12 CHAPTER TWELVE

It was almost eight and my phone beeped. I looked and it was a text from Jayden.

I'm outside

I gave Mimi a slight hug and went out. I met Jayden outside the dorm gates and I walked to his car. He stared at me with wide eyes. No sarcasm this time around.

I looked nervous and damn me for agreeing to this.

"I know, I know. It's too formal. I should probably go in and wear something a little less formal. I said and turned to go back in. He held my hand and I stopped.

He let out three words which made my heart to do a somersault.

Perfect. Just perfect

I let out a breathe that I didn't realize I was even holding. He held my hand still and opened the door for me. I got in and waited for him to start the car. He started the car and we drove out of the dorm arena.

Jayden looked amazing in his blue tuxedo. I couldn't help but steal occasional glances at him while he drove. He really needs to be wearing this every damn day.

Okay. So what's up with the swearing all day?

"So where's the party at?" I decided to break the silence.

"A family friend's." He replied casually.

"You look great." I found myself saying.

He looked at me and gave his signature smirk.

Jerk.

Here I am cancer..I'm living my life.

The rest of the car ride was uneventful. After what seemed like eternity, he finally pulled over and horned when we got to an enormous gate. The janitor quickly opened up and we drove in. Jayden packed the car in the garage which actually looked like a hangar. The cars parked there should be up to a hundred. Who's party is this?

He held my hand and we moved into the main building. I stopped on my tracks. This house is massive. It looks like the house of popular billionaires or even politicians. I know Jayden's father was rich but I didn't know he was that rich for his son to be invited to a grand party like this. I saw people coming out and going into the building. They were all gayly dressed. Thank God I was dressed formal.

"Lets go in." Jayden said and we went in.

Two bouncers stood at the door way with a book and pen in hand.

"Mr Leti..you're welcome. Who's this lady with you?" One of them asked.

"My plus one." He said and they nodded, opening the door for him.

We got in and let's just say I left my jaw on the ground. I was marvelled. The interior was way way way way way way way way way way way way better than the exterior.

See how many ways I used.

There were disco lights and the room looked calm and cool. Soft music was been played and everyone held drinks and finger foods. A cocktail party?

Jayden still held my hand as we mingled with the crowd. We got to a bar and we were served with red wine. We sat at the bar side and Jayden let go of my hand.

"You good?"

I nodded. I was never one with the crowd. I hate crowded places but I was here on a mission. I needed answers.

"Is this seat taken?" A human Barbie asked Jayden as she sat next to him.

"Yes. By you." He said and winked at her.

Man whore. He is basically flirting at my face. Couldn't he do it somewhere far from me? Not that I care anyway.

I watched them as they both chit chatted, talked about high quality wines and all.

Epicureanism.

I got bored of the both of them and I excused myself. I walked out from the main party with the mind of looking for a rest room. I asked one of the bouncer and he directed me to the bathroom. I thanked him and began my quest. I saw a bathroom few meters away and went in. After relieving myself I got out and began walking back to the party. I didn't see the wine bottle on the floor and just like that I slipped and was at the verge of falling but luckily someone broke my fall. I turned around and saw a familiar face.

"Hey Alyssa. Careful there." He said.

"Thanks Cole."

Cole looked fantastic. I have to admit, he really is good-looking.

"You look amazing." He complimented and I felt my cheeks heat up.

"You too Cole."

"I never knew you were a friend of Mia." He said and I smiled.

"No, I don't. Jayden invited me."

"Jayden invited you?" He asked looked shocked.

"Yeah. He did."

He only nodded and smirked.

"Where is he anyway?"

"At the party. Flirting with some girlllll." The disgust was super eminent in my voice.

Cole laughed and said,

"Classic Jayden."

"Hey Ali, I need a favour." He continued.

"Yeah, anything?" I replied.

"Hmm.." he looked sorta nervous as he scratched his head.

"Could I please have Kyla's address?" He asked me with pleading eyes.

"Sure. But why don't you just ask her for it?"

"We kinda had a fight.." he said and I nodded.

I Know Kyla. Always one with a temper. Total opposite of Kyle. And who would believe they're twins.

"No problem. I'd text it to you." I told him and he grinned.

"Thank you Ali. We should probably get to the party. I need to talk with Jayden about something." I nodded. I wasn't the type to pry into people's life. We walked in together and I eye searched the room for Jayden.

"I don't see him anywhere here. Do you?"

I asked Kyle.

"Neither do I." He replied.

"I'm sure he's already making out with that Barbie I met earlier." I said with irritation.

"Barbie..?" He asked clearly confused.

"You know Barbiesque...like the Barbie fashion doll...you know...slender and attractive..." I explained and saw Cole laugh hard.

"Okay. I learnt a new word today." He said.

I nodded smiling.

And just then we saw Jayden and the Barbiesque walking towards us. I could clearly see the red matte lipstick mark on the left side of his cheek.

Huge make out session I tell you.

"Bro.." Jayden said as he shaked hands with Cole.

"Wassup mannnn."

"Having fun I see..ehy?" Cole asked rhetorically as he pointed at the Barbie.

"Hi." She said seductively.

Who the heck invited this whore to this party for Pete's sake

Cole only smiled and reached for a hand shake.

"The name's Jidenna. Yours?"

"Cole."

They exchanged further pleasantries.

"You guys made it." A tall, fair girl with glowing skin walked towards us. She had on a red midi tight gown. Her hair was packed up. The weavon rather. She had a nude makeup on and she didn't really need it because she was obviously gorgeous.

I could swear I recognize her from somewhere but I don't know where.

"Here comes the birthday girl." Cole said grinning. He hugged her.

"Happy birthday Mia."

"Thanks Cole. Hope you have my gift ready?" She asked with a smile.

He only nodded and winked.

"Yo Mia, happy birthday."

"Thanks Jayden. I thought you said you weren't coming. I'm glad you made it."

"Yeah. I really don't like parties. But I'm here with a friend." He held my hand.

"Alyssa." I said to her as I have her a hug.

"Happy birthday." I continued.

"Thank you honey. Mia by the way." She replied.

"I'm Jayden and Cole's coursemate." She continued.

No wonder she looked familiar. I've seen her once at the cafeteria.

"That's nice." I said honestly.

Jidenna exited with Mia. I guess they know each other. Cole excused himself also.

Jayden turned to me. A slow song came playing and almost everyone was on the dance floor.

"Dance with me." Jayden said. That sounded more of a command than a request.

"Hmm. I'm not sure."

"Why?"

"I can't dance. At least not slow dance and I really don't like all the attention."

"Oh I see. But you can dance hip hop?" He asked me laughing.

"No. No. Not quite."

"Who's your favorite artiste?" He asked.

"Sia all the way." I replied.

"Really?"

"Yeah." I said.

"Excuse me." He said and left.

My phone rang and I went to a corner to pick. It was Mimi.

"Hey gurl, enjoying the party?" She asked excitedly.

"Yeah. Kind of."

"That's great. I hope you have fun so you can change your mind about not attending the freshers party."

"I'll see about that......"

A song came on.. instantly interrupting me.

All the leaves are brown and the sky is gray,

I've been for a walk on a winter's day

I'd be safe and warm if I was in L.A

California dreamin' on such a winter's day

"I need to go now. I'll call you later." I said and hung up.

Jayden walked to me that instant and held out his hand,

"How about I teach you how to slow dance?" He asked and I smiled.

Stopped into a church, I passed along the way

Well I got down on my knees and I pretend to pray

You know the preacher liked the cold

He knows I'm gonna stay.

Hey. Not my fault. I'm a huge fan of Sia.

We found a spot on the dance floor. He held both my hands as he placed them at the back of his neck and he circled his on my waist.

"We move in slow circles. Just follow my lead."

I stepped on Jayden twice and I had to laugh. It wasn't funny though as I was on heels but still....

After few attempts I got it and we danced till the song ended.

I had to admit, it was fun.

The song had ended but Jayden's hands were still on me.

He looked deeply into my eyes and I averted my gaze. It was necessary because my heart was already racing.

I cleared my throat and he took my hand.

"Let's go to the pool side." He said and I nodded.

The pool was located at the back of the house. It was surprisingly empty. No sign of life. Everyone was inside the main building.

There were tables and chairs arranged. We sat down and I looked at Jayden. After summoning enough courage, I asked him squarely,

"Who are you?"

He looked at me and smirked.

"Ever heard of Douglas Leti?"

I nodded and said,

"Everyone does. Which Lagosian wouldn't know the Deputy Governor of Lagos State?" I asked him rhetorically.

He was still smirking. He stretched out his hand for a handshake and said,

"Hello, nice to meet you. I'm Jayden Leti, Douglas Leti's son."