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Skidoolina:
Episode 10

''let them try, they wouldnt suceed'' Lucas said Undisturbed
''they might''
''why would you say that''
''Elena is now a true alpha, according to what i heard, a true alpha bite can kill a First Blood'' The Guy said.
''but it cant Kill a Hybrid'' Lucas argue with Him
''yes, but your Father Got a secret weapon that can Kill a Hybrid'' The Guy said. Lucas was visible worried. Here He is In Juven when His Enemies has been Planning against Him. God Knows it Might be too late.
'' What is the secret weapon'' Lucas asked.
'' i dont know, it is well Hidden'' The Guy replied.
Suddenly, like a flash, a thought crossed His Mind, He hasnt Go since The last two days, He hasnt see His siblings.
He stood Up immediately and Look at the Guy, '' i will see you Later, continue with yor investigation'' He said and ran out side.


Lucas got to the House, only to find the gate opened, everything was in disorder, then He found a strange man, he Looks familiar but that isnt His worry, The man was in His Pool of Blood, it appears He has been Bitten, when He Moved closer to Him, He saw the Bite Mark, it was a werewolf!
He ran into the House, Just to see everything in Mess, He could see Traces of Blood everywhere, Instantly He Knew what Happen, His Father is In town!
Then He remembered His Siblings, He Shouted their Name But nobody Answered, Getting to His Bedroom, He saw a note on His Bed, He was surprised But He nevertheless Took it and Openad it, It read Thus:
Hello Lucas
thirty ywars is a long time not to have see someone's dad, dont worry you dont have to look for me, i am in town right now. We will see when i wished for us to see But right Now, dont make any attempt to look for me. Loves From Dad.
P.S: your siblings are with Me.

Lucas Looked Up from the Note, For the first time in thirty years, He felt like killing His father. And He is Going to do that, But right now, He cant Because He dont Know Where He is.
He then noticed another Note on the shelf in His room, He instantly Picked it up and And Opened it.
Hello Lucas
for thirty year. I've wait, you ckilled the Only Man i ever Loved, dont worry, i will give you a Slow painfull death.
But first you have to be punished for trying to turn Me to a Hybrid.
Love Elena.

This Pushed Him off the Edge, He is going to kill them, both of them. He will Make sure they Suffered before dying. He will Make sure they ot the most Gruesome death in History. He slowly walked out of the room.
Getting out of the House, He saw the strange man again, He is still breathing but almost out of Breath, Lucas Knew the Man is a vampire but the werewolf Bite is Killing Him slowly.
He gently Carried Him and Run Away with full Vampire speed.

*
the room Was dark that you can hardly see the Person behind you, Kolin opened his eyes. He couldnt see any thing but He knew He isbined to something. He try ti Cut the Chain but as He Try, the More it Hurt Him.
''stop trying to cut the Chain'' A voice said, Kolin Instantly Knew who it is.
''Mariam, where are we'' Kolin asked
''i dont know but i believe we are in a house inside forest and we are totally Surrounded by Werewolves'' Mariam said
''are you bind also'' Kolin asked
''yes''
''why cant we break It''
''because the Chain is made up of Pure silver'' Mariam Said
''oh Gush''
no matter how strong a Vampire/werewolf is, Silver will always be it Greater Weakness.
''is there anyway we can escape'' Kolin asked
''i am afraid not, our only way is if Lucas found us'' Mariam said, although Kolin couldnt see Mariam Face But He could tell that She was in Pain likewise Him, the Silver Is Hurting them.
''who is our captors'' Kolin asked after some Minutes
''dont you remember'' Mariam Asked
''no idont'' Kolin Replied
''we were captured By Micheal, our Dad'' Mariam said.

*
the House was a two Bedroom Flat, with a big sitting room, More like a hall. Lucas Entered into the House, He saw some guys Sitting All around, while some are playing pools.
''call the others, we've got Some Problems'' Lucas said and made To go to the Bedroom.
Unknown to anybody, not even His siblings, Lucas Has Started Creating an Army Of Vampired, He Bought the House, so that They could Be doing their Meeting in the House.
He Put the Stranger body on the Bed, He look at The stranger, He felt The familiar Face, But couldnt decipher where He Knew the Man.
Suddenly His phone rang, Looking at the screen, It was an Unsaved Number, he contemplated for a while Before answering it.
''hello who is this'' Lucas asked.
''you are too late Lucas, Half of your Men are are dead'' The Caller said
''Dad?'' Lucas call sneering.

Dapalace:
BEING MRS SPENCE
Episode 12.
By AMAH’S HEART.

 

 

Cole couldn’t sit still, he stood and began to pace up and down.
He punched the wall severally and despite the pain, he was too hurt to feel it.
He kicked the table, the glass cups on the table shattered into pieces.
Madam Gold was seated too, she crossed her legs on a stool and continue wiggling her toes.
She moved her mouth sadly, clapped her hands together.

Marina sat on the chair crying, she was crying heavily.
Lizbeth, the help in the house was trying to console her but Marina loud cry could be heard even in the street. She refused to be consoled.

“Leave me let me die…I want to die with my baby. After everything I suffered, everything I went through because of that pregnancy. After all the insult I collected I’m left without a child. No… this can’t be happening…it can’t. Where did I go wrong, how could this happen to us. I know how much everyone looked forward to his arrival. Even his father and grandmother were fully ready to meet the baby…but I was greeted with disappointment. The doctor said he couldn’t make it and the hospital quickly buried him. I’m lost of words…how do I start again. This life is not fair…

She stylishly


looked at madam Gold who continued wiggling her toe while Cole kept pacing up and down like a crazy person.
She increased her cry and even added screamed to it.
Madam Gold spoke.

“Let’s all calm down please, Marina dear, stop hitting yourself hard…is not your fault. You and Coleman will have another baby… this is not the end of the world. Another child will be born. For the fact that you got pregnant for my son, carried the pregnancy full term and even more passed the supposed delivery date, you were able to put to birth, don’t cry because you will conceive again. you may even have twins the second time. Coleman, my dear son calm down. I know it hurt because of your time, finance and whole effort you put into making sure your son is born healthy. I totally understand your pain… I’m also in pain like everyone of you. It hurt because I looked forward to welcoming my grandson too. Let’s try and move pass this, give yourselves time… maybe a month or two before trying for another baby. This time around we will be more careful than ever…

Marina smiled inwardly.
She turned to Madam Gold and said while still sobbing.

“Thank you madam Gold for your encouragement. I feel strengthened already. It really hurt, my heart is shattered in pieces. After carrying pregnancy for almost a year and it ended in premium tears…I don’t know how to cry. I’m broken.. really. Your kind words restrengthened me again. I


will try and hope for the better days and…
“After draining me of almost everything I had with the pregnancy…” Cole interrupted her.

“….How will I get the money to foot the bills in your second pregnancy. well, if I happen to take it as an option, how do i handle your extravagant lifestyle? Your first pregnancy left me almost broke Marina, how will the second one look like…as much as I want to try again, I want all the sweat I poured into you to pay off…by giving me a child but I don’t have such money like the first one….I don’t.

Marina sat properly on a chair to face Cole.
“Carrying a pregnancy is not as easy as it appears Cole. I’m sorry that things turned out this way, is never my making and you are not the only one hurting here… I’m deeply hurt too. But I’m willing to give nature another chance…I really do want to give you a child Cole, I’m ready to cut down my cost…yes. I’m a very loving and considerate person. I will make sure you don’t spend like the first…I promise. But, you should be aware that I’m not a baby making factory. If we’re lucky I will conceive early but if we’re not lucky it will come at a later end but you have to be patient Cole…

Madam Gold cleared her voice and said.
“What if all of this that happened is caused by Florence? I threw in the suggestion the last time but Coleman said is not possible. Looking at it all over again, I think Florence may have a hand in it. She may be the one behind all of this misfortune. Coleman I think you should properly divorce her, we don’t need her. She can’t get pregnant, she can’t even satisfy you in bed, give you different sex styles like Marina does. Is only to cook and clean that she is good at, nothing else. Did you remember the way she angrily came back to pack all her food, including the one we were eating.. she carried it all away. She disrespected me and embarrassed us all with food. Florence is capable of anything, I wonder why you underated her…thinking she can’t hurt a fly. I madam Gold knows what a person is capable off when I set my eyes on them. Florence is a scorpion, she will stunk you and pretend like she did nothing. if Marina becomes pregnant again, keep it away from the public hearing… Florence must not know about it.

Marina almost laughed out, she finally got hold of somebody to channels the blame, all thanks to madam Gold for mentioning Florence.



“You are very right madam Gold. Florence must be behind all of this. She probably went diabolic just to hurt us…and look, she finally succeeded. All this ladies with innocent face and attitude are filled with evil. I think Cole should complete the divorce plan. I wonder what is still keeping him, maybe he’s waiting for Florence to kill one of us before he do something. I will be her major target because she feels like I took her husband away from her. She succeeded in making me and Cole childless… this is not fair.

Cole began to see reasons with everything that his mother and fiancee was saying.

************

Florence left the office and was walking towards her car after the close of work when somebody accosted her from behind.
She turned and saw Cole.
Florence was a bit happy to see him, she thought within her that Cole has finally realized his mistake and has come to plead for her return. She won’t make it easy for him, she will have to be certain that Cole has actually repented for good.

“What are you doing here Cole…I thought I warned you to stay away from me?

After saying that she waited for his reply, hoping to hear a sincere apology this time.

“I’m here to warn you Florence, a serious warning you have to take very serious…

Florence was shocked. She wondered what he was talking about.

“What exactly are you talking about…
She asked him surprised

“You are pretending like you don’t know what I’m talking about right? Okay let me remind you that your evil plan and act towards me and Marina won’t work again… you succeeded the first time because we didn’t know but not again. I never knew that you are this evil…if not for my mother that opened my eyes to your prowess. Florence, so with all your churchy and nice attitude you are a witch… you are devil. But be warned, if anything happens to either me, Marina, my Mom or my baby again I will come for you. This is no threat…I will do as I say and even more.

He turned and started walking away, Florence’s phone was ringing continuesly but she didn’t bother to check the caller.

She stood for sometime and was about to turn and walk to her car which was few feets away when Cole suddenly turned back.



“….wait…wait. another thing I forgot to add is that I will be finalizing the divorce plans by month end. From the begining of next month you will hear from me concerning that. We will meet in Court for proper signing and other documentation. I don’t want to ever have anything to do with you. You’re nothing but a curse to me. after the divorce I will finally be free to marry Marina. What you have not been able to do in years Marina has done within a short period. Aside loosing our baby to your crafty art Marina gives it to me back to back in the bedroom. She knows all the styles, both the cat, sharkky, doggy and many other bedroom styles. She invited her friend twice for party and it was awesome. Unlike you, anytime I want to practice different styles with you, it will appear like I’m punishing you or putting a knife to your throat. You are always boring in bed. Even if I didn’t place you on pregnancy pills you would not have been able to conceive. I can bet you that you are probably barren and all those things contributed to your bitterness. I won’t fold my hands and watch you destroy me. I will destroy you first. Wait to hear from me by next month concerning the divorce… You have bitten more than you can chew…

He turned and started walking away, Florence stood watching him leave.
Her phone was ringing again but she didn’t bother to check who was calling.

After she was certain that Cole wasn’t going to turn back again, she walked to her car.
she did not bother driving away immediately, she sat alone and tries to understand everything that Cole said to her.
Florence suddenly broke down and began to cry.
She allowed tears to flow down without making any effort to stop it.
She placed her head on the car steering wheel and continued sobbing bitterly.

Her phone rang twice again she didn’t check the caller as she remain in her devasting state.

She has been crying for almost an hour and didn’t feel like going home.
Her voice was patched, her eyes red and swollen from crying.

As the phone rang the third time she picked up.
It was Maxwell

“Hello Floz, how are you and how was work today…?

“Fine Max, why the continuous call…is there any problem?
Florence asked impatiently.

Maxwell was taken a bit back with the question.
He noticed her unusual harsh tone, it sounds dry and angry.
He assumed it could be work stress.

“There’s no problem Floz, I came down to your house and found out that you aren’t back from work yet…

Florence quickly cut in before Maxwell could finish.
“You went over to my house without informing me? Who does that…no one. Before you go to people’s house you call them first to let them know of your coming. Who do you think you are? You have no right to come to my place without my knowledge Max. Go home, I’m not in the mood to see anyone… especially you. Next time Max, you call me first.

Maxwell knew that all wasn’t well, Florence was so harsh and angry which is unlike her.
He didn’t take any of what she said to heart.

“I’m sorry Floz, you told me last week that you will like to taste Japanese chicken curry pavatin. well, I made it today, personally for you. I called you while still at home to inform you first, like an hour ago but you didn’t answer the call which was why I decided to drive down to check you at your end. My apologies for not waiting for your reply before coming… Maybe, I will just go back home then…

Maxwell waited for a reply but she didn’t say anything.
He ended the call. He couldn’t fathom what exactly was the problem with Florence but he was determined to respect her privacy.
Maybe is better he leave her alone for sometime.
He drove back to his place.

After two hours the door bell rang. He wondered who was knocking, he checked the time and realized is almost 9pm.
He wasn’t expecting anyone, who could be at the door that the security allowed inside the compound without calling him through the intercom first.

He went straight to the door and opened up.
He was surprised to see Florence staring straight into his face.
She has swollen red eyes and looked so pale.

“I…I… did not want to stay alone tonight. Also did not want to go over to Susan’s place to avoid further interrogation. I…wan..

Maxwell left the way for her to come in.

“You’ve been crying? You don’t need to explain anything… please come inside
For More Episodes visit www.dapalace.com
 

 

TBc…

scott04:
Episode 1: Men in black




Time- 12:30 am
Location- foremont county, Florence Colorado, USA


As the chopper slowly and finally landed and the three brother blades stop their endless racing competition, Two cloaked men step out of the chopper and advance towards the magnificent 50ft tall super max prison. Their black cloak did well in blending perfectly with the total darkness of the night. Their identity is well conceded by their clothing but traces of green light could be noticed around the head hoodie of their cloak signifying they had on night vision goggles. Nothing could be heard around them except for the howling of the wind and occasional shrieking of unknown creatures lurking around. The two men move gently and steadily finally stopping besides a third man with the same clothing style who had been waiting for their arrival five minutes ago. The two men stand at each side of the waiting man trowing him in their middle. The three kept silent for a minute before the one in the middle speaks.

"Three steps from this place and we are all a goner"
The man speaks in a cracking yet very calmed voice signifying old age and a very high level of wisdom possessed by the owner. The man standing in the middle is average in hight and has no bent nor fragile structure which contradict the cracks in his voice.

"Those mine fields are really dangerous" whispered the man standing at the right hand side of the old man. His well built figure and great height could not be hidden by the cloak.

"What kinda dumbass statement is that Joel is there any minefield that ain't dangerous?" The tall and lanky man standing by the left side of the old man said angrily.

"Watch your tongue brian or else am gonna beat you up so bad you would regret knowing me" Joel threatened while clenching his fist.

"Woulda love to see ya try" brian reply in a daring voice.

The old man did nothing to caution his almost warring companions instead he focused on the 100ft long and cleared field which leads to the super max. The cleared field was laced with dangerous explosive which can be activate and deactivate when needed making it the first and the most dangerous of its kind.

"As you both knew, the minefield can only be deactivated by three means one by locating the button in pentagon which is non arguably
Impossible" the old man continue as he ignores the immaturity just displayed by his two companions.
"The second way is by getting into the prison and the third by locating another button in the United States army's barrack located about 500 metres along the horizon. Both of these options are almost impossible and suicidal"

"Director I still propose that we wait. Since the super max open once in a year which is only two months and half away" Joel said to the old man whom he just called the director. The director keep on gazing at the super max for fifty seconds before he replied Joel.

"These is the eighth month since the video leakage and the closest we could get to finding information about the project is knowing cjj your patron was one of those that helps in gathering scientists for the creation of the Us satan"

"Then why is he framed up by the government and condemned to the super max" brian chip in.

"No one is certain of why the United States did such a thing our guess is that he knew some crucial secret of the project, a secret they fear might cause exponential damages and the kind of secret we need" the director reply Brian.

Brian cleared his throat and move one step forward
"That might not be the reason. If the government want the secret tightly protected, they could have easily kill him. They keeping him alive shows that he's still very useful to them"

"Hope he's still alive, no one is allowed to check the prisoners of the super max. The moment you enters, that his the end" Joel said to Brian who ignored him

"That his a gamble we must take" the director continues "we seriously hope he's still living. As far as I am concerned he his the only hope mother Earth and her children got right now. The reason for his imprisonment is little of importance. The most important thing to us is getting cjj out of that shithole and begin the execution of our plans"

Brian and Joel nod to the director to continue

"Through our sources we are able to know the last engineer who worked on the structure of the super max. His name is Kendrick Boston and we also know his location. We also discovered he is under heavy surveillance and protection by the dss" the director continues "important information about him as already been sent to idris. Your job is to kidnap him and make him reveal to you how to get into the super max without getting discovered or having to wait for the yearly opening"

"Are you sure these edifice gat any secret entrance?" Joel ask the director while pointing at the magnificent prison before them.

"You know better Mr Joel, nothing is perfectly perfect, everything got Its own weakness" the director didn't stop there

"Know these, any single mistake from you guys could jeopardize our plans which in turn could get you guys wiped out of the earth surface" the director stop to let his words sink.

"Are you threatening us" Brian asked with a trace of anger in his tone while the director gave a short laughter.

"You know better than that Brian" he said seriously.

"I'm still not sure about your self acclaimed computer guru Mr Joel. I think you should accept some experts we are offering you atleast to assist your mens" the director said facing Joel.

"No sir idris and his group are fine with us" Joel reply indifferently.

"Look here Joel this mission is like non you have ever taken before, You know what's at stake. No single mistake can be allowed. You need all helps you could get." The director said seriously.

Joel could feel the man gaze burning into him compelling him to accept the dangerously tempting offer. He knew he must never give in to avoid stories that smashes the heart.

"These is a mutual benefiting mission. we got the chance to release our patron while you get the informations you needed. It is very important to us as it is to you. Idris is one of the best if not the best computer guru in the whole world and I promise you won't be disappointed thrust me" Joel reply calmly. Just then another cloak man steps out of the chopper and advance towards the three men.

"Guys we got only ten minutes before the cameras come up and the patrolling soldiers arrives here" the average height man with a very soft voice speaks immediately he reach the three men and stands beside Brian.
Brian nod then gave the football stadium sized and 50ft tall prison one final look then start heading back to the chopper. He was about taking the third step when an idea spring up in his mind. He wondered why no one had ever thought of something simple and brilliant as that. He quickly turn back and faces his companions.

"Idris I have seen you hack the whole internet and database of a first world country, You have successfully launder billions from the world Bank without getting caught or expressing difficulties. Since we can't fly over or land on the super max without getting blown up by the SAM (surface to air missile), why don't you hack into the prison system and deactivate the mine and SAMs while we sneak in and get whatever we want. As simple as eating fries and chicken"

Brian was shocked when idris laugh at his brilliant idea.

"The outer part of the prison is made of silver Foil and some alien stuffs which blocks any form of radiation from entering the building. No wave nor radiation can penetrate those walls making it unfeasible for outer influence either electromagnetic or other internet wizardry. You would have to hack the whole pentagon database then find the control section for the super max which is simply death. The prison is self sufficient and only programmed to open once in a year to get new inmates and staffs in. How the pentagon can control the minefield and SAM is what I'm still trying to study" idris replied breathlessly

"All these for a prison? There is surely more to it than meet the eye" Joel chip in. He moved and stand in front of the director.

"Now what do you think about him.
Do you still hold the impression that he can't handle the job?" Joel ask the director.

"I'm not impressed one bit, any one could have known that. Anyway your first assignment would reveal if he is capable or not" the director reply in his cracking voice.
"Have you gotten the informations about the engineer" the director ask idris who nod in reply
"Okay then. Remember you are about to start what you must finish. There is no escape once you get in. We are putting so much trust in your abilities and reputation and we seriously hope we won't be disappointed as you all knew so much is at stake. Remember no mistake, the agenda is clear.
The council send their greetings and goodluck"

the director finish and begin to contract. Some mechanical and robotic sounds could be heard under his cloak as he continues to shrink in size. Finally a big drone shoot up from the now deflated director's cloak and speed off. Brian pick up the cloak and the three men gave the supermax one final look before heading to the chopper. Non of them seem surprised at what just happened as they are well aware that they are speaking with another artificial clone of one of the world leaders. Whoever he was is the only obscure mystery the men knew nothing about. They get into their H155 customized chopper and also flyoff.

Three minutes later, two figures in black stand up from where the men just left then one of them pick up a recording device.

" Masgal" one of the two figures said to a device she was holding.
The other press a button on his wrist and a Raven 2*5 plane sprang up from the ground. The two get in and off they went. One minute later the camera comes up then a six men patrol team arrived from the United States army to inspect the cause of the blackout.

To be continued…

Toriperisc:
❄️Chapter 2.

�_____

Layla walked into her classroom, panting.

She was glad class hasn’t started yet.

She headed to her seat and the students started their mockery as usual, laughing and pointing at her, whispering in one another’s ear.

She noticed it was quite much today and then realised it’s because she had reduced her hair to a Bob.

Did it made her ugly like Philia had said..

She hadn’t even looked at her reflection in the mirror before leaving for school.

Even at that, she knows she isn’t ugly! And even if she is,why should they mock her for it!

She was pissed as she sat on her seat and this time,she sat fully, raising her head high and her look shows she was daring any one of them to approach her and say mockery words to her face.

They looked a bit surprised to see her look this fearless, Layla had always placed her head on the desk crying as they mock her,she only raises her head whenever they’re having a class.

Layla’s gaze shifted to Dylan who was flirting with close to five girls at the same time.

She felt her heart ache, wishing he would at least flirt with her too.

He always light up her inside with merely staring at him.

He is one of the most good looking teen she has ever seen and if they were to rate his looks by ten, he’d score nine with no doubt.

His beautiful face looks like it was carved by a creative genius.

He has soft brown eyes that’d melt the strongest of ice,his eyelashes inky black and even longer and curlier than most girl’s, one’s breath would almost seize whenever Dylan winks.

He has exotic high cheekbones and a narrow straight nose that perfected his looks.

His shiny black curls, always swept to one side giving him a touch of a bad guy look.

He has friends that flocks around him and they are good looking too but not as good looking as he is.

A loud bang diverted Layla’s thought and gaze.

She saw Chloe standing in front of her with her three friends behind her, Chloe,the mastermind behind Layla’s mockery was considered the hottest girl in Ocean high school.

She had the looks and body, her brown hair had been dyed pink and she happily flaunts it,she has a proud nose that suits her ‘not-so-nice’ character and her lips..always in different colors of lipgloss,her face was always covered in this ‘bitchy make up’

Just like Dylan, Chloe was wanted by so many guys too, it was all over the school when she was dating Dylan but their relationship only lasted for two weeks.

Though they still kiss randomly during truth or dare game.

Chloe is the leader of the cheerleading team and she had refused to allow Layla join the team just because Layla’s father is black.

Layla is now on the swimming team and the others on the team even refuse to swim race with her, none of them wants to be in the water with her or even get in the water after she’s out..just because of Chloe’s slandering.

Everyone wants to be in Chloe’s good book.

“You’ve reduced your hair to Bob huh?” Chloe laughed.

She’s here to taunt her as usual and everyone watched eagerly like they always do.

Little do they know they’re in for a surprise this time.

Layla is done tolerating shit.

“You think it’ll make you look better huh?” Chloe asked.

“No..it only made you look uglier,you look worse than a scary witch ” Chloe snorted and there was laughter.

She was surprised Layla hadn’t placed her head on the desk to start crying.

“Okay..i reduced my hair to a Bob, so what? I look like a scary witch,and so? Why do you have to be so concerned about that?” Layla asked, looking Chloe in the eyes.

There was silence and everyone looked on in surprise.

This would be the first time Layla would speak back at Chloe fearlessly.

Chloe hid her surprise with a forced chuckle.

“Did you just..like, did you.. you? talked back at me? How dare you? You lowly African!” Chloe yelled.

Layla smiled. “You’re calling them lowly because they are blacks, c’mon that’s not fair”

Chloe’s breath has gotten uneven then, she was at loss for words.

She had planned to taunt Layla as usual and return to her seat, she hadn’t expected this come back.

“They are lowly! Your father is an ugly lowly Africa!” Chloe said, trying to gain more ground.

“I dare you to say that once more and i’ll rip your hair off your scalp” Layla yelled banging her desk as she rose to her feet.

Everyone was shocked and even Dylan turned to look at her this time but Layla was blinded with fury to see him.

Chloe shifted back in fear…

“Finally! You’re behaving like the monster Africans like you are. Violent set of people.” Chloe said,almost breathlessly as she fled to her seat with her friends.

“Really? You’re fleeing?” Layla laughed and Chloe felt so embarrassed.

She was known to be the school’s queen.

How dare this thing ridicule her.

“Don’t ever bring up my dad’s name with such disrespect again, he’s dead and you know it,yet you bring up his name as you wish and even refer to him like he’s some sort of trash, just because he’s African! Would you allow anyone do the same to your own father?” Layla asked.

“My father is white! Not some.. African!” Chloe said.

“You feel your father doesn’t deserve to be referred to as thrash but my own father does just because he’s a black?! Wow, you’re making it seem like it’s a crime to be black, this is terrible, why do you hate us so much” Layla sighed.

“Whatever!” Chloe rolled her eyes.

“And..if you keep bringing up my father with such disrespect, i’ll not hesitate to drag the hell out of your dad too, you have my words on that” Layla said.

“Wh..what did you just say?” Chloe asked.

“I said what i said Chloe” Layla said.

“How dare you speak to my father that way!” Chloe fumed where she stood with her friends.

“Ohh..you care about what others say to your dad but you don’t care about what you say to others Dad!..that’s pretty unbelievable of you” Layla raised her brows.

Chloe sighed, Layla is having the upper hand and it’s so embarrassing to her.

“Everyone knows your father married your Mum just to get papers!” Chloe said and Layla laughed.

“Just so you know, my parents love story is still the best I’ve ever heard. My Mum actually made my Dad marry her just so he can have the papers to stay behind, she doesn’t want him out of her sight not even for one hour…” Layla paused, a bit surprised to see almost everyone interested in the story.

“Huh..seems everyone is so interested in the love story of a black and white. I’m sorry i’ll have to stop there” She smiled.

“That doesn’t change the fact that he is African!” Chloe said.

“And, what is wrong with being an African?” Layla asked with all seriousness.

“Maybe if you tell me,i would at least understand why you hate them this much” She added.

Chloe went speechless for some time,she also couldn’t understand why she hates blacks and maybe she doesn’t hate blacks, maybe she hates Layla personally.

“I do not hate Africans, i hate you!” Chloe said bluntly.

“Why?” Layla asked.

Everyone waited for Chloe’s answer but none came.

“Okay..i get it that you hate me,do you have to extend it to my parents,my father in particular?” Layla asked.

“Because they gave birth to you! They fvcking gave birth to you. And to think a black! is in the same class that i am…damn!” Chloe growled.

Layla laughed..”I’m not even a full black,my Mum is American so i don’t think that’s enough reason to hate me. That’s just your excuse to,you obviously have other reasons but i don’t even care, just do not speak ill of my father or your father! would bear the brunt” Layla said.

“Do not mention my father with that black father of yours!” Chloe said through gritted teeth.

Layla laughed loud and hard.

“You should actually be glad i mentioned your father alongside mine.. My father, Michael Ajagun Williams..” Layla paused and if there had been a ‘Yoruba’ in the class,they would have laughed at the way she had pronounced ‘Ajagun’

“He is a three star general who fought across the thirty six states of Nigeria during World War II,he fought till his last breath and he died while protecting thousands of people” Layla said and her classmates exclaimed, looking touched by the story.

Chloe was touched also but she was too headstrong to show it.

“He’s not just any African, he’s a hero! The most selfless man I’ve ever known. None of you should dare bring up my father again and even if you do, please accord him some respect” Layla said and the whole class went silent.

Most of them already feeling bad to have treated Layla like thrash.

Chloe could see what was happening and she knew she had to speak up real fast.

“You all shouldn’t fall for her words! She’s telling lies!” Chloe said.

“Lies? Why would i do that? I didn’t say that for anyone to change their ways towards me,i didn’t say that to earn y’all pity nor anyone’s friendship. As a matter of fact,i don’t want anyone’s friendship. I said that to make you see how lucky your father is to be mentioned alongside mine” Layla smiled at Chloe.

“Your father fought across thirty six states in his poor country! That means nothing!” Chloe said.

“Yeah,it means nothing to you but it means a lot to the people he saved and they’ll forever be grateful to him” Layla said.

“And i think i should be blamed here because i gave you the chance to disrespect my father. Starting now..never speak ill of my father again,i won’t take it lightly..i promise you that. You hate me,then direct your hate to me, Do not extend it to my father. Don’t bring him up ever again!” Layla warned clearly.

“And that doesn’t go to Chloe alone but everyone in here, never disrespect my parents again. This is a warning!” Layla stated before sitting.

Her eyes landed on Dylan and surprisingly found his gaze on her,her stomach lit up immediately in excitement.

His gaze lingered before he finally looked away.

Dylan looks like he has finally noticed her and maybe he would start flirting with her too.

She almost grinned at the thought,her gaze was still fixed on him even after he had looked away.

Everyone was astounded Layla could turn that bold and fearless,they stared at her, different questions written all over their faces.

Chloe fumed on her seat, tapping her fingers on the desk repeatedly.

Her friends knew better than to say anything to her at the moment.

“What’s with the weird silence?” Miss Moore asked as she walked into the classroom.

She got no answer and then shrugged before proceeding to teach.

Walking into the cafeteria for lunch break, Layla had the same demeanor she had when she sat in class in the morning.

For the first time in years,she wasn’t mocked. She was only being stared at.

Realising it was this easy to have brought an end to the mockery that went on for years almost brought tears to her eyes.

She had allowed it go on and on,she had allowed it break her,it almost marred her and then with just few words and action..she was free.

She had thought it was going to take more than that,she never thought being free of the mockery and hatred only required standing up for herself.

If it hadn’t been for…what happened, would she have made the decision to stand up for herself or would she have even thought of it..?

She knew the answer and it sadden her.

Perhaps,she was being punished for not standing up for herself all these years.

Maybe God knew what happened would make her stand up for herself and then..

Stop Layla..she scolded herself.

She walked to the counter to get her lunch and then walked to a table with a tray of meal in hand.

She sat and expected the girls to stand up and move to another table like they’ve always done but she was surprised when they remained seated, eating their meal.

She was stunned for a while, knowing the students never ate with her,they do move to another table.

Except a girl who always sat with her.

Only the girl did not avoid her.

She eats with her all the time, though the girl is in a junior class.

Layla looked around and wondered where the girl was,she couldn’t find her.

“You should eat up,lunch break will be over soon” One of the girls said to Layla, stunning her yet again.

“Hu..h? Okay” She said and started eating.

Chloe saw what was happening and knew Layla is starting to win over the students heart.

“I can’t believe those girls sat with her!” Christy,one of Chloe’s friend said.

“What am i gonna do?” Chloe sighed worriedly.

Lunch break was over and everyone started moving to their classes.

“I think…your hair looks nice on you” Layla heard.

The voice sounds familiar but it can’t possibly be the person she’s thinking right?

No…or she’s going to faint.

She turned slowly, earnestly hoping he was the one.

It was Dylan.

He smiled at her before walking away.

She managed to stop herself from screaming but she couldn’t stop herself from dancing.

She broke into a dance, shaking each part of her body, humming incoherent rhythm to compliment her dance.

She cared less about the students who laughed at her funny steps.

She looked like the happiest person on Earth at the moment.

“No one told me Michael Jackson’s daughter attends this school..” One of the students said as they walked past her and the rest laughed.

“Wow, great dancing skills.. wouldn’t you like to showcase it to the class? Come with me” Miss Moore said and Layla stopped dancing.

“Miss Moore, no..i i”

“C’mon, great steps you have there, you’ll need to come show it to the class” Miss Moore smiled.

“No..i..i was only dancing because I’m excited, i know my dance skills is worst than a jelly’s, please don’t make me showcase it in front of the class” Layla said and Miss Moore held her laughter.

“You only think so, you’re still the best dancer I’ve ever seen. The world needs to know of your talent but let’s start from your class” Miss Moore said, laughing hard as she dragged Layla along.

“Miss Moore..nooo,i dance like a crab, pleaseeeeee” Layla pleaded as she was being pulled to her class.

Zeemah

�����

I hope I’m not the only one that has bad dancing skills like Layla ��

Cynthialinlin:
EPISODE THIRTEEN

“Babe, how are you feeling?” Ruby came out of her room to meet Rose in the living room, spooning ice-cream into her mouth and watching a movie.

“Wow, you look so good.” Rose sat up and kept the bowl of ice-cream on the table in front of her. “I'm okay. Give me three days and I assure you, I will totally forget everything about the name Blossom.”

“You say it like it's easy.” Ruby walked towards her and picked up the bowl of ice-cream. She took some.

“Forgetting him is not easy, thinking about it all the time is also not easy. Let me choose the better of two evils. Going through a breakup is not something you can use motivational sayings to brush over.”

Ruby smiled guiltily, thinking of all the inspirational messages and sayings she'd been sending to Rose since the previous night.

Rose continued, “I just want to get the whole thing done and over with. Now, I can cry how I want and curse him all I want, but when it's done, I move on with my life.”

Ruby looked at her friend in admiration. “So straightforward.”

“People like to make things complicated for themselves.” She gestured for the ice-cream bowl. Ruby returned it to her. “So where are you going? This one you even bought a new gown, any new boo I don't know about?”

Ruby sat on the handle of the couch. She reached for the remote control of the TV and reduced the volume. “It's the guy I met through social media. We're finally meeting in real life.”

“That was fast. Are you sure he is not something else? With the rate of online scams, you have to be very careful.”

“We are meeting in a very public place, near Ikeja City Mall. I checked out the place, it's a restaurant.”

“Even though it is safe, you don't know what might be waiting for you. Send me the address of the place in case of necessity.”

“Hah?” Ruby eyed Rose. “Is that necessary? I'm sure it's very safe. I've been on-”

“I said 'in case of necessity' o. The way things are now, you can never be too sure or too safe. Just send me the address. I'm not going to ruin your date. At least if something happens, we know where to start from.”

“Jesus! Why are you taking it so seriously like that? God forbid something happens to me.” But as she was saying it, she brought out her phone to send the address to her.

“You still have me on your quick dial, right? If you start getting any vibes, just know when to remove your shoes and run.” Rose continued.

“Yes, mummy,” Ruby's reply was sarcastic. “Did anything happen? Abi it's because of your breakup?”

Rose gave her a sharp look. She licked her spoon and tossed it into a now-empty bowl. “One of the security men at work had to take leave yesterday to go and look for his younger sister, a university student. They said she has been missing for five days now. We were talking about it during break and you'd be surprised at the things my coworkers were saying. My dear, it is better to be safe than sorry. I'm just taking cautions. But you have to be careful.”

“Hmm,” Ruby had always seen a lot of messages concerning missing people, though she'd always assumed that it was one of those broadcast messages that were designed to put fear into people’s mind. “I'll be careful.”

Rose picked up her phone and looked at the message Ruby sent. “Are you coming back this night?”

“Definitely. With this thing that you told me, I don't think I can afford to spend the night elsewhere.” Ruby's phone buzzed. “My Uber is here.”

“Okay. Enjoy yourself then,” Rose wiggled her fingers in a wave.

Ruby stood up and adjusted her clothes. “You too. Make sure you don't stay up too late or cry too much.”

“I can't promise any of that.” She smiled playfully. “See you.”

Ruby shook her head and went out of the house. An ash car was waiting in front of the gate. She confirmed the driver's name and got into it. Hopefully, the traffic wouldn't be too heavy, she thought as she sent a message to Fred informing him that she was on her way. He lived in Ikeja, so it wouldn't be difficult for him to get to their rendezvous.

***
It was probably one of the best restaurants she'd been to. Soft strains of jazz wafted through the restaurant, with muted lights that added a sense of romanticism to the place. Round tables were designed to seat two people, with love-shaped candle stands in the middle of the table. The tables that were occupied had the candles lit up with a reddish hue. The sound of cutleries was muted, each couple caught up in their world. It was a Friday night and very few tables were empty. Ruby was certain that it would soon be filled up. The waitress that had met her at the reception desk now led her to a table in the far corner of the restaurant. She only had to call Fred's name as he had made the reservation in his name.

She was the first to arrive. Her heart was weighed down in slight disappointment as she was directed to the table. She sat down and when the waitress asked if she would like anything, she looked at the menu and ordered one of the cheapest wines she saw. Though by her definition, it was not cheap at all.

The wine arrived quickly and soon, she was taking small sips from the glass. The table Fred picked was close to the window, overlooking some of the city sights. From where she sat, she could see the roads, lighted up by cars and road lamps, colored lights where bars were. It was beautiful.

She sat sipping from her glass and looking, both out of the window and at the entrance. Time and again, she would look at her phone to check for the time.

Fifteen minutes passed.

Thirty minutes.

Thirty-five minutes.

Ruby's neck had a crick in it from every time she had to look back to know if the person arriving was him. At some point, she switched positions, backing the window so she would have her eyes on the entrance at all times. She'd sent him multiple messages and tried calling him. There was no reply and her call wasn't picked. Three times, a waitress had come to ask her if she was ready to order. She was almost halfway through the bottle of wine, as her little sips were turning into gulps. She was also beginning to feel slightly dizzy.

Forty-five minutes.

The waitress was there again. She ordered a simple plate of fried rice. Her stomach couldn't handle the hunger and she was beginning to feel faint.

Fifty-five minutes.

She finished the first serving of rice and tried calling again. The phone this time was switched off. She gestured to the waitress, ordered another serving of fried rice, this time with salad and a side of peppered beef.

One hour.

Still no sign of her online lover. His phone was still switched off.

One hour, fifteen minutes.

She forced herself to finish the meal she had ordered.

One hour, twenty-five minutes.

She was done eating. The waitress was standing beside her with a POS. She searched for her ATM in her purse and handed it over.

The waitress swiped the card with efficiency. A ding from her phone let her know that money had been deducted. She didn't check. Only picked up her purse, along with the unfinished bottle of wine, which the waitress had been kind enough to package for her, and went out of the restaurant.

She waited ten long minutes before her Uber arrived. Ten minutes during which she kept peering into the face of every man that walked into or from the restaurant. Her Uber arrived. She got into it and it drove away.

She didn't know what to feel.