Jamal's POV

I fell back first to my bed as an exhausted sigh left my lips. My parents and I just got back from the Damijes and things have been feeling awkward ever since. Skye tried to speak to me again and I ignored her, still pissed with her. Mum monotonously instructed me to go and freshen up. I knew what was to come after.

Family Meeting.

I began to reminisce on everything that went down early this morning at Elyon's home and I couldn't help but grimace deeply at the not so amazing turn of events. Everything didn't go as well as I had hoped.

Flash back.

Elyon and I sat down miles from each other, literally. With her dad looking at me like a stole a million dollar from him and her mum pacing the length and breath of the room, I wouldn't dare to sit beside Elyon except I wanted a death and I wasn't quite ready to die.

At the moment, we were waiting for my parents to arrive. The little devil that had ratted us out was not in sight as well. Trust Venus to have her beauty sleep when her mission is complete. Though she's cute, she is a demon!

We are in so much trouble.

"Mummy, can you stop pacing? You are making me dizzy." Elyon said calmly but the look Aunt Lyla flashed her made her shut up.

"Ti mo ba fo e leti!" She threatened and the room went back to it's awkwardly silent state. I resolved to staring at my hand because if I look up, Uncle Kelvin stare would probably bury me six feet under.

"Wait." I was forced to look up when I heard his voice. Elyon looked up as well and Aunt Lyla stopped pacing. Uncle Kelvin was staring at me, scrutinizing me. I swear, I almost peed in my pajama knickers.

Almost

"Is that my shirt?!" He asked and I swallowed quite audibly, looking at Elyon who had given me the shirt early this morning.

"S-sir?" I stuttered out and Elyon sighed, rolling her eyes.

"Daddy, it's my shirt." She had a smirk on her lips and Uncle Kelvin had his attention on her now.

Thank Goodness

"A shirt that mysteriously went missing two years ago, in Abuja." He replied her,  hands akimbo and she shrugged, smiling.

"Daddy, you should have figured out by now that I'm the one that took it...and about ten others." She replied and I almost wanted to smile, if not for the matter at hand.

"Iwo omo yi! You are the one has been taking my shirts. I sha used to wonder how they started to disappear." Uncle Kelvin stated thoughtfully.

"Can we stop talking about your shirts for now, honey." Aunt Lyla interrupted and we all turned to look at her. "Let's focus on the matter at hand. I still don't understand what is going on!" She said in frustration. I exhaled.

"Aunt Lyla, it's my fault not Elyon's. I was the one who sneaked up on her." I stated, trying not to put Elyon in more trouble than she was already in.

"Jamal, don't try defending me. I let you in myself." Elyon said but I shook my head in disagreement but before I could speak, Uncle Kelvin beat me to it.

"How exactly did you even get into this house without us knowing? Not that we have a problem with letting you in Ini, you are basically family. What I don't understand is why you didn't let us know you were coming to stay, especially at that time of the day." He stated and I sighed, understanding his fear and worry.

"I'm sorry. I didn't just want to disturb all of you. I saw Elyon's light on and I really wasn't thinking straight. Believe me sir, I was terrible place at that time." I explained in the best way I know. Aunt Lyla heaved and came to seat beside me, patting my shoulder. I saw her exchange a hidden eye message with Elyon before she looked at me.

"Did you have a clash with your parents due to what happened in the school yesterday? Is that what this is all about?" She asked in a calm motherly manner. I sighed and looked down, unable to bring myself to speak.

"That's just a fraction of everything, mum. It's best we keep everything till his parents come by." Elyon said, giving her mum a look. Aunt Lyla understood and nodded.

"Fine." Aunt Lyla replied and I sighed in both relief and shot Elyon a grateful smile which she returned. Though, I am sure the Damijes know about my mental, physical and emotional health, I also know that it might be pretty hard to talk about with my parents around. I heaved deeply in anticipation of what was about to go down

As if on the cue, there was a knock on the door, indicating my parents had arrived. Aunt Lyla went over to the door and I looked at Elyon who indicted for me to calm down. Soon I began to heard familiar voices.

"Where is that boy! Where is he?!" I heard my mum's furious voice and I stood up abruptly.

Yup. That's how Nigerian Parents command respect and fear. Things are about to get a tad bit uncomfortable.

"Zaria, I'd love for you to be calm." Aunt Lyla told mum calmly as they came into view. I watched as my mum stood in shock and anger when she sighted me. My Dad buried his head in his hands in utter frustration.

"Calm down?! Lyla, I am furious because my son decided to run off in the middle of the night!" She screamed and I started to talk calming breaths when I began to feel myself hyperventilating. Elyon rushed to my side, not minding our parents and held my hand in hers, whispering to me to calm down.

"Zaria..." Aunt Lyla calmly chided.

"Just because of the punishment for your act of rebellion, you decided to run away from home! You are in so much trouble young man!" My dad bellowed and I shot my head up to look at him.

"Calm down, man!" Uncle Kelvin held my dad's hand. I began to feel myself getting annoyed.

"An act of Rebellion? Daddy, you did not let me explain myself." I defended again.

"There is no explanation for what happened! You messed up in school, we punished like parents would. It seems like your mother and I have spoilt you too much, that's why you can't tell good from bad anymore! Or because you are eighteen, you think you are an adult so you can do whatever you like!" He snapped.

"Uncle Joel, I was the one that beat Tolani up. Jamal didn't do anything, please." Elyon pleaded and Dad sighed.

"Elyon, he dragged you into this. Stop trying to defend him." He spoke to her calmly and I had to hold the scoff for leaving my mouth. He looked at me. "I honestly don't know what has gotten into you, Jamal." I ran my fingers through my scalp furiously, I think I bled a little.

"Exactly! This is the first time you are doing something as irresponsible as this!" Mum chipped in. Trust Nigerian mothers to put icing on the cake.

"That's the exact reason why you should be asking me why I did it, not jumping into conclusions." I told them and that kept them quiet. In fact, that kept the whole room quiet.

I'm sure the entire street is quiet as well. My subconscious teased.

My mum plopped down to the sofa as an exhausted sigh left her lips and my dad followed suit. I loved my parents, mainly because they were one to listen, especially my dad. I'm guessing at the moment, they were just worried and concerned about me. Hence their lashing out.

"Dad, the question you should be asking me is why I had to jump out of the window of my room, jumped the fence demarcating our houses and then climbed the tree that stands besides Elyon's room at about past 12am this morning." I told him and I saw my Mum's eyes widen.

"You jumped your window! You jumped the fence?!! You climbed a tree! Jamal, omo yi, se o fe pa mi ni!" She screamed at me and I pressed my index and thumb to my head as her screams were beginning to give me headache.

"Why would you even come here at that time of the night?! Apart from the fact that it doesn't make sense, that was a ludicrous move." Uncle Kelvin said and I saw my parents watching me.

"I'm so sorry if I gave you an heart attack by what I did. Truth me told, I had no idea I was even doing it until I got to Elyon's room bare foot and drenched in sweat." I said.

"This isn't the first time we would be disciplining you, Jamal. What changed?" Dad asked me and I exhaled.

They had better know here and now.

"Because I couldn't stay in the same house with Skye. At least, not at that moment. She did some things, said some things that were hurtful to me and I couldn't just stay there because I was getting chocked up. It was suffocating. I just needed to get to this place." I admitted to them. I watched as my parents looked at each other, worry hitched all over their face.

"What did your sister do?" Dad asked.

"Whatever it is, she's not even here right now to speak for herself. We will discuss it at home with your sister." Mum said.

"Maybe you all should go home and talk things out. It's not something that can be settled here." Aunt Lyla said, looking at my mum. They knew this one was way beyond them and they are definitely right. There was still more screaming to be done but not in their house. My parents stood up and began to thank uncle Kelvin and Aunt Lyla. I felt a hand slip between mine and I looked up to meet Elyon's eyes.

"It's going to be alright." She assured me, squeezing my hand gently and I nodded."I'd get you shirt back to you." She told me but I shook my head.

"Keep that one, I'll keep this." I told her and she chuckled, nodding.

"Call me if you can, alright?" She asked me, her eyes pleading.

"Inioluwa." My dad's voice stopped me from answering and I stood up, letting her hands go as I left with my parents.

End of Flash back.

A knock came to my door, putting an end to my mind trip and I sat up. The door opened before I could say anything and my mum popped her head in. I sat up straighter when I saw the expression on her face. It was a mixture of anger and disappointment and my heart began to race.

"Mum..." I called softly.

"Put some cloths on and come down stairs. I'm giving you five minutes. Don't make me come up here to tell you again." She ordered and jammed the door behind her when she walked out.

I quickly ran to my closet and took some cloths out. After I put them on, I dashed out of the room and made my way down the stairs. I stopped shot at the end of the stairs when I saw the scene before me. Skye was kneeling down, crying profusely and begging dad that wouldn't stop pacing. Mum was seated on the chair, her head buried in her hands. Dad stopped pacing when he sighted me.

"Come here, Jamal." He beckoned to me and I slowly made my way to the middle of living room.

"Dad, what's going on?" I dared to ask and that question got me a glare from Mum.

"What's going on?!" I flinched at the furiousness of her tone. "Your sister just told us everything she said to you in school. Every single word! In front of almost half the entire student body." She looked at Skye the same time I looked at her. "Skye, why?!"

"I'm sorry. I honestly didn't mean to." Skye chocked out as tears escaped her eyes and mucus came out of her already clogged nose. Dad looked at her abruptly.

"You didn't mean to?! You spoke ill of your brother in front of your fellow student. You insulted him with his condition and you said you hated him! All because of your infatuation for a guy?!" Dad snapped angrily and I watched Skye as she whimpered, crawling backwards in fear.

On the other hand, I wasn't enjoying any of this at all. I might not like Skye at the moment but this was exactly what made her say those things in the first place. They are neglecting her, lashing out at her because of me.

"Mum, Dad,  Please." I pleaded calmly but I was completely ignored

"You were assigned with the duty of protecting your brother and you are the one that's speaking ill of him. You know how fragile he is yet you are being a very irresponsible girl!" Mum bellowed and something snapped in me.

"Please Stop!" I screamed out and everywhere became quiet. Safe for mine and my parents heavy breathing and Skye's sob.

"Stay away from this Jamal." Dad warned calmly and in as much as I wanted to hold back my scoff, it came out of my mouth.

"But this is about me! I can't stay away from it, I'm sorry!" I replied, my voice laced with frustration.

"Jamal, go to your room and rest." Mum said and I looked at her with utter disbelief.

"Then why did you call me down here in the first place! To show me how much of good parents you both are?" I asked them and I saw shock and surprise flash through my Dad's eyes.

"Inioluwa, watch your mouth!" He warned but I ignored his warnings and gave him a sad smile.

"I'm sorry, Dad but this is more of my fight. She said those words to me. I was the one who felt the impact of those words. I should be one reacting this way." I told her calmly. I threw my hand up in frustration and looked up.

"You both are the best parents in the world and I love you so much but can you just give me a break! I'm not a kid anymore and I'm definitely not one who needs protection." I stated, emphasizing every word.

"We are trying to help you get better Jamal. You of all people should know that!" Mum spoke out in a authoritative tone and I exhaled.

"I am better, Mummy. I am fine, thanks to Elyon. Now, can you both focus on your other kid. My sister." I gestured towards Skye whose head was hanging down as her shoulder shook with sobs. I watched as my parent's resolve began to crack.

"You didn't even ask her why she said what she said, what led to it. Just like you didn't ask me why I went over to the Damijes house. You are not giving Skye the benefit of doubt. You didn't ask her for an in depth explanation." I told them.

"Nothing can justify what she said to you!" Dad bellowed.

"Neglect can!" I countered, trying my best to watch my tone because I was still speaking to my parents. "You have been so wrapped up with me since the accident happened, you have left Skye to herself." I explained and I heard my mum let out a breath as she plopped to the sofa in exhaustation. I continued, knowing that now I've gotten their full attention.

"Skye has always been the good kid, the obedient kid. Everything to tell her to do for me, she wouldn't think twice. Even if it was at her own expense, she would still do it. That went on for ten years and for once, just once, she wants your attention to be on her not just on her mentally deranged Twin brother." I said and my mum was quick to stand up and touch my shoulder.

"You are not mentally deranged, Inioluwa! Stop telling yourself that nonsense." She said furiously and I exhaled.

"That's the way you made me feel like. The 'care' was becoming suffocating. But I know that I'm not mentally deranged, thanks to Elyon. She's been helping me great deal. Now I need you to focus on Skye. It's not like you'd have a choice anyway." I muttered the last part to myself but they heard me.

"What do you mean?" Dad asked and I made my decision there and then. Knowing the kind of parents I had, it won't take so much to convince them.

"Please I need a break. Away from all of this. At least a quiet place for the exam period. Please let me go." I pleaded. My parents exchanged a glance.

"We are sorry if we over stepped. We are your parents, we only care and worry about you." Dad said calmly.

"Please care about me a little less and worry about someone else who needs it, probably more than I do." I concluded. Picking Skye's hand, I picked her up and pulled her along with me up the stairs.

Skye sat on my bed in silence as I picked up my duffel bag and began to stuff cloths inside. I could feel her watching me intently. She wanted to speak, but she didn't know how to. And I wasn't going to help her start any conversation.

"Jamal..." She caller softly but I paid her no heed. Just because I defended her doesn't mean I had completely forgiven her. I finished packing and zipped up my bag. Mum had given me my phone so has to keep in touch. I picked my bag and my phone and began to make my way towards the door.

"Jamal, please." Skye held my hand and I sighed, facing her.

"Just because I defended you in front of dad and mum doesn't mean we are even. I'm still very much pissed with what you did and I haven't completely forgiven you yet." I told her and she chocked out a sob.

"I'm so sorry, Jamal." She whispered.

"I know you are. But your words did something to me, Skye. Your words almost damaged me. It's best I keep my distance." I told her, let my hand slip from hers before I finally walked out of the room with one place in mind.

****

I knocked on the door and began to hear shuffles before the door knob turned the door opened. I smiled when he adjusted his glasses like he wasn't seeing me well.

"Jamal." He called, surprise laced in his voice.

"I need a place to stay for a while."

A/N

I know, I know. This update is long overdue but I needed a long break off social media and I kinda enjoyed a lot so I might be going on more hiatus so, don't expect me to update as often as before.

Also, I'm pretty sure this chapter is pretty tacky, I'm sorry. It took a while for me to construct very well.

Some people might thing I made the parents too lenient for a Nigerian setting but I'd want everyone to realize that Parents actually are growing and moving with civilization these days. They want to understand their children. Not everything is about beating and instilling fear in their hearts all in the name of discipline and respect. That's what makes some family very toxic. That's how I'd like to be to my children so I portrayed my characters that way as well.

Who expected things to go down that way through 🤣🤣🤣. Where do you think Jamal went to stay with?

Mind you, there are about three male characters in this book that use glasses, So guess your answer wisely.

Till next time. Kisses.