A middle-aged man walked slowly along the lonely road. He coughed out blood harshly as he walked. He tripped and fell against a wall and cursed silently. The man grunted in pain as he got back on his feet. His pale face with scattered dark hairs hid his left eyes. He had a fresh bleeding thick scar that ran down his cheeks.
"It's been sixteen years you stole her from me and now you want me dead. I'm not dying until I lay my eyes on her", The man murmured and cried as he staggered. He once again started coughing sharply. At the end of the road, were two young boys moving quickly and shouting at each other. The man quickly panicked and tripped once again while trying to get away from them. This quickly caught their attention and they approached him. He quickly reassured himself they weren't a threat as he saw they were just teenagers. He had been paranoid since he got from the airport after discovering he was poisoned with polonium 234. He could tell because he had gotten on the nerves of some powerful and dangerous men, the same people who took his daughter from him. He noticed the young teenage boys were twins and had a striking resemblance of someone he knew. One of them reached out to help him.
"Are you okay? You are bleeding", the boy said.
"Hello? the other brother spoke up.
"What are you doing here fella?" The same twin asked.
"That's rude of you Erek! You don't think so?" His brother cautioned him and faced back the man.
"I'm sorry. I can see you have met my rude twin brother. May I know why you are bleeding and all roughed up in the lonely street of Enugu.
"Just go away", the man got a hold of himself and moved away a little. Erek let out a sigh in disappointment.
"I told you not to approach him, Derek. Now he's been rude to us"
"You were rude first"
"Was I?"
"Enough. Both of you shut up!" The middle-aged man said, coughing.
"Huh?" Erek raised an eyebrow.
"Were you robbed? Who did this to you.....", Derek's voice trailed off as he quickly responded to catch the falling man.
"Thank you, child,", the man said in relief after being caught.
"We shouldn't be here. We shouldn't be talking to strangers that's for sure. What if he's a fugitive and the government was looking for him?" Erek protested again. His brother accepted the idea because he got way uncomfortable after hearing those words. Erek moved to grab Derek but got pushed away.
"We can't just leave him here", Derek responded, laying the man against the wall. They were reminded how lonely the street was because their voices echoed along the quiet street. Erek moved again to grab his brother.
"Let go of me", Derek struggled to break loose of his brother's tight grip. The man silently watched the drama play out in front of him. From his deductions and observations, Erek seemed to be the exact opposite of his cool headed, kind and friendly brother. He had twins at one point in his life but they got stolen from him, by his runaway crazy ex-wife of course. He had come back from a Egypt on a field trip with his two years old daughter to a deserted home and a goodbye letter. The twins would be the same age with these ones in front of him assuming he ever got to meet them again. He tried tracing his ex-wife but all to no avail. She had moved out of the country so he heard and her family wouldn't provide a single detail on her whereabouts. Eventually he would be put on court restraining order after he had aggressively threatened to wipe out her parents and siblings. That was fourteen years ago and they remained the darkest years of his life. While he was lost in thoughts, one of the twins' screams brought back his attention once again. Derek arm-locked his brother and brushed him off his feet. Erek laid on the ground and grunted out with pains. With an outburst of rage, he quickly performed a back flip to get more space to launch a counter offensive. Erek was physically built as his brother was. Both were fighters in their own way. Erek had gone through martial arts and had gotten a black belt after intensive training while Derek was just a regular street fighter in caged matches. Both were extremely experienced in fighting, fighting experience to be used only as a sole form of self-defense. Erek ran and threw himself against his brother with a roundhouse kick which Derek unfortunately couldn't avoid. The impact and timing were perfect as he rolled to the ground, cursing.
"Enough! Enough you too. Bloody brats with no home training", the man spat out. Erek released himself from his counter martial art stance and offered his brother a hand. Derek slapped his hands away and helped himself up.
"You know what Derek? I don't care. You can come home anytime you want alright?" he said angrily and walked out. After some minutes of dead silence, the man let out a scream and
held his chest as he started breathing heavily. Derek moved to him quickly.
"We need to get you to hospital sir", Derek suggested, as he noticed his body rocked uncontrollably.
"I won't make it", the man spat out more blood. "What's your name?"
"Derek Sir. Derek Esogibe".
The name brought intense shock as he heard it. Tears wielded up in his eyes. What more could he wish for? Here in front of him, all these while, were his twin boys. He could now connect the dots more clearly. His ex-wife had changed their last name and gave them hers, no wonder finding them was difficult.
"I have been on a journey to find......", the man stopped talking and reached out to his pocket to find something. He got out a necklace and presented it to Derek.
"To find a necklace? Seriously?" Derek rolled his eyes.
"It's more than a necklace. It's precious to me", the man squeezed it. "It resembles the birth mark on my daughter. I lost her sixteen years ago"
"Lost?"
"She was stolen from me. Kidnapped. By powerful men who were after my life and they sure got me today", He added and started struggling with his breath.
"You were poisoned?" Derek asked.
"She has this symbol on her left shoulder. I lost her when she was just two years old. I need you to find her for me", the man said. He was dying and he knew it. His vision was getting tougher every second.
"Look for her? I can't. I don't even know where to start. I mean I can't just start looking at every girl's shoulder", Derek protested. The man smiled and weakly passed the necklace to Derek.
"For some reason, I believe. find her. The last clue I could get was that she was somewhere here in Enugu state. You have the heart of your father and the eyes of your mother, Chiamaka. Find her...", His voice trailed off as he took his last breath.
"Wait! How did you know my mother's name?" Derek was shocked at the last revelation. He gently tugged at the man until he was convinced the man was dead and gone. He quickly got up his feet and began to run away when he heard footsteps and barking dogs approaching. If he was ever found with a dead body, no amount of explanation to the corrupt police would get him out freely. The people behind this man's assassination would love to pin the blame on someone innocent in order to get away with it surely. Derek convinced himself as he ran away.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Derek returned home very late. His mind unstable and occupied with the recent event. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't notice his mom sneaking up behind him.
"Boom!!" Mom shouted from behind. Derek quickly ran and tripped over a chair crashing to the ground.
"Scary kitten", Erek laughed, entering the living room.
"Yeah Yeah. She always keeps scaring the living hell out of me", Derek protested, recovering from the shock. Now was not the time to be playing such pranks, not after he was almost caught with a dead body.
"You have got dirt on your trousers", Mum glanced at him.
"I know Mum and thanks a lot", He said and moved to the kitchen, she followed him behind trying to keep up. It was damn late and she needed an explanation as to where a seventeen-year-old boy could be at 11 p.m.
"Erek told me an interesting story about a stranger. Do you have any idea about it?".
"Yeah sure"
"Okay. So..., you are going to tell me about it, right?
"Of course, mum"
"Alright go on", Mum and Erek said in unison as Derek opened the refrigerator and brought out a chilled yoghurt. She quickly slid into a chair nearby.
"Erek and I were coming back from Mr. Greenies restaurant when we ran into well you could say a complete total stranger". Erek nodded in agreement he watched as his brother poured some yoghurt into a glass cup and had a go at it.
"He was bleeding badly. I couldn't pay blind attention to that; you know I can't. Perhaps Erek can '', He added, giving his brother a disappointed look. Erek quickly smirked and gave a thumbs up in agreement.
"Did he tell you where he was from?" Mom raised an eyebrow.
"He didn't ......."
"So, he comes from nowhere. He could have been a terrorist, a wanted man. He could have killed you and no one would have any idea about .....
"He was badly injured, mom. Poisoned! Couldn't even move a damn muscle. I wouldn't be the best candidate to kill if he had a reason to do so. At least not in his terrible condition".
"Still not enough reason to be prying into affairs you cannot handle ", mom argued. Erek nodded in agreement.
"He did tell me something. Says he has been travelling around the world for sixteen good years looking for his missing daughter ", Derek concluded. Mom felt a strong sorrow hit at her.
"That's so sad. poor fellow"
"Where is he?"
"Dead"
"Oh my god", she gasped. Erek flinched backwards in response to the news. Mom moved to hug him and console him.
"Your hands are cold " she said after contact with his hands.
"Of course, I just watched someone I don't even know die in front of me and I couldn't do a thing" Derek said hugging mum. Erek too joined.
"Don't worry, it's all going to be all right. I'm so lucky I left on time. I don't wish to see a dead person", Erek said releasing himself from the hug
"Dude you are burning up" Erek said touching his brother's forehead
"I guess I have a little fever. Also, I'm very hungry", Derek replied.
"There's no such thing as a little fever. Go and change your filthy clothes because I'm going to clean you up with cold water and administer some few antimalarial drugs to you", Mum added after confirming his brother's claim.
"Ok mum. You are the best", Derek smiled. He went to his room, changed into his bathing robes and met Mum in the bathroom. She had already gotten the cold water prepared and had a clean towel dipped into it. A few minutes later, she was gently cleaning his body.
"Derek, you are growing up into a man. I'm sure your dad would be proud of you", mom said. She noticed he was shy because he was partially naked.
"You know I used to bathe the both of you when you were little. So don't feel uneasy ", she added. Derek wasn't even worried about that. His expression had changed as soon as she mentioned his father. She had told them that a few months before they were born, their father had died from kidney failure. She had convinced them of this story all throughout their lives. She also made sure to get rid of anything relating to their father. She got rid of everything, including his pictures. When asked about it, her usual excuse was that she couldn't handle the emotional trauma from remembering him and she had to get rid of everything that would open that pandora's box.
"What this little treasure you have on your neck?" Mom asked as she cleaned his body, admiring the necklace.
"It's nothing", Derek took it off his neck. He glanced at it. It had an arch attached to it.
"Let me have a look", she asked. Derek quickly passed it to her willingly. He noticed her sudden change of mood. "I've seen one of these before", Mom Said, looking puzzled.
"What's the problem? Why is your face like that", Derek asked. She quickly adjusted her face and smiled.
"Nothing. Your father used to have one of these. Do you know what this arch represents?" She tried to act normal again
"No, do you?"
"Yeah, I do, it's an Egyptian symbol of life", She replied. She was sure this belonged to her husband. How did he get it? Was he close to finding her or has he found her already? She thought worriedly.
"How do you know that?" Derek asked, taking back the necklace.
"Let's just say your father was obsessed with Egyptian stuff. He often went to Egypt on trips with some archaeologists working for the government. He knew the hieroglyphics so much that he was often recruited to translate it", she said proudly as she succeeded in camouflaging her distress with beams of smiles and laughter.
"Alright I'm done. Go put on some clothes least cold will get to your body", she said giving a soft slap on his back as she stood up to leave
"I kept some food for you in the kitchen. Also check in the oven, your brother was kind enough to preserve some pizza for you" she said, faking a yawn. She needed to retire to her room quickly and research on this mysterious stranger.
"Thank You so much. I can even feel my intestine starting a fight", he chuckled, putting on some clothes
"I'm going to bed now dear. Make sure your second does not sleep on the sofa. Good night", She said and left him alone. He laughed out aloud. He knew damn well she was referring to Erek and his bad habits of falling asleep in the living room.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The Singing birds woke Derek up a few minutes before his alarm. He went down from the bed and walked to the dressing mirror. He took the necklace from the drawer, hesitated a bit and wore it. He looked back at his brother snoring on the bed. Irritated by it, he picked up a pillow and projected it perfectly at Erek's drooling face. Erek opened an eyeball and hissed.
"What is it now?" Protested sleepy Erek
"It's past seven. Get down and let's go help mom set breakfast", Derek ordered.
"I'll be up in a minute", Erek replied, slamming his face down the soft pillow. Derek walked out of the room and followed the aroma of the nice dish to its final destination, backyard. He met mom making barbeque and setting the table for breakfast.
"Morning", Derek greeted.
"Oh! You are already up as usual", She replied with a casual smile. "Erek?" She asked.
"Nope, still drooling as usual", Derek replied. "Do you want to help?"
"Of course,"
"Okay great. I needed those extra hands here but I didn't want to bother you guys. Set the dishes and cutleries please", Mom said. Derek did as he was told. Erek came down a minute later and joined them.
"Good morning mom", Erek greeted.
"Good morning love", She ruffled up his hair gently.
"All has been set", Derek said. "Shall we?", He added. Mom accepted, leading the way to the table and sat down. Erek quickly took his cutleries and tore his fried eggs apart to devour.
"Could you please say the grace Erek?" Mom raised an eyebrow, looking annoyed. Derek gave a smirk, followed with a thumbs down at his brother. Disappointed and ashamed, Erek laid down his cutleries.
"For the food before us we thank you oh lord", He whispered.
"Amen", They all chorused and laughed. Erek rushed his food again.
"Eating manners please", Derek said, taking a gentle bite at his egg.
"It's not as if there are any pretty ladies over here" Erek objected, with his mouth full.
"That means I'm not a pretty lady myself, am I?", Mom asked. Derek laughed while twisting eggs round his fork for another bite.
"Can I have more meat balls? This is delicious", Erek asked, gesturing at his empty place "
"Of course,". After several minutes, they rounded up and relaxed for food digestion to kick in. Mom passed an envelope towards them. Erek reached out for it but Derek had a faster reflex.
"Money for shampoo and other necessary things you guys are lacking. It's also your stipend for this month and next", Mum said.
"Thanks mom. But isn't this a little bit too much?" Derek marveled, still staring into the envelope.
"We will take the lot", Erek snatched the envelope away from his brother.
"Okay boys" Mom replied with a smile.
"Thanks for the breakfast. I'll have my bath and head straight to the mall'', Erek stood up.
"I'm coming with you", Derek too stood up
"No, you aren't. You stay right here and help mum pack up", Erek replied. "While I will go to the mall and get our stuff. Now all you have to do is give me the list of what you would want me to get for you while I'm at the store" Erek smiled to himself.
"Buy the essential things we need. Don't you go buying stupid things", Derek finally agreed.
He packed up the plates alongside mom and followed her to the kitchen to wash them.
"I will brother. Also, it wouldn't hurt if I buy motor propellers for my projects, don't you think?" Erek called after Derek was leaving.
"Just don't tamper with my share of the money. I will never fail to forget how you used your textbook money in the middle to buy a box of lollipop sweets", Derek voiced out.
"Oh, he comes again. Always nagging and mingling with the past. That was then, I'm seventeen now. And also, sensible", Erek replied as he recounted the money again.
"Fifteen thousand naira", he smiled and put them back into the envelope
"Erek", Derek shouted from the kitchen. "Get my art materials from the mall, also help me with shawarma at the grocery store. Keep my balance", He added. Erek gave no response, instead walked back into the house to have his shower. A few minutes later he stepped into the garage and hopped into mum's black SUV and drove out.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Honor sat upright on the couch in the living room as his mind wandered off after seeing all the things grandpa had bought to send him off to a boarding school. He had gotten admission a week ago, after writing the entrance examinations, in which he passed the cut off mark. His grandparents made sure that his last day at home would be perfect. They had convinced him that new friends were waiting for him and that he needed that experience of staying away from home. Mrs. Sharoh did all the cooking that night while her husband helped with arranging Honor's school belongings in his room.
"You smell that? Grandma is cooking something nice", Mr. Henry smiled as he joined his grandson in the living room. Honor didn't return the smile. Mr. Henry quickly took note because he moved and sat close to him.
"You're entering grade 11. It's only going to be a year or two until you're done. Also, you're entering as a senior you should be more excited than us", He held his hand as he spoke. Minutes into speaking to Honor, Mrs. Sharoh entered the living room with a tray filled with food.
"Dinner is served", She smiled and pecked her husband. Tears rolled down Honor's eyes against his will.
"What's the problem darling?" Mrs. Sharon asked, wiping them off. He stood and gave her a big hug, sobbing quickly. Mr. Henry didn't hesitate to queue in too.
"Thank you. Thank you for everything. I won't let you down", He smiled once again, still holding them. "You all are the best grandparents in the world", he added, releasing himself from the hug.
"You are welcome, my love. Now sit down, you have a big day ahead of you tomorrow", Mrs. Sharon replied and they're all settled down to eat.
"So, grandpa, how about your business contracts?" Honor asked, his meat in-between his teeth.
"Good so far. All glory to God", Mr. Henry replied.
"Honor, remember to be a good boy in school. Don't associate with the bad ones. Always make sure you give a wide berth to them; do you hear me?" Mr. Henry said
"Yes grandpa"
"This is your beginning", Mr. Henry replied with a smile.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Enugu shopping mall was crowded with people trooping in and out every second. Erek finally found a good place to park after a long search.
"Here goes nothing", He shook his head and walked into the building. He moved around throwing the necessary products into his shopping basket while he was accessing his list. Mum had done a lot of scale of preference on the list they both presented and cancelled out some unnecessary items. Erek wasn't too happy about it but mum's no was her no. He proceeded to the electrical sector of the mall to check out some electric propellers.
"Please do you know where propellers are kept?" Erek asked a teenage girl standing beside him. The girl replied with an annoyed look.
"And do I look like a sales girl??" The girl spat out, rolling her eyes on him. Erek frowned and started walking away.
"Hey wait! That's so rude of you", She ran after him.
"What do you want?" Erek angrily spun around to face her.
"Can't you ever be polite?" The girl smiled.
"Are you delusional?" Erek fired back. His eyes quickly caught something that stole his interest. He rolled his basket towards the electronic propeller he saw on another shelf. The girls stood embarrassed and watched him walk out on her.
"Seriously", She whispered silently and watched as he disappeared into a corner. She hesitated for some seconds before running after him.
"Hey walking out on a lady is wrong", She said catching up to him.
No response.
"What are you doing in the electrical sector of this store?" She asked.
"It's none of your business", He replied harshly as he quickly accessed and scanned the object he took out of the shelf.
"You must be into machines and stuff", She continued.
"Of course,"
"What's that?" She snatched the object from his hand.
"That's a propeller", Erek faced her directly and took a proper glance at her. She had on a tight short gown that brought out her curves. The low neckline of her bodice emphasized her plump, voluptuous figure. You could tell that's the reason behind her high sense of entitlement and overconfidence. Erek was a bit impressed with her style of dressing. She had matched her tight gown with a jean jacket and sparkling white Balenciaga designer sneakers with colorful shoelace. She had a spiky waistband on her left wrist next to her wrist watch. She had long thick black hair mixed with a touch of brown at the tip. She had beautiful amber eyes matching with her neatly carved eyebrows. She was fair in complexion and gap toothed with white sparkling teeth and thick dimples. Being six feet on the dot, Erek could tell she was five foot five inches because he was taller than her.
"Are you in school?" She asked, returning the propeller back to him.
"Not real..."
"You don't have the money? Aww..." She cut him off, mockingly. Erek looked disgusted at the remark and smirked.
"Sorry, which planet are you from again?" Erek asked. She turned to leave.
"Well, my boyfriend, Jack, is waiting for me outside. So, if you don't mind bye", She said and turned to leave.
Hmm that's one hell of a crazy girl. All of them are the same. Erek thought. The girl paused and spun around.
"Just in case you have the money, come to Alvana model secondary school. My name is Mary. Do come find me. We sure do know how to handle riff raffs like you", Mary laughed as she walked out.
"I'm Erek", Erek said after her.
"Don't care", Mary said, disappearing into a corner. He smiled and moved to the payout point. Why am I always attracted to the rude ones? He thought as he paid for the products. As he walked out of the mall, he sighted Mary getting into a red Jeep. He quickly loaded his goods into the SUV and moved towards her. He knocked on the Jeep's dark window and it rolled down. Mary gave him a fake smile, followed by a frown.
"How may I help you?", She raised an eyebrow.
"You were rude back there, you know that", Erek spoke up.
"You got a problem with that?"
"No. I mean if being rude was to get my attention, you were successful", Erek replied, ruffling up his overgrown hair. "I was hoping I could get your number", He added before she could say another word. She smiled and proceeded to call them out but stopped midway after her eyes caught someone.
"First, I don't give out my number to strangers and secondly", Mary paused and pointed her fingers to figure behind him. "I have a boyfriend", she completed as Erek spun around.
"Mary, who is this?" Jack asked, eyeing the stranger in front of his car.
"Don't know, just some homeless guy that won't leave me alone", Mary lied shamelessly. Erek's eyes widened in disbelief. He let out a loud long laugh with tears spilling out at the corner of his eyes. Jack got impatient and irritated because he grabbed Erek by the collar and pushed him hard against the car. Mary caught the scent of Erek's perfume that trooped into the open window of the passenger seat she was occupying.
"What do you want drunkie?" Jack asked squeezing Erek's collar
"You're going to mess up my shirt man. Someone precious to me took their time to get it all cleaned up and nicer-looking than yours", Erek said coolly. Mary held her hands over her mouth, trying as hard as possible to seize her laugh.
"Are you talking to me? Huh?" Jack flared up. He quickly noticed the smile on Erek's face was gone. The situation was drawing attention from every corner of the parking lot. Parents holding their kids at arm's length while teenagers and adults popped their cell phones to capture the moment. Erek started a countdown as his fist were squeezing up "Are you counting for me"
"7...6....5"
"What are you going to do?"
"4...3...2..."
Erek fist found their way to Jack's left and right cheek consecutively. Jack jolted back in pain, letting go of his prey. He prepared for a counter-attack as Erek moved swiftly to him again. With full precision, he left his right-hand swing at Erek. Erek blocked the impact with both of his hands and let out a kick to his stomach. Jack held his stomach in pain and fell to his knees. Lots of shouting and cheering erupted from the viewing spectators. More chanting and cheering going to Erek for such splendid quick reflexes and moves.
"Jesus"!" Mary screamed at her bleeding boyfriend on the ground. She quickly got down from the car and slapped Erek.
"What's wrong with you?" Mary yelled at him and got down to help Jack up. Through the translucent windows of the mall, Erek could see some mall security men running down the escalator in order to get the scene created outside the parking lot. Erek brushed past Mary and made a run to his car.
"Yes, that's it. Run little boy. I'm sure your stupid father would be proud of the stupid son you are", Jack spat out as he slowly got up to dust himself. Erek re-tracked his step and charged at Jack again after the comment.
"Oh no you don't", Jack threw a weak punch at Erek which he easily caught and gave a twist to his arm. Jack grunted in pain but Erek was not done. He grabbed Jack's face and smashed his head into the window of his car beside him. Pieces of glass flew through the air and scattered on the ground as Jack fell down and blacked out instantly. Mary just stared at Jack in horror and went back to Erek. As Erek ran back to the car, he contemplated whether he just saw her give a smile after her boyfriend blacked out. She's damn evil that's for sure. Erek thought as he marched the throttle of the car and accelerated out of the mall. Derek stared at the computer uninterruptedly and read in between lines.
"2001 kidnappings in Enugu", He typed into the keyboard. A different result popped out onto the screen.
"How do I find you?" Derek sighed. His attention was collected again by his mum yelling at him to get to the door.
"Derek, I think that's your brother", Mum shouted from her bedroom. She had been watching the news and had come across the headline of the Chief Archaeologists of Unearthed wealth foundation Found dead. She could swear that her eyes were playing tricks on her when she saw her ex-husband pictures all over the news.
"Who could be behind the assassination of such a prominent figure? An autopsy result has found out Mr. Charles Aneke was poisoned with polonium 234, a very lethal....." Mum switched off the tv. Christ! Isn't that the same street my boys ran into? She covered her mouth in disbelief. It all makes sense now. She felt fear crawl up her body after realizing how close he was to finding her and his kids. Her mind was called back to her room by Erek's voice growing louder
"Here is your stuff", Erek said, passing his brother a white grocery bag. He ascended the staircase with his brother behind and they both entered their room. Derek's eyes quickly searched into the bag Erek gave him.
"Is this for me?" He immediately asked taking out a chocolate bar
"Yes, I figured out you may like it", Erek replied
"Thanks bro", Derek exclaimed, tearing the wrappers off and taking a bite. Erek sunk into his warm bed, letting out a long yawn.
"There is something I want us to talk about", He said sitting up again.
"Which is?" Derek replied, locking his attention to the other products in the grocery bag.
"I want to go back to school", Erek finally let it out after several minutes of hesitation. Derek looked back up at him
"You are joking right....",
"No, I'm not"
"You know we can't'
"Why can't we?" Erek's voice getting louder. "I spend all day in the garage fixing stuff. It's just not enough. I need more knowledge and I can only get that from school", He added.
"You know why we can't go to school again?" Derek was pissed off.
"Why?....."
"Because you are stubborn! You get into trouble all the time and because I look so much like you, I get involved. This is the fourth time we are getting expelled from school or should I say schools. Sometimes I wish we weren't twins. You put so much stress on mum. You don't care so much about it", Derek fired angrily. It took a few seconds before he realized what he said.
Erek kept silent.
"I'm sorry", Derek apologized. "Those were harsh, weren't they?"
"Not that I care. You can only say so much because you have it going smoothly for you, don't you?" Erek replied coolly
"You fix things. You fixed our bad refrigerator, microwave and so many things I can't recall...
"Car"
"Even a car. Isn't that a wonderful gifted hand and brain you got there. Why let it go to waste?"
"I don't know what to say", Erek replied after some awkward silence. "I've changed okay. I need to go back to school. It's only a year or two left for us to get done with secondary once and for all", he added
"Yes, it is", Derek agreed. Mum, who has been eavesdropping the whole time, entered their room.
"Yes. You both must go back to school", Mum said smiling.
"Christ! What happened to privacy?" Derek frowned at her.
"Your voices were a bit loud; don't you think?" she frowned back at him. Then she turned to Erek and smiled.
"What school would you want to attend once and for all this time around?", She asked, folding arms.
"Alvana model secondary school", Erek smiled.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Honor sat down in the waiting room. It's been a minute since grandpa had gone into the principal office. He scanned the waiting room until his eyes came across two identical twins with their mum. They could easily be identified as twins since they literally wore the same face, clothes and shoes. His mind was still fascinated by how elegant and handsome they were when his grandpa resurfaced with the principal again. The principal wore beams of smiles as though he was awarded the business award.
"So, where's Honor?", the principal asked, a few inches away from Honor. Grandpa pointed at the ceiling and both burst out into laughter. Here he was a few feet away from him and he was still asking for his location. Honor sighed. If that was supposed to be a joke, it didn't work. The principal brought out his warm hands to shake him, which Honor received with both hands. The elderly aged man smiled back at grandpa.
"You taught him well I see", The man said, impressed. Grandpa simply nodded with a proud face.
"Congrats", The man said after a quick chat with grandpa and escorted the twins and their mum back into his office.
"Grandpa, do you know him from anywhere? He's super relaxed and friendly", Honor asked as he escorted grandpa back to his car.
"You won't believe it. That man you just saw now, the principal, happened to be my classmate in primary school", Grandpa said, smiling. "Such a small world indeed", He added. Grandpa got into the car and brought out a necklace. He quickly wore it on his grandson.
"It will keep you safe and bring us to your mind always", Grandpa said. He had infused some protective and binding spells on it last night to keep Honor from using his powers.
"I like it", Honor smiled as Grandpa started the car.
"Keep it on you every time. I have already spoken to the principal and he reassured me no one would have an issue with it", Grandpa said and drove out. Honor watched as the car drove out of the school gates. His attention was drawn back by the second bell for break and he marched to the canteen. As he walked, he could tell the school was big with a large number of students. Everyone could tell he was a new student. As he reached the canteen, he almost gave up and turned to leave on seeing the swarm of students waiting in line to buy their snacks. Everyone turned to have a look at him; gossips were flying at every corner.
"Look at the new boy", Emeka whispered to a fat boy beside him. The fat boy nodded and moved to approach Honor.
"Biggie! What on earth are you doing?" Emeka called after his friend. honor examined his surroundings closely. He saw a huge boy walking towards him, over his shoulders were a small pack of boys observing him too. Bullies. honor thought.
"Nice to meet you. Can I buy that from you?" Honor quickly spoke as biggie was within reach.
"Oh, you mean these", Biggie held up his snacks. "Okay", He said, giving Honor his snacks. He took the money Honor gave in return and stuffed them up in his pockets.
"I'm Biggie by the way".
"That's not your name. That's the name those guys over there gave you. Am I right or AM I RIGHT?" honor replied quickly.
"Wow", Biggie exclaimed, impressed at Honor's discernment. "You are right, my name is James. James Ohanenye. Yes, those are nasty bullies'', Biggie mistakenly pointed at them as he spoke. Immediately, they started to move towards them and surrounded them.
"What's the matter Biggie? Are you poisoning the mind of our new kid here?" The leader spoke. Biggie didn't respond, instead he faced the ground fearfully. With a quick eye signal, one of them pulled down Biggie's trousers from behind. As Biggie quickly spun around to catch the culprit, the leader pushed him to the ground when he wasn't paying attention. Everyone busted into laughter.
"Damn you, Jack!" Biggie cursed out.
Jack? That's his name? Honor thought.
"You speak when you are spoken to", Jack yelled out. He had bandages all over his head and fist. Honor moved to Biggie and offered a hand to him but Biggie slapped it aside and struggled to get up on his own. Biggie was a 5'6 guy weighing 200lbs. His waist was so large that his belt couldn't go around but stopped halfway.
"As for you new boy, we have a ritual for new students. You have to buy something for all of us", Jack said. "Right boys?", He turned to his friends, seeking validation.
"Yes", they chorus back.
"I have nothing to give you", Honor stood his ground. He convinced himself he wasn't going to fold and look weak. He knew if he let them have their way and backed down, he would be a continuous prey to them throughout the academic session. Hell no, was he ever going to let that happen? Jack was baffled by his reasons because he jerked back a little. He could see something unusual about his prey. It felt like his prey had dead fearless eyes and a dark aura steaming out of his body. He could feel his body grow weary of being around Honor. Despite all this, there was no way he would back down. Surely not. That would make him look weak and worst-case scenario, replaced by other blood-thirsting friends of his in the group. Rejecting the thought of being dethroned, he quickly acted and pushed Honor down. Roars of laughs and side talks erupted from the surrounding students. Honor squeezed his hands packing a handful of dirt with them. He began muttering something.
"Calling on God?" Jack laughed. Others joined. Jack quickly spotted a glowing necklace on Honor's neck as his laughter died down. Honor got interrupted by the other students who moved aside, creating a passage for some students. Erek and Derek moved past, hands in pockets and stood a few inches away from Honor.
"Why are you still on the ground weirdo?" Erek spoke out loud. Jack's eyes widened incredulously. Mary, who was around their other girlfriends of hers smiled.
"That's the guy I was telling you about ", Mary whispered to a girl beside her.
"You?" Jack said angrily, stammering. He felt the raging bull up in his body after seeing Erek. The video had gone viral on social media with memes created, teasing Jack and the moment his face rammed against his card window.
"Do you know him?" Derek asked his brother. Erek nodded with a grin.
"There's two of you now?" Jack gnashed his teeth and signaled his Boys for an all-out attack.
"He's brave. I didn't expect him to take my request and 'actually' come" Mary said again. Her friends were giggling and smiling, admiring the handsome twins. Almost everyone had seen the video. Derek offered Honor a hand and pulled him off the ground. His biceps were revealed under those shorts sleeve T-shirts he wore. The girl beside Mary smiled and admired silently. Mary quickly noticed and frowned at her.
"They are mine Tahila. I brought them here, okay? Off
limits", Mary quickly said. Tahila nodded in agreement. Before the bullies could make a move, the bell rang again for a break over. Murmuring and complaints filled the air as students began to retreat to the classrooms. Derek and Erek, together with Honor, quickly moved to their new classrooms. Jack watched in horror and excitement as they entered his class. The thought of sharing classrooms wasn't a bad idea to him
''I'll make Alvana a hell hole for them. They would leave in less than a month, Jack muttered quietly.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Mrs. Rose, the biology teacher, moved around the lab taking note of her student work as she jotted down points in her notepad.
"Keep up the good work people. We can do this" she said out loud.
"Yes Mrs. Rose", a quick chorus replied from the students.
"Dissect properly" Mrs. Rose whispered into Mary ears as she approached her table.
"I don't feel too good. I might throw up any moment from now", Mary protested with a pale face. The lab door flung open and some students entered.
"And you are?" Mrs. Rose raised an eyebrow, spinning quickly to face them.
"Um…"Derek cracked his voice. "We are now", Erek completed, revealing a warm smile.
"Oh!" Mrs. Rose exclaimed. "I see you are. For a moment I questioned myself if I had ever seen these faces". Come in and take a seat. You are highly welcome", she added.
"Thank you", both twins chorus as they scanned around the large lab for empty seats. Mary smiled at Erek, signaling him to slide over but he frowned at her and moved towards Tahila, Derek followed behind. Honor took a seat by Biggie and Emeka at the front. Tahila gasped as the two-brother sat beside her, trapping her in the middle. Being fair-complexioned, her face quickly turned red. She felt awkward and shady. Having tow handsome guys besides her was a big deal to her. Erek noticed quickly because he placed his hands on hers.
"Don't worry. I don't bite", Erek smiled. "He might ", he added to his brother on her other side. She felt even more awkward as he placed his hands on hers. She noticed they were a bit rough and cold. She replied with a warm thank you-smile and whispered her name.
"I'm Erek. He's Derek ", Erek replied, quietly as the teacher moved close to the table.
"I suppose you can put them through," Mrs. Rose said, inches away from their table.
"Yes Mrs. Rose ", Tahlia replied. She quickly found many angry faces staring at her from the other end of the lab. One of which was Mary's.
I'd be dead only if eyes were guns. Tahila thought. The bell rang for another class some minutes later. The once quiet lab was crashed by the noise from moving chairs as students stood up to leave.
"Remember to study the alimentary canal. I'll set a test on it in our next class", Mrs. Rose filled out as if they existed in the class. Mary quickly tugged at Tahila as she exited the lap.
"What are you doing?" Mary frowned, as they both walked down the hallway. Biggie ran into them.
"Watch where you are going pig", Mary spat out as he ran past them.
"Hey wait" Biggie called after Honor as he moved with the twins. Honor let the twins get ahead and waited for Biggie.
"What's up?" I… I'm sorry for rejecting your pickup hand", Biggie said, panting and sweating profusely
"I understand you were embarrassed, Victor -------"
"Biggie. Call me Biggie", Biggie corrected him.
"Okay…" Honor replied awkwardly. He noticed another slim fellow approach them.
"I wanted to introduce you to my friend, best friend actually ", Biggie finally said, as the stranger was within hearing range.
"Emeka. Emeka Ikoroha", the boy said. Letting out a handshake.
"Honor Henry" Honor replied with a handshake.
"We can all walk down to the refectory gentlemen. I suppose you are a border student and not a day student?" Biggie asked as they began walking again. Alvana had hostels for students living far off, and also for those not residing in the state or country. For such reasons, there were two categories of students; boarding and day students. Day students were living off campus and didn't get the benefit of a dining hall and school food.
"Sure. Hotel C", Honor replied.
"Wow. That's the same with us," both chorused. A few minutes later, they reached their destination and entered the hall. It was noisy with laughing and giggling from each table filled with students. They moved to the senior's table section and settled down. Honor exchanged deadly stares with the bullies and their girlfriends who were already settled down. His eyes matched with Mary's and could tell she didn't like him neither the people he picked to interact with, Biggie and Emeka. They later moved to pick up their food from the waiters at the front desk as other students did. They were having boiled beans with plantains. Honor moved quickly back to his table taking note of his surroundings. He had seen stuff like this in movies, of bullies setting traps for their victims to fall over as their victim moved back to his seat. The door flanged open and the twins walked in. One could tell of their presence because the noise quickly died down. You would have thought a teacher had to step in for such a level of respect to be given. Honor would figure out in a few minutes that it wasn't about respect but some action was about to go down. All eyes were on them from every angle as they moved toward their table in the seniors' section.
"Look who it is!" Isn't it the new freshman? Jack moved as he ascended his table.
"What's he up to now" Honor whispered to Biggie, looking annoyed he was disgusted by Jack's character and attitude already. Mounting a table in a dining hall was disrespectful and provoking.
"New freshman treatment. I believe you received yours today but that won't be enough to satisfy someone like Jack", Biggie whispered back. He immediately kept quiet and bowed his head as Mary looked at him. He immediately stuffed his mouth with food to avoid eye contact with her and pretend he didn't notice her. Mary was calling his bluff because she whispered something in Jack's ear. She knew both twins were about to be humiliated and she couldn't wait for it to happen. It had taken Jack the whole lab class period to arrange it. The news had spread like wildfire with warnings and severe punishment to anyone who messes it up. She needed Jack to get revenge for Erek messing him up at the mall and also snubbing her openly in front of everyone at the lab. Jack got down and moved to Biggie's table.
"Run. He wants to embarrass you!" Biggie shouted at the twins as Jack reached his table.
"Boo!" Student shouted angrily at Biggie for snitching. Jack's boys rushed Biggie and held him as Jack stood in front of him. Emeka moved to save Biggie but got punched instead by one of Jack's friends. Honor watched in horror, too fearful to do anything.
"Why don't you pick someone of your size, huh?" Erek quickly called out as both twins stopped dead in their tracks. He quickly settled down with his brother on an empty table, downplaying the threat. Jack frowned at the display of fearlessness. He quickly took Biggie's food and poured it on him. The whole refectory busted with laughter at Jack's response.
"Well deserved", someone shouted from the crowd. Jack smiled as Biggie broke loose with screams as the food slumped down his face and down into his clothes. He quickly ran out of the refectory in tears.
"Aww. Run mummy's boy", Mary's smile was wide. She quickly noted Tahila wasn't happy. She didn't let that bother her though, now was not the time to care. She wanted the twins to get dealt with.
"More. We want more" the students chanted. Honor was amazed at their response and joy at seeing a student get bullied. Before coming here, he had done research on the school and it happened to be the wealthiest school in the whole country. No wonder there was no discipline or manners.
"You are only doing this because there aren't any teachers around," Honor said, getting up from his table. Jack's attention quickly turned to him. He quickly grabbed a tray and flung it at him. Honor had quick reflexes because he docked in time, slightly escaping impact.
"Teach our freshman why he should mind his business," Jack said as he approached the twin's table, letting his boys handle Honor. Mary was getting excited because she squeezed Tahila's thigh.
"It's here", she whispered to her best friend. She had known Tahila shortly after she entered Alvana a year ago. Within a year, she was able to establish her dominance over the girls as the hottest chicken in school. Also dating the most influential boy in school added to her superiority. Erek stood up quickly as Jack was within reach. As a martial artist, he knew better than anyone about good positioning for a good counterattack or defense. The hall quieted down again, all eyes on Erek.
"I used to make people miserable too", Erek said.
"You are miserable and homeless", Mary voiced out aloud. "Guys he hasn't been going to school and was a dropout", Mary added loudly. Jack gasped out loud in shock while others laughed.
"Don't have any money?" How did you even afford a school like this? Jack fired too.
"That was something, " Derek whispered to his brother's hearing.
"Let's just say I was expelled because I did horrible things back in those schools. You think you are untouchable. Meanwhile, you are just a scared little spoiled brat feeding off the weakness of others to feel confident and brave. You are just a child", Erek fired too.
"Wooo!" The whole refectory busted out into laughter; laughter directed at an already embarrassed Jack.
"Are you referring to me?" Jack asked, taking a step closer.
"No. The both of you", Erek looked over, casting a deadly stare at Mary. He quickly grabbed food from his table and smacked Jack's face. The precision and impact coupled with quick reflexes were hard for Jack to intercept. Jack fell from the impact, cursing. Everyone shouted in shock, laughter erupting again. Erek quickly took to his heels after seeing Jack's friends charge at him. He pushed Jack again as he ran away, sliding through tables and flinging plates he grabbed at each table back at his pursuers. A few seconds into the chase, he reached the end of the refectory and exited the door. They took a quick break at the door and returned to the table to face the other twin as suggested by one of the bullies. They quickly lashed out group beating on Derek as they got to his table
"What did I do?" Derek struggled with the pain while he shielded his face from swinging arms. The beating continued as students stood to watch while some were shouting with excitement. The boys got signals of teachers running to the refectory from a long distance away and roughly ran out of the refectory at once, chattering like monkeys. Mary and her friends followed behind too. Mrs. Rose and some male teachers reached the refectory hall few seconds later and quickly spotted Derek on the ground in pain. He had a nosebleed and could barely get up.
"Who did this?", a male teacher raised his voice. The whole refectory was silent. Nobody wanted to get on the wrong side or become a target for brutal bullies. They quickly helped him up and took him to the clinic while Mrs. Rose stayed behind. She approached Honor who was also roughed up a bit and inquired about the culprits behind such inhumane actions.
"Do you know who did this?"
"I don't know their names but I recall their faces?" Honor replied to her.
"Get their names for me" Mrs. Rose commanded and walked out. Honor took out a rough book and looked at Emeka as the bell rang signaling the end of the
refectory.
"Their names", Honor asked. Emeka hesitated and frowned.
"Forget about them. You are only putting yourself in danger", he replied. Honor felt his face squeezed up.
"Didn't you see what they did to your friend? Derek and I too?" Honor lashed out. "They almost bathed Derek in blood", Honor persuaded his listener. Emeka finally gave in.
"Just don't mention my name if they eventually ask you", Emeka said. Honor nodded. He could see fear and intimidation in Emeka's eyes. He whispered their names as Honor quickly jotted down. Derek lay in the clinic bed with every bone of his body aching. He felt his head spin. It almost felt as though his brain cells were about to explode. Erek entered the clinic and went straight to his bed.
"Sorry", Erek said, grabbing a clinic seat and sitting down beside his brother's bed.
"It's not necessary. This will continue throughout this academic session " Derek spat out quietly.
"What will continue?" Erek asked, grinning.
"What will continue? Seriously?" Derek raised an eyebrow, his voice getting louder. "You want to pretend your actions won't have consequences?" Asked Derek angrily.
"You do something stupid and I pay for it"
"He was still going to attack me. He just didn't get a chance to make the first move", Erek replied, angrily too. Derek shook his head in disapproval and forced himself to sit up to face his arrogant brother.
"This is just our first day in school. Have that in mind, stupid!" Derek said.
"I know that alright. But they picked a fight with the wrong person. Recover quickly okay", Erek replied, standing up to leave. Derek slid back down on the bed once again as he concluded the discussion was over.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Tahila woke up the next morning with mumbling and complaints. Mrs. Gilbert has just interrupted the most fantastic dream she ever had in a while. Apparently in the dream, she had been asked out by the new twins and was in a tug of the war between them but for some certain reason, she couldn't be with any of them.
"Wake up Tahila. It's past six", Mrs. Gilbert pulled out the duvet, uncovering her daughter's hidden face. Tahila projected her pillow at her annoyingly but she dodged it.
"Too slow", Mrs. Gilbert chuckled and projected it back at her.
"Ouch! That hurts mom", Tahila coughed out laughter after the pillow perfectly hit her face. She quickly sat upright, forgetting how annoyed she was a few minutes ago.
"So, what did you dream of", Mrs. Gilbert sat on her bed. Tahila smiled quickly.
"It wasn't the regular dream of being with my siblings", Tahila said. Mrs. Gilbert had been worried over her daughter's frequent dreams of being with her siblings. She had not let the cat out of the bag concerning Tahila being adopted by her.
"I dreamed of two new students that came to our school", Tahila blushed
Mrs. Gilbert held her hands and smiled.
"Someone is in love?" She laughed
"Mom" Tahila chuckled.
"What? Feelings are normal. You are actually growing into a fine woman. Remember when you first saw your period and you ran to me and were like-----"Mom mom'', I'm bleeding, I'm going to die", Mrs. Gilbert busted into a loud laugh. Tahila joined.
"When will you ever stop talking about this? It's been five years now since the incident," Tahila felt her face go red.
"It was so funny. I'm sorry I can't help it." Mrs. Gilbert said and swung her hands around Tahila.
"I love you very much. You are a special child "
"I love you too, " Tahila replied, giving her a gentle kiss on her cheeks.
"Alright. That's it. Get ready for school", Mrs. Gilbert released herself and stood up. Be downstairs in ten minutes ", she walked out. Shutting the door behind her. Tahila fell back to her bed, her eyes staring at the ceiling fan above her. Mom had put these tiny angels on them and convinced her when she was little, they would always protect her. Even in her nightmares. Mom has also gotten her room all painted pink. Literally Almost everything from her wardrobe to her dressing mirror and bed, everything was pink with a little touch of white. She has a big portrait of her favorite musician, Davido, hung on her wall. By her bedside was her huge well-decorated dressing mirror with enough drawers for her makeup kits. She had what almost every teenage girl wished for. The perfect room, a wealthy mom and enough luxurious shoes and clothes and enough attention on social media platforms. She quickly got down from her warm comfy bed and moved to the shower she took a long time while in the shower. Drops of water rained against her smooth voluptuous body. A few minutes into washing her hair, the clean water on the bathing floor changed color. It took her by surprise and she signed. Never knew it would be this dirty, she thought. Mom told her to frequently wash her hair but she paid blind attention to it. She quickly grabbed a clean towel and dried her hair as she got out of the shower. Her eyes widened in shock as they were locked on the wall clock
''Shit! I'm going to be late'', She whispered to herself and quickly dressed up for school.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The twins left the hostel very early. They decided to skip breakfast at the refectory and move straight to the classroom. Tahila arrived at school at the same time as the twins and they ran into each other at the door.
"Good morning, guys", she greeted, looking down.
"Good morning Tahila", Derek replied with a smile. It shocked her because she looked at him. He remembered her name. "
''Tahila was it?" Erek asked.
"Yes", she replied, still stunned and impressed by Derek. She quickly entered the class, the twins following behind.
"I barely remember yours, " Tahila said to Derek once they were inside. A few minutes later, students were already settled while the other empty seats were for borders still in the refectory for breakfast.
"I'm Derek, my brother is Erek", Derek said, taking a seat beside her. Erek quickly noticed and smiled, taking a seat at the end of the classroom where Honor was. Was he developing feelings for her? Erek questioned himself. He had this strange habit of falling in love with girls his brother is interested in. Apart from girls and underwear, they share everything. Although the girls' part was a bit complicated for him. Derek looked back and caught his brother smiling back at him.
No No No! That's not what it looks like Erek. I know that look. Derek thought. Soon his thoughts will be interrupted by the door swinging wide open. Mary and a few friends entered, followed by Jack and his group. Mary cast a deadly stare at Tahila and frowned right away.
"Why is she looking at you like that?" Derek asked, concerned. Aren't you guys' friends?"
"We are. We just grew apart upon your arrival here. She's a bit jealous that she isn't getting the attention of the new freshmen. She gets even mad seeing you guys.", Tahila responded with a whisper. Jack slammed the table in front of them.
"Who's Who?", Jack asked, looking at Derek in front of him and his brother at the back.
No response. He noticed the bandage on Derek's left fist and smiled.
"Okay. We handled you yesterday". Jack said. The swung open again and this time Mrs. Rose emerged she wore a black tracksuit with matching white canvas. Her hair was packed in a ponytail and her makeup was well done. She quickly blew the dangling whistle on her neck to get the attention of everyone.
"The moment you hear your name, March to the principal office for a briefing", her voice echoed.
"Jack Odionyema and friends, start running to the office". She lazily read out, avoiding the stress of going through the ten names. Jack majestically walked out with his friends, Mrs. Rose escorting behind. Before she finally left, she instructed everyone to go to the dressing room and get changed into their sportswear. Everyone did as they were told and vacated the classroom.
A few minutes later, the entire classroom was present on the basketball court in their sports outfits. Erek moved with Honor, exchanging pleasantries with other students. He quickly spotted Tahila with Mary and the girls. He quickly approached her, with Honor behind.
"Hey pretty", Erek said aloud standing in front of the girls.
"I'm good. How are you?" Mary replied with a grin.
"I'm talking to you" Erek corrected, giving a wink at Tahila. Mary's smile quickly vanished. Tahila's face turned red and she replied with a nervous smile.
"It's alright. I don't bite'', Erek pointed out, taking note of how nervous she was. Honor gave a warm smile while exchanging pleasantries with her too. He quickly spun at the mention of his name
"Honor!" Jack shouted emerging into the courts. Beside him, was shivering and tearful Emeka. Jack quickly looked his eyes onto his prey and approached Honor. He grabbed his clothes as soon as he was within reach.
"Why did you do it?" Jack yelled and pushed him to the ground. He quickly gave him a kick to his stomach.
"Are you some kind of snitch?" Jack shouted, lashing out with more kicks. Erek made a move but Mary grabbed his wrist.
"He's helpless. You know it", she said, tightening her grip. Jack spun around and caught them at the exact moment, Mary's hand on his. Erek produced a grin and held Mary, pulling her to him. He quickly held her on her waist, provoking Jack with the move.
"Hey, watch it there!" Jack moved to punch Erek. Erek dodged in time and the hit went to Mary who quickly fell to the ground with a scream. Jack was apologizing when Erek slapped him and gave him a roundhouse kick that sent him spinning to the ground. He quickly backflipped as one of the bullies gave a kick that missed. He caught another one that intently punched him a 360° spin twist to his shoulder. The affected kid let out a scream and fell to the ground. Derek smiled from afar as he watched. Everyone was cheering Erek as he whooped their asses all at once.
"That's for my brother", Erek spat out as he punched another to the ground. He gave a supple to another fallen on the ground. He charged at the recovering Jack and punched him again and again and again.
"That's enough ", a voice spoke from afar. A male teacher stood in front of the court doors. The cheering died down.
"The principal will see you now. All of you", the man said, waiting at the door. Erek adjusted his clothes and gave a wink to Tahila as he walked out. He stopped at Honor still on the floor in gruesome pain.
"You have to get strong otherwise they won't stop. They will keep hunting you because you are weak. Aren't you tired of being a crybaby?", he screamed out aloud to everyone hearing. He continued his journey again.
"Until you wake up, no one will fear you", Erek added, exiting the court. His voice echoed in Honor's ear.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The morning mass was over as Reverend Chibuike said the Grace and gave thanks once again. He could tell that teaching on forgiveness reached a lot of listeners because soon after elder women and some other young people approached him with thanks for the teaching and how they were going to resolve any issues they have with loved ones, friends and even enemies. Such statements put a smile on his face and he gave thanks in his heart. He got the attention of a lot of women in the church as he was humane, painstakingly, assiduous and above all an epitome of diligence. His mind was still worrisome whenever he remembered his son was out there and he couldn't trace him. Something was disrupting the tracking spell he placed to locate him.
* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
The following day at school was also sports day. Once again, students changed into their sportswear and moved to the football field this time around. The sports teacher, Mrs. Ngozi, was present this time with some male teachers. The principal wanted to punished Erek but changed his mind after watching the camera footage to discover Jack and his friends started the assault. They were given punishments to clean up the refectory and would not be attending sports activities. Mrs. Ngozi blew her whistle three times at Biggie.
"Biggie!! Move that leg of yours. You can do better! I know you can", Mrs. Ngozi yelled. She was physically fit, and a beautiful woman with long legs that ran around the track yelling at other students to keep up with the touch-my-toe exercise. She gave up on Biggie after seeing how exhausted he gets really quick. The twins participated in the exercise everyone was doing. Tahila passed them by leaving a smile and moved to Mrs. Ngozi, whispering something in her ears. After speaking for a few minutes, Mrs. Ngozi smiled.
"Okay. You can take a break", she said. Tahila gave her thanks and walked past the twins again, moving to join Mary and her company. The twins just stared at her as she moved past them and stood with the girls. They weren't sharp enough to notice Mrs. Ngozi was onto them, sneaking up behind them.
"What are you staring at gentlemen", she pulled their ears from behind.
"Ouch ouch!" Both yelled out, softly. Mary frowned upon noticing they were staring at Tahila and got caught for it. Tahila's presence around her infuriated her the most. Mrs. Ngozi Finally let go of their ears and call everyone together.
"Alright, everybody. Take five", she shouted as everyone stopped and laid down on the concrete track to rest, panting and sweating profusely Tahila separated from the girls once again and moved to sit on a nearby bench. Her knee hurt and she didn't even want to stand again. Mrs. Ngozi had given her permission to take a rest. Her eyes met with Erek's and she looked away. He quickly got up and moved to her. Derek was all laid down on the ground tired and weak that he didn't notice his brother leaving quickly
"Umm… hey", Erek greeted, sitting beside her.
"Hi. It's you again", Tahila smiled. "Are you Erek or Derek? I spoke to one of you this morning."
"Must be my brother"
"Oh great," she laughed. Erek joined.
"Still can't tell the difference, can you?" Erek asked.
"Not really. It might take a while", Tahila replied. She could see and tell Mary and her friends were gossiping about them.
"How come they are only into her?" Mary asked Stephanie, a dark