CHAPTER 1&2
“Beep! Beep! Beep!” The sound of the alarm made me groan. Now I’m starting to regret not sleeping early.
I sluggishly rose from my bed and trudged to the bathroom, shutting the door in frustration.
Staring at my reflection in the mirror, I looked utterly dull.
After brushing my teeth and taking a quick shower, I left my room and headed towards Tiwa’s room.
Opening the door gently, I saw her small figure lying in bed.
“Tiwa, wake up,” I said, tapping her softly. Tiwa is my little sister, and she’s seven years old.
“I want to sleep,” she mumbled, attempting to push me away.
“Come on, get up,” I insisted, pulling her leg.
“This is unfair,” she grumbled as she sat up.
“Why do we have to go to school anyway?” she complained, rubbing her eyes.
“To learn, become better people in the future, and don’t forget, to make money too,” I replied.
“Make money? But we already have Money,” she retorted, then reluctantly got out of bed.
“Just keep thinking about your parents’ money,” I teased.
“What else am I supposed to think about?” she shrugged.
“Come on, let’s both get ready before we’re late for school.”
” come let me bath you” I added.
“I can bathe myself,” she declared before darting into the bathroom and locking the door.
My parents were always on business trips, hardly ever home, leaving us with the housekeepers and security.
I have three siblings, two of whom are already working and living abroad.
My life can be quite dull, but I don’t mind. I prefer it this way.
Tiwa and I dressed for school, had breakfast, then headed out. We attended different schools since mine was a secondary school.
“If I hear that you’ve been fighting again, I’ll tell Mommy and Daddy,” I warned.
“I won’t, I promise,” Tiwa replied with a smile as she climbed into the car.
~~~~~~~
I entered the classroom, which was still relatively empty, and took my seat before unpacking my books. Reading was my solace, and achieving good grades was my sole focus in school.
“Timi! Timi!” I heard my name, prompting a groan. This boy’s sole purpose seems to be disrupting my life.
“What?” I responded, closing my book and turning to face him.
“Why did you give me the wrong number yesterday?” he asked, as if he were entitled to have my phone number.
“Because I don’t want to talk to you! I’ve been telling you this for ages, yet you still persist in bothering me,” I snapped. Yes, I may sound rude, but trust me, he’s a real nuisance.
“Why are you so rude? And why do you dislike talking to people?” he inquired, taking a seat beside me. What did I do to deserve this?
“Kelvin, leave me alone,” I muttered, then reopened my book.
“It’s just a question,” he insisted.
“Well, it’s because you have a corrupt mindset. Your thoughts are polluted, and it’s not appealing,” I retorted.
Kelvin is the epitome of a troublemaker, spoiled and rotten to the core. All he cares about is girls.
“I like you, and you know it. That’s all I can think about, to be honest,” he admitted.
“Okay,” I replied, already exhausted from the conversation.
“Forget about your Big @zz, I don’t dwell on that. All I see is your beauty and how good we would look together,” he continued.
This is exactly what I’m talking about—nonsense about physical attributes.
“Okay, I’ve heard enough. Can you please leave now?” I requested.
“Timi, I…”
Before he could finish, the school bell interrupted us, prompting me to stand up immediately.
“Just wait, Timi,” he pleaded, but I rolled my eyes and walked out of the classroom. Boys and their dramas.
I attended English, Math, and Biology classes, and thankfully, the day passed quickly.
~~
As the closing bell rang, I headed back home, grateful that today’s classes were over.
The hot weather drove me to seek relief in our pool. After putting on my bikini, I made my way downstairs.
“Should I join you?” Tiwa asked.
“No, thank you,” I declined. Her presence would only disrupt my peaceful swim; I just wanted to swim without any interruptions.
I dove into the refreshing water, relishing its cool embrace. This was exactly what I needed.
I swam for a while before Emerging from the pool, I started to make my way to the lounge chair when I heard music coming from the neighboring house.
Turning to investigate, I was taken aback to see a guy on the balcony, staring directly at me.
Without a second thought, I grabbed my towel to cover myself. What a pervert!
I glanced back, but he was gone. Who was he?
I knew the owner of the house—a family friend who resides abroad. And she was the owner of my school, Could he be her son or brother?
Returning to my room, I changed into dry clothes, but the encounter lingered in my mind. Why was he watching me?
Settling onto my bed, phone in hand, all I wanted was a nap.
As I turned over, I caught him staring at me AGAIN!
“What’s wrong with you?” I demanded, rising from my bed.
“Me? What did I do?” His American accent was surprisingly pleasant.
“I think you’ve been following me,” I accused, moving closer to my window.
“But I’m not,” he countered, making me roll my eyes.
“You were watching me in the pool, and again when I was trying to nap. You’re invading my privacy,” I retorted.
“Invading your privacy? My room is opposite yours, and I was on the balcony before you came out to swim. So technically, you’re at fault,” he reasoned.
“Me? At fault? What’s wrong with you?” I scoffed.
“Timi,” Mrs. Austin’s voice broke through the air as she entered the room where the Annoying guy was lounging.
“Hi, Aunt,” I greeted warmly, flashing a genuine smile.
“Wait, you know this girl?” the Annoying guy queried, his tone curious.
“Yes, I do,” Mrs. Austin confirmed with a warm smile directed at me.
“How are you doing?” she asked, her concern palpable.
“I’m good, thanks. How about you?” I replied politely.
“I’m fine,” she responded with a gentle nod. “Oh, this is my son, Atlas,” she introduced, indicating the guy.
“And Atlas, this is Timi,” she added with a smile. We exchanged a hesitant glance, neither of us eager to initiate a greeting. What a rude guy.
“Atlas,” Mrs. Austin called, nudging him on the shoulder.
“Hi, Timi,” he greeted, his tone casual.
“Hi, Atlas,” I responded, masking my surprise, attempting to maintain a neutral demeanor despite the underlying tension between us.
Mrs. Austin, ever the gracious hostess, continued with an invitation.
“Okay, can you and your sister come have dinner with us? I heard your parents aren’t around again.”
The mention of dinner caught me off guard, my mind racing with thoughts and concerns. Dinner with Mrs. Austin and her son? How would that go?
To be continued…