Isabelle felt stupid as she explained her fear of enclosed spaces to Loveth, who didn't mind and agreed they used the stairs. Since her ankle was healed, it wasn't much of a problem to get to the last floor.
They were on the fourth floor, about to continue to the last, when Loveth pointed out something Isabelle had failed to see.
“You care too much about others.”
Isabelle didn't understand why that was a problem, so she asked her to elaborate.
“When was the last time you thought about yourself?”
“Wouldn't it be selfish if I always thought about myself?” Isabelle answered, although she didn't fully understand the question.
“If you can't love yourself first, don't you know others won't even care about you or how you feel?” Loveth asked. “Sorry to say this,
Eighteen (18). The golden age every teenager awaits. The age where freedom is believed to be offered on a platter of gold. A time when smoking and drinking is allowed; and decisions are to be approved of, even if disagreed with.Emily had been anticipating her eighteenth birthday; but even after it came and passed, she felt nothing. She felt blank. Hollow.Her best friend hadn't gotten her anything and had only come with buckets of apologies. Even her parents, whom she despised, had gotten her gifts as requested. It was obligatory, but at least they had done it.The door opened and she looked up from her phone — where she had been dialling James' number countless times — to see Jide enter through the door with two glasses of wine.Once normal classes had ended, Emily called Jide to pick h
Even in school, Emily did her best to avoid Isabelle.Since she couldn't stand Isabelle's gaze that weighed like tons on her shoulders, she started to sit at the back. She didn't need her best friend of over ten years to feel complete or get through the tiring hours of school.However, the story changed whenever she saw Isabelle laughing with her friends — Jemina, Isaac and surprisingly, Joel. It made her angry, sad and disappointed even.She should have got used to being loved and then abandoned all of a sudden, but each time the pain felt raw and was unbearable.Because Miss Vivian had resigned and the current disaster had made it even harder for the school to find a new lab technician, Mr Jude— their Chemistry teacher — had to take over.The class had ended after the bell buzzed and Emily was still packing her books in her bag when she noticed the sudden quiet t
The more time it took for Joel and Isaac to arrive, the more water Isabelle gulped down to ease her tensed state.It was finally Friday afternoon, and the girls had come over to wait for the guys, who said they'd come to pick them. Isabelle knew Joel didn't have a car but wasn't sure about Isaac (since he also took the bus to school), so she wondered why the wait.Loveth, who had been watching her gulp down water from the glass cup in her hand, started laughing. “Relax. You look like you're going to the altar.”Isabelle scowled at her.“Should I wear my hair up or down?” Jemina asked as she packed up her braids and then lowered it.“Down. And lose the glasses,” Loveth said and took off Jemina's glasses.“I can't see without it!”“I'll guide you. You're not ruining my swag with this.” Loveth kept the glasses in her purse.Isabelle had tol
It was like the calm before the storm. There was a storm, alright, and it brewed in the confines of Joel's home. From the stories they've heard, everyone felt they needed to buckle up and be there for him.“Joe,” Isaac called.The car had rolled to a stop and everyone was waiting for Joel to get down before they did. Joel had been caught up in his world of dark memories as he stared at the house before turning to look at Isaac.“Are you okay? You sure you want to go in there?” Isaac asked, ready to turn the car around if Joel should change his mind.Joel nodded, grabbed the box containing the gift he had got his brother, and took the house in with a deep breath. “I have to.”Isaac drove in and found a parking spot among the various expensive cars parked in the compound. Joel's house was simply breathtaking.The security men welcomed them and an older woman on her way through t
Loveth's loud voice had attracted curious glances from a few of the guests.“Loveth, it's okay,” Jemina pleaded.“Daniel, I suggest you leave before you call for a crowd,” Joel stated.“I wasn't planning on staying.” Daniel eyed them and left.“Oh, God.” Loveth bit her finger and pointed at Joel. “It's because of you I'm calming down o, if not! Isaac, you know me na.”Isaac nodded and came to her side. “And that's why we're begging you to calm down. You know what? Let's step outside for a moment.”She was still eyeing Daniel's back when he turned her around and headed toward the door.“I'm truly sorry about that,” Adam said as the maid arrived with their water.The girls collected theirs and directed her to Loveth outside.Joel sighed, rubbing a hand down his face. “This is why I didn't want you guys coming here.”
Joel hadn't been expecting Opeoluwa at his doorstep. However, she mistook his state of surprise as her presence as being unwanted. The fact that Isabelle and the others were around did nothing to help his case.After the others had left, she had stated how worried she had been, only to find out he was busy having fun with his new 'friends'.“It's not what you think, Ope. Just let me explain,” he begged.“Explain? Explain?! Okay, go ahead. Explain to me why in the world you're hanging out with those three girls? Explain.”He had wanted to start from the very beginning, but the promise he had made to Loveth not to tell anyone about what happened made him stutter.“I thought as much,” Opeoluwa scoffed and started toward the door.“Ope, please wait.”She turned abruptly and he stopped short in his tracks.“You know, you really mes
Cosmos had sent his sons to the study, except Joel, who was seated on the bed, trying to catch his breath and get his heart to beat normally."Why didn't you tell me about this?" Cosmos asked, standing by the table.Joel shot him a sideways glance and scoffed in disbelief. "Like you cared."His knuckles still hurt from hitting Daniel and he flexed them. It was the first time he had ever thrown a successful punch at someone and the fact that it was his brother made him feel good about it.Cosmos sighed heavily. "How many times has this happened?""'Cause I'm supposed to be keeping count. Can we just call off this bullshit and finish the party, so I can go home.""God," he heard the man breath out and saw him rub his hands down his face. "This is all my fault. I caused this.""Damn right you did," Joel said as he stared at his scarred palms.The scars
Since Loveth left, Jemina has been sitting alone and Isabelle didn't like that, especially because Olabisi and Nneka wouldn't stop taunting her. It was a tough decision — sitting with Jemina — considering her misunderstanding with Emily. But she just couldn't allow Jemina to sit alone."You and Joel; are you guys fighting?" Jemina asked Isabelle.Isabelle had been jotting as she was reading her Chemistry note when Jemina’s question caused her to pause. "Why do you ask?""Because you look like you're avoiding him."It's been exactly two weeks since Joel kissed her and she still hasn't been able to make sense of her emotions.She had come to realize she liked being around him; she liked the way he laughed (although this used to be a rare occasion). She liked how after a long day, he'd lean back and pinch his eyes closed while his Adam’s apple bobbed. I
Everyone had decided to start all over again.Martin had been discharged and since Badmus High was on a temporary lockdown, he decided to use the free time to intern at an automobile workshop.BHS' football team had been automatically disqualified from the soccer tournament, giving Bankole a tough time to decide what to do with his time. Soccer was all he knew. Since he had decided to abandon his vulgar ways, he couldn't go to the bar or visit any of his old friends.A few days later, his mother showed up again, and this time he had sat down to listen. She hadn't remarried since she left (she couldn't bring herself to do so, she had said) and would love to take him and his sister, Gbemisola, with her. Bankole hadn't been sure at first, but after a few more visits and during a loud disagreement between both his parents, he decided to move in with his mother. Gbemisola wanted to follow her older brother, but Mr Davies wasn
Tope was doing fine, although she felt too ashamed to face anyone. Her parents, especially her mother, had been very disappointed in her but later concluded pointing fingers would do them no good.Loveth was forgiven and so was Joel, but Tope also pleaded that they gave her time to gather herself, to which they agreed.A few days later was the death anniversary of Joel's mother. The whole family — Joel's uncle's family included — had gathered for dinner.Joel had wanted his friends to come along, but they believed it wouldn't be logical if they did. It was their first dinner in a long time as a complete family, which meant there was a lot to talk about. But they promised to tag along in the next one.It was a nice evening, where everyone put aside their differences and had a good laugh. There had been a kind of silent agreement that Victoria Edochie wouldn't want their first dinner as a family to be
Bankole walked into his father's establishment, determined to speak to his father and get to the bottom of this absurdity he had just heard."I'm sorry, but you can't go in. He's in a meeting right now," the receptionist told him, but her stare kept flickering from his face to behind her.His right eyebrow rose slightly at her panicked state, and a mix of laughter suddenly broke the silence in the tensed air as he also heard the elevator doors closing.The receptionist's head snapped to the back as he also looked the same way.A wave of fatigue long-gone returned with an incredible force, almost knocking Bankole off his feet as he found his father's arm draped over a lady young enough to be his daughter.His father's eyes had widened for a split second before they narrowed shot his receptionist a hard glare.~~~Bankole couldn't tell wh
Despite the crazy things happening, the soccer tournament was going great for Badmus High; and at this rate, coach believed they'd be taking the cup home this time, just as Bankole would be recruited by coaches of national teams.Pumped with excitement and determination, Bankole increased his pace, covering more ground as he ran round the school's track. Although it was getting late that Saturday evening, the anticipation hadn't allowed him to sit at home or do anything else. If all eyes were on him this season (being the highest goal scorer on record), he needed to be at his best.It was almost eight when his muscles finally gave in, and he slumped on the grass, beside his bag-pack, panting. After drinking from his bottled water, he sat there for a while, his hands stretched out behind him as he threw his head back, drinking in the cold air that also cooled his skin.As he remained that way fo
¶¶To whom it may concern, be careful of the decisions you makebecause they don't just affect you.Be careful of the path you choose,'cause when a fire is left uncontrolled,it consumes everything in its path.Everything!~ Amberdorn.¶¶Loveth knew her first visit hadn't been accepted with open arms, but what she didn't know was the horrifying effect it brought upon Tope.Joel could tell Loveth was as nervous as he was as they approached Tope's home. Although he had never seen Loveth nervous before, and this did no good to his nerves. She kept running her hand up and down her bag's strap as she stared at the ground beneath her feet.Pushing his emotions aside, he held her hand, stopping it midway down her bag's
She was quiet as he kept his head down. He stole a glance at her face and saw her smiling."It's stupid, right?""Of course, no.""It's stupid. Forget it."She slapped his arm lightly. "No, it's not. Chef Joel."He let out a soft chuckle. "You really think it's a good idea?""Yeah. How long have you known you wanted to cook?""I don't know. I guess because Isaac kept suggesting it and it kind of stuck. At first, I cooked to survive. Then I realized I enjoyed doing it. It became a habit to check magazines for new recipes and also try them."But I never really realized it was something I wanted to do until I looked around and saw we all can't be doctors and nurses. Someone has to make the bags we carry, like Loveth does. Someone has to mix the drinks at the bars or events, like Isaac. Someone also has to teach girls and women to be wise and stan
The past three months at Badmus High had not only been daunting but also life-threatening. Lives were tweaked by fate and their owners either danced well to its tune or broke a leg while dancing very differently.Those who had danced well were rewarded with new perspectives and another shot at being a better person; those who broke legs weren't sure if a future existed for them, and these people included Emily.Emily had finally recovered, physically that is, and was discharged to go home to her family. She came out with her hand in a cast and a mind twisted with horror, but everyone advised her to be at least grateful she came out alive. Many had lost their lives in cases like this, but God had been faithful to her.Emily wanted to believe God had been merciful, but after all, she caused herself and everyone around her, could that be true? Sadly, she didn't believe so.Her parents, being too scared because of
Isaac had gone to his workplace to request for leave since exams were coming up, and he needed more time to read. But it was mostly because he was more concerned with finding Emily and was starting to feel a little ill. His boss had granted him the leave, albeit reluctantly, and he had been leaving the place when he saw Jide emerging from his car.Jide had stopped to get something at a pharmaceutical store close by, and Isaac only crossed the road when he saw a female seated in the front seat.It had taken him a while — after he crossed the road — to recognize that the girl was Emily. Her face was battered up, malnourished, and she was coated in an oversized jumper. Isaac had been attempting to open locked the door when Jide came out.When he confronted Jide, the two had got into a huge fight that attracted passers-by, who were the reason the fight was ended.While Isaac tried to explain Jide was a kidna
Loveth wasn't so discrete in hiding her disdain for Jessica, neither was she trying, and the same went for Jessica, who glared hard at her before returning to what she was telling them.“Look, I know this might be hard to believe,” Jessica said. “Especially since it's coming from me—”“I'm glad you know,” Loveth interrupted Jessica for the umpteenth time since she began talking, and if it wasn't for Jessica's need to prove she was telling the truth, she would have shut Loveth up the hard way.“Isabelle,” Jessica called softly. “I know what I saw, and honestly, I don't see what I'll be gaining by lying to you.”Isabelle had felt light-headed by the news Jessica relayed to them and, with the help of Joel, had sat on the bench.They had reached the bus-stop —where they found Lovett who was waiting for them, so they'd go to Joel's house and see what else they could come up with — minutes ago, when