CHAPTER 2

Why would Christy gift Joel a wristwatch simply because he helped her out? I asked disappointedly.

She was just trying to appreciate him. Don't think too much of it, Bella advised.

Bella has been my long-time chum; she's quite understanding and gives the best advice. I had to tell her how I felt about Christy, and she advised that I ignore everything Christy was doing. With my mind made up, I began to ignore her as much as possible.

Many months had passed, and we had just finished our 3rd term examination for SS1. Bella sat at the desk while narrating to the rest of the girls about her last trip to Dubai.

"We would be going to Zanzibar this holiday, and I'm super excited about it. There would be so many stories to tell you girls when I'm back," she announced happily.

"Oh, Bella! You are so lucky. My family will be going to Ghana for my cousin's wedding, and we'll spend some time there after the wedding. I would prefer to spend my holiday in South Africa, but my dad won't oblige. I feel so bad," Rachelle complained bitterly.

The rest of the girls kept discussing, while I scanned the classroom for Joel but couldn't find him. I wonder where he will be.

"Hey, girls, has anyone seen Joel?"

"I haven't. Maybe he's with Christy, who knows?" Rachelle responded teasingly.

"That's not funny," I snapped back and walked out of the class.

I could hear them whispering, but I paid no attention. Everyone had noticed that Joel and Christy were so close. They suddenly established a bestie relationship and would spend time together as best friends. Joel and I had fought a lot in recent times because of her, and he couldn't see the bigger picture. While these thoughts flooded my head, Joel and Christy walked out of the library together.

"Hey, Maria, what are you doing here?" Christy asked with a sneer.

"Pumpkin, we were just heading to the class to see you," Joel announced.

"Well, I want to talk to you. Can you excuse us, Christy?"

"Sure! See you around, bestie," Christy responded as she cupped Joel's cheek with a charming grin, displaying her white set of teeth.

I honestly had nothing to say to Joel; I just wanted to be around him. So, I thought to bring up a conversation about what we would do during the holiday, and we talked about it until our drivers came. We both went home separately since it was the last day of school.

My family wouldn't be traveling for the holiday and would be spending it in Nigeria. I wasn't so sad about it because Joel's family wouldn't be traveling either. I felt this would be a good time to rekindle my relationship with Joel without Christy interfering, hoping that when we resumed the new term, we would have understood each other better, and Joel would end his friendship with Christy. The elections were fast approaching, and Joel's father and mine were working together from time to time because, in a few months, my dad might become the next House of Representatives speaker, and they were putting in so much effort to achieve this. There was so much campaigning and rallies going on, a lot of money being spent to gain the support of the people. My family had to be on their best behavior in order to present a wonderful image of my dad as a responsible family man. We spent the entire holiday navigating one event to another, attending fundraisers and several meetings where we had to socialize with other political families and figures, most especially people whose support we were seeking. Joel's father, on the other hand, was always in the picture, taking my father around and helping him meet prominent people to build his connections. Just like that, the holidays came to an end.

"Mom, we haven't done any shopping for school resumption. What are we going to do?" I asked.

"Maria, you know I haven't had enough time to take you guys shopping. Maybe I'll ask the nanny to go with you and your sisters so that you can shop for whatever you need for school resumption. Make a list of everything you want so you won't forget important items when you get to the mall," my mom responded.

"Alright, mom. I will let the nanny know and inform the driver as well that we'll be going shopping today."

In a few hours, we arrived at the shopping mall. I was excited to buy new stuff for my friends. I got gifts for each of my friends, and for Bella, who loved reading, I got some books. I found this intriguing book that has been trending online, titled Vain Reality, so I added it to my cart. I knew it would make her very happy. I got Joel some beautiful items and went ahead to shop for myself. After shopping with my sisters, we stopped by at Cold Stone to get some ice cream and pizza before heading home.

For the rest of the week, my sisters and I were always at one salon or spa, prepping for school resumption. Did I forget to mention that Joel and I didn't spend a lot of time together this holiday like I thought? His family was always busy attending one function after another, just like mine. It was difficult to enjoy the holiday together.

"Maria, get ready!" my sister screamed at me. "The driver is waiting for you; we're going to be late for school!"

I rushed downstairs with my school bag and the gifts I had gotten for my friends, placing them in different gift bags. I was excited to give them their presents because it was a tradition for me to always gift my friends at the start of the school year, and I was the only one who would usually do this.

I arrived at school, and after the assembly, I went to say hello to my form teacher. I handed her a small bag and wished her a happy resumption, then headed to the class to give my friends their gifts. But then, I was a bit surprised to see everyone busy unboxing gifts. Normally, no one else gave gifts on resumption days, except for me.

It turned out that Christy had gotten gifts for all of my friends, including Joel. She even got Bella some books. I stood by the door of the class, observing what was going on, when Rachelle noticed me.

"Maria is here!" she announced excitedly.

"She got us gifts, too!" Bella added.

With a slight frown, I handed them their gifts and walked to my seat, waiting for Joel to come around. As soon as Joel walked into the class, Christy rushed toward him with her gift bag and handed it to him, wishing him a happy resumption. I didn't bother going to meet him; I allowed him to come to me himself. I handed him his gift and wished him a happy resumption as well. He was happy and unboxed the items I got for him.

"Hey Maria, you got me the same book that Christy got for me, Vain Reality—what a coincidence," Bella announced.

"Oh, now you have two copies! You could give one away to someone else to read," Christy suggested. She then proceeded to collect my copy, which I had gifted to Bella, and handed it over to someone else.

"Hey, you might need this; it's a very interesting book," she said, leaving Bella with the copy she got for her.

I was furious but chose not to react.

Class started, and everyone began to catch up and talk about how they spent their holidays when our English teacher walked in.

"Hey students, I hope you enjoyed your holiday. Today, we'll be looking at our scheme of work and doing a little revision from last term's topic," she announced.

During break, my friends and I walked over to the cafeteria to sit and chat. We talked about how we spent our holidays. I didn't have much to say, except explaining how boring my holiday was and how we were always at one event or another for my dad's election.

"Oh, when is the election holding?" Rachelle asked.

"That would be next month. It's getting pretty serious already. Joel's dad is helping mine out, and they're working well together," I responded.

"I know he will win; you have nothing to worry about," Bella assured me.

We continued our chit-chat, but Christy kept up her usual behavior. This time, though, she wasn't just focused on Joel; she was also trying to divide the attention I was getting from my friends. In fact, she wanted all the attention for herself. She kept organizing several parties, get-togethers, and picnics for the rest of the month, which was really annoying because I couldn't attend most of them. My dad was too busy with his political career and was trying to be cautious about our movements. Several politicians were being attacked due to the intensity of the upcoming elections, and my dad wanted us to stay safe.

Regardless, Christy never invited me to any of these parties, so I didn't bother attending. I would tell my friends that I couldn't attend because my dad wouldn't let me, but also because Christy would never invite me.

"Hey, pumpkin, Christy will be organizing a picnic this weekend. I'd love for you to attend. I want you to get along with her. You never attend any of her weekend events," Joel advised.

"Well, my dad doesn't want us going around except for school activities because the elections are fast approaching, and attacks are being launched on politicians. He wants to keep us safe at all costs," I responded.

"I understand, but you can't be unsafe at Christy's house. I could talk to your dad and mom if you wish," he suggested.

"Don't bother, Joel. I won't be able to attend, and I don't even want to," I responded.

"Well, I'll find a way to make sure you attend this weekend," Joel said.

"But Christy didn't even invite me to her picnic, so why should I be there?" I asked.

"I'll speak to Christy and tell her that I won't attend if you're not going to be there as well, okay?"

"Fine, but I'd have to plead with my dad to let me go," I responded, assuring him.

That evening, I asked my dad if he would let me attend Christy's picnic.

"Daddy, you know I haven't been able to attend any events since school resumed. My friends are out there having fun, and I'll be at home doing nothing," I cried.

"What if something happens to you, Maria? I can't let you go. Please, just have a little patience. After the elections, I'll let you have all the fun you want," my dad said.

Sadly, I walked back to my room, picked up my phone, and texted Joel: My dad refused. I don't think I can attend the picnic, I'm sorry.

I kept my phone and went to bed. By morning, I saw Joel's response: *"I have a plan, let's meet in school."*

I got ready for school, and when I got to school, Joel was already seated, waiting for me.

"Hi, baby, what's the plan?" I curiously inquired.

"You could attend Christy's party without your dad finding out. After all, he's usually very busy, and your mom is always out and about. You could easily handle your nanny. I'll bring you home before your parents get back," he suggested.

"And how am I supposed to attend the party without informing my nanny and my driver?" I asked.

"Well, does your nanny have any idea about the party at all?"

"No, she doesn't."

"Great! Then you could sneak out of the house, and I'll come pick you up. We'll attend the party together. I already promised to bring you back before your parents get home," he assured.

"Are you sure we can pull this off?" I asked.

"I think we can pull it off," he said excitedly.

During break, I walked up to Christy.

"Hi Christy, I'll be attending your picnic this weekend with Joel," I announced.

"Wow, I thought you were always busy attending your dad's political events and your mom's religious events, or are the elections over already?" she asked.

"Not at all, but I've chosen to create time to attend. Joel invited me, if you must know."

"Alright, see you this weekend, I guess," she said, then walked away.

Excitedly, I strolled off to the cafeteria to get my lunch. Christy didn't join us today, which made me even more excited. Bella, on the other hand, narrated the book she was reading, *Vain Reality*, to us. None of us liked reading books except for Bella, so whenever she read, she would narrate what she read to us during lunch.

School ended for the day, and we all went home separately. Did I forget to mention that ever since we resumed the new term, Joel and I hadn't been going home together? For some reason, he suggested I use my own driver. I didn't argue about it; I simply agreed, hoping he would love me more if I argued less. Wanting my relationship with him to work at all costs, I tried my best to avoid any situation that would lead to an argument. Not asking him why he wanted us to go separately, I tried not to care.

The weekend was fast approaching, and I was getting ready for the picnic. It was going to be my first time attending any of Christy's events, so I wanted to dress my best and look totally different from how she usually saw me in school.

I got a new dress, shoes, and even a new bag for the event. I told my sisters about Christy's event, which I would be attending, but pleaded with them not to tell my parents about it. I finalized my plan, and Joel texted me an address where I would meet him, and he would pick me up from there so we could attend the picnic together. He suggested that I meet him outside my estate, but leaving the estate was going to be a problem for me because I would have to pass the security. So, I thought of using the emergency passageway at the back of the building. We had only used that passageway once when my dad was attacked by some armed men. My mom and the rest of us escaped through the passageway out of the estate, and we were able to get to a safe place. This passageway is usually locked, but we all know where the key is kept, so I would take the key and ask my sisters to follow me. That way, when I leave through the passageway, they would take the key, lock the door, and return it to its original position so that no one would notice that the key was used. That way, I would be able to leave the estate without navigating security.

Saturday was finally here. My dad had attended a political meeting and had left the house early. He would definitely be back late. My mom, on the other hand, had a church program she was holding today. It was the women's conference, and being one of the women leaders, she had to be there. The program would last the whole day, so I wasn't expecting her to come back early either. I told my sisters to lie to the nanny if she asked about me or find a way to cover for me, and they agreed.

As soon as it was 12:00 p.m., I left for the passageway as planned, hurriedly leaving the estate and running up to the street where Joel said I should wait for him. I got to the location, and it was quite lonely, which left me wondering why he asked me to wait there. But according to his message, he said that was the only place he could pick me up without anyone noticing. I waited for about 20 minutes, but Joel was not yet in sight. I texted him, and he told me to have a little patience, that he would be there soon. He was being delayed by his dad.

I didn't want anyone to notice me because I knew my dad had eyes around. I decided to stroll down a bit when a black armored Mercedes Benz limousine started driving towards me slowly. I hastened my pace, wondering why such a vehicle was passing through this lonely area. The faster I walked, the more they followed me. At that point, I became scared. I started running, and they chased after me. I kept running in any direction I could find until I reached a dead-end and had nowhere else to run. The car stopped, and its door swung open. Two hefty men, a little above 6 feet, dark and very muscular, dressed in pitch-black overalls, stepped out of the vehicle. They approached me, grabbed me by my hands. I tried to fight back, but they were too strong. They overpowered me and threw me into the vehicle. I started screaming and was immediately rewarded with a resounding slap. My mouth was covered immediately with a handkerchief, and I passed out.