Christmas is coming early 😏. Wait for Tomorrow's surprise. This chapter is dedicated to every ready that has gotten this book to 4k views and 1k+ votes. Keep it coming y'all.

Let's Dive In.

↭JAMAL↭

It was 7:00pm. The sports stadium was packed with students, each from every school, dressed in their school's  sporting attire. The track event would be starting any moment now. Each school had their own tent for their athletes. We were in ours, getting the great pep talk for our Coach.

"We are far behind on the score board." He started, rubbing his temple with his thumb and index finger in frustration. I was seated on one of the plastic chairs given to us, with Elyon settled on my right thigh. My hands were wrapped around her middle to keep her stable.

Or maybe it was just my excuse to hold her.

"Crescent High has gotten the Academic Trophy and they are already one game ahead of us to get the Sports Trophy. We can't let that happen." He stumped his fist in the air for emphasis and everyone nodded to that effect.

"We need to win but male and female category of this race. If we only win one, they will call for a tie breaker race and we don't want that. So let's not give room for a tie breaker race." He stated and everyone nodded again. Coach Tammy also came to give us a mini pep talk.

"Mateo and Skye. You are last leg for each race." Coach Tammy said and they nodded. They had to be the last leg, they were the fastest in the school.

In case you were wondering, the Track event was going to be a relay race. I was taking first leg for the male category,  TJ and Denola were taking second and third leg respectively, the Mateo, who is a basic beast on tracks will be taking the last leg. That way he can cover all loose ends.

It was the perfect plan, even for the girls.

Esosa was taking first leg. She wasn't as fast as Elyon but she was fast enough. Then Tolani will take second leg, pass the baton to Elyon who would be taking third leg then Skye, the fast girl in school on last leg. Their own plan was to put it from slowest to fastest.

I don't how that will work but then, let's be hopefully.

"Welcome," The commentators started and Coach Tammy had to stop talking "to The Olympia'20 Track Event. Tonight is going to be spectacular, don't you think so David?" The first commentator faced his counter part who made a sound of awe.

"It's going to be more than spectacular. We have the best schools in Lagos competing on this around. The Enigmas of Crescent High have gotten the Academic Trophy with the Trojans of Limelight Academy, following very closely behind, followed by the Tigers of Atlantic Hall and the Demigods of Citadel of International school-

Now, I am not sure how tough this race will be but I'm willing to bet on very tough." David concluded. Yes, all school had team names and ours was by far the dopest.

"Now I'm getting incredibly nervous." Elyon started shifting to face me. I sighed.

Well, she wasn't the only one that was nervous.

"I know right?!" Skye came to join us, with Mateo tailing behind her. "The commentators are not even making it any easy for us." She added, a frown creased across her forehead. Mateo brought both his hands to rest on her shoulder, rubbing soothingly.

"And Crescent High isn't joking." Somadina stated as he walked into the tent, holding a crate of energy drink while Vanessa tailed behind him, holding two packs of bottle water.

"We saw them this afternoon when they were training and we just passed their tent." Vanessa continued. "I'm sorry y'all but you might have to bring something higher than your A game." She said.

"Thank you so much, Vanessa." I said, frowning at her and sarcasm laced in my voice. "Now we all feel ten times worse."

"I still think we have a shot at winning. Forget all the training we have see Crescent High do, we do better and we can actually win this." Mateo stated.

"We just need to win three games out of the entire five games to actually get the Sports Trophy bah?" Elyon asked and we nodded. "I think we can pull this off." She added after a while.

"Let's win this race." Skye said.

"Do you guys want water?" Somadina asked.

"Guy, no athlete drinks water before a race. It will make us feel heavy." I told him and he shrugged.

"Forgive me for not knowing that because I'm not an athlete." He rolled his eyes at me.

"Give us the energy drink instead. That should help calm our nerves." I told him and he nodded, tossing all of us the drink and going over to give the other athletes too. I spurted some in my mouth but noticed that Elyon had no even taken her drink, her fingers playing with the rim of the bottle.

"Hey, are you okay?" I asked her, my right hand resting on the small of her back. She nodded with a smile.

"I don't think I can take my own advice and stop being nervous though. But I'm sure, by the time I'm on that track, the worry would definitely turn into adrenaline and I'd channel all my energy to winning the race." She replied and I smirked, looking at her with pride.

"You are definitely taking your own advice." I stated and she chuckled.

"I guess I am." She shrugged. I chuckled, pulling her closer to me. She looped her hand around my neck, resting her head on her shoulder. I turned my head, my lips brushing her cheek softly.

"Can we talk? After the race?" I asked, my voice toned down in a whisper. She nodded, holding closer to me. I sighed in satisfaction.

I liked the fact that we just  couldn't stay away from each other for a long time. Every argument, every disagreement, every fight, they never lasted more than a day. We weren't the perfect couple, and we are never going to be the perfect couple. But at least we'll try to get there. I loved Elyon to bits, and wanted to make things work with her.

More than anything else.

But I was still very skeptical about telling her everything. Maybe bit by bit. But not entirely.

Still not yet.

As I played with Elyon's fingers, my eyes surveyed the bleachers from where I was seated. Limelight was sitting close to our tent, just like every other tent was situated in front of where the school was seated. I could easily spot my cousin, sitting at the edge, looking ahead, his face impassive. I began to wonder what was going on in that head of is, when I remembered the treat he made when we fought.

...I'll fuck you up, Jamal. I'll mess you up!

The mere thought of the weight those words carried had a shiver running down my spine.

"All Athletes to the field immediately!" The voice from the speaker tore through my thoughts and I looked up with a start. Elyon was already standing up from where she had seated earlier on my leg, talking to Skye and Esosa.

"Alright guys, let's suit up." Coach Sola yelled and everyone began to get rid of their track suits which had covered up their sport attire. I shook my head, trying to get rid of Khalil's voice as I got rid of my track suit. The last thing I wanted was a distraction before the big race. Mateo came to me, already in his blue sports wear, matching mine.

"Here." He stretched the baton to me and I collected it. We haven't really spoken to each other since I said what I said this afternoon. I was very insensitive and I should apologize to him. He didn't deserve it, I was unfair.

"Hey Matt, I'm sorry for what I said this afternoon." I started and he looked on. "I was being unfair and insensitive. You didn't deserve it. You were just looking out for me and I should have appreciated that." I said, looking at him apologetically.

"It's okay." He shrugged nonchalantly much to my surprise. "I wouldn't say I wasn't pained at what you said but I understand that you were kinda not in your right state of mind. So, all is forgiven." He added with a smirk while I looked at him in awe.

"Who are you and what have you done with my best friend?" I asked rhetorically and he chuckled in response.

"Being to hell and back can change your orientation about a lot of things. I want to go to heaven." He said and I laughed.

Typical Mateo.

"Let's go win this thing." He said, giving me his hand to pull me up. I grinned, taking his hand and together, we walked to join the others on the field.

****

Boys were the first to run. Coach had just given us another round of pep talk that I got extremely bored. Now we were on the track. All first legs for each school took their position. I could only recognize one athlete from Crescent High and that was Adam but he was the last leg. I'm guessing he is the fastest. The first leg was someone I wasn't familiar with.

I hope he isn't a sore loser.

"The Race is about to kick off with the Male Relay." One of the commentators started just around the same time I let out a breath. "With Citadel's Demigods on the first lane, Atlantic's Tigers on second lane, Crescent's Enigmas on the third and finally LimelIght's Trojans on the last lane." He announced and everybody cheered.

I looked to the field, seeing every female athlete with the sport masters all on their toes. My eyes met Elyon's and she flashed me an encouraging smile. A smile that told me I've got this. My mind shot everything out as I remembered her words. I decided to take her advice, channeling all my nervousness into the race, allowing adrenaline to take over.

"On your mark!" The referee called and I went on my knees immediately, baton firmly in my fist because I cannot afford to let it fall in between the race. My heart was pumping, adrenaline coursing through my veins.

This is it.

I didn't even hear "Set" because the next thing I heard was the whistle been blown and boom, I was running. The cheers of everyone rang through my ear but I didn't allow it distract me as I maintained my lane even through the curve and continued running. I saw the second legs take their position in the spot I just left just straight ahead and I sighted TJ, getting ready to collect the baton from me.

I quickened my speed even more, eliciting more cheers from Limelight students till I got to TJ and handed the Baton over to him. He continued with equal speed while I ran back into the field. Elyon, Skye and Vanessa ran over to me.

"You did good. Very good." Elyon said as she hugged me. I nodded, collecting my remaining energy drink fro Skye who stretched it to me.

"Was I leading?" I asked. I didn't have the luxury to look to my side at who was leading or not.

"Not exactly. The dude from Crescent was just ahead of you by a breeze." Skye said and I sighed in frustration.

"The gap wasn't too much either. Plus, seems like Tejiri has covered it." She pointed to the track. I quickly turned around to look. TJ was now leading and he was trying to keep up the pace or make it faster, though it was obvious he was getting exhausted.

"Come on TJ." I whispered. TJ continued running at his pace, still maintaining the gap between him and the other athletes till he handed over to Denola. He crossed over to the field and I walked over, meeting him half way.

"Good job." I told him and he nodded.

"Let's see this through. We have to win." TJ stated and I nodded and together, we watched Denola take the lead on the track.

Limelight became even louder with the cheer, I was scared they will loose their voice and would not be able to cheer for the girls. Everyone had their gaze pinned on the athletes, even people that were not paying any attention before. Denola was getting to Mateo and the crowd became even louder, getting louder until the baton hit Mateo's palm

And the King of the tracks took off, going off at an unimaginable speed I didn't even expect, the other athletes eating his dust. Adam was catching up too, closely behind Mateo but Mateo was just getting started. I didn't think it was possible for him to quicken his pace more than it already was but that's what happened.

Mateo crossed the finish line first.

The crowd went WILD.

*****

It was 10:30pm. Everything was over and Limelight Trojans were at the lead, practically dragging with Crescent's Enigmas for the Sport Trophy. We had all retired to go and rest because tomorrow was another big day. Football and Basketball first rounds were tomorrow. Thing will get hotter.

I was seated in the supply closet, waiting to Elyon to show up. She had gone to freshen up, I also did that after the race but girls and the way they take time in the bathroom; I have a sister so I know. While I was waiting for her, I allowed my mind to drift back to something I had noticed after the girls race.

Everyone had clustered around the girls; Skye, Elyon and Esosa.

But not Tolani.

And she had done the most work on the track, to me.

Esosa had had a bad start, coming in third place that had everyone scared. But when she had handed the baton to Tolani, she picked up a way faster pace and used all her energy to come in first before she handed the baton to Elyon who had maintained the first position, making it easy for Skye to finish at first.

No one had gone to tell her she did well. Extremely well.

Well, except me.

"Hey..." I called to her when I saw her walking away from the crowd. She turned around to look at me, a nonchalant look playing on her face.

"What?" She asked, her voice calm but I could sense the edge in her voice. It was enough to tell me that she was hurt about the fact that no one had come to tell her she did good on the track.

"You really did well on the track. You helped us catch up." I stated and she shrugged.

"Thanks. Too bad you are the only one that seems to care that I helped the entire girl team win the race." Was all she replied with before she walked away.

"You seem so deep in thought." Elyon's voice pierced through my reverie and I looked up to see her walking towards me. My lips stretched in an automatic smile as she got to me.

"Were you thinking about me?" She asked, her lips in a lopsided grin and a teasing look playing on her face. I chuckled, stretching my hand to take hers so I could pull to myself.

"What do you think?" I whispered immediately I was sure she was settled between my thighs, my legs indirectly trapping her with my hand securely wrapped around her midsection, her resting on my chest. She cocked her head either side, a thoughtful look on her face and a pout playing on her glossed lips. I unconsciously licked mine.

"I don't know. I barely know what you are thinking this days." She shrugged, a small smile playing on her lips while I watched her quizzically. "And if I ask you, you won't tell me." She looked straight into my eyes as she said this and I sighed, hanging my neck.

"I'm sorry." I whispered, looking back up. "I should apologize properly for the shit that went down the other day." I added but she shook her head.

"I should apologize too." She said and I looked at her in confusion, wondering why she wanted to apologize. "I should respect your decision when you don't want to tell me something. I just hate being kept in the dark, not knowing when to help." She whispered, her fingers unconsciously trailing my skin, causing electricity to course through my veins.

"I know, and I'm sorry." I licked my lips, to moisten it. "But trust me when I say, it was harder for me when I couldn't tell you. And before you ask, no, I don't know the triggers for the nightmares this time. I guess I am not fully healed of my PTSD."

I lied. I knew the trigger. I knew who the trigger was.

"No one is fully healed of a disorder. You just find a way to gain control over it instead of letting it control you. I guess all you need to do is gain back control. Let me help you do that." She said in a soft velvety, almost sultry voice, drawing me in.

But I wanted to her know one thing.

"El, you are not suppose to fix me." I whispered back, removing my hands from where they were looped around her waist and placed them right above hers that were resting on my chest.

"You are supposed to hold my hand while I fix myself." I told her and she smiled.

"Of course. That's why I'm here." She whispered back and I smiled. "Though I need to ask you something." She said and I nodded, urging her to go ahead.

"You seemed to be more pissed that I asked Khalil..." She stated carefully, picking her words slowly. I made sure my expression was impassive  so that I wouldn't give anything away.

"Why?"

"I don't trust Khalil to say the right thing." Was my simple reply. "As you have already noticed, our relationship is a bit complicated."

Complicated is an understatement.

"That's one word for it. But then, I trust your judgement." Her lips stretched in another smile and I sighed, more in relief because she wasn't pushing any further.

I took my hand back to rest around her waist, pulling her closer to me, my head leaning closer to rest on the hollow of her neck. I inhaled her scent softly. Alluring, intoxicating, rousing every bit of my senses. The scent was new, different from her usual.

"This is a new perfume." I whispered, feeling the way she shivered slightly as my breath fanned her sensitive skin.

"Uhn uhn." Was all she could say. I smirked.

I would never get tired of seeing how much effect I had on her.

"Did you wear it for me?" I asked, dragging my lips up to brush against her earlobe.

"What do you think?" She asked, her voice husky and breathy and I chuckled.

"You smell really nice." I whispered softly before pressing my lips daintily on her neck. Her sharp intake of breath urged me on.

My hand tightened around her as my lips continued their assault on her skin. I liked the way she was responding to every touch, every kiss. Her hands trailed up to rest on my shoulders, fingers clutching my shirt as I trailed kisses from her earlobe down to the sensitive spot of her neck, the spot I was very much familiar with as her weak spot.

I knew she was biting her lip to keep herself from moaning.

I pulled back slightly to look into her eyes. Her eyes held arousal, obviously like mine.

"You know I love you." I whispered, my right hand moving to rest on her face, my fingers brushing her loose braids back. She leaned into my touch, her eyes fluttering close.

"I love you too."

"We will try everything possible to work out." I told her and she looked at me.

"Where is this coming from?" She chuckled softly and I smiled.

"Well, our parents did meet in High school. They have kinda set a standard for me from Day 1." I replied and she laughed.

"True that. And yes, we'll try everything possible to work out. Together." She affirmed and I nodded.

As I leaned in, pressing my lips against her, I made that decision over and over again in my mind, promising myself over and over again that no matter what, I won't mess things up.

And I knew Elyon was doing the same.

A/N

Hmmm... Promises.

Jamal is already making promises to himself and I am certain Elyon is doing so too. Let's just pray and hope that they actually keep those promises till the end, because...

Lemme nur talk.

I don't know why I am pitying Tolani. She did help the girls win, yet no one came to actually thank her for it.

This chapter was getting incredibly long and because it's late and I am tired, my writing was getting incredibly sloppy so I had to cut the remaining parts to fix in the next update which I'm not sure when that will be. 😏😏

We are having Khalil's POV to start the next chapter and you are going to get a glimpse of what goes on in our boys mind.

I have a surprise for you guys tomorrow. "Christmas is coming Early"

In the mean time, don't forget to VOTE and comment. Till I see you again, I love you Five Thousand 😘❤️❤️