PRICELESS EXCHANGE

THE TRAP

Everyone were busy preparing for the competition which would be holding on Friday after school. It was the talk of the school and Tonia and I were not left out.

Hey girls, Sara said as she approached us on the field during leisure hours.

hi, I waved at her and she smiled.

The competition is tomorrow care to share your songs with me? she asked as she sat on the field beside me

nope!! it's a secret song Sophia and I had made you'll get to hear it tomorrow, Tonia chipped in

oh really? you think I'm gonna snitch on you guys? she asked rolling her eyeballs

not really, why don't you share yours with us.. I suggested with a smirk on my face

um... fine if you guys are not ready, bye... she said and walked out at once. I looked at Tonia and we bursted into laughter.

she's so naive... she thinks we are fools uh? so she can steal our songs.. Tonia said

you got that right, I'm getting wiser each day here at Queens and I've learnt a lot, don't trust anybody.. I said and she nodded.

Just then, Andrew walked in to join us at the field.

hi Andy.. I greeted

hi Sophie.. hey Sis.. he said as he sat beside me with excitement on his face

you look so excited today, Tonia remarked

Andrew nodded and zipped his bag open. He brought out a cupcake and handed it over to me

for me? I asked in surprise and he nodded with a smile

where's mine? Tonia asked feigning anger

um.. here.. he said bringing out some cookies which he handed over to her

you gave me cookies and you bought her cakes! she exclaimed

stop being jealous and enjoy your cookies I said as I munched my cake slowly.

I thought you would like it.. Andrew said to her

I want that cake! she fumed and rushed towards me. I stood up and ran away while she chased after me on the field.

I continued to run while mocking Tonia as she ran behind me. Without looking ahead of me, I bumped into someone and the cake smashed on his dress.

Oh my gosh! I cried as I looked up gently only to find Jeff staring at me with cold eyes.

Um... I'm.. I'm.. sorry.. I said trying to dust his dress. He grabbed my hand and I was expecting him to squeeze it but he didn't. He held my palm for a while and continued staring at me. His looks were so charming and my heart began to melt slowly. I was lost in my own world for a moment not until I heard a voice behind us

Jeff! she called and I turned only to find Zoe standing behind me. Jeff let go of my hand immediately and walked past me to meet her. They both hugged and he pecked her cheek

I've been waiting come on, we have a lot to practice together, she said and he smiled before walking out with her.

Closed chapter let's go Andrew's waiting, Tonia said and I flinched

um... did you see...that? I stammered.

I've been here the whole time, stop fantasying this boy, he doesn't deserve you.. she said

don't talk that way Tonia, I don't know but I still can't get him off my head, I feel like he likes me but Zoe is the stumbling block between us I said

hey, Zoe is no stumbling block, Jeff would come for you if he likes you come on, Tonia urged

And he will never like you.. Lucy snapped as she walked past us with Cassy. They both laughed

My cheeks burned as I watched them laughing. Tonia held my arms and urged me to calm down.

Hey I've been waiting, Andrew said as he walked towards us

oh sorry Andrew, Sophie was caught up in a frenzy... Tonia said and laughed

what frenzy? he asked

never mind, I said smiling and he smiled too.

So how's the preparation going? Andrew asked as we walked out of the field

fine, we are both ready, Tonia said happily

that's great, can't wait to watch you both, I know you'll both make it..he said

thanks for believing.. I said and we all smiled

***

It was a bright Friday morning. Tonia and I got up so early and prepared for school. I wore a denim jean and a white flutter sleeve top, with blue jelly shoes to match while Tonia wore a red skimpy gown and a black gladiator's sandals.

We styled our hairs beautifully and applied little makeups on our faces

we are getting late!!!! Jeez.. you guys are taking too long! Andrew cried from the living room

shut your damn mouth up we're done, Tonia said sarcastically as we both walked out.

urgg!! Andrew fumed and we both laughed

We walked to school excitedly that morning. I saw some students in groups practicing songs together. Molly and her friends were sitting at a car laughing and chatting.

they disgust me, I said to Tonia and she laughed

me too, she said smiling. Just then, a girl ran up to meet us

hey girls, she said smiling heartily.

hi... we both greeted

um.. I wanna know if you girls are performing today, she said

oh yes of course, I said

I would really want to give you both my support, I'm your biggest fan, she said smiling

wow! Tonia and I blushed.

can I take pictures with you? she asked

of course, I said happily and she brought out her phone which we used in snapping pictures.

what's going on here? someone said behind us. We turned and saw Molly and her gang walking towards us.

what's your business here uh? I asked angrily

I'm just concerned about the reason this thing here would be snapping pictures with you guys like you're celebrities. .she snapped turning to the girl.

they're celebrities and I'm their biggest fan too... the girl said confidently

Molly turned to her friends and they all laughed

shut your crap and get out! she yelled at the girl

you're daring me.. Tonia said moving towards Molly. They both stood a meter apart as they stared at each other eye to eye.

I can't wait to watch you lose today so you will know your rightful place, Molly said to Tonia

we don't lose remember? the only loser here is you! Tonia slammed and I couldn't help but laugh. The girl laughed too and Molly frowned

we shall see, she snapped

yeah.. we shall see.. Tonia said snapping her fingers in front of Molly's face.

girls, let's get outer here.. she motioned to her friends and they all walked out angrily.

A high five I said to Tonia and we both gave each other a high five.

you girls are amazing, the girl remarked. Pardon me, I'm Grace and I'm a junior student, she said excitedly

oh Grace it's a pleasure, I said and hugged her.

got to hurry up now, bye... she waved and rushed out.

we are gonna be celebrities soon!!! I exclaimed

yeah yeah... Tonia said excitedly.

Everyone to the school hall now! we heard Mrs Ramirez announce with the school alarm. Everyone began to murmur slowly. Andrew ran towards us sweating profusely.

Hey guys, I heard the Queen's coming to address the school, he said panting

what! gosh... I can't believe I'll get to meet the queen today! I exclaimed

come on we need to hurry to the hall now before it gets filled up, Tonia said and we all rushed out.

Everywhere was filled up as we all anticipated for the Queen's arrival. Miss Gina climbed up the platform to address the crowd

Good morning students, I'm so pleased this morning to announce to you all that our beloved Queen is coming to address the school. Please remain calm in your different positions as we welcome her to stage, Miss Gina announced and everyone began to applaud.

I watched as a lady in her eighties was rolled into the platform in a wheel chair. She looked so old but pretty with grey short hairs. She wore a black suit jacket and skirt with black loafers shoes to match. A light makeup was applied on her corrugated face. She had a warm smile on her lips as she faced the crowd and waved at everyone.

We all stood in an ovation to applaud her.

She looks beautiful and familiar too, I whispered to Tonia

everyone looks familiar to you.. she remarked and laughed

you ain't serious.. I said and pinched her.

It's my pleasure to be here again and to feel the presence of my beloved students once more... to all the new and old students I want to say thank you for your cooperation here at Queens and thank you for choosing Queens.... The Queen said in a shaky voice and everyone clapped again.

it's my pleasure to inform you about princess Tanya's return. I know you've all prepared so hard for her arrival and I promise you that your preparations are not in vain. And as you prepare for the competition today and that which is ahead of us, please also remember to prepare for your test which is coming in two weeks time.

And also I want to let all music students in Queens to know that I really appreciate the efforts you've all put into music and your desire to become the best won't be in vain. For those who will win the competition today for princess Tanya's return, I have promised to take you all on a visit to Queens history courtyard. There you will get to know a lot about Queens and also get to see the princess's 18th royal gift....

wow!!!! everyone exclaimed as she announced

Remember to always maintain the rules of the school, and be a good student of Queens. Cause this is where your journey of....

A thousand miles begins! The students echoed and everyone clapped again.

She smiled and waved back at everyone before she was rolled away.

She didn't talk about when the princess is returning, Tonia said

yeah.. you're right I said.

Now everyone, to your classes and for the students participating at the competition today, don't forget to see me before going back to your classes so I can take down your names again... Miss Gina announced.

We all dispersed and went to miss Gina's office to get our name registered for the competition before attending classes.

After classes, everyone filed out of the classroom excitedly as we await the competition.

I don't think I can stay to watch you guys I'm having headache, Andrew said to us

what! you can't do that, Tonia refuted

I guess he's stressed out, you can go home Andy we'll join you later in the evening, I said to him and he nodded.

wish you guys the best.. he said and hugged us both before walking out. I turned to Tonia and saw the anger on her face.

Hey... take it easy on the boy, I said

hmm... you seem to understand him more than I do, she said and I smiled

we are like family now, I said and she laughed. Just then, my phone beeped. I brought it out from my pocket and saw a terrifying text on the screen.

" Sophie it's Jeff, please help me!!! I'm dying! someone locked me up in the old library I'm dying please come to my rescue"!!! the text read.

No!!! I screamed as I handed the phone over to Tonia. What!! she exclaimed.

I need to go now, I need to go save his life! I cried as I tried to run away. Tonia held me back

how sure are we that this is Jeff! it could be a set up! she said

no... I don't think so Tonia.. I need to go save him! I cried

Jeff doesn't have your number does he? and why does it seems like you're the first person he'll call to rescue him... Tonia explained

I don't know, but all I know is that he needs my help! I said and tried to run away again

wait... Tonia said standing in front of me. Let me call Tony first, he'll know better... she suggested

I... I.. can't wait you can do that while I go after him.. I said and hastened out.

wait.. Tonia cried behind me

I got to the old library and everywhere was as silent as a graveyard. Jeff! I called as I walked around the building slowly. I looked at the door of the library which was sealed and I wonder if anyone was here.

Sophie! someone called behind me and I flinched as I turned back slowly. I saw Tonia panting heavily behind me

what... I... what are you doing here? I stammered

I couldn't let you go alone.. she said. Have you found him? she asked

no, I...I.. can't even hear a thing, and it seems like no one's here, I said

let's call his name Jeff! Tonia screamed.

Jeff! I called as we walked to the back of the building.

nothing's here Sophie... Tonia said

could be a trap... I said with my voice shaking in fear

let's..get outer here! she said and we were about to turn back when two thick arms grabbed us from behind. We both tried to scream but our mouths were seal with big palms as we were both dragged into the library.