Lahat ng Kabanata ng Double cross: Kabanata 1 - Kabanata 8

This is your first time coming home late from school. What happened?” my dad asked, standing at the doorway.“Daddy, today was a lot. But wait—you got home before me? What happened?”Ah! Can’t you see it’s been raining? I didn’t leave the house.”Okay, Daddy. I’ll go and make dinner.”I rushed to take off my uniform, took a quick shower, and headed to the kitchen. Thinking about what to make, I decided on boiled potatoes and fried eggs—my mum’s favorite meal. As I peeled the potatoes, my mind wandered to Samuel, the tall, quiet boy I had always had a crush on.I never realized Bella was so interested in him, too. And now she has a better chance than I do. How do I let him know I want to be more than just friends? I’m so jealous. Still, since we’re all friends, maybe I can give him subtle green lights. But what if he likes Bella? Omo, I don’t want to hurt my friend. Let’s see how it goes.“Mariam!!” My mum’s voice broke through my thoughts. She was back from her hospital visit.“Yes, m

Oh my God,” I muttered, frozen in place. I could see Bella, seated with my mum.Panic rose like bile in my throat. My feet were stuck. I didn’t know if she had already asked my mother about the “trip to the market.” I had no idea what she might have uncovered. My hands were clammy. Samuel, still in the car, had no clue Bella was in my compound.He finally stepped down, looked towards the house, and froze when he saw her. Our eyes met, both of us silently asking the same question: What do we say now?We approached cautiously. My mum was seated outside, chatting comfortably with Bella, who wore a subtle but unreadable expression.“Mariam, how are you?” my mum asked. “Did you buy what I asked you to buy?”“Yes, mummy, I did.”She nodded, then turned to Samuel. “And who is this boy?”“He’s my friend, mummy. He goes to my school.”“Oh, okay.” She gave a half-smile. “You can speak to your friend. She’s been waiting for you.”I turned to Bella, heart still racing. “Hi Bella, you didn’t tell

The night was unusually quiet. Too quiet.In her dimly lit apartment, Mrs. Gbemisola Ajayi sat curled on her couch, lost in thought. The air felt thick, heavy with regret and memories. She had left school hours ago in a rush, barely locking the classroom door before jumping into her car. Now, in the silence of her home, her thoughts screamed louder than ever.Where did it all go wrong? she asked herself.She stared blankly at the wall, her eyes glazed over. Guilt clawed at her, biting harder than usual tonight. She thought about her marriage—about Tunde. About how she had stayed in a union that gave her nothing but wounds.But should I feel guilty for cheating on a man who never loved me? Who only deceived me? she wondered bitterly.Her lips trembled. Her heart was torn, bleeding silently with shame and longing. She missed the version of herself that believed in love. She missed the girl who thought a good marriage was a reward for purity and patience. But that girl was gone.Her phon

After class, Bella cornered Mariam near the water tank.“Mariam, why didn’t you let me pick you up this morning?”Mariam looked startled. “Bella, don’t be angry. I had to get something for my mum and drop it at her shop. You know it’s closer to school.”“But your mum doesn’t open early,” Bella pressed.“Eh… this time she had to. She opened early today,” Mariam replied too quickly.Bella stared at her. Then, suddenly, softened. “I feel so bad for Amaka. She was just fifteen…”“I know,” Mariam whispered. “May her soul rest in peace.”“Well, Samuel and I want to eat somewhere private,” Bella said. “So… see you later.”Mariam’s eyes widened. “Oh… can I come?”Bella smiled coldly. “No. You’re not invited.”She turned and walked away.Mariam stood there, heart sinking.Not even five minutes later, Kingsley walked into the classroom. His face was blank, but his eyes looked shattered. Everyone rushed to meet him.“Sorry, Kingsley…”“I know it hurts.”“You’ll be fine.”He nodded stiffly, prete