Chapter One

"Michael my man, how's the trip to dreamland?"

I looked behind me to see Ayo, one of my close buddies who had the occasional tendency to rhyme when he spoke. He was also an aspiring artiste who was determined to make it big in the entertainment industry. 

Ayo’s father was an American and his mother was African-American, you could say his facial features were pleasing to the eyes. At least the girls at Oaky seemed to think so.

He had full, dark, curly-hair with hints of light brown which girls never stopped cooing over. To compliment his hair colour, he had light brown skin and eyes. He was the most outgoing of my friends and seemed to have connections in every continent on the face of the planet.

"I wasn't in dreamland, just thinking." I nudged his shoulder. "It’s something you should try doing more often. It'll save us all from those crazy, spontaneous ideas you often get."

"Of course I think Michael. How do you suppose I come up with such ideas in the first place?" He smirked.

"Whatever man, let's get this day over with. I'm ready for the weekend to begin."

We made our way over to the final class for the day.

Once classes were over, I met up with my friends at the school gates.

"Guys, any plan this weekend?" Idris asked.

He was Nigerian, same as me, with caramel-coloured skin, cropped black hair, dark brown eyes and a toned physique.

"Actually guys, listen up." Ayo said. "I've got a request to perform at a socialite's party this Saturday and I'd really appreciate it if you showed up."

"Did she have to find an artiste at the last minute?" Laura asked. She was an Afro-Asian who was the only female in our close circle.

"No, why do you ask?" Ayo asked, clearly puzzled.

"Oh... just wondering how desperate she was to have requested for you."

"Well, I'll have you know that I came highly recommended by a fan of my work." Ayo retorted.

Laura gasped, feigning a look of surprise.

"Yeah that's right Laura, people actually appreciate my music. Unlike some people." He gave her a pointed look.

I decided to step in and interrupt their squabble.

"It's alright, let it go. Laura, you might want to close your mouth before flies gain access."

Laura who was in the middle of another comeback immediately shut her mouth and gave me a cold look instead.

"You've stepped in it man." Idris said. "This is why I never get in between those two when they start. I tell you, they're like a bickering old couple."

"Couple, with him?” Laura scoffed. “Only in his dreams.”

"More like nightmares, Laura. Believe me, I know what I'm talking about." Ayo shuddered.

"Oh, so you admit that you dream about me?" Laura teased.

"W-what, no!" Ayo stammered.

While Laura was in the process of yet another teasing remark, Idris turned to me and quietly whispered.

"I say we ditch them now while we can before they make us pick sides."

"I agree. They can always text us later."

With that, we quietly made our escape, going completely unnoticed by the two.

*20 minutes later*

"Michael, I know you've got my back on this one. Tell her that I’m right and she’s wrong...Michael?" Ayo trailed off.

"Those little sneaks! They actually ditched us!" Laura yelled.

"I say we get them back." Ayo offered with a mischievous grin.

"For once, I agree." Laura said as they fist-bumped on it.

When I got home from school, the time was a quarter past four pm. I let myself in through the front door and wasn't surprised to find that no one was home.

My mom was still at work and won't be back for hours. My younger sister who was in Junior Secondary School, usually got home a few minutes later than I did because her school was a bit further away from the house than mine. As for my dad… well, let's just say that he won't be coming home anymore.

I shook the thought from my head and looked in the refrigerator for a snack. I needed the extra energy anyway because I was 90% sure that cooking dinner this night, was up to me.

Just as I finished preparing an experimental jam and cheese Sandwich, my sister quietly strolled into the kitchen.

"I didn't even hear you come in.”

"What can I say? I'm a ninja." My sister, Ola said with a nonchalant shrug.

"Yeah…and I'm Batman." I said with sarcasm.

"I see you need me to prove my skills. Don't worry, you'll be surprised." She grinned mischievously.

I just smiled and shook my head.

"So, how was school today, bro?" Ola asked.

"Hey, I'm the older one here, I'm supposed to do the asking."

"Oh? It skipped my mind. Maybe because I'm the more mature one."

"Well, if you're so 'mature', then I think you're fully capable of handling dinner tonight." I said as I started to go upstairs with my sandwich.

"W-wait! Err…" I heard her stammer.

Just then there was a knock on the front door.

I stopped on the stairs. I wasn't expecting anyone.

"Ola, are you expecting someone?" I asked.

Ola's eyes widened innocently and she shook her head.

"Alright, stay here. I'll go and check who it is." I put my plate down and walked to the front door.