𝑨𝒍𝒍 𝑻𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝑰𝒔 𝑮𝒐𝒍𝒅| 3

27: Finals

Biiiig shout-out to vilalove09 for her beautiful new book; I've checked it out, it's really good and deserves way more reads. If u feel like supporting a naija sista and also finding a good book, check her out whenever you can🍯
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Also, bernieG247 just recently started her very first book and I'm hella proud of you for taking that first step. Cheers to your growth and development as a writer from here on out🥂✨
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Let's begin
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What is home?

If not the place you learn to run away from."
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Kam

The entire hall was abuzz with excitement and anxiety. The electrical tension, tingling the bundles of nerves in my neck and in my spine.

So far, it had been a tug of war and wrestle of power with things tied up between our school and Castron and I couldn't stop my knees from bumping against each other.

I only had a brief moment with Asa, until Mr Odein and the other teachers assigned to organize us, gathered the competitors around for one last crucial briefing and inspection of their already immaculate uniforms.

I spotted Asa sitting close podium, taking center stage, strong and confident as ever, a perfect poker face on. She looked so sure, so defiant, but I noticed her twisting the golden charm bracelet on her wrist, a telltale sign that she was nervous, as she whispered something to Dave who fired back a confident reply.

She raised her head as if sensing my gaze, flashed me a smile I quickly returned, before turning back to Dave.

The entire auditorium was a site to behold. As big as a chapel worthy of hosting the pope. Bright lights shun on the hardwood floor and the seats were built for comfort. The AC and vent system worked perfectly in circumventing the heat, but it couldn't lessen the tension oozing out of the atmosphere.

The stage contained the competitors. To the left was the high table that housed the sponsors, organizers and other affluent people and notable personnels in the country. Their table, littered with bottles of wine and drinks that cost a fortune.

As the competitors fired back and forth, with Trinity coming up top in the spelling bee, there was a grave silence from the part of the hall that housed the entire Castron students. Like, somebody just died.

The Castron representatives, at the center of the stage were shaking in trepidation and sneaking terrified glances at Giwa, who looked coldly at them like she'd murder them for losing.

I had the pleasure of meeting Giwa last night. It was a meet and greet session and I finally had the opportunity to introduce Ivandor to Asa while spending quality time with my friends.

The evening ended on a happy note, with Hassana, stealing a kiss from Amir before running off... Something we kept teasing him about throughout the entire night.

The best part was, Asa and Giwa had finally cleared the air between each other, buried the past and started afresh... Even though, right now, with their competitive glares, they looked like they could vapourize each other.

I finally got to watch the two ice queens in action and it was almost impressive how much Giwa reminded me of Asa, with the cold, chilly exterior but rather warm interior. They were two synonyms, really. Similar but not the same.