The murmuring sounds of the students seized as Jeremy raised the alarm of my attack in the woods. My mum rushed to me and pulled me into her body.
"The black rogues?" She asked me, her white dress drenched in my blood.
I was taken out of the school field for treatment as quickly as they could. I was placed on a soft bed that I could lay on for the rest of the day, and I got my body pain relieved.
"Who could be responsible for the attack, Amaya? Your life is at stake here. Is there anything your mum isn't telling us?" Jeremy sat down close to my bed, wiping off the sweat on my face.
"There is nothing, Jeremy!" I said to him and looked away.
"Spare me those lies, Amaya!" Jeremy said and stood up immediately, then continued,
"Cole told me there is something you are hiding from me. He said your mum knows a lot about it and must have told you about it," Jeremy yelled.
"And my daughter said there is nothing hidden, Jeremy," My mum said, and walked out of her room, her eyes and Jeremy's eyes locked.
"If you can't mind your business as her mate or go through this hard time with her, then reject her," My mum screeched.
"I am in love with Amaya and I want her saved. I am just being bothered about how these rebels attack her. Is it until they kill her?" Jeremy said, his voice laced with genuine concern.
"Jeremy, this is not the time nor the place," my mother asserted, her voice carrying a tone that brooked no argument. "There's nothing hidden anywhere, so please be warned."
Jeremy took a step closer, and said,
"I love her, and I need to understand. This isn't just about the competition. It's about her safety, about us." Jeremy's concerned gaze lingered on me as I lay on the medical stretcher, his eyes reflecting a mixture of worry and curiosity.
My mother's expression hardened a protective shield around the secrets she held. "Her safety is precisely why some things are better left unsaid. You can't just demand answers, especially when the shadows are closing in. Sometimes ignorance is a shield, Jeremy!"
Jeremy's eyes pleaded with mine, seeking affirmation and understanding. He spoke,
"Amaya, I need to know you're safe. We need to face this together."
I struggled to sit up, the weight of the conversation pressing on me as much as the physical pain. "Jeremy, I want you to know I love you too, but there is nothing I am hiding here!"
My mother crinkled her face and said,
"Jeremy, love sometimes means accepting the unknown."
Jeremy's frustration simmered beneath the surface, his gaze still locked with mine. "I can't just stand by, oblivious. If we're in this together, we face it together."
My mother's stance softened, a glimmer of understanding in her eyes, and said,
"There are battles that are fought in the open, and there are battles that are fought in the shadows. Trust that we're doing what's necessary to protect her, even if it means keeping some secrets."
Jeremy nodded his head and sighed as though he had adhered to what my mum said. He kissed me on my forehead.
"Can we meet at the party tonight?" Jeremy asked.
"Hmmm....." My mum cut in. I quickly added before she talked,
"No, mum. I would be fine with Jeremy. I promise!"
"Alright, get you at night!" Jeremy said and placed a kiss on my forehead.
It was in the night, I wore my crispy crop top and skimpy skirt gently. I should have rocked my brown gown but the injury I had would not allow me as it would activate the pain. I slid my legs into my hills and stared at my reflection in the vanity mirror placed in front of me. I caught a glimpse of the anticipation in my eyes, the excitement for a night of revelry.
Suddenly, my heart ached as I remembered my failure today. I was sure the students would be in attendance at the party, and showing my face to them would bring nothing but annoyance. Anyway, since I was justified by the fact that I was attacked, I rested on that as a reason for my failure and got ready for Jeremy.
Just as I fastened the last clasp of my necklace, there was a knock on the door. I walked up to the door expectantly, and behold was Jeremy, standing on the threshold, a charming smile lighting up his face. He wore a wine suit, a bowtie on his neck, and sparkling shoes that glittered like gold.
"Ready for a night to remember, Amaya?" He asked, kissing me on the forehead, his nice smell simmering into my nostrils that I thought was mate scent. Thank the goddess, I did not mutter the word 'mate'.
I nodded, the soft rustle of my gown echoing the flutter of excitement within.
"Absolutely. Let's make it unforgettable." I rolled my eyes at him. He picked up my hand and we departed our house
As we entered the party house, the hip-hop music and vibrant lights enveloped us. The lively atmosphere promised a night of celebration. And just as we stood by the entrance of the door, a gentleman, guided us to a table while Jeremy's hand was hung over my neck, his hand a reassuring warmth against mine. Meanwhile, Jason's eyes met with mine, a simmering storm of jealousy. I and Jeremy exchanged knowing glances, choosing to focus on the party rather than minding Jason's reactions.
The table became a haven of laughter and animated conversation and we became immersed in the joyous rhythm of the party. As the music played, Jeremy extended his hand, inviting me to the dance floor.
"Shall we?" he grinned, a sparkle in his eyes.
I accepted, our movements blending with the rhythm of the music. The dance floor transformed into a full energy ground as I wound my waist heavily, Jason's gaze still resting on me. After minutes of dancing and twerking, Jeremy whispered into my ears that he needed to have a conversation with me.
Returning to our table, a wave of contentment washed over us. The night was not just about the party, it was a celebration of love, resilience, and the ability to find joy despite the failure I had in the field some hours ago. One lesson Douglas taught me was that the best way to win is to pretend as if your problems aren't disturbing.
Amidst the laughter and clinking glasses, Jeremy leaned in, his voice a gentle melody,
"Amaya, promise me you would never cheat on me! And you would love me forever!" He said wittily, his words resonated, and at that moment, my heart skipped a beat as if I was planning to cheat on him.
"I promise you, Jeremy. I will stand by you!" I said to him, and we looked into each other's eyes. Suddenly, Jeremy's phone rang in his pocket. He picked up the phone and slid it to his ear. Just as the person at the other end reached out to him, his face dampened. He stood up from his table and asked worriedly,
"No, that's not possible! It can be!" He said and wanted to move outside in a jiffy when I held his hand and asked.
"What happened, Jeremy?" I asked him curiously.
"Nothing much! I need to be in my pack now!" He said, pulling out his hand from mine and left. As he left, I watched him take a hurried and worried step out of the party, still wondering what was happening.
Lost in my thoughts, Serah walked up to me with an elated buzz, her smile radiating rarely.
"Can I have a seat?" She asked.
I glanced up from my drink as Serah took a seat beside me, a slight grin playing on my lips. I still couldn't believe it was Serah sitting in front of me. Not just sitting in front of me, but staring at the path where Jeremy followed out of the party.
"Hey, Amaya," Serah greeted with a faux-friendly smile. She tucked her chin and grinned scornfully,
"Where is Jeremy? I saw him rushing out of here like he had somewhere more important than this place to be," Serah landed, still staring at the path.
I didn't know why, but I got affected by her words. I was puzzled by her sudden interest in Jeremy's whereabouts. However, I still gathered the patience to respond to her.
"He got a call and had to leave in a hurry. What is it to you, Serah?" I asked and tilted my neck expectantly.
"Why not!" I accepted and she sat down.