Chapter one

John Moore felt the intense gaze of everyone on him as he walked into the classroom, but the last thing he did was care.

He plopped into yhis seat.

"I think he's a ghost, that's why he never cares."

"Bullshit if you still believe in crap like that ."

"All I'm saying is-"

"We all know it's because he's the son of a wanted murderer."

They weren't even trying to not be heard.

Again, he couldn't care less.

"Attention, please! I am excited to announce that…"Miss Austin- The school principal paused to get their attention while ensuring perfect decorum in the classroom.

“As you all know that the next Brain Scholars competition which will be hosted at Saint Paul International High School has been scheduled to be held on the 25th of this month (next week Tuesday).”

"As directed by the board of trustees in charge of competition, we have decided that the two representatives for the senior categories will be from grade 12." She snared at the whole class.

"Excuse me, ma'am, what are the criteria for selecting the representatives? As you know we all have been preparing for the quiz competition." The class president probed.

"Good question, Mr President"

"Well, the criteria for selection will be based on the results of the last mock exam conducted in preparation for your admission into college.."

“I know you haven't seen your results yet but I assure you that It will be pasted on the notice board anytime from now. You all are expected to go and check your names and performances.”

"However, the first two persons who displayed excellent performances would represent us for the upcoming quiz competition. Both representatives should meet together to study more towards the..." She added.

"Good luck to all of you in your forthcoming examination." she urged and wished them well as she departed from their class.

Noise filled the atmosphere the moment she stepped out as if they were all expecting her to leave.

"Guys…Do we have to be scolded before we comport ourselves? In a few months, we all will be admitted to various universities and here we are wallowing in our childish acts."Jeffrey Smith (Mr president) silenced them all as he walked out of the classroom to use the restroom.

This time around, the serenity in the classroom can be compared to that of a graveyard and everyone seemed truly focused.

"Ugh, Mr president for a reason." One of the students muttered from behind.

"Guys…the list has been pasted" Jeffrey announced as he walked in.

They hurriedly left the class leaving behind Jeffrey and two other students tagged most focused.

They all glared at the notice board with big expectations that Mr. President or Kendra Farley would be the best-performing student but wasn't as they expected.

Kendra Farley remains one of the outstanding, charismatic and beautiful students in grade 12 and that got her a lot of attention.

"What! No way! That son of a wanted mur…murderer!" one of them yelled.

“I hope he is not here.”

"He can't be! Always focused" they chorused.

"And what's this commotion all about?" Miss Austin altered their discussion.

"We are…"

“We are what?”

“What a shame! only 5 of you displayed excellent academic performances and you are here criticizing your mate about a mystery that he has nothing to do with.”

She warned them strictly," Go to your class this moment and let me not hear of these shenanigans again because the decision has been made."

They were all disappointed by her speech and they moved to the class quietly.

A few hours later

Everyone began to wrap up as soon as they heard the closing bell.

"Kendra, would you like to go check the notice board with me?" Jeffrey anticipated a positive response from her as he got smitten by her stunning blonde hair, glassy white skin, and perfectly aligned dentition.

“Hmmm…I think John shouldn't be left out.”

Jeffrey muttered," Ok…like I needed a third party."

She gazed at John intently," shall we?"

"Sure, we can."

On getting to the notice board, Jeffrey's eyes googled in total disbelief as he found out he wasn't number one on the list but the third person.

"Fuck! There must be a mix-up." He left both of them in total disappointment.

John still amazed," To be honest, I was expecting to be among the top 3 but not the first candidate."

"I have always believed in you even though you had doubts about yourself."

“So…how do we plan to study?”

"Granny won't be in for the weekend. You can come over to my place tomorrow and on Sunday while we observe the rest at your place on Monday". John suggested.

"Your adopted grandmother, you mean?" She said sarcastically.

"Whatever…" he shrugged.

“But…why are you kind to me while others treat me like a piece of trash?”

She strutted close to him, placed her right hand on his shoulder, looked into his brown eyes and whispered," Why do I have to be influenced by other people's opinions? perhaps, they must be all over your popping Melanin skin."

Ugh…this isn't even about race!

"Whatever it is, my opinion remains the same."

John gazed at her admirably as his eyes scanned through her entire body.

He was mesmerized by her glassy skin texture, poise and her warm acceptance melted his heart.

At this point, he couldn't resist the urge to hug her. They both embraced each other warmly before letting go.

“See you tomorrow, buddy.”

They both left the school premises radiating in happiness.

It was a long day and night for John as he couldn't stop thinking about hosting Kendra the next day.

The memory of how she spoke calmly flashed before his eyes which left him smirking. He rolled and rolled on the bed all night before he dozed off.

"Oh…No! Not again" he said as the morning alarm interrupted his sleeping hour.

His eyes became widened and he jumped off the bed. His eyes scanned the whole room to see if his phone his close by.

"Oh God! It's 9 am already".

He reached for his phone at once and dialed Kendra's number.

"Hey John, I was just about to call you to let you know I won't come today as promised" she informed.

"Why the sudden change?"

"Mum wanted to visit my late Father's grave and it's right that I am by her side. Also, we will go shopping after that and I don't think a meeting will be possible after such a long hour." She explained apologetically and promised to make it up to him the next day.

John dropped his phone in great disappointment as he perceived another long day to anticipate her so-called "focused partner"

He stayed at home practicing so many questions related to the past science competition and he drafted some questions for the next day so as not to waste any time when Kendra comes.

Sunday came with a nice aura and a positive mindset for John as he believed Kendra would show up soon.

"Is anyone in?"Kendra asked while she knocked on the door.

John opened up and welcomed her with a warm hug.

"You may have your sit".

He served her some chocolate and a chilled drink as he brought out the drafted questions he had prepared.

They both studied for 3 hours at a stretch and they wrapped up the study session.

As John was trying to pack and tidy up the place, Kendra stylishly made her first move towards John.

She coiled her arms around his neck while gazing at his popping brown skin, his athletic physique and his ever-glowing melanin.

Kendra whispered in her ears" I am positive about us emerging as the winner." She purred while dropping her arms off his neck.

John instantly pulled her back and she leaned on his chest in a way that he could feel his breasts and nipples all over him.

Kendra closed her eyes instinctively. John on the other end, tilted his head, hovered above her and pushed his lips against hers.

He moved his lips away from hers while nuzzling it down her neck.

She started dripping deep down and felt his bulge at once while they both panted.

John noticed she was a bit nervous as his right hand slid down her thighs and she began to quiver.

"Is anything wrong, or have I reacted harshly?"

"No, it's just that…Am a virgin" she said in an alluring tone.

"Hmmm…there is a first time to everything."

"Ok, you know what? why not come over to my place on Tuesday and make love to me after the quiz." She suggested while she let go of John's grip.

"Hmmm…that's a nice idea"

"Till then buddy." She picked up her bag and left In excitement.