It was lunch time, and Andrew, Mae, and I were seated in the cafeteria, eating lunch. Jensen had been sitting with King, but after a while, he walked over to our table with a broad smile.
"Addie, can I talk to you?" Jensen asked, noticing that I had finished my food.
"Okay," I said, standing up.
As we walked past the table where Tendai was seated, I noticed him staring at me. He gazed at me, and I returned it for a few seconds, remembering how we had connected yesterday on the sofa. But I quickly looked away and continued on with Jensen until we were outside in the corridor. I hope no one noticed that, I thought to myself, feeling a flutter of nerves.
"Hey, King gave me two tickets to the party," Jensen said, holding up the tickets. "I want to give the second one to you."
"How much do the tickets cost?" I asked, curious.
"They're £150 each," he replied.
"How much is King paying her for the appearance?" I queried, still trying to wrap my head around it.
"He's paying her £20,000 in total," Jensen claimed confidently.
"Won't he be making a loss if he gives out two free tickets?" I questioned, feeling a bit uneasy about accepting.
"No, he can afford to cover the balance," Jensen assured me.
I didn't want to disappoint him by rejecting the tickets; he was so excited. But I couldn't bring myself to tell him that I wanted to go with Tendai.
"Okay, Jensen, I'll come with you," I finally agreed. He handed me a ticket and walked away with a wide smile on his face.
Mae found me holding the ticket and lost in thought. "Addie, is that why Jensen called you to the side? He wanted to give you that ticket?" she asked.
"Yes, King gave it to him," I replied.
Mae seemed unhappy. Her family was rich, but her parents weren't the type to spend on anything other than education and business. Mae was a super fan of Reina Thingz's, she couldn't afford to miss the show.
"I think I'll ask Ember for some money to buy a ticket since nobody will give me one," she said, thinking out loud. It felt like she was trying to guilt trip me for being given a ticket.
Andrew joined us in the corridor. "Andrew, can you believe Jensen gave Addie a ticket for the party? He didn't even consider us," Mae said with hurt in her voice.
I felt guilty because, despite the fact that we were all friends, Jensen was always doing special things for me, not them.
"Mae, I know you love Reina Thingz a lot; you can have my ticket," I offered.
"No, Andrew said," stepping in. "I'll buy Mae a ticket myself. Keep the gift."
Mae's face lit up, her earlier disappointment forgotten. She threw her arms around Andrew and gave him a quick peck on the cheek. "Thank you!" she exclaimed.
We headed to the library for our free period, but the tension still lingered. When we arrived, we found Jensen already there. Mae acted as if he were invisible, clearly punishing him for not giving her the ticket.
"What's up with her?" Jensen asked, curious. "I thought we were all good."
"It's just... you only gave me a ticket," I explained gently. "They're our friends too, and it kind of feels like you're playing favorites."
"I couldn't ask King for four tickets—that would've been too much," Jensen replied, frustration creeping into his voice. "But Addie, I like you. I don't hide it. The gifts... they're my way of showing you that."
Jensen meant well, but the unintentional favoritism was creating tension between all of us. I glanced over at Andrew, who had been listening quietly, his expression hard to read.
"Jensen, I get that," I said softly, "but it's not just about me. We're all friends, and it's important that everyone feels included."
Jensen nodded slowly, looking a bit deflated. "I didn't mean to hurt anyone. I just wanted to make you happy, Addie."
"I know," I said, offering a small smile to ease the tension. "But maybe next time, we can find a way to do something that involves everyone."
"Jensen," Andrew finally said. "You need to be more inclusive. I know you like Addie, but sometimes your acts of affection come off as biased and selfish. It makes Mae and me feel like we're just sidekicks in this friendship."
Jensen looked taken aback. "I couldn't ask King for two more tickets; it would have seemed greedy of me."
Andrew's eyes narrowed slightly. "You could have offered the ticket to Mae. She loves Reina Thingz even more than Addie does. It would've meant the world to her."
It was becoming clear to me that Andrew and Mae had been feeling this way for a long time. This wasn't just about today—Andrew's words carried a deeper, unspoken resentment that I hadn't noticed before. Meanwhile, Mae pretended to be absorbed in reading a book, not even glancing up.
Jensen's face tightened as he absorbed Andrew's comment. "I'm sorry," Jensen apologized. "I hope both you and Mae can forgive me."
"Everything's fine, man," Andrew replied with a smile that seemed fake to me. Today had revealed fractures in our friendship that I couldn't ignore. Andrew and Mae were putting on a show, but I could tell things weren't okay.
Andrew sat down next to Mae, who finally stopped pretending to read. They began whispering to each other, their conversation just out of earshot since I was seated a few places away.
When our free period was over, I tried to keep things light. "We'll link up for the party tomorrow at King's place, right?"
"Yeah," Andrew said. "See you there." He and Jensen headed off for P.E., but they weren't as chatty as usual. It was clear that something had shifted in our friendship.
As Mae and I walked to the locker rooms, I couldn't hold back my concern. "Mae, I consider you a good friend. If you're ever unhappy about something, please speak up," I said, hoping to mend whatever was wrong.
"Yeah," Mae replied dismissively, not meeting my eyes.
I didn't push further, knowing it wouldn't get through. Instead, I focused on what I really wanted to do—surprise Tendai by watching his soccer practice. When Mom came to pick us up, I seized the opportunity.
"Mom, I'd like to watch soccer practice today. Is that okay?" I asked.
"As long as you're back immediately after the practice ends, it's fine," she agreed. "Are you feeling okay? Is your body still sore?"
"I feel fine," I said.
"Alright, see you at home," she said, smiling.
Mom and Soren headed home while I stayed behind. I hid under the bleachers, making sure Kemi and Liz wouldn't spot me.
Kemi was of course cheering for Tendai, while Liz was supporting a boy from year twelve. I watched as Tendai made some incredible saves, preventing the ball from entering the goalpost. Grayson, on the other hand, was a good striker but had a short temper.
"I've told you to learn to control your anger," the coach told him sternly. "I won't have you play against another school if you don't."
"I did it last time with Mount Henry Secondary School, and I will continue until you learn to control your anger," he added, clearly frustrated.
I waited for everyone to leave when the match ended. After about ten minutes, I finally emerged from under the bleachers. I noticed that Kemi's car was no longer in the parking lot meaning that they had left. Liz didn't have a car. I sat under the shade next to the parking lot waiting for Tendai to come.
Suddenly, someone covered my eyes with their hands. I couldn't help but smile. "Tendai, I know it's you," I said, expecting to see him.
The hands lifted, and I turned around, surprised. "Grayson!" I exclaimed.
"Sorry for disappointing you; I'm not Tendai," he said, chuckling.
"Don't do that again!" I warned, slightly irritated.
I walked back toward the school to get away from him and bumped into Tendai.
"Addie, you're still around!" he said, surprised. "Why weren't you at the game?"
"I was there," I admitted. "But Kemi and Liz were around, so I hid under the bleachers."
Tendai hugged me gently. "How is your belly?" he asked, his voice filled with concern.
"I've been feeling better ever since I woke up," I said. "What you did really helped."
"Do you mind if I apply pressure again today? I want you to be fully healed," he offered.
"Okay," I agreed, feeling a longing for his therapeutic touch on my belly like yesterday.
"I will do it during the Uber ride," Tendai promised.
He held my hand as we walked back to the parking lot. He then made me sit on his lap as we relaxed under the shade and waited for the Uber he had ordered. "Tendai, your friends will see us and tell Kemi," I protested, feeling nervous.
"Nah! None of the boys are snitches," he reassured me. "Don't worry."
Out of the corner of my eye, I saw Grayson sitting in his car, watching us. He didn't look happy. I had a feeling he'd run to Kemi with what he'd seen.
Our Uber arrived shortly after Grayson left. As soon as we got in, Tendai adjusted the seat backwards and gently began applying pressure to my stomach again. He had me guide his hands to the spots that were still sore, his touch soothing the lingering pain.
"I'm happy that doing this has helped you," Tendai said soothingly as he applied gentle pressure to my belly.
"I want to scream and tell the world about us, but I can't because you're not ready," he confessed, his voice filled with a mix of frustration and hope.
I met his gaze, feeling the weight of his words. "Someday," I said with a smile.
Tendai continued applying pressure to my belly, but this time he was silent. His gaze felt like it carried unspoken words. I studied him, trying to notice things I hadn't before, like the small dark spot beneath his lower lip.
The Uber finally came to a stop in front of my house. Tendai finished the massage and adjusted the seat back to its original position.
"Goodnight, Addie," he said softly, giving me a reassuring smile. "I hope the massage helps you heal even more."
"Goodnight, Tendai," I replied, grateful for his care and the gentle way he had helped me. The warmth of his touch and the comfort of his words lingered with me as I walked inside.
I found that Dad had finally returned and was seated in the living room with Mom.
"Dad, you're finally home," I said, excitedly.
"Yes," he said, with a serious look.
"Your mom says you have a boyfriend now," he said, raising an eyebrow.
"We're not exactly boyfriend and girlfriend—at least not yet; maybe someday," I said, trying to downplay it.
"What's his name and where is he from?" Dad asked, curious.
"His name is Tendai Moyo Dube; he is British but with African and Caribbean heritage," I replied, noticing the sudden look of shock on his face.
"Dad, he's a nice guy; I like him."
"Your mother is right—you're too young to have a boyfriend," he said, his tone firm. "Ade, you have to break up with him."
"You guys can't let me be a normal teenager!" I shouted, storming off in the direction of my bedroom.
I took a shower to cool off. Afterward, I lay on my bed, thinking about Tendai and how being so close to him had made me feel. My thoughts were interrupted by Mom calling me for supper.
"Tomorrow, there's a party at the school; can I attend it?" I asked during supper.
"No," Dad said flatly. "I want you to stay away from Tendai."
"The first boyfriend I have, and you hate him!" I shouted, my frustration boiling over.
"I will approve another one, but not Tendai," Dad replied, his voice calm.
I couldn't take it anymore. I stormed off, leaving my supper untouched on the table. I like Tendai, no matter what they say. Why couldn't they just let me be happy?
Once I was in my room, I grabbed my phone and texted Tendai, letting him know what my parents had said about the party. I felt a lump in my throat as I typed out the words, but I knew I had to tell him.
Addie: Hey
Addie: So, Jensen got me a ticket to be his plus one for the party at King's. We're just friends. I was planning to ditch him and hang with you, but my dad said I can't go 😒.
Addie: Ugh, I hate him for this 😤.
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Sorry to hear that 😔. We can just chill instead. I respect your parents.
Addie: Jensen will pick me up tomorrow. They trust him. Don't worry 😊.
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: I don't want you to get in trouble with your parents. We've got plenty of time to party in the future 🎉.
Addie: I want to have fun with you. It's senior year and I've never been to a high school party 😩.
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: I wish we'd started hanging out sooner. I would've taken you to raves and festivals. They're way better than high school parties 🎶✨.
Addie: Did you take Kemi to those?
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Nah, I only go there with people who are special to me.
Addie: So, I'm special if you want to take me there?
Tendai: Yeah, Addie. You're really special 😊❤️😍🌟💖
Addie: 😊💃🎉😍😘💖
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Btw, I was expelled from my old school for doing drugs. I wanted to share that with you.
Addie: I didn't know. What drugs?
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Weed and the other common ones.
Addie: Okay, I won't judge.
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Come with Jensen tomorrow, we can hang for sometime.
Addie: Okay 👍.
Tendai is typing…
Tendai: Goodnight, sweetie. See you tomorrow.
Addie: Goodnight, love 😴💕🌙
Tomorrow couldn't arrive fast enough—I was counting down the minutes to my first real party. I fell asleep with a smile on my face, imagining dancing with Tendai to Reina Thingz's songs and feeling like everything was finally coming together.
On Saturday morning, I woke up early and got straight to work on my chores. My body was back to its old self; I still had some slight pain in my abdomen, but I could breathe well and move around better.
My excitement bubbled up again when Jensen texted during breakfast, confirming that he would pick me up at 6 p.m. I could hardly contain myself.
"Dad, I want to attend the Reina Thingz party at school," Soren suddenly announced.
"You can't go; you're still too young," Dad replied firmly.
"Addie is going, isn't she still young?" Soren pressed.
"Your sister is not going. I told her yesterday that she won't go," Dad said, his voice final.
"Are you sure she's not going?" Soren asked, casting a suspicious glance in my direction.
"Soren, stop trying to stir things up," I said, trying to keep my cool.
By 5:30 p.m., I was dressed for the party, with my clothes hidden under a bathrobe, ready to make a quick exit. Jensen texted to say he was stuck in traffic, but his Limo would be at my house by 6:00 p.m., as promised.
Finally, at 6:23 p.m., the doorbell rang. My heart pounded with anticipation. There was a knock at my bedroom door.
"Ade, Jensen is at the door; he says he's your date to the party," Mom called out.
"Yes, Mom, he's my plus one," I replied, trying to sound casual.
I knew Mom had a soft spot for Jensen—if only she knew his plans to join the Freemasons when he got to university.
"Don't worry, I'll talk to your dad," she said. "Get dressed and come."
As soon as Mom left, I whipped off the bathrobe, slipped on my shoes, grabbed my bag, and stuffed my phone inside.
Jensen was waiting in the living room, looking calm, though I could hear Mom and Dad whispering in the kitchen, their voices carrying just enough for me to catch the gist of their conversation.
"Let her go with Jensen; he's a good friend of hers," Mom said softly.
"You look beautiful," Jensen complimented me as I walked in.
Mom and Dad emerged from the kitchen. Mom looked a little surprised—she didn't know that I had already prepared for the party earlier.
"Jensen, I need you to bring Ade back home by 10:00 p.m., and I don't expect her to drink alcohol or do any drugs," Dad said, his tone stern.
"Okay, sir," Jensen replied.
We left quickly, not wanting to give Dad time to reconsider.
"What's up with your dad? Why is he worried about us hanging out when I've been over to your place so many times?" Jensen asked in the car.
"He's just paranoid about his little girl going to a teen party," I lied, trying to brush it off.
"Can you believe we're finally getting invited to a party after all these years?" he said, grinning.
"Who would've thought that in our final year, things would finally start looking up for us?" I said, with excitement in my voice.
I checked my phone—still no response from Tendai. He'd been offline all day, and I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy.
"Addie, yesterday, I hurt Andrew and Mae," Jensen said, his voice tinged with regret. "I need to be more thoughtful."
"A part of me feels like Andrew's anger has been brewing for a while," I said.
"Andrew's not the kind of guy to openly share his feelings," Jensen replied. "Yesterday was different. I think it might have been because Mae was involved."
"Do you think he likes Mae?" I asked, curious about their dynamic.
"I doubt it," Jensen said, shrugging. "He's never mentioned any crushes to me. I've only ever noticed him looking at Ophelia that way."
"I hope things go back to how they were before," I said. "Yesterday was so tense."
"We're cool now," Jensen reassured me. "Andrew texted me when I reached your home that he was just leaving his place."
"What about Mae?" Jensen asked, shifting the topic.
"Mae said she's babysitting her nieces and nephews," I replied. "She'll be leaving as soon as her parents get back."
The car pulled up at King's house, and as Jensen and I got out, I was amazed by how impressive it was. The house was huge, with tall columns and big, arched windows that glowed warmly from the string lights strung across the front. The neatly kept lawn had colorful flower beds, and a red carpet led up to the grand entrance, which was lit by elegant lanterns. The sounds of music and laughter filled the air, making it clear that the party was already in full swing. At the entrance, bouncers were turning away those without tickets.
Jensen and I walked up to the entrance, where the buzz of excitement and the thump of music grew louder
"Tickets, please," A bouncer asked as we approached.
We handed over our tickets and were quickly let in. The music was blaring, and the scent of alcohol filled the air. King spotted us almost immediately and came over to greet us before pulling Jensen aside for a quick chat.
I scanned the room and noticed that Kemi, Liz, and Raven were around. Grayson was there with his friends Elijah and Noah. The three of them were watching me closely.
Elijah walked up to me and said, "Hi, Blackie. Are you dating Cupcake?"
I shot him a look that clearly said "mind your own business."
"The silent treatment, huh?" Elijah said. "Grayson likes you. Come over and dance with him."
"No, leave me alone," I replied.
Just then, Noah arrived. "Elijah, what are you telling Blackie?" he asked.
"Man, she's playing hard to get," Elijah said. "I told her our boy is head over heels for her and wants to dance with her, but she refuses."
"No way," Noah said. "You came here with nobody." He then added with a laugh, "Grayson's helping you."
Were they blind? They'd seen me come in with Jensen.
"You know I came with Jensen," I said.
"No, you came with nobody," Noah insisted.
"Because Jensen is nobody," Elijah said, laughing, and Noah joined in.
I glanced at Grayson, who was watching his friends be rude to me without intervening. He seemed to be enjoying my humiliation.
I ignored them and began walking away. I forced my way through the crowd and climbed upstairs to the balcony. Not even Grayson and his friends could ruin my night. As Reina's song "We Came to Party" played, I felt the excitement building inside me. This was it—the feeling of happiness I longed to experience at a party.
Verse 1:
"We are here, we are young
It's our time to feel young, to be proud
No one can stop us
Nobody can stop the rhythm
Let's party all night
Chorus:
I hope, we hope to dance
Like there's no tomorrow
When the disco lights come on
Dance, dance till day breaks
Because we came to party
Came to party, came to party
Verse 2:
"We need to take a break from the world
Let us be, let us show
It's our time to feel alive, to be free
No need for fear, no need for sadness
Feel the rush drifting over our bodies
Let's party all night
Chorus:
I hope, we hope to dance
Like there's no tomorrow
When the disco lights come on
Dance, dance till day breaks
Because we came to party
Came to party, came to party
I checked my phone again after the song ended. Mae had texted to say she'd be there in a few minutes; Andrew had arrived. I could see his car outside. He was searching for parking.
Just then, a flurry of texts from Tendai popped up on my screen. I quickly tapped on them, eager to see what he had to say.
Tendai: Sorry, I slept over at my friend's house and smoked weed all day with them 🌿.
Tendai: Was delirious for a while. I am on my way.
Tendai: Don't start without me.