Chapter 31: Chapter 31

"You look stunning!" Nes chirps, clapping her hands. I smile, turning to look in the mirror.

I'm wearing a black sequinned evening dress with a thigh-high slit. I have a light makeup on my face with nude lipstick and there isn't a word for the complicated hairstyle on my head, courtesy of Nes but I love it! Surprisingly, Jason and Alex helped me pick the pair of silver studded earrings on my ears. They raided my room the day we shopped online.

Finally, high school has come to an end. I smile as memories of my days in Macaulay high come flooding into my head. I recall how my squad and I used to plan out our outfits for prom. How we used to practically raid Enoch's house because it was the largest during weekends to do assignments and gossip.

Everyone was certain Enoch and I would end up dating but here I am, waiting for someone else to take me to prom.

My heart warms even more when I think of the family I got the first day I stepped foot in West's high. Alice Fabian, the girl whose presence brings peace and beauty to a place; Melody Udo, the ever cheerful one with an easily likeable persona and Halima Hassan, the crazy one with the unending need for attention and inability to hide her feelings. They've all contributed in my life one way or another.

"Bella, someone's here!" mum calls from downstairs and Nes beams at me.

"Let's go knock someone off his feet!" she grins wickedly and I shake my head.

I pick up my silver purse . With sharp breaths in and out, I follow Nes out.

I have no idea why I'm so nervous about seeing Jasper. He's been my neighbour, classmate and friend for almost a year now. Maybe I'm worried about what he'll think of my look. If he'll want to appear in prom with me dressed like this.

‘It's not like my outfit isn't dope but Jasper may have seen far more beautiful outfits!’

I don't even realize I'm on the last step until I step off of it. Nes has her hand on Jasper's shoulder and she probably just said something funny but he's not listening as his eyes are trained on me. He’s blazing hot in a black suit and the way his hair is neatly slicked back makes me want to look at him forever. I look away.

I beam at mum as we hug and give my brothers a knowing look.

"Okay my girlfriend has to look prettier than that or else I'm not going to prom with her," Alex says seriously and we laugh. I'm seriously avoiding looking at Jasper now. He's been alarmingly silent the whole time.

"Well technically, you may not go to prom with her," Nes jives and Lex's face drops. He gives her a look not to go further. I trust Nes. One more silly word from him and she'll tell mum he's dating Melody even though he still hasn't worked up the nerves to ask her out.

We fall silent and I know it's time to go. And time to go means time to look at Jasper.

"Jasper, make sure she's safe," mum says and he tears his eyes from me to nod at her. I use that opportunity to wave everyone and quickly walk out.

"Wait, I'm coming to take pictures of you two," Nes informs as she hurriedly picks her phone and follows.

It's 5:30pm and luckily for us, the sky is clear. Jasper strolls to my side with a smile once we're outside and we pose for the first shot. I plaster a completely nervous smile on my face and I'm sure Nes is almost grimacing at the sight of it.

When she takes the first shot, she looks at us from beside the phone with a blank face.

"What?" I ask in confusion.

"Are you two seriously going to be this boring? Do something romantic now that no one is here to take pictures with you yet!"

‘Is she being serious? Ugh!’

I roll my eyes. "Just take the pics already!"

She stubbornly arches a brow, obviously not backing down.

I scoff, about to move towards her but suddenly feel something soft on my cheek. My eyes widen as I turn to look at Jasper.

"Yes! Thanks Jasper for always being the lively one. Please do teach her some romance," Nes mocks and I glare at her. She grins once she looks at her phone.

"It's so cute! Lucky you." She shows the picture to us.

‘She captured it!’

In the picture, I have a shocked look on my face as I'm about to look at Jasper with my hands raised. I can't admit it to them but the picture looks a little nice. The way Jasper is coolly leaning in to me and the way I'm surprised is cute.

"Let's join in," mum says, grabbing our attentions as she walks out with the boys dressed up. "Bella, we'll definitely celebrate this one of these days. When your dad is available." I nod. Dad has been choked with work these past few days. He had to travel to Port Harcourt two days ago.

We take a bunch of pictures before Jasper and I finally get into the vehicle.

"I'll meet you guys there!" Nes shouts when we drive off. The graduands are expected to be there before the event starts while the rest of the students can come anytime. Once we're on the road, I start to feel a little angry.

‘Is he going to say something or what?’

"Isa, you look..." he stops there. I look at him questioningly. He smiles, sighing.

"I can't find the word but let me use magnificent." Even though I'm trying to hold it in, the smile breaks free.

"You had me confused back there, you know. I hope your mum doesn't question you when you get back." We laugh. Mum knows I like Jasper but she doesn't know about our relationship yet.

‘I can't believe I'm in a relationship with him. I used to hate this guy.’

Throughout the drive to school, I keep smiling and turning to look at him.

"So this is it. We won't be seeing so many people for a long time. Forever, for some. Crazy high school days are over," I say, looking out the window as I enjoy the way the breeze lightly brushes against my face.

I hear Jasper mumble something in support and I turn to him.

"You look great," I tell him and he grins, entering the school compound.

The place is sparsely littered with cars and we find a vacant spot not far from the gate. The moment I step out, I hear a scream and I don't need to look to know it's Melody.

I whip around in delight and we both let out childish squeals as we rush to engulf each other in a hug.

"You look drop-dead!" she squeals, scanning my dress.

"You look gorgeous," I shrill. She's dolled up in a red long sleeved tulle gown with gold embellishments on the top and carrying a gold purse.

"Hey Jasper," she waves cheerily and he smiles in return.

"You look beautiful," he comments and she grins.

"Where's Alice?" I ask and as if on cue, we hear a squeal. Another round of screaming, hugging and complimenting takes place as we welcome Alice.

The curves she's always hiding under loose shirts are on full display in the navy blue mermaid gown she's wearing coupled with silver accessories.

"Hi, Simon," Melody and I chorus and he greets us back, complimenting our looks before walking to meet Jasper.

"I can't believe I'm the only one without a date to drool at my outfit," Melody pouts. "But not for long," she brightens up. We pass quizzical stares her way and she grins at me.

"I'm smuggling your brother out of your house," she shrugs excitedly. We squeal in surprise.

‘Seriously is today squealing day? Why are we over the top?’

I shake my head and suddenly, my happy smile is replaced with a sad one. The air around us dulls out.

"I can't believe Lima isn't here with us," Melody mutters.

It's crazy how things can go downhill just because of one mistake. I reminisce about the first day I met Lima. She shooed Diana and her friends off and we went to the cafeteria together.

I also think back to the different times when she showed dislike towards me. I know that should make hate her too but I can't. I sincerely miss her.

Just some days ago, her mum decided she wanted her to leave for Edo state until she gives birth. We all cried that day. That was the first time I met her mum and she was really nice. I realized Lima got most of her attitude from her.

"Okay," Alice breaks the silence. "Let's not get all teary eyed. Remember Lima told us to shake the foundations of West's high?" We all laugh and I find myself blinking back tears. Looking at my friends, I find they are in a similar situation. We share a hug.

"Alright, I hope everyone is here. We'll gather in the room beside the hall until the event begins and then you'll go in in pairs," Mr. Bolanle, our computer studies teacher briefs before leading us to the room.

Jasper squeezes my hand lightly as we walk side by side. I'm sure he witnessed our sad moment and is trying to reassure me. Some people stare in surprise at the little exchange. If school was still on, this would have been a great topic to gossip about.

Jasper, the hot head prefect and Isabella, the ‘I-don't-even-know-what-they'll-say-about-me’ girl are now a couple!

Someone walks up from behind and falls into step with us.

"You look gorgeous," Ousman says, almost whispering and I laugh.

"Hey," I grin, looking up at him. He's also wearing a black suit like Jasper. He reaches out across my shoulders and bumps Jasper in greeting.

"Hey man," Jasper greets with a smile as we enter the spacious room. I catch sight of Ego and Kemi and this pulls my mind to the time when I let myself get caught up in a life that wasn’t right for me. I quickly look around for Osita and when I find him, our eyes meet. I wave and he returns the favour. I push every thought of Kunle out of my mind.

About two hours of boring speeches later, it's time to present awards for good behaviour, performance in various subjects and leadership positions.

Jasper receives best in Math as expected and three other subjects even though he missed the last terminal exams. Miraculously, I receive an award for good behaviour.

‘I'm such a good girl.’

Ousman receives best in Biology and four other subjects and ends up the best student of the year.

Melody bags the best in Geography award. She looks shocked as she goes to take it. That's when I sight Alex. He's wearing a red shirt over black trousers and sitting next Melody's empty seat. Nes is seated beside him in a short teal dress.

‘Did Melody and Alex plan their outfit?’

"I think Jasper will bag prom king," Alice whispers thirty minutes later. Awards have been presented and votes have been taken to pick the prom king and queen.

"And I think Diana will be queen," I whisper back. Alice grimaces.

"Thank God my Simon won't be king. He won't have to stand beside that girl cause I may not let him go up there," she laughs and I give her a fake glare.

"Diana Amos!"

‘Oh, we missed the suspense part. Better.’

The whole place erupts in applause. I can't help but roll my eyes. She searches the crowd with her eyes and stops at our table. She passes us a wicked smile of victory and Alice throws a lopsided smile her way.

"And for our prom king, we have our able head prefect, Jasper Lawrence!" A bigger round of applause breaks forth but Jasper is nowhere to be seen.

"Oh, he went to the restroom," I inform no one in particular.

"Jasper Lawrence," the man calls again.

"Ahh, what is taking him so long?" I stand up to go and check up on him, taking my purse with me.

The hallway leading to the restroom area is so quiet compared to the event hall, making me a little uncomfortable.

My pace gradually slows as a negative atmosphere engulfs me. I try to shake off the feeling that something is wrong but it's not working. I hear a grunt and my heart drops.

‘What was that?’

Another pained grunt comes from an open end of the restroom leading outside on the other side.

‘Jasper’.

Without my knowledge, my feet begin to take long strides towards the sound. I stop short when I reach the edge of the wall to avoid being seen immediately and peep.

A scream hitches in my throat when I see blood on the floor but the most frightening sight is Jasper hanging unconsciously between two hefty men as they drag him out of the restroom area. His white inner shirt is stained with blood from his nostrils.

‘Oh my God, oh my God!’

I'm confused as to what to do. I need to get help!

‘No! We won't know where they're taking him. But I should get help. I can't handle this! But...’

All the while I'm pondering whether or not to inform someone, my feet have dragged me after them. They dump his limp body in a car and enter.

‘Oh gosh, they're going to leave. What do I do?! Bella think!!!’

My heart is about to rip out of my chest right now. I open my purse and the first things I see are keys. I look up. Jasper's car is parked close by, but I have to let them drive off so they don't notice me.

When they zoom off, I make a dash for Jasper's car and open it.

‘Jesus Christ, what am I doing?’

The last time I attempted to drive a car was when we were in Texas. Enoch tried to teach me. I'm sure I can't even remember anything now but I get in anyway, there has to be a way.

Turning on the car, I'm confused about what to do next as everything in my head is jumbled. I pull off my shoes hastily and press my foot against one of the pedals below. The car won't move.

‘Maybe this is the brake pedal.’

I push the other with too much force and the car jolts forward, nearly ramming into the gate. I miraculously pull onto the road and I'm able to locate the car.

‘I should call someone.’

I pick up my purse and open it with one hand, eyes still on the road. I can't afford to end up in an accident now. Opening it, I don’t find my phone.

"No, no, no, no!!" I shout, nearly bursting into tears. I left my phone with Alice.

I wonder why I'm not crying already. Here I am, trailing a car containing bad guys alone. The car makes a sharp turn into a quiet lane with a lot of trees on both sides and I almost drive past but manage to stop the car.

I espy the grey car slowing to a halt in front of a rickety building and I decide to abandon the car. With all my might, I try to be as sneaky as possible but with the way my body is shaking, I'm not sure I can do this. I feel like my every step is as loud as thunder and my every breath can be heard from miles away.

I follow them into the building, not considering the risks but it's surprisingly empty. Then I see light from behind a metal door. Opening it as gently as possible, I enter. It's a passageway with railings on one side overlooking some kind of underground area. It's large with a few articles scattered here and there.

The men appear below with Jasper still looking unconscious and I crouch to stay out of sight. They place him on the only chair in the place.

"You think you can give information about us and go scot free? You tiny rat," one of the men spits.

‘Oh God, is he even alive?’

Jasper moves his head a little and I heave a sigh of no relief at all.

"Is he coming soon?" the other man asks.

"Yes. He wants to deal with this one that got Flash and Dagger in prison. See daredevil abeg. Na we you wan arrest?" he speaks pidgin.

Something suddenly knocks into place in my head.

‘What on earth am I doing here? I should get help now that I know where they are! Before they do something to him.’

I slowly back away towards the door, still in my crouched position. When I successfully make it out, I stand up and pull the door close gently.

A loud creaking sound goes off as the old door pulls to a close.

My breath seizes.