Chapter 12: Chapter 12

My phone alarm woke me up by 6am. I usually wake up at that time to go for an early morning run, I must have forgotten to change the settings when I came here.

Anyway, since I was already awake, I decided to go out. I changed into a black and purple workout bra and matching workout pants, since it was new and I've not worn it before, it was a little bit tight and body hugging. As a result of that, it brought out my body curves. I wore a pair of ankle socks and a pair of trainers, I held my hair up with a rubber band. I was set to go.

Before leaving, I removed the memory card from my phone and inserted it in my headphones so that I can listen to music without having to carry my phone with me. I left a note on my bed that I went out for an early morning run just in case someone came looking for me, they wouldn't have to worry about my whereabout.

I was glad to door didn't make any sound when I opened it, I felt a little cold when I stepped out but I didn't want to go back to carry my sweater so I don't wake others up.

It wasn't that dark, just that the trees created a shady canopy, making the pathway look dark, just the way I like it. I had increased the volume of the music to maximum, the blaring song and the cold breeze made me feel energetic.

After running for about 10 minutes, I slowed down to catch my breath, I bent down with my hands on my knees, panting and gasping for air when someone hit me from behind.

I stumbled and fell, luckily I didn't sustain any injury. Even in the dark environment I knew it was no other person but Jade Kale." UK, what are you doing out here?" He asked " dancing ballet", I replied sarcastically

" really?" he asked looking seriously

" no dummy, I was running" I replied

" why do you like answering my questions sarcastically?"

"why do you like asking questions in which you know the answers already? it irks me, you saw me dressed this way and you still asked what I'm doing."

" you know when you act so fiery, it makes me want to kiss you", Jade said coming nearer to me.

"wha…wha… what are you doing?" I stammered moving backwards but he kept coming nearer.

" what does it look like I'm doing? You tell me not to ask questions I know the answers already but you're doing the same. Don't you know what I want to do?" His voice was husky. I sucked in a deep breath, he can't be serious, he can't kiss me, right? I thought.

" Stay back, I can fight, I don't want to hurt you so stand back" but he kept coming nearer. I couldn't see his face to know if he was serious or just messing with me.

As fast as lightening, he held me and pinned me to a tree, my legs wobbled, he brought his face near mine and whispered " for the last time, stop tempting me, I swear if you ever make my blood boil the way it is now, you won't go free". I scoffed. " your flirtatious remarks don't have any effects on me, " I said.

"you sure?"

"yes"

"let's have a bet, I'm going to do everything in my power to make you want me in one week. loser kisses the other person on the lips in front of other people in the house, deal?" Jade said

"game on."" Are you aware that I'll still benefit no matter who wins?" Jade asked

"I don't care, as long as I'm not the person initiating the kiss, I can live with that," I replied shrugging.

" very well then. Have you been to the orchard?"

" yeah, went there yesterday," I replied

" great. Race you there," and he went galloping away

I may not be as tall as most girls my age but one thing I can do is run very fast, if I was to choose another career apart from being a teacher, I would have been an international sprinter. Jade ran very fast that at some point I didn't see him, so I thought cheating a little won't be so bad. I turned around and used a short cut to the orchard, I saw him coming afar, I was already at the orchard in no time, why not do act a little naughty.

I had a when Jade came close to the orchard and doesn't see me running behind him, he might slow down and stroll in, if he did that then my trick would work out. I hid behind two trees standing together and waited for Jade, about a minute later, I heard footsteps approaching, I waited till he was very close to where I stood then I came out and shouted " boo! "

" Jesus! " he exclaimed, " what did you do that for?" I burst into laughter, I laughed hard tears streamed out my eyes

" I wish I was with my camera, you should have seen your face, " I said still laughing

"And how come you are here before me, last I saw you were far behind me, unless… you cheated!" his eyes widened in realisation

"me? cheat? I did not. I only used a shorter path "

" I'm going to let you off the hook this time, next time, you're gonna get punished for cheating"

" really? what are you going to do? spank me?" I glared at him daringly, hands at akimbo.

" I never thought about that, thanks for bringing it up" he said meeting my glare. The smell of coffee and omelette filled my nostrils when I got inside the house, I met one of Hannah's staff setting up the table, making it ready for breakfast. " Good morning," I greeted, " good morning Miss UK, will you be joining Mr Kale and Juliet for breakfast?" she asked

" sure. I'm sorry, I didn't get to know your name,"

" I'm Elizabeth, Miss, Sandra is at the kitchen helping Hannah out,"

" oh, okay, thanks. Let me go freshen up"

I went up to my room, the note I left was still the way I left it. I went into the bathroom and turned on the water into the bathtub, took out my clothes and was about to enter when I heard my phone ring, I knew it was my mom because I had set a particular song to play when she calls. I didn't even bother to tie a towel, I just ran to my room with my underwear. " hello ma, good morning," I greeted, " Ukpono, it's Ukeme," I heard my younger brother's voice

" how are you doing? where's mummy?" I asked a little worried

" don't worry, mummy's fine, our neighbor just gave birth and she went to visit them. I just wanted to hear from you. I know you're doing well so I won't ask, just take good care of yourself okay?"

" of course I will, you too take good…" Jade barged into my room and froze on his track when he saw the way I was dressed

" GET OUT!!!!!!" I yelled

He smirked and gave me a 2 fingers salute before leaving.