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"I got you, you got me. We've got this... together."

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Song for this chapter: Hallelujah by Simi ft. Johnny Drille.

Dedicated to nma_writes 😊

Please endeavor to read author's note at the end🙏🙏🙏

Oya Leggo!!!

*Unedited*

                       ~BOLU~

Ayo and Nina kept whispering to each other with Nina giggling every so often. It made me wonder what was so funny and how he wasn’t so quiet with her.

Ninu focused on vibing with MJ and Fred while Jeremy and Joy-Anne cuddled with each other. What the heck was going on? I mean, I always knew they would end up with each other but I did not think it’d be this fast.

I kept eating pizza slices and suya until I realized I had eaten eight slices, finished three plates of suya and gulped down the whole glass of chapman.

My stomach get space oh.

We were in a party and the main fun was going on inside the house. But it felt like an unplanned hangout between all of us ‘cause none of us seemed interested in what was going on in the party.

Speaking of which, I hadn’t even sighted Chidera at all or even the birthday celebrant, Ashley. I also hadn’t seen him too.

“Ninu,” a male voice called and we all looked up to see Goke Wilson walking towards us looking really stressed but he smiled nonetheless.

“Yeah, Goke, what’s up?”

He greeted us and signaled for her to get up.

“See you later guys, enjoy the party,” Ninu said and stood up, walking away with Goke.

Joy attempted to stand up and go back to her seat but Jeremy no gree oh. He pulled her again by the waist so she remained on his laps. Sheybi she was enjoying the cuddling, why does she now want to get up?

I stood up and stretched making a sound intentionally to get attention. It did not work o. They continued their business.

I shrugged, picked up my backpack with my phone in my hand and left them alone. I walked into the house where the main party was going on.

The air was stuffy and reeked of alcohol and cigarette. If police should catch us ehn, it af kuku finish for us.

I almost bumped into two drunken teens dancing like mad people. I mumbled an apology and made my way to where the seats are, making sure to avoid bumping into anybody else. I took a seat on one of the chairs with an empty round table.

The DJ had the song playing changed to another song by Burna Boy…or was it Rema?  I did not even know. I sha know that my body moved along to the song as I scrolled through social media.

I had a half-mind to send a dm to Ore so I could know where he was but decided against it ‘cause I technically had nothing to say to him. Besides we have never chatted on whatsapp or any social media for that matter.

After about five minutes or more, I heard voices around me and I looked up from my phone to see Chidera, Ashley, a boy who was oddly familiar; two other girls that I didn’t know and Ore Jumai. They took their seats round the table laughing and talking about whatever. I would have gone unnoticed until Chidera spoke up.

“Bolu, is that you?”

I raised my head. All eyes were on me, especially his. I could feel his eyes boring holes through my head.

“Hey guys.” I gave a small wave.

“Hey! I didn’t even think you’d show up,” Chidera exclaimed. “You look good, by the way.”

“Thanks, you too. And Ash…happy birthday to you.”

“Thanks Bolu,” Ashley replied with a small smile as she clung to Chidera.

Between you and me though, Chidera looked more like the celebrant than Ashley did. If I weren’t her classmate, I’d have mistaken them for each other ‘cause honestly, Ashley looked more like the sidekick. Maybe it was the way Chidera’s make-up glowed more than Ashley’s or the fact that Ashley looked like she didn’t want this party in the first place but was forced to. Whatever it was, was not my business sha.

“Don’t we get to be introduced?” Someone asked and it was the other guy that did.

“Oh, uh…” Ashley started but Chidera butted in. I looked at Ashley’s facial expression and it wasn’t a happy look. The look read: ‘You’re always stealing my shine.’

“This is Alexander Badmus, Ashley’s cousin.” She pointed to the guy who flashed me a smile. “And these are Teresa and Terrone. Twins and younger siblings to Alex.” She pointed to the girls who gave an identical wave at me. “So…Alex, Tessy and Terry, meet Bolu Jayeola, tallest girl in my set and seat mate to my boyfriend,” she finished proudly, tucking her arm in Ore’s.

I waved again, rather awkwardly. “Nice to meet y’all.”

I was about to return to my phone when Alex spoke again. “Wait, you’re Bolu Jayeola, you attended Town’s high international in junior school and Joba Jayeola is your younger brother, am I right?”

I nodded slowly, taking a good look at his face and I realized I did know him. He’s the guy who always made jest of my height in junior school (he was real short back then) until I taught him what it meant to stay in his place. Did I still detest him? Nah…I’ve moved on. Hatred is a stressful something and besides, aren’t we all grown now?

“Wow! No wonder you looked so familiar. Long time, wassup na? You don fresh oh.” He reached out for a handshake.

“I’m good,” I replied and slapped him the handshake, he stood up to sit directly beside me, and he continued the conversation.

“O to the M to the G!” A female voice screeched.

“You’re Ore Jumai, am I right?" Another female voice yelled.

Suffice to say, the two voices caught all our attention on the table and our heads turned towards their direction.

Two girls— overdressed, I might add— stood before us, bubbly and all, smiling their cheeks out. And why? Because they were in the same room with Ore Jumai. If you have or have not noticed, Ore was a celebrity at RBA and probably in the whole of Ibadan. I think I mentioned that earlier. I think I also mentioned earlier that he was popular for no exact reason. Just popular and loved in general by everyone.

“And I’m his girlfriend,” Chidera was quick to say.

The girls didn’t hear her or pretended not to and kept famzing and fawning over the boy who was clearly enjoying it. Baba just kept flexing and low-key flirted with them even in the presence of Chidera.

I felt bad for her honestly but after a while, she did not even seem to care. Her hand was still tucked in Ore’s as she focused on Ashley and the twins. Figures, she was probably already used to the aura Ore carried with him.

Maybe she was real confident about her and Ore’s relationship. As per, she be like: ‘I am the queen bee of RBA and I own Ore’s heart. No human being on earth can steal him away from me.’

Did they even have a relationship to begin with?

Well, whatever.

That’s their business.

“You remember Tamilore Albert and Keesha Destiny-Afam from junior school, don’t you?” Alex’s voice returned my attention to him as he gestured his index finger towards them, pointing out the taller one as Tamilore and the other as Keesha.

“Ehn, Tami and Keesha who?” I asked. My brows furrowed at the sound of those names.

“They were in our class in junior school. They still attend THI though. Joba should know them sef.”

“Oh…” I dragged out, knotting my brows again, pretending to remember and actually trying to remember because those names did ring a bell.

Alex and I continued talking and surprisingly, I was actually vibing easily with him. A new first ‘cause I don’t exactly just vibe with anyone but maybe because we used to be classmates before… I guess.

The whole time, I kept an eye on Ore and found out he also kept an eye on me. But anytime we made eye contact from the corner of our eyes, he looked away quickly and I started feeling real bad for ignoring him this whole time.

When we made eye contact again, I smiled at him. I caught a quick and very short glimpse of surprise in his eyes even as he spoke to Tami and Keesha.

He smiled even more than he was doing, that you might think he was really smiling at the girls he was flirting with and I don’t know how he did it, but he winked at me too.

Omo, this boy deserved a whole Ph. D in multiple flirting. I mentally shook my head at him and returned my full attention to what Alex was saying.
                                 

                       ~NINA~

The night was going smoothly. Ashley’s party was not overhyped for no reason. It deserved the hype. Honestly. But of course, when Ninuola Adams was put in charge, could one expect any less?

The poolside at the backyard of Ashley’s mansion, where we were currently seated, was packed with people. Though when we arrived, they were not so much but right now, the whole pool was filled up with people. I shook my head at what was going down right in the pool…you don’t wanna know, trust me.

“Want me to get you another drink?” Ayo asked, leaning very close to me, with a smile.

I looked down at the empty cup in my hand and touched my abdomen. I had just finished one cup and the on the table, were about four empty cups, and some half- finished drinks. I shook my head at him. “Nah, I’m good. Thanks.”

“You sure?” He lifted an eyebrow with a grim expression. “You sure the baby in there has had enough?”

I gave him a look. “What baby?”

“You know…” He wiggled his brows and looked from my stomach to my face, then winked at me.

I followed his movement. My eyes widened and dropped into a mock scowl. “Ay, you’re high tonight, I swear!”

He only burst out laughing, holding his stomach in the process. I shook my head but laughed anyway.  

He’d become really clingy after what happened between us at the bleachers that day, holding my hands and leaning his head close to mine, every time he got the chance. He even confidently hugged me today. I was shocked. Those little gestures made me feel warm, very warm, on the inside and probably on the outside ‘cause I was definitely a blushing mess right now.

“Wanna take a walk?” He asked suddenly, looking directly at me. As in, he made eye contact with me, which was a big first.

“Where?” I asked.

“Anywhere away from here,” he replied, looking around with a hand gesture. I was about to ask what was wrong with here until I saw MJ, Fred, Fawaz and Josh going gaga with bottles in their hands shouting "we go shut down!", "Babes go hear am!" so I swallowed the question. Some people shall have mad hangover today. Fingers crossed.

“Sure na.” I stood up and noticed Bolu was no longer with us. I felt like a bad friend. I did not even notice she was gone. I hope she’s okay. She has never been to a party before and I promised myself, I’d look after her.

Nina better calm down! You’re only but a month older than Bolu, stop acting like you’re her grandma. She can very well take care of herself, she’s no baby!

I exhaled a little.

Let’s just say I tend to be very protective of my friends and people I care about. Especially after what happened…

“Don’t worry I’m sure Bolu is fine.” He smiled at me like he read my mind or my face?

“Okay then.” I smiled back.

Jeremy and Joy were still cuddling. Okay...

Weird but cute. I started wondering if Joy was the same Joy that used fork to poke Jeremy’s butt the other day. Would she go back to being that Joy when school resumed?

We started walking and he took my hand in his, squeezing it a little as he did. I was just blushing like a goat— if goats could blush.

We walked in sweet, comfortable silence, holding hands and enjoying each other’s company until we got to the terrace of the house. I did not even know we climbed the stairs ‘cause I probably felt like I was floating on air.

“This place is quiet and serene enough,” He said.

“I guess so…” I nodded and added. “No one’s swimming in alcohol.”

He laughed and I joined in.

“I don’t even understand how you and MJ are best friends. MJ na mad guy and you are the sweetest little thing.” I pinched his cheek.

He pouted. “Being called sweet is for babies. I’m a man.” He chested out.

I giggled. “Man ko, Manchester ni. Shioor.”

He rolled his eyes. “You know, with the way you talk, one would think you were Yoruba.”

“What can I say? I was born and bred in Ibadan. Yoruba is spoken in my home like we eat rice and beans.”

“Cool. I could say the same for me too.”

I raised both my brows. “You’re not Yoruba?”

“Nope.” He shook his head. “Surprised abi?”

“Definitely! So where are you from, ‘cause your name is Ayooluwade Balogun…?”

“Ayooluwade Toristseju Balogun.” He smirked. “My middle name is an Itsekiri native name. My dad and mom are both Itsekiri but dad lived here for a long time and decided to answer a Yoruba surname and in turn, give us Yoruba names too. Although, Itsekiri and Yoruba are closely related. Language is very similar.”

“Wawu!” I exclaimed.

“Yeah,” He said and smiled.

I walked forward and leaned on the railings. He followed and did the same.

I stared at the stars, watched as they twinkled on their own accord lighting up the night sky in the process. They were beautiful. I wondered which one Muphasa from the lion king was. In the cartoon he became a star na…abi, didn’t he?

I also wondered if there was someone out there watching over me, willing to actually protect me; wondered if she was really among the stars or in heaven telling God to watch over me and my little brother and my aunt.

“What are you thinking about?” Ayo suddenly asked, slipping his soft hand into mine again.

I shrugged. “Just being thankful for how beautiful the stars are.”

“They are beautiful but not as beautiful as you.”

I tore my eyes away from the sky and looked at him, amused. “Whoever gave you that pick up line?” I chuckled, remembering how much Bolu and Ninu hated pickup lines.

He chuckled nervously and scratched the back of his neck. “Uh… Just thought of it?”

“Told you, you were the sweetest little thing.” I nudged him and he blushed.

“I’m not the sweetest little thing, I’m a__”

“Man. Yeah, I know, I know. Mr. Man.” I teased him.

Suddenly, one on our phones dinged and a song started playing, one I knew too well because Bolu was always ringing it in my ear. A song by Simi and Johnny Drille — Hallelujah.

The thing about Bolu was anytime she heard a song, old or new, she’d sing it over and over like she was a loudspeaker or a radio and the song got stuck in my head.

“That’s mine. My ten pm alarm.” He shook his head as if he was really forgetful and was about to turn it off when I stopped him.

“No. Let it keep playing…” I took the phone from him and placed it on a table in the terrace. “I love the song.” I started moving my body to the rhythm of the music and singing along with my terrible voice.

♫I really like you and it’s true

There is only one just you

I find it hard to say

I wish you knew

I am on instagram all day stalking you

You in my life is all I’m asking for…♫

He leaned back on the railings and crossed his arms, staring at me in awe.

“Come on, Ay, join me,” I yelled, stretching out my arms.

“Nope. I uh…I’d rather just watch you being adorable,” he replied raising his hands with a smile.

“Come on, nau…” I drawled and pouted.

“Nah…I’m…I’m good__”

I didn’t wait for him to finish speaking before I walked over to where he stood and dragged him. He was hard to drag but I did it anyway.

“Now, you gotta dance. Spotlight’s on you. And don’t you give any excuse that maybe people are watching ‘cause no one except you and I are here.”

“Yes ma'am!” He stated. Did a mock salute.

I rolled my eyes but smiled. “Dance!”
He put his hands over his face as a sign that he was real shy about it then we started dancing and singing the second verse. Still with my terrible voice.

Simi would probably sue me for destroying her and Johnny Drille’s well sang song.

♫I see the way he, the way he looks at me

I know the things he, the things he does for me

Boy if I could read your mind

I wonder if I’d be inside

If you could be mine

It feels like I’d be drinking wine

If you call me baby, me I no go mind oh

If you want me baby, make you talk your mind oh

You see that I’ve been waiting, me I no go lie oh

Me I no go lie, maybe I’m just crazy but…

If you love me…hallelujah…♫

We sang along and danced until the song finished, laughing and smiling but I did not understand how my hands ended up around his neck and his around my waist. It just did.

“You did not tell me you could dance so well,” I said not wanting to leave the position we found ourselves in.

There were a lot of things I didn’t know about Ayo and I wanted to know more. To know how many more talents he had, how many stuffs he could do, the reason behind his almost unnoticeable strength.

“Well uh…” He blushed and looked down from staring at my face.

“You’re cute.”

“You’re cuter and…really amazing,” He said quickly looking up and his eyes widened. “Another pick up line…sorry they just keep coming tonight. Don’t know what’s wrong with me.”

“No. It’s okay. I like your pick up lines. Cheesy though, but sincere.”

“Thanks…Nina. I…uh…I wanna tell you something. Something really important…I’ve wanted to say it for a long time. Wanted to say it the other day at the bleachers but got interrupted by the phone call from dad…”

I nodded for him to continue.

“I already said you were…are amazing and beautiful and so smart. Kindhearted, caring, sweet, understanding uh…I think I’m saying too much?”

“Actually no,” I bit my lower lip and smiled. “Keep going.”

“I know I said it the other time and it’s been just recently I got to know you but you’ve helped me a lot. Before now, I’d have no reason to be in this party, no matter how MJ tried to force me and I’d have not been able to face my fears of speaking to people, to a crowd.”

I smiled as I remembered the other day when I literally forced him to mount the podium in the assembly hall and talk about the need for cleanliness in relation to having a good health. I was picked that Friday, by the teacher to speak on it but I feigned sickness and Ayo ended up doing it.

And at first, he looked like he would falter but he was able to hold himself and speak with so much confidence and energy that I did not even know existed inside of him. He was calm, yes, but there was that strange strength that exuded secretly from him. The teacher commended him though and even pushed me aside, saying he was a better of speaker than I was.

Ayo continued…

“And every day, all the time, all I think about is you, you, you. I can’t go a day without wishing you were always beside me. I like you Nina and I like you a whole lot. And I’m as sure as heaven that it’s way more than that.” He let out a deep breath. “Geez, I can’t believe I said all that.” He blushed.

“You almost never believe what comes out from your mouth.”

He shrugged. “Beats me too.” He laughed and cupped his hands around my face, his expression turned serious again. “Do you…maybe um…feel the same way?”

“Of course I do and you have no idea how long I’ve waited to hear this from you!” I replied, smiling so wide that my cheeks hurt.

“Really, Nina? You feel the same way?”
I nodded.

He smiled, maintaining eye contact with me and for a while, his gaze shifted from my face to my lips. He moved closer and brushed his lips quickly against mine and I felt a rush of electricity. He pulled back and held my shoulder. “Nina…can I kiss you?”

Stupid question.

I gave him my answer by grabbing the collar of his shirt and pressing my lips against his, locking it in a pure and extreme feeling of ecstasy, bliss and euphoria.

He cupped my face and kissed back softly, deepening it a little, making our lips move in sync. He took his time, tracing the seam of my lips with his tongue and nibbling gently on it.

Geez, he was such a good kisser.

Safe to say I was on cloud nine that night well until…

Grrrrrrr

A phone rang.

Ruining our moment…again.

What the heck was the thing with phones?

This time it was mine. I groaned and cussed under my breath as I reached for my phone in the back pocket of my shorts.

I mouthed sorry and signaled for him to hold on as I saw my aunt’s name on the caller ID. Weird.

Why would she call me at this time of the night?

Why would anyone call me at this time of the night?

Nina relax nau, it’s just a little bit after ten pm, not that late.

My subconscious reminded me.
I finally answered the call as I walked away from where he stood.

“Yes Aunt Nora? Good evening ma.”

“Osaretin! Home! Now! Asap!” Her voice sounded panicky and scared.

My brows furrowed.

“Aunty, wait! What happened? Is Jeff alright? Are you people okay?” I asked in a hushed tone.

“No time to explain. Leave wherever you are and come home now…” she said and then whispered; “He…he’s here. He came here…”

“I don’t understand. Who’s there?”

The line went dead before she could answer anything.

I maintained a calm aura, eyes still bright, hands not shaky or sweaty, heart banging against my chest subtly, my smile still intact; but was really panicking.

Oh God! What is happening?

It better not be what I’m thinking! It better not be him again.

Oh God! Oh God! Oh God!

OH MY GOD!

I prayed to God that it was not the ‘him’ I was thinking it was. That would a big blow and a disaster. This could not be happening again.

I turned off my phone and kept it back in my pocket. I grabbed my bag from the chair I left it on in the terrace and turned to Ayo.

“I…uh…gotta go.”

“Are you okay?” He held my shoulders and looked at me before his eyes widened. “Or did I freak you out with the kiss or with what I said?”

“No, no.” I shook my head and managed a real smile at his nervousness plus mine. “You’re not the reason I’m leaving now and I absolutely loved the kiss.” I stood on my toes, cupped my arms round his face and kissed him again then pulled away. “Yes I’ll be your girlfriend. We are official now. I’ll text you later, okay and If Bolu looks for me just tell I had to leave but am fine?”

“Okay…”

I was already off the terrace and going down the stairs before he could complete his statement.

*Clears throat*

Yes, yes! That happened 😎

And that also happened

The question though, is; what exactly happened? 🤔🤷🤷

Me: No idea but something happened.

LMAO 😂

Okay, okay!

Hiiiiiiiiii!!!!!!

It's kinda been like forever since I updated this book but here I am with this! I hope you're happy?

Well...so I changed Ore's face claim and added face claims for Ashley and Joba. Y'all can go check it. If it doesn't show, delete the book from your library and add it again.

Secondly, have you guys followed my IG page @ I.f.e_b.writes? Please do if you have not🙏🙏🙏

Third: Lack of votes and comments on this book just be making me sad😞😞 but we move. Don't be a ghost reader. Vote and comment please.

Fourth: How do y'all like this chapter? Spam me with your comments. I'm not exactly satisfied with it though but I'll still edit it later.

I need y'all to comment please!🙏🙏🙏 And vote! It means a whole freaking lot to me😩😩😩🙏

Last but not least... Happy Sunday, I love y'all so darn much.❤️❤️❤️❤️

~Ife😎🔥