A TASTE OF DECEPTION

chapter seven

As Ozy finished her breakfast, Alex finally looked up from her phone, her expression unreadable. "Remember, Ozy, I'm watching you. Don't think you can fool me."

Ozy felt a shiver run down her spine but tried to appear calm. "I'm not trying to fool anyone, Alex. I just want to live my life without your interference."

Alex snorted. "Your life? You mean your ugly life? The one you're hiding from everyone?"

Ozy's heart raced as she realized how much Alex changed just because she saw her with Felix, please I was just apologizing to Felix about the cup of coffee I poured on him earlier that day, she tried to explain. but Alex just laughed.

"Don't bother denying it, Ozy. I know you wish to participate in the competition And I know you're already involved somehow."

Ozy's mind raced as she tried to think of a way to throw Alex off her trail. But her sister's next words sent a chill down her spine.

"I'll keep your secret, Ozy. For now. But remember, I'm always watching. And if you betray me, you'll regret it."

With that, Alex stood up and walked out of the room, leaving Ozy feeling trapped and anxious. She knew she had to be careful around her sister, but she also couldn't let Alex's blackmail control her. She took a deep breath and headed out the door, determined to find a way to stay away completely from her sister and keep her life uninterrupted.

As they drove to school, Ozy felt a sense of unease. She didn't like being told what to do by her sister, and she definitely didn't like being threatened. She looked out the window, watching the houses pass by, and wondered what Alex would do next if she sees her with Felix again.

When they got halfway to school, Alex dropped Ozy off and told her to "stay out of her way." Ozy watched as Alex drove off, feeling a mix of emotions. She was angry at her sister for trying to control her, but she was also scared of what might happen if she didn't comply.

As she walked to school, Ozy saw Felix car drove pass her not sure if he saw her she thought as she walked faster to school.

At school

noticing her expression. "You look like you've lost your last marble. Anna asked as she walk alongside with her.

Ozy sighed, unsure of how much to reveal. "Just family stuff," she said vaguely.

Anna raised an eyebrow. "Everything okay?"

Of course I am , let's get to class.

OZY you know you can tell me anything I am here to listen.

Anna I'm ok, let go.

But you don't seems like you are.

I told you just family stuff, let's go, she asked acting convinced.

Mmm, Anna replied.

Just a few steps she saw Felix heading towards them.

Mm, Anna I think I need to use the restroom, I will be right back, just a minute please.

Kkk, just be fast. Our first class will start in 8 minutes.

Kkk I will be fast, then she left.

Felix she called out, hiding beside the wall.

What ?

we need to talk.

About what.

Just follow me.

Felix followed her outside, a curious expression on his face.

"What's going on, Ozy? You look like you're about to explode."

Ozy took a deep breath and let it out slowly. "Felix, I need you to stay out of my life, okay? I mean it. Stop trying to help me, stop trying to talk to me, just leave me alone. Ozy spoke first. Look Felix, I'm saying this nonsense between us, I think it should end. I mean, why don't you just stay out of my life? I really hate this.

What did I do, Felix asked, acting all innocent.

And Joe's dinner, what did you tell Miss Amaka? I don't understand why you are acting like this. I don't know what your reasons are, but sometimes you get to think before you act.

Oh, you mean that, Felix replied. I was just helping you get your grade up.

And who asked you to? Please, just stay out of my life. I'm begging you. Felix looked at her for some seconds, then said, "Fine, Ozy. If that's how you want it, I'll leave you alone. But just remember, I was only trying to help." Ozy nodded, feeling a mix of relief and guilt. She knew Felix was only trying to help, but she couldn't shake off the feeling that he was meddling in her life. She watched as Felix walked away, feeling a sense of closure. Finally, she felt like She could focus on her studies and her job at Joe's Diner without Felix's interference. She took a deep breath and went back to class, feeling a sense of determination. She was going to try her best to stay out of site.

Felix, on the other hand, was feeling a bit confused. He had only been trying to help Ozy, and he didn't understand why she was pushing him away. He shrugged it off and went about his day, thinking that maybe he had just misread the situation. But as he walked away, he couldn't help but feel a little curious about Ozy's life. What was she hiding? And why was she so determined to keep him out of it? He pushed the thoughts aside and focused on his own life. He had his own problems to worry about, especially the so called mira. and he didn't need to get tangled up in Ozy's drama. But he can't help it the seed of curiosity had been planted, and he couldn't help but wonder what Ozy was really up to.

What took you so long, Anna asked looking at OZY as she sits.

Ohh, did I miss anything she asked.

Of course not,

Kk, are you done with your assignment.

MMM, but let me see yours.

Here, OZY handed her assignment notebook.

MMM, I think you failed this, this and this Anna said pointing at the solved question on the notebook.

Just, leave it that way, at least I got four out of seven, it's a pass right.

I really don't understand you sometimes. you should be happy to score all not just four.

I would if I'm intelligent enough to score all .

But I can teach you.

MMM, miss genius, I know you have not even written your assignment. Have you.

How did you know. And even due I have not at least I know the answers to the ones you failed.

I'm not even sure your answers were correct.

You better not mock me.

Mm, just write yours, before the teacher comes in.