Jamal's POV.

The Rape Awareness Seminar day came in a flash. The school decided to have two sessions, for the Junior and the Seniors separately and it seemed like a good idea because we seniors have a knack for being a bit vulgar when we have seminars like this in school. So, it would be nice if we don't corrupt the children's mind. So, because of the seminar, classes were not holding. It was a free day.

Who doesn't like a free day?

I walked to love garden and saw Skye, Elyon Vanessa and Somadina. I stopped short and stared at them. Skye and Elyon were so engrossed in their discussion that they didn't notice Somadina and Vanessa getting a bit intimate. From Afar, it seemed like Somadina was whispering to Vanessa but I knew better. He was kissing her neck. The expression on Vanessa's face gave it away.

"If you guys want to get intimate, why don't you at least try to be private about it." I said immediately I got to them, startling the duo. Skye and Elyon looked at them and widened their eyes.

"Oh my Gosh, you guys." Skye said, shooting them a teasing smile.

"We were not doing anything." Vanessa was quick to defend, straightening her shirt and fiddling with her fingers while Somadina and I exchanged a smirk.

"Oh really. Then why are you looking so flushed? You guys aren't exactly subtle." Elyon chipped in which made Vanessa to blush furiously, looking away. Somadina on the other hand, had his lips in between his teeth and a smile playing on his lips. He was enjoying the show. I chuckled, dropping myself on the iron seat beside Elyon, swinging my hand behind her to rest on the head rest.

"We know you guys are already official so there is really no need to be secretive." I told them. Vanessa shot a look at Somadina who raised his hand in defense.

"Don't look at me. I didn't tell him anything, I swear." He said quickly.

"You guys were pretty obvious. Besides, it was bound to happen. It was just a matter of time." Skye pouted. Somadina looked at Vanessa and shrugged, a genuine smile playing on his lips. Vanessa looked at us.

"So you guys are not upset we are together?" She asked and we burst into laughter.

"You watch to many chicklit movies Vanessa." Elyon teases her and she blushed again. Somadina now had the boldness to move closer to her, putting his hand over her shoulder, drawing her close. This time, she didn't resist.

"Besides, you guys are the cutest. We wouldn't want this any other way. So you have our full support." Skye chipped in and Vanessa smiled in appreciation.

"But don't hurt my boy too much. He is too fragile." I dead panned causing Soma to glare at me.

"I'm not fragile. I'm just very delicate." He murmured.

"What's na the difference?" Elyon asked and Somadina looked away, muttering some incoherent words. I looked at Skye who had stopped talking because usually she's a chatter box. She was thoroughly concentrated on her phone, typing away. I squinted, trying to see who it was but I couldn't

"Can we talk?" Elyon's voice pierced through my mind trip and I looked at her.

"Sure. What's up?" I asked her, my lips turned up in a smile.

"In private, at least a few feet away from here. Seems like the new couple need an alone time and Skye isn't paying any attention to them anyway so..." She blabbered and I nodded, picking her hand and moving us to another empty table, a bit far from where the others were. She sat on the low concrete table and I sat on the iron seat. I was on face level with her and my hand rested on either side of her.

"What's up?" I asked her again and she looked at me intently for about ten seconds. "What is it? Is something wrong?" I asked, concerned that something had happened.

"Skye told me you have started flash backs again." She said calmly and I sighed, looking away.

The flashbacks have started again and they were becoming more prominent than before. I would zone out in the middle of something important and I'd suddenly have a very bad headache sometimes. Lately I've been scared of sleeping because I didn't want to relive the nightmares again so I've resulted back to my coffee intake.

"Jamal..." She called and I looked at her.

"I'm fine, Elyon. I promise I am. It will pass." I tried to assure her and assure myself as well because I would be lying if I say I wasn't scared to bits.

"You are not fine, Jamal." She brought her delicate and soft hand to my face and I sucked in a breath when her finger traced on my skin. "The eye bags have returned and it so obvious you are not getting any sleep." She said, deep concern laced in her voice. I took her hand from my face and held unto it, lacing my fingers through.

"Elyon, honestly it's not that serious. I don't want you worrying yourself." I told her but she shook her head.

"When was the last time you slept?" She asked me and I sighed, dropping her hand. I knew it would come to this but I couldn't bring myself to lie to her or ignore the question.

"Since Sunday." I replied in a whispered and she sighed, rubbing her temple in frustration. This was the reason I didn't want to tell her. She was going to worry herself, all because of me and I didn't want that.

"Why didn't you tell me..." She asked, her voice laced with concern and some what hurt. I quickly took her hand in mine.

"Because I didn't want you getting worried like you are right now. I don't want you getting all worked up because of me, Elyon." I told her.

"But I don't mind helping you..." She began.

"I know and trust me, I love it when you are around me, like right now..." I took my hand to her face and traced my fingers on her cheek, watching her eyes flutter softly. "But you also have your life to live and I'm supposed to respect that. I don't want it to seem as if I'm using you to get better." I told her.

In all honesty that was the way I was feeling, like I was using her to get better. Like, if she isn't there, I will not be able to do anything which meant she had to be around me every time and though I loved when she's around me, I didn't want to take advantage of that. She also had her life, I didn't want her everyday activity to revolve around a Sick teenage boy. I wanted to be able to handle myself without her being there, in as much as I wanted her to be there.

"I'm not complaining." Her calm voice shot through my thoughts. "I want to help you get better. But I understand you. You don't want to be dependent on me, I get you totally. That doesn't mean I going to stay away. I'm just going to reduce the mother hen in me." She teased and I chuckled.

"I'd appreciate that. Thank you." I squeezed her hand.

"But, just in case of anything, I'm still here." She said and I chuckled again.

"You know I wouldn't think twice before calling you. You are my number one." I said, my voice coming off as teasing which of course made her not to take me serious, again. She laughed, slapping my arm playfully.

"Be whining me there." She said and I smiled, whereas my heart was arching.

Tell her you like her, tell her you like her... No!!! You wee nur hear word. You want to be doing like snail. Let another boy comman shoot his shot and let me see you try rubbish. Metcheew. My subconscious mocked me and I sighed. I really need to tell her, but when is a good time?

"Guys, it's time for our own seminar. We move." I heard Somadina's voice and we turned around. I didn't see Skye in sight.

"Where is Skye?" Elyon beat me to asking and Somadina shrugged.

"I don't know. She said something about going to meet Mateo and just took off, I don't know." He said. Elyon looked at me and we exchanged a knowing look.

"Am I the only one that thinks those two are getting closer lately?" Vanessa asked.

"I'm so glad we are not the only ones who noticed." I chipped in. Somadina looked at us with a confused expression.

"I didn't notice anything oo." He said.

We all gave him a loud hiss.

*****

Mateo's POV

Lately, I spend most of my free time in the music room because I honestly didn't want to be around anyone. Ever since Uncle Tega was arrested and charged to court, I've been in charge of the Music room, so I came here at will.

I was mixing something, head phones on. I had my phone beside me. It vibrated and I picked it up, removing my headphones. I smiled when I saw the message from Skye.

Iyin❤️❤️

Do you always have be alone?

I began to type, replying her.

Me

I have the opportunity to think whenever I'm alone. I could use a little company though, do you mind coming to join me?

In less than a second, a reply came and I felt my face unconsciously lit up.

Iyin❤️❤️

Why not? Just give me a few minutes. I'll be right there.

I didn't have to reply that. I just kept my phone down and went back to mixing the beats, an unconscious smile laced on my lips.

Ever since we had an heart to heart discussion in front of her house about my family and my health condition, Skye has been nothing short of helpful and sweet. I was surprised she didn't even tell Jamal about it, apart from the part that I was sorry for everything I did. She proved to me that I could trust her and I even admired her even more.

I was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder when I was twelve and I didn't have the courage to tell anyone till that day I broke down in front of Skye. She made me feel comfortable. I guess being with a brother with a disorder as well made her like that, caring and passionate. Jamal doesn't know, but I was pretty sure he already had his speculations. It's a pretty long story, one I didn't want to think about. I couldn't even tell Skye the entire thing.

My thoughts of Elyon have began to reduce and I have stopped being vengeful. Jamal deserved to be happy and if Elyon made him happy then so be it. Tolani hasn't made it easy any way. She has tried poisoning my mind, but I've been trying to fight her away. She was a manipulative bitch.

"Are you thinking about me?" A voice shot through my mind trip and I looked up, groaning when I saw who it was.

Speak of the Devil.

"What are you doing here, Tolani? More question, how did you know I was here?" I asked her and she shrugged, walking further in and closing the door. I rolled my eyes, watching her antics.

"I figured if you weren't with those losers, then you are definitely here. Guess I was right." She walked closer to me.

"So you have resulted in stalking them now." I scoffed and she smirked.

"A girl has got to do what a girl has got to do. Anyway, that's not the reason I came here." She said the last part in a low tone, her voice coming off as seductive. I sighed.

Here we go again.

"This is not the first time you will be suggesting this to me and this won't be first time I'll be telling you I'm not interested. But since your peanut sized brain cannot comprehend, I'll say it again. Tolani, I'm no interested." I told her but she didn't stop coming closer. She got to me and placed her hand on my chest, a sly smirk playing on her lips.

"Why not? If I remember correctly, you never say no to a girl. Not to talk of to me. Mateo, we used to have fun together you know." She cooed, trailing her hand on my chest and I took a shaky breath.

I've abstained for a while because I wanted to be different, I wanted to change. But this right here, is a big temptation.

"We fucked while you were dating my best friend. You and I know it wasn't right and I had to call it quits." I told her. She rolled her eyes but her fingers didn't stop their ministration to my skin.

"Will you still call him your best friend after he took your girl?" She asked and I kept quiet, trying not to let her manipulative words get to me. She smirked has her hand trailed lower to the buckle of my pants. "Besides, you deserve a little treat for being a good boy."

Her lips brushed my earlobe and I shuddered. Her finger traced my zipper which was pushed out due to the strain against it. Her hand slipped in and she palmed my member in her hands through my boxer shorts. I tried to fight it but my eyes involuntarily closed and a groan escaped my lips.

Fuck, it's been so long...

"Mateo." A very familiar voice shot through my head and my eyes flew open only to see Skye standing at the door post, a pained expression on her face.

Oh God. No!

I pushed Tolani away from me and quickly zipped up my pants. Tolani on the other hand didn't look flushed at all. She was smirking, her index finger in between her teeth.

"Skye... I ... It's not what you think." I stuttered, feeling the urgent need to explain myself. Tolani stood straight and winked at me.

"I'll see you later..." She said seductively before making her way out of the room, leaving Skye and I in an uncomfortable silence. She was staring at me, several emotions in her eyes. Hurt, disappointment, pain.

"Skye, honestly it's not what it looks like. She came unto me." I told her, my voice pleading for her to believe me. Immediately, the bell rang, signaling it was time for the seminar.

"It's time for the seminar. We should go." Was her simple and calm reply. She turned around and began to walk but I held her hand to stop her.

"Skye, wait. We need to talk." I told her but she hook her head.

"You don't owe me anything. Whatever you do with your sex life is none of my business but if at all you really want to get some, at least do it with someone who isn't a walking STD." She broke free from my grasp and walked away from me.

What the fuck is wrong with you, Mateo?! I asked myself, letting out a frustrated groan.

*****

Jamal's POV

I didn't get to see my mum and aunt Aisha when they came to school because they were taken to a private office. I was walking with Elyon, Somadina and Vanessa to the hall when I heard my name. I looked ahead to see my mum and aunt Aisha with the principal. Aunt Aisha was waving me over.

"Aunt Aisha!" I screamed, not minding the people around. Somadina and Vanessa had already gone in to settle down with the rest of the senior class.

"Is that your aunt?" Elyon asked and I nodded, pulling her along to go. She was hesitant and I looked at her. "Maybe you should go alone. It might be awkward for me." She said, fidgeting and I smiled at her.

"Are you kidding? Aunt Aisha wants to meet you." I told her and she looked at me. I shot her a reassuring smile, squeezed her hand and led her to meet Aunt Aisha. Immediately we got there, Aunt Aisha enveloped me in a bear hug.

"Oh my God! Jamal, you have grown so big!" She cooed, going ahead to ruffle my hair.

"I missed you so much." I told her and she laughed, telling me she missed me too. I saw her gaze shift to Elyon, who stood few feet away from us, looking down. She looked at me with a teasing smile.

"Is she the one?" She whispered to me and I nodded, smiling from ear to ear. She winked at me. "Sweetheart," she called to Elyon who looked up. "Don't be shy, come here." Aisha stretched her hand and Elyon came closer.

"Good afternoon ma." Elyon greeted, a smile playing on her lips. Aunt Aisha drew her close and hugged her.

"You are even more beautiful in person. Jamal had told me a lot about you. Elyon, is it?" Aisha asked immediately they broke apart and Elyon nodded, her smile becoming more relaxed.

"Yes ma, thank you ma. You really look beautiful ma. I love your shoes." She complimented Aisha's beautiful stilettos and I grinned wider when Aisha giggled. Skye came in soon with Mateo. Pleasantries went round and soon the Principal called that it was time to start. Before they went in, Aunt Aisha whispered something to me.

"I like her, she's definitely a keeper." She winked at me and I chuckled. Elyon came to me and took my hand.

"Someone is in a good mood." She smiled as we walked into the hall.

"You have no idea." I told her.

*****

The Seminar began with an opening prayer before the Principal came to unofficially introduce the speakers. Teachers were excused from ours because my mum requested so, just a few young and youthful ones stayed to keep the hall I'm decorum. Before the Principal left, he called Skye to read the biography of the first speaker, my mum.

"I'll like to call on the President of the press club to read the Biography of our first speaker, Dr. Mrs Zaria Bamidele before she comes on stage." The Principal said everyone clapped. Skye made her way to the podium and began to speak.

"Dr. Mrs Zaria Omolara Bamidele was born on the 25th of August..." Skye kept speaking. Elyon leaned closer to me and I looked at her. She wanted to tell me something.

"Did you notice Skye wasn't herself when she came to greet your Aunt." She whispered to me. I frowned and looked at Skye again, then my hand unconsciously went to Mateo.

"Do you think it has something to do with Mateo?" I asked her and she shrugged.

"I'll find out, but not now." She told me and I nodded, taking my gaze back to the podium.

"...now let's welcome our first Speaker, Dr. Mrs Zaria Omolara Bamidele." Skye said and everyone stood up to clap. The protocol officer assigned to her took her things and followed her behind has she made her way to the podium, hugging Skye.

"Thank you, thank you. Let's settle down." She said, a smile gracing her lips. Everyone sat down and soon there was a pin drop silence.

"When my daughter gave me the invitation to talk at this seminar, I was thrilled because I've been looking for an opportunity to share my story with going minds like you." She paused. "I was a victim of rape at the age of 17." She announced and murmur broke through the hall. Some faces turned to look at me and I looked away, sighing.

This is what I was trying to avoid.

I felt a hand slip into mine and I looked to see Elyon's hand in mind. I looked at her and she shot me a smile. I gave her an appreciative smile, lacing my fingers in between hers.

"I was raped by my uncle." Mum continued and had everyone's rapt attention. "The harassment started when I was twelve but I had no idea what was going on but when I did, I spoke to my parents about me but no one believed me. So I decided to keep it to myself. I didn't even tell my sister. She's right here so she can bare me witness." She pointed to Aisha who nodded and smiled. The hall was as silent as a grave yard.

"Everything escalated at the end of the day and he succeeded in raping me. That was when my parents believed me." She said. "Now I'm not tell you this so you can pity me. My case is pretty similar to that of Semilore's. She told her sister who thought she was just looking for attention, just like I told my parents and they didn't believe me." She paused again.

"So many people here in this hall are suffering silently from harassment by teachers, family members, even their 'boyfriends' and they are afraid to speak up because of fear. I want to employ you not to be afraid because I am here to listen, because I have been there and I understand the way you feel." An applause erupted from the students. I smiled in pride.

"You shouldn't allow someone to victimize you all in the name of love. Some of you girls are in toxic relationships where your boyfriends beat you up, rape you and still claim they love you. Leave that relationship." She said and another applause erupted and someone screamed loud it ma!!!.

"This also applies to the guys, let's not underestimate the fact that guys also get harassed. It is rare but it should not be over looked." She mentioned again and humming responses came out.

"For whatever gender and for whatever reason, rape is a crime, not just against the law but also against humanity. Semilore was a young vibrant girl and her life just got cut short." My mum sniffed at it was obvious she was going to cry. Elyon squeezed my hand again. Skye quickly sneaked an handkerchief into Mum's hand and Mum smiled in appreciation. She continued to speak, her voice breaking.

"If you are going through something similar to my story or something similar to Semilore's story, you have the right to speak up. Don't allow anyone to shut you down because you are important and your story will save lives. Thank you." She concluded and turned to go back to her seat.

The hall went wild in applause and cat calls. Aunt Aisha stood up to hug her and so did Skye. I knew she wanted to say more but her emotions got the better part of her. I couldn't take the emotions that welled inside me. I stood up and rushed out, thankfully no one noticed. I leaned against the wall outside and allowed the tears to fall.

Your mum is strong Jamal. Why can't you be strong! Why can't you fight. I asked myself.

I wasn't crying because of my mum. Partly it was because of my mum's story but it was majorly because I felt weak. My mum went through an equally traumatizing experience as a teenager and she fought through. Yet, I keep struggling to fight through but I end up in the hospital. What was my excuse?

I feel useless.

I felt a hand on my shoulder and turned around. Elyon was behind me. I quickly took my eyes away, feeling embarrassed

"Are you okay..." She asked and my hand went to my face, feeling the wetness. I chuckled nervously, cleaning my eyes hurriedly.

"I'm sorry, I'm not always like this." I said, feeling thoroughly embarrassed. I couldn't even turn to face her.

"Look at me." She said calmly and I found myself turning to look at her. She smiled before tiptoeing and taking my face in her hands, cleaning my face with her thumb. My hand automatically went to wrap around her waist. She was looking at me intently, so many emotions in her eyes, it shook me to the core.

"I must look a sight." I tried to tease, trying to lighting the heated atmosphere. She chuckled and took her hand to wrap around my neck loosely.

"You still look pretty handsome." She said and I laughed. "You know, it's okay to cry. You have my shoulder." She told me and I nodded, feeling the tears well up in my eyes again but this time because my heart was about to burst with Admiration for this angel in my arms.

"Thanks for coming after me." I whispered.

"I'd always come after you. I'd never leave you." She muttered, cleaning the tears that were making their way out of my eyes again. "I've got you, always." She said and those words spoke to my soul. I sighed before burying my face in the crook of her neck, letting the tears out.

"I've got you." She whispered again and my heart swelled again, this time not with admiration.

With Love.

Love...

The realization hit me like a brick.

I am in love with Elyon Tiwatope Damije.

A/N
Phew! Damn. I'm trying to catch my breath.

The last part was very conflicting to write. I know I said there might be a kiss scene in this chapter but I couldn't put it in . Yes, that part seemed like the best time to input a kiss but I have decided from the beginning that their first kiss won't be in school. It's not private enough to me. Besides, the word count I was targeting has already be exceeded. I even had to summarize Zaria's part.

So I'm sorry I disappointed but I replaced it with something better. Jamal coming to the realization that he is in love with Elyon. You will agree with me that now, he would be bold enough to tell her about his feelings. Actually, he would either be bolder or be more terrified. Let's hope he tells her.

No one should blame Mateo for succumbing to Tolani's sexual vices, he is trying to get better, it is a process. Who loved the way Skye handled herself?.

The next chapter would be med! I promise there would be a kiss scene and also a fight scene (more or less) which one will come first? 🌚🌚🌚

I'll see y'all by the weekend. Chao 😘😘😘