The assembly took place in the main hall, and everyone stood as Principal Xulu took the podium.

Siyabonga leaned closer, whispering with a mischievous grin, “So, how the hell did you get back together with Liz?”

“Love potion!” Nkosi shot back, his eyes sparkling.

Siyabonga chuckled, shaking his head. “Stop playing with her feelings,” he warned, his tone turning serious.

“Relax,” Nkosi replied, waving dismissively.

“Okay, but have you heard about the meeting after school?” Siyabonga asked, genuine curiosity in his voice.

“No, what’s it about?” Nkosi inquired, raising an eyebrow.

“I don’t know, but attendance is mandatory,” Siyabonga replied, a hint of concern creeping in.

Nkosi clicked his tongue, frowning at the news. Just then, Ciara interrupted, “Shhhhh!”

As they turned to see who had spoken, Nkosi locked eyes with Penelope. A bead of sweat trickled down his forehead as his body started to shake, and he quickly turned away, silencing himself. Siyabonga laughed at his friend’s reaction but he stopped when he felt Penelope gaze and started to tumble violently but he stops when Ciara holds Penelope hand.

Once the assembly ended with a prayer, everyone filed out of the hall, buzzing with chatter As they entered the classroom, the scent of fresh paper and chalk filled the air. During the commotion, Bella tried to talk to Penelope, but Penelope ignored her, as everyone started got seated.

Ciara tapped Penelope on the shoulder, concern etched on her face. "Are you okay? You seem a bit on edge.'”

“Can we talk about it later?” Penelope replied, her tone clipped.

“Okay, but there’s one problem.” Ciara continued, her curiosity piqued.

“What?” Penelope asked, her confusion evident.

“I have this extra ticket to Party's concert, and I was wondering if you knew anyone who likes Party?” Ciara inquired.

Penelope's cheeks flushed slightly. “You’re too good to me.”

Just then, Mr. Peterson, the assigned class teacher, walked in, placing his suitcase on the table with a thud. “Morning, everyone. Welcome to the second term of your senior year. You’re just three terms away from the rest of your lives. My advice? Don’t rush your success. Take your time to figure out who you are, and only then will you know what you want.”

He scanned the room. “Class, we have a new student this term. Yes, John?”

John, ever the skeptic, raised an eyebrow. “The school has a long waiting list. How come this new student gets to skip and start mid-year?”

“I can’t disclose that information,” Mr. Peterson replied, his voice steady.

“Why not?” John pressed.

“That matter is between the school and the new learner,” Mr. Peterson explained.

“But—” John started, but Penelope cut him off, her voice sharp. “Let it go, John.”

“Why should I?” John countered, his frustration bubbling. “I waited in line; this new mystery person should too!”

“It’s unbecoming of you to act like a spoiled child!” Penelope retorted, her gaze fierce.

John rolled his eyes. “Of course you would say that, coming from royal blood. You probably skipped ahead in line, so I take it this person is some spoiled royalty who deserves special treatment!”

Mr. Peterson looked puzzled. “Is this the hill you want to die on?”

“Why not? We live in an equal society, and special treatment is detrimental to society at large,” John argued defiantly.

At that moment, a hulking figure opened the door and walked into the room, commanding immediate attention. Anni gasped, “Damn, that man is big.”

“He's cute, though,” Nontetha admitted, her cheeks flushing.

John shook his head. “You all sold out just because of—” He stopped abruptly.

“Caribbean ocean blue eyes,” Nontetha exclaimed, biting her lip.

“I’m sorry about my classmates. We didn’t mean to objectify you,” Beatrice said to the newcomer. When he looked her way, their eyes locked, and she quickly glanced down, her face turning crimson.

“It’s alright,” Vergil replied, his voice deep and divine, resonating like a heavenly sound.

“Can you say that again, so I can make it my ringtone?” Nontetha asked, waving her phone.

This exchange only fueled John’s annoyance.

Mr. Peterson regained control of the class. “Class, meet your new classmate, Vergil Anansi. Did you get your timetable, student ID, assigned locker code, and your E-points for buying food in the cafeteria?”

“Yes, I sorted everything out on Friday except for the locker code, which I got before coming to class,” Vergil explained.

“Okay, if you need anything, ask Penelope or John. Both of them are Head Prefects, or you can go to student chairperson Miri.” The school bell rang, cutting through the chatter. “Don’t forget the after-school meeting at the main hall at 3 o’clock. Leave your essays on the table as you leave the classroom.”

The class moved as one, leaving their assignments behind before heading to the next lesson. As Miri was about to leave, Bella grabbed her arm, stopping her. “Please,” Bella whispered in Miri’s ear, urgency lacing her tone. They paused, allowing the noise of the departing class to fade before they placed their essays on the table and headed to the restroom.

Once inside, Miri concentrated, creating a barrier that enveloped the room. Turning to Bella, she asked, “What happened?”

“It just… I may have called Penelope a mermaid,” Bella confessed, her voice barely above a whisper.

“What is wrong with you?” Miri exclaimed, shock evident in her wide eyes.

“It just came out. I didn’t mean it. She’s been asking, ‘Why do we always meet in darkness?’ I don’t like the pressure she’s putting on me. We are dating because we like each other, not for social media likes,” Bella explained, frustration creeping into her voice.

“If you had just said that in the first place, you wouldn’t be in the doghouse. But here we are. You need to stop using that derogatory word. You two have been dating for nearly 16 months now, right?” Miri pointed out, crossing her arms.

“Yeah, so?” Bella replied defensively.

“This isn’t a new relationship, it’s been over a year and both of you are letting your insecurities ruin your relationship. Bella, I love you, but you forget that people from this planet love labels and being gay on this planet is still a problem due to reasons like religion and social norms etc. But anyway, long story short, if you looked at this from her perspective. Fearless Penelope may be having an internal conflict with herself, trying to figure out her sexuality, and possibly doesn’t want to admit that she is attracted to women. And here you are, having already dated a dozen women and had sex all of them experiences she doesn’t possess. You should be stopping all these anxieties, or in simple terms, being her girlfriend, but you are exasperating her insecurities and now you have called her an ‘M’ word, which is a derogatory word for her species.” Miri said, her voice firm but caring.

Bella shrugged, “It just came out.”

“That’s just an excuse. You know what it’s like to be on the other side of that conversation. Is it a sex thing?” Miri pressed, raising an eyebrow.

“What?” Bella asked, taken aback.

“This is your longest dry spell—18 months, huh? How does it feel that she won’t let you taste it? I bet you haven’t even touched her. Hell, you probably haven’t seen half of her naked!” Miri teased, a smirk playing on her lips.

Bella sighed, her cheeks flushing.

Miri burst out laughing. “Well, who knew? Mrs. ‘I can get anyone I want’ can’t even sleep with her own girlfriend. How the mighty have fallen. I think Penelope sees through you and wants to wait until she knows you feel the same way.”

“Are you sure about that?” Bella asked, her voice tinged with uncertainty.

“Yes, Penelope isn’t daft,” Miri replied confidently.

“I know, but I like her a lot. I just don’t know what I offer besides pleasurable sex, and I can’t even give her that. I feel like I have to keep it hidden, or else she will see right through me—if she hasn’t already,” Bella confessed, her vulnerability shining through.

This story has been stolen from Royal Road. If you read it on Amazon, please report it

“Just tell her that instead of pretending to be someone you’re not. If you don’t, someone else will slide in,” Miri warned.

“I know. Side note, the spider?” Bella asked, changing the subject.

“What? It’s just Vergil. Since you brought him up, what happened between you two?” Miri inquired.

“He’s the first man who treated me like a person, not a burden or an opportunity,” Bella confessed, a hint of admiration in her voice.

Miri raised an eyebrow. “Avoiding that question for nearly a decade now, but that’s not necessarily true. What about that guy from Neptune, Macie?”

“He acted friendly because he wanted to use me to gain power. My father wouldn’t object to a political nuptial, and if I had a child, they’d be the ruler, and he’d be the advisor,” Bella explained, her expression darkening.

“That sneaky bastard. What about Penelope, Vergil, and you?” Miri asked, curiosity piqued.

“I hope to continue dating Penelope… Vergil and I will just be friends,” Bella stated firmly.

“Okay, let’s head to class,” Miri replied, undoing the barrier and walking alongside Bella.

As they entered the classroom, Mrs. Mbatha looked up, a smirk on her face. “Look who has decided to join us—nearly five minutes late! Now, both of you will continue reading from where we stopped last term.”

“Actually, time is an illusion created by humans because of their fear of mortality,” Miri retorted, a mischievous glint in her eye.

“What does that have to do with anything?” asked a confused Mrs. Mbatha.

“I’m just saying,” Miri replied before dapping up Vergil, who stood nearby. “What did I say?”

“You were right,” Vergil admitted, his paradis inducing voice bellowing throughout the room, causing the classroom to hush in awe.

After the first three lessons of the day, the bell rang for the first break of the term. In the cafeteria, Luke and Brandon stood in line, Brandon rubbing his temples. “My head is still ringing,” he complained.

“Maybe you should stop partying so much,” Luke suggested with a smirk.

“Why would I do that? And my man Dave, what’s good?” Brandon called out, spotting Dave, who worked in the school cafeteria.

“This green bean salad will knock your socks off!” Dave replied enthusiastically as he prepared their meals.

“My man! Hook me up then,” Brandon said, grinning.

Dave piled the salad into a bowl and placed it on Brandon’s tray next to the chicken sandwich. “And take some sparkling water—good for when you’ve had a long night. And Luke, my man, meat lover’s delight awaits you.”

“Yebo!” Luke replied playfully.

“For you, marinated lamb ribs, a chicken leg, smoked fish, chips, three freshly baked buns, and no more pork because of the Muslim students. Don’t forget your 750 ml cola,” Dave listed off, a proud smile on his face.

Luke and Brandon swiped their cards and headed to their usual table, where Gift, Nkosi, Moosa, and Siyabonga were already seated.

Gift animatedly recounted his weekend, “So, now I’m hitting it from the back, have her on all fours—”

Luke and Brandon placed their trays on the table and took their seats just as Gift continued, “—and before I knew it, my bed was dripping wet.”

“Okay, are you done, Lex?” Nkosi interrupted sarcastically.

“Like the pornstar?” Gift shot back, raising an eyebrow.

Nkosi nodded, “Yes, and let’s talk about something more important than your sexual adventures—this meeting after school today!”

“The only thing you need to know is that it’s mandatory,” Gift replied, his tone shifting.

“Why?” Nkosi asked, intrigued.

“We’ll find out in a couple of hours,” Gift said, leaning back in his chair.

“Why are you in such a hurry to leave?” Moosa inquired, eyeing Nkosi.

“Nothing,” Nkosi replied defensively.

Siyabonga sighed, “Unbelievable.”

Confused by Siyabonga’s remark, Nkosi retorted, “What?”

“You going to see your side piece?” Siyabonga pressed.

Nkosi lowered his voice, “No.”

“Okay, if that’s the case, you wouldn’t mind me going through your phone?” Siyabonga challenged.

Nkosi shook his head vigorously. “Hell no!”

“Come on, Nkosi,” Gift coaxed.

Moosa sighed, clearly exasperated.

“What’s wrong with you?” Luke asked, sensing the tension.

Nkosi bristled. “Nothing at all.”

“Then why do you keep doing this?” Luke pressed, concern etched on his face.

Feeling ambushed by his friends, Nkosi grew defensive. “Why are all of you on my case?”

Gift was the first to reply, “You’ve been dating Liz for three years now, and you’ve cheated every chance you get. This is just wrong on so many levels.”

“Look who’s talking!” Nkosi shot back, crossing his arms.

“All my girls know we’re keeping things casual—nothing more, nothing less,” Gift explained.

“Well—” Nkosi began, but Elizabeth suddenly covered his eyes from behind.

“Guess who?” she teased.

“My queen,” Nkosi answered, smiling as he recognized her voice.

“Yes,” Elizabeth said, sitting on Nkosi’s lap. “What were you all talking about?”

“My friends here were saying how cute a couple we make,” Nkosi replied playfully.

Gift grimaced, “Mxm! I just remembered I’ve got a meeting with my coach, so see you guys in class.” He stood up abruptly and left.

Elizabeth, puzzled by Gift’s sudden mood shift, asked, “What’s his problem?”

“A girl pissed on his bed while they were having sex,” Moosa replied casually.

“Dafuq?” Elizabeth exclaimed, bursting into laughter. Out of the corner of her eye, she spotted Penelope.

Penelope greeted Elizabeth coldly, “Liz.”

“Pem,” Elizabeth replied, her tone lighter.

Penelope sighed and walked to her usual spot, sitting beside Ciara, with Nontetha opposite them.

“What’s got you so down?” Nontetha asked, concern in her voice.

“Liz and Nkosi,” Penelope admitted, her expression darkening.

“What!” Nontetha exclaimed, turning to see Elizabeth on Nkosi's lap. “Wow, I have no words. What will it take for her to see the truth and dump his trifling ass?”

“GOD!” Ciara chimed in, rolling her eyes.

Penelope and Nontetha laughed, the tension easing.

“Have you had the black forest cake yet? It slaps!” Nontetha offered, slicing a piece for them.

“No, let me get in on that…” Ciara said, but then noticed the cake was whole, not just a slice. “You took the whole cake from the cafeteria!”

“So? You know how high the school fees are. I’m making sure every penny my parents pay doesn’t go to waste!” Nontetha explained defiantly.

“Fair point,” Penelope conceded, chuckling.

Nontetha passed out plates before cutting a piece for Penelope and Ciara. Just then, Theresa walked into the cafeteria and joined them.

“And then what happened?” Ciara asked, redirecting the conversation.

“I slept for 18 hours yesterday,” Theresa replied, her tone weary.

Penelope raised an eyebrow, confused. “I’d like to say that sounds extremely unhealthy. Why would that put you in a bad mood?”

“There was a family function for three days, and I didn’t sleep well,” Theresa explained, sighing.

“Sorry, I guess,” Ciara responded, still puzzled.

Nontetha shook her head. “Why didn’t you invite us?”

“I told you guys, and that’s why I was mad yesterday,” Theresa clarified.

“Okay, but when did you tell us?” Penelope pressed.

“When we went to watch Mandisa's dance tournament,” Theresa replied.

“No, you didn’t!” Ciara interjected.

“I did. Let’s ask Mandisa; she’ll back up my story. Mandisa, woza kimi!” Theresa yelled.

Mandisa walked over and joined their table. “Oh! Cake! Theresa, be a dear and pass me a plate and fork.”

Theresa handed Mandisa a plate and fork. “Remember that dance tournament in Durban last week on Monday?”

“What about it?” Mandisa asked, intrigued.

“After you won, we hit a fast food place near the venue,” Theresa recalled.

“Yeah, they had giant-sized milkshakes,” Mandisa remembered with a smile.

“Yes, and what did I say before we ate the ice cream dessert and left?” Theresa quizzed.

“That there was a family function from Thursday to Saturday,” Mandisa answered.

“Yebo! What excuse do you have now?” Theresa asked, looking at the girls expectantly.

“To be honest, I forgot,” Penelope admitted sheepishly.

“I had a chance to tour the emergency unit facilities on Thursday, and I was offered a ride-along until yesterday, so it slipped my mind,” Ciara explained.

Nontetha glanced at Theresa. “I was with Lala, and we were on holiday off-world from Tuesday. We only came back on Saturday because she had to go to Palestine, and she finally arranged to be my mentor.”

“So, you finally wore her out?” Penelope teased.

“Yeah, she’s one of the most powerful vampires in the world, so I need all the help I can get to control my abilities,” Nontetha explained.

Theresa breathed heavily, “Good to see you’ve changed the subject! It’s like I give a speech and no one listens.”

“Come on, we’re sorry, okay? We’ll make it up to you on Friday movie night. We can watch those black-and-white French movies you love, right, guys?” Penelope suggested.

“Yeah,” Ciara agreed.

“Yeah,” Mandisa echoed.

Nontetha chimed in, “Well, that sounds bo—” but Penelope kicked her leg.

“I mean, I wouldn’t miss it for the world,” Nontetha corrected, grinning.

“Okay, deal. Now let me break off a piece of this cake,” Theresa said, grabbing a knife to cut a slice for herself and Mandisa.

Vergil entered the cafeteria and got in line behind Alba.

Alba took her earphones off before ordering, “Can I get a burger, a milkshake, some French fries, and is there any pudding left?”

“Yes, but there’s only vanilla left!” Ma Sithole replied.

“Perfect, I love vanilla.” Alba said as she took out her E-card, swiping for her food and walking off, leaving her ear pods on the counter.

Vergil took the ear pods and put them in his pocket before placing his order.

Alba sat beside William and James. “You two are an odd pair!”

“Not sure what that means,” James said, tilting his head slightly. “We’re both males in the same grade and class. What’s odd about that?”

“Never mind,” Alba replied with a shrug.

Will cracked a smile. “You finally got tired of being alone?”

“Nope, it’s the most peaceful thing in the world,” Alba affirmed.

“Why?” James asked, genuinely curious.

“Guess it’s because you don’t have to worry about fitting in,” Alba explained.

James furrowed his brow. “Humans are social creatures. We look for places we feel we belong.”

“That’s a nice theory, but I’m the loner with the ability to manipulate shadows,” Alba rebutted.

“Maybe you would make friends if you took a chance and talked to people instead of expecting the worst,” Will suggested.

“Have you watched any horror movies? You know how that goes,” Alba retorted.

Vergil walked up to Alba. “Here, you left these on the counter.” He handed her the ear pods.

“Thanks,” Alba replied.

“No problem,” Vergil responded before walking off.

Will nudged Alba. “Here’s your chance.”

“Fine, but if I get murdered, I’m haunting you both!” Alba joked before turning around. “Hey, Vergil, you can sit with us since it’s your first day.”

“Okay,” Vergil said, turning around and taking a seat beside Alba.

“How’s your first day going?” Alba inquired.

“Can’t complain,” Vergil replied.

“Why did you change schools your senior year?” James asked, looking directly at Vergil.

“Opportunity and my uncle,” Vergil answered.

James, focused and persistent, added, “But why this school?”

“My uncle was the driving force, but I guess I needed to be certain about something,” Vergil explained.

“What does that mean?” James pressed, his curiosity evident.

“Nothing to be worried about,” Vergil reassured.

“Why would I be worried about something that has nothing to do with me?” James asked, tilting his head.

“On that note, I’m Alba, by the way,” Alba introduced herself.

“Nice to meet you,” Vergil responded.

“And this is Will and James,” Alba continued.

“Nice to meet you,” Vergil repeated, making eye contact.

“Why?” James asked, tilting his head slightly again.

Vergil, slightly confused, replied, “What?”

“Why is it nice to meet us?” James clarified.

“I was being sincere,” Vergil explained.

“Oh,” James said, processing the information.

“Aaah, my name,” Alba interjected.

“What about it?” Vergil asked.

“My parents named me after the Ipomoea alba, commonly known as a moonflower,” Alba revealed.

“Flower that only blooms at night,” Vergil commented.

“You never told us that!” Will exclaimed.

“Because I don’t like you all,” Alba joked.

“But wouldn’t that mean that you like Vergil?” Will teased.

“Nope, I don’t hate him; there’s a difference,” Alba clarified.

“Reeeally?” Will replied sarcastically.

“Yes, liking and not hating are different,” James added, nodding earnestly.

“It’s just banter, James,” Will explained.

“Okay,” James replied, satisfied with the response.

After they all finished eating and disposed of their trays in the recycling bins, Alba asked, “So, have you taken a tour of the school yet?”

“No, but I know where everything is; I just haven’t really seen most of the school,” Vergil explained.

“The game room is the best,” Will chimed in.

“I prefer the library, and that’s where I’m going now. See you in class,” James stated, his tone final.

“Not really interested in games,” Vergil remarked.

“Then may I suggest the Observatory?” Alba suggested.

“Before you go on a date, Alba, you promised that you would help me with my history project,” Will reminded her.

“Fine, see you in class, Vergil,” Alba said.

“Sure,” Vergil replied.

Will and Alba followed James to the library and worked on Will’s project for a couple of minutes until the bell rang.