~𝐙IᖇᗩᑕᕼI ᒍOY ᗰᗩᖇK~

Z  I  R  A  C  H  I

"First day you're kissing some random guy, and next we are making headlines!"

Currently, I and Grace was in my room and our conversation was heated. I had successfully continued my remaining hours at school on a low key, but I knew tommorow was going to be worst, because?

Me, the newbie has been labeled as GHS NO.1 Snitch and worst Idia is after me.

"And so? What if I go around kissing or dating random guys?" She nonchalantly questioned.

"That alone is a mistake.What about Kingsley?" I asked, her bold mask for a moment slipped out and immediately she regained composture.

"We broke up and he's history now. I'm a new Grace, I now attend one of the best school in the country, I can freely breath the same air with the rich, and my kiss with Dafe is non of your concern!" She yelled the last part out, and my heart ached to see Grace in this delusional manner.

"Just listen to yourself, Kingsley that you couldn't spend a day without hearing his voice is now history. Grace wake up! Dafe is using you, our image is already in ruins with the news circulating and worst, the person behind all this is after our downfall." I said, trying to speak some sense into her but, Grace once again chose to exhibit her stubborn behavior.

"I don't care if he's using me. He's just a friend with benefit, I was well aware of his playboy stunts before I gave my lips out, he has the money and popularity at GHS and that is exactly my aim." She said, as shock was an understatement to what I felt.

"GRACE!" Came my voice in disbelief.

"What! I was well aware that the kiss news would be trending as Lara already warned, so don't you scold me like you are my mo....ther"Her defense broke into shreds, tears she's been holding up fell and her eyes held 'sad.' Without hesitation I gave her a hug.

Grace was always like this, trying to behave strong and bold but I know deep within there are things she holding.

After her tears subsided I gave her a glass of water to stop the hiccup. "I'm sorry for the way I yelled but Zira," She pause as though collectively choosing her next words.

"......I've made my decision, Lara already briefed me on the effects of my action, to be honest I'm totally fine with the rumors and talks, it only shows the rich kids are interested in the affairs of a mere pauper like me,"she laughed half-heartedly. "So just chill, Lara promised that this won't reach the school authorities. For the Idia situation, I know you're innocent and the unknown framed everything up but just endure, fame is the key."

She said, I couldn't help but feel for her. Grace has always held fame and the rich in high esteem, but never did I imagine a day like this would come.

"Oh, look at the time it's past five. There's this live reality show and you know me and my favorite reality shows, I definitely can't miss this one."She said, as I knew that was her cue to leave.

"Okay, if you say so. Let my escort you out." I offered, as we made our way towards the living room and was met with Mum's entry.

"Good evening Mum"

"Good evening ma, it seems work was hectic" Grace greeted.

"Yes, as usual. Your mother is yet to close for the day. You know the position of a kitchen manager is quite a work full"Mother said, telling Grace the obvious as she took off her shoe and sat on the sofa.

"Yes ma. I was just leaving. Zira take care of aunty ooo" she said jokingly.

"I don hear madam, oya come dey go shay your reality show go soon start" I said reminding her.

"Yeh! " She exclaimed, as she ran off without saying bye, that's Grace when she is confused. I chuckled and closed the door.

I turned and caught Mother's stare, she appeared tired and had her signature exhausted look, I hate seeing her in this condition of working till a state of fatigue but then, "I'm use to it" would be her response if I complained.

Sigh.

♦Gᖇᗩᑕᗴ ᒪᗩᗪᗴ OᒪᗩᗰIᗪᗴ♦

G  R  A  C  E

I lied.

Once again I lied to Zira, living in this charade of deceit was eating me up but no, I just have to play cool and be perfect. I shouldn't involve Zira in this, it would only spite her and be much of a burden.

I had finally escaped from her clutches of care, at least she would be less worried about me. The reality show stuff was part of my plan to leave, and currently I'm running late for the meeting.

40 minutes pass 7pm!!!

I know I'm late, but staring at the person before me left me struck as I partially fancied my dressing, which was a bit too revealing but at the same time perfect.The black leather mini skirt I wore contributed to my ever glowing skin, paired with the flower designed off shoulder crop top that clung onto me.

Boss Lady:

Get here ASAP

I stared at Lara's Message, until it dawned on me it's content. I scurried out, running down the hallway that leads downstairs, on getting out I was glad no one was on sight and definitely not Mum, because she would kill me if she saw me dressed in these.

I tiptoed towards the back exist, one that was only made used by the workers. Luck was on my side as I didn't encounter any obstruction, I spotted the pink sprayed Peugeot 307 and knew that was my ride.

You heard right! Peugeot 307!

You are probably wondering why rich kids like Lara, would even know such a car like that exists. Well, that's Lara's escape car, one she hates with all dignity but at the same time, has been in handy with her recent sneaking out.

"Why are you so late?" She questioned, revising out as the engine roared in those loud manner as though the car had a fault, peeks of being old.

"I'm..s....o..rry" I apologized, settling at the back seat as I muttered a 'hi' to Chioma, who didn't care to respond while Idia didn't spare me a glance.

Nothing I'm not used to.

"The guys are already waiting, why waste so much time barbie doll dressing, when I bought you everything damn thing you have" Lara yelled. I bit my lips hard as my eyes were itchy. Yeah, tears.

" I'm so sor_" I repeated but was curtly stopped between words by Idia.
"Enough with the irrelevant apology, let it be Lara, did you forget it's a norm for paupers like her to waste time...." She said, in what seemed like a joke to Chioma and Lara as they laughed.

"You are so right, there's this new employed illiterate at home, that idiot is sooo sluggish, I can't wait for Mum to be back from Canada so some screening would be done....." Chioma contributed, as she raised her well manicured nails to her mouth, a habit she's used to whenever giggling or giving off a mocking statement.

Their conversation went on, as usual I was the fourth wheel out, who does all she can to stick around and fit in. I slightly rubbed my palms as that feeling of nervousness was settling in.

Pathetic.

Engage in the conversation, you're so dumb and useless!!!!

Why dress up so much or try to be friendly?? when you'll forever remain the pauper in their midst!!!

That voice, she's back again and in more torrents of tormenting words, I'm okay, Lara's my friend. I assured myself. As pride welled up within as being a friend with the rich_

"Tinker Bell! Tinker Bell" A finger snapped, jolting out of my revive I was met with Lara's hands akimbo and the stillness of the car.

"We are here, and please stop thinking when you're around me it's becoming embarrassing." She said. I got out of the car and inhaled the fresh air. Chioma and Idia were in their model walk side by side.

The private lounge was the same old boring place, but the sense of luxury and wealth always erased that boring aura the lounge held. Joha by Asake played within as the song also uplifted the mood, the boys were engrossed in their normal arguments.

Dafe's daring voice expecting an opposition to whatever he just said, made my squeak so loud accompanied with the hug I gave him.He hugged me back groping my butt.

I wasn't shocked at his action but reciprocated with a peek on his cheek, while he tickled my side earning an exciting laughter from me.

"Get a room already, Urghh" Idia spat irritatedly, as I immediately felt conscious of the stares and Lara's gaze.

"Chill girl and stop rubbing off your sadist behavior on others."Dafe retorted, the room felt heavy because Idia stopped typing on her phone and paused briefly, she raised her head up and those eyes of hers emitted dark and challenged.

The few things I have noticed about this clique, is it's unending secrets and silent rivals like Dafe and Idia, whose backstory seems to quiver my curiosity, but I know better than to pry when the game has just began.

Idia glared venomously at Dafe, she normally has that look of hate in her eyes, only on few occasions I've seen a partial genuine smile from her and that's when she's up to her mischievous acts.

A normal person would have cowered at her, but I won't really classify Dafe as abnormal, instead his bold and unfazed self didn't move an inch.

"Midas," A chilled voice called out, up until now I didn't notice his presence, and I really need some scolding because how could I have missed Jared's familiar aura.

"Yes Jared" Midas responded, I would describe Midas as the mediator with a personality that corresponds with that of a peacemaker. But, with the current situation he didn't interfere and instead, anticipated Jared's next words which was always frank.

"You said the meeting was urgent, so why this shitty quarrel between these two? I've got no time to waste." He said. And his words seemed to have piqued Idia's interest, as her long gaze with Dafe broke. Not so suprisinly she switched moods and stared at Jared longingly.

Weird girl.

"Jared, it is all because of you." Chioma finally spoke while assessing her nails. "........it's your fault our group is going through shit!"She slightly yelled her last words.

"Enough Chioma I'll handle this," Midas tried interrupting but Chioma was having none of it.

"Handle what? By behaving like a dummy without words" She bluntly questioned. Midas as usual was cool and tried behaving Mature-in his words- He didn't appear hurt and even if he was, he masked it out.

"If you had not led Idia on, she wouldn't be having such illusions of a perfect relationship" She said, and the evident shock on Idia face obviously countered to Chioma's statement.

"Do I have to keep on repeating myself! Jared loves me and I'm not imagining anything,"She defended, turing her attention to the supposed Jared who looked fed up with the whole drama. "Jared babyyyyy, you proposed your love to me, rememb_"

"Just shut up!" He yelled, halting whatever word Idia wanted to say.

"You disgust me, forget whatever happened that night and stop all this pretence, I was intoxicated and that state contributed to those words I said," He paused. Her reaction was thrilling and a sight to see because the tears falling down her cheeks perceived real.

"So stop and at school, reduce your clingy behavior it irks me" He said disdainfully, and that was the last straw, he stood up and stormed out totally ignoring Idia's pleas and tears.

From the side of my eye, Dafe for a moment appeared sympathetic and I was beyond stunned.

I thought they are rivals.

This place, the people and unveiled emotions seems too cunning. Prying into their past lives and secrets should be my next attainable motive.

But, is it really worth it?

________________________

Wow, your thoughts on this chapter?

Which character has been so annoying?

Idia mood swings though 😒

And definitely Jared? Was he too harsh or was Idia just being a pest?

What do you have to say about Grace???? 🤦🏼‍♀️

Pleasseeeeeee Comment and Vote 🌟 just hit the orange star🥺 and also share.

Thanks From....
Vahnyy✨❤️🌹.........