CHAPTER SEVEN

"Addie, I've been looking everywhere for you," Jensen said with excitement as he approached. "Someone told me to check here. Reina Thingz is here—she's in one of the rooms."

I smiled excitedly. "Can I take a selfie with her?"

"King told me he wants us to meet her one-on-one and take selfies with her," Jensen revealed, his enthusiasm evident.

"I'm so grateful to him," I said, my excitement matching his. "Can we go find Andrew? He is around. Mae is on her way, too."

"Addie, Reina doesn't want to meet fans. She's only agreed to meet King's closest friends," Jensen said, his excitement tempered with a hint of disappointment. "I'm the only close friend around today. I begged King to let you join us, and he agreed. Unfortunately, Andrew and Mae can't come."

"I really wanted them to be a part of this especially after what happened yesterday but King says only the two of us are allowed to meet her one on one," Jensen said, looking disappointed. 

I considered his words. I could either take this opportunity or risk losing it. Maybe Andrew and Mae would get another chance later to meet Reina.

"Okay, let's go," I said, caving in.

Jensen led me to the left wing of the house. "King said she's in the left wing, fourth door to the left," he said, guiding me toward the room.

He knocked on the door once we identified it. A bodyguard opened it, eyeing us with a stern expression.

"What do you want?" the bodyguard asked gruffly.

"We're here to see Reina Thingz," Jensen said, excitement in his voice.

"You'll see her perform at the party. Now go away," the bodyguard replied dismissively.

"Jensen, is that you?" I heard King's voice from inside the room.

"Let them come in," King said.

The bodyguard stepped aside, and we entered the room. Reina Thingz was kneeling beside a table, her platinum wig glinting under the lights. On the table was a white substance that she and King were inhaling.

"Guys, join in," King said, gesturing towards the table.

"No thanks," Jensen said immediately, stepping back.

"How about you, Addie?" King asked, looking at me with a smirk.

"No," I responded firmly. The white substance looked like cocaine, something I had only ever seen online.

"We just wanted to take selfies with Reina Thingz," Jensen said, trying to steer the situation.

Reina paused. "Big Mike, fetch me a towel," she said. "I need to take a selfie with King's friends."

Big Mike handed her a towel, and she stood up, dabbing her face. Jensen and I took quick selfies with her, trying to mask our discomfort.

"Thank you," we said, forcing smiles.

"You guys go have fun," King said as we headed out. "I'll be down soon."

"It was uncomfortable back there," Jensen complained once we were out of earshot.

"I know," I agreed. "I didn't realize Reina Thingz's drug problem was so severe."

Jensen and I posted our selfies to our individual Instagram accounts, the thrill of meeting Reina Thingz still fresh in our minds. When we returned downstairs, the scene was a chaotic mix of activity: Kemi and Liz were dancing energetically, Raven was vaping in a corner, and Grayson with his friends were gathered around drinks.

We spotted Andrew at the bar area, his face reflecting a blend of happiness and joy to be at the party. A mega party like the one we were at which was graced by Reina Thingz the international popstar. 

"Hi guys, where have you been?" he asked, his voice full of joy.

"We went upstairs to meet Reina Thingz," Jensen said, his excitement palpable. "We took selfies with her."

Andrew's face lit up with a mix of eagerness and hope. "Oh my God, can I also take some selfies with her?" His voice carried an almost childlike excitement.

"Sorry, Reina only allowed the two of us because I am King's friend," Jensen said, his tone apologetic, understanding the disappointment he was delivering.

I could see the turmoil in Andrew's eyes—anger, jealousy, and a deep, stinging hurt. "I wish Mae was here; she would have loved the opportunity," Andrew said, his voice breaking slightly with the weight of his emotions.

"I know, I would have gladly given her the opportunity," I said, a wave of guilt washing over me.

"What drinks are you guys having?" Andrew asked, attempting to shift the conversation away from the disappointment he was clearly feeling. His effort to move on from the subject didn't quite mask the unhappiness that lingered.

"Honestly, I don't know," Jensen said, sounding uncertain.

"I don't know either!" I added, trying to keep the mood light.

"Let's start with shots," Andrew suggested, trying to regain his composure and perhaps drown out his discontent.

Tendai had told me not to start without him. "Guys, I need to use the bathroom," I said, using it as an excuse to step away. "Start without me."

As I left Andrew teaching Jensen how to take shots, I bumped into Mae, who was maneuvering through the crowd with a determined look.

"I've been looking everywhere for you," Mae said, her voice carrying a mix of frustration and concern. "Why did you take selfies with Reina Thingz without me? I just saw your post."

"Mae, Reina only allowed King's closest friends; Jensen is the only one around. He begged for me to go in with him, and King agreed. If you were here, I would have gladly given you my spot because I know how much you love her."

"Why didn't you wait for me to come?" Mae asked, her voice trembling with hurt.

"King told Jensen it was either now or never, so it was urgent," I explained, feeling the weight of her disappointment.

Mae's face fell, her emotions so raw that she was momentarily speechless. "Where are Andrew and Jensen?" she finally asked, trying to regain her composure.

"They are at the bar area," I replied.

"Let's go back to them," Mae said, her voice steadying.

"I'm actually going to the bathroom. I'll be right back," I said, hoping to gather my thoughts and regain some control.

Mae continued on to meet the boys while I headed back upstairs to one of the bedrooms I had seen in the left wing. I chose the one next to Reina's. It felt good being close to her. I checked my phone again—Tendai had sent some texts, which I quickly opened, hoping that he had finally reached. 

Tendai: Hi love ❤️

Tendai: I am here, where are you?

Addie: First room on the right in the left wing of the house 😊.

The door swung open. "You've hurried," I said without looking up from my phone.

"I didn't know you were this desperate for him, Darkie," Grayson said, stepping inside.

I sat up immediately. "Get out, Grayson."

"You're hiding here because you don't want Kemi to see the two of you together," Grayson said, moving closer. "I wonder what she'll do when she finds the two of you together."

"Go ahead and tell her then!" I retorted.

"Relax, Darkie. I'm not a snitch," he said, inching closer again. 

"I said get out, Grayson. How did you find me?" I demanded, frustration evident in my voice.

"I followed you. I knew you were coming to see him," Grayson admitted with a shrug.

"Now you know it's true. Leave us alone," I insisted.

Grayson's expression turned serious. "Darkie, Tendai isn't the Prince Charming you've conjured up. He's far from it. Kemi knows that and accepts him as he is. You, not so much."

"Are you implying that you're Prince Charming then? Because you're not," I shot back.

"Ouch, that hurt," he said, feigning hurt. "I'm not Prince Charming, and I don't pretend to be one."

"Grayson, you're a horrible person with low self-esteem who abuses people just because he's insecure inside. Now get out of this room," I said firmly.

"Darkie, this isn't your house. I can go into whichever room I choose because it's King's house," he retorted, crossing his arms.

Just then, the door handle turned, and Tendai walked in, his eyes narrowing when he saw Grayson.

Tendai's gaze shifted between Grayson and me, his silence heavy with unspoken thoughts.

"Grayson wanted to use the bathroom," I blurted out, my voice a bit too quick, desperate to keep Tendai from getting the wrong idea.

Grayson, ever the instigator, stayed quiet, likely enjoying the tension in the room. Knowing him, he was probably hoping Tendai would assume something more was going on.

"Grayson, use the bathroom in the next bedroom. This one's occupied," I instructed, trying to maintain control of the situation.

Grayson walked to the door, turned to look at me, a slight smirk tugging at his lips before he shut the door behind him. Tendai didn't notice, his focus still entirely on me.

"That was awkward," Tendai said, giving me a quick hug. "I hope I am not hurting you by hugging you."

"Oh no, my body's almost healed," I said, smiling.

"I'm so sorry, Addie," Tendai apologized, his voice laden with regret. "My friends and I smoked weed and lost track of time."

"I thought you wouldn't come," I said, trying to mask the anger and disappointment I felt from him not texting me back during the day.

"I am really sorry, it won't happen again," he said, his sincerity evident. "I should have been there for you."

I nodded, still feeling a mix of emotions but appreciating his apology.

"Let's go back downstairs," I said, trying to shift my focus. "Reina Thingz will start performing soon, and I don't want to miss her show."

Tendai glanced at his watch. "Artists usually go on stage after 10 p.m. It's only 9 p.m., so we have an hour to kill." 

"What should we do until then?" I asked. I was curious because we couldn't go down and hang openly.

He grinned mischievously. "I'm going to teach you how to smoke weed."

"My parents don't want me to do drugs!" I protested, feeling a knot of anxiety forming in my stomach.

"Addie, your parents aren't here. This is how a high school party goes," he said, pulling out a few weed cigarettes from his pocket. "It's your first time, so I won't let you get too high—you still have to go home."

He lit one and took a long drag, exhaling with satisfaction. "This is some good weed."

He handed it to me. "Hold it between your fingers like this," he demonstrated, "then put it to your lips—open your mouth a little—and inhale the smoke."

I hesitated but followed his instructions, though my hands trembled. "Don't be scared," he reassured me, guiding the cigarette to my lips.

The moment the smoke hit my throat, I coughed violently, my eyes watering. Tendai chuckled.

"It's your first time—that was expected. Try again; you'll get the hang of it."

I took another puff, this time coughing less. After a few more attempts, I began to feel more relaxed, the earlier tension melting away.

"Tendai, did I ever tell you that I find you attractive?" The words tumbled out before I could stop them, and I quickly covered my mouth, mortified.

Tendai laughed softly. "Don't be embarrassed, Addie. I find you very attractive too."

He moved closer, gently placing a hand on the back of my neck, pulling me into a kiss. My heart raced as his lips met mine. I pulled away, nervous, my mind spinning with a thousand thoughts.

"Was it bad?" he asked, concern flickering in his eyes.

"No! It's just... that was my first kiss," I admitted, feeling a blush creep up my cheeks.

"Really?" he said, smiling as he pulled me back into a warm embrace, kissing me again—this time with more passion. His lips were tender yet insistent, conveying a mixture of affection and desire that made my pulse quicken. His hand began to lift my top, but I stopped him gently.

"No, I'm not ready," I said, my voice firm yet shaky with the intensity of the moment.

He paused, his expression softening into one of understanding. "It's okay—I'll wait until you are," he promised, his eyes filled with sincerity. "I want this to be right for you, not just for me."

I nodded, feeling a mix of relief and warmth at his reassurance. "Thank you, Tendai. I appreciate that."

He gave me a reassuring smile and pulled me closer, his arms wrapping around me protectively. "We can take our time. For now, I'm just happy to be with you."

Just then, my phone buzzed. It was Dad. I picked up the call.

"Ade, it's nearly ten—I hope you're on your way," he said, his voice sharp.

"I'll come home when the party ends," I replied, trying to keep my voice steady. "Give me a break."

Tendai gestured for me to keep quiet. Maybe it was the weed that had given me the confidence to say that to Dad.

"Why are you talking to me like that? You've learned to disrespect me!" he shouted, his anger palpable. "Come home now, or I'll come get you," he threatened.

I hung up, my heart pounding.

"Addie, you didn't have to tell him that," Tendai said gently. "You could have just said you were on your way and then showed up late—claiming Mae got so drunk that you, being the sober one, made Jensen drop her at her home first."

"I wish I had said that," I replied, feeling disappointed.

"I don't want to be sad, Tendai. Let's go watch the show," I said, trying to forget what had happened.

"We still have ten minutes left until 10 p.m.," he said, glancing at his phone.

"Can you massage my abdomen again? It really helps... and I just feel better when you do," I asked Tendai, my voice softening.

He smiled. "Lie on the bed," he instructed. Once I was in position, he lifted my top, and began moving his fingers in a circular motion on my belly.

"Does it still hurt as much?" he asked.

"Not so much," I said, a part of me enjoying the closeness and the feel of his fingers on my abdomen.

When I felt like he had massaged everywhere on my belly, I sat up.

"I feel better," I informed him. I pulled my top back down.

He got off the bed and pulled me up. "Let's go watch the show—it's time."

As we stepped outside the room, the sound of Reina Thingz performing one of her hits filled the air. There were no partygoers loitering in the corridors anymore. They had all headed to the living room for the show. We found that the space was packed, with the crowd singing along to every word.

People around us were so engrossed in singing along to Reina's music that they didn't notice me with Tendai. I scanned the room for Mae, Jensen, or Andrew but couldn't spot them. They were likely at the front, especially since Mae was such a huge fan of Reina's music. 

Suddenly, Reina's voice cut through the music. "I want to dedicate this next song to my ex, who goes to your school now."

The crowd murmured in surprise. Reina's ex was a student at our school? My curiosity piqued, I wondered who it could be.

"This boy broke my heart into so many pieces," she added, her voice filled with emotion, before launching into the song.

Verse 1

Yesterday, I played this game of love

I used to dream all about you

And how we used to be

We fell in love in the blink of an eye

It was me and you versus the world

'Cause I remember when I used to be crazy about you

But now I got to move on and be free

Chorus

Cause I want to know what it feels to be

Truly in love again

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is gone forever

'Cause now I know what it feels to be

Happy again with me

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is happy again

Verse 2 

Now, I walk on this lonely road

Where love is a rumor

Cupid has no hold over me anymore

Searching for a new home

To bring me joy and hope

Make me feel like what it is like to be high on love again

Been waiting for the one to be as one

Chorus

'Cause I want to know what it feels to be

Truly in love again

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is gone forever

'Cause now I know what it feels to be

Happy again with me

'Cause baby, it's over, the girl you used to know is happy again

The lyrics were deep, filled with sorrow—it was clear that the boy she had dated had really hurt her. Reina sang two other songs, each one a reflection of her pain and resilience. As she finished her performance, she dramatically dropped the mic and headed towards the left wing of the house, where Jensen and I had found her.

I turned to tell Tendai about the performance but he was nowhere in sight. Panic started to rise as I wondered where he could have gone.

Checking my phone, I found a message from him: "Go back home without me." My heart sank. Tendai had ditched me? Why? What could have been so important?

I moved around in search of my friends. Many of the party goers had either walked out or gone upstairs to the empty rooms. The plan was for me to arrive and leave with Jensen not Tendai. All I wanted was for him to at least tell me goodnight in person. 

I found Andrew chatting with Liz while Jensen was drinking alcohol. But there was no sign of Mae. 

Something felt off. I had only been away from them for only one hour and a lot had changed. 

Andrew saw me approaching and quickly turned his back to me. I caught a snippet of his conversation as he told Liz that he liked her. His stance was clear—he didn't want me to interrupt. The way he leaned in, with his back almost entirely to me, sent a message that I wasn't welcome in their little bubble.

So, I did an about turn and went to talk to Jensen. "Jensen, it's time to go," I urged.

Jensen turned to me, his eyes glazed with alcohol. "Addie, I love you. Why don't you love me back?"

His words took me by surprise. "Jensen, I like you," I said, truthfully.

"I don't want 'like,' Addie. I want love," he insisted, his voice growing more desperate. He leaned in to kiss me, but I pushed him away. The people around us erupted in laughter, and I could see the humiliation on Jensen's face.

"Leave me alone, Addie," he said, his voice laced with bitterness.

Maybe things would be different with Mae so I went looking around. I asked around if anyone had seen Mae. Blue Braeden mentioned seeing her head toward the right wing of the house.

I rushed out of the living room and went back upstairs. I began opening doors in the right wing of the house, hoping to find Mae. The first two were occupied. The fourth one, however, wasn't locked. I pushed the door and opened it. I found Mae—but she was with Grayson. They were making out on the bed.

"Mae, stop what you're doing," I demanded, trying to keep my voice steady.

They both sat up, Mae's face flushed. "Addie, no one's taking advantage of me. This is what I want," she said, her words slurred.

"Mae, you're drunk," I insisted, my heart racing.

"Stop interrupting us, go away," Grayson snapped, his tone cold and deliberate. It was clear he was trying to hurt me for rejecting him by being with Mae, my best friend.

"Mae, don't do it. You'll regret it tomorrow," I pleaded, hoping to get through to her.

"Addie, I want this," she repeated stubbornly.

"Mae, you're drunk. Please don't do this," I urged, trying to keep my voice from breaking.

"Come and join us then if you don't want to leave," Grayson taunted, his eyes locked on mine.

"Addie, just go," Mae said, her voice softening.

Feeling defeated, I walked out of the room. Grayson followed me and locked the door, sealing me out. I stood there, stunned and hurt, wondering why my friends were all behaving so unlike themselves.

I walked back downstairs, disappointment heavy in my chest. The night had taken a turn I hadn't expected, and now it felt like everything was unraveling. I saw Andrew kissing Liz when I returned to the living room. Jensen was gone. He had been my ride home, but it was clear he didn't want anything to do with me tonight. There was no point looking for him; he had made himself clear that I should leave him alone.

I took an Uber home, my heart heavy with the weight of the evening. When I reached the house at 11:27 p.m., I braced myself for the scolding I was sure would come. But as soon as I stepped inside, I was met with something far worse—Dad slapped me across the face. The sting of his hand left me reeling, more from the shock than the pain. I hadn't expected this.

"Ade, we may be staying in the UK, but I am an African. You won't disrespect me like that ever again," he declared sternly. "Now go to your room; we shall talk tomorrow."

I quickly retreated to my room, the sting of his slap still fresh on my cheek. This was the first time in my life that Dad had ever hit me, and it hurt more emotionally than physically. Once I was safely in my room, I let the tears fall. Stripping off my clothes, I crawled into bed and continued crying. I cried until I fell asleep. 

The next morning, I woke up with a throbbing headache. I got a painkiller from Mom which I swallowed with some water.

"That must have been a serious party you attended yesterday for you to disrespect your dad like that," she remarked.

Before I could respond, Dad appeared, his expression stern. "Why did you talk to me like that last night?" he asked.

"I'm sorry, Dad. I was drunk," I admitted, hoping for some leniency.

"Next time, I won't allow you to go out," he warned.

"Dad, I'm joining university in September. I'll do what I feel like there even if you stop me now," I shot back, frustration bubbling up inside me.

"Ade, what has become of you?" he asked, his voice filled with concern. "We are your parents; you need to respect us."

"You can't control me for the rest of my life," I retorted, feeling the tension rise.

Mom chimed in, her tone accusatory. "Ever since you started being with this boy Tendai, you've changed."

"It's because you want me to be with Jensen, but I don't love him," I countered, my voice rising. "Do you know that Jensen's father is a Freemason? Jensen wants to be initiated into the organization when he joins university in September. How's that for your perfect boyfriend!"

With that, I stormed back to my bedroom, slamming the door behind me. The perfect boy was not so perfect now. 

Mom and Dad were devoutly religious, and this new revelation was a calculated move to undermine their perception of Jensen. They were now grappling with the idea that they had welcomed let a potential Satanist into their home. They had fed him, trusted him, and considered him the ideal match for their daughter, only to discover that his father worshiped the devil—or at least, that's how they would see it. 

In fairness, Jensen wasn't a Freemason yet, but his dad was, and that was enough to shatter the image they had built of him.

Later in the afternoon, my phone buzzed with messages from Tendai. I wasn't excited to read them because I felt mad at him for ditching me last night.

Tendai: Hi babe 😴 

Tendai: Been sleeping. Sorry about ditching you yesterday. I went to chat with some teammates. 

Addie: You could have told me before you left. 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: There was a lot of noise, and you were feeling the song; I didn't want to interrupt you 🎶 

Addie: My dad slapped me when I got home. My parents are acting up cause of last night. They are angry 😡 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: Sorry, Addie. I didn't know people still beat their kids! 😨

Addie: You know they still have that African mentality in them. It's how they were raised. 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: Don't let them hit you again; this is the UK, not Africa. Tell them you can report them to the police. 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: I wanna see you. I'm coming over; open your window. I'm gonna sneak in. 

Addie: What if they see you? 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: They won't see me unless you tell them 

Addie: ok 

Tendai is typing... 

Tendai: I will be there when it's dark. See you then 😘

I was so nervous. What if Mom and Dad found Tendai in my room? I could already imagine the punishment—probably getting shipped back to Africa to "learn a lesson." At least Mom and Dad had the courtesy to knock before entering, but Soren? He sometimes barged in without warning. The thought of him walking in and finding Tendai was terrifying. If he told them I had a boy in my room, I didn't even want to think about what would happen next.