Mae carried my bag and escorted me to my mom's car. She greeted Mom and Soren before leaving.
"What happened to you?" Mom asked as she looked at me with concern.
"I fell down during gym class. That's why I'm in pain," I said, trying to sound casual.
"What activity were you doing?" she asked, her worry deepening.
"Rock climbing!"
"Oh my God, Ade, be careful. You don't want to end up paralyzed," she said, her voice trembling with fear. "I need to take you to the hospital."
"No, Agnetha treated me already. She gave me some painkillers for the pain," I reassured her. "She says I don't have any damaged bones or serious injuries."
"When we get home; I want to look at your injuries," she said, still looking concerned. We both got into the car, and she began driving.
Soren leaned closer and whispered so that mom couldn't hear, "I know you're lying. I think Kemi must have beaten you!"
"Soren, please let this slide. I don't want to stress Mom and Dad. I will fight my own battles at school," I said, trying to keep my composure.
"Chill, I won't say a word," Soren said, his tone softening. "But next time she does this, I will beat her up, myself!"
When we got home, Mom helped me to my bedroom and carefully assisted me in removing my clothes. Mom had studied nursing but had never practiced due to the acid attack that left her disfigured so she knew how to examine and treat injuries.
"Ade, your injuries don't look like they're from a fall," she said, her eyes narrowing with concern.
"Mom, I was high up when I fell down," I insisted, trying to sound convincing.
"So you fell on your front, not on your legs or bum?" she asked, clearly not buying it.
"Yes," I replied, hoping she'd accept my lie.
Mom paused, then called out, "Soren, can you come here for a moment?"
Soren entered my room, his expression curious.
"Did you hear about Ade falling at school today?" Mom asked, her eyes shifting between us, searching for the truth.
Soren hesitated, glancing at me before answering. "We are in different classes and hit the gym at different times, so I wouldn't have heard," he said.
Mom's gaze lingered on him for a moment, then back to me. "I don't know what's going on, but I'm not convinced," she said softly.
"Mom, I fell down. You can call the school to confirm," I said, praying she wouldn't actually do it.
She studied my face for a moment, then sighed. "Fine."
I nodded, feeling a wave of guilt but also relief that she hadn't pressed further.
She walked out of my bedroom. "Addie, that was a close call," Soren said and walked out too.
I was in a lot of pain so I couldn't turn. I had to stay in one position which brought me a lot of discomfort. Tendai texted me at dusk.
Tendai: How are you feeling? I came to see you after class; Agnetha told me you had left.
Addie: Ugh, I'm in a lot of pain; the meds are wearing off. 😩 I left as soon as it was 3 p.m.
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: I wish I could be there to offer you some comfort. 🤗
Addie: My mom doesn't know you. She wouldn't be comfortable with you coming over.
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: We can chill in the living room. We're just friends. 😊
Addie: You've already decided that we're friends?
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: How do you define our relationship then?
Addie: We're buddies; "friend" feels too soon.
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: Okay, Addie, one step at a time. Done with soccer practice. Heading home rn. Will text you when I get there.
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: Before I forget. Please come watch me play during practice
Addie: I will think about this. Safe trip home! 🏠😊
Tendai is typing...
Tendai: Ok.
Sometimes, when I stayed behind on Wednesdays after returning from the greenhouse, I would watch the soccer team practice. I had watched him play, he was a good goalkeeper. His excellent saving skills had been a key factor in the team's recent victories.
He was athletic, good-looking, and smart—qualities that made me question why he was with Kemi. Many girls at school wanted him, but Kemi had snatched him up as soon as he joined the school. I couldn't help but feel like Tendai was a prize that all the girls secretly coveted. Of course, he could never like someone like me.
I wasn't as beautiful as Kemi. She was tall, thin, and brown, with Somali origins, while I was Sierra Leonean-Ghanaian—tall, dark, and a little plus-sized. I needed to stop thinking of Tendai like this. I had to remind myself that it was a fantasy, not reality. My insecurities about my appearance and our differences made it clear that I should focus on other things and avoid setting myself up for disappointment.
I texted Mr. Callum Thomas to let him know that I'd be absent from school because I was sick. I didn't want him to call Mom about my absence; I was worried she might find out the truth, which I wasn't ready for her to know.
Tendai stayed true to his word. He texted me when he got home, and we ended up texting until I fell asleep.
The pain was worse on Tuesday morning. I could hardly move around. I told Mae to inform the boys that I fell during rock climbing on Monday in the gym.
"I hope you feel better soon," Mae said, her concern evident.
Tendai called me shortly after. "I haven't seen you around," he said.
"I won't be attending class today. I'm in a lot of pain," I replied.
"I wish you a quick recovery," he said warmly.
Next, Jensen called. "I heard from Andrew that Mae told him you won't be coming to class today because of an injury you sustained yesterday during rock climbing," he said.
"Yes, I'm not coming because I'm in pain," I explained.
"I'm so sorry. I'm coming to see you in the evening," he promised.
I spent the day resting. I talked with Mom, binge-watched To All the Boys I've Loved Before on Netflix, and even managed to nap.
Jensen arrived in the evening, just as he promised. "How are you, Mrs. K?" he asked with his usual friendly smile.
"I'm fine, nice to see you again, Jensen," she said warmly. "Ade told me you were coming. I've prepared some jollof rice and chicken for you."
"Thank you," Jensen said.
He came to the living room where I was waiting for him. Mom went back to the kitchen.
"Hi, Addie. I wanted to see you," he said, his voice filled with concern. "How are you feeling?"
"I'm still in a lot of pain," I replied. If I told him that I was beaten badly by Raven, Jensen would immediately report the matter to his dad, I thought, feeling a wave of anxiety.
Jensen's concern deepened. "That sounds rough. How did it happen?"
"I slipped from the rope because I was trying to reach a difficult hold and lost my balance."
"Did you get any professionals to examine your body?" he asked. "Sometimes falls like that need professional attention."
I quickly responded, "Agnetha told me I don't have any serious injuries."
Mom brought his food at that moment. "Thanks, Mrs. K," Jensen said, a hint of gratitude in his voice.
"I hope you like it," Mom replied with a smile.
"Jensen, did you see Addie fall in the gym?" She asked, still curious about my accident. Mom hadn't believed the story I sold her about why I was badly injured.
All my angles were covered though because girls did P.E alone just like the boys.
"I didn't see her," he said, innocently. Girls exercise separately from boys.
Jensen turned to look at me. "Addie, are you lying about how you got your injuries?" he asked, with concern in his eyes.
"No, why would I lie about something like that Jensen, you can ask Mae if you think I am lying," I said.
"But Mae... was it really just a fall, or did something more happen to Addie? She claims she fell in the gym. How come I've never heard of such accidents at school?" Jensen pressed, concern edging his voice.
Mae stayed silent for a few seconds, the unexpected call clearly catching her off guard.
"The rock climbing wall was added recently," Mae finally said, her voice hesitant. "A lot of girls have been getting injured. I heard that last week, Haylee Price in Year Nine broke her arm from a fall." She paused, then added, "You wouldn't have known this because the boys usually exercise outside on the field. The wall is risky."
I sighed silently. Mae had managed to make my lie more believable.
"Goodnight Mae," Jensen said and hung up.
Mom was convinced finally. I could see it in her face. She walked away and left me alone with Jensen once more.
""I'm sorry about the accident," he said.
"It's okay," I replied, nudging him lightly. "I think I'll suspend my rock climbing adventures for a while."
Jensen relaxed and so did I. He began eating his food.
"Are you serious about becoming a Freemason, Jensen? We haven't had a chance to discuss it in detail since you first mentioned it," I asked, trying to shift the focus.
Jensen's eyes lit up with enthusiasm. "Yes, I'm serious. It's something I've been thinking about for a while now. I really want to pursue," he said with food in his mouth.
"Jensen, I'm against secret societies. I believe they're devilish," I said firmly.
"Don't believe the rubbish they say about Freemasons online," he countered. "It's all nonsense. I've met some Freemason friends of my father, and they're some of the nicest people in this world. They give generously to the poor and support hospitals."
"I won't change who I am just because I'm part of the organization," he claimed.
I shook my head. "What draws you to it? I mean, why Freemasonry specifically?"
"I told you, it's because it has helped my dad become the powerful man he is today," he said. I want those same opportunities.
I understand that, but I still can't accept it," I said. "I don't agree with it."
"Were Kemi and Raven at school today?" I asked, hoping to shift the topic.
"Kemi was, but Raven wasn't. She was in a bad mood and yelled at some Year Sevens during break time for spilling tea on her," he said. Even though Jensen didn't know it. Raven had stayed home because of her injuries.
Jensen and I talked about school and his family. He told me that his dad's biggest competitor was Isla Walker in the upcoming Mayoral election in May and that his mom had broken up with her boyfriend.
"I need to talk to Soren, before I leave," Jensen requested when it was time for him to leave.
Jensen was friends with Soren. Soren and mom had come from school before Jensen arrived. Soren had been in his bedroom since then.
"It's okay, go to his bedroom." He got up and went to Soren's bedroom.
I checked my phone as I waited for Jensen to return. Mae had sent me a few messages, asking if Mom and Jensen had bought the lie. I chose not to respond to her at that moment. I would call her as soon as Jensen left.
Jensen returned from Soren's bedroom after ten minutes. "Mrs. K, thank you for the food; it was delicious," he said with his usual charm.
"I like the new curtains you have now," he added, glancing around and admiring the decor. Mom beamed at him—she liked Jensen because he always made a point to compliment the little things in the house.
"Thank you; pink is in vogue this season," she said, clearly pleased with his observation.
Jensen turned to me, offering a warm smile. "Bye, Addie, I wish you a quick recovery," he said gently before heading out.
I immediately called Mae and updated her on everything that had happened once I got to my bedroom. "That was close, Addie. I had to do some quick thinking there—Jensen really put me on the spot," Mae said.
I stayed home again on Wednesday; the beating I had received left me sore, both physically and emotionally. It hurt to think about Kemi being out there, unpunished for what she did to me. At least Tendai had beaten Raven up pretty badly—serves her right. I continued texting my friends and had to spin a lie for my other classmates who reached out to find out about why I was absent. I told them that I was sick.
By Thursday morning, I was still in pain but could move around much easier. I insisted on doing the dishes, even though Mom didn't want me to. I even went outside to sit with the neighbor's dog, Smiley, just to sunbathe after being indoors for two whole days.
After Mom and Soren returned from school, I retreated to my bedroom to work on my homework that Mae had sent me. As I was getting into it, there was a knock on the door.
"Come in," I called out.
Soren walked in with a grin. "Mom told me to tell you that someone is asking to see you," he said.
"Who?" I asked, curious.
"Your boyfriend!" Soren said, giggling.
"I don't have a boyfriend, and you know it."
"That guy in school who was dating your enemy!" he said with a smirk.
"Tendai!" I said loudly, realizing.
"Yes," he said, still laughing.
"Okay, I'm coming."
I wanted to change into nicer clothes, but my body ached, and getting dressed was difficult. I settled for organizing my hair—something I hadn't done in the three days I'd been home.
Tendai had come to see me; he hadn't informed me earlier, so I was surprised. I walked to the living room and found him talking to Mom. He smiled when he saw me.
Soren was pretending to watch TV, but I could tell he was eavesdropping. He usually watched his content on his phone, tablet, or laptop.
"Ade, he says he's a friend of yours from school; how come it's the first time I'm hearing about him?" Mom asked, raising an eyebrow.
"We became friends recently; that's why," I explained, trying to sound casual.
Mom wasn't entirely convinced. "Tendai, do you like African snacks?" she asked.
"I haven't made supper yet, and that's all I have for now," she added.
"It's okay, you can give me what you have, " Tendai said with a smile.
Mom went to the kitchen. Soren continued watching TV.
"Soren, can you go watch from your room?" I asked, hoping for some privacy.
Soren got up and left, but I could tell he was holding back laughter.
"Hi," Tendai said, still smiling.
"How did you know where I stayed?" I asked, curious.
"I stay a few minutes away from here," he explained. "I sometimes see you coming from here while I'm on my way to school."
I was surprised; I'd never noticed he lived so close.
"Come sit," he requested. I had forgotten to take a seat and was still standing.
I sat next to him on the sofa. He extended closer to me. "How is the pain?" he asked, looking at me.
"The pain is more bearable now than before," I said.
"Do you mind if I touch you?" he asked. "Sorry, that sounded creepy—I meant, can I apply some light pressure to the sore area? I've been in fights before and gotten injuries on the field. It will help."
Mom returned with some chinchin and juice. "I don't want you two sitting too close," she said firmly before walking off to the kitchen.
Mom was being too strict; she had never acted like this with Jensen or Andrew.
Tendai put some chinchin in his mouth. "This snack is tasty," he said.
"I'd love to learn how to make it," he added enthusiastically.
"Do you eat African food or snacks at home?" I asked, interested.
"No, I'm the third generation of my family in the UK," he said. "My family has forgotten about our African culture and dishes."
"Where does your family come from in Africa?" I inquired.
"My dad is from Zimbabwe. My mom is Jamaican on her mom's side and Haitian on her dad's," he said.
"That's a unique blend!" I exclaimed.
"My father met my mom while on a cruise ship to the Caribbean," he said. "She was working as a cook on the ship. My mom was a Caribbean Cinderella, and my dad was a Zimbabwean Prince Charming," he joked.
We both laughed.
"Do you like Jamaican food?" he asked.
"I've never tasted it before," I admitted.
"I can prepare it for you someday if you let me," he offered. "I love to cook."
"Now I understand why you want your project to be about food; it's because you love cooking," I said.
"Yes, I want to become a chef," he said. "I want to join culinary school, not university."
"You have your life all figured out; that's nice," I said, admiring his clarity.
We shared a smile.
"Addie, are you okay with me putting light pressure on your belly?" he asked. "I promise you'll feel better after."
"Okay, do it," I said, giving him a chance, even though I didn't know him well.
Tendai placed a cushion behind my back. "Show me where it hurts," he said.
I pointed to the area that was sore. Tendai edged closer to me on the chair, moving his fingertips slowly in a circular motion around the painful part of my belly. Everywhere his fingers passed felt good, soothing the ache.
"How are you feeling now?" Tendai asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper as he applied light pressure.
"I feel good, Tendai," I said, feeling some of the pain ease away.
"That's really good to hear," he said gently. "You know, even though we don't know each other very well yet, I think you're a really special person." His words were soft, comforting, and unexpected.
He continued in a soothing tone, "I just want you to know that I care." As his hands worked carefully over the sore spots, he added, "I'm here to support you however I can. I hope this helps with the pain."
After a few more moments, he said, "I'm done applying pressure, Addie," and removed his hands from my belly. I wished he hadn't—his touch had felt so good.
"How are you feeling now?" he asked again.
I sat up, removing the pillow from behind my back. "Your fingers worked magic on my abdomen; the pain has greatly reduced. Thank you," I said, grateful for the unexpected comfort he'd provided."
"Good to hear that you're feeling better. I don't like seeing you in pain," he said, putting his hand behind my neck and leaning in to kiss me.
Just then, Mom walked in. We both jumped apart.
"Tendai, I think it's time for you to leave," she said firmly.
"Yes, Ma'am," he responded, looking a bit embarrassed.
"Thanks for the snacks, Ma'am," he said. "Goodnight."
Mom walked him out.
"Ade, who is this boy?" Mom asked as soon as Tendai was gone. "I've never heard you talk about him."
"Mom, you embarrassed me. Why don't you ever grill Jensen or Andrew when they come over?" I countered.
"It's because I know that you aren't interested in any of them," she said.
"Who is he?" she persisted.
"My classmate, he already told you this," I said, feeling annoyed.
Mom didn't realize that the boy I had danced with in my dream was Tendai. I didn't tell her his name that night.
"This boy, my spirit doesn't like him," she said sternly. "Stay away from him!"
Soren came out of his room while I was heading to mine.
"Do you mind if I touch you!" Soren mocked, laughing.
"You were eavesdropping on us?" I said, feeling annoyed.
"I didn't hear much; I left when mom brought the snacks," he said. "You like him, Addie, yet you know he's the ex-boyfriend of Kemi!"
"Mom doesn't know this. If only she knew," he taunted.
"Please don't tell her," I pleaded.
"Kemi will have a nervous breakdown when she learns about the two of you," Soren said with a smirk.
Soren headed back to his room while I retreated to mine. I felt relieved he hadn't witnessed Tendai's massage my belly—it was a private moment.
I quickly texted Tendai to inform him that we needed to keep our friendship private to avoid drawing unnecessary attention. He agreed without hesitation.
Despite Mom and Soren's concerns about Tendai, I couldn't shake the butterflies in my stomach. The memory of his almost-kiss lingered on my mind, and I found myself wondering about his lips. I gently touched the spot on my abdomen where he had applied pressure, still feeling the warmth of his touch.
Thoughts of Tendai kept me awake for a good part of the night on Thursday. I finally drifted off past 11 pm.
I woke up on Friday morning feeling happy—the effect of talking to Tendai. I noticed that the pain wasn't as bad anymore. Tendai's massage had worked wonders. I was eager to go to school to see him even if we had to act like strangers.
After taking a shower and getting dressed, I headed to the dining room.
"Addie, you're going to school!" Mom said, looking shocked.
"My stomach doesn't hurt so much anymore," I replied.
Mom was in disbelief. "Is it because of what Tendai did to you?" she asked. "I saw him massaging your stomach and decided not to interrupt."
I felt a wave of shame knowing that Mom had seen Tendai in a private moment like the one we had shared.
"I know massages can help, which is why I didn't stop him," she admitted, trying to ease the tension.
Soren entered the dining room for breakfast. "Addie, you're going to school!" he exclaimed, wearing that knowing smile, as if he were in on some secret. "Tendai's visit must have really made a difference."
I felt uncomfortable because of his comment, but I knew that both he and Mom had drawn the same conclusion.
"Well, I feel better. If Tendai helped, then so be it," I said, sitting down to take my breakfast. Soren didn't say anything more, and neither did Mom.
Mom drove us to school after breakfast. I couldn't help but feel like I was on cloud nine, my thoughts were consumed by Tendai.
"This guy has really made you happy," Soren said, interrupting my thoughts. "You keep smiling to yourself."
"No, I'm not thinking about him," I denied, though the smile on my face betrayed me.
"You can lie all you want, but I can see you've been hit by one of Cupid's arrows," he teased.
When we arrived at school, the first thing I noticed was the buzz of excitement among the students. Mae, Jensen, and Andrew were chatting in the corridors, caught up in whatever news had everyone talking.
"Guys, why is everyone so excited?" I asked.
"There's a party tomorrow," Jensen responded. "Reina Thingz will be performing her latest single, 'We Came to Party.'"
"How did we manage to book her? She's always so busy," I wondered aloud.
"Apparently, she follows King on TikTok, and he invited her," Jensen explained. "The party was his idea."
"Are we even invited?" I asked, skeptical. "We've never been invited to any party at this school before."
"King's my friend now; he personally invited me and my friends," Jensen boasted.
As we talked, Tendai passed by us in the corridor. I exchanged a brief glance with him before quickly looking away. Grayson, who was walking behind Tendai, shot me a glare.
"Addie, how are you feeling?" Andrew asked, snapping me back to reality. "We have been so engrossed in the conversation about the party that I forgot to ask you about your recovery."
"I'm better now," I replied with a smile.
The four of us walked into class. I noticed that we weren't the only ones in a good mood. The news about the party had lifted everyone's spirits.
I spotted Raven. Her face was still pinkish and swollen in places, making her look rather unattractive. It was hard to feel sorry for her after everything she'd done to me.
The teacher came into class and greeted us. Her eyes quickly landed on Raven.
"Raven, what happened to your face?" she asked.
"I was stung by some bees," Raven lied, her voice tight.
A few students giggled, trying to suppress their laughter.
"I'm sorry, dear. I hope the swelling goes down," the teacher said, her voice full of sympathy.
Raven looked like she was on the verge of tears. I glanced over at Tendai, but he didn't even look in her direction, even though he was just a few seats away.
Kemi's ominous words echoed in my mind: "There are many ways to skin a cat." The threat lingered, sending a chill down my spine. "What is she planning to do to me?" I wondered, feeling a growing unease.