The whole afternoon was a blur of anxiety. My mind raced with "what if" scenarios, each one worse than the last. What if everything went wrong? What if someone walked in? What if Soren said something?
As darkness fell, Tendai finally texted to say he was outside. I quickly responded with the details of where my bedroom was and which window he should use. I waited by the window, my heart pounding until I saw his silhouette in the dim light. He climbed in through the window with ease, landing softly on the floor.
"You have a pretty room," he said, looking around with genuine interest. He moved over to my bookshelf and began to peruse the titles. "You've read The Hunger Games trilogy!" he exclaimed, pulling out one of the books. "It's one of my favorite movies." Then he picked up my old copy of Animal Farm by George Orwell. "This is a 1958 edition," he remarked, clearly impressed. "You must really love it."
"Yes, it's one of my favorite books. I bought it at a high price because I love it so much."
Tendai sat down on the chair beside my bed. "One thing your room tells me is that you're a caring person," he said thoughtfully. "I can tell from the plants you have here. It takes time and attention to nurture them."
"That's a good observation," I replied, feeling a bit more relaxed. "I love nature and plants. That's why I'm in the Horticulture Club at school."
"I've heard about that club but I didn't know you were a part of it," he said, a smile spreading across his face.
"It's just me and a few other students who are in it," I explained.
"Do you have a pen?" he asked suddenly.
I picked up a pen from inside a book on my shelf and handed it to him. Tendai opened my Animal Farm book and signed inside the cover.
"This is for you to always remember me," he said softly before placing the book back on the shelf.
Then he stood up and came to sit next to me on the bed, wrapping his arm around me. "I'm sorry, Addie, that your dad slapped you," he said gently.
The tears I had been holding back all day finally spilled over. I couldn't help it.
"Don't cry," he whispered, pulling me closer.
We lay down on the bed together, my head resting on his chest. The comfort of being close to him made all the anxiety melt away. It was so peaceful lying there like that. But then, there was a knock at the door.
"Ade, Mom says come for supper," Soren called through the door, his voice slightly muffled.
I had locked the door to keep him from barging in. "I'm coming," I replied, trying to keep the annoyance out of my voice.
"She says the food's getting cold," he persisted, not taking the hint.
"I said I'm coming!" I repeated, a bit sharper this time.
There was a brief silence before I heard his footsteps retreating. I sighed and glanced at Tendai. "I better go before Mom decides to come call me, herself."
"Yeah, you don't want to face that wrath," Tendai joked with a small grin.
I smiled back and left the room, making my way to the dining room where Mom, Dad, and Soren were already halfway through their meal. I grabbed a plate and served myself, piling on enough food for both Tendai and me.
"We don't eat in the bedroom, Ade," Mom said without looking up from her plate.
"I know, Mom, but I have a ton of homework to catch up on. I missed a lot last week," I fibbed, trying to sound as convincing as possible.
She hesitated but then nodded. "Alright, just for today."
"Thanks, Mom," I said, relieved, and quickly headed back to my room. I closed the door behind me and set the plate on the table between Tendai and me.
"I didn't know you could eat boiled eggs with other food like that," Tendai observed, eyeing the plate with curiosity.
"It's Waakye," I explained, handing him a fork. "It's a Ghanaian dish that Soren loves. It's really filling."
"Smells tasty. Can I try some?" he asked, already reaching for a fork.
"Of course, I brought enough for both of us," I said.
I watched as he took his first bite. Tendai's face lit up with a smile. "This is really good, Addie. You weren't kidding."
"I'm glad you like it," I said, feeling a small sense of pride. "What kind of food do you usually eat?"
"Mostly American, European, Haitian, and Jamaican food," he said between bites. "Jamaican cuisine is probably my favorite. I grew up on it."
"I'll make you jerk chicken sometime," he offered. "It's one of my specialties."
"I'd love that," I said, genuinely excited.
"I've also tried a lot of different cuisines—Thai, Malay, Korean, Chinese—from all the trips my family's taken. But I haven't really explored African food much," he revealed.
"Have you ever traveled to Africa?" I asked, curious.
"No, I have never," he replied, a thoughtful look on his face. "Maybe we could go together someday."
"That would be amazing," I said, smiling at the idea. "There's so much to see and experience."
We ate quietly for a while, the room filled with the comfortable sounds of shared companionship.
"That was incredible," Tendai said after he finished. "Did you cook it?"
"No, actually, my little brother Soren made this. I cooked lunch earlier," I admitted.
"Your brother's got some serious skills," Tendai said, impressed. "But I'd really love to try your cooking someday."
"I'll make something special for you soon," I promised, feeling the warmth between us grow as we exchanged smiles.
"Can I massage you again?" Tendai asked, his voice gentle.
"Oh, no, I feel okay today. I think I've healed," I replied, offering him a grateful smile. "Thank you for what you did for me."
"You're welcome," he said, his eyes softening.
We continued talking for a few more minutes, savoring the warmth of each other's company. But then, Tendai glanced at the time, a hint of reluctance in his expression as he realized it was getting late.
"I should probably head out," he said, sounding a bit reluctant.
I didn't want him to go. He made everything feel lighter, happier, as if all the worries in my world vanished when he was around.
"I hope you visit me again soon," I said, trying to hide the disappointment in my voice.
"I will," he promised with a gentle smile. He pulled me into a hug, holding on just a moment longer before finally climbing out of the room.
As soon as he was gone, I felt a pang of longing. I wanted to shout from the rooftops that Tendai had been with me, that he made me feel special. But I couldn't. Not with Kemi lurking around, ready to make my life a living hell if she found out. The thought of her insults and beatings kept my excitement in check.
That night, I slept soundly for the first time in days, waking up the next morning with a burst of energy. I sang along to a Rihanna song playing on my phone as I dressed for school, feeling a rare sense of happiness.
A knock on the door interrupted my little morning routine.
"Come in," I called out.
Soren poked his head in, his expression serious. "Was he here yesterday?"
I paused, my heart skipping a beat. "Who?"
"Tendai," he said, raising an eyebrow. "I saw you grab an extra fork when you served yourself food. It was obvious you had someone with you."
I couldn't help but smile. Soren was like a mini Sherlock Holmes. I often told him he should become a criminologist instead of an engineer, like he wanted. He had an uncanny ability to notice things that others missed.
"Please don't tell Mom and Dad," I pleaded.
He grinned, looking satisfied. "I won't. I just wanted to prove my theory right."
"Soren, if you really want to put those investigative skills to good use, figure out who poured acid on Mom nineteen years ago."
He looked thoughtful for a moment, then nodded. "Challenge accepted. Thanks, sis. It's always fun talking to you!" He gave me a quick wave before heading out of the room.
As I finished getting ready, my thoughts shifted to the awkwardness awaiting me at school. Saturday night had been a disaster, and I knew things would be tense today. When Mom dropped us off, I spotted Andrew chatting with Liz. I had assumed their encounter was just a one-time drunken thing, but I was clearly wrong.
Andrew saw me and walked over, leaving Liz to join Kemi.
"Andrew, what's going on with you and Liz?" I asked, trying to keep the surprise out of my voice. "Do you like her?"
"Yes, I do. She's actually nice to talk to," Andrew said, shrugging.
"Aren't you worried about her friend Kemi?" I asked, my concern growing.
"She told me Kemi doesn't hate me, just you," he said, almost too casually.
The words stung. "Andrew, Kemi is bad news. You should stay away from Liz."
He frowned, clearly not thrilled with my advice. Liz was one of the most popular girls at school, and I knew he was flattered by her attention. Telling him to back off wouldn't go over well.
As we walked down the corridor, we ran into Jensen, who was all smiles.
"Hey, guys! Did you enjoy the party?" he asked, looking genuinely cheerful.
I hesitated, unsure if he even remembered what had happened the night before. I decided to play along so I forced a smile. "Yeah, the party was great. I had a good time."
"Addie, you went to the bathroom for ages?" Jensen asked, tilting his head curiously.
"I had a stomach ache," I lied. "When I came back, the crowd was so thick I couldn't find you."
Andrew, eager to change the subject, jumped in. "What time did you leave?"
"Around 2 a.m.," Jensen replied. "I joined Reina Thingz after-party. Guess who else was there?"
"Who?" I asked, feeling a strange sense of foreboding.
"Tendai," he said casually. "He was partying with them."
My heart sank. Tendai had lied to me. He hadn't ditched me to hang out with his soccer teammates. He'd been with Reina Thingz at the after-party.
"Why didn't he invite me?" I wondered, the betrayal stinging more than I expected. I was definitely going to confront him about this.
Jensen, oblivious to my inner turmoil, continued, "King offered me some coke again, but I refused. I'm not messing up my future for that stuff. I just had a few drinks."
"Good call," I said, relieved.
"Did you see where Mae went? She disappeared before Reina went on stage," Jensen asked, concerned.
Andrew chimed in, "I saw her go upstairs with Grayson."
"She was with Grayson!" Jensen exclaimed, his face a mix of shock and amusement.
Andrew looked uncomfortable, shifting his gaze to the floor. I knew it wasn't my place to tell Jensen about him and Liz, so I stayed quiet, letting the awkwardness hang in the air.
The first lesson of the day was English. As soon as the bell rang, we walked into class. My thoughts lingered on what Jensen had told me about seeing Tendai at the after-party.
I wonder what excuse he'll give for lying to me, I mused silently, my eyes drifting over to Tendai. He was deep in conversation with Fajir, when he saw me, his face lit up with a smile that only made my heart ache more.
Grayson walked in, followed closely by Mae. Seeing her made my chest tighten. Her actions on Saturday had really disappointed me. I couldn't help but wish I had told her about Grayson's attempt to get with me in the library; maybe then, she would have rejected him.
Mae came and sat next to me. "Why are you late?" Jensen's voice cut through the classroom, his eyes narrowed as he looked at Mae.
"I woke up late," she replied casually, though there was a hint of defensiveness in her tone.
Jensen wasn't convinced. "Did you wake up late, or were you with Grayson? We noticed you came in together at the same time," he announced, his gaze sharp.
Mae's eyes darted to mine, a flash of anger crossing her face. She clearly thought I had told Jensen and Andrew about what I had seen her do at the party.
"Yes, we got together during the party. He's actually a nice guy," she said, her voice softer, almost as if she was trying to convince herself as much as us.
I couldn't hold back. "Mae, you know Grayson is bad news. He's using you to hurt me for rejecting him."
Her expression faltered, a shadow of doubt flickering in her eyes. It couldn't be that the only guy who had ever noticed her wanted her just to punish her friend. Could it?
Before she could respond, an announcement blared through the class speakers.
"Students, there are ten days until the Easter Holidays, so those interested in watching the Easter play should note it's on April 7th, 2023," the secretary's voice droned on. "Ensure you get your Easter holiday packages submitted as soon as you return after Easter."
Mae was visibly upset throughout the entire lesson. By the time we made our way to the cafeteria, her anger had only deepened. Liz joined us at our table to converse with Andrew. Jensen and Mae were just learning about their friendship. Andrew went and sat on another table with Liz when he noticed our discomfort.
"Andrew is doing the same thing as me. Why am I being ridiculed, and he's not?" Mae asked, her frustration bubbling over.
"I've already shared my thoughts with him," I replied.
Jensen leaned forward. "I'm just as shocked about Andrew and Liz as I am with you and Grayson," he told Mae, his tone tinged with concern.
"Mae, Grayson is toying with you. Please, listen to me," I urged her.
Her eyes flashed with anger. "So, you're insinuating the only reason anyone in this school would want to get with me is because of you!" she accused, her voice trembling.
"I'm not trying to hurt you, Mae. Please believe me," I pleaded, my heart aching.
But she wasn't ready to hear me. "You're jealous of me. It hurts you that I have someone and you don't," she retorted bitterly. "I finally have someone notice me after all these years, and now you want me to stay in Loserville with you."
With that, Mae stormed out of the cafeteria, leaving a heavy silence in her wake. How had I managed to lose two friends in one day? At least Jensen was still by my side.
Jensen watched her go, then turned to me, his brow furrowed. "What do you think has gotten into her today?"
"It's Grayson. He's gotten into her head. He's trying to punish me for rejecting him," I explained.
Jensen hesitated before speaking again. "I have a question, though, Addie. I've never seen Grayson show any romantic interest in you; he's always insulting you. Why do you think he likes you?"
His question stung. "You're taking her side, Jensen," I snapped, feeling more alone than ever.
He raised his hands in defense. "I'm not taking anyone's side. All of you are my friends, and I'm trying to understand the situation."
My shoulders slumped. "He likes me. That's why he abuses me. He knows he doesn't stand a chance with me. He confessed his desires to me in the library. I'm not lying."
"I didn't say you were," Jensen said gently. "This is the first time we're hearing about you and Grayson. Before this, all I ever saw was him abusing you."
His analysis was fair, too fair. This was the first time I was speaking about Grayson and me. Why did I expect them to believe me immediately?
I met Tendai on the bleachers during lunch time. I had texted him earlier to meet me there.
"Jensen told me you were at Reina Thingz's after-party with him," I said, trying to keep my voice steady.
"Yes, I went there after chatting with my teammates," he confirmed, his eyes watching me closely.
"Was it bad that I was there?" he asked, his tone light.
The thought of Tendai with Reina Thingz made jealousy flare in my chest, hot and uncomfortable.
Seeing the look on my face, he leaned closer, his voice soft. "Don't be jealous. I have eyes for only you."
His words, coupled with the tenderness in his voice, melted my doubts. He kissed me, and for a moment, the world felt right again.
"Today, I want us to hang out after soccer practice," he proposed, his eyes locking with mine. "Tell your mom you're staying behind for extra math lessons until the start of the Easter holidays."
"I will," I agreed, my heart racing.
He kissed me again, slower this time, as if savoring the moment, before we parted ways.
When mom came to pick me up after class, I lied to her about that I was having extra math lessons. She was happy, even proud that I was dedicating time to my studies. Soren, however, knew I was lying, but he didn't say anything. He simply watched me as we drove off, his silence heavy with unspoken words.
The game was exhilarating. Tendai saved the ball six out of eight times, his athleticism was on full display. My heart raced with every save, but I stayed hidden under the bleachers to avoid Kemi, Liz and Andrew now.
Kemi sat with Liz and Andrew, their laughter echoing through the stadium. Their relationship had progressed quickly just like my own with Tendai. But unlike them, I was forced to hide my feelings.
The final whistle blew, and the stands began to empty. I waited until the crowd thinned out before slipping from my hiding spot. As I stepped into the open, I collided with someone—a familiar, towering figure. Grayson.
He must have pretended to leave with the other players and then come back to find me.
"I saw you coming here," he said smugly. "I knew you had come to see him play."
"Congratulations," I said sarcastically. "You found me."
"Leave my friend Mae alone," I demanded.
"During the party at King's, she was very drunk and ranted to me about how selfish you were," he continued, his voice cold. "You took selfies with Reina Thingz even though you knew how much Mae loved her. You couldn't wait until she arrived.
"We bonded in that moment because, as you know, you and I aren't exactly close," he revealed.
"Mae and I have our own issues," I said, trying to keep my voice steady. "You shouldn't capitalize on that. Leave her alone; you got what you wanted."
His lips curled into a bitter smile. "You caused me pain by rejecting me. I want you to feel a little of that," he stated, his voice dripping with venom.
I felt a surge of anger rise within me. "What about the pain you've made me feel by bullying me all these years? Do you think you're the only one in pain? You've insulted me, humiliated me, and now you expect me to like you?"
Grayson's eyes flickered with something I couldn't quite place—regret, maybe, or frustration. "Tendai was friends with the people who insulted you. How come you fell in love with him?"
And there it was. The real reason for his anger. It wasn't just rejection—it was jealousy, pure and simple.
"This is what it's all about, isn't it?" I challenged, my voice trembling with emotion. "Me and Tendai? You're hurt that I chose him, not you?"
"Tendai never used to abuse me, if I can recall. His biggest flaw is he never defended me against you!" My voice cracked as I spoke.
Grayson's gaze softened for a brief moment before hardening again. "Don't you know the worst person is the one who stands aside and watches all this happen? He could have done something about it, but he didn't. That speaks volumes, right?"
"If he loves you so much, why doesn't he protect you from Kemi?" he added, his words digging into old wounds.
My breath hitched. "We're hiding because I asked him not to tell anyone that we are together. I have my reasons, which I don't need to explain to you." I turned away, my heart pounding in my chest. "Goodbye, Grayson."
I found Tendai waiting for me in the parking lot. I didn't tell him about my encounter with Grayson—there was no point in stirring up trouble.
"I'm taking you to The Garden," he said as we got into the Uber.
"Is that a literal garden?" I asked, trying to lighten the mood.
"No, it's a club," he replied, his smile mischievous.
The Uber stopped in front of a bar with the words "The Garden" glowing in neon lights. Two bouncers stood at the entrance, their eyes scrutinizing us as we approached. Tendai slipped them some cash, and they let us in without a second glance.
Inside, the club was dark, the air thick with the scent of alcohol and sweat. The music pulsed through the floor, a relentless beat that matched the thrum of my heart. Tendai led me to the bar and ordered us drinks.
I had never tasted alcohol before. Tendai handed me a bottle, and I took a cautious sip. The bitterness hit me first, followed by a burning sensation that traveled down my throat.
"Don't spit it out, swallow it," Tendai whispered.
I swallowed, feeling the liquid sear its way down to my stomach. It wasn't pleasant, but I forced a smile, not wanting to disappoint him.
"You'll grow to like it," he said, taking my hand and leading me to the dance floor.
We danced for what felt like an eternity, lost in the music, the crowd, and each other. But as the minutes ticked by, reality began to creep back in.
"Oh no, I need to go back home! It's 9:19 PM," I panicked, glancing at my phone. Twenty-two missed calls from Mom stared back at me, each one a reminder of the consequences I would face.
"Let's stay longer," Tendai urged, his grip on my hand tightening.
"No, " I said, letting go of his hand. I was worried that mom would scold me.
We took an Uber, Tendai noticed that I was scared. "Addie, when you get home, don't act drunk and don't feel guilty," he advised. "In order for your mom not to suspect you've been drinking, avoid looking her in the eyes. Tell her that after the lesson, Mae invited you to go to her Church for a youth service."
"Mom knows that Mae and her family are atheists; she won't believe it," I replied, my mind racing for an alternative. "I'll tell her that I've become a youth member of the Church near our school, and it requires me to stay for long hours because we're praying for each other."
Tendai nodded, relief washing over his face.
"She'll believe that, especially with what's happening to me at the moment," I said.
"What is happening to you?" he asked with worry in his voice.
"Kemi practices witchcraft, and I've been having bad dreams about her lately," I confessed. "I saw her smoking a hookah in class and chanting. Mom told me to be more prayerful."
Tendai's expression darkened. "I actually know that Kemi does witchcraft."
Shock rippled through me. "How did you know?"
"Because I practice Voodoo," he admitted, his voice low. "I can identify others who practice the dark arts. The bracelet she gave me had a charm on it, and those waist beads she wears—they're not just for decoration."