.

"Right. Somadina and I are just friends too, abi?" She smirked at Elyon who flushed.

"Can we not talk about this? The race is about to start." Elyon said changing the topic immediately.

"Fine, but I'm still going to question you. You had better not avoid it." Vanessa relayed and Elyon was forced to roll her eyes. Trust Vanessa to act like a mother most times.

Jamal made it ti the track, grinning from ear to ear like an idiot. When he got to his position on the track and looked up to see who was beside him, the grin immediately wiped off his lips as his eyes met Mateo's murderous ones. He looked at Mateo's stance, he looked like he was going to war, clenching and unclenching his fists and staring ant Jamal murderously.

"How did that good luck kiss feel like uhn?" He asked Jamal, a deadly glare on his face. Jamal rolled his eyes in frustration.

So that's what the whole look is about.

"It was a kiss on the cheek, Mateo. My mum kisses me on the cheek, Skye kisses me on the cheek. Give it a rest." Jamal told him.

"Athletes, on your mark!" The referee called and Jamal went on his knees along with Mateo and the other Athletes. Mateo looked at Jamal, his glare still on.

"This was what you wanted uhn? To be with Elyon. Congratulations, you finally got the girl but let's see how long you will keep her by the time I'm done with y'all." Mateo growled out but Jamal ignored him, eyes staring straight ahead blocking out every distraction.

"Get set..." The referee called again and the athletes took their stance.

"But first I'm going to win this game and I'm going to look good doing it and you will seat back and watch me win everything back from you." Mateo said again. This time, Jamal looked at him and smirked.

"See you at the finish line, friend." He said that the same time the whistle went off and he took off. Mateo was pretty confused at his statement and realized a little too late that it was take off time so his start was pretty bad.

The houses erupted in cheering and everyone was on their toe. Green house seemed to be the loudest in their cheering because Jamal was leading the race. Red house was coming in second place but Mateo was catching up.

By the time they were ending the second lap and entering the third, Mateo had already overtaken the red house runner and was pretty close to Jamal who was struggling to keep his breathing intact and continue to run on the first position pace.

At the end of the third lap, entering into the final lap, Jamal and Mateo were on the same level, Mateo overtaking Jamal by just a breeze. Every member of Green house were on their toes and Blue house members even cheered louder as the tension rose

"Come on Jamal. Come on." Elyon muttered to herself softly, clasping her hands together.

It was like Jamal could hear her because he began to increase his pace and the cheering from his house mates grew louder, giving him the mural to keep going. Mateo frowned as he tried to keep up with Jamal's new found speed. Both of them continued to drag and it was like a slow motion as they got closer and closer to the finish line before they both crossed at the same time.

Everywhere grew silent as everyone was confused as to who became first. They were too close for everyone to figure it out. Everyone looked at the screen as they replayed the crossing moment in slow motion. They both crossed the line together quite alright...

But Jamal inched his head in first.

The Green house erupted in a joyful commotion. Jamal let out a very long sigh if relief as his lips spread in a grin. Elyon was the first person to jump over the demarcation, run the track and jumped on Jamal in a very big hug, screaming the whole place down.

Jamal laughed heartily as he wrapped his hands around her waist and basically lifted her, turning her around three hundred and sixty degrees. Her legs were wrapped around his waist and her hands around his neck. The rest of the athletes jumped the demarcation as well.

"Dog pile!" Someone screamed. Jamal and Elyon found themselves falling to the ground with other athletes piling on them. Elyon screamed again and Jamal laughed as well.

"You know, I had this vision about you falling for me. I didn't think it would be this way." Jamal teased and Elyon rolled her eyes as she tried to free her hand from the dog pile which she successful did and pressed it against Jamal's chest.

"You are always so witty." She commented and he grinned goofily. Soon they were able to stand up. The coach came to hug Jamal as well and the other athletes came to congratulate him, except Mateo who was no where in sight.

"Good race." Tamilore from red house said as he traded high fives with Jamal. Kingsley from yellow house also came.

"Honestly, I don't mind loosing so far Mateo didn't win. Good race, guy." Kingsley said and Jamal chuckled and shook Kingsley's hand. Elyon looked at Jamal.

"Damn, Mateo has haters though." She commented, a slight frown creasing her forehead.

"You have no idea." Jamal muttered but Elyon heard. She wanted to ask butVanessa showed up immediately.

"I'm so proud of you!" She screamed in her tiny voice and Jamal chuckled.

"Thanks Nessa." He replied.

"I'd hug you but you are too sweaty." She chipped in and Jamal rolled his eyes.

"Gee thanks." He said sarcastically. Somadina and Skye came running towards them.

"Wow! I didn't expect that. I'm proud of you baby brother." Skye hugged Jamal who smiled.

"Thanks." He replied. Somadina traded high fives with him.

"You should have seen Mateo's face when the playback was shown on the screen. I wanted to laugh but I couldn't, as per we are in the same house." Somadina said as he slung his arm around Vanessa's shoulder and everyone laughed.

"Speaking of Mateo, I haven't seen him since after the race." Skye said and everyone shrugged.

"Am I the only one that thinks he has been acting rather strange this days. Temper at it's highest. He doesn't even sit with us at lunch anymore." Vanessa pointed out, Elyon and Skye nodding in agreement. Somadina and Jamal exchanged a look which Elyon noticed but decided to ignore for the time being.

They are keeping something. She thought.

"You know how Mateo can be. When it gets to competitions, he doesn't like to loose. He will come around." Jamal smiled but Somadina rolled his eyes. He was tired of Jamal defending some one that was obviously out to get him.

"Speak of the devil and he shall appear." Skye muttered, pointing behind them as Mateo walked towards them, pokerfaced. He didn't stop walking when he got to them but he shoved Jamal with his shoulder, causing Jamal to stagger a bit.

"Watch it, stupid." Mateo turned around and snapped. Skye gasped.

"Mateo!" She chided. Jamal looked at Mateo for a second before bursting into laughter, much to the surprise of everyone.

"Mateo, really. Are you trying to pick a fight with me? Honestly you need to stop because it's getting really old." Jamal stated and Mateo walked closer him. Jamal dropped Elyon's hand which he was holding and folded his hands.

"What if I am trying to pick a fight with you? I think I am justified giving that you stole my race. Everything you do is to steal from me!" Mateo growled out and Jamal sighed in frustration.

"What the hell is up with you two?" Vanessa snapped but Somadina held her hand, silently telling her not to get involved. Jamal looked at Mateo.

"Honestly, I am tired of your childishness Mateo. I didn't steal anything from you. I won that race fair and square. For God's sake, it's just a race. You will get over it, friend." Jamal smiled genuinely. Something flashed in Mateo's eyes, everyone could see it.

"I'm not your friend." Mateo sneered but Jamal smiled. Elyon had an immediate premonition that things won't end well so she took a defence stance forward and held Jamal's hand.

"Jamal, let's go." She said but he didn't answer. He just looked at Mateo.

"Jamal, let's leave." Skye snapped but Jamal paid no heed to her as well.

"But you were my friend." Jamal replied Mateo. Mateo's lips spread in an evil smirk as he closed in on Jamal. Somadina was counting up to three in his head, watching for any funny move.

"Ohhh really? Will your friend do this?" He asked.

It happened in slow motion. No one knew what Mateo wanted to do and no one saw him do it, not even Jamal. All they heard was a crack and Jamal's loud groan before he fell to the floor, holding unto his leg.

"Jamal!" Elyon and Skye screamed at the same time as they rushed to Jamal's side, checking for what happened and gasped when they saw it.

Jamal's ankle was bent to an awkward position and it was so evident that he had broken a bone because the shape of his broken bone was so evident through his skin. Jamal looked up through teary eyes and stared at Mateo who had an evil smirk on his lips. Somadina pushed at Mateo who in turn pushed him back.

"What the fuck man! What the hell is strong with you?!" Somadina yelled.

"Stay away from his Soma, because I'll beat you and no one will do anything about it." Mateo sneered at him. Vanessa pulled Somadina away from Mateo.

"Why?" Jamal whispered but Mateo could hear him. He chuckled.

"Why, you ask? You know the reason why and trust me I won't stop until I am very satisfied. You won't be running with that leg anytime soon, so just kiss winning inter house sport good bye. This is only the beginning." Mateo snarled. Skye stood up and slapped Mateo across the face. He wasn't expecting it but he didn't flinch either.

"Get out of here." She screamed at him. He only smirked more and strutted away.

Jamal's back fell to the floor as excruciating pain washed over him and he let out a cry, squeezing Elyon's hands tightly. Elyon didn't mind. Though she couldn't help but think Mateo's sudden vengefulness had more to it than she knew.

"Somadina, get some boys please. We need to get him to the health centre." Vanessa said. Somadina did that and soon Jamal was being helped to the health centre.

****

Elyon's POV

I angrily ascended the stair case and made my way to my class room, my blood boiling hotter than it has ever been. Jamal was still in the health centre and his leg has been put in a cast.

The coach came by to know what happened and much to my surprise, Jamal covered up from Mateo and said he didn't look where he was going and tripped. I was angry. Angry with Jamal but more angry with Mateo.

I left the ward even after Jamal pleaded for me not to go because he knew where I was going to. I paid him no heed and that's why I was matching to my class to talk to Mateo. I needed to know what was going on.

I entered the class and saw him talking to Tejiri and Emmanuel. I also saw Aminat sitting on his laps, playing with his golden curls much to my disgust. They heard the door sound and turned around. Mateo's eyes met mine and he smirked.

"I need to speak to you now." I said.

"As you can see, I'm busy." He replied, taking his hands to caress Aminat's exposed thigh due to her extremely short shorts. Now I was extremely thankful that I didn't consider dating him.

"I wasn't asking, Mateo and I don't give a shit if you are busy. Meet me outside." I demanded and walked out, crossing my hands on my chest. In less than five seconds he was standing in front of me.

"What do you want?" He asked, a frown creased his forehead. It took me so much not to loose my shit.

"What the hell happened on the field?! What's the matter with you? Why would you do that to Jamal?" I snapped and he hissed like I just sprouted rubbish from my mouth.

"If I knew you were going to defend your boyfriend, I wouldn't have wasted my time coming out." He stated and I was taken aback.

"Are you kidding me? For one, Jamal is not my boyfriend and two, defend him? He is in the health centre with a broken leg, for God's sake. I think I am justified by defending him." I snapped and Mateo scoffed.

"Because he is always the saint right? Of course he is always the saint. Jamal, the hero. Jamal, the good guy. Jamal, who has had everything handed down to him. Jamal, the guy that got into an accident and since then has had everyone at his beck and call!" Mateo growled and that was when I got it.

He is jealous.

"You are jealous of Jamal..." I stated and trailed off when he looked at me murderously. I inaudibly gulped.

"You don't fücking know anything, Elyon and it's best for you to keep it that way. It's really a shame because I really like you but of course, I don't get to have you...yet." His scrutinizing gaze went through the length and breath of my body and I immediately felt so self conscious. He smirked.

"Tolani was right anyway. It's so obvious. He has dickmatized you." Mateo muttered but I heard and my blood went up again. I swung my hand and slapped him across the face. His face involuntarily shifted side ways as he didn't expect a slap. I was heaving and he looked back at me, hand on cheek and eyes blazing red.

"Fuck you, Mateo." I spat at him and walked away but I couldn't help the fear that ran through my veins.

What did you just do, Elyon!

*****

Third Person POV

Mateo shoved his things angrily into his bag as he muttered incoherent words to himself in anger. He was angry with everyone. Angry with his parents, angry with Jamal and Elyon. But he was more angry with himself.

He was going too far. He was feeling guilty. He hurt his best friend. He didn't know went wrong with him. He said mean and hurtful things to the one person he loved. Mateo punched the wall as voices rose in his head, conflicting voices that he thought he had gotten rid off.

They hate you, they will always hate you! You are nothing to them.

No! Don't listen to him. You can fight this. Your friends love you. Your parents love you too.

Stop being a coward and admit it! You are a nobody!

"Shut up!" Mateo screamed and every went silent. He leaned on his desk, breathing heavily.

They are back. The demons are back.

"Hello there, handsome." Mateo heard a familiar voice behind him. He turned around to see Tolani biting her lower lips seductively. If he wasn't in such a bad mood, he would have indulged her in whatever she was about to offer. If it was sexually anyway.

"What do you want, Tolani?" Mateo asked, turning around to look at her fully. She giggle in response, closing in on him and coming to stand in front of him, pushing her chest forward. He didn't flinch.

"I saw what you did on the field, with Jamal." She commented, giving her approving nod.

"And so?" He shrugged.

"I have a proposition for you. We have something we both want. You want Elyon and I want Jamal. I say we work together." She traced her index on his broad chest and bit the side of her lips. Mateo's gaze followed her finger as it kept trailing lower. He was quick to hold on to it when it got to the waist band of his shorts.

"No thanks, Tolani. I don't move with bitches." Tolani's expression became sore and Mateo almost laughed at her expression. He flung her hand away, pushing her in the process. He picked up his bag.

"I fly solo."

A/N
Happy New month!!! This is a new month gift for all you my readers. I know, I know, I'm the best. This is actually my longest chapter yet. Word count: 4005. Normally I write 3k+.

What do you guys think about this chapter. I'm sorry it didn't start off as interesting or any thing but you'll agree that it got better at the end.

Damn, Mateo really broke Jamal's ankle and now Jamal won't be able to run for inter house sport. Mateo also said really mean things to hurt Elyon.

Mateo also seems to be a conflicted human being. Which leads to the fact that there is still a sane part of him in all this insanity. His back story will come soon though. Do you think he'll be able to fight his demons?

Now for the important announcement.

I kept a link on my message board and that link lead you to Instagram. My baby sister entered a contest and I need you guys to help me get her to 600 likes at least. The link is directly to her own entry post so it would be very easy for you to like it directly. She will be in a red dress and braided wig so that's exactly what you'll see. Please help your favourite author and you can also share.

I'll update soonest as a sign of thank you if you help like the post 🤗🤗🤗.

See y'all soon. Thanks in advance guys. I love you.