This chapter is dedicated to dheenmah for giving us such wonderful books like "When Gold Souls Collide and Nothing Gold can Stay." If you haven't read this books, mehn you are missing. Nigerian Teen Fiction. Very Legit. ❤️❤️

Also, I want to give a shout out to Ancewritings246  for the dope covers she made for me. I've used one as my cover, another is in the media. Are they not dope! Thanks babe.

Now! Let's dive deep!!

✮𝕁𝔸𝕄𝔸𝕃✮

We got to school the exact time assembly was ending. I still saw SS3 students lurking around so I just sneaked in between them. I didn't find Skye in sight which meant she was probably doing her Head girl duties with Somadina up front. I sighed, glad that we were not caught.

"After screaming and yelling that we would get punished, yet here we are. No punishment." Khalil stated in a mocking tone and I eyed him.

"You should better be grateful that your cousin is the head girl and she probably had to pull some strings so that yo ass won't get punished." I replied and he rolled his eyes, fishing out his phone from his pocket. I looked around, trying to find Elyon or anyone I knew.

I sighted Vanessa at a corner of the auditorium with a group of Juniors kneeling down and raising their hands up. I chuckled. Vanessa was the disciplinary prefect. You'd think someone with her stature won't make the post work but man, the babe is vicious. It did fit her anyway.

"Vanessa." I called her. She turned to my side and saw me then she began to walk towards me.

"You are late. I'm supposed to punish the both of you." She stated matter-of-factly immediately she got to me but I didn't miss the teasing undertone in her voice. I pouted while she smirked.

"And what are you supposed to be, little person?" Khalil asked from behind me, peering at Vanessa through lazy eyes. Vanessa turned to look at him and gave him a one over.

"Disciplinary prefect." She replied sassily, not batting an eyelid. "And I'm supposed to seize your shoes. They are against the colour code." She added, authority in her voice. Khalil laughed in response. I watched the two of them, knowing that Khalil would want to walk over her and Vanessa won't allow that.

"You want to seize my shoes?" He asked incredulously.

"I have the authority to." Vanessa answered, her hands folded across her chest.

"But since it's your first day, I'd let you go. But wear that again and I'd take it and there is absolutely nothing you'd do about it. So, don't try me." She said in one breath. I didn't miss the look of surprise and awe on his face. I smirked, feeling proud of my friend.

"Feisty." He stated, smirking when he recovered from his shock. "I like you." He nodded and I rolled my eyes.

He likes everything in skirt.

"Well, take your eyes off this one because she's taken." Somadina replied from behind Vanessa, swinging a possessive arm around her.

I looked up and I saw Elyon, Skye and Mateo making their way towards us. My eyes zeroed on Elyon and immediately, the tip of my tongue involuntarily darted out to wet my suddenly dry lips.

Damn!

She has never looked hotter in her school uniform than she did at the moment. My eyes roamed around her body, noticing every single detail. Like, the fact that her skirt was now a bit shorter than last year's and how much it highlighted her curves and revealed an ample amount of her flawless legs.

I didn't want anyone staring at those legs except me but I was sure more half of the boys in the hall were staring at My Girl.

Perfect example of a walking temptation.

"Ahn ahn!" A voice rang out from close by and everyone within earshot turned towards the direction. It was the laboratory prefect, Denola Dasilva. A first class comedian.

And he had his eyes on My Girl.

"Atarodo omo, Oya pepper them!" He hollered, obviously hailing Elyon who had already gotten to me. That statement earned a fit of giggles and chuckles from our classmates within earshot.

"Gee dem! Left, right and center!" He continued, earning a fit of giggles from Elyon herself. I plastered a mock scowl on my face, my arm wrapping protectively around Elyon.

"Keep your eyes off my girl, Denola." I hollered back. "Go and get your own babe." I added, teasing and everyone laughed before going about their normal business.

"I can't blame him if he can't keep his eyes to himself." Khalil spoke after a while of keep quiet. I looked at him but saw that his eyes were on Elyon. The way he was looking at her made me frown but his next statement made my blood boil.

"She does look hot in that uniform." He added bashfully without batting an eyelid, not caring that I was standing there. He even went back to pressing his phone like what he had said didn't carry so much weight.

I wasn't even the only one who noticed.

Is this dude indirectly making a pass on my girl?

I certainly hope not.

"Jamal," Elyon nudged me out of my reverie like nothing had happened and I began to think that I had probably imagined it.

Great, my mind has began to play tricks on me.

"Hey..." I mustered up a smile, trying to act normal. It was then I noticed she had made braids, knot less braids. This was the first time I'd be seeing her on braids.

And I really loved it on her.

"I love the braids." I told her, bringing my hand to play with a lock, twirling it in my finger, feeling it's soft and weightless texture.

I can't wait to run my wingers through them while I kiss her.

"Really?" She asked, acting like she didn't know I know meant it and I smirked. Her voice was in a whisper, her hands around my middle. Thankfully, there were no teachers where we stayed.

"I should do braids more often then." She continued and I nodded vigorously, completely buying the idea.

"Of course, it fits you." I told her and she grinned.

"Why are we standing here, abeg?" Khalil asked, his annoyed thick voice cutting through the air. I looked around and realized that everyone had gone except the SS3 students that were still lurking around the auditorium.

"You have zero patience." Skye rolled her eyes, her voice laced in sarcasm and Khalil scowled back at her.

"Why are we waiting though?" I asked, wanting to know why as well.

"Mr Ayoola wants to see all SS3 students." Mateo replied. "It's concerning The Olympia definitely." He added and I nodded in understanding.

Mr Ayoola was the Sciences HOD and the one who was majorly in charge of The Olympia. Middle aged man, always has a scowl on his face except the school wins something huge. Especially If it's money.

"What's 'The Olympia'?" Khalil asked, confusion written all over his face.

"You'll get to know in the meeting, so don't think of skipping." I replied. He scoffed me, looking away. I watched as his lips turned into a smirk as he nodded at two girls who were not so subtly checking him out.

"You should stop worrying about him." Elyon said and I looked at her.

"I'm not worrying about him. I just don't want him getting into trouble." I replied and she smirked in return.

"That's the same thing as worrying, Jamal." She stated with a smirk and I frowned but didn't argue because I knew for sure that I wasn't worried about Khalil

I just don't trust him to make responsible decisions.

↭↭↭↭

"Good Morning Students and Welcome back to school." Mr Ayoola's baritone voice range through the partially quiet hall. He was standing on the podium alone with Coach Sola and Coach Tammy. The auditorium was still a bit rowdy. Somadina stood up.

"Can everyone please keep quiet and listen." He caller, his voice thundering through the auditorium. His request/order was followed by perfect silence. I smirked. This is one of the few times Soma can be serious

One of the very very few times.

"Thank you head boy." Mr Ayoola stated as Somadina sat down. I turned my attention back to the man and so did every other person.

"We all know why we are here. The Olympia is coming up very soon and many of you have just a surface idea of what The Olympia really is. So, I'm going to briefly explain to everyone of you how this competition entails." He paused for effect, looking around the quiet hall.

"What is the Olympia?" Khalil asked from beside me and I shot him a look.

"He's just about to explain, so stop talking and listen." I whispered, trying to hear what Mr Ayoola was saying.

"You are too bossy." Khalil spat spitefully beside me. "Don't worry, I'll clip your wings soon." He muttered that more to himself but I heard him. That sentence caused shivers to run down my spine.

What?! I looked at him but he had his eyes fixated on onward.

"What did you just say?" I asked him.

"Bamidele," Mr Ayoola's deep voice rang through the hall and my eyes shot up. More than half for the students in the hall had their eyes turned towards my direction. I blinked, disoriented, watching as Mr Ayoola's face was pulled in a deeper scowl.

"Sir." I answered still.

"Is there anything you'd like to share with your mates. I'd very much love to know the reason for your chattering." Mr Ayoola stated, looking at me intently. I shook my head.

"There is nothing sir." I replied, my voice low.

"Then I don't want to hear your voice." He snapped and I nodded. "Now, where were we..." Mr Ayoola continued and I looked at Khalil. His eyes were still fixated onward but I didn't miss the sardonic smirk on his lips.

What's this guy's deal? 

I felt a hand on my thigh. I didn't have to look up to know it was Elyon but I looked at her anyway. She flashed me a small smile and a gentle caress on my thigh. That little innocent action put me at ease and I was very certain she didn't know what was going on in my head. I sighed, keeping my emotions at bay.

Even though it was very hard.

Especially after that statement Khalil made.

"As we all know," Mr Ayoola's voice pierced through my mind trip and I resolved to pay attention. Especially when I've missed more than half of the lecture.

"The Olympia is a state based competition between four of the best schools in Lagos in which we are fortunately topping at the moment because we won last year. It is strictly for the final year students, that is Senior Secondary School Three. The Olympia is divided into two sections. Sports and Academics. _

Our biggest competition yet is Crescent High. Other schools are also big competitions but Crescent High is the major. Training will start immediately for both Academic section and the Sports section. I'd talk about the Academics and the coaches will handle the Sports." He paused, picking up a clip board.

We have already chosen the students that would be representing us for the academics. Obviously, it is just Science and Arts and the students from each department would be three in number. I already have the names here so if you hear your name, get prepared for massive drilling." He paused again, adjusting his glasses to read the names out.

"For the Sciences we have," He made a dramatic pause even though everyone already knew the first name he'd mention.

Boy genius.

First of his kind.

The only guy that solves mathematical equations for fun.

"Somadina Dike." Mr Ayoola called out, pride evident in his voice. I smirked, pitying the poor man because the person he was proud of hated his guts. I looked at Somadina and saw a rather bored expression on his face.

Ki ni mo so.

"Chike Williams and Skye Bamidele." He finished mentioning for Science class. Chike Williams was in technical class with me actually and he was the best. Since Science and Tech share similar subjects, it's no surprise why he was chosen instead of another science student.

"For the Art Class, we have Esosa Abieyuwa, Elyon Damije and Denola Dasilva." Instead of Denola, it was meant to be Mateo but he has a lot of academic mumbo jumbo on his hands already. Denola was the next best option.

"I really want to participate more in the sport than in the academics." Elyon spoke, causing me to face her. She had a pout on her lips and I chuckled.

"Don't worry, you can do both. Just be sure you can be able to wing it." I replied, gently caressing her hand that was still rested again my thigh. She gave me a look, squinting her eyes at me.

"You don't give me enough credit, Jamal." She feigned disappointment. "Of course I can wing it." She smirked, her tone holding arrogance and I laughed lightly.

"Your ego, El." I stated smugly and she stuck her tongue out to me.

"That's all for the Academic section. Now over to the Coaches for the Sport section. I'm sure you all will enjoy this one more." Mr Ayoola smirked at his own lame joke that fetched Zero laughter from the students.

But he was right. Everyone prefers sports.

"Good day everyone." Coach Sola starter, gaining the rapt attention of everyone. "Obviously, the sport section is the highlight of the entire competition and we need the full support of everyone of you because it would be diverse." He cleared his throat.

"First of all, We would be engaging in five different sports. For the guys, Basket ball and Football. For the ladies, Volley ball. For both, Track and Swimming. We already have our senior athletes so they we'll be sticking to them. The rest is open for every one to try out. After drilling, we'd pick the best." He looked at Coach Tammy in case he had missed anything but the latter shook her head in negation.

"We need to bring out our A game to this competition. Training for Track and Swimming starts tomorrow as well." Coach Sola concluded.

"Basket ball..." Khalil said beside me and I looked at him, watching as his lips stretched in a grin. "I'm liking this competition." He looked... Excited. And I knew why.

"If you want to join the team, you can easily sign up." I found myself saying and he turned to face me. "The sign up sheet is probably on the notice board. I can take you there after the assembly." I offered, against my better judgement. He scrutinized me

Why exactly am I offering to help him?

"Thanks but I think I can find my way, cousin." He replied disdainfully and looked away. I scoffed inwardly, regretting why I had offered to help him. Why I even offered in the first place is a mystery to me.

Maybe because you know how much he loves Basket ball. My subconscious reminded me and I had to agree.

Khalil was a pro basket baller, definitely the best I have actually seen. I've seen him on the court before, he's basically a beast when it comes to dribbling and dunking that ball into the net. I also know that that sport means so much to him. He wanted to get into an NBA abroad, I don't know what changed his mind.

There's probably a lot I don't know about my cousin.

But I don't think I want to know anyway.

Especially when our relationship has a lot of loopholes.

Loopholes that would take years to fix.

And that's saying a lot.

↭↭↭↭

"Skye, you have been on your phone since. You should eat something." Mateo said, pushing her plate of lunch to her.

It was lunch break and we were in the dinning hall, having lunch. The hall was rather rowdy has everyone had something to say, giving that we just resumed from the long vacation. I took a spoon of my food, watching Elyon who was also typing away on her phone.

"You should eat before your food gets cold." I told her, calling her attention. She looked up from her phone and gave me an apologetic smile.

"Sorry. My mum sent me a message that she wants me to pick up something for her at her tailor's place after school." She dropped her phone on the table while I furrowed my brows.

"So you won't be riding with us from school?" I asked, giving her a pout. She chuckled but shook her head.

"Not today." She answered and I shrugged in return.

"It's okay. Mum's duty comes first, always." I stated in a teasing voice and Elyon chuckled back.

"Sometimes, mum's duty is always impromptu and annoying." She groaned out playfully and it was my turn to chuckle. I looked up to where Vanessa and Somadina were seated opposite me, talking about something. Vanessa looked a bit upset and Soma was trying to pacify her. We all knew why she was upset.

Coach Tammy wanted Vanessa to be on the Volley ball team. Vanessa was good at the sport, but very lazy. Hence, her annoyance. She wanted to be on Water and glucose duty, again.

"I've gotten the gig!" Skye suddenly exclaimed catching all  out attention.

"Which gig?" Somadina asked, looking away from Vanessa for little bit.

"The modelling gig with House of Tara, the cosmetic company." Mateo replied, peering at Skye's phone has she showed him something. I nodded, impressed.

"They want me to model for their new lip stick brand. Sent me a message on IG two weeks ago, offering me the gig." Skye briefed.

"I'm happy for you, sis. Sha remember us when you blow o." I teased and she shot me a look while the others laughed.

"Shebi you are not the only one doing the shoot?" Elyon asked and Skye nodded.

"I'm not the only one. Five other girls are joining me. I'm pretty nervous because those girls are big in the modelling industry." Skye stated.

"Who are they? We should definitely know them if they are big." Vanessa chirped in interest, momentarily forgetting her own plight.

"Oh you definitely know them." Skye replied. "Chimdi Gentry, Sophia Williams, Queen Kosi, Shade Onam and Irene Coker." She listed. Elyon made a sound of awe while Vanessa's eyes grew wild like saucers.

"Med oo! See big names everywhere." Nope, it was neither Elyon nor Vanessa that said that. It was Somadina. I turned to look at him just the same time Mateo flashed him a look.

How does he know them?

Don't get me wrong, those names are house hold names when it comes to Nigerian teenagers. But Somadina is fawning over them like girls fawn over one direction.

"Guy, how do you know them?" Mateo asked him, eyeing him skeptically.

"When you have been surrounded with fashion crazy sisters all your life, you tend to pick one or two things from all the blabbing." He replied with a shrug. I agree. I've lived with Skye all my life. I can pick a jaw dropping out fit for a lady with my eyes closed.

Everyone began to talk, engaging Skye and asking her questions about the shoot and stuff. Also encouraging her that she'd kill the shoot and fit right in with the models. My eyes involuntary looked towards a direction and I saw Khalil standing between the two girls from earlier. Suddenly, the statement he made during the assembly came back to me and my mood became sour.

"Don't worry, I'll soon clip your wings..." That single, seemingly harmless statement caused cold shivers to run down my spine.

What did he mean by that?

"Hey!" A hand waved over my face, snapping me out f my reverie and I turned to look at Elyon, whose eyes were intently on me, scrutinizing. I blinked, trying to find my way back.

"What?" I asked her and she cocked her head to the side.

"You seem so lost in thought, more quiet than usual. Are you okay?" Her expression held worry and her hands moved fast, inspecting my temperature. I chuckled and caught her hand in mine, holding unto it.

"I'm fine." I told her. "I'm just..." I trailed, not knowing what excuser to give. She noticed, her brows furrowed. "I'm okay, babe." I quickly said, trying to assure her. She looked at me for a while and I knew that look in her eyes. She didn't believe me.

But she didn't ask any further.

"Okay." Her lips spread in a small smile. "Please, let me know if anything is wrong." I nodded to her request.

"Of course." I replied, bringing her hands clasped in my to my lips and pressed a quick kiss to it. She smiled back.

My phone vibrated in my pocket and I picked it up. It was a message from an unknown number.

+234812****

Thanks for last week. You don't know how much it means to me.

P. S. It's Tolani.

I sighed, choosing not to reply and shoved my phone back into my pocket. I looked towards where Khalil was and my eyes met his. His lip was pulled in a lopsided grin as he held my gaze. The grin looked harmless.

But I knew better.

Gulping, I looked away from him, trying to act as normal as possible.

↭↭↭↭

I couldn't breath...

Gasping for air, I fell down from the bed, clutching my chest. Through hazy eyes, I looked for it but couldn't find it. I cried out in pain, feeling like my lungs were being filled with water.

I curled up in a ball, black dots clouding my vision.

I saw a shadow, standing by the door and I looked up.

He was standing right there with his hands folded across his chest, staring at me.

I stretched my hand, calling out to him.

"Help me." I chocked out.

But he didn't move. He stayed rooted to that spot, watching as my body gave way to the numbness.

As I drifted off to darkness....

I woke up with a start, sweat dripping from my body like I had ran a marathon. I gasped heavily, trying to catch my breath, my eyes adjusting to the dimly lit room. My mind was in turmoil, my brain grasping what had just happened.

The nightmares.

They were back.

My room door burst open and Skye rushed in, closing the door behind her. I looked at her, wanting to speak but my voice failed me. She quickly rushed to my side, settling beside me. Her hands moved hastily to my face, inspecting me.

"Are you okay?" She asked frantically. "You are sweating so much. Did you have a nightmare?" She asked and all I could do was nod. She sighed, a look of dejection on her face.

"What's going on..." She muttered to herself.

Wait...

"I didn't scream." I muttered and she looked at me in confusion.

"What?"

"I didn't scream, when I woke up." I repeated, my voice hoarse. "How did you know I had a nightmare?" I asked her. She sighed, shrugging.

"I don't know." She whispered. "I just woke up with a start and I felt the need to come here immediately, to check up on you. I guess it's a twin thing." She looked at me.

A twin thing. That caused my heart to swell.

On instinct and not knowing what else to do, I pulled her to me and hugged her. She sighed, hugging me back. She knows whenever I need help, whenever I need her.

My twin sister...

"Jamal, I think the reason you had this nightmare is because..." She started but I stopped her, hugging her tighter.

"Shhh..." I whispered, pulling away from her. "Just cuddle me, please." I said, my voice pleading. She nodded, coming to lie down in my bed, pulling the duvet over the both of us. She pulled me closer to her, my head resting on her shoulder and my hand wrapped around my middle.

The last time we had cuddled like this was when we were very young, in our pre-teens. It still felt just as good as it used to.

But it did nothing to dissolve the fear I was beginning to feel.

A/N

That was very intense. I want a twin brother 😪😪😪.

The nightmares are back and they are probably going to be worst than ever.

What do you think is the history behind that little nightmare?

That's just a tip of the iceberg concerning the many things that happened in the past. But, let me know your assumptions in the inline comment.

This is the longest chapter I've written since the start of this book and it's because I had to explain what The Olympia is all about, which would be an epic competition by the way. Especially since it would be the main scenario for our collaboration with "Perfectly Imperfect" by Rihanna_Adedeji Are you guys excited for that Collab!!

Who noticed a little introduction of some Med characters from some of our best Nigerian Teen-Fics?

Chimdi Gentry from "Deeper" by sawvvy

Sophia Williams from "Perfectly Imperfect" by Rihanna_Adedeji

Queen Kosi from "WGSC" and "NGCS" by dheenmah

Shade Onam from "Those Little Things" by lovetori_xo

Irene Coker from "Runways and Deception" by Qhupid_247

Med books y'all, Please check'em out.

Don't forget to vote and comment y'all and I'll see you when I see you ❤️❤️.