One dusty morning, we all prepared for school and headed out. But trust me, Eva was acting like she owned me. Poor Kiera though—she'd always steal a glance at us, even right in the middle of lessons.
"Hi Ade," Jane greeted, her voice all sweet.
"How are you?"
"I'm good."
"Okay, so why are you standing here?" I asked, trying hard to mask my irritation.
"She's here because she wants you to adjust your seat so she can sit right beside you," Helen teased with a smile.
I sighed, adjusted my seat, and Jane excitedly dragged her chair next to mine. But the whole while, I felt Kiera's eyes on me. My chest tightened. I glanced her way, and boom—our eyes locked. I quickly turned away, pretending to admire the classroom's black-and-white wallpaper like it was the Mona Lisa.
"So tell me more about yourself," Jane pressed, still smiling.
"Really nothing to say apart from me being Nigerian," I shrugged, trying to shake off Kiera's stare.
"Why don't you sing me one of your songs? I'd appreciate it," Jane said, signaling her friends to gather.
And so I did. Soon both boys and girls circled me. I sang, and their voices rose to join mine. Eva, though? She was loud—so loud her voice could scare a cat. Biggy was busy mocking me, but I blocked him out, mentally convincing myself he was vibing along, not trying to ruin my flow. We went on like that until school hours were over.
"Can we go home now?" Kiera asked, clearly annoyed.
"Yes! Actually, we're waiting for a queen named Eva," I said, my voice dripping sarcasm.
"So Ade, you wanted to leave me here?" Eva teased, tugging playfully at my ear.
"How can I leave a queen such as you?"
"You were about to! Kiera, weren't you guys about to leave me?" she asked, feigning hurt.
Kiera forced a smile, but I caught it—the villain glare when Eva wasn't looking. Her jealousy was written all over her face, dangerous and raw. I knew right then that if I wasn't careful, Eva's clinginess and Kiera's rage could tear them apart. And I didn't want that.
I flapped Eva's hand off my ear, hopped on my bike, and waited for them.
---
Months later, Kiera's jealousy had fully bloomed. She'd scream at Eva anytime she caught us together. She tried to separate us on errands, sulked, fumed. It was exhausting.
Then came exam day. A windy morning, our last papers. This time, no more sitting with friends—the teachers arranged us strictly by numbers. Kiera landed at my right, Barnabas at my left, and Eva three seats behind me. Happiness radiated from Kiera like sunlight.
"So we're finally sitting together, huh?" she whispered with a smile.
"Yeah," I muttered awkwardly, scratching my head.
"Why are you always uncomfortable around me? You're always free with her, but never with me. That's not fair, younno?" Her voice cracked slightly.
I nodded, saying nothing. How could I tell her my gut screamed not to trust her? That something in me whispered: This girl will do something bad.
"Now guys, get ready for your papers," Mrs. Quinn barked. "No cheating. If you're caught, you already know the consequences."
The fierce invigilator stormed in. "Start once you get your papers!"
We began. English first. Then maths—the one subject I loved. Eva loved it too. But Kiera? She struggled. I caught her staring at her blank paper, so I subtly gestured for her to peek at mine. She resisted, but finally gave in.
"Thanks," she whispered.
"You're welcome."
By closing time, I slung my backpack and waited outside. Eva and Kiera walked out, laughing. But as soon as Kiera spotted me, she dashed over and hugged me tightly.
"Thanks," she grinned, pressing herself to me.
"For what?" I asked, uneasy under Eva's jealous stare.
"For helping me, duh!" she said, patting my chest.
I quickly peeled her off me. Eva's face was unreadable as she walked up.
"Can we go home now?" she asked flatly.
"Oh yeah!" Kiera beamed, climbing onto my bike.
The ride home was awkward. Kiera occasionally tightened her arms around me. Eva noticed, I could tell. Because the second we stopped, she stormed inside without a word. My stomach churned with guilt.
"Bye, sweetie!" Kiera waved dramatically.
"Adejoke," I corrected.
"I just gave you a nickname," she winked.
"Bye," I said curtly, riding off.
---
📚 Adejoke loves maths.
But guess what? This authoress hates it! Like deep hate. Who else hates that subject? Don't lie! Not like I have a belt to flog you if you confess 🤣.
So what's really happening here? 👀
Kiera's jealous? Crushing hard?
Eva's jealous too?
Whose team are you on?
🖤 Team Kiera
💜 Team Eva
Stay tuned for Chapter 24!
Your favorite teen authoress 🔰📑
Oziomajasmine 💝💝