Chapter 1
Jesse dropped his bag in front of the school Administrator building, It had been a hefty afternoon for him since he came all on his own with little or no direction, his grandfather just gave him the bus ticket and fare, then wrote the names of the park and bus to which he'll take that will lead him to the school the rest he figured out on his own. He had just been transferred to a new school, James Brown International School, based on his grandfather's request. The journey had been a long one because the school was situated in a forest-like setting, and at first, it felt weird, like "what the hell is a renowned school doing in a place like this?" Jesse thought within himself as he scouted the school.
Jesse is tall, a little muscular, with bushy eyebrows and an impressive jawline, making him an attractive 17-year-old who resembles an adult more than his peers. He lived with his grandfather; his parents died when he was 7, so he had little knowledge about them. Moreover, he just knew his parents were renowned journalists and that they were killed in a political movement; that's what his grandfather told him. Idris NAHAKA, his grandfather, whom people often referred to as a madman, always disliked and talked against politics. He said spiritual forces were behind every politician and political parties. He is a mastermind in Apoliticism and an herbalist. He also has sect boys whom he teaches Jazz, showing them how to use it mostly to oppose political parties and movement. Jesse is an ambivert, quite reserved, and he often finds solitude in quietly observing those around him when he needs to.
He resumed school alone, his grandfather busy with clients in a village. Mr. Idris majorly uses his herbalist work as a side hustle; he uses his knowledge of plants to treat people, but Jesse knew it was more than that. Jesse also knows his grandfather uses that as an excuse to recruit boys to teach them how to use Jazz. Jazz was a form of spiritual power that is used by people who want to exceed the natural i.e., be immune to bullets and deep cuts, most likely being impenetrable majorly be indestructible, it's deep, his Grandfather Often get visited buy his area thugs, Street boys and Cultist who wants to use the power, renew or to oppose rival gangs in the area. Jesse was skeptical about coming to this school. He found it a waste of money that his father brought him to a private school, but he knew his father never wanted him to be like him, and so his father invested so much in him.
He carried all his loads to the school Admin Building for registration he saw a lot of students, but they all seem to be younger than him. They were settling their stuff with their parents, but he was all alone, one thing his grandfather told him that kept on ringing on his head is that you'll realize your true potential when your alone and the journey of life is alone and with no one else it your journey.
While he sat at the reception, he saw a young woman in her mid-twenties, very beautiful, tall, and slender, with a lot of curves approaching him "are you not the new transfer students, my name is Mrs. Preye and you are not supposed to be here pack your luggage let me take you to where you will be attended to, this place belongs to the Newly admitted student from the junior school" she smiled at him as if she know something he doesn't she then led him out of the Admin block. "So, Jesse, why did you choose James Brown High School? Is it because of the good things you've heard about us, common share with me." Jesse never thought of how he ended up here. It was all his grandfather's idea.
"Well, I don't know, I've never heard of this school before, besides the name is weird, who is this James brown, an important figure, the owner of the school?" he asked curiously.
She chuckled.
"I have been asked that kind of question a lot but turns out that's just how the school is named."
"So, how is the school like? You're a staff here, you should know," she turned to face him, then she smiled and said.
"Since you're starting from the senior category, you will love it, there will be a lot of opportunity but don't misuse it. Besides, you're a young and vibrant youth should know what I mean."
She nudged him with her elbow and laughed.
As they came out of the Administrative building a female student immediately approached Mrs. preye she was the same age as Jesse she didn't take notice of him 'Mrs. preye it Rachel she has started again' immediately the casual smile on Mrs preye face Vanished
"where is she"
"she's at the dorm"
Alright help me take Jesse here to the Multipurpose hall he is a new student of your set. Instantly Mrs. preye set course for the dorm, that was when the she took notice of Jesse
"Hi I am Tina, you're the new student in our set sorry you had to hear that, don't worry she'll be fine as long as Mrs preye is there everything is going to be alright" she then helped Jesse pick up some of his luggage.
Tina is a chocolate chubby girl, she had those matured eyes as if she could see through you she also has this nice smile with those oily pink lips of hers she also smelled like strawberry. When she came close to carry some of the luggage Jesse took a deep breath he enjoyed her fragrance it was as if he should take a bite of her
"so, what's your name" she said walking ahead of him
"Well I am Jesse nice to meet you"
"Just Jesse nothing else"
"yes, just Jesse" she gave him a side look
"I don't use my surname anymore I only use Jesse."
"common you must be Joking , ok then what do you use"
"I use my Grandfather's name NAHAKA"
"So why didn't you say your Jesse NAHAKA" … she pauses.
"But why use your grandfather's name what about your Parents."
"My parents are no more "
"So sorry to hear that, so I take it you don't like your grandfather's name."
"Exactly, cause any time I say it they all refer to him as the medicine man which sounds local"
"Well for you to be here your grandfather's sure isn't local, but does he truly do only medicine"
"Uuuh yeah and some pretty weird things"
"like what?"
"I can't say"
"Rituals and charms that he'll use to empower himself and posses people" Tina said laughing, Jesse smiled
"You know you aren't wrong at some point "Jesse replies, she stops and takes a look at him
"Wait am not wrong? I just guessed" she said surprisingly
"Yeah well you guessed right"
"That must be fun for you to watch does he make himself invincible like impenetrable"
" Yeah he makes bullet proof charms, Invisibility, charms, and love portion and many more"
Jesse mentioned the love portion to divert the conversation to a different angle because he didn't like where this one was headed.
"Love portion that's absurd does he actually have clients for those"
"yeah he does, a lot for that matter I can even get you some if you want" he says winking at her
Tina laughed hard
"Nah I don't think I'll need them besides my beauty is enough for me can't you see these pink lips plus my figure 8 shape, they are all enough to get me the lust of my life"
"happy you know we'll all be lusting after those and not actually loving you"
Tina was surprised Jesse understood what she said. She was even more astonished by his response.
"Jesse you're a bad boy" she said laughing.
Jesse smiles at her
James Brown international School has a weird Academic system they always have three resumption dates the first one which is the Major one mostly for returning students, the second which is for newly admitted student and the third which is for delinquents those who had been suspended, ejected, reinstated, that's like resumption for the bad eggs and those with Medical and health issues.
"So how's our set mate, since you resumed how are they?"
"quite optimistic huh "our" for people you haven't met, your already categorizing them. You think you'll have a good time with them, well I'll say everything is quite peaceful for everyone one since resumption at least until the bad eggs day"
"What do you mean bad eggs day"
"Bad eggs day is when majorly all those who had been Suspended expelled and brought back to school resume. The day when peace bids this school goodbye
"Are they that much to create a resumption date"
"well you don't know, 35 student entered the delinquents list 5 were punished here in school 15 were expelled 15 were suspended"
"What the fuck!!!,do you guys sell drugs here, do you breed drug cartels 35 is too much" Jesse replied
"huh that's the least I've heard of from the school record besides there are a lot of things that happened last session. Aside from that on the ratio of crimes committed, drug I think should be the least"
"Then what occupies the most"
"Lust, hoes, fucking sodomy ,gang fight and type shit and other series of Erroneous activities"
"What type of activities lead to this"
"Well we've had the gangbang night, six nights of black, Holy Communion"
"Jesus Christ!!!" Jesse replies in shock
"his presence is no where near this school" Tina replies shaking her head
"and the school takes it very seriously" Jesse replies
"well mostly there's majorly one crime that sparks or accelerate them to look into the others"
"and what's that if I may ask?"
"it's very simple, don't leave the school premises without full confirmation from the authorities"
"Simple as that"
"yeah there's been a rumor of some Occultic spiritual activity going on in the forest it's been a folklore since, I don't believe it but I think the Authority believes it and they are very cautious about it moreover a lot of boys have Jumped over the fence at night into the forest to have fun, from what I hear there's a village near by that sell something I think it's drugs I don't really know they don't really talk about it out side"
"Then how did you know this much"
"well my bestie is a shima"
"huh?"
"I know you don't grab "Shima is word we use to describe a girl who's affiliated with a guy in a group (a relationship)
"ooh I see it means she's a popular one , let me guess she's dating one of our senior"
" yeah you get it. Jesse your really good at conversing with people this is the best conversation I've had apart from my bestie you'll really have your way with the others"
By this time they were already reaching the Multipurpose hall as he was arriving he could see students around his age some peering out of the window looking at him some girls were gathered in groups Jesse's physical features made him stand out he stopped smiling and put on a serious face Tina who was now walking faster and ahead of him looked at him and chuckled.
"Where are you taking me?" he asked
"The Multipurpose Hall for inspection, do you think the school trusts you especially a senior student. We've had cases a lot so you can't escape inspection."
There were multiple noises coming from the hall immediately when they entered the noises reduced their attention, we're all diverted they were all looking at him.
"Well look who's here they only newly admitted student we have in Senior secondary school."
"Huh Mr George is he the only one. I thought we had other students coming in? she asked.
"Well, they cancelled the admission form"
"Sir how, is that even possible no one cancels James Brown high school"
"Well, you don't know… a lot of people despises this school even though it looks prestigious they say its for spoilt brats."
Mr George a tall, huge dark guy in his mid-thirties he looks like all those boxers that had taken overdose of steroids he's so muscular.
"So, your Jesse's NAHAKA it's nice to meet you"
He then leads Jesse to table where he writes his name and other important stuff, when he was done he then carries Jesse's luggage and began searching it. while he does that Jesse and Tina kept discussing
"Well this Multipurpose hall is very big what's is it majorly used for "
"Majorly for Assembly of all students and any International Programs or sessions"
"International Programs?" Jesse asked confused
"Yeah we do have international programs with other schools abroad we have Edorado high, Baiskiat international and so on. Do you know that students who finishes with very good results get to go on scholarship abroad to any Tertiary institution"
"Ooh that's nice, am not interested in that"
"Seriously why wouldn't you be interested in good grades that's basically why your in school"
"You know I never really wanted to come here it's all my grandfather's Idea and I wouldn't want to disappoint him" while they were discussing they were interrupted by Mr George.
"Jesse come here" Mr George called for him
"Yes, any problem?"
"Any problem huh!" Mr George replied removing a long chain from his box with a skull on it
"We don't allow this here, it prohibited."
"But its very important to me"
"I know you need protection, but you have everything here in JB high we have security that work around the clock 24/7"
"But that is not enough, what about the rumor about the Occultic activity going on in the forest, how would you protect me when something Paranormal happens."
Mr George immediately looks at Tina.
"Tina what did we tell you about running your mouth out on Fresher's like this"
Mr George then looks back at Jesse.
"Let me tell you there's nothing like that it's only a folklore that had never come to pass you can ask anyone there's nothing like that, so I'll keep this for you somewhere safe" he then carries the chain and puts it around his wrist.
"Well, I think we're done here you can take your luggage to the Hostel now"
Tina immediately moved towards him and whispered.
" Dinner is by 7 come out and stand by the entrance I'll introduce you to the rest" she then blows him a kiss as she leaves the hall.
"Wait where's is the Hostel."
"Ill take you there it's not far from here" Mr George replied
Mr George then helped him carry some of his luggage.
As the walked there was a tense silence coming from both of them until Mr George broke the silence with a question.
"So, from what I saw there you know how to use Jazz" Mr George said,
"What do you know about Jazz?"
"Ooh I know a lot about it, it's more deeper than what other people know about it"
"ok like what" Jesse was already getting pissed of because Mr George took the Chain from him not knowing anything about it…or so he thought.
Mr George understood what was happening and wanted Jesse to understand.
"Have you heard of the throne room, In fact from the skull on the necklace you surely must know about the throne room"
Immediately Jesse stopped walking and looked at him dead in the eye
"Who are you?"
"I am George" he replied as he gave a weird smile.
"Not your formal name, what are you, how did you know that."
"You see Jesse he said putting his arm on his shoulders, there are a lot of us spread across the country who are into this thing, we know how to handle things like this, by the way I know your grandfather NAHAKA he's very famous when it comes to this kind thing and it's very dangerous, I think that's why he sent you here.
"You said he is very famous, how."
"Ooh he was the one that Intervene for Rally 91 that the local government are not talking about no one's talking about it and that's strange, he is the backbone to almost any anti political movement…your grandfather surely hates those bastards that sit on high places and his work is Highly dangerous. It goes beyond what the normal eyes can see and comprehend, but here at JB college you have nothing to fear so this is the last time we're having this conversation right."
"Alright"
"Good boy" he gave him a pat on his back.
By this time, they had already arrived at the Hostel. JB hostels were divided into four buildings. This first one which was the biggest was for the Junior student JS1-JS3 then they had each separate block for the senior students from SS1-SS3 Jesse was meant to go to the first block which was for Ss1, but it was under renovation and there wasn't space, so they moved him to Ss2 block. In a room there were 8 people with 4 bunks Jesse was taken to the second floor where he was assigned his new bed space.
"Will I be here permanently" Jesse asked.
"Does it matter besides you have the chance to chill with the big boys" Mr George replied.
"I don't think they'll be happy about that."
"I guess we'll just have to see."
As Mr. George opened the door there were four people inside the room already. Jesse took time to scout the room it was very spacious two windows in the front it was very ventilated there was also an AC on the wall and a reading table with four seats. He Went on to check the toilet 3 showers three 3 toilets it was nice and clean…the interior décor was that of an hotel, it made Jesse wonder if this was really a school.
There was one wardrobe for each student each beside their bed space.
"Mr. George pls who's this I haven't seen him anywhere" A dark tall boy with deep voice startled all thought away from Jesse's mind.
"How the hell did he get that kind of Voice" Jesse thought within himself.
"With the ongoing renovation on the Ss1 dorm I decided to move him here."
Immediately they heard Ss1 they all shouted.
"Noo noo noo we don't want this child here with us" the guy with the deep voice replied.
"If someone gets bullied pls don't get me on delinquent list am just saying" the second guy said.
"Mr. George why do you like mixing a lot, I heard you did this to one of our sets and his set too…you put ours with those troublemakers (Ss3) it not going to be funny" the third guy said
"I can already deduce how this session will end…blood will flow" the fourth guy replied.
"Hey, no negativity here" Mr. George snapped at the fourth guy.
"Just saying" the fourth guy said raising his two hands up.
Mr. George took a chair and sat down.
"You know I've always opted that they school should allow mixed classes so as to foster interaction, but they don't and so since I'm in charge of the boy's dorm this session I've decided to do it myself" he stood up and faced Jesse.
"This is Jesse NAHAKA your new roommate" Mr. George said as he closes the door behind him.
Jesse went to the empty bed on the right and sat down he then lied on the bed; it was very comfy.
"Will I really go to class early with the nature of this bed" he thought.
"So, your Jesse huh do you really think we'll let you stay here despite what Mr. George said" the tall dark guy spoke.
"well, I didn't ask to be here, but It was for a reason besides I don't have anywhere else to go and so you can't Chase me out of here it's my right" Jesse replied
"Hmmm the Audacity I love that" the tall guy approach him, he grabbed Jesse shuttle bag.
"Jesse immediately stood up and faced him head on, eyeball to eyeball."
There was tension in the room, the other three silently watched as the two faced each other and then.
There was a chuckle that burst the whole tension out like balloon, they all started laughing except for Jesse who was now looking confused.
"hahahaha I love this boy, see how he looked me in the eye I could feel his blood lust, Jesse your one dangerous boy" the tall dark guy replied
"What did you think you could do eeeeh? tallest me I know that a punch from Jesse and you'll be down flat on the ground" the second guy replied.
"Tochukwu where is he, you sold me out with that nasty chuckle of yours…you couldn't even keep the tension we were already building something nice there and all you had to do was laugh …. you fucked up bro" the tall guy turned now facing Jesse who was looking at them dumfounded and confused.
"Sorry Jesse we wanted to take it further and prank you but Tochukw spoilt the flow besides were nice guys don 'take it personal, I am Boluwatife Oluwa aka Tallest that is Tochukwu the one with the awkward laugh" he said pointing at him. "And those two Sunday and Ade.
"So, you guys decided to play a prank on me, right?"
"Common we've apologized already… don't carry things too far, it was just a joke."
"I have no issues at all, I am just tired, that's all," Jesse replied.
"You know it's crazy we're going to stay with Junior (Ss1), hmmm, this is going to be a good opportunity," Sunday said, rubbing his palms and licking his lips.
The four of them turned and looked at him with disgust.
"What the hell was that?" Jesse asked.
"No, don't mind him, Sunny has a very weird brain system," Bolu replied.
"Uuugh, that's not what I mean," Sunday says as he stands up and walks towards Jesse.
"You might not know but your set has a lot of hot girls, hmm, yum yum." I'll need your help to get me one of dem gurls."
"No, I am not doing that. Besides, can't you approach her? You're a damn senior, use that power, Authority and respect" Jesse replied.
"You're a newbie, let me explain things to you," Sunny said, putting his arms around Jesse. JB high has a lot of powerful students who do shit and get away with it…that's one thing, the other is that I am an Ss2 student and our set has little to no influence on the school core values instead were after it destruction and decay and for two years now we haven't gotten a candidate who has qualified nationally in international competitions but when it comes to committing SIN we are number 1, fornication check, Massive lust check, Gang fight check, and also girls in this school have a lot of pride
"So, you're the major ones who qualified for the delinquent list," Jesse replied.
"Partly not all, a few still came from our senior and your set."
"So, who's the lucky girl?" Jesse asked,
"Lucky? You mean doomed girl?" Tochukwu cuts in
"Her name is Tina. God, that girl has pride," Bolu replied.
"What do you mean she has pride?" Jesse asked.
"She has more than that, she's sassy, disrespectful, all because her best friend is dating Trigger, she thinks she's an Echelon."
Tochukwu cuts in again
"Let's not forget she's fucking hot, like did you see what she wore to dinner. OMG, it was a see-through dress."
"Guyyyyyyy," all of them shouted in Unison as they shook hands and hugged each other.
"Wait we all eat together for dinner?" Jesse asked.
"No. we aren't one happy family." Tochukwu snapped.
"It's always chaotic when we play family at dinner cause that's when a random student will shove down a fork in another's throat just for no reason. It gets scary at times, and so the authorities divided our dinner time with each senior class to supervise, and that's where we have our lustful experiences…
"I think yours is by 7 pm, and I am on duty to supervise with the others today," Sunny replies.
"You guys are perverts lustfully looking at a girl's inners am ashamed of you," Jesse said with disgust.
"Shame on yourself… I guess you haven't seen her, that's why" Bolu cuts in.
Jesse wanted to say something, but he held back.
"You were trying to say something," Tochukwu replied.
"No, it's nothing."
The rest of them leaves the room leaving only Jesse in
Jesse relaxed and opened his box and started arranging things like soap, clothes, toiletries, bed linen etc. He then laid his bed. By the time he was done time had passed and it was already evening. A loud siren startled him he, He saw Sunny enter dressed up in a colorful uniform.
"Come on, Jesse, it's time for dinner," Sunny said, clapping his hands together.
"You just have one dinner while I have two, the one I'll feed my eyes with in just a matter of minutes and then the one I'll eat by eight with my set mates."
"What are you wearing?" Jesse asked.
"It's my officiating uniform." We wear it when carrying out official duties; it commands respect and makes us stand out.
"Lest, I forget, when am I getting my school uniform?" Jesse asked
"You don't need to worry, it would have arrived tomorrow morning before you wake up".
Jesse and Sunny leave for the dining hall
JB dining hall is a very big building, very wide, it has a series of tables arranged with the capacity of carrying 2,4,6,8,10 students per table. Each table has a portrait of past students of excellence, and some trophies' cabinet in it. It's very chill with an air conditioner 2 on each row. This makes it very chill there. It has a connection to the kitchen in which food is brought and displayed on the counter glass, and then served to the student. For the Ss1, they have a maximum of 1h:30 mins to eat, while the Ss2 eat immediately after 1h:40 and lastly, the Ss3 have all the time in the world.
As they were approaching the dining hall, they saw Tina with a couple of girls waiting. She saw him, she smiled, and waved a sign for him to come over.
"Burst my head!!!, is she talking to you?" Sunny turned to face him with his eyes wide open.
"Jesse, what are you waiting for? Come over before the four-table space gets occupied," Tina yelled.
"Of course, she is. Jesse leaves his side as he goes to meet the girls. He turns back to look at Sunny with a smirk on his face.
"OOH MY GOD, the rest must hear this …that is one lucky bastard… I wish it were me," Sunny thought within himself.
"Hey, guys, this is Jesse, the one and only new student from our set," Tina said to the other girls, two of them.
"Jesse, this is Zainab and Zara."
Zainab and Zara look like siblings, but they aren't. Zainab is taller than Zara; they're of chocolate complexion. Zara wears glasses, while Zainab doesn't; they were both wearing hoodies.
"Why are you looking so oiled up?" Jesse asked Tina.
The three girls looked at Jesse immediately.
"Ooh, sorry, we thought of something else. It's because the dining hall is going to be very chill, look around you'll see many of us with hoodies or sweaters.
"Common lets get inside quickly." Tina turned as she started moving towards the building.
"You saw what he did there," Tina whispered to Zara.
"He's a naughty one, isn't he?" Zara giggled.
Once they entered the hall, it was very cold. Some students were shivering, some left the hall for their hoodies and sweaters, while very few sat there comfortably.
"Here, that's our favorite spot toward the end of the row."
"Why is it that far can't we sit somewhere closer to the counter glass?" Jesse
"I didn't know you to be a foodie, chillax, the food will reach you." Tina assisted Jesse to sit down in the chair.
Now, everyone was looking at them for some reason; some were whispering.
"It's strange to see Tina assist someone to sit down, a boy, for that matter," someone whispered.
"And who's that boy? I haven't seen him around before."
"I think he's the new student in our set."
"Don't mind their prying eyes, although they're surprised to see me help a boy."
"Ooh, so u do have pride when it comes to treating others."
"Boys precisely," Zainab cuts in
"So, Jesse, tell us more about yourself." Jesse turned towards Zara.
"Ooh, umm, not much, my life isn't interesting, there are a lot of boring things."
"I heard your grandfather does love portions. Tell us more about it."
"Is this what this is all about?" he thought within himself as he smiled.
Jesse began narrating all the experiences he had with his father, creating a love portion and it impacts on his clients. It was so funny that the girls began laughing loudly. They were really enjoying their time.
Then a loud bell rang
"Here comes our food," Tina said, adjusting her chair.
"So, what's on the menu?"
"Ooh, silly, anything you want, since today was another resumption date, we'll be receiving delicacies, don't worry, you'll love it."
"You just must wait, it's per table we are being moved to be served from two, four, six, eight, ten. That's how it is, the hall isn't usually full, it's because of today's event, that's why it's like this.
It was already time for table four.
"Then they stood up."
While table four was up to being served
"Sunny, Bolu, and Ade entered the hall.
"Well, well, well, look who's enjoying himself over there," Sunny spoke.
"Wait, is he with Tina and Zara?" Ade adjusted his glasses; he wears them occasionally, most likely when he's outside.
"Guess that bastard was in it all along."
"He has a lot of explanations to do this night, no wonder he was so relaxed and confident."
"Bro's bagged one of dem chicks, your chick," Bolu said, looking at Sunny.
"Don't look at me, we're all in this together, besides, she didn't wear anything revealing today, ugh, they're all majorly in hoodies and sweaters."
Now Jesse was served pasta and cheese with apple, based on his request.
"Now that's a weird food combination," Tina pointed at Jesse's food.
While they were eating
"Jesse, do you happen to know any of those boys at the other side of the hall?" Tina asked.
"Why do you ask?" Jesse turned towards to look at them.
"Because they've been looking at us and whispering things, all this Ss2 pervy, besides, I saw you walking with one of them this evening, I guess you know him."
"Nooo, I don't, I just asked him to take me to the hall since I didn't know where it was."
"Ok, because that same guy has always eyed me whenever he sees me …I think he likes me, but he doesn't match my taste."
Jesse chuckled, almost spitting out his food.
"You're very funny, but I thought the Ss2 boys are always crazy over you Ss1 girls. It's been like that in most secondary schools, then the Ss3 go for the ss2 girl, as so it is."
"Yeah, I've heard about that it's true, but this is JB high, it's very difficult, things are very different here," Zainab cuts in.
There was decorum in the hall as students were focused on eating and not talking. Jesse was surprised and impressed with the way they all cooperated.
"This is really a prestigious school."
When they were done, Jesse and the girls stood up and walked towards the exit.
"Jesse, it was nice hanging around with you. Can we do this next time?" Zara said, curling her hair.
"Sure, when time presents this opportunity again."
"Take care, have a good night's rest," Zainab said Waving as they headed to their hostel.
On a normal day after dinner like this the student will go to the classroom for prep but since it was a resumption day everyone has been asked to go and rest during that time student who had long seen their friends that had resumed used that opportunity to catch up, lovers also used that opportunity to see their loved ones it was a very wonderful sight to see. Boys and girls in groups are gisting while boys and girls in pairs are in different corners.
Jesse stayed out for some time to observe.
"Jesse, what are you doing out here by this time? You should be inside." A familiar voice spoke behind him. It was Mrs. preye she looked even more beautiful at night.
"Ooh, Mrs. preye good evening, ma, how are you doing?"
"Awwwn, so thoughtful am fyn it's nice to see you busy outside connecting and interacting, so who are you with?"
"I was with Tina and her friends until they went back inside the Hostel."
"Ooh, you've started connecting with the top girls of your set, that's a good way to start, I'm impressed. What about the guys? Any luck there?"
"No luck yet."
"But you're supposed to, besides, you're in the same Hostel."
"No, I'm not. I was moved to the Ss2 due to the renovation going on."
"What renovation? All renovations ended 3 weeks ago; this is surely the handiwork of Mr. George. The Management must not hear of this; they'll be furious, but you're enjoying your roommates, the Ss2 hope they aren't a problem."
"No mam they aren't."
"Come walk with me, we have something to discuss.
"Where are we going?"
"Nowhere, I just need a favor from you."
"Okay, what is it?"
"There's a student who has already been moved to the Ss2 building, and I don't think he can take care of himself; I want you to watch him, he's also your set mate."
"What do you mean he can't take care of himself? Does he have an ailment or is he handicapped?"
"Uuuh kind of," she comes close to his ear and whispers, "he's a Sickler a sickle cell patient. I don't want much from you, all I want is for you to check up on him since he's also in the Ss2 block with you. "
"Alright, so what's his name?"
"Its Promiz with a Zzz."
"Isn't it promise why to put the Z."
"I don't know, it's just for formality's sake that's what parents do these days."
"Alright, I will. Which room is he in?"
"Just ask for Promiz, and they'll point you his room direction. He's popular among the boys."
"Ok, I think it's already getting late for you to be outside. It's already 9:09, you wouldn't want those notorious Ss3 boys to find you outside, it's not going to be funny."
"Alright, good night," She waved at him as she turned and left.
Jesse headed to the Hostel.
As Jesse opened the door and entered, he noticed all the boys were staring at him. Sunny was on Jesse's bed, arms crossed. Bolu was sitting on a chair beside Sunny while Ade and Tochukwu were eating at the reading table. Those two stopped eating when they saw Jesse's. The whole room was quiet.
Jesse looked at them sternly.
"Well, well, well, look who's here, huh? The special one, you bagged my chick on your first resumption, didn't see that coming," Sunny said.
"Uuugh, are we still doing this, guys? She isn't my chick or whatever you call it, she's just a friend."
"A friend, you say? Huh, she pulled out the chair for you to sit. In my life, Tina has never done it to anyone, didn't you notice the way students around were staring?"
"Tochukw and Ade started laughing.
"yes, this is funny to you, but it isn't funny to me. I find it weird."
"Why?"
"Because I've stalked this girl since junior school."
Everyone began to murmur in disbelief.
"Your life is finished." Tochukwu snapped.
"Finished man"
"I never knew you were Obsessed" Bolu said, standing up from the chair. "I am not with you on this one. I thought it was a distance crush thing."
Sunny now looked like a fool in their eyes and was kind of disappointed. Jesse approached him, putting his arms on his shoulder.
"Hey, guys common don't do this to him, he's a human like us."
"Yeah, humans don't stalk their prey, animals do," Tochukwu replied with food in his mouth.
"All of you are wicked friends. I never thought you would betray me like this," Sunny spoke.
"Don't mind them, I'll help you secretly cultivate her."
"Wait, you mean it?" Jesse nods in affirmation.
"But did she ask you a question in the dining hall about me because it looked like she did?"
"Yeah, she did ask if I knew you."
"What did you say?"
"I denied it."
This time around, Ade Bolu and Tochukwu started laughing harder.
"Come on, bro, for real You denied me."
"That's why I am going to make it up to you."
"I'll help you, bro, I promise."
"thanks"
They shake hands and Sunny turns to the others.
"All ye mother fucking backstabbers, watch me win this chick over." he then moves to his bed.
It's 11 pm, almost light out.
Jesse, who was already in his PJ turned to face them.
"What do you mean, light out? Don't we control our light here?"
Ade chuckles
"Jb high looks beautiful outside, but horrible on the inside, it's kind of original fake, yeah, something like that."
Bolu came out of the bathroom with a towel on his waist he had just finish taking his bath. There was a noise coming out from the window.
"These boys would not go and sleep now!! I think they've cut down the rope used for drying clothes," he peeped through the window.
The boys outside were trying to fix the line after it was cut. One of them shouted.
"Draw the line, draw the line, yes, that's the line that is drawn."
And immediately, something dropped on Jesse's mind.
He sat up.
"Hey, guys, have you heard of The Tale? "The line that is drawn.
"Wait where did you hear that from Ade sat up on his bed.
"Yeah yeah, the kind of stuff Ade loves, all this creepy folklore, yes, every senior student and some junior must have heard of it."
Immediately, the lights went off, but other appliances were still working.
"I thought the lights meant everything," Jesse asked.
"No. only the light goes off, but everything is also on and working," Bolu replies, combing his hair.
"Perfect timing, Jesse let me tell you the tale of the ' line that is drawn."
Ade switches on his torchlight
"Ade is such a bad storyteller" Tochukwu turned closing the novel he was reading "but I want to hear his own version of it."
"Version?" Jesse looked confused.
"It's folklore, just as Bolu said, so it must have many versions. Funny enough, I haven't heard about yours." Sunny sat up.
"Well, looks like everyone wants to hear my own version, well, it's the most updated because I've made inquiries and investigations."
"Nah, we want Originality not just your own formed-up story," Tochukwu snaps.
"Just shut up and let me speak."
Now the boys were all ready to hear his version.
…..
…..
…..
Long ago, it was said that when the gods ruled and roamed the Earth-
"Nahh, this is bulshit, what do you mean god's what do god's have to with a line?" Tochukwu cuts in again
"Can you just shut up and let him speak? Besides, he was talking to me before you developed an interest in it."
Jesse cuts him off.
"Okay, okay, no hard feelings," Tochukwu apologized.
"Are we done? Can I continue?"
"Yes, you can," they both replied.
Ok there's a folk tale that say a warlock once ruled this forest and during his stay he created something like an inter dimensional barrier or space rift outside time and space I don't really know it but it is said no one knows what is there but it is guarded by a "line that is drawn" which was at the heart of the forest. In that heart there's a very big Oak tree which three skulls lies on it branches and there is a very thin line covered with a red Silk cloth some people say it's a bridge between the mortal realm and the realm of the dead, while others say it's a barricade between reality and the void well many researchers and investigators have gone into the forest but they never found it and so people moved on and started to build villages in the forest, but the legend did not move often time children from the village report sightings of a big Massive Oak tree with three skulls and a line that is drawn but when the adult go in search for it disappears from the eyes of people it often opens itself to children. There was even an incident where 7 children got lost in the woods. There was a search party going on for days. Eventually, on the 7th day, only 3 were found, and those three gave the same description about a big Oak three with three skulls and a line that is drawn.
"What do they mean, a line that is drawn is the line drawn somewhere like a paper, or is it tied to the tree, is it floating? It's confusing," Tochukwu said, confused.
"That's why it's folklore, you dumb ass, it's a mystery," Jesse snapped at him.
"Who are you talking to, junior boy?"
"Okay, okay, here's where it gets creepier."
They all stop immediately and pay attention.
…..
…..
The kids who were rescued were all nursed back to health except for one who was still sick, he couldn't move his legs, I think he was paralyzed but whenever the other children come close to him his condition tends to worsen it was as if he was allergic to them, shortly before he died he spoke something that shocked the chief and native doctor he said
" Sikilizeni… hao marafiki… si binadamu kama mnavyoona. Wao ni jambo tofauti… msiniamini tena."
"What the hell did you just say??"
"Thats Swahili," it means.
"I swear with my blood that my friends are not who you think they are," and then he died.
"You sure this isn't formed by you?" Jesse yawned.
"What do you mean, was it boring?"
"It's almost the same with the others I've heard, but yours has a little historical background," Bolu replied.
"It's because this was documented by research, it's real. Check it up on the Internet, besides, my uncle did a project work on these, they are not mere stories, they are fact" Ade stood up, walking towards his wardrobe, he brought a big book with rough edges.
"What's that book?" Jesse asked.
"This is my uncle's research work, the one he did before he died."
"Ooh shit, he died after conducting the research-
Ade cuts in, "Tochukwu your very stupid."
"None of this has to do with his death; he died of old age, you dumb ass. I always thought Sunny was more of a dumb ass, but you proved me wrong."
" Yoo chill me dumb as keh?" Sunny interrupted him, "So because of a woman, you call me dumb ass."
All to them answered in unison, "YES."
"Even you, Jesse."
"Kind of," Jesse replied.
"Alright, let's calm down, it's not about who's a dumbass or not, Tochukwu, you've been getting on Ade's nerves recently were not supposed be like that, and as for you sunny" he calms down and laughs, "you're an actual dumbass. How can you be stalking Tina since junior school?"
Everyone burst into laughter, including Sunny.
"In summery we shouldn't be enemies to ourselves, we are roommates were meant to be united, so let's stop all this cussing and insults, Ade, thanks for the folklore by the way, good night." Bolu goes to his bed with his blanket.
"It isn't folklore, it's pure facts."
"We know, alright, we know," Sunny replies, climbing into his bed."
As Ade goes to return the book to his wardrobe
Tochukwu approaches him.
"Ade, no vex, it's all been cruise, sorry if I made you angry."
"Forgiven and forgotten," Ade replied.
They now shake hands and head to their beds.
Jesse thought within himself on the bed.
"Surely Boluwatife is the eldest among his roommates, he acts mature among all of them, I'm so lucky to have this kind of stupid but chill roommates. I never thought I would have a stalker and three shit heads as roommates, I am so grateful…shit I forgot to go check on Promiz. I think I'll do that tomorrow. Today has been a long day, but it was quite impactful. Grandpa, I hope you're doing fine without me. Please stay safe and don't do anything stupid ….