Chapter 2

Joel's POV

The first time my parents told me we were moving, I had thought it was a joke and I didn't even expect that we would be moving to another state. 

I loved Abuja. I had made so many friends here and my perfect school record didn't waiver. Why the hell did we have to move? 

We got to Lagos a week before my new school was to resume and I had everything ready. I aced the online entrance exam and Dad got all the necessary things I would be needing for school. Mum had offered that I stayed in the boarding house so there won't be any distractions, but I was able to talk her out of it. 

I sighed and got up from the bed to get ready for school. By 6:45am, I was already dressed in my new uniform. The uniform was way better than that of my former school, which was too formal for my liking; No skinny trousers or skirt, black Italian shoes for the guys and black flats for the girls and also, wearing of the blazer was compulsory.

"Good morning Mum, Morning Dad." I greeted both of them with a kiss on the cheek. 

"What have I told you about greeting your elders?" My Dad, Anthony Bamidele, scowled at me. 

I chuckled. "I'm sorry." I said before prostrating like I had been taught, "E ka a ro Sa. (Good Morning Sir)" I smiled at him and they laughed. 

"You are way better than before, good job." He said and gave me a fist bump. 

I sat at the table to eat my breakfast of toast and scrambled eggs, "It's not like I have a choice, do I?" I said as my mum served me. 

"You are way better than your mum, it took her a long while before she could learn Yoruba." Dad said, teasing Mum. 

My Mum, Rachel, nudged him in the side, "Tony."

"Come on, love. You know I was only joking." Dad said before pecking her cheek. 

"You had better be." She answered. 

My dad used to be an accountant in England before we relocated back to Nigeria so he could start his own company while my mum used to be a doctor at the teaching hospital back in Abuja. 

I loved watching my parents show their affection for each other without caring what people would think. Mum had told me the story of how they met in high school back in England so many times that I could recite it in my sleep. 

"Alright, Joel. We should be on our way, you don't want to be late on your first day." Dad said, picking up his briefcase and grey suit. I took the brief case from him. 

I hugged my mum goodbye. "Be good okay?" She kissed my forehead. 

"Trust me, Mum." I smiled at her and made my way to the car. Dad joined me soon after and the driver drove us to my new school. 

☆☆☆☆

As I got down from the car I noticed a black car driving in. 

I waved to my dad when I heard the bell indicating the time for assembly and I started to walk down to the hall when I saw a girl get down from the black car.

Beautiful! That was the first thought that came to mind and it surprised me. Sneaking a better look at her, her dark complexion appealed to me. Her uniform fitted perfectly, highlighting her curves and edges in the right places.

She reminded me of my ex-girlfriend, Tiana Dakoba. I shook my head, it was still a surprise to me that my girlfriend of six months had been cheating on me with my best friend. With a sigh, I threw the thought out the window.

I let the pretty lady lead me to the assembly hall, making sure to keep a reasonable distance so I don't seem like a stalker.

Assembly ended soon and everyone was rushed to class. I asked a few students directions to the Principal's office. Mrs Akinkunmi pulled me into a hug when I entered her office and recounted the tales of her escapades with my dad when they were in school together.

Minutes later, she gave me directions to my class and dismissed me.

The buildings in the compound were massive and beautiful. The laboratories were standard from what I could see through the windows, I was so eager to know what the inside had to offer. Hopefully, the teachers and students would be nice too. 

Students walked around and I watched as I made my way up the stairs, taking in the details. Most of them didn't tuck their shirts in and some didn't even use their ties.

I got to the class and stopped at the door. Everyone stopped all they were doing and turned to me. I smiled and walked into the class, settling at the back seat. I didn't mind that I had was the topic of their discussions, they talked discreetly among themselves and some girls were openly checking me out.

"Hi."

I looked up to see the guy standing in front of me. He should be about my age and height. 

"Hey." I answered. 

"You are the new guy, right? Joel Bamidele." It came out more like a statement than a question.

"Yes. How did you know?" I asked him. He chuckled and sat down on the seat beside me. 

"Everyone is talking about the lost handsome British boy who needed directions to the Principal's office. Plus, some SS2 students already know that a new student is joining us this session" He cleared explained. News sure travels fast in the school. 

"Actually, I'm Biracial. My mum is the British." I told him. 

"Oh, where are my manners? I am Charles, Charles Chibuike. I hope you can pronounce that." He teased.

"I have been in Nigeria for almost five years, of course I can pronounce it." I replied with a smirk.

Charles and I hit off pretty quick. Within minutes, he had told me about himself; apart from being a student, he was also a basketball player. He asked me a few questions that I answered honestly. We had a lot of things in common and I knew we would be good friends. 

We were still talking when a feminine voice interrupted our discussion, we looked up at her 

"Hello." She said again, smiling at me. 

"Hi." I replied with a smile. I took a good look at the light-skinned girl, her braids fell over her face and her full lips glistened.

"I'm Ada. I heard there was a new student here so I decided to meet you in person." She said. 

"Oh. That's nice of you, Ada. My name is..." I started but she cut me short. 

"Joel Bamidele, everyone knows you already. And I must say, you look more handsome than people described." She stretched her hand to shake me and I held it.

"Why, thank you. You look... beautiful yourself." I looked at Charles who gave me a thumbs up. 

"Thank you. I try to look my best." She didn't let go of my hand and I didn't want to seem rude so I held it. "I love your accent by the way." She said and winked. I smiled, the accent had always been a magnet for girls. 

"Thank you." I replied. 

I suddenly had a feeling that someone was watching me, I looked up and my eyes locked with hers. 

The girl I saw at the car park earlier. 

She stared at me, her face expressionless. I decided to look friendly and let my lips curve up in a small smile. To my surprise, she eyed me, hissed and walked away. 

I wanted to laugh though the situation wasn't a funny one. 

Did I do anything wrong? I didn't have the time to think that through because a man I assumed to be the class teacher walked in and asked everyone to settle down. Ada waved to me and left the class, I had already forgotten that she was right beside me.

"Alright students, we have a new student joining us this session. Joel Bamidele, can you please introduce yourself?" The teacher who introduced himself as Mr Ndubueze announced. I stood up and looked around the class. Everyone was staring at me.

"My name is Joel Bamidele, I'm pretty sure you all know that already..." I said and that caught a slight murmur among the students. "I am eighteen years old. I just moved in from Abuja and I am really glad to be here..." I stopped because a girl raised up her hand. 

"How come you have British accent since you are Nigerian?" She asked sweetly.

"Well, I am actually Biracial. My mum is from England and I have spent some years there before we finally we relocated back to Nigeria." I explained to her. She nodded, grinning at me. 

"So, tell us Mr Bamidele." Mr Ndubueze started. "What's your stand on academics?" He asked.

"I have always been a straight-A student for as long as I can remember." That earned me an approving nod from Mr Ndubueze. "I have always been the best in my set since I have started schooling and I hope to continue that trend here." I replied. 

I heard gasps and I looked up to see some students whispering the girl from earlier was staring daggers at me. If looks could kill, I would six feet under by now. 

"Very good. That's the kind of spirit I want in my class." I heard Mr Ndubueze say. I sat back down and listened to him admonish the class. 

**

Soon class ended and it was time for break. Before Charles could leave the class, I tapped his shoulder. I needed to find out about her. 

"Who is she?" I asked as I jerked my head in her direction. 

"You mean Zaria?" He asked. 

"You know her?" I looked at him. 

"Everyone knows her, she has been the best student since JSS 1. She's also the girl I intend to date, hopefully she gives me face this term." Charles patted my back and left the class, not after greeting Zaria with a hug. They looked like they were friends. 

I turned to get my wallet from my locker. 

"Hey." I heard from behind me. I turned around to see Zaria standing there, looking at me with so much disdain. I tried to smile. 

"Hi. Joel Bamidele..." I stretched my hand for a hand shake but she left it hanging, raising her hand curtly to stop me from talking. 

"I don't care who you are or if you have seen the queen of England before. I am the best student around here and I don't plan on giving that away." She told me sharply. 

Oh so that's what this is about. 

"I was hoping we could actually share. There is room for everyone to be the best." I smiled again. 

"You don't seem to get it do you? I am the best, I always have and always will. No one has ever matched up to me and you won't be the first. Do you understand?" She eyed me again. 

I smirked and moved closer to her, looking her straight in the eye. "Well now it seems like you have a competition, Zaria." She rolled her eyes. 

"I don't plan to give up my position that easily." She said scornfully. 

"Neither do I." I relied. She glared at me. 

"Zaria." We heard from the door and looked to see a beautiful petite girl standing in the door way, looking so surprised. Obviously she heard our not-so-nice exchange. 

Zaria cast a deadly glare at me and stormed off. 

I didn't think it would be hard to like anyone here but Zaria had already made an exception. You know what they say... 

First impression lasts longer.