Chapter 2: Chapter 2
'Oh no!… I'm so sorry, I didn't mean to bump into you. Are you okay?' Bayo cleared his throat and stammered out an apology.
Florarasmiled shyly and replied, 'it's no problem, really. And yes, I'm fine. Thanks for helping me pick up my things."
Bayo gathered the last of the books and papers and handed them to Flora, their hands touching again for a brief moment. Bayo swallowed hard and said, 'I...I really like your books. Do you mind if I ask what you're reading?'
Flora's smile widened as she answered, "Thank you! I'm reading The Forest Of a Thousand Daemons.'
'By D.O Fagunwa translated by Soyinka right?
'Have you read it?' She asked anxiously.
'I've read it! I love the way the author describes the characters and the setting. And the story is so compelling.' Bayo nodded and replied.
They stared at each other for a while before Flora broke the silence. 'You're Bayo right? She asked giving out a handshake.
'Yes! And you're Flora right? He asked attempting to receive the handshake.
'Yes! It's nice meeting you.' She replied.
'It's nice meeting you too.' Said Bayo. They both shook hands for a while until the bell rang and they let go off themselves.
'I guess I will see in Literature. I have to be somewhere.' Flora said as she walked down to the staff room smiling.
Bayo watched Flora walk away, a goofy grin on his face.
(Bayo)
I can't believe I just had a conversation with Flora! The girl I've been thinking about for weeks. I never thought I could talk to her like that. I was so nervous, but then the words just started flowing out of my mouth. She seemed to enjoy our conversation too. My heart was pounding, but I was so happy. Maybe I'm not as awkward as I thought I was. Maybe I can talk to other people without feeling so nervous."
Bayo was about turning to head to his class when suddenly, Tinuke came out laughing and clapping her hands.
'Things we love to see. Oh my gosh! I can't believe I'm seeing this!' Tinuke said with a smirk on her face. 'You were so red in the face, I thought you were going to explode. Is that the effect Flora has on you?'
Bayo's jaw dropped, and he sputtered, "You were watching us?"
Tinuke laughed and said, "Of course I was! You guys were right in the middle of the hallway. And you looked like you were having such a great time. I'm so proud of you for finally talking to her."
'I think it's time you take your words back. I'm not a coward anymore.'
Bayo said.
'Uuh, Pele o, Confident boy. This one look like achievement for your face abi? She teases in pidgin English.
'Na you Sabi. You better head to your class now before you get punished.' said Bayo leaving her alone in the hallway.
'You won't thank me for earlier abi?'
'Thank you!' He echoed from distance.
Tinuke smiled and ran to Bayo. She held his and they both walked to their classes. Bayo was in Humanities department while Tinuke was in Science department. Their class was not far from each other.
The closing bell rang loudly, sending rivers of students out of their classroom as they flooded the hall way and the school compound. Some walked up to cars waiting to pick them up while some walked on foot in peers, laughing out loudly and gisting one another how their day went. Bayo and Tinuke walked out of the school and headed towards the gate. A black Range Rover stood at a distance from them. A well built man in black suit and sun shades stood firmly beside the car. He seemed to be waiting for Tinuke and Bayo.
As they walked closer to the car, the man opened the back sit door. Tinuke jumped into the car but Bayo lingered.
'Why aren't you coming in?' she asked surprisingly.
'I just remembered I have to get something for my mom from her friend's.'
'But we can still drive you there.'said Tinuke
'It's a little bit far from home and I feel like walking today. Besides, she's not always at home around this time so if I walk, I can luckily meet her.'
'That's not an excuse Bayo. We'll drive you whether it's far or not. Won't we Mr Bodyguard?' She asked the man.
'Of course ma'am.' He replied with a deep voice.
Bayo couldn't say no again this time around. He knew how stubborn Tinuke was and agreed. He blew raspberries as he jumped into the car while the bodyguard closed the door behind him. The man slided into the front seat and pulled away from the school.
After driving through the busy city streets for some minutes, they arrived at their destination, Isale eko.
(Bayo)
'Isale eko, popularly known as the heart of Lagos. One of the oldest part and historic district of the state. A crowded and bustling neighborhood on the edge of the city. It is a lively, chaotic place full of life and energy. But the people here do anything to survive. They even commit crime and struggle to make ends meet. Many children and young people who live on the streets are forced to beg or steal to survive. There is a high rate of violence and crime, and the neighborhood has a reputation of being dangerous. But for me and my family, it's home.'
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The car suddenly stopped at the front of a tall disrepared building and Bayo alighted from the car. The place wasn't really populated and only few passed by. He waved to Tinuke as the car pulled away. Suddenly, he noticed someone watching him from a room at the top floor. He thought it was just an object placed at the window and decided to chase away the thought. Suddenly, the curtain moved. It was as if someone had been truly watching him.
He took a deep breath, entered the building and called out to see if anyone was at home, but no one responded. He began to climb the narrow and steep stairs. As he climbed higher, the air became warmer and more humid. He could hear the sounds of the city fading away, and the only sound was the echo of his footsteps on the stairs. He began to wonder why a person would decide to live in such a creepy place. The only thing that brought him there was his mom. A friend if hers was owning her a huge amount of money and she promised to pay that day. So his mom asked him to stop at her house to collect the money. But here he found himself walking in a tenebrous passage.
The stairwell was dark, and Bayo had to feel his way up, using the rough wall for guidance. Finally, he reached the top of the stairs, and he paused for a moment to catch his breath.
'Hello! Hello!' Bayo called out as he walked up to the woman's door as described by his mom. Even though she didn't add the creepy part. He knocked thrice but there was no response too.
'Maybe she isn't home yet.' he said as he withdrew himself and turned to go back down the stairs.
Suddenly, he turned and observed a door that was slightly opened. He could hardly see what was inside but the room was dark. Something inside of him was telling him to leave and he decided to heed the call until he heard a noise. He turned and walked slowly towards the door. His heart was pounding really fast as he approached the slightly opened room. The curtains were still, and he couldn't see anyone inside.
'Hello?' he called out. There was no response. He took a deep breath and pushed open the door. As Bayo stepped into the room, he felt the hairs on the back of his neck stand up. The room was dark and silent, and he could feel a chill in the air. He reached out and flicked on the light switch, but nothing happened. He was plunged into complete darkness. He took a few steps forward, feeling his way around the room. He could make out the shape of a desk, a chair, and a bed with the help of the rays of sun that pushed their way into the room. He slowly made his way to a lamp that was placed on the table and as he reached out to touch it, he heard a noise. It was the one he heard earlier but this time, It was the sound of someone breathing.
He couldn't see very well but as he walked closer to where the sound came from, he saw a figure on the floor. He quickly bent down and to his utter dismay, it was the woman owning his mother. She had been stabbed in the stomach and was losing a lot of blood. Covering the spot she was stabbed with his hands, he tried to think how to get them out of there. Still thinking of what to do, he noticed the woman was trying to say something. He lowered his head and he could hear her whispering, 'Sti…..still….here's.
Bayo was shocked as he heard this and this time he was planning to run without helping the woman again. Suddenly, he heard the sound of shuffling behind him. He spun around, and in the dim light, he saw a figure lunging towards him. He jumped out of the way just in time, and the figure's arm flew past him. In its hand, he saw the glint of a knife. Bayo's heart pounded in his chest, and he realized he was in real danger. He had to get out of there, fast. As he was about to make his way out, the figure grabbed his bag and drew him inside.
Bayo tried to break free from the killer's grasp, but it was no use. The killer was too strong, and Bayo was terrified. The killer raised the knife above his head, ready to bring it down on Bayo's chest. But in that moment, Bayo spotted something on the floor next to him. It was a pushpin. Without thinking, Bayo grabbed the pin and jabbed it into the killer's face. The killer let out a scream, and Bayo took his chance to escape. He scrambled to his feet and ran out of the room, not looking back.
As he dashed out of the building, he ducked into a side street hoping to loose his pursuer. As he ran, he looked back and saw someone in a mask following him. He could feel panic rising in his chest. Then, he spotted a crowd of people as he took the next turn. Maybe if he could loose himself in th crowd he could get away.
Bayo plunged into the crowd, pushing his way through the sea of people.He looked back and realized he had lost the killer. Finally, he felt safe. He took a deep breath and slowed his pace, letting himself blend into the crowd. He kept his head down, not wanting to draw attention to himself. After a while, he realized he was close to his home. He quickened his pace and soon found himself at his front door. He fumbled with his keys, his hands shaking with relief.
He pushed the door open and closed it quickly. His hands were trembling at the sight of bloods. His heart was still racing and looked around the house, making sure no one was watching him. He couldn't believe what had just happened. How could he tell his parents? What would they think? These thoughts overshadowed him as he sat on the floor.
Weekly Power Status
-- Power
Ranking 
-- Power
stone