《Painful Smiles》 Chapter One – I hate my life. ¡®I¡¯ll end it. What¡¯s the use of living?¡¯ Michael Louis, heir of a wealthy French family. His happiness was cut short after the sudden assassination of his mother.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Since then his father, Louis the sixth has been more than protective of his only heir. He had treated Michael like a prisoner. No friends, only home-school, one nanny. ¡®Heir to the family¡¯s wealth sounds like a curse¡¯ he sobs. His room echoes his voice, scaring him. He reaches out for a kitchen knife he hid under his pillow. Cleaning his eyes, he puts the knife on his wrist and slowly cuts his wrist deeply. ¡®I care less about you dad, I want to be with mommy¡¯ he cries. He hadn¡¯t anticipated the pain, it was more than he imagined. It was like realization hit him as he dropped the knife andnded on the ground with it. Tears were streaming down his eyes but not as fast as the blood streaming down his wrist. He tries to shout but his voice seemed locked. He struggles harder and screams. That took his remaining strength. His eyes were bing heavy and his heart beats widely. He was sumbing to the inner peace he was feeling when he heard inaudible sounds belonging to his nanny. He closed his eyes to sumb. ¡®I hate my life. I hate it¡¯ yelled udia. She was the first twin yet she had to do anything her other twin wanted. ¡®Why can¡¯t ra y with my gadgets? Must it be Barbie dolls houses all the time?¡¯ she whined helplessly. She groaned loudly and copsed on her bed. Someone opened her door. ¡®What!¡¯ she shouted assuming it was her naughty twin. It was her mom. ¡®Um.. we are going to see Mark at the hospital. Coming?¡¯ her mom asked. The girl¡¯s expression changed, she quickly hopped up from bed. She dragged down her little scarf which Mark had given her and tied it carelessly on her neck. She arranged a little camera and radio in her little bag. Mark was the only one who seemed interested in her gadgets, sadly, he¡¯s was sick. At the hospital, her parents were having a hard time finding Mark¡¯s room number, they didn¡¯t want to ask anyone either. ¡®Mark¡¯s mom sent it to us. We would find it, hold on¡¯ her father said when udia had begged him to ask around. She groaned loudly again. ¡®Asking a nurse would be so much easier, must you be as stubborn as your second daughter all the time¡¯ she stomps angrily. Her father red at her, ¡®watch your manners, youngdy. Mark¡¯s mom phone number isn¡¯t going¡¯. Finally, her parents left them on a seat and left to meet a nurse. Another nurse was running hysterically towards them. udia felt beaten when her parents told her they couldn¡¯t find Mark in the three-story building hospital. She was sure they didn¡¯t ask the nurse at the door but went to search on their own. So stubborn. ¡®What exactly is the use of the person there if people visiting a patient can¡¯t ask her a question?¡¯ udia grumbled. ¡®Grumbling again? Stop it¡¯ her mother cautioned. On their way out, Doctor James, the doctor that had delivered ra and udia, met them on their way and he began chatting with her parents. The girls went back to the seat. ¡®You wanted to kill Mark with all your junk toys again, right?¡¯ ra¡¯s annoying voice asked. For a moment, udia forgot she was suffering from a younger sister bullying, meeting Mark had excited her. udia ignored her. It was best. As she stood up from her chair, the nurse with a stained gown ran towards her. ¡®Blood, I need blood¡¯ she asked looking very perturbed. ¡®Are you an O negative, please, help him, donate¡¯ she begged. udia was shocked because she knew the nurse must be crazy. Minors don¡¯t donate without parents permission. Where were her parents when she needed them? They weren¡¯t around. ¡®Go on donate, you¡¯re an O negative, be useful for once¡¯ giggled ra. udia shot her a hard re, ¡®this is serious. Not a joke, maniac¡¯ she shouted. ¡®Miss, you want to kill me?¡¯ udia asked the nurse calmly. It seemed the nurse was not listening to her. ¡®I¡¯ll cover it up, no one would ever know. Just help me¡¯ the nurse ranted. She was wearing a pleading look. ¡®Take her, she¡¯s free and has enough blood to share¡¯ ra said now pushing her sister to the nurse. Before udia could resist the nurse was rushing her to a room to suck up her blood. ¡®I thought my parents would sign something first¡¯ udia asked quietly. The nurse was busy with something. ¡®This is suicide. ra wants me dead¡¯ she begins crying. ***** ¡®Why? Why am I still alive?¡¯ Just then, Mrs. Peniel entered with a cane in her hand. ¡®You know Michael, I have orders from your father to whip you when you misbehave¡¯ she yelled menacingly. He didn¡¯t budge, he was already sad he couldn¡¯t meet his mom. ¡®But you know what? I won¡¯t. It won¡¯t solve anything¡¯ she threw the cane to the ground. ¡®So why?¡¯ she asked. ¡®Why?¡¯ he asked back, ¡®I¡¯m tired, I miss my mom, I¡¯m a curse to everything that¡¯s why my mom died protecting me. If I had been ¡­more¡­brave and not a fool, my mom would still be alive. Why? Because I want mommy back!¡¯ he was crying profusely. Mrs. Peniel drew him closer to herself and patted him. She could rte to after loosing her only son to a car ident. He was just seven. But she still knew they was a reason to live. When Michael finally slept, she went to see his life saver. Her younger sister, the nurse, had taken blood from a twelve-year-old child. Without parents permission. ¡®That was very risky¡¯ she mumbled as she walked to udia¡¯s ward. The wards and rooms looked alike. Mrs. Peniel soon got confused on the rooms. ¡®What number was it again?¡¯ she thought. She picked a room and barged in. Chapter Two – A reason to live. Lucky enough, it was the room of the girl. Her skin was pale and she looked worst than Michael. The giver always looked worst than the receiver anyways. Mrs. Peniel made a short prayer that she would survive all these. udia¡¯s parents had searched for her around the hospital. ra had lied that she ran off to look for Mark¡¯s ward. Mrs. Peniel easily recognized udia¡¯s mom from the close resemnce. ¡®Good day, ma, sir¡¯ Mrs. Peniel greeted. When she noticed the confused-mixed-with-fear look they had, she went straight to the point. ¡®So, Mr. and Mrs. Larabee, right? I honestly hope you don¡¯t take this to court. The patient¡¯s family would take care of all mary expenses andpensate you ordingly¡¯. Mr. Larabee just nodded. But his wife had anger written all over her face, and outburst wasing. ¡®We shouldn¡¯t sue you, your crazy sister, and this hospital to court? What if I do the same to your own baby? Suck up blood from her like she was a non-living thing! Would it be fair? My daughter¡¯s life can¡¯t bepared with money. You guys owe us for life. You hear me! For life, scums!¡¯. Mr. Larabee tried calming her down before she created a scene. Mrs. Peniel could understand the poor mother perfectly. Her sister was very wrong. But the case was actually a ¡®life for a life¡¯ case. Mr. Louis would have killed her sister and she if anything happened to his son. He was out of the country at that moment. It was finally agreed that the matter would be seen as ¡®out of urgency¡¯ only and only if, udia survived it and the promised mary expenses are paid. The affected family knew that they wouldn¡¯t be able to go far with the case if they sent it to court. Mr. Louis was a powerful man. While everyone pitied udia, somehow ra envied her sister. From her own understanding, udia had given blood to save a rich prince from France. She wasn¡¯t sure if it was a prince but he was from a big rich family. ¡®I shouldn¡¯t have pushed her to the nurse¡¯ she thought. But of course, she never thought of going herself. Mrs. Larabee was prohibited from seeing her daughter, it angered her more. The excuse was ¡®she needs to rest but somehow she knew something else was wrong¡¯. Audrey, the ¡®crazy nurse¡¯ was still trying to bring udia back to consciousness. The girl had sank so deep into her slumber that Audrey chanted words of prayer as she worked. The girl¡¯s skin was going paler and paler. It seemed like the sound of the heart-lung machine was getting higher and higher. It made Audrey tense. If the girl died, not only would she go to prison but she¡¯ll end up leaving a family broken, and have blood in her hands. Just then, the line dropped and a shrill sound filled the room. She was dead or was about to die. Audrey rushed to grab the ¡®heart thumper thing¡¯. ¡®God, please¡¯ she shouted as she tried the ¡®heart thumper thing¡¯ for the third time. A miracle, the line revived. Audrey gasped a ¡®Thank you, God¡¯ and made a short ¡®victory dance¡¯. She let Mr. and Mrs. Larabee see their daughter as she left to rest and refreshen up. udia woke up eventually but she expected to be dead. She watched around her environment before pieces of the memory came back to her head. She had wished for death to avoid the pain of living. But now she was back to the nagging ra. ¡®Wait, I saved someone¡¯ she thought. She wasn¡¯t useless if she saved someone. ¡®I am a twelve year old hero¡¯ she tried getting up but went slightly dizzy. The nurse walked in. She was looking prettier than earlier. She had brushed her brown hair backwards and tied it with a band. Her lips were smeared with red, also. She ced a pen and paper in front of udia. The little girl looked nkly. ¡®The person you gave blood to. He¡¯s a little boy. He wanted tomit suicide. Could you write him a letter, he¡¯ll appreciate it¡¯ she smiled. She was beautiful when she smiled. udia was surprised though, to realize that other kids suffered depression and suicidal thoughts even at that young age. The nurse further exined that the young boy¡¯s mother had died and he felt alone. udia understood because she too lost her grandmother to cancer. She was the only one who understood her and shunned ra whenever she misbehaved. ¡®Please, give him a reason to live. Just a short letter. A formal one¡¯ the nurse said again. ¡®Um¡­ Ye-Yeah? Sure, I will w-write¡¯ udia stammered. She peered into the nk sheet. Compositions and letter-writing weren¡¯t her thing. Karma caught up with her here. What did her teacher say came first? An address or the salutations? ¡®Can I have the boy¡¯s name?¡¯ she asked. Audrey taught deeply, the boy¡¯s name should not be known, ever. If news got out that the French heir nearlymitted suicide then that¡¯ll be very bad¡¯. ¡®Call him anything, he¡¯s French¡¯ the nurse walked awayter. She locked the room when she got out. The room she kept udia was a hidden room in the hospital and should stay hidden till further notice. udia began writing, ¡®Dear French guy¡¯. It seemed too informal, she was to write an informal letter, right? She cancelled ¡®French guy¡¯ and wrote ¡®Frenchie¡¯ instead. Dear Frenchie, Suicide is never an answer to troubles. If it were, I¡¯d have tried it. Don¡¯t kill yourself or your mom would be sad. Live a good life and make her proud. I lost my grandma and it was hard but make the best of it, your mom didn¡¯t want to leave, situations made her leave. I look forward to seeing you live happily. *Smiley face*Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Feeling satisfied, she folded the paper as she stood up from the end. She forgot she was still recovering so sheid back in the bed. She should hold on too. Maybe someday, Life would be fair to her. Chapter Three – Mafia Lord udia slowly crept into the bed and covered the sheets. Soon she fell asleep. Few minutester, the nurse came in and took the note, she opened it to read. Michael should hold unto this. As she gave the letter to him, his eyes widened. His emerald pupils began to shake. ¡®From Dad?¡¯ he asked. The nurse could sense fear in his tone. ¡®No, dear¡¯ she replied, ¡®From the girl who donated blood to you. And look, don¡¯t y this prank again, she¡¯s just a kid like you and doesn¡¯t owe you any blood donation¡¯. Michael frowned, ¡®I didn¡¯t ask any little girl to donate blood. Why¡¯d she give me? If she wants to die, then she should die¡¯. Audrey shook her head, the boy wasn¡¯t even guilty for all the stress he¡¯d put everyone in, she sat beside him, ¡®That girl nearly died, boy. Write back to her when you¡¯re done. Be nice¡¯. He unfolded the letter and first thing he saw was ¡®Frenchie¡¯. ¡®I don¡¯t have a name¡¯ he pointed at the word. ¡®Don¡¯t you think it¡¯s better to hide your name so she doesn¡¯t know that the son of the CEO of Bleu Cristal tried killing himself! To save you and your dad¡¯s reputation..¡¯ ¡®I care less about his reputation or mine, or thatpany filled with employees who dresses like mafias and women who have never known a Church, swearing and using dirtynguages, even in front of their boss¡¯ Michael retorted. Audrey was taken aback from his outburst. Yeah, lots of the Bleu Cristal workers were reported to be rude and vague. ¡®I know some women are already flinging their skirts open trying to seduce my father now my mom is dead¡¯ he continued. ¡®They can have him though¡¯ he wanted to add but swallowed it. ¡®Alright but putting us in this stress is not fair. I had to suck up blood from a girl your age to save you¡¯ Audreymented. ¡®I know you don¡¯t care but I feel bad¡¯ she added. ¡®I care. Is she okay?¡¯ Michael said in faced. Was he serious? Or acting serious? ¡®Never mind, she¡¯s alive at least. Write back a letter. Be nice¡¯ she reminded again before cing her head on the desk hoping for a few minutes sleep. ¡®What would I call her? She kept a ridiculous smiley face as her name?¡¯ he whined back. She ignored him. ¡®What does she look like though?¡¯ he asked. ¡®I know no shit about her. What¡¯ll I write? Thanks for letting them suck blood from ya? I¡¯m not ungrateful but she actually stopped me from meeting my mom. So I don¡¯t know¡¯ he paused, ¡®Is she pretty though?¡¯ he asked with a louder pitch. Audrey turned her head to the other side. ¡®Fine, I¡¯ll give her any name I feel like. Nice or not. Freaking don¡¯t care.¡¯ he said and finally shut up. Audrey gasped silently. Heins his father¡¯s workers talked vague while he spoke more matured for his age. She had thought his father was a Mafia Lord due to the way he dressed and spoke. He looked really young for a thirty-five year old man when she had first met him. When she realized he was the hidden CEO of the multi-million Europeanpany, she was dumbstruck. She was actually applying to be a nurse at one of his institutions, there at the US. But then he said to work for him, personally. He had stressed on the personally. She thought he wanted her close for other intentions but when she knew she had a wife who was a real wife, she loosened up a bit. He just wanted some one who was a nobody and won¡¯t be a threat to his family. Those were the exact words he used. ¡®I need a nobody who wouldn¡¯t be a threat to my family. Would you take the offer?¡¯ Of course, she did. She quickly agreed to be the ¡®nobody¡¯. With a whooping sum for starts. The amount took her for months, buying whatever she liked. ¡®So, you¡¯re okay with me giving her a name? Any name?¡¯ Michael started his whining again. ¡®Yeah, I trust you have brains, boy¡¯ she smirked. He twisted his lips, ¡®Guess, I disappointed ya¡¯ he handed the letter to her. She opened it. Aish, has this boy given a whole letter. ¡®Didn¡¯t know you¡¯re this good at English¡¯ she said, her eyes still looking around for mistakes. There was none. He could be brilliant sometimes. She frowned, ¡®BloodyPie? That¡¯s your name for her?¡¯ she strikes it with her pen. ¡®Told you it¡¯s disappointing¡¯ he shrugged casually. Mrs. Larabee peeked into the room when Audrey opened it. Audrey had met the mother while going in to drop Michael¡¯s letter. ¡®You can see her she¡¯s okay now¡¯ Audrey smiled as she unlocked the door. ¡®Why is she locked alone?¡¯ Mrs. Larabee asked while entering the room. Audrey smiled trying to ignore the question. Mrs. Larabee touched her daughter¡¯s neck to check her temperature. ¡®We like testing at home. I want to bring her home. You¡¯ll pair for a homeschool teacher for her. She can¡¯t miss school¡¯ the mother said authoritatively but calmly. Audrey nodded, she must obey. She owed them. Not like it was she paying, Michael¡¯s father will. She swallowed saliva when she remembered that Michael¡¯s father would be returning home from Japan in the next two days. If Michael is not in better shape by then. Her head could be in danger, and her sister¡¯s.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Mrs. Larabee phoned her husband to inform him to prepare for their daughtering home, she turned to face Audrey. ¡®Where is the boy that had her blood?¡¯. Audrey smiled again to divert the question but this one was direct and needed an answer. She smiled as she said, ¡®Well, I¡¯m sorry. I can¡¯t show you the boy. You know he¡¯s family is a one of a kind¡¯. Audrey regretted her words as soon as Mrs. Larabee¡¯s face turned red hot like a volcano that was about to erupt. Chapter Four – Dear Little Angel. Audrey regretted her words as soon as Mrs. Larabee¡¯s face turned hot like a volcano that was about to erupt. ¡®One of a kind my foot! My daughter is in this shape because he needed blood and you sucked from her. He should at leaste to see her¡¯. Audrey raised the Michael¡¯s letter, ¡®He wrote a letter ma¡¯am¡¯. Mrs. Larabee took the letter and tore it to pieces. ¡®If they¡¯re such a spec that he cant see my daughter, then they should stay away from my family all the same. Will still be expecting the mary assistance from him. My family will try its best to keep this secret to ourselves but it shouldn¡¯t repeat itself.¡¯ Mrs. Larabee stomped off. Audrey nodded and bowed. This was what happened when a hospital runs out of blood and a nurse runs in search for one. (Few dayster) ¡®C¡¯mon udia, you need to rest¡¯ her mother pleaded. Still her twelve year-old preferred to watch a documentary on robots all day long. She had been falling in and out of consciousness. Mrs. Larabee was just wondering how much blood did they crazy nurse suck from her baby? Mrs. Larabee didn¡¯t want to ept it but she was scared her baby would die. ra wasn¡¯t helping by nagging about doing udia¡¯s chores along with hers. It wasn¡¯t like she did hers before. udia did them all. Also, all of a sudden udia had this determination to live her best. She ignored ra¡¯s nagging andins and focused in her recovery. A change for the better. Mrs. Larabee thought. As the mother came downstairs from udia¡¯s room, she met her husband with a letter and two teddy bears. ¡®From?¡¯ she asked. Mr. Larabee grinned ¡®Mr. Louis, the patient¡¯s father. It was addressed to udia. Though he called we little angel¡¯. Immediately udia was called to see the letter, she grabbed it and ran upstairs to read it alone. Michael was actually the one who had written. Since his other letter didn¡¯t get to her, he made another one with his father¡¯s name. So that perhaps Mrs. Larabee could be more polite with it. It read: ¡®Dear Little Angel, Thanks for your nickname and I hope you like the one I made for you. I am appreciative of you helping me by your donation. Though I¡¯ll prefer you don¡¯t do dangerous things like that again. You¡¯re a minor and your health could be endanger. I¡¯ll hold until life, see where it takes me. Take care of yourself and thanks again. Yours sincerely, Frenchie.¡¯ udia smiled. She had sessfully saved a soul from suicide. But why did he say not to do dangerous things like donating blood as a minor? She didn¡¯t want to, didn¡¯t he know? She was forced to by ra and the nurse. But she didn¡¯t write any of that in her replying letter. She just wrote she was d she made an impact and that her name was ¡®udia¡¯. Hopping downstairs to deliver her letter. She saw the two teddy bears; a pink and a ck one. She was a response twelve year old. Teddies didn¡¯t excite her but this was different. It was a gift for being a life saver, she had to keep it. Especially, the pink one that looked specially pretty. Just then udia snatched the pink teddy bear from the table and began running upstairs. ¡®You, wait¡¯ udia shouted as she followed her sister. Their parents follows them with the ck one. ra was slow and udia jumped in her, ¡®You thief, why.. why are you!¡¯ she was gasping for breath. She had used up her strength in the short chase. ¡®But you hate teddies. I will have the pink one¡¯ ra ordered. Mrs. Larabee runs to udia, ¡®ra, that wasn¡¯t very nice of you. Apologize to your sister¡¯. ¡®But she hates dolls. And she should be ying with her robots and nonsense. I want the pink one¡¯ ¡®But it¡¯s mine, and I want the pink one too!¡¯ udia interrupted with all her strength. She wasn¡¯t ready to let go. It would be sheer wrong if ra won this case. But ra did. ¡®Dear, forget about the doll. Let your younger sister have it¡¯ her father said to her. He always supported ra. ¡®You don¡¯t like dolls anyway, this one isn¡¯t any special. Just ignore ra okay?¡¯ her mother added. udia peered into her mother¡¯s eyes. Why wouldn¡¯t she tell ra to let go? Why must she always let go?Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡®Yes, good¡¯ ra yelped and went into her room. Mr. Larabee drops the ck doll besides udia, and left to have ¡®Barbie and Ken¡¯ time with ra as she had a new doll. udia eyes watered as her father left. He was always fond of ra. No one was fond of her. Her grandma was thest person to be. ¡®Oh, yes¡¯ Mr. Larabee came out of ra¡¯s room fondling the pink doll. ¡®The boy asked for your picture, you don¡¯t like pictures so please let your mom take a pic of you¡¯ he said. The tear fell off. ¡®I don¡¯t like pictures. Let me be, Dad¡¯ she stood up and left, the ck doll in her hands. She threw the letter away on her way. Mrs. Larabee frowns out her husband. ¡®Why are you with that doll? You know it will displease her? Now which picture would we give.¡¯ The father shrugged and said ¡®I will just give ra¡¯s¡¯. The picture if ra was sent to Michael¡¯s ward along with a short note from Mr. Larabee. Michael opened the letter with enthusiasm hoping to see a reply from his donor. But was disappointed to see signed Mr. Larabee. His letter was simple, ¡®Thanks for the gifts. The girl in the picture is ra¡¯. Michael kept staring at the girl in the picture. She was ying with dolls at a garden. He smiled, she would have really loved his gifts then. She had a cheerful expression and he felt sad for causing trouble that led her to donating blood for him. He wasn¡¯t d he had hurt her. All his life, people did things for him because of his father¡¯s money. This was the first instance of someone helping him without being paid anything upfront. Chapter Five – The Black doll. All his life, people did things for him because of his father¡¯s money. This was the first instance of someone helping him without being paid anything upfront. And also, his father had said, after realizing his suicide attempt, that he would be taking him to France soon to help him forget the event of his mother¡¯s death. He didn¡¯t like the idea not even one bit. He would have still being to the headquarters of Bleu Cristalpany and meet with all those nasty workers again. Even his very few school friends there at America. Also, he wouldn¡¯t be meeting his life saver anytime soon. He¡¯d be staying in France for a long time. Mrs. Peniel came into his room holding his lunch. ¡®She¡¯s pretty, right?¡¯ she grinned. Michael rolled his eyes. ¡®Its sad you¡¯ll have to finish grade school at France. Sadly, I¡¯ll be away from my sister during that time¡¯ she gasped. She brightened up, ¡®Well, you¡¯ll have a chance of moving into a new environment. And did your life saver like those dolls you sent?¡¯. Michael smiled and nodded. On the contrary, his actual life saver, udia had just finished crying. She wiped her tears and red at the ck teddy in front if her. She hated it. With passion. It wasn¡¯t entirely ck, it had blue and red in some ces. She wanted to burn it up or cut it to pieces. Just then, a thought came to her mind. ¡®Mark¡¯. Quickly she took her teddy, noiselessly wore her ck boots and sneaked out of her room. Her parents were at the neighbor¡¯s house. ra was in her room having ¡®tea with Barbie and friends¡¯. How great! At least in this asion. With some little money she had, she boarded a taxi all the way to the hospital. Mark was her greatest possession. Though he too preferred staying around ra but at least, he didn¡¯t ignore her and gave her listening ears all the time. When she got there, she had the same problem her parents had had. Where was Mark¡¯s ward? She searched every room in the hospital. She found him at Ward 87. That¡¯s was far. She knocked and Mark¡¯s mom opened. ¡®Hello, Mrs. Beatrice¡¯ udia greeted. ¡®Oh, hello, udina¡¯ Mrs. Beatrice. She always loved calling udia, udina and ra, rina. There was no special reason why. ¡®Hey Mark¡¯ udia waved. ¡®Hey¡¯ he answered with eyes glued to the teddy in his hands. She noticed and ced it in his bed. She knew he liked teddies. Weird for a twelve year old boy but he liked it. ¡®Get well soon¡¯ she wished. He beamed fondling the teddy, ¡®Thanks, is raing?¡¯. udia¡¯s countenance changed but she forced a smile. ¡®Maybe, I came on my own¡¯ she said lowly so Mrs. Beatrice wouldn¡¯t hear her and ask her why. ¡®Oh, wow, you¡¯ve grown up¡¯ Mark teased her. ¡®Sure, I have. And I¡¯ll being back to get you¡¯re a get well soon card. All patients would need it¡¯ she smiled. They were yet to know about her ordeal with the ¡®crazy nurse¡¯. ¡®Oh, thank you dear¡¯ Mrs. Beatrice smiled. udia left shortly an shopped her way back to the house. She had forgotten that she sneaked out of the house and mmed the door loudly. ¡®udia?!¡¯ her father called. ¡®Oh dear¡¯ she froze. Her parents were back. ra stood at the stairs holding the pink teddy. ¡®We¡¯ve been looking for you? Where¡¯d you go?¡¯. ra inclined her ears was that worry in ra¡¯s time. The little witch was worried for her? ¡®udia!¡¯ her mother was now behind her. She was scolded. Which was normal. Even confined to her room. Despite the fact that she told them were exactly she went, it didn¡¯t seem to make her punishments lighter! She still had to go take a picture of Mark with her camera in order to make a ¡®Get a well card¡¯ for him.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡®For Mark? I¡¯ll go get a picture¡¯ ra offered. Her mother nodded, ¡®ra would go you go sleep in your room¡¯ she pointed to udia¡¯s room. udia signed, Mark would finally get to see the ra he had been asking of. **** Finally, he was being discharged from the hospital. He had tried making friends from few of the kids at the hospital but he didn¡¯t make much progress. A particr girl, Annie, had tried talking to him but she stammered a lot. He had very low patience for such. He tried not to be rude to her and left her presence. He had another friend who talked about nothing but Marvel movies and DCics, he liked the guy though, his name was Matt. He had never tried making friends before but now he tried, it wasn¡¯t so hard. The girl¡¯s advice was really helpful. He wished he could meet her in person. ¡®Heading to France now!¡¯ Mrs. Peniel announced when he came closer to her. He frowned, yeah right. He walked quickly heading to his car. He would forget everything about America, it would be hard but he would forget. He soon got tired of walking and cursed hi ward for being so far. His nanny was trying to hide him so far deep into a hospital. Passing through Ward 117, Michael saw something very familiar. ¡®Wait, that teddy¡­¡¯ he went back to the ward and saw a boy his age fondling the ck teddy he had gifted his life saver. Was that toy very popr or somehow his nanny missed things up? He was sure his life saver was a girl. And she had been discharged earlier. ¡®Isn¡¯t that the one you bought, I saw you mail it to a her!¡¯ he said to Mrs. Peniel. ¡®Yes, that is the one and I mailed it to a her but¡­¡¯ Michael stomped into the room ring angrily at the boy. Mrs. Peniel followed swallowing her remaining words. The boy¡¯s mother abruptly got up from her chair and gazed confused at Michael. ¡®Where¡¯d you pick that toy from!¡¯ Michael roared. His emerald eyes emitted hatred. Chapter Six – At least, they met. Mrs. Beatrice and Mark looked confused. Who was this child yelling at exactly! ¡®What¡¯s yours dear?¡¯ Mrs. Beatrice asked. Michael red at her before returning his re back at her son. He pointed to the doll trying not to say more words. He would bber if he spoke. He noticed her calm reaction and cursed himself for being so loud. ¡®Oh, I¡¯m sorry, ma¡¯am. It¡¯s just a misunderstanding. The doll looked like¡­¡¯ Mrs. Peniel trailed. She looked at the doll carefully, it really looked exactly to the one she had bought. Size, color and style. The salesgirl had told her it was very expensive and made from fine material, that only three of it¡¯s kind were made. None had the same color. ¡®Well, the doll looked like one he had¡¯ she finally said. ¡®And it was a gift I have a friend who I haven¡¯t yet met¡¯ Michael added. ¡® Mine was a gift from a friend too¡¯ Mark smiled. He smiled back. ¡®That exins it. The toy had been ¡®regifted¡¯ Mrs. Peniel said. Mrs. Beatrice nodded as she stretched for her phone that buzzed. It was from Mr. Larabee. ¡®Okay, thank you¡¯ and she hung up. ¡®Boys, ra would being with her dad to make with you a get well card¡¯ she announced. ¡®Cool¡¯ Mark eximed. And for the first time he stood up. ¡®They¡¯re the ones who gave me the toy¡¯ he told to Michael. ra. Michael made sure to remember her name. ¡®Okay, we¡¯ll be going¡± Mrs. Peniel pulled Michael out of the ward. ¡°Can¡¯t we just wait till I say ¡°hello¡± to her?¡± he pleaded with his eyes. ¡°No, I¡¯ve had enough. Let¡¯s go home to prepare. You¡¯re traveling tomorrow¡± she said with finality. He looked down, feeling rejected. She went ahead of him going to call their driver. He was still looking down when he bumped into someone. ¡°Hey, watching!¡± the person yelled. It was a girl. ¡°Easy ra¡± a man had said and had held the girl¡¯s hands. Michael nced at the girl as she rubbed her head. ¡°I¡¯m¡­ sorry¡­¡± Michael gasped as he realized that she was the girl in the picture. He normally wouldn¡¯t have apologized but he had to this time. She made a short ¡°hmm¡± and went into the hospital. He followed her. What a bad first impression he just made. She had work a pink gown, short sleeved over some cute ck shoes. Her head was tied to two pigtails. She quickly cornered to the room of the boy he had used of stealing his toy. ¡°Hey Mark, guess who¡¯s here?¡± she cheered. Mark smiled, ¡°Yeah, Queen ra. Descendant of Barbie¡± her rolled his eyes. ¡°Hi, rina. Hello, Mr. Larabee. I didn¡¯t know you both were so close already. Thanks foring¡± Mrs. Beatrice thanked. ¡®Its okay. I hereby instill in you quick recovery and good health¡¯ ra dered as she went in to Mark for a hug. Their parentsughed at them. Mark face went a bit red but then he subdued it. Michael face went red too. But not for shyness. Was he jealous? He just wished he could push Mark away from ra. ¡®Okay, pose for a picture. We have to make a card¡¯ she released from the hug and brought out her camera, she realized her dad was with it. As she turned to get it from her dad her eyes met with Michael¡¯s. She hadn¡¯t met him so didn¡¯t know who he was. She just saw a cute boy staring at her. As her normal attitude, she waved in the ¡®Barbie style¡¯. Michael cheeks shed red ¨C and this time for shyness. He eventually waved back. At least, they met. And waved. He felt aplished. ¡®How should I pose?¡¯ Mark said calling her attention. She dragged her eyes from Michael and faced Mark. ¡®Pose like a sick kid¡¯ she stuck her tongue at him. He hit her lightly and she giggled. Michael felt a finger of jealousy. How close was she and that boy anyway. ¡®What are you doing here?¡¯ Mrs. Peniel whispered to Michael, her face was forming to a frown. He immediately dashed outside. He knew his nanny would begin shouting. And It would be mad embarrassing if ra hears his nanny shouting on him. ¡®I asked what you were doing? Why did you go back to the boys room?¡¯ she narrowed her eyes. ¡®Nothing!¡¯ he shouted and mmed his car door. Now he would be heading for France. Where he barely knew anyone. He¡¯d have to strike a deal with his dad, he had toe back and meet ra again. He just had to. He didn¡¯t show it much but the girl made a huge impact in his life. He knew taking blood from her at her young age was risky. He hoped to repay it in the future. Nurse Audrey had said that her family didn¡¯t bother take her actions to court because they couldn¡¯t afford all the stuffs it came with. He knew it was hurtful not to be able to defend your family. He would help her get over everything. Be her rich and possessive friend if she want. He promised. ¡®Your dad said that since it holidays you could make friends with some kids before school¡¯s resumption. He also added that you can pick any school you¡¯d want to have your junior year in¡¯ Mrs. Peniel grinned at him. Like it was good news. He wanted to stay there at US, how about that! The driver picked up speed after dropping his phone. ¡®Your father is waiting for you at the jet!¡¯. ¡®Which jet?¡¯ Mrs. Peniel and Michael asked sin Unison. ¡®Oh, well, he bought a private jet recently. He actually wanted to buy it as your mom¡¯s gift but he bought it in your name so¡­¡¯ the driver bit his lips. That was to be a secret. His father had wanted to surprise his son with a private jet in his name. Mrs. Peniel smiled with her eyes. The things money can do.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. Michael frowned, why waste money! Chapter Seven – A taste of normality. At home during the holidays, udia was having a hard time moving about. She couldn¡¯t go for summer lessons which she loved. Even about the house. Her mother had to help her take her baths, she hated those. She wasn¡¯t five! After walking for long to the hospital, her ck outs worsened and it seemed her mother would never forgive her for it. Her mother was suggesting babysitters for her she needed to work at her bakery, but udia assured her that she need not have babysitters. She had added that it would waste money but her mother had quickly retorted that the boy she donated blood to sent a lot of money. She was shocked. This guy was sure rich! ¡®You need someone to make sure you sleep, eat and sleep right?¡¯ her mother had said. ¡®But.. that¡¯s all they¡¯d make me do. Sleep, eat and sleep. I can¡¯t y with my gadgets and I can¡¯t work out new kinks. It¡¯s totally a bad idea, please mom¡¯ she begged. ¡®If they¡¯ll only make you eat and sleep then that¡¯s what you need, baby¡¯ her mother patted her hair. udia wanted to protest again but her mother ced a kiss on her forehead, it was her mom¡¯s way of saying ¡®that¡¯s final¡¯. She moaned and copsed in her bed. She¡¯ll just have to make the babysitter ufortable, then they¡¯ll leave. She knew her body was doing badly though. She felt the tiredness before the ck outs but she forced herself to function and sometimes failed. She wondered if ¡®Frenchie¡¯ was suffering the same fate. She knew receivers were always recovering better than givers. She was d he wasn¡¯t feeling all this. He¡¯d suffer so much already. ¡®Mom, take a picture of me. We need to give one to the boy I donated to¡¯ she told her mom. Mrs. Larabee frowns and faced her, ¡®He didn¡¯t give you his. I don¡¯t know but your dad handled it. Leave that case alone dear¡¯. udia slumped back on her bed. Would she then be cutting all connections from her Frenchie? ¡®Mom, did you get a phone number? Where is the mail addressed from?¡¯ she asked her mom again. Her mother red at her giving the ¡®l said leave that case alone¡¯ look. udia quietly obliged as she slumped back on her bed. May the holidays go by faster. She would want to go back to school. She wasn¡¯t actually nerdish and it would be junior year. Finally! Junior year wasn¡¯t half as exciting as Senior year. And that she looked forward to. Perhaps life would be much more fair to her by then. And she¡¯ll have cool friends too. With her daydreams udia finally did the one thing her mother wanted her to do always ¨C Fall asleep. ***** After staying few days at France, Michael realized that it was so bad after all. Except for the ¡®family friends¡¯ that mourned over his mother¡¯s death. He had been at the US while his mother was being buried. It was one of the things that had frustrated him, he couldn¡¯t even give hisst goodbyes. His father had a flimsy excuse to back up his im. Michael had earlier thought that the gang that assassinated his mother, while looking for him, was at France but since they¡¯re here. He didn¡¯t know anymore. He wasn¡¯t as restricted as he used to be at the US and roamed more freely. So far he made seven friends! That was the total of how many people he knew at US. But now he had kids like him as friends all seven. He tried taking his ra¡¯s advice on holding on to life. And opening up to new people. Dennis, Tom, Bennie and Jennie, Wendy, Lara and Jotham. Five boys, two girls. He hadn¡¯t actually made friends with the girls, they made friends with him. Wendy had even called him ¡®cute¡¯. He had replied with ¡®thanks¡¯ and a shrug. Personally, he loved Tom and Dennis. They¡¯re best friends to each other and were really good at ying football. He never got the chance to y those. Jotham was a video game addict and was two years older. The twin Bennie and Jennie were actually distant rtions that stayed in France. They were second cousins to his mom so he was somehow rted to them. Lara and Wendy were neighborhood friends like Tom and Dennis and together, they would be keeping himpany all summer. It felt good actually to know he had something to look forward to every morning he wakes.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. A football, a video game or a dare challenge. His life was more exciting. He was having a taste of a normal life. Well, soon, the holidays came slowly to an end. His twin cousins had to move to their own part of the country. Wendy and Lara were boarders. While Jotham only came for the holidays at his cousins. Michael was left with only Dennis and Tom. And like Michael, Tom¡¯s parents were overly protective of him. He had a rich and powerful family so everything was a danger. It so happened that Tom¡¯s dad was once a manager of The Bleu Cristal before leaving to open his ownpany. dly, it didn¡¯t spoil his rtionship with his former boss. Also, at age 11, Tom had begun helpimg in the family business. Michael felt disgusted by anything pertaining to the Bleu Cristal, he just wanted to live normally. Make friends, and hang out with ra when he wanted. ¡®You cant live normally when you are an heir to a multi-millionpany!¡¯ Tom told him. ¡®You can¡¯t even live anything close to normal¡¯ he added. Then how do people wish to be multi-millionaires, it all sounded like a punishment to Michael. ¡®Well, I¡¯d try my best to live normally¡¯ Michael said with a low voice. ¡®Yeah, because of that ra girl, right?¡¯ Tom smirked. A frown crept up Michael¡¯s face. When did he bring up ra now? Why did he even tell Tom about ra! ¡®Not that!¡¯ he retorted. ¡®I didn¡¯t say anything about ra did I?¡¯. Tom muffled in aughter. ¡® People do good all the time, if you get a silly crush for some girl who gabe you blood then more girls would give you blood¡¯ Tom said as a matter of fact. Michael frowned deeper. Who said anything about a crush. Chapter Eight Painful Smiles– A crush? Who said anything about a crush. ¡®Well, now mon ami, a youngd like you, innocent and na?ve, may not know when those silly feelings start kicking in. My advice to you is forget her and think of all the other pretty French girls your money can get you. American girls are well over rated anyway!¡¯ Tom ended with pushing his long brown hair backwards. Michael sighed. Tom wasn¡¯t getting his point at all. Puppy love? Whatever. Tom judged people based on their wealth and nationality. Like a rich spoilt kid would. But those weren¡¯t what Michael¡¯s mom thought him. Arguing with Tom, who seemed much more exposed to these stuffs, may prove futile so Michael ignored it. Their drivers came to pick them up from the yground they¡¯ve sent them. It wasn¡¯t like Tom wanted them to y there. He just wanted to watch the girls ying around. And watch them swim with their slim clothes. He was a real jerk sometimes. ¡®So think less of that girl, and when we¡¯re older, I¡¯ll hook you around my round cousin, Jennie¡¯ Tom winked at Michael before getting into his car. Tom¡¯s driver smiled at Michael before moving away. Michael just stayed rooted. What did ¡¯round¡¯ mean? It sounded dirty though. Wasn¡¯t Tom twelve? He pushed everything to the back of his head and went over to his driver. He was new as he had just met him only at France. The man had a frown on his face. ¡®Gee, sir. I just wanted to send Tom off. Did I spend so much time?¡¯ ¡®You didn¡¯t spend time Michael. Just yourpany with that pervert soul is my problem¡¯ his driver answered. Michael smirked, pervert? Tom did have a name for himself in France. That night, Michael thought of all possibilities of going back to America. Honestly, he shouldn¡¯t be thinking of going there but he was. Bad things happened to him there, His father¡¯s kidnap case, His grandma¡¯s death and then his mom¡¯s. No great event happened unless, his grandad¡¯s remarriage which pissed his father off as the man was already too old to remarry. Still, Michael felt like returning to that same ce with all the bad and chaotic memories. Maybe it was because of ra. Maybe her good deed had him stricken with something. But it had nothing to do with any puppy love. Spare him! Stepping down from the car, Mrs. Peniel came dancing her way towards him. He frowned. Good news for her was always bad news for him. ¡®Guess what, CEO Michael?¡¯ her tone matched her joyful expression. She had already sold her secret by calling him ¡®CEO¡¯. His frown got deeper, his father must have finally done what he had been meaning to do. Making him the executive officer of Bleu Cristalpany. Why? When they¡¯re so many people qualified? ¡®He doesn¡¯t listen, does he?¡¯ he mumbled. He nearly tripped on the first staircase, he wasn¡¯t yet used to this mansion yet. He looked up to view the three-storey building. Just like the hospital he had been admitted in, only smaller in length. He still wondered why people wasted money like this. ¡®This is great news, you get to learn the family business¡¯ Mrs. Peniel continued. Mr Louis appeared in front of the door. He wore a leather jacket on top an ox blood coloured trouser. ¡®How was your yday?¡¯ mock was in his tone. His dark hair was backwards in messy waves, his emerald eyes, a plus to his features but his cold face still made him look fearsome. ¡®It was Tom¡¯s idea!¡¯ Michael said in defense. Mrs. Peniel smiled at them as they all walked in. Michael frowned at a painting on the wall. It looked like a woman, barely wearing anything, holding a basket. ¡®It¡¯s a great idea. I¡¯m sure you¡¯ve heard¡¯ his father sat at the dining in front of some steaming te of soup. ¡®You¡¯re not asking my opinion, are you? From what I think you¡¯ve already made me your executive?¡¯ Michael sat at the table, opposite his father. Mr. Louis shook his head before speaking, ¡®I am asking your opinion. I made it sound like I had already done it so you won¡¯t revolt but I haven¡¯t. Last time I imposed by own will, you attempted suicide as response¡¯ his voice was raised in thest part. True, Michael had always tried stopping his father from making rash decisions about his life, suicide was the peek of it. ¡®I want to return to the US. I don¡¯t want to be an executive officer. I don¡¯t even want yourpany¡¯ Michael quickly sipped some soup. ¡®Ouch, a multi-millionpany! You¡¯re the first person I know denying such an offer¡¯ Mr. Louisughed, it sounded dry and without humor. ¡®I¡¯m honored to be¡¯ Michael said simply and went on with the soup. They stayed in quietness till they finished eating. Mrs. Peniel came in from time to time to help clear the tes. She was basically the nanny, baker, cook, cleaner, homeschool teacher and house keeper. Her pay was well and she was a widow so she neverined.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. She was used to the cold and quiet environment Michael and his father had so she didn¡¯t bother. She just added another side dish and left them. On the other hand, the newly employed French driver, Steve, was feeling very ufortable with the silence between the two. Even his stomach rumbling, to the aroma of the delicious food they¡¯re eating, could be heard. Michael finished his food and stood up to leave. ¡®Let¡¯s negotiate¡¯ Mr. Louis dered halting Michael. The drivers eyes widened. Negotiate? Where they business partners or what? ¡®What are your terms? It must be really good. I don¡¯t want any executive stress¡¯ Michael back to his chair. Steve rumples his face. The two meant business. ¡®You¡¯ll return to the US to finish have your university. You¡¯ll go to a normal school and not be homeschooled. I¡¯ll increase your allowance. How¡¯s that? Coupled, of course, you¡¯ll get paid as executive and you can send money to the girl. I am quite aware that you want to return to the US because of her.¡¯ His father ended with the humor lessughter again. Michael narrowed his eyes. The offer wasn¡¯t worth it, his father¡¯s offers never were. ¡®I¡¯ll return for my final year then university. Of course, I¡¯ll be no more homeschooled. I don¡¯t need the sry. Use it to add to the sries of Mrs. Peniel and my new driver and pay off properly, my old driver who you¡¯ve been ignoring. Then, I¡¯ll be promising to be a good boy¡¯ Michael decided. Mr. Louis nodded, ¡®Agreed!¡¯. He stood and left his te, ¡®Agreed!!¡¯ he said again before leaving for his chambers. Michael sighed, so he¡¯ll be going to thepany tomorrow? Chapter Nine – His Deal. Mr. Louis nodded, ¡®Agreed!¡¯. He stood and left his te, ¡®Agreed!!¡¯ he said again before leaving for his chambers. Michael sighed, so he¡¯ll be going to thepany tomorrow? Michael stood up too and left for his room, ¡®ra, don¡¯t have much friends before I return. I know five years is awfully long though¡¯ he thought to himself as he walked. ¡®Did you enjoy the soup?¡¯ Mrs. Peniel appeared in front if him. He nodded and continued to his room. ¡®Rest up, tomorrow you¡¯ll be going to thepany¡¯ her voice rang out behind him. He nodded and walked faster. Memories of that disgusting ces made him shiver. He hated the women workers especially. Why did they have to dress and speak like that? If only he could avoid going but he just made a deal. The next morning, Michael tried to stay in bed for as long as he could but his father¡¯s sting radio woke him up. Why was he still using the 1990¡¯s radio again? Oh, it reminded him of ¡®old times¡¯. Very annoying. He slowed down his movements to buy him time but it seemed his dad was really enjoying staying at home. Or really enjoying destroying his ns? Michael finally gave up and dressed to go to thepany. His father was really quiet throughout the drive. The driver nced from his mirror from time to time to be sure the man was still in the car. Meanwhile, Michael read the introduction speech his father had written down for him to present that day. At a board meeting. His dad was really serious. A twelve year old attending a board meeting? Didn¡¯t those things have rules amd stuff? He tried photocopying all the words to his head. The only part that stuck was ¡®To the executive team, I am Michael Louis, who¡¯ll from now on be in charge for all sales and market gains of ourpany¡¯. He didn¡¯t even know what he¡¯d so with the sales and market gains. More maths.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. Did his dad know he scored a C in hisst exams? ¡®We¡¯re here¡¯ Mr. Louis announced as he mmed the door. The driver red at him as he left. Should he break the car door because it was his car? Michael quietly came down as he recited thest lines of the speech. He wasn¡¯t sure how many got into his head but he just recited. His dad should have given him such a job the night before and not in the car. He looked up from his paper when he heard an advert. It wasing from a screen from the walls building. A ck car was on disy. A new model, the Strike 5Q. He inspected the building. It changed a lot. As he came in, it really changed a lot. As it was a ce where cars where being created, it usually had this reek of petrol and oil. Suddenly, the reek hit his nose but it was very faint. He realized that they had gotten in through the back building. As they got deeper, some busy footsteps were heard. His father tapped on a button and a bell rang out. A door slowly opened and he walked in. Michael walked in with him. Lines of cars were arranged left and right, different colors and models. A gasp escaped Michael¡¯s lips when he saw thetest model, the Strike 5Q, this one was its red version and had stolen his heart. ¡®Don¡¯t be distracted¡¯ his father called when he noticed Michael staring at the car. Michael saw no worker was in sight yet. Like an answer to him, a young man walked in. He wore a blue suit with its chest left open. Really unprofessional with his high punked hair. ¡®Wee, boss¡¯ he said with a bow. Also unprofessional, Michael thought. Like your ¡®boss¡¯ had a name. The man walked ahead while his father followed, Michael tagged along. Another door opened to reveal the busiest ce Michael had seem in his life. Not only humans made the okca ebusy. Gadgets too. With mini cars transporting workers around the hall. Like mini cars, barely half a man¡¯s height. It didn¡¯t have a steering and steered on its own. Using some link amd navigations. The workers on it sat there whilst writing some notes and pasting them on the cars. ¡®Their strictly for thepany, not for sale. It aids in movement around the halls¡¯ his father exined to Michael. A hint of pride was in his voice. His father began walking in the middle of the hall, the workers bowed when they met him and continue their work while the cars stopped when someone came in front. Smart cars, Michael smiled. Majority of women were in mini skirt and had their hair dyed pink or white or blue. Pink and white in dominance. Michael was almost getting tired of theck of unprofessionalism Bleu Cristal workers had. A bold inscription of ¡®BleuC¡¯ was etched to the wall of the seemingly main hall. Another screen held cars on disy. His father turned towards another hallway. Michael sighed, the walking was tiresome. A blondedy walked briskly to his father and handed him a letter in an envelope ¡®From the engineer, sir¡¯ she said and left. Another shortdy came with a chart and began reciting the market flow for the past one month. The only thing Michael could get was ¡®The high demand of our cars had increased by 35¨G generally¡¯ and ¡®We had a market failure for car model Strike D4¡¯. The rest were like a rap song to him. His father had nodded all through to the woman. She bowed and left too. Another turn towards another hallway made Michael stand still with a frown. A man rushed to his father hiding an opened box. ¡®The car keys models, sir. Which one should we use?¡¯ The man had a subtle Chinese ent. ¡®Left¡¯ housefather answered, barely looking at the box. The man walked away. Michael hastened his steps to his father. Another blondedy came with another chart, showing where their calls swell more. The US had the greatest number of sales. ¡®Ah, Americans like cool and fast cars¡¯ his father said with a French ent. A brte was at the end of this hallway. She bowed, revealing a delicate white skin under her thighs, and walked seducing to open the door. His father nodded to her while Michael eyed her. He quickly closed the door shut when he got in. ¡®So? Are you ready to do all those?¡¯ his father asked, taking off his suit and cing it on the armchair. ¡®Do all what?¡¯ Michael asked back. If his father was asking if he wanted to do the executive job, then he could be honest and say ¡®no¡¯. Mr. Louis sighed, ¡®I just gave an intro¡¯. Michael looked at him nkly. His father knew he didn¡¯t understand. Chapter Ten – Being a badass. Mr. Louis sighed, ¡®I just gave an intro¡¯. Michael looked at him nkly. His father knew he didn¡¯t understand. ¡®What I did now was your job. You¡¯d have to report every 4pm to answer the queries and l check the market flow for the day. I just did a role y for you now. Didn¡¯t you get it?¡¯ Mr. Louis sounded offended. ¡®Wh-What?¡¯ Michael mumbled in a low voice. That¡¯s his job? All those? ¡®Yeah, you heard me¡¯ his father nodded. ¡®And I hope you¡¯ve digested everything you¡¯ll say in the speech. It¡¯s important you make a good impression, I¡¯m their boss but I can¡¯t force my decision on them. They¡¯d have to ept you as their director. Don¡¯t embarrass both of us¡¯. Michael swallowed hard. He shouldn¡¯t have made that deal. Those women there, those guys with their huge abs, they¡¯d squish him if he tried bossing them. What an executive director he¡¯d be? ¡®You know, if you really want to see that girl in the next five years, you¡¯ll take our deal serious¡¯ his dad smirked. Why was this sounding like he¡¯s going through all the pain for a girl? Michael sighed. Even if the girl is the one who saved his life and gave him a reason to live. ¡®Don¡¯t punish me, you should be thankful for that girl. She saved your only heir l and without a heir, you know those women would throw themselves at you, if they aren¡¯t throwing already. Also, your directors would plot against you as you have no heir¡­ ¡® Michael said. ¡®Then since you know you¡¯re my only heir, why put me through all the trouble?¡¯ Mr Louis interrupted, his voice asking coldly. Michael gulped down saliva again before answering, ¡®Nevertheless, I¡¯m doing all this for me and the deal. Ill take the offer of being your director for the next five years. We¡¯ll see how it goes¡¯ he quickly left to recite his speech again. Mr. Louis smirked, he won again. He¡¯d be having a good son for the next five years. He hoped the five years will go a little slower. udia stared at the bag. Her mother had bought some new bags for their junior year. ra had snatched the golden brown and had ran upstairs with it. Even though, her mother had tagged ¡®udia¡¯ on it. It was an attempt to annoy her, she¡¯d ignore rather. She had a path to follow. Life would be fairer to her someday. ra didn¡¯t expect udia to ignore her. ¡®Take it, I give you, beggar!¡¯ udia spat and took the other blue one to her room. ra stood there with the bag, the fun was having udia shout and beg her, perhaps call her parents. Was she going to be ignoring her? Mr. Larabee ran down the stairs with a box. ¡®Girls, girls, girls¡¯ he sang excitedly. ra jumped down the stairs at once and ran to her father in embrace. She went back on seeing the box and her eyes shone expectedly. udia sluggishly came down few minutester. ¡®This is the best thing that happened to me in centuries. Like, well, its never happened before, but it feels so great. Having a mini-me!¡¯ he jumped around like ra would. udia got the message and went back upstairs, she had been noticing it anyways. ¡®Hey,e back. Dad hasn¡¯t broken the news yet¡¯ ra called her back. udia waved and continued her way back upstairs. ¡®Oh, she¡¯s not interested in the good news. Well, let¡¯s unfold the magic box shall we?¡¯ Mr. Larabee grinned as he brought unfolded the box, he brought out some baby clothes from it. udia¡¯s eyes dimmed abit. The whole excitement were about some baby clothes? Or she didn¡¯t get it? ¡®Oh, and so I won¡¯t look like a bad daughter who doesn¡¯t feel a thing about your super excited mode, congrattions to you¡¯ udia came back to say then went back up without getting a response. ¡®Yeah, yeah, thank you¡¯ her father sang. ra looked at her dad. What was the excitement and congrattions about? She then looked up the stairs that were still echoing udia¡¯s footsteps. What was with her twin acting badass and nonchnt? ¡®Okay, I don¡¯t get it¡¯ she told her father. He sighed before sitting with the box on his thighs. From his exnation, ra realized that her mum was two weeks pregnant. She didn¡¯t understand how her father was so confident it would be a ¡®mini-him¡¯ but all the same she hoped for a little brother. Sisters are overrated. Her mother would be staying at the hospital for a while. Her mother¡¯s pregnancy was always a bitplicated, even at the first stages. ¡®Wow, is she sure it¡¯s a boy?¡¯ ra asked to be sure. Her father frowned slightly, ¡®It has to be¡¯. ra gave him a face. What¡¯s even with him being excited over a ¡®mini-him¡¯. Wasn¡¯t the kids he had enough already? She left him and went back to her room. Her door was stuck on something and she smiled when she was what it was. The pink teddy. It was always finding its way to her door, like it wanted to escape. Escape her. And maybe go to udia. ¡®You¡¯re mine, Mrs. Pinky bear¡¯ she picked her and slumped in her bed. Life would be boring now her mother would be staying at the hospital. And her father would be ranting about his uing baby. And ra would be badassing all holidays and perhaps into junior year.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. She stood up abruptly ¡®She¡¯s just being badass cause she saved some prince from dying and even got to write him a letter¡¯ she rolled her eyes. Well she¡¯s going to be the overall princess around here. Whether anyone saved a prince or not. She began packing up her toys in her bag. She¡¯d make sure she gets ¡®Most popr girl¡¯ by her senior year. Make some badass records that¡¯ll live on. It¡¯s her set goal. Though five years seemed like a long time. But it¡¯s her set goal. Five years should hurrye. Chapter Eleven – They’re different. Five Years Later¡­ Its been five years since the incidence of ¡°crazy nurse¡±. Life went on as everyone was all grown up. This was almost the final year of high school and all students of Chambrose High school was loved joking forward to it. Including udia and ra Larabee. They¡¯re in their exams hoping it would speed them and introduce them to FINAL YEAR. ra turned out to be a popr bitch with her pretty clique of friends, Mega and Belle. Basically, her friends had dated all the hot guys at school except for Mark, who¡¯s seen as ra¡¯s. ra never had a record of dating, she never dated losers. Or any guy her friends dumped. She basically lived the life of a high school Barbie girl with many school boys crushing on her.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. udia, rather, hadn¡¯t yet seen the fair part of life. But was determined to go through life like a badass. She shouldn¡¯t give up. She told her ¡°Frenchie¡± not to give up, how could she? Sessfully, she was now a seventeen year old loner. Not nerd. (Know the difference). It¡¯s been an eventful five years with her four year old little brother who dared all the stupid thing he could. He was an interestingpany. And for once, a sibling she was proud to have. Blessed with the knowledge to appreciate technology and not teddy bears, unlike someone she knew. She nicknamed him ¡°Frenchie¡± even though he was named ¡°Paul¡±. She couldn¡¯t help but give him, he was a daredevil, just like some French guy she knew that attempted suicide. That was all five years ago. While udia tried to live it up in term of her grades and ountability, ra lived it up in terms of beauty, fame and friends. They¡¯re twins but very different. udia sometimes doubted they had any telepathic connections. Mr. and Mrs. Larabee didn¡¯t want to ept it at first but they finally did. ra would kill to go to a spa every month. udia would kill for a seminar with her role model, Robotic Engineer Stanford. ra would like all the guy¡¯s attention but won¡¯t necessarily date them. udia doesn¡¯t like boys attention after her childhood best friend, Mark, publicly insulted her. He was her only male friend so it got to her badly. Well, in as much as they¡¯re different, they have one objective: that¡¯s to make their family proud (in their different lifestyles) and they both want to be famous (in their different careers); ra as a fashion model and udia as a Robotic Engineer. Their exams we¡¯re in one word hectic as no one wanted to fail. This was final year they¡¯re talking about. Even bullies took it seriously. udia had been trying to bury herself in herst two paper, French and Chemistry. She spaced out from time to time looking around her at the library filled to its peak with students buried in books. Her eyes caught her sister with her clique. They we¡¯re talking about Mega¡¯s hair. Mega had dyed her hair with some streaks of pink. It was for the party, the ¡°crossing to senior year¡± party their seniors organized. Its also a farewell party for the present seniors. As much as udia was excited crossing to senior year, she didn¡¯t have ns for going to any party. Also, she wasn¡¯t invited. But her sister and friends surely where. Belle caught her staring at them. She wriggled her fingers at her and udia rolled her eyes away. Belle snorted aughter before going back to their talk on the hair. Soon after, a loud cheer was hearding I¡¯m from the hallway. Soon giggling joined after. The librarian ced her hands on her ears as she shouted ¡°Be quiet!¡±. Of course she only added to the noise. The cheering was outside the library and not even in. udia ced her hands on her ears too as she tried to read her notes of Graphite and Carbon again. The library door banged open and the cheering students came in jumping and shouting and singing. Really, decorum was high at their school but sometimes, people just get wild. ¡°What! Stay quiet!¡± but the librarian¡¯s voice was drowned in their screams. One of the boys had a golden cup, udia smiled as she realized. Her school had won the end of term football match against a rival school. Other students at the library soon realized and engaged in cheerful whispers. Some joined in cheering. udia¡¯s smile wiped off when she saw Mark with the captain¡¯s band on his shoulders. He had been promoted to captain as the former captain would be leaving that year. It¡¯s a bad thing. She wishes his downfall not sess. He was a freak, everything about hum annoyed her. Also he was an ¡°official boyfriend¡± to her twin. ¡°Wow, that¡¯s my boy¡± ra had said sweetly and enveloped Mark in a hug. Some of the cheering girls went ¡°A¡± while the boys looked enviously. While udia looked disgusted. If only everyone knew that ra and Mark weren¡¯t such sweethearts in real. More like Brock Lensar and another opponent. (If you get what I mean). udia heard someone sigh behind her and her smile returned, at least someone hated the union. ¡°I wished Mark was single too¡± the person who sighed muttered. udia smiled faded again, like why? Mark wasn¡¯t awesome. Not even close. She turned to the girl who said that, giving her her death stare. The girl shifted in her chair and looked away. ¡°Sick thing¡± udia cursed as she stood up. She packed her books and struggled her way out of the library. She was sure someone had pped her back but in the struggle to breathe she dashed past the crowd without turning back. ¡°That was close¡± she exhaled when she outside. The school surrounding was a bit scanty. Was it the whole school cheering in the library? ¡°Hey, udia¡± someone called. She stopped on her tracks. A twisted smile curved on her lips. She knew that voice, she hated it. It was Wright Spencer. The only one who once bothered her. With a stupid im of having a crush on her. She had politely declined his offer to date. If not he was a nice guy, she¡¯d have rejected with a punch. ¡°I tapped you earlier but you didn¡¯t turn¡± he sounded sad. She peered into his eyes steadily. She couldn¡¯t see it properly so she pushed his blonde hair backward and his eyes twinkled abit. He must still have a crush on her. ¡°Want to have a revision in chemistry with me?¡± his cheeks flushed slightly. She turned back to see the cheering team as they left the library. ra and her clique joined them. ¡°It won¡¯t take your time, promise¡± Wright added. She turned at him, ¡°I wonder, aren¡¯t you an art student. What do you need Chemistry for?¡± she smirked and started walking. He joined her, ¡°I know, but I think you need a reading partner so it¡¯ll stick¡± he stopped walking when she stopped. ¡°I need no reading partner. But¡­ you¡¯re cute so I¡¯ll let you tag along¡± she continued and left him standing there, recovering from whatever made his cheeks turn tomato. He mumbled some words before walking again. Chapter Twelve –Go back or not? ¡°Really?¡± Michael said sadly. ¡°Yeah!¡± Tom answered cheerfully, his countenance changed when he remembered Michael¡¯s sad tone, ¡°Why¡¯d you sound sad? I¡¯ve been nudging my dad to let me do my senior year at your school. Didn¡¯t you know?¡±. ¡°Don¡¯t get me wrong, I mean, I know you wanted toe to my school but¡­ I don¡¯t n to stay in France for senior year. I wanted to have it at US.¡± Michael announced. Tom went back slowly. ¡°For ra?¡± he sounded disheartened. Betrayed. Michael wanted to say something but his mouth refused to speak. ¡°Um.. Th-That¡¯s okay. Yeah¡­ its okay. See ya¡± Tom stammered and moved away towards his car. Michael watched him leave. ¡°I messed up¡± he mumbled as he went over to his own car. Today was supposed to be wonderful. They just finished the cross-over party to final year. And he had to spoil it with his stupid news. He wasn¡¯t even sure if he still wanted to go back. For some girl. Who¡¯d have moved on already. Who perhaps made the wave, that made him long for her, out of politeness. He was really angry with himself, he¡¯d been trying to ignore all ra¡¯s memories. Going back to the US would bring back memories of his mom, series of suicide attempts. ¡°What should I do now? Go back or not?¡± he asked himself. By now, he¡¯s father is making arrangements of his relocation back to US. Should he stop him? Then does it mean his five years of being executive director was a waste? He sighed deeply as he drove. And if ra didn¡¯t remember him? He¡¯d have lost Tom as a friend by then. He groaned and hit his hand on hus steering wheel. The traffic wasn¡¯t helping matters as it was slow. His phone buzzed and Mrs. Peniel popped on his screen. ¡°On my way home. In traffic¡± he said when he picked the call. ¡°Oh, hurry. I have news¡± she replied and hung up. Theses days, her ¡°news¡± we¡¯re always good news. And her ¡°good news¡± were always bad news. For Michael. He had an air of positivity and strangely patience as he drove back. ¡°Michael?¡± Mrs. Peniel called as she heard hum downstairs. He hurriedly ran upstairs to meet her to prevent her froming down the stairs. She was older and couldn¡¯t be jumping down stairs all the time. He was grateful for her presence and didn¡¯t want her leaving him anytime soon. ¡°Here¡± he answered when he was in front of her.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. She patted his back as she led him to the dining room, it was kept upstairs for convenience. No one visited them anyways. ¡°You¡¯ve grown to a beautiful young man, Michael¡± Mrs. Peniel said as she drew out a chair for him. ¡°Your father wanted me to be sure you don¡¯t have a girlfriend¡± she added and sat beside him. ¡°I don¡¯t¡± he answered. ¡®Then guess what?¡¯ she asked, suddenly grinning. ¡®What?¡¯ he asked quizzically. ¡®You¡¯re in. ra¡¯s school epted you¡¯ announced Mrs. Peniel and she hugged him. Underneath her tight embrace, Michael didn¡¯t know if he was to be happy or sad. He has always wanted this and Tom knew that. ¡®Why was he acting so hard to please?¡¯ Michael muttered. ¡®Aren¡¯t you happy?¡¯ Mrs. Peniel was now searching his face. Michael stared at her. She seemed more happier than he was. All this years because of him, she didn¡¯t visit her younger sister. This was her chance. And he wasn¡¯t going to take it away from her. ¡®Yes, I¡¯m d¡¯ he answered. ************* **School Bell rings** It was thest day of their exams. Everyone was super excited nning for the cross-over party. Everyone except udia. She¡¯d use the time ra isn¡¯t around to distract Paul and teach him how to make a toy for himself. She was written down some notes when she heard the bell ring. Wright rushed into the empty ss he and udia are in. He nearly banged his head at the door. She smiled at him. He was clumsy, in a cute way. Sadly, she still wasn¡¯t interested in him. He held a Fanta drink behind him. udia scribbled something again on her notes and scrambled to ce them in her bag. ¡®Okay, I¡¯ll be going now. Won¡¯t want my driver to wait¡¯ she picked up a book that fell. Her pen flew the opposite direction, she sighed but didn¡¯t go after it expecting Wright to help her with it. But he just stood there. ¡®Um.. please help with my pen?¡¯ she looked up to him. He wanted to say something but then shook his head and went to get the pen. She saw the drink behind him but ignored it. ¡®Are you thirsty?¡¯ he finally asked. She shook her head. ¡®Um.. Okay. But if you¡¯re, you can have this Fanta¡¯ he stretched his hand to make visible the drink. He withdrew his hand immediately when he saw her twisted face. ¡®If I am thirsty, I¡¯d need water not Fanta¡¯ she rolled her eyes. He looked down. Emotionally, a knife was poked on his heart. ¡®But then, its cute you thought of getting me something¡¯ she added. He looked up and his eyes lit up when she called him ¡®cute¡¯. She snatched the drink from his hand, ¡®Thanks. Bye. Look forward to my own gift. And please be free for another revision¡¯ she waved as she left. He stood there momentarily, then waved back. She always gave him many mixed feelings. udia snapped the drink open and gulped its content. That Wright could be really cute sometimes. She bowed to her driver and threw her bag in. ¡®Konichiwa¡¯ she said cutely. That was how ¡®hello¡¯ was said in his dialect. At least it sounded like that. He was Japanese and was always nice to her. Amongst the few people who we¡¯re. She hoped to keep them. ¡®Thank you. Where¡¯s that one?¡¯ he asked looking at the door hoping for ra to pop out amongst the other students with her clique. udia smirked, he called ra ¡®that one¡¯ all the time. ¡®I¡¯ll go find her. She doesn¡¯te out till she signs everyone¡¯s autograph¡¯ udia said the first part to the driver and thest part to herself. Her sister always acted like a real life Barbie. Dolled up and loved. It disgusted her. Even made her hate the fictional Barbie. Chapter Thirteen – Clara is trouble. She scanned the hallway for her twin. Wright wasing out the room they¡¯d been. He was rubbing his reddish ears. He walked faster when he saw her. ¡®You¡¯re still here. Looking for ra?¡¯ he asked. She nodded while her eyes kept trying to filter ra from the many students walking about. ¡®Well, in that case that would take a while¡¯ Wright added. udia smiled at him and went back to searching. He didn¡¯t expect the smile and became stiff reflecting on it. His hands slowly went to his ears as they burned again. Suddenly there was a scream. It wasn¡¯t distinct. Some students turned to where the sound wasing from but returned their heads immediately, wearing something that looked like fear. udia frowned, who was the jerk disturbing the peace of the school? It came again. More louder. And again, more distinct. ¡®Wait, isn¡¯t that ra shouting your name?¡¯ Wright asked wide eyed. He looked at udia to see her clenching her fists already. He looked at udia to see her clenching her fists already. Her sister was a curse. As the hallway became more empty. ra¡¯s voice echoed. She was mming doors open and peeking in them. With her mini skirt on a pink singlet, she looked like something udia could pound to a paste. A car horned outside. ¡®My mom. udia bye¡¯ Wright said. He waited to hear a ¡®bye¡¯ back but udia was busy ring at ra. He walked away sadly. ¡®udia!!¡¯ ra yelled again. Like udia was standing in front of her at the end of the hallway. ¡®udia!!¡¯ she screamed at the top of her lungs. She began fanning herself with her hands, acting like she was grasping for breath. If she was, she could kindly shut up. All the while, udia stood quiet. She had promised herself never to respond when ra was shouting her name like she was some sales. ¡®Can¡¯t you hear her?¡¯ Mega asked, walking to udia. ¡®Oh yes, I can. Who can¡¯t?¡¯ udia snapped giving Mega an intimidating look. Mega quietly walked away and went to ra and called her over. ¡®Didn¡¯t you hear me?¡¯ ra howled while wiping her face with her handkerchief. She was so dramatic. udia ran to her and stopped with her hands in the air. Mega kept her hands in the mouth and shrieked anticipating the pain ra would receive. While ra covered her face. Trying hard to best to protect her teeth from falling or her face from having a hole. ¡®Next time you yell my name. This hand wouldnd¡¯ she patted her hair and walked away. Mega rushed to her and asked if she was okay. She pushed Mega aside and red at udia¡¯s retreating figure. She wasn¡¯t even sure why she was afraid of her. Was it because her badass attitude was quiet yet cool? She didn¡¯t really know what to expect next. She saw Belle running towards her and breathing heavily. ¡®News, girls¡¯ Belle announced, her face was red. ¡®What? Spit it out. I have a trash to settle?¡¯ ra demanded rudely. ¡®Well¡­ there¡¯s a new guying next session. He¡¯s a French guy. My Uncle told me. Even showed me a picture of the guy. He looks rich¡¯ Belle giggled uncontrobly. Mega couldn¡¯t help but sniffle someughter, ¡®You¡¯d be dating him then. Have fun. French guys are romantic. Be careful not to fall for him¡¯ Mega warned. ra smirked, ¡®I¡¯ll break my own rules¡¯ she dered, the both girls looked at her. ¡®Your Uncle Principal James, tell him to assign the boy to me to show him around. I have a thing for French guys¡¯ she licked her lips. Belle pouted but gave a slight nod. ¡®So, see you girls at the party then in the next two months. Senior year would be maddd¡¯ ra faked a giggle. She left swinging her hips in a seducing manner. Belle and Mega watched her. Belle with disappointment, Mega with disgust. Of course, they didn¡¯t like her. But she was popr and they wanted to be too. ra bullied everyone. She was just a beautiful bully that seemed harmless but was actually a viper. She bullied with both words, actions and connections. She had even made her boyfriend, Mark, disgrace her twin sister openly by calling her a ¡®sulker¡¯ and ¡®nerd¡¯. Mega was especially furious at that incident. Even more furious that Mark, who she knew as both girl¡¯s friend, would turn against udia like that. But udia handed the situation by sighing, saying some words to Mark¡¯s ears that made him instantly nervous and then walking away. No one knew what she said to him but he looked apologetic after that.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. No one messed with udia after that. She had been reported to have beaten up a boy who called her ¡®sexy¡¯. It was a rumor and wasn¡¯t proven anyway. But it did sound like something she could do. It seemed like the ¡®feeling of superiority¡¯ lurked in the both girls veins, just that ra¡¯s lurked for attention too. Belle finally gave Mega a half hug and walked out of the hallway leaving Mega alone with her thoughts. Mega thought of a way to deal with ra. She couldn¡¯t join hands with udia. udia was not interested in anything that her twin did. If not they¡¯re in the same school, she wouldn¡¯t have been interacting with her. udia is also not someone who yed nice with people betraying others. Mega sighed and looked at Belle as she left. Belle was her best friend, but somehow Belle got them both connected with ra since grade eight. If not Belle liked ra, personally Mega wouldn¡¯t want anything to do with Pro-Boy lover, Beauty for Brains, Champion snob, Crustacean legs girls named ra Larabee. A re of happiness came over Mega when her brain reminded her that she won¡¯t be seeing ra for two months after the party. She could n what to do to save herself and Belle before they had an image like ra¡¯s. She finally left the school building along with the fewst students. Chapter Fourteen – Be a good big sister! ra hade home half drunk. If not for the disgusting smell she had, ra would have deceived everyone into thinking she was just dizzy. ¡®You better start talking, youngdy. Was Mega with you? And Belle? How could they let you drink?¡¯ Mr. Larabee shouted. Mrs. Larabee just stayed mute, while ravaging ra¡¯s bag looking for what no one knew. ¡®I¡¯m telling you, Dad, I didn¡¯t know it was alcohol. The girls didn¡¯t know also¡¯ ra mumbled again, looking like a puppy. udia finally came downstairs when use couldn¡¯t help but know what was going on. Behind the stairs, Paul was there peeking at how his parents yelled at ra. ¡®What now happened now?¡¯ udia asked behind him. He quickly gave her the ¡®shh¡¯ signal, she unconsciously ced her hands on her lips and stooped to peek along with him. ¡®Someone came home drunk¡¯ Paul said. He peeked again to see his mother holding something up to udia. It was like a cloth. A little short. ¡®No, you didn¡¯t wear bum short there. No, I did not just see some bum short sneaked in your bag. I didn¡¯t not¡¯ her mother yelled. She threw the shorts at ra and began shaking her head angrily. ra stood pale as the zip of the shirts scratched her forehead. ¡®I thought it was something like a prom party for the new grade twelve. You told me it¡¯s a formal party, miss. Why¡¯d you wear a bum short there? And then you got drunk?¡¯ Her father raised her hands to p her but it stopped half way. ¡®p, p, p¡¯ Paul chanted quietly. udia smirked and began returning upstairs. ¡®And udia? Why did she let you go out alone?¡¯ Mr. Larabee asked. udia froze on her way. Paul turned to look at her. ¡®udia? Where¡¯s udia? She was home today. Why¡¯d she leave you to go alone to fool around?¡¯ her father shouted at ra. udia frowned. When was she ra¡¯s bodyguard. ra had her own will, she had hers. Why did she even have to monitor her twin? ra as shifty as she was, she wouldn¡¯t even listen.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. And for the records, when ra had asked her that morning if she wasing, she had given a straight no. ra had further said it was because she was scared of boys or being called ugly. She had calmly responded by saying, ¡®Or I am trying to live well, like a good kid should¡¯. ra had just scoffed and went for the party. The party would be filed with seniors and friends of seniors. Dirty stuffs are bound to happen. And udia had been meaning to have a bath of holy water so she¡¯ll spare herself some dirt. Why should she be responsible or in anyway rted to this case? ¡®udia! udia,e down here, please?¡¯ her father shouted. udia sluggishly came out with her hands across her chest. Her mother looked at her with pain in her. udia felt it. ¡®udia dear, you should have told your sister not to attend that party?¡¯ her mother started. udia cleared her throat before answering, ¡®And if I did, and she didn¡¯t listen?¡¯. Mrs. Larabee turned to ra, who was already ring at udia. ¡®That¡¯s why you¡¯re older than she is, she makes mistakes. Because of her young age. You should be there to warn her against all these but you rather stay up in your room, doing nothing exactly. When you have a duty to your siblings! Be a good big sister!¡¯ his voice increased with each word. udia just stayed, staring at him in surprise, how did the table turn rounds? It was ra who went out! It was her decision! ¡®Dad, I don¡¯t think I¡¯m required to police ra because I¡¯m older¡­ ¡® ¡®Then, what¡¯s the duty of an older sister? Maybe ra should be the oldest then or not?¡¯ her father snapped. Mrs. Larabee ced her hands on her husband, ¡®Don¡¯t me udia, honey. udia doesn¡¯t like such parties. Personally, I¡¯m d one of my daughters isn¡¯t a whore¡¯ she red at ra whose eyes just erged. ¡®udia, go back to your room. Try to talk to your sister against her stupid ways. If she refuses your advice, you can smack her, then report to me¡¯ her mother¡¯s eyes were still in ra¡¯s. ¡®I can¡¯t believe I¡¯m raising such kids¡¯ Mr. Larabee mmed on the table before leaving. ¡®Kids?¡¯ Paul frowned as he crawled out of his hiding ce. ¡®Why daddy said kids? Its ra who got drunk not me. Or sister udia? Why¡¯d he say kids?¡¯ he enquired. udia shook her head before ascending up the stairs to her room. Her dad had the very annoying habit of generalizing ra¡¯s wrongs with her. Even when she tried her best to avoid it. It somehow came back to her. ¡®Good news is, you get to smack ra when you like¡¯ Paul smirked behind her. She didn¡¯t even knew he had followed her. She smiled at him. That was a good news. And she need not fund a good reason, every reason was reasonable. ¡®Well, this holiday should get too eventful. I bet ra would act like a house cat, sleep, eat and sleep. She wouldn¡¯t want to cause trouble and get.. smacked¡¯ she winked to Paul. He hopped on her bed. ¡®Mom called her a ¡®whore¡¯, I know its not a good thing, right?¡¯ he asked. udia nodded, ¡®A very bad thing, don¡¯t ever call someone that. Mom just got angry mixed with her fluctuating emotions, she just spoke as she felt. ra deserved it anyway¡¯. Paul fell on her bed and udia fell with him. He faced her and told her how he overheard ra speaking of a French guying next term, she had spoken with her friends over the phone. udia lips curved up, she wasn¡¯t smiling though. ¡®You like French guys right? You always call me Frenchie¡¯ Paul continued. udia chuckled slightly before rubbing his head, ¡®Not any French guy. And I just think they¡¯ve a good sense of humor like ying death games. Whatever though, I don¡¯t care¡¯. Paul frowned slightly before getting off her bed. ¡®This holiday would be fast, get a new style for your senior year. Cool and calm doesn¡¯t fit you much. Try Cold and savage. It fits you¡¯ he ran out before she threw him the pillow. She smiled at his words. How could he be four years old and thought that way? She sighed, she had all the ¡®amazing siblings¡¯ anyway. Chapter Fifteen – His twin brothers. Next academic year, New ss, New style. udia decided to surprise Wright bying at his house that morning. She low key regretted it. Last night¡¯s rain had left Wright¡¯s street decorated with mud and they we¡¯re now hugging on her new white sneakers. She trotted past it either ways, she didn¡¯t know why but she didn¡¯t feel like going to school alone. And since their driver couldn¡¯t take them, maybe she should just¡­ bother him a little. ¡®Coming!¡¯ a boy¡¯s voice echoed from the house after she kicked the door. ¡®Hello, Wr¡­ sir¡¯ udia stammered when the door was opened. It wasn¡¯t Wright but looked a lot like him. Also didn¡¯t seem old enough to be his father.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡®Um¡­ looking for Mark?¡¯ he asked. She shook her head. ¡®Micah? Dani? Josh or John?¡¯ he asked again. She shook her head and said ¡®Wright¡¯. The guy¡¯s eyes flicked with excitement. It reminded udia of how Wright¡¯s eyes reacted to her smiling at him. Of course she noticed. And she enjoyed doing it. Another guy popped out the door. ¡®Looking for Mark?¡¯ he asked too. udia looked at them confused, she smiled and shook her head. The two guys liked alike, they¡¯d probably be a twin. She found it really nice to know Wright had two older brothers, twin brothers. Or wait, he could have more. The first guy had mentioned a bunch of boys earlier. Just how many brothers did he have? ¡®She¡¯s looking for Wright¡¯ the first guy said to his brother. He turned back to her. ¡®I¡¯m Doni. Donald exactly. I¡¯m Wright¡¯s older brother. This..¡¯ he ced his hands on his twin, ¡®Is, obviously, my twin. He¡¯s Dani. Daniel exactly. And Wright¡¯s second older brother¡¯. Dani waved finger before retreating back into the house. ¡®You won¡¯t minding in, would you?¡¯ Doni asked her. He was immediately polite. Not like he wasn¡¯t earlier but had more friendliness in his tone. She shook her head slowly and walked into the door he opened for her. She sat calmly and brought out her phone. It was 6:09, not bad. Lots of feet were running down the stairs opposite her. There were two boys. Her mouth nearly dropped. They were a twin too. ¡®Looking for Mark?¡¯ one asked her. She shook her head, why was everyone talking about this Mark. ¡®Who then? His twin?¡¯ the other one asked. udia twisted her face. There was another set of twins. Blessed home. There should be the Mark and Micah. ¡®She¡¯s here for Wright, guys. He¡¯d be down any minute. He¡¯s speed bathing now¡¯ Doni said, thest part was in a snicker. The other twin looked at udia carefully. ¡®Are you his ssmate? Wright doesn¡¯t have female guests, right?¡¯ one asked. ¡®Or even male guests. I wondered if he had friends at school¡¯ the other added. udia simply exined that they¡¯re school friends. She just wanted to drop by because she didn¡¯t want to go to school. She even added he was goodpany. Just for effects. ¡®Hmm. But he could be more than goodpany. Just saying¡¯ Doni smiled. The other twins, who sheter found out where the Josh and John Doni asked about earlier, just sniffled someughter and headed out the door. ¡®Have fun¡¯ one of them shouted, she didn¡¯t know who, they¡¯re identical. Even Doni and Dani. Just some slight voice difference. She sat there for a while. Her phone said 6:41. She nced at Doni and saw him ying some games on his phone. She took the chance to look around the house. It was simply arranged, not too sophisticated like her own house. Sofas, a center table, few chairs, arge TV and a mini fridge. They could be more at the hallway but at least the sitting room wasn¡¯t congested. She exhaled when Wright finally came downstairs. ¡®Have fun. Bye. You guys would bete¡¯ Dani said standing upstairs. Another boy came downstairs but he went back up. Could be Mark or Micah. Who knows. ¡®That¡¯s a full home¡¯ udia started when they finally left. ¡®Yeah, with only me in there who¡¯s a single¡¯ Wright added, he was smiling non stop. ¡®Three set of twins right?¡¯ ¡®Yeah, Doni and Dani. Mark and Micah. Josh and John. They¡¯re very chaotic¡¯. udia nodded, they should be. Despite the dy, they got to school before 7:10. Wright had said that time had stopped, he looked so serious on it. Well, getting to the hallway, they met a crowd of girls at the hallway pounding at the bursar¡¯s office. ¡®Is him? Is him?¡¯ one girl yelled. Wright looked at her and she looked back at him. It should look normal to meet students swarming the bursar¡¯s office. Perhapsining about increase in school fees. But its abnormal when its at the beginning of school? He went to the girls and asked one, who looked less likely to yell in his ears, who exactly was the ¡®him¡¯. ¡®An executive director of Bleu Cristal is at the bursar¡¯s office getting a receipt. He¡¯s been there for a while. He¡¯sing to our ss¡¯ she shed her ID to show that she was in Grade 11. ¡®Just some rich guy getting to grade 11. I¡¯ve seen him on TV. That popr car. Strike something. He¡¯s their executive director¡¯ Wright exined to udia with a shrug. ¡®Hell no!¡¯ the girl who had exined to Wright suddenly screamed, ¡®He is not a grade 11 student. He¡¯s a grade 12!¡¯. More murmurings and screamed erupted. udia bent her head and ran across the crowd to her new ss. Wright did the same. ¡®Could be the French guy Frenchie talked about¡¯ she said absentmindedly. ¡®Frenchie?¡¯ Wright cocked his eyebrows. ¡®Yeah, Paul my Lil bro. I call him that. He said ra was talking about some French guying to our ss¡¯ udia said. She mmed the ss door opened. There was a student inside. ¡®Oh, I didn¡¯t know someone was here¡¯ she closed the door back slowly. The student bent his head on a desk. His hair was dyed silver. Not many students dyed their hair at her school. He raised his head up and Wright let out a gasp. ¡®It¡¯s the Executive director, udia¡¯ he whispered. udia was already staring. Chapter Sixteen – Tour guide. udia was already staring. She wasn¡¯t one to stare at guys. Rich, popr, but wonderfully handsome? She can¡¯t guarantee. He was looking at them, he had deep eyes. udia looked away. She hated deep eyes. That¡¯s a turn off there. ¡®Hi, are you new?¡¯ she asked, totally looking in his face but not staring. Wright gave her the ¡®he¡¯s new obviously¡¯ look. She looked away and rather threw his back at a nearby seat. ¡®You¡¯ll be my seatmate this year, Wright¡¯ she muttered. His eyes widened and she smirked. She looked back at the new guy expecting her answer. The new guy kept quiet. She scoffed, did he just ignore her? ¡®Well, wee. Try not to be trouble¡¯ she said sassily. Wright widened his eyes at her. He nudged her a bit but she pushed his hand aside. ¡®Michael is my name¡¯ the new guy finally answered. ¡®udia is mine¡¯ udia quickly replied, ¡®Let¡¯s go submit our assignments¡¯ she said to Wright and left the ss. For some reasons, the new guy smiled. Wright frowned. He knew udia¡¯s sassiness and cool attitude could be irresistible. But the new guy better still gauge his heart. Michael ced his head back on his desk. Their new form teacher, Mrs. Joseph, gave a thrilling speech about how wonderful she hoped their senior year goes. She went further to ask the goals of some of the students. ¡®I want to top the ss this year, like I¡¯ve always done¡¯ Charm, the ss top student, stood up to say. They were cheers along side boos. udia sighed at her bossiness. If not she cared about passing her grade and not necessarily topping anything, she could have contested for top students too. ¡®Improve my athleticism. Get more girls¡¯ Max had cooed and cheers followed. He was the most popr boy in ss, second to Mark only. Mega had whispered something to Belle and they shared a dramaticugh. ¡®Nice goal. In their different ways. Could we get a introduction from our new student please?¡¯ Mrs. Joseph smiled, looking at Michael. He looked her straight in the eye. But didn¡¯t get up for any introduction. Half the ss we¡¯re looking at him. The ones who weren¡¯t looking were watching from the side of their eyes. They¡¯ve been waiting for the executive director of Bleu Cristal to speak and now he was acting snobbish. ¡®Excusez-moi, le professeur vous parle. Pouvez-vous r¨¦pondre?¡¯ someone shouted. The French ent was deep. Mrs. Joseph stood transfixed. (English Trantion: Excuse me, the teacher is speaking to you. Can¡¯t you answer?) Michael turned to her. He smiled at her again. Wright nudged at her, it was udia, of course. ¡®Oh, yes. He¡¯s French. Maybe he doesn¡¯t understand us well, yet¡¯ Mrs. Joseph hadughed nervously. udia rolled her eyes to Michael as response. ¡®Well, basically we all know who he is. Michael Louis. Treat him well, everyone, okay?¡¯ ¡®Yes, ma¡¯ the whole ss chorused to Mrs. Joseph. The rest of Mrs. Joseph ss had gone rather quietly. Or maybe it was because it was the first day at Senior year. ¡®Assignments by tomorrow, I¡¯ll be stricter in my punishments if you fail to submit my assignments. And the student that was assigned as Michael Louis tour guide should start their duties immediately¡¯ those were Mrs. Joseph¡¯sst words before she left the ss. The next teacher was alwayste. The Economics teacher. Everyone watched the other while waiting for who will take on the job as Michael¡¯s assigned guide.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡®Who was assigned to such a cold guy? Jeez, he already has the ¡®I¡¯m the boss here¡¯ aura. Whoever is his tour guide¡­ That person is in trouble¡¯ Wright mumbled to udia. She shrugged casually. It was whoever¡¯s problem, not hers. Belle got up quietly and walked to her holding a picked of paper. Everyone watched her. ¡®What?¡¯ udia sighed when Belle stood still in front of her. She hated it when her sister or any of her friends acted like they knew her. She didn¡¯t want any mingling with them at all. ¡®It wasn¡¯t supposed to be you. But the Principal said you should be Michael Louis¡¯s tour guide¡¯ she stretched and gave her the tour guide note. Wright literally screamed in his head. He looked at the anger mixed with confusionsted on udia¡¯s face. Of course, such jobs were not given to her. The teacher¡¯s knew she wasn¡¯t very social. Weight patted her back gently to soothe her down, she looked like she would scream at Belle. He looked at Michael who wasn¡¯t even looking at them but was staring at ra. Yeah, ra was the school¡¯s Barbie. He could admire her, Wright didn¡¯t mind. ¡®Who should it have been then? We all know udia doesn¡¯t do these things¡¯ he whispered to Belle. ¡®It should be ra honestly. But my uncle said she was disorganized and even though her twin is antisocial bit see more organized. I couldn¡¯t revolt¡¯ Belle said in hushes. She surely didn¡¯t tell ra what her uncle thought of ra. udia smirked, if it was a job to annoy her twin, then she¡¯d dly take it. She snatched the paper from Belle. ¡®By prep. We¡¯d start the tour by prep¡¯ she nodded. Wright scanned her head to toe, ¡®I¡¯lle with you¡¯ his voice sounded rather tense. She nodded to him too. Belle quietly slugged to her seat with eyes still looking at her as they didn¡¯t know what was said. The Economics teachering brought everyone back to their sense. ¡®You really sure you¡¯ll handle the French guy by yourself. I know ya tough and all. But this dude has a legend of being a Mafia at his other school¡¯ Lara, the only other friend udia, told her after the Economics ss. udia kept on nodding through her exnation, trying hard to understand everything she was saying despite Lara¡¯s thick ck American ent. ¡®I agree¡¯ Wright chipped in, ¡®I¡¯ve heard of allegations against the Bleu Cristal for having Mafia workers. It was called fake news but had lots of proof like guns, underground kungfu sses a special tattoo on the workers¡¯ arms still pointed that something was wrong¡¯. Wright was trying hard to scare udia but she wasn¡¯t buying it. If this job would annoy ra, then she¡¯s taking it. It was all that mattered. Chapter Seventeen – Stalker Clara. ¡®Salut! Let¡¯s start the tour. It happens that I am your tour guide. Its prep already¡¯ udia stood beside him. It was prep and she needed to eat but she had to be done with this job first, and then enjoy her food knowing she annoyed ra. The satisfaction! Michael sighed inwardly. He didn¡¯t need a tour when he could have the whole blue print of the school. And this school belonged to an annoying worker of his father, the man was desperately needing to please his father. He smirked but it disappeared when he noticed the girl beside him saying, ¡®Don¡¯t act like you didn¡¯t hear me. Get your butt off the chair¡¯. He didn¡¯t know why she was always so haughty. He liked haughty but not that haughty. He looked at her before cing his gaze to the person behind her, ra. udia followed his gaze and turned to her back. ¡®Need anything?¡¯ she asked ra. ¡®Just wondering, I could help you be his guide¡¯ ra said nicely, ¡®I know you don¡¯t like these kind of jobs. That¡¯s if you don¡¯t mind¡¯ she added. udia scoffed at her niceness. Of course, trying to act all good and cute in front of the rich French guy, her new target. udia scoffed again when she noticed the French guy was totally falling for it. A smile tugged at his lips. ¡®Till I need your help. Thank you¡¯ udia pushed ra slightly. She knew her twin wouldn¡¯t act rash in front of her new target. It was fun. ¡®Ouch, don¡¯t be mean. I asked nicely¡¯ ra pouted and waved a little to Michael before leaving. udia rolled her eyes. She could only fool the French guy here because everyone in the whole school knew how terrible ra was. The biggest bully in history. ¡®Did you need to be that rude?¡¯ udia faced the French guy. ¡®Did you really ask me that?¡¯ she cocked her eyebrows. The fool had really fallen for ra¡¯s y and with ra¡¯s cute looks and poprity, he may be convinced he¡¯s in love with her. Just like all the boys have been. Their lives were so pathetic. ¡®I thought you hear English¡¯ Michael said, standing up. udia shook her head and began walking away. ¡®If you want, I could point out some kids you shouldn¡¯t hang out with as your tour guide. If you want¡¯ she emphasized. He walked behind, ¡®No thanks. You have a bad taste in people¡¯. ¡®And you¡¯ll judge by my attitude with that girl? Do you even know what she¡¯s like?¡¯ udia stopped and faced him. He stopped, smirked and kept on walking. Thus was going to be a very annoying job but she¡¯d try to scale through. Showing him the ss and their form teachers weren¡¯t hard. Even introducing some seniors he could meet when he needed help weren¡¯t hard either. The part was enduring the res from the ¡®stalker girl¡¯ and the annoying aura it gave. It hadn¡¯t been up to three minutes she began the tour that the stalker girl was unleashed. She followed them everywhere across the hallways, sses and even to the boys bathroom. udia was highly nauseated. The stalker no one else than ra. She was unleashing her creepy cute stalking self. Obviously ying cute stalker girl for the French guy. He was totally noticing it. At first the sses, udia stopped and turned back. ra made a short cute gasp and hid behind a block. She was obvious and acting like a lovesick idiot. ¡®Let her be. I¡¯m used to this¡¯ Michael said. udia rolled her eyes. ra was just trying to make him feel special and he was just falling. It was so annoying. ¡®Look, sir, you don¡¯t know her. How can you tell if she¡¯s dangerous or not?¡¯ she pointed at him. He shrugged and continued walking in the fields. udia walked with him. ¡®Baseball court is in that building¡¯ she pointed to a far away building while her eyes eyed ra. Michael saw her eye trail. ra was now walking to them. Keeping her most innocent face. ¡®The teacher said when you¡¯re done with him, you should send him to her¡¯ she said. She was avoiding Michael¡¯s gaze. He was looking at her steadily. udia was honestly impressed with her sister¡¯s acting skills. Even this Billionaire¡¯s kid would fall in seconds. ¡®Oh and you guys should eat before preps over¡¯ she smiled cutely. ¡®Will do. Thanks¡¯ he answered. udia sighed. ra bit her lips slowly and dragged her eyes to him. ¡®Okay¡¯ it came out tiny then she hopped away. The guy¡¯s eyes still followed her. udia felt slight pity for him. She witnessed rk the school¡¯s crush fall hopelessly for Mega in their grade ten. With these techniques. ra was Mega¡¯s Queen, she¡¯ll do a better job. Then leave you near broke and definitely heartbroken. ¡®If you¡¯re done drooling, we can go see the teacher¡¯ she broke him from his fantasies. He frowned at her, ¡®I don¡¯t drool. Are you always like this?¡¯ he had a killer look. It disgusted udia. Everything. Someone ran between them immediately. It was Wright. ¡®Calm down, Frenchie. Don¡¯t hurt her¡¯ he pushed udia backwards. She shoved Wright aside.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡®Don¡¯t call him Frenchie, he doesn¡¯t deserve it. I¡¯m done here¡¯ she walked away. Michael sighed and went the opposite direction. The girl just had so much hate that she poured on everyone. And given ra is the reason he¡¯s in the US, he wouldn¡¯t be letting anyone hurt her. Wright looked at both of them. He knew udia was ill-tempered but for her sake she should avoid that French guy. ¡®No thanks¡¯ she pushed the milk shake down the table. Wright looked at the second milkshake udia had thrown to the ground. Milkshakes couldn¡¯t even cool her temper, what would? ¡®Just avoid that French guy. He part of a Mafia lineage¡¯ Wright said as a matter of fact. udia looked up at him. ¡®Yes, its just a rumor but I think there¡¯s some truth¡¯ he added. A smirk crept on her face. Wright was confused with her reaction. ¡®I am an angel. We are repulsive with Mafias¡¯ she said cutely. Wright eyes widened. Was he hearing badass udia speak cutely? ¡®R-Repulsive? A-Angel?¡¯ he stammered. She nodded cutely too. Chapter Eighteen – Dating a Queen. ra cheered loudly with her friends. Just today the French guy came and the whole school was already talking about him. If she could make a better impression on him and make him one of the guys drooling over her, then her poprity would be more stable and no one would dare her. Even other Queens of neighboring schools would be obedient to her. His silver hair gave off a different I¡¯ve with his emerald eyes. If not she was the Queen of the school, she could have dated him. ¡®But really, couldn¡¯t anyone else be his tour guide? Must it be my ugly twin¡¯ she sipped her orange juice. Belle giggled on her use of ¡®ugly¡¯. ¡®udia isn¡¯t ugly though. She just doesn¡¯t want to tap on her beautiful part¡¯ Mega giggled also. ra rolled her eyes and sipped her juice again. What was beautiful about her twin? The only thing ra truly admired about her twin is her charisma and independence. Her sister was basically missing out in the basic things of life like their parents¡¯ love so she definitely didn¡¯t want her twin¡¯s life. Mark mmed the door open and red at the three of them. Belle and Mega stood up slowly. ¡®Excuse us¡¯ he barked at them. The both friends scurried out of the ss. No one else was in. Mark turned calm and sat down beside ra. ¡®Now you¡¯re scare them away, hurry tell me way you want¡¯ ra frowned. Mark kept quiet, staring at her. ¡®I don¡¯t have all day, boyfriend. What do you want from me?¡¯ she asked. He nced at her lips and then at shirt. ¡®You changed your clothes?¡¯. She smiled, ¡®So?¡¯. He diverted his gaze from her lips again and stared at the door. She got up from her chair, she pushed her remaining orange juice to him. She walked to the door returned and blew him a kiss. When he didn¡¯t attempt catching her kiss, she left pouting. He watched her leave. It hurt him that he would have to keep on swallowing his words all the time. Their rtionship might seem like a game to remain the school¡¯s favorite and popr couple. It might seem like that to ra. But to him, it meant a lot more. She meant a lot more. Some of his friends had whispered to him about ra ying cute with the new guy. They all knew had techniques, her girls, Mega or Belle, had used it on them. He was beyond jealous when he caught her red handed flirting with the French guy. Biting her lips and acting cute, it angered him more to see the French guy looking at her as she left. He was rich, good-looking and also popr. It would take him almost nothing to take ra away. Mark¡¯s phone vibrated in his pockets and he dug in to get it. ¡®Hello, mom¡¯ he picked up. ¡®Son, are you feeling better? Just wanted to remind you to take your drugs¡¯ his mom¡¯s voice rung from the other side.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. He nodded, ¡®I will take them now. Thanks¡¯ he spoke lowly. He cut the call after she said bye. He exhaled, even his girlfriend didn¡¯t know he was sick. She was busy chasing after the poprity by adding more rich admirers to her gang. She may not even care about how he left. He must have been a fool to think dating the school¡¯s Queen was easy. ********** udia¡¯s mood improved by the time she got back home. Perhaps it was Paul¡¯s energetic vibe that helped. Or the fact Wright walked her home and her dad gave her a face when he saw them together. These days she enjoyed annoying him, enjoyed annoying his favorite daughter too. ¡®udia? ra? Someone sent you guys gifts¡¯ their mother shouted from downstairs. Paul jumped down from the bed and made a somersault. ¡®Whoa, Frenchie. Easy on the legs¡¯ udia smiled. He made little jumps and began hopping down the stairs. udia joined him. Her face went sour when she saw ra admiring a pink hoodie. A pink huge teddy sat besides her. She was sitting on the couch. Paul ran to her and sat besides her. He looked longingly at the teddy before making puppy dog eyes at ra. ¡®Mom, surely these gifts are from Mark to his girlfriend. Why¡¯d you call me?¡¯ udia folded her arms. Her mother came out from the kitchen with her aprons. She frowned when she saw Paul trying to sneak away with the pink teddy. ¡®Young man, drop that doll. I am going to give it to an orphanage¡¯, ra red at her mother. Mrs. Larabee ignored it and faced udia with a smile, ¡®Well dear, I called you because the letter said ¡®to the beautiful daughter of the Larabee¡¯s¡¯ so I called you both to identify who¡¯. ¡®Mom, its mine. No one gives gifts to udia with sweet messages, and who would give her a teddy¡¯ ra snickered. udia sighed and began walking upstairs, Paul dropped the doll dejectedly and started walking with udia. ¡®And mom, don¡¯t send my gift to an orphanage. I rather give it to Paul¡¯ ra began whining. Her mother sent her a hard re and she shut up. ¡®Grow up. I don¡¯t even want my son liking dolls. Give it to younger kids, will you. Grow up ra Larabee¡¯ she made a long sigh and went back to the Kitchen. ra angrily threw the doll to the floor and stepped on it. It¡¯s not like she gets to keep it anyway. She looked at the short message written on it. She was sure of one thing. Whoever sent this message, didn¡¯t know she was a twin and could possibly be sending it to udia. Chances were low it was too udia. The gift could actually be for her since she was popr and everyone would like to please her. Still, she was sure the person who sent must be a new student or someone who didn¡¯t know her. Everyone knew udia was her twin so the Larabee¡¯s had two daughter. Well, everyone except for the new guy, of course. ra smiled, her game did work. Chapter Nineteen – Fighting the new guy. ra smiled, her game did work. A rich French guy somewhere could actually be having her in mind. Well by tomorrow, she¡¯ll change her act and act powerful but nice. He shouldn¡¯t think of dating her. He could but he shouldn¡¯t act on the thought. She was a queen to all. She inspected the hoodie and searched its pocket maybe for a phone number or fat cash but nothing. Just a gift of teddy and hoodie. So not typical. Maybe he was a learner. She quickly dashed to her room with the gifts, it was herst attempt to hide her gifts from her mother before it gets given away. She passed by her twin¡¯s room and heard udia and Paul saying something about avoiding a fight. It sounded interesting. Deep down, ra was always d when ever her sister fought with a student. One, she gets scolded after. Two, it makes more people hate her. Three, it somehow adds to her power as people would avoid daring her as they¡¯d think she was as tough as udia. She could be, though she¡¯d never fight in school. It was all ways embarrassing. ¡®Oh really. Can¡¯t you overlook? I don¡¯t even know how you fight with boys. The guy just said you have a bad taste in people. Which you do, somehow¡¯ Paul retorted.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. udia rolled her eyes, ¡®I guess you Frenchies think alike¡¯. She frowned at her words and rephrased it, ¡®I guess you boys think alike¡¯. She nodded, the new guy wasn¡¯t Frenchie. Frenchies are nice, little angels who deserved all the love in the world to avoid suicide. It was more than being a French born. ¡®But if you get into another fight, you¡¯ll be grounded. And for the uing sportpetition which you¡¯re taking me too, don¡¯t be grounded¡¯ he sped his hands to beg. She nodded and patted his head, ¡®I¡¯ll try. Pray to the universe to help me¡¯. He bent his head and began making whispers like he was praying. udiaughed at his cuteness. ra shook her head and went away from the door. If her sister was thinking of who she thought she wanted to fight with¡­ the new French guy. Then, that will be better as the guy would hate her. But she shouldn¡¯t, she could get into major injuries and warrant hospital bills. ra didn¡¯t want her parents ever telling her ¡®no money to shop¡¯. Also, the boy could hate her if he finds out their siblings. She stopped walking and reflected. Her twin was much a pain and disgrace in her life. Majority of the ssmates that knew she¡¯s a twin to udia, knew since their junior grade. She had to keep hiding that information, save herself the embarrassment. Paul ran out of udia¡¯s door and stopped when he saw ra outside it. ¡®Hey, free? Want to y with me?¡¯ he asked eagerly. ra sighed and walked away. Of course, Paul wasn¡¯t expecting a better answer, just wanted to try his luck. Maybe she ate ¡®good mood¡¯ for a bit. He continued his run down the stairs to get the phone udia had asked him to get. When he swiped to unlock her phone, he saw thirteen missed calls from someone named Wright. He knew his sister was usually offended when someone called her more than thrice. He wasn¡¯t sure to give the phone or not. Suddenly, he heard hering down stairs and hid her phone behind him. ¡®Felt like strolling. Want toe?¡¯ she exhaled as she came to thest step. He nodded and hopped to her. They both left the house. Not after udia yelled a ¡®Will be back in forty-five minutes, nothing more, nothing less. I¡¯m with Paul¡¯ to her mom before leaving the door. Her mom made an ¡®hmm¡¯ sound not audible enough. She smiled to herself. At least she had one daughter who would tell her about her outings and who would time herself in them. Paul was having the time of his life. He always did on those kind of strolls. Ice cream, Parks and Swings. What more could a four year old want! His mood changed when udia asked about her phone. ¡®Don¡¯t tell me, young man, that you left it at home?¡¯ udia rubbed her head tiredly. He slowly brought it from his back pocket. ¡®Think of the ice cream we just finished before checking your calls please¡¯ he pleaded. She looked at him suspicious and checked her call logs. ¡®Wright called?¡¯ she eximed. Paul noticed that she didn¡¯t sound angry not merely surprised. ¡®Should better call back then¡¯ she added and began dialing Wright¡¯s number. Paul was shocked. Did she just overlook the thirteen missed calls or was that Wright one of the seniors she couldn¡¯t he at? Wait, wasn¡¯t she the senior? And was she calling back? She never did. She always said ¡®if the call was important, they¡¯d call again¡¯. ¡®Your house now? Sorry, I¡¯m with my little bro now. And I got barely sixteen minutes to go back home¡¯ sheined on the phone. Paul swallowed his remaining hamburger and stared nkly at her. He was in for more adventure, if she didn¡¯t mind. And he also wanted to meet the young man who his sister acted more nicely to. ¡®We can spare some minutes then. Hurry¡¯ she ended the call. She smiled at her little brother, ¡®So we¡¯ll wait for a bit. My friend ising with his brother to talk about some big news. It won¡¯t take long. Promise¡¯. Paul just shrugged. udia assumed he was displeased for having to stay longer and thought on a way to please him. She nced at the hamburger shop, ¡®Ham for bribe?¡¯ she asked. He grinned, ¡®Sure. Anytime¡¯. She went over to get him some. Personally he didn¡¯t mind waiting for her friend but sure, hamburger anytime. ¡®So is he my lucky guy?¡¯ he took a bite from his hamburger. He¡¯s been meaning to say that. ¡®Who?¡¯ she took a bite from hers. He took more bites from the snack and kept his mouth full before stating his allegations. Chapter Twenty – In front of a Park. He took more bites from the snack and kept his mouth full before stating his allegations. ¡®I think you¡¯ve found someone you like. Or at least you¡¯refortable with the person. Also, it seems the person understands your temperament and is willing to be patient with you¡¯ he hurriedly ate what was in his mouth before continuing. ¡®You have respect for him. And since it seems he does for you too. I hope you finally find a guy you can be happy with, in the future¡¯ he ended with a slight cough. udia patted his head. She respected Wright and he should respect her too, for his own sake. But where her little Frenchie was going, was totally ¡®unreachable¡¯. She was friends with Wright for a reason, a reason she didn¡¯t even bother tell him. A blue sports car drove past them while they ate their ham silently at the sidewalk. ¡®Wow. My dream car¡¯ udia screamed. They talked about it for a while before changing to something. Minutester, the same car drove in front of them and stopped. They turned to each other then turned back to the car, trying to peek in to see the owner. It was tinted so their efforts were useless.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡®Hello, do you know of one ra living around?¡¯ a voice had asked from inside the car. udia felt insulted. Couldn¡¯t the driver at least put down his window to speak? ¡®ra? I have a sister named ra. ra, grade twelve student¡¯ Paul replied. udia shut him up with a slight hit. ¡®Couldn¡¯t you raise your ss down before speaking to strangers?¡¯ she stood from her chair. The window ss came down to reveal a man in his mid thirties. With heavy tattoo. He raised his brow and flexed his muscles slightly. ¡®Is that supposed to intimidate me, sir?¡¯ she scolded. The man narrowed his eyes at her and she kept her gaze at him without shaking. ¡®Well, just tell me where the girl lives¡­ ¡® he sounded angry. ¡®Magic word?¡¯ she interrupted. Paul felt tensions growing in his veins. ¡®I don¡¯t do magic girl¡¯ the man switched off his car. ¡®Neither I. I don¡¯t talk to strangers¡¯ udia dragged Paul¡¯s hands and began leaving. Paul wanted to protest but stayed calm. Luckily for him, the man didn¡¯t chase after them or something. ¡®What about your friend?¡¯ Paul remembered and asked his sister. ¡®We¡¯ll meet tomorrow in school. He could tell me whatever then¡¯ she said coldly. Paul sighed, that was it. Her mood was sour again. Mrs. Larabee jerked when the door was mmed loudly. ¡®udia?¡¯ she was surprised to see her daughter storming up the stairs. ¡®What happened?¡¯ she continued to Paul. ¡®Well, we went strolling then she got a call from her friend to wait for her at the park to speak on something important. As we waited, some big bully with tattoos everywhere, stopped in an expensive car and asked about ra. He didn¡¯t wind down and spoke gruffly. udia called him out for bring rude but he kept on being rude. She left him without answering his question but as we left she said she heard him calling her ¡®spoilt brat¡¯ and regrets not kicking his ass¡¯. Paul ced his hands on his chest after rapping through his speech. His mother blinked and exhaled. Big tattooed guy in expensive car looking for ra. That was the only part she got right. She remembered the gifts that were delivered and ordered Paul to go bring them from ra whether he had to bite her to get it. She should burn them. What was such men doing with her teenager? Paul hurriedly ran to take on the mission. After all, ra wouldn¡¯t give them to him or y with him. ¡®udia dear, you should also be careful with the people you talk or yell at for anything. Control that ego or confidence you have¡¯ Mrs. Larabee screamed to her oldest daughter and went back to the kitchen shaking her head. Wright was highly disappointed to walk all the way to a ce he had never been to before to not find udia waiting. He called and she didn¡¯t even answer, it frustrated him. She called backter and inly told him that she left. He hung up angrily and eaten by frustration. He was d he didn¡¯t ask his older brothers to drive him, they¡¯d have been so annoyed. While he was still contemting on how to go back home, she called again and asked exactly where he was. ¡®Where do you think? I¡¯m in front of some amusement park stranded!¡¯ he yelled OK the phone. ¡®Look, don¡¯t yell at me or you¡¯ll pass the night there¡¯ udia answered softly. She hung on before Wright could apologize. Paul caught his sister leaving the house and ran to her. ¡®Nope, you¡¯re noting with me. I could have kicked that man in the groin only if you weren¡¯t there. So stay back, don¡¯t restrict me¡¯ she closed the door on his face. ¡®I¡¯m very sorry¡­¡¯ Wright started before udia¡¯s punchnded on his face. She held her hand midair, ¡®Yell at me again and your brothers won¡¯t recognize you¡¯. He nodded quickly. ¡®What ¡®big news¡¯ made me get insulted today and got you almost sleeping on this street?¡¯ she went to the Hamburger store to get him a snack. Wright was just confused by her. Someone who nearly created a hole in his face was treating him now? ¡®Um¡­ its about the new student again. A new rumor popped out. Courtesy to his return to the U. S¡¯ Wright informed. udia red at him. She came all the way from her house to hear news about that jerk. ¡®I know you don¡¯t really like Michael but this is big. I think he¡¯s an heir of two wealthy generations. From his both parents¡¯ Wright continued. ¡®And how¡¯s that my business. You¡¯re the one who likes digging into people¡¯s past not me. Or so I look like some good digger?¡¯ udia sighed. ¡®Wait. His mother was assassinated because of her wealth but now as his mother¡¯s son, he¡¯s also in danger but doesn¡¯t know. I¡¯m thinking of a secret mission to protect him. You know, like in movies¡¯ Wright grinned. Angry wasn¡¯t the right word to describe udia¡¯s face. Disgusted was. Chapter Twenty-One – Her boyfriend. Angry wasn¡¯t the right word to describe udia¡¯s face. Disgusted was. ¡°We¡¯ll meet in school¡± she shoved a paper into his hand and left. Wright saw it was a paper for directions and his transport fare. He wanted to call her back to return the money but she just disappeared. ¡°What, wasn¡¯t the idea good?¡± he muttered to himself. Low key, udia was conscious of the news Wright had given her. She didn¡¯t even know why she let the news get into her brain. Maybe it was because it was sad. He had his mother assassinated and now he was next. She somehow wanted to be someone¡¯s savior, again. But not really to that guy. Still her brain was conscious. She didn¡¯t even know whether it would be a member of her ss but she was conscious. ¡°Hey, hey, Mark is ring at Michael in a wicked way. Suspect found¡± Wright whispered to her. She pushed his head away, ¡°Mark? Suspect? Mark couldn¡¯t even kill a cockroach. And I¡¯ve known him for long, he can¡¯t be¡±. Wright wanted to say something else but she shut him up by raising her hand in the air. She knew Mark was just being jealous because ra was acting around the new guy as she had shouted a ¡°hello, Michael¡± to him at the hallway In front of everyone. The guy was surprised by the outburst but had smiled and waved back. It was so dramatic, any boyfriend would feel weird. ¡°Ignore Mark in your search, okay?¡± she added to Wright. Wright pouted and continued his hunt for a potential danger to Michael. They were at the cafeteria. Michael was the only one sitting alone in the middle. Lots of eyes were watching him. ¡°I think he¡¯s an attention seeker though. New students try to hide from public as good as they can. But he¡¯s sitting right in the middle¡± Wright whispered again. udia pushed his head again also. Was her day going to be filled with monitoring the guys movements? She stood up and left for the library. She¡¯ll be back whenever she felt like. Michael gaped at the malnourished sandwich in front of him. He began missing his old school. Students are fed properly and need not buy in snacks from anywhere. They were fed by the school itself. With maids serving as you sitfortable on your seat. Well, it was the difference between school for millionaires and a public school. He sent the snack quickly to his mouth and began munching it hurriedly. It tasted better than he thought. He smiled. His father would surely go mad if he found him eating junk, and ignoring his diet timetable. Michael looked around to find the eyes boring holes in his body. He knew almost everyone in the room was looking at him once in a while, he was perfectly used to that. But someone was drilling holes in him with bare eyes. From his corner, he saw the so called most popr boy in school ring at him. Mark Caway was what he was called. ¡°What¡¯s his deal?¡± Michael wondered to himself. He tried not to look at the boy. He felt familiar. Then, one of the girls he had been seeing with ra walked seducingly to the Mark and shoved a piece of paper into his hand. She walked back the same way she came and joined ra and another girl. ra smiled brightly to Mark when he looked at her. Michael felt jealous, somehow. He dragged his eyes away. He hadn¡¯t even checked if ra had a boyfriend or something. He noticed she was popr among the students. Though, he didn¡¯t me himself much. He sent one of the best men his father had to search for ra at an address close to the hospital they met the first time. A random nurse had said she was born in that hospital and lived nearby. Still, the so called best man couldn¡¯t find her and came back saying her street was full of rude girls. Even though, the man had added that a little boy had said ra was his sister. It could have just been a lie or another ra. Michael then saw Mark walk to ra and nt a kiss on her lips. The whole students in the cafeteria went ¡°Aww¡±. The juniors quickly covered their eyes and side talks began. Michael eyes nearly popped off. That was him then, ra¡¯s boyfriend. ra didn¡¯t really look surprised so he must have been her boyfriend. Michael gulped down saliva and began giving full concentration on his remaining sandwich. Then someone made a vomit sound behind him. He turned to see the most annoying girl he had met so far since his arrival. ¡°There are juniors here. Must you embarrass yourself like this?¡± udia asked, annoyed. Wright stood beside her with a disgusted face. The whole crowd turned to udia, including Michael. ¡°Jealous? Do you want Mark to kiss you?¡± Belle asked back. Wright acted like he was choking from a disgusting smell. udia patted his back. ¡°Sorry bro, Belle disgusted you right?¡±. Wright nodded his head. She turned menacingly to Belle, ¡°What? Kiss me? Then I¡¯ll suffer long years of a stomach ache? No way¡± she sighed and looked back at the disgusting love birds. ¡°Next time you act so indecently in front of juniors, I¡¯ll bang you both heads together. I hope it glues¡± she pointed. ra got up and Mega smirked. Was a twin fight about to happen? ¡°And when did you be the hall monitor or cafeteria monitor or whatever?¡± she barked.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. udia mimicked her then kept a straight face. ¡°You¡¯ve been warned, Barbie. Next time, you and your boyfriend would go for detention. Have enough time to kiss everywhere. And you¡¯ll be charged with sexual provocation¡± she walked out dragging Wright along. Everyone was quiet. The only people who dared talk back at ra or Mark was udia, and some other girl who was currently on suspension because of ra. Belle stood up and banged at the table, ¡°What you staring at? Eat your food now¡±. All eyes flew to their snacks and away from the embarrassed couple. Mark just crawled out, he was too overwhelmed to speak. Somehow, Michael was d the annoying girl shunned them. It was disgusting and offensive. But he wasn¡¯t still d that the annoying girl was always mean to ra. Always. Chapter Twenty-Two – His Shadow. The school building architecture was amazing. Michael sneaked out of the cafeteria, after the incident, to admire it. The tension in the cafeteria was suffocating. He liked the school surroundings. ording to his father, it was owned by a Latin (French) American investor so its building had French designs like his other school at France.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. It had some French motifs etched on its walls and doors. And a pretty garden where he was. It was worth bragging about. At least, if Tom asked him for a picture of his new school, he wouldn¡¯t hesitate. Another figure was boring holes in him. He could see the person from the corner of his eyes. But the person didn¡¯t seem to be admiring, not with those res. It looked like a monitoring scheme. He turned to the person. ¡°You are no longer my tour guide, you don¡¯t need to monitor me, udia¡± he said calmly. Her name even sounded distasteful to him. She walked to him. ¡°I wasn¡¯t monitoring you. Ie to this garden sometimes. Do you like here now?¡±. He looked around, it was a serene environment. And with someone as blunt, bad tempered and rash like her, she would need such a calm ce to remind her she wasn¡¯t a monster. ¡°Would you stoping here if I said I liked it?¡± he answered with a question. ¡°Yes, I need to avoid you¡± she said simply. Michael gasped, her attitude was almost overbearing. He knew he needed to keep a low profile in school anyway. Or else, they were lots of ways to bring down her pride. udia began leaving when he didn¡¯t answer her. He didn¡¯t even notice. He looked at her and sighed when he didn¡¯t find her. He continued his stroll around the garden and advanced to the junior section, they were called the junior section of the high school even though they were in grade ten. There were some gossips sections amongst them in the field. Probably talking about the kissing incident with Mr. And Mrs. Popr and how Mrs. Hot-tempered destroyed them. ¡°I really like ra. But I hate her sister¡± a kid said. Michael furrowed his brows questioningly. ra had a sister? Someone immediately hushed the kid who spoke and whispered something to her ears. The kid gasped and looked around to see if someone heard her. She blushed when she met Michael¡¯s gaze. ¡°ra doesn¡¯t have a sister¡± she corrected. Michael smiled to her as response and walked away. The school was boring without Tom and his friends. And here, people would befriended based on his money. He was already being called Sir. Michael by some students and teachers. Unlike at his former school were they were even were the top politicians kids are. And everyone had a sense of equality. He was sure he wouldn¡¯t really enjoy his stay. He should solely concentrate on getting ra¡¯s attention. What he wanted it for he didn¡¯t really know? He copsed on the nearest chair as he was finally in his ss. It was still Prep time. He was alone. He brought out his phone to check thest message from Tom but it was his was still thest. The other messages were from random girls. He didn¡¯t bother open them. A cackle jolted him up. He face mmed on seeing the people walking into the ss. Was that girl his shadow? She paused when she saw him in the ss. Probably wondering if he was her shadow. She flipped her hair backwards and continued into the ss. ¡°Stopughing like a pig, Wright. You¡¯re scaring me¡± udia chuckled lightly. Shepletely ignored Michael¡¯s presence and went for her table. Wright waved awkwardly at Michael, trying not to ignore. Michael just nodded. He¡¯d have prefer if he ignored. ¡°The Math teacher is being a devil again with her assignment¡± udia mmed her table locker shut, ¡°Well, I¡¯ve seen worse in my life¡±. Wright helped her sort out the many textbooks in her bag and brought out a gigantic Math textbook. ¡°No, I¡¯m done with that one¡± she dragged it back into her bag and kept on searching. Wright froze and looked down at the size of the book. Michael rolled his eyes. So she was a book reading nerd too? ¡°Yeah, this one¡± she brought a smaller one. ¡°It has all the identical questions from our homework?¡± Wright took it from her. ¡°Yeah, and since I¡¯m done with my homework you can use the book to do yours¡± she patted him. Wright¡¯s shoulders fell dejectedly, he wanted her help. Wasn¡¯t she the ¡°robotic Einstein¡±? ¡°And yes, we would be having Math test soon. Thedy would give them early this semester¡± she said aloud to Michael and dragged Wright to the library. Michael shrugged as response even though he knew she didn¡¯t see him. He brought up a book and pen from his bag. ¡°So what am I really doing here?¡± he said aloud. ¡°Learn. What else?¡± ra giggled whileing into the ss. She was holding her left hand with her right. He smiled broadly, she just had that reaction on him. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with your hand?¡± he didn¡¯t sound worried, just curious. He became worried after hearing her answer. ¡°You know that udia girl, I just met her outside. And she bent my hand yelling I should move away from her. That I stink¡± ra faked a teary tone. Of course it wasn¡¯t true. She had tried scolding udia for embarrassing her and udia shut her up by twisting her hand and tossing her to the sides. She just wanted to sound pathetic. ¡°I¡¯m almost used to her bullying me though. It is her way with me for years now. I wished my boyfriend could attempt defending me but he¡¯s as scared as I am of her¡± she kept on whining. Michael frowned. The pathetic thing she called a boyfriend. That couldn¡¯t even protect her from a bully. He flew up from his seat and it shook her. ¡°Oh my, you scared me¡± she held her chest dramatically. Chapter Twenty-Three – He’s lowly. He flew up from his seat and it shook her. ¡°Oh my, you scared me¡± she held her chest dramatically. She rubbed her left hand gently and smiled, ¡°Don¡¯t worry I¡¯d go to my family doctor. I¡¯ll be better tomorrow¡±. She smiled wider when she saw his clenched fists. He could go punch udia and get in trouble on her behalf, she didn¡¯t care. At least, udia would get rewarded fairly for the huge embarrassment she gave her and Mark at the cafeteria. ¡°I could take you to the hospital. I know where it is¡± Michael said lowly. She nodded hurriedly and waddled to him. It would be so amazing him driving her somewhere. ¡°Lets go¡± she giggled cutely and dragged him towards the exit. He had to smile from her cute expressions while an evil smirk curved her lips. ra began a crying drama immediately Michael dropped at the hospital. He looked at her confused. Was the hand that bad? ¡°Ahh, it¡¯s a way to get their attention. They¡¯re too busy¡± she whispered to him. She started fake crying and holding her hand like it was broken. A nurse came running to her. ¡°What happened?¡± the nurse came holding her to a ward. Michael signaled to her that he would be waiting for her. He sat down and watched her act. It was entertaining. ¡°What happened to me? It¡¯s my nemesis, udia¡± ra cried. The nurse gave her a suspicious look but said nothing. ¡°udia again? You and that girl¡± another nurse that heard what ra said shook her head. Michael began wondering if the nurses knew ra as udia¡¯s nemesis. Was the udia that bad? Did she make ra frequent the hospital? A nurse walked to him and politely asked who he was looking for. He pointed to the ward ra went into and said she was already there. As the maid left a blurry shback of ady shouting his name while driving him on the stretcher ran past his mind. Her body was stained with blood and the only thing she shouted was ¡°Stay with me Child¡±. The nurse so just met him was an older version of her. Probably the same nurse who just grew older. The pains from the cut came back and he gazed at his hand. He could imagine the red liquid pumping out of his flesh.Content is property of N?velDrama.Org. He looked up from the hospital but then everywhere began resonating his screams and the nurses pleas for him to hold on. His traumas wereing back. He had to leave the hospital before he identally see blood, it would worsen. He hurried to ra and saw her fondling a teddy the nurse had given her. ¡°Your hand is okay, ra¡± the nurse flicked her head. It was as annoying as it was normal for her to rush for medical tests when nothing was wrong with her. Just to indict her twin. ¡°It is now. But I¡¯m sure udia will find a way to break it again¡± she murmured while running her hair with her hand. Michael sighed. That udia was a threat to ra¡¯s happiness. She must be removed somehow. He always hated bullied and since he had never been bullied, he wouldn¡¯t let someone he owed his life to be either. As they drove back to school, he remembered that they hadn¡¯t taken a permit by their teacher before leaving. The security guard had just opened for him the moment he swayed his car keys at him. It wasn¡¯t how it should be, was it? Or was it another preferential treatment he was getting? ss had started by the time they got back. The teacher just smiled as they both walked in. While the students scanned them up and down with questions sprouting up their throats but none dared say it out. Michael had looked for udia amongst his ssmates and found her ring at him. It wasn¡¯t suspicious like the other students but highly annoyed. Well, he was annoyed at her too. ¡°He¡¯s into ra? He¡¯s so lowly¡± he heard someone say behind him. He turned to the girl and she bit her lip nervously and looked down. ¡°Don¡¯t intimidate her. She can say whatever she wanted. Not like she was lying¡± Wright, who was sitting besides him, said. udia¡¯s re didn¡¯t falter. Michael wondered what courage the boy had to speak like that? It could be the same courage the girl who called him lowly was tapping from? And what sin was it taking a ssmate to a hospital? Why was everyone jumping to conclusions like that? ¡°ra Larabee, Mega and Belle. After you¡¯re done with your notes, please meet me in my office¡± the teacher said politely and left. The whole ss fell silent. ra looked at the girls and they looked as confused as her. ¡°We¡¯ll see what the old witch have to say¡± Belle shrugged. udia stood up and left the ss. Wright peeked into her book and saw that her notes weren¡¯t done yet so he took her book to help her copy. Michael looked at him in disgust. Sometimes he wondered how he put up with udia¡¯s temper. And why he always yed ve boy instead of friend to udia. Maybe because she couldn¡¯t have friends. He noticed ra exercising the had she imed had been twisted by udia. He stood you and went to the door, he waited for a while before finally going outside to confront udia. He wouldn¡¯t like taking ra to the hospital again because of her. He wouldn¡¯t like to have the reaction of their ssmates again as well. So she would have go stop her threats or taste her own medicine. ¡°Let go, jerk¡± udia yelled and dragged her hands from Michael. What demon possessed him? He had dragged her all the way from near the female¡¯s toilet to the school garden. No teacher was around. ¡°Hey, you, udia. I have simple instructions for you to follow. Concerning ra¡± he roared. She massaged her almost red wrist. ¡°You are crazy. Another French crazy guy I¡¯ll be meeting since five years, that¡¯s you. So lowly¡± she scoffed at him. He frowned, that was the second time someone was referring to him as ¡°lowly¡±. ¡°Crazy, lowly or whatever. I have some words for you..¡± a sharp pain in his groin made him scream out thest part. She was turning it to a fight. Chapter Twenty-Four – He made a mistake. ¡°Crazy or whatever. I have some words for you..¡± a sharp pain in his groin made him scream out thest part. She was turning it to a fight. She kicked him on the legs and tried walking away when he dragged her back from her hair. Why did he do that? He didn¡¯t know. Her hair was thick and for a while he appreciated that. He dragged her hands and attempted twisting it but she stopped him. He struggled with her for a while and could attest that she was really strong. His hands were bing slippery from a wet substance. Was that how sweat? ¡°Let go, bastard!¡± she suddenly began crying. He twisted her hand more and another hit to his groin made him fall, setting her free. She dived a rock on the ground and jumped on him. She raised the rock and was aiming for his head when she stopped mid air. Tears were streaming down her eyes but what shocked Michael more was that blood was streaming down her wrist as well. It was the wet substance. It was like a deep cut had been reopened when he twisted her arm. The wound was fresh and looked really deep. It was surely a knife cut. ¡°If I kill you now. I can live with it, you know!¡± she screamed at him. He was dumbfounded. Had he gone that far? He never intended to. That was human blood. His earlier traumatic experience resurfaced when he saw the blood but he stayed focused. He had to help the situation. ¡°How can your flesh be so weak yet your bones are tough?¡± was all he could mutter. He was sure the rocknded. Luckily not on his head, a drop of her blood dropped on his face and pain shook through his body. She stood up from his body and pointed at him. She began speaking amidst sobs. ¡°You¡¯ll pay. ra sent you right? Its the deal you had discussed with her when you left right? I¡¯ll stop worrying about you. Whoever kills you kills you. And for ra, she can live like a bitch if she wanted¡± she picked the rock and threw it far away. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± he started but she just ran off. Blood dropped as she left and she didn¡¯t bother cover it up. He felt the sincerity her words. He knew he¡¯d really pay. How could he had let it escte this much? It was a warning he came to deliver. Just a warning. Now it looked like a bullying.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. He looked at her retreating figure and saw her calling ¡°grandma¡± as she ran. He copsed on the ground and hoped to stay there for while. He was hopeless. Was this his affection for ra that made him this mad or the long hours training with those psycho mafias? He didn¡¯t be strong like them exactly but surely as psychotic. His phone beeped and thest person he wanted to hear his voice at that moment spoke when he picked it up. ¡°Dad?¡± he flung himself up from the ground. ¡°Yes, I am on my way to your school. Just got into the U. S recently. School hours is almost over right?¡± his cold voice sounded. Michael was speechless. Even at France, he hated his father visiting. He would begin introducing him to the principal as his son and ask to meet the teachers with him. Obviously to pass a threat that his my son in the mildest manner. Robbing him of his teachers teaching him like a normal kid. Well, he never felt like a normal kid there. But here, with ra, he wished he had such chance. He wiped the blood of his face and it spread instead over his face. ¡°I hate my life now¡± he sighed tiredly. He didn¡¯t even feel like washing the blood off. And so what if his father saw it. He would realize the bloody idiot he had raised. ******* udia raced to the girl¡¯s bathroom. She knew traces of blood followed her but she cared less. She washed her hands and clenched her teeth due to the pain of water touching her inner skin. It was nothingpared to the pain she felt in her heart. How could the new boy take up a fight with her for no reason other than ra. Has he lost some brain cells? And the fact her tears had to release at that point angered her more. No, he had made a mistake. To even think of hurting her. She turned to stomp out of the restroom, and possibly gomit a murder, but held her self. She would act like nothing happened. If he apologized, better. If not, she¡¯ll wait for her perfect time. For now, let her show her parents the ¡°cool video¡± she took of their favorite daughter, udia,st night. It was sure to ¡°brighten up their mood¡±. With a n waiting for execution, she stomped out of the restroom to find Wright standing outside. He stared down at her open wound and looked horrified. udia had worn a long sleeved cloth to hide the wound and hadn¡¯t bother covered it because it was already healing. But with the soft skin she had, it had to give way when it was twisted. ¡°Michael left behind you¡­¡± Wright said and couldn¡¯t say more. She saw him clench his fist and kept his stare at her hand. She walked slowly to him but said nothing. Abruptly, he turned and began running towards the ss. She chased after him and held in time. ¡°What are you going to do?¡± she held him back. Was he going to fight Michael. ¡°Why! Because he¡¯s a mafia¡¯s son so he think he can bully people like that?¡± Wright pushed her back and yelled. Apart from when she made him stranded, udia had never seen him so angry and agitated. Was he angry for her sake or his? What was about Michael¡¯s father being mafia? And him using ¡°bully people¡± made her feel lesser than herself. With all the conflicting thoughts running through her head, udia didn¡¯t know how her legs lost bnce and strength and offered her freely to the ground. She tried falling with her hands but the injured one came first and couldn¡¯tst long. ¡°udia, are you okay?¡± were thest words she heard before her ckout. Chapter Twenty-Five – A Rogue Mafia. Michael was so right. His father began showing him off and introducing him to the principal and teachers as his son. Like it was a normal ritual. The teachers acted more by bowing and chanting ¡°I respect you sir¡± and ¡°I admire you sir¡±. Being petty all the time. ¡°Have you met with ra? Hope you haven¡¯t told her your identity?¡± his father said in hushes when the teacher gave him some space. He nodded only as another teacher strikes a conversation with his dad. He hoped his father would just leave so he¡¯ll hurry and settle the problem with udia. He saw some juniors running around with a mop and a bucket cheering about something. ¡°How could someone kill a cat and spill its blood all over?¡± a girl amongst them had cried. The rest shook their head and kept of rushing towards the hallway near the garden. He wanted to run after them but held himself. Perhaps udia was covering everything up. But the reason why still bothered him very much. He hung his head in shame for his actions all through his father¡¯s visit. ¡°Made friends already?¡± his father enquired as they walked to their car. ¡°No friends yet. They are all too careful with me¡± he answered. He mmed the door shut and gritted his teeth as memories of blood tricking down udia¡¯s wrist tormented him. Wright watched him from the school building as he got into his father¡¯s car and drove off. ¡°Fine¡± he sighed and returned to take udia to her home. Unfortunately that day, the Larabee¡¯s driver couldn¡¯t pick them up and Wright had to take a taxi to drop udia at home. Mrs. Larabee¡¯s mouth dropped when she saw her daughter being supported by someone into the house. Mr. Larabee red at the bandaged hand of his daughter and his mouth fell as well. udia smiled at her mother faintly to calm her down as Wright dropped her slowly on the sofa. ¡°Where¡¯s ra?¡± Mr. Larabee yelled at udia. She looked up at him in surprise. Was he asking about ra when she was in that situation. Why couldn¡¯t he bother about her first? ¡°Excuse me, please, but did her wound reopen?¡± her mother asked Wright. He nodded and handed her some drugs and bandage he had bought for udia. ¡°The drug¡¯s prescription is in the packet, ma¡¯am. I¡¯m sorry to bother you. She had taken for today already¡± he bowed and began leaving. ¡°You didn¡¯t answer me udia. Where¡¯s your younger sister ra?¡± her father yelled again. Wright turned to him and a re was shot at Mr. Larabee. The man made it seem like ra acted like a younger sister to udia. Or was ra more respectful at home? ¡°Honey, you know ra and udia don¡¯te together. Why are you asking about her when we have udia injured here?¡± Mrs. Larabee patted her husband, speaking calmly. udia was grateful to her mother for stepping up for her, for once. But her father¡¯s next action surprised her to her bone. Despite her mother¡¯s admonition to cater for udia as she was visibly injured, Mr. Larabee picked his keys from the table and dashed to go and find ra. Mrs. Larabee couldn¡¯t even protest before he ran past. ¡°We need to take udia to the hospital!¡± she shouted after her husband. Wright looked away from udia as he saw her crying. He could cry too. Was this what she saw at home? No wonder she was ill-tempered and had a weird way of showing love or concern. udia wiped her tears and went to her room. ¡°Thank you, dear. Can I get your name?¡± Mrs. Larabee massaged her throat after her shouting. ¡°Wright, my name is Wright ma¡¯am. Don¡¯t bother, udia had had medical attention already¡± he told her. When he finally was outside their gate he looked back at the house and shook his head. Mr. Larabee looked like the father of ra but definitely not the father of udia. As he walked down, a little boy bumped into him. ¡°Hey, sorry sir¡± he screamed and continued running. Wright didn¡¯t need a prophet to tell him it was udia¡¯s brother because he had seen him once before. ¡°Why was the boying home alone? Didn¡¯t I call ra and tell her to drop him?¡± Wright began questioning himself. ra was just too unworthy of anything. She would even risk her little brother¡¯s safety. Memories of udia¡¯s tickling blood and the thought of Michael being fully responsible clouded Wright¡¯s remaining thoughts. For the sake of all the drama that had happened to him for a day, he needed a good sleep. ****** Mrs. Peniel noticed Michael was quiet as they ate dinner. ¡°Another man is on the run. Be careful at your school. He may foolishlye after you, okay?¡± Mr. Louis said while eating. Michael looked up at him for the first time. What man was his father talking about? ¡°A rebel. One of Shark¡¯s mafia boys. Be careful¡± his father answered his look. Mrs. Peniel attempted standing from her table but sank back slowly. ¡°And why does it concern Michael. He doesn¡¯t handle the hidden business of Bleu Cristal. Only thepany not your illegal deals. Why should a rogue mafia be after him?¡±. Her face was reddening. All the things she had been forced to swallow, all the dark and shady things she was asked to overlook, she wouldn¡¯t let the innocent Michael be dragged into it. Mr. Louis didn¡¯t even bother react to her rants. Michael stayed quiet too. If Mrs. Peniel knew he was more involved in his father¡¯s mafia business than he told her, she would cut his head off. ¡°He would need security in his school then? You have t arrange someone to follow him about¡± she suggested. Michael shook his head, ¡°No need. I want a normal life. I need no waiting ve. I¡¯m not a baby¡±. He nced at his after for a reaction but he still didn¡¯t give anything.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡°Don¡¯t say that.. You need a..¡± ¡°I¡¯ve arranged a body guard for you already. That was what I talked to your teachers and principal about¡± his father interrupted Mrs. Peniel. She frowned at him but still nodded in affirmation. Michael angrily left the table. A normal life was far from his reach. Chapter Twenty-Six – He should watch out. ra looked around to be sure no one was at the sitting room. She pushed the door open and slid in. She tiptoed through the dim room and was about scurrying up to her room when the sockets where switched on. Her heart began thumping as she turned to see who it was. Her heart nearly stopped when she saw her parents with udia. udia having an evil smirk. ¡°Where are youing from?¡± Mrs. Larabee started. udia nodded, it was the typical question and the exact one for that moment. ¡°ra honey, no. Just no. I didn¡¯t just see you sneaking inside from God knows where. No, I didn¡¯t¡± Mr. Larabee gulped as he spoke. udia smirk grew wider. ¡°Yes, dad. You saw her. Believe your eyes for once¡± Paul said as he rushed down from downstairs. His father red. Paul stood by udia¡¯s sides and all the family red at ra expecting an answer. ¡°I didn¡¯t¡­ its not what you think¡­ I just¡­¡± ra stammered but her parents re didn¡¯t waver. Disappointment filled her father¡¯s eyes. Tears filled hers. ¡°Then I think we should return to how udia got that knife injury, ra. She said that she caught you sneaking about and you attacked her with a knife. You denied it but look, you actually do sneak out at night¡± her mother screamed on top of her voice. ra shook her head but no words came out. ¡°Yes, and today, udia¡¯s wound reopened. How could you put such torment on your own twin, your own blood?¡± Mr. Larabee chipped in. ra¡¯s eyes widened. She never knew the injury reopened. She didn¡¯t cause that. But her parents voice just kept on increasing. Their voices were going to break the roof soon, udia was sure. Their neighbors were out on a business trip or else they¡¯d have called security. udia was impressed her father was reasoning her case for a while. The incident of ra attacking her with a knife had some exnations. She had caught ra sneaking off that night as she was cutting some watermelon to enjoy at night. ra had threatened her with the knife to swear to keep it a secret. She wouldn¡¯t have harmed her, udia knew her chicken her twin was. But in an attempt to snatch the knife from ra, ra swayed it around and it dived deep into udia¡¯s wrist. ra had then sneaked out nevertheless and didn¡¯t bother repair her damage by apologies nor medical assistance. Now it was time for her punishment. Mr. Larabee walked menacingly towards ra and a grin spread across udia¡¯s face. And it happened, ra received her first p from her father. And then the second. And her father held himself from giving the third. Honestly, udia hadn¡¯t been hit by her father before but the emotional pains she got from him was more than it. It was their mother that stopped her father from hitting the third one. ra was already red and she stomped off to her room. ¡°And who said we were done with you? Come back here!¡± Mr. Larabee bellowed but she just ran off. ¡°A nice scolding that was¡± Paul nudged udia. She didn¡¯t really feel good about the hits ra got but all the same, hope she learnt her lesson. The next person needing a lesson was that Michael. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m not sure how I¡¯ll want to deal with him. I made sure Wright doesn¡¯t overreact so I don¡¯t want to myself¡± she exined everything to Paulter that day. ¡°Well, since he¡¯s a rich kid. You could get some financialpensation if you report to the police¡± he suggested. ¡°And seen as a beggar who just wanted his money? ra wouldn¡¯t let it off, she¡¯ll make me look like I needed his money and then I fabricated stories. Whatever I need to do, I need to do it silently but wickedly¡± she snapped back, totally rejecting the ¡°just report to the police idea¡±. The fact he was a rich kid would make it even harder for thew to judge him so she¡¯ll do her thing herself. ¡°Seems like you have everything nned off. Don¡¯t get hurt. Do what you want then¡± Paul shrugged and hurriedly changed the topic to something that wasn¡¯t potentially thrilling. ********** Michael was surely not looking forward to school. Not with the six foot body guard that was set to follow him around. Still, in her usual manner, Mrs. Peniel screamed for him to wake up and helped him arrange for school. He couldn¡¯t avoid it. He would just ask for udia¡¯s forgiveness. It wasn¡¯t something he does all the time but he would have to eat his pride this time. And hope her punishment wouldn¡¯t be bad because he was sure that someone with her temper and personality was sure to retaliate. While nning his apology speech to udia, he saw a girl dragging her feet to his school with sloppy shoulders. ¡°ra?¡± it escaped his lips. He could have let her be but he couldn¡¯t?Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. She was wearing her signature pink elbow length glove though with some rough sneakers which wasn¡¯t really her style. ¡°Pick her up please¡± he told his driver. His body guard gave him a side eye but he ignored it. He regretted itter. It wasn¡¯t ra but udia. He could only wonder why she was wearing an elbow give that looked like ra¡¯s. But he knew why she should even wear one. udia gave an unsure look to the driver when he asked her gruffly to get in the car. She gave a re when she spotted Michael in the car¡¯s backseat. A re that screamed ¡°You! Watch out!¡±. ¡°Take your tin can and move before I lose a tyre¡± she spoke with her re till on Michael. The driver turned, did he hear right? Basically all the girls would jump at the chance of driving in the same car with the Bleu Cristal heir. All, except this one spitting threats. She finally let go of her re and began leaving. ¡°Make sure that body guard stay close Michael¡± sheughed as she left. Michael¡¯s driver turned to him for answers as did his body guard. ¡°Mistaken identity. Sorry¡± was the only answer he could mutter. So he had a bad start, he could forget his apology and think of not getting in her way. Never had a seemingly weak but determined girl given him such shivers. Chapter Twenty-Seven – Project. Whatever respect Wright had for the Louis Heirs, it died. While everyone saw Michael¡¯s new body guard as a flex of his wealth, Wright saw it as a way of protecting himself from whatever ra was going to do. He couldn¡¯t even fathom why he would be so scared. He could just render an apology but he rather avoid her while snooping around with a muscle guy? Pathetic! ¡°So I¡¯d be grouping you guys for the project¡± the geography teacher announced. ¡°Find different types of rocks, arrange them and give¡­¡± Michael couldn¡¯t hear the teachers remaining words as some girls began giggling near him. He sighed and adjusted himself on his seat. He turned slightly to see if the body guard was still standing at the door. He was, as still as a rock. He pitied him. Sitting wouldn¡¯t hurt. Why was his father putting such stress on somebody. ¡°Michael?¡± the geography teacher called. Michael looked at her with widened eyes. ¡°I said you are paired up with Cecilia and Wright. Is that okay?¡± she asked. He was quiet momentarily. ¡°Since when did students get to say okay or not to a group pairing, ma¡¯am¡± a boy¡¯s voice echoed. It was Wright. Slight murmuring began. ¡°In that case, I want to work with Wright¡± udia said, nonchntly. The teacher had mixed emotions. She stammered a ¡°well, let¡¯s go on¡±. She averted her gaze from Michael and began writing the rest of the instructions on the ckboard. Wright dragged himself to the chair besides Michael. ¡°It seems daddy won¡¯t let youe out again if you go home so we¡¯ll do our project before you leave, kay?¡± he spoke without looking at him. Michael kept a straight face at him. He knew he was udia¡¯s friend. Still, he wasn¡¯t in any rank to speak down at him. ¡°Are you referring to me?¡± he asked him. ¡°Don¡¯t tell me you¡¯re deaf now?¡± Wright asked before shoving paper into his hands and leaving for the other project mate, Cecilia¡¯s seat. Michael stifled in aughter. Was the Wright being rude because of the incident with udia? He wasn¡¯t in any position to be that way. It wasn¡¯t his business. No matter what udia may be to him. It wasn¡¯t his business and shouldn¡¯t make it his business. ¡°You have one more ss before going home¡± his body guard whispered to him when he was going to the cafeteria. He sighed. The man even knew his timetable. There was no escaping his prying eyes. Neither the annoying eyes of the students in the cafeteria. Some juniors began whispering to themselves probably ufortable by the presence of the man in the cafeteria. It was as if they couldn¡¯t gawk over Michael in peace. Michael looked around for ra for the tenth time. Her friends were sitting with some other girls chatting and eating. Her supposed boyfriend was flirting with some other girl. He wasn¡¯t very surprised but no one had talked about ra. Not even the teachers. Wright crept to the table Michael was and the body guard gave him a suspicious look. ¡°So when will you be free to get the rocks? After school or early tomorrow?¡± he spoke in a rather friendly tone thanst time. Michael gave him a shrug, ¡°Depends on my schedule. Would let you know before school ends¡±. He was trying to be sassy but it seemed Wright didn¡¯t catch it and nodded an ¡°okay¡±. He stayed on his table longer still. ¡°Want something else?¡± Michael asked. Wright came closer to whisper. The body guard¡¯s look turned to a re. ¡°I was just wondering. Somehow news got out that some mafia guy was aiming at you. If it is true and that¡¯s why this muscle guy is here¡­ well, don¡¯t you think the school or other students should know? For their own safety too, you know¡± he shifted away from Michael. Michael avoided looking at him and kept his eyes fixed on the body guard. How did the news let out? Maybe the press had some insider at Bleu Cristal or something.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. The rebel mafia wasn¡¯t exactly after him. It wasn¡¯t certain so he may not be a danger to the school or students. Michael thought. ¡°It¡¯s okay. I don¡¯t know where you heard that but everything is okay. The body guard is just for security. No threat involved¡± he said in his most assuring voice. Wright nodded, ¡°And speaking of threats, can I ask what really happened with udia? udia had always had a shortage of blood, I don¡¯t know why. I¡¯m concerned. I¡¯m not prying but asking genuinely¡±. A century passed but Michael gave no answer. Wright sat besides him waiting but left finally when the bell rung for end of prep. ¡°Who is the kid? One of your close friends?¡± his body guard grunted as he asked Michael about Wright. ¡°He¡¯s okay. You saw him get paired up with me for a project, right? So he¡¯s okay¡± he answered the man. Thest ss went like a breeze with him still thinking of how ra could miss a day in school and no one spoke a word about it. Wasn¡¯t she Queen? Or was word spread but he didn¡¯t hear? He also wondered how he¡¯ll repair the damage he had started with udia. Being someone who had lost blood before, even though for a short while, he knew it could be tiring and weakening. He felt worse for his actions and sometimes passed nces to udia. Her elbow glove covered the area of the injury. He only hoped it was okay. He caught Wright staring at him and chose to ignore him. ¡°Any ce special you want to go?¡± his body guard asked as they walked out of thest ss. The day had finished rather fast. And uneventful. ¡°Yeah, the project I have¡± he said simply and waited for Wright to leave the ss. He gulped down saliva as udia walked out with Wright. ¡°Oh, so we should head out now?¡± Wright returned udia¡¯s bag to her. She pouted and took it. ¡°Can¡¯t you do it early tomorrow by five. You promised to take me home while holding my bag. My hand is broken for Christ¡¯s sake. Michael, why don¡¯t you guys do it tomorrow¡± she whined. Guilt flushed in on Michael and Wright just gave a side smile. Chapter Twenty-Eight – Clara’s first day at home. Guilt flushed in on Michael and Wright just gave a side smile. ¡°Young miss, don¡¯t you understand what a project means. It is your grades¡± the body guard roared.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡°Let your boyfriend fight for his grades¡± he added. Michael ced his hands on his body guard¡¯s chest to stop him from talking. ¡°Help her with her bag, we¡¯ll meet in school tomorrow by five a. m. for the project¡± he turned and began leaving, his body guard behind him. A smirk sprang up udia¡¯s lips and she patted Wright on his shoulders. ¡°I brought my bag to school and I can take it back, go home and rest so you¡¯ll make it by five¡±. Wright smiled to show he understood. ¡°Where¡¯s ra anyway?¡± he asked before udia left. ¡°Two days grounding. Was caught sneaking out at night. Mom called the school and said she¡¯s sick. They aren¡¯t lying. She¡¯s sick in the head¡± she winked. Wright chuckled and waved a goodbye to her. Tomorrow was going to be as peaceful as that day was. udia could feel it. No one asked her about ra. Like they forgot she was rted to her. And like ra was just a thorn everyone only noticed when she was around. udia somewhat felt bad for her twin. Even her circle of friends didn¡¯t care about her missing school. ra was banned from phones and couldn¡¯t reach out so there was no way they knew why she was absent. Just then, udia saw Mega walking towards her with some school notes. ¡°For ra. She shouldn¡¯t miss school to go to spas. I won¡¯t be doing this again¡± she pushed the books to udia¡¯s chest and stormed off. Spas? udia scoffed. And she had thought the whole school forgot ra. Of course the imp would have made an excuse. She must not have known mom reported in sick for her. Now, it would look like a lie. Could it be that infernal sister of hers had somehow gotten to a phone and lied that she went to the spa? ¡°So she could be such a shameless liar?¡±. udia began wondering her next new lie when she doesn¡¯te to school the next day too. Maybe she had to stay at home cos of a skin reaction from her day at the spa. It sounded like a good one. ¡°And how did she get a phone?¡±. The little thief. ¡°Paul, I¡¯m home!¡± udia announced as she got towards the door. She waited for some seconds before Paul came running out of the door to hug her. It felt rewarding. ¡°And how¡¯s the hand?¡± her father, mixing cereal for Paul, asked. udia smiled, it was still new for her father to ask about her health but she was getting used to it. ¡°Fine. Thanks. You¡¯re back early?¡±. He shrugged, ¡°Yeah¡±. Her mother came in with a frownter. ¡°Your sister spent the whole day doodling and sleeping. Spared no time to read or even take a bath¡± it sounded like she was reporting to udia. udia just stayed quiet. ¡°I wonder if all her friends at school knew how dirty and irresponsible she was¡± their father chipped in. udia remembered Mega¡¯s notes for her twin and ran upstairs to ra¡¯s room to give them to her. ¡°I don¡¯t think mum and dad knew about you phoning Mega¡± she tossed the books on her face when she opened the door. ¡°And I suppose you¡¯ll tell?¡± ra¡¯s voice sounded bored. udia walked into the room, ¡°I would but then you¡¯ll spend the rest of the day being yelled at. My eyes won¡¯t bear it¡±. ra rolled her eyes and mmed the door shut. ¡°So, I wanted to say, I don¡¯t know what you and the new guy Michael talked about but¡­ there¡¯s been rumor of him being a target of an assassination n. You acting like his girlfriend won¡¯t help you as you could get targeted at too¡± udia stated as a matter of fact. ¡°And you? Where did you hear that gibberish from? Why should I even listen to you!¡± ra retorted. udia looked so irritated, both by her sister¡¯s stupidity and her raising her voice to question her. ¡°Well, then don¡¯t. Don¡¯t listen. I¡¯m only saying it because we are blood rted and so mom and dad won¡¯t say I don¡¯t talk to you. y with him. Break Mark¡¯s heart. Mess yourself up. If you want to also, stand in the way of my revenge against him. Have fun¡± she stormed out of her twin¡¯s room. ra held herself from running after her sister. How dare shee into her room and spit lies about someone? It was okay for her to hate him but to be this petty by spreading rumors of a possible assassination was too much. Too much to be her sister¡¯s doing. She was anything but petty. Her small phone rung again and she quickly locked up her door to answer it. If her parents, or her rival sister, find her only lead to the outside world, it will be bad for her. ¡°OMG, Michael? You called?¡± she was really surprised. Michael stayed quiet at the other end of the phone. ¡°Hello, Michael?¡± ra asked again excitedly. He wanted to be sure she sounded okay. ¡°Why weren¡¯t you in school today?¡± his voice was low. ra blushed, ¡°Where you worried? I thought news got around. I went to the spa¡±. She waited for a response but none was forthing. ¡°Michael? Are you there?¡±. A sound of a ss object being smashed to pieces jolted her. ¡°Sorry, I¡¯m at the kitchen, trying my luck¡± Michael finally replied. She smiled, ¡°A man that can cook. Sweet¡±. ¡°Fine. Is that really why you missed school though, for spa? I wondered whether you got injured by somebody or maybe your hand got worse?¡± his voice was lower. ¡°I¡¯m okay. Just had to rush there. And who would hurt me, udia knows her limit. She¡¯s just an insecure girl who bullies other people to pass away her pains, that¡¯s all¡± she smirked. The other line was quiet again. ¡°Thanks for calling though¡± ra added. ¡°Hmm. About udia? Do you know how she lost blood once. Her friend once said about her losing blood, something happened and I just wanted to know. Was she involved in an ident?¡± another smashing sound was heard from Michael¡¯s side. ra ran her tongue around her mouth while thinking of her next response. Surely she wasn¡¯t going to tell him the truth and make him feel like udia was a hero. It would also sell out the fact that they were twins. And she was a devil since she forced the donation on udia and cut her wrist. It had to end in two ways. Either she changed the topic. Or give a convincing lie. udia wouldn¡¯t just look good after it. Chapter Twenty-Nine – Trending gossip. ¡°Good day, Michael¡± Wright felt light that day. He gave a small bow to the body guard who was standing outside the car. Michael didn¡¯t respond to Wright¡¯s greetings and mmed the car door shut. Wright was puzzled for a sec. Did he wake up on the wrong side of the bed? ¡°Get into the car if you are joining him to get the rocks¡± the driver rolled his eyes at Wright. He did as he was told. As ufortable as it seemed sitting beside a grumpy boy, he quite enjoyed the smooth ride. He was obviously displeased when the car came to a halt by a stream side. ¡°Yes, we could get the sample rocks from here¡± Wright struggled to bring out his textbook from his bag while Michael began walking towards the stream. Wright followed. Michael raised his hand for his bodyguard not to follow and the bodyguard nodded. ¡°As for Cecilia, she felt very awkward working with you so she said she¡¯d handle the arrangement and exnation of the rocks. We should just do the retrieving¡± Wright informed. Michael only nodded. ¡°Is something wrong? You don¡¯t seem talkative today?¡± Wright had to ask. Michael looked like he had been waiting for the question for long as he gave a satisfied smile. ¡°Do I usually seem talkative? With you?¡± Wright flinched by the coldness of his voice. ¡°Well, we don¡¯t have problems so you shouldn¡¯t speak coldly either¡± he answered. Michael kept his eyes fixated on him while bending down to lock a pebble, ¡°That girl, udia. You really don¡¯t know how she got that injury? It¡¯s kind of deep for a minor home ident, don¡¯t you think?¡± he tossed the pebble into the stream. Wright looked over at the stream, and then at him and shooked his head, ¡°She never said it was a home ident, she just never talked about it. I didn¡¯t enquire much. Could be something painful and I didn¡¯t want to re-open wounds¡±. Michael chuckled softly, ¡°You¡¯re sweet. And obviously like her. I can¡¯t ce why. What if you were to know the real story behind the injury, would it change the way you see her?¡±. Wright looked down at his hands confused. Michael picked up another pebble. Let him share the scary story he heard from ra the other day. If Wright was looking out for Mafia guys, he should better watch out for the one he was hanging around all the time. ********* It was almost time for their first ss and Wright hadn¡¯t returned back to the school. udia had waited outside but decided to return out of boredom. Wright wasn¡¯t a baby so she shouldn¡¯t feel like she should know his every movement. Also, she should gauge herself from being too attached to him. It will do them no good. Mega gave a stylish walk to her curling her hair. If she was going to ask about ra then she better not. She started off with a re but the girl till came closer. ¡°ra sent a post on our ss group yesterday. I bet you aren¡¯t part of it so missed the post. It was about you, udia¡± a snicker escaped her lips, thatter ended with a smirk. udia narrowed her eyes at her, ¡°She could create whatever lies she wanted. Only fools would believe or bother ask me about them¡±. Mega¡¯s smirk vanished as udia indirectly called her a ¡°fool¡±. ¡°You know, your sister is more easier to deal with than you¡± she blurted. It was udia¡¯s turn to smirk, ¡°I¡¯m sorry, but why would you want to even deal with my sister. I thought you guys are friends¡±. Mega stormed away angrily. udia scoffed. Maybe her dumb twin couldn¡¯t see it but she could. Mega was as tired of ra¡¯s bossy rubbish as udia was tired of it. ¡°I think Wright should appear here now. I need to check out the lies that imp told about me¡± udia red at the entrance door as she thought. Wright would surely be part of the group. Just then Michael¡¯s car drove to a halt outside. More students were outside and saw Wright walking in with Michael. He shared in the waves that were being given to Michael. ¡°Wright shouldn¡¯t stick with that French kid much¡± Cecilia whispered behind udia. udia gave her a look and returned back to the boys, ¡°He knows better¡± she said, by the way. Cecilia went ahead and retrieved the rocks from them and made a promise to finish the project by the next day. ¡°Wasn¡¯t it rocks you guys were picking or did-¡± udia¡¯s words hung in her throat as Wright walked past her, ignoring her existence. Her brain screamed ¡°What just happened!¡± and her eyes followed Wright¡¯s trail into the ssroom. ¡°You hate being ignored right?¡± a sassy tone asked behind her. She turned angrily to him, ¡°This shouldn¡¯t be rted to the gossip I heard ra put up on the ss group. Unless you¡¯re even worse than petty¡± udia pointed. Michael looked confused.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡°I should have known ra was nning something after what she said yesterday. Duh, you French boys are so gullible. Especially in front of pretty and popr girls. If Wright chooses such part, I¡¯d only pity him¡± she spat and went ahead to look for how to get her eye on the trending gossip on her. How big was it that Wright believed second hand without asking her. She turned back to get the ess from Cecilia and saw Michael still standing confused. She sighed as she walked past him. ¡°Really!¡± udia screamed at the top of her lungs. The library had no students or some kid¡¯s ears would have burst. The gossip was already trending. How udia aborted the child of a mafia boss and how the mafia boss punished her by cutting her wrist. He was also after her. The story was so crazy yet carefully narrated. ¡°ra went far. This would also affect your parent¡¯s reputation. Your both parents. Or does she think by disowning you she disowns your parents too?¡± Cecilia sighed besides udia. Basically, udia didn¡¯t care about rumors about her. But this was much, huge, too degrading to ignore. And her parents reputation were on stake here. What baby with what mafia boss? How was that story cooked up? From what movie? ¡°What are you going to do?¡± Cecilia broke udia¡¯s conflicting thoughts. ¡°What I should have done long ago. Give her a big-sister-to-small-sister butt whooping!¡±. Last thing Cecilia saw was udia storming out of the school! Chapter Thirty – Clara’s Boyfriends. ¡°So should we give her more days of grounding?¡± Mrs. Larabee said amidst her lips trembling. Mr. Larabee didn¡¯t seem to have heard her as he whispered, ¡°God help me not to hurt that girl¡±. As expected, udia saw her parents were deeply shocked by the rumor. She had showed them the screenshot of the posts she had taken from Cecilia. They also saw that ra posted it on other day when she wasn¡¯t supposed to be with a phone. udia wouldn¡¯t have told on her but raising a case of abortion and immorality in her name was so unfair. rater came down alongside Paul per their parents request. udia noticed she didn¡¯t have a look of someone about to be buried six feet¡¯s with scolding. She looked rather like she had a n to evade everything. udia was looking forward to the new lie. ¡°You both should only ask me why I posted it when I wasn¡¯t allowed to be with a phone and don¡¯t ask me why I lied because I didn¡¯t¡± ra started, folding her arms around her chest. Paul rolled his eyes. ¡°What do you mean? How could your sister have gotten pregnant and we didn¡¯t know? The one who goes to night parties is you, don¡¯t forget¡± her mother yelled at her. ¡°Oh yeah, did you ask how she was awake those nights to see me sneaking out? Did you ask how she got that wound reopened? Or what she usually do during dad¡¯s ¡°bring your family to work¡± days when she says she wasn¡¯ting? Do you know all those?¡± she listed them with her hands. udia nearly face mmed for ra¡¯s poor attempt of using her. But she stopped when she saw her father¡¯s gaze now staring suspiciously at her. ¡°Really?!¡± she screamed in her head. Just few obviously untrue words from ra and he¡¯s suspecting her. ¡°C¡¯mon dad, udia gave you proof. Where¡¯s your proof ra?¡± Paul demanded immediately. He had heard how the injury reopened and knew all about his udia¡¯s ¡°staying at home to create her new inventions¡± so ra¡¯s lies were lies. Mrs. Larabee shook her head, ¡°ra, you know I¡¯ll have a hard time believing you. How could you even spill such to the media? Whether its true or not!¡±.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡°Whether its true or not!¡±. udia was now frowning. How could it be true. It was in all ways false. Why was her parents like this? ¡°Mom. udia was harassed by one of ra¡¯s boyfriends. He was the one who led to the bleeding. udia didn¡¯t say anything so ra¡¯s boyfriend won¡¯t get in trouble but now, it had to be told¡± Paul informed. ra¡¯s eyes widened. ¡°ra¡¯s Boyfriends?¡± their father clenched his fists. udia nodded. They should know in case they were thinking it was only Mark that was ra¡¯s boyfriend. He just had the official title. Their parents threw a tantrum. Threatening to sue the boy to court. ra was almost in tears. She could bear whatever humiliation she got at home but not at school! For the records, the boy wasn¡¯t her boyfriend. And she wasn¡¯t really sure he was romantically interested in her. It wasn¡¯t the way udia hoped to have a revenge on Michael but it was happening anyway. Her parents drove them back to the school immediately. The school¡¯s principal lived in the building. Mr. Larabee had knocked furiously on his door and it seemed it would break. ra wished the ground would swallow her when the principal opened and saw them. He invited them to his couch and was taken aback when the reports began. ¡°Michael Louis. The French heir?¡± The Principal was perplexed. He began stuttering, ¡°You would sue him? udia, are you sure he¡¯s the one?¡±. Mrs. Larabee rose from slowly from the couch. Her right fingers nearly stretched to strangle the principal. ¡°What do you mean? She¡¯s a teenager. Not a child. She knows who harmed her! Don¡¯t tell me because he is a heir you¡¯ll let it pass!¡±. The Principal literally withdraw from her stretching hands. He gulped down saliva and began trying to call them down. ¡°Michael is barely a week here. He knows no one here. How could he just harass udia? Also, if I should say, udia is the one who have had records of fighting with boys. Well, in her junior days, but still, why would he attack you, udia?¡± he looked at udia. ¡°ra must have sent him. He told me to stay away from ra. ra must have told him something¡± udia answers. ra shook her head, ¡°I¡¯m sorry. I had said you hurt me when you didn¡¯t. Maybe that was what he acted on¡± she was now crying. Mrs. Larabee scoffed, ¡°Oh, so he¡¯s acting overprotective boyfriend, eh? He¡¯s crazy. If he is new, how could he bond with a girl like that. Are all the boys in your school this stupid?¡±. udia nodded to her question and her mother¡¯s face looked more disgusted. ¡°French heir? Like the one five years ago. They seem so confused¡± Mr. Larabee muttered looking seemingly lost in the conversation. Paul caught it and began wondering. ¡°Look, I¡¯d investigate on this. He must have had a reason. I¡¯ll look into it. I know ra was a victim but I¡¯d just hear both stories. Meet me tomorrow¡±. The family nodded to the principal found their way out of their house. Tomorrow would be hot. ra could barely sleep. She was awake all through the night. Had parents had said nothing to her except that she should get ready for school the next day. Meaning they¡¯d storm school. Everyone would see how her parents embarrass her. Michael would know udia was his sister. Why did he have to do that? Was he really interested in her? ra covered her eyes from the sun rays as they tore into her eyes. She didn¡¯t even know that she had slept for a bit. But her brain kept running. A bang to her room door made her jump from bed. She was unwilling to open up till she heard udia¡¯s voice. Chapter Thirty-One – Sorry for the rumor. A bang to her room door made her jump from bed. She was unwilling to open up till she heard udia¡¯s voice. ¡°Wear this¡± udia flung a pink T-shirt and a skirt to her. ra gave her a questioningly look. ¡°I talked to mom and dad. It won¡¯t be good for your image if they storm school. I told them I¡¯d get an apology from the boy. You would actually. But then mom said we should dress like twins. Since I said the boy wouldn¡¯t have known we we¡¯re rted¡±. She frowned when she saw ra¡¯s disgusted face, ¡°Look, I¡¯m annoyed too. I hate dressing like anything rted to you. But you caused this. I¡¯d wear the same but blue. Just get an apology note from the bastard¡±. The drive to school was quiet. Broken by Paul¡¯s bye-bye to them as he was driven to his own school after they alighted. ¡°Act normal. I didn¡¯t spread any rumor about you. I¡¯m the only one who should be worried about gossips¡± udia said before walking in. ra wanted to say something but her tongue got tied. She brought her head down and walked in also. Mega and Belle ran to hug her the moment she came and she just gave a fake smiled. She saw Michael sending a very deep re to her and she just excused Mega and Belle and walked to him. She gave him a re of her own. ¡°Did you hurt udia?¡± she asked before he said anything. ¡°I regret it already¡± he said coldly. ¡°I regret everything. The rumor you spread were fake right? Why do you hate udia that much? Mega told me she is a childhood friend of yours or was¡± Michael shook his head as he spoke. ra nced to Mega and Mega gave her a wink. Was Mega trying to still hide that udia was her sibling? ra wasn¡¯t sure if she should continue with it but she saw herself nodding. ¡°udia is dangerous actually. I didn¡¯te here to tell you to not hurt her for her own good but for your own. I spread the rumor as a passive way of warning you to stay clear. So stay clear¡± she folded her arms on her chest. Michael dropped his that were on his chest. ¡°ra, be a better person. Don¡¯t spread lies about people. Do you know how she really got so grievously injured?¡±. She shook her head, ¡°But you have to apologize. Letter or something would be better. She¡¯s trouble so really stay clear¡±. ¡°I have thought of that. Problem is, she wouldn¡¯t ept any letter of apology¡±. ¡°She would. Just hand it to me. She would¡± after that ra walked to meet up with her friends. Michael stared at her retreating figure. He really regretted everything. Coming back to the U. S for one sole reason that seemed to be going down the drain by each day. ra was still unaware of his identity. He didn¡¯t n to tell her soonest anyway. Just then, he saw Wright rushing after udia trying to say something to her. But she kept on pushing him away. ¡°Look, go away. I¡¯m rough. I¡¯m unpredictable and possibly dangerous. Those were yourments¡± she tried moving away but he held her back. ¡°I wasn¡¯t lying exactly. You always say you¡¯re dangerous. I shouldn¡¯t have believed him though¡± he stopped when he saw Michael watching him. udia caught his stare and turned to Michael while speaking to Wright. ¡°Wright, some French fool from somewheree and tell you lies about me and you believe first off. You think those Frenches are okay. They canmit suicide at tender ages of twelve you know!¡± she kept pointing and somehow speaking so lowly yet dangerous. Wright stood with slopping shoulders. Michael wanted to help rify but it might just aggravate. He didn¡¯t seem so surprised udia knew about a French twelve year old who attempted suicide. If she and ra were really childhood friends then ra must have told her. More reasons he shouldn¡¯t reveal he was that boy. udia wouldn¡¯t let him be.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. The teachers came early and sses began. He noticed that some teachers looked at him with a tint of anger and disappointment in their eyes. He remembered that a short teacher¡¯s meeting had been held that morning. Could it be he had been discussed? What offenses? Luckily, all their reactions were just stares and sighs and no one called him out. He was getting morefortable with the body guard now. He noticed udia standing at the end of the hallway with Wright. They seemed to have settled. Michael smiled. So udia was the kind of person to forgive easily but get offended easily as well. Or did she just value Wright¡¯s friendship? She should. He seemed to really like her and had a hard time believing she had flirted with a mafia boss that got her pregnant. Michael realized that everyone had began clearing the end of the hallway were udia was. He thought of going to her to properly apologize but then noticed the students forming a circle around her again. ¡°What did they want?¡± he wondered but then Mark came out of their sses and began walking elegantly towards udia. He was holding a bouquet of flowers and was now in front of udia. She was watching Wright as he talked about theirst ss. She averted her gaze from Wright and dropped them menacingly at Mark. Other students had began peeping from the ssroom. ¡°What is this? Should I cook those for you?¡± she nced at the flowers. ¡°How about I cook for you? Today,e over at my house, have dinner with us¡± he said cheerfully. udia rolled her eyes. Their game. It had begun. ¡°Did you have a fight with your girlfriend. And want to use me to make her jealous?¡± she roared surprisingly. Mark went back, looking down. Wright stepped back too. ¡°I warned you right? I¡¯m not your toy. Settle your problems without letting me even know about them¡± she dragged the flower and tosses them on the floor. ¡°It¡¯s not that, udia. All I asked was a dinner at my house¡± he said again. She scoffed. The fool was still going on with his joke. But she wasn¡¯tughing with him. Chapter Thirty-Two – Apology letter. She scoffed. The fool was still going on with his joke. But she wasn¡¯tughing with him. ¡°Want me to break another tooth for you? And make your younger brother eat it?¡± she walked angrily to him but he pushed her back. ¡°A simple ¡°no¡± would do. Don¡¯t you dare involve my brother, udia. I¡¯ll forget our ten years friendship and leave a hole in you head.¡± he shouted back. udiaughed manically while looking Mark over. ¡°Leave a hole? In my head? Duh, like you can! You can¡¯t even protect your girlfriend and keep her from thugs¡± she nced at Michael and back at Mark. ¡°Stop embarrassing yourself. Leave now with those vegetables. If your girlfriend don¡¯t want them give it to the other fools that crush on you. You are an embarrassment to your brother. I¡¯m even embarrassed to have been friends with for ten years¡± she pointed out her ten fingers. She began leaving, as well as the other students as some teachers wereing to the sses. But then, Mark held her hand and a smirk grew on her lips. ¡°At this your rate, udia. You¡¯ll lose more blood¡± he threw her hand away and left. Wright¡¯s eyes widened while udia¡¯s became smaller as she gave an eye smile. It took him this long to threaten her. ¡°Is he threatening to kill you?¡± Wright gasped. ¡°No, he¡¯s threatening her to kill him¡± Michael answered instead, walking towards them. ¡°For real, udia has dangerous records. If not she¡¯s smart. She would have been expelled for long¡± Wright informed Michael. He nodded to him. He read her records. Made him wonder if the rumor was actually that she got impregnated by a Mafia or got trained by a Mafia. He was still at loss on why she had so much hate for the world. ¡°I don¡¯t know how your parents live with you¡± Wright grunted and pushed udia along with him as they went into the ss. He now had to watch over her again. The romantic school teen life he nned with her was turning to a bloody thriller action movie. On the other hand, Michael was actually looking forward to she and Mark¡¯s war with each other. Slowly, udia was bing a very interesting subject to monitor, and a dangerous one at that. Though, nothing happened till the day came to an end, Michael noticed the unusual nces they gave each other. It looked like udia was flirting or maybe it was her way of mocking Mark. Trying to push him to annoyance. Michael spent his entire sses watching her. Whenever she caught Mark ncing her way, she would begun counting her teeth with tongue. Obviously referring to the fact that she would soon lose some of his. Her tactic of intimidation was hrious. Mark looked like he regretted his threats cos now he had to act or would be seen as a fool. ¡°Wait, excuse me?¡± Michael¡¯s body guard called after udia as she greeted her driver. ¡°Yes?¡± she answered. ¡°A word. With Michael¡± he said. udia nodded to her driver, ¡°I¡¯ll check if I¡¯ll see ra. If I can¡¯t, we will leave without her. I¡¯ll be back¡± she left with his body guard. ¡°We started off badly, I regret. I¡¯m truly sorry for the injury and promise it won¡¯t happen again. Frenches are not dangerous, okay? We¡¯ll leave the title to you¡± he stopped for breath. ¡°So, that and more are in that letter I handed over to you. I hope you read it when you¡¯re in a good mood so¡­¡±. ¡°So it will spoil my mood?¡± she interrupted. Michael swallowed his remaining words and frowned at her, ¡°So you¡¯d ept the apology. I didn¡¯te to U. S to make trouble with anyone¡±. udia nodded and folded the letter into her pocket. ¡°You¡¯ll still get punished by Karma, you know¡±. He nodded. She pointed at him before leaving, he wasn¡¯t sure what it meant but at least the apology had been epted. udia sighed when she didn¡¯t see ra already in the car when she came back. She won¡¯t look for her, she could go partying again if she liked.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. Speaking of parties, udia remembered the birthday party that an ex senior had invited her to. It shocked her because seniors do not really interact with her. The senior had visited their school to see the new school prefects and had also handed invitation to his neenth birthday party. When he handed one to her, she gave him a confused look so he exined that he had always wanted to invite her but was stopped by his ssmates. Now they weren¡¯t there he decided to invite her. He had always wanted to invite her? With his wide smile and awkward bodynguage, udia was sensing that he was the senior that was rumored to have a crush on her. She was in her ninth grade then. She epted his invitation but wasn¡¯t so sure if she should attend. It was a morning party and the next day was a Saturday, the day of the party. What would she even wear? ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we leave for Paul¡¯s school?¡± her driver broke her trail of thoughts. She gasped and rushed inside the car. The driver put on some songs udia was sure she couldn¡¯t understand. Maybe some C-pop or K-Pop specials. There was a traffic because of some ident. Perhaps due to the joy of TGIF. Along the way, udia dipped her hands on her pocket to bring her wallet so she could buy some snacks for Paul. She could bet a twenty thousand dor that the first thing he would say to her was that he was hungry. Her hand touched a crumpled piece of paper and she rolled her eyes. It was Michael¡¯s apology letter. The words felt sweet but it couldn¡¯tpare to the pain he caused her though it wouldn¡¯t have been that bad if she didn¡¯t have an injury there already. They reached there and she purchased some snacks and headed into the schoolpound to bring Paul out. She came out few minutes with confusion and fear mixed in her eyes. ¡°Sir, Paul¡¯s teacher said he left¡±. Her lips quivered as the words left her lips. Chapter Thirty-Three – Paul is missing. ¡°Sir, Paul¡¯s teacher said he left¡±. Her lips quivered as the words left her lips. udia walked slowly to the car and took out her phone. She contemted whether to call her mom or not. ¡°And his ssmates, they confirmed he left?¡± the driver asked her. She nodded and dialed her mother¡¯s number. She stopped halfway and returned to the school. The driver came along with her. udia stopped when she caught sight of ra hugging a boy and the boy nted a kiss on her forehead. ¡°Bye babe¡± they disengaged and the boy began walking away. The driver looked at udia and asked, ¡°Isn¡¯t that ra?¡±. udia spent no time in answering him and charged towards ra. ¡°Hey, Paul isn¡¯t at school and you are appearing here. Do you know where he is?¡±. ra froze for a second. She slowly shook her head. ¡°Help me find him. He¡¯s not at his school¡± udia half cried and left ra to go continue her search. ra turned to the driver and he had a disgust-mixed-with-disappointed look. ¡°Was that your thirteenth boyfriend now?¡± he asked sardonically. Meanwhile, Paul was having the time of his life in an air conditioner Te that was driving him home. His luck was great to have seen a young man while waiting for his sister. He turned to see the owner of the car again and the young man gave him a smile and patted his hair.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡°Thanks for the ride. I was really eager to go home¡± he thanked again for the third time. ¡°No worries, I was on my way to the hospital and you live close. It¡¯s no big deal¡± the owner said. The Te stopped at Paul¡¯s street and Paul turned to the owner. ¡°Here my sister¡¯s number. I¡¯ll like to invite you for dinner one of these days¡± he announced. The man driving the car gave the boy an awkward eye gesture. Paul shoved it aside and spoke again. ¡°Its just a thank you dinner¡±. ¡°You¡¯ve thanked me thrice already¡± the owner chuckled. Paul scratched his head nervously, he had a mission he must fulfill. ¡°Still, sir. Come for dinner. My mom¡¯s meals are dangerous¡± she smiled. The owner smiled back and consented, taking the small paper Paul gave him. ¡°That¡¯s my sister¡¯s number, udia. She could direct you¡± Paul bowed, he didn¡¯t know why but the young man gave him a princely aura. He turned towards his house and hopped off. The car owner whispered, ¡°udia?¡± then shoved the paper into his bag and they drove off. ******* At every turn, ra and udia stepped out from the car yelling Paul¡¯s name and asking passersby. udia gained courage and called her mom but she regretted when her mom answered that Paul wasn¡¯t home. Her mom began worrying and saying she¡¯d call the police. udia had a hard time convincing her not to yet. ¡°Is he home?¡± ra asked after udia hung up. ¡°No, and mom is going bonkers¡± she answered. They continued the search with the driver sighing and sweating as he walked. ¡°The reason I don¡¯t need kids¡± he kept on saying as he walked. ra and udia ran and searched, asking more and more people. They seemed to have cooperation. ra, at that point, didn¡¯t care if any of her friends saw her running the street like a mad woman. She just wanted to find her little brother. He was her flesh and blood. Just then udia came out from a path, shook her head and followed another path. ra looked at her, she was running hysterically. It reminded her of the nurse from years back who had asked for a blood donation. ra¡¯s eyes came down to the knife cut. She began realizing how she was always hurting the only twin she had, for no reason. Like realization hit her. Thoughts ran through her head. What if her twin had died that year due to loss of blood? What if the knife had cut a vein? Wasn¡¯t udia her flesh and blood too? ¡°Just call your mom again, maybe Paul is home somehow¡± udia¡¯s driver tapped ra. She shook her head and nodded. She left to call udia. Wiping the streaming tears from her eyes and clearing her throat, udia phoned her mother. ¡°Okay¡± she hung up. The driver looked up at her expectantly but she just sat into the car and mmed the door. ¡°Paul is going to lose teeth¡± she muttered. ra heaved a sigh of relief. The driver sighed in relief too that the boy was home. He started his car and sped back to the house. Paul was having cereal when they came back home. Immediately he heard a car door mmed, he took his bowl of cereal and ran behind his mother. ra¡¯s fears and tears had turned to anger and she started screaming whileing in. udia quickly found him then hugged him. ra was confused, wasn¡¯t she the one saying ¡°Paul would I lose teeth¡±. Paul gave a brief apology about the incident. ording to him it was half way ra¡¯s fault. He had told ra to pick him up from school that Friday since udia usually went for some seminars. Unknown to him, and ra, the seminar was cancelled that Friday. ra was supposed to pick up Paul per his request before three in the afternoon. When she didn¡¯t make it, he waved down a taxi hoping to pay with his savings but it turned out to be a young man who took him up. He brought him home safely after epting toe home for a ¡°thank you dinner¡±. udia looked disgusted hearing his exnation. One, that ra couldn¡¯t even pock Jim IP per his request because she was with her probably thirteenth boyfriend. Two, that Paul just got into a shy car because be was desperate. Three, her mother is ming her. ming her for not informing Paul and ra that her seminar got cancelled. Four, she was now going to change the schedule. Instead of their driver picking up she and ra first, he would be picking up Paul. ¡°Great. Now everyone would know I have an annoying little brother!¡± ra yelled as she ran up to her room. Paul frowned and made a face, ¡°You are annoying too¡±. Chapter Thirty-Four – The Party. In her room, udia brought out Michael¡¯s letter again. It was now looking funny. She brought out the birthday invitation she received. The party was by 8am she could bring Paul along. To kill the boredom. She texted Wright asking whether he would be in attendance and he was positive he¡¯d show up. After having a bath and finishing her chores and assignments, udia began doing the only thing that could stop her from attending the party. FINDING WHAT TO WEAR. She reminded herself to inform her parents of the party so they won¡¯t be surprised to find her not at home. She wasn¡¯t anything like ra. ¡°udia dear, can I have a word with you?¡± her mother¡¯s voice asked outside her door. ¡°Thanks dear. I¡¯ll be brief¡± her mom smiled. udia nodded absentmindedly. The ¡°brief¡± meetings between she and her mom had increased exponentially since she turned sixteen. It seemed like she was the only one who needed to turn out a good child. ra could turn out however she wished. Amidst her mother¡¯s talks, udia showed her Michael¡¯s apology letter. ¡°I heard you talking to the Principalst night. Forget that French kid. He said he was sorry and everything was an ident¡± udia couldn¡¯t believe she was standing up for Michael but it was the best way to end everything. Rather than appearing on the news as ¡°the pathetic teenager that was bullied by the French heir¡±. Her mother scanned through it with her eyes. She pointed out Michael¡¯s good handwriting and udia could only roll her eyes, her mother had a thing for good writings. ¡°French guys. I crushed on a whole lot when I was your age¡± her mother chuckled. udia frowned. Was that where the brief meeting of the day was going to? ¡°I mean, I know people change but I was really into French actors and singers and the likes¡± her mother continued. udia nodded and abruptly chipped in her invitation to a party the next day. ¡°I know Trevor, he¡¯s a good kid. And it¡¯s a morning party so its party so its okay. You¡¯re permitted¡± Mrs. Larabee shrugged. udia wasn¡¯t looking for permission. She just wanted her to know cos she would be taking her four year old son along. Still she said nothing till her mom finished whatever she came to talk about. ¡°A happy morning to you!¡± was the morning rm for her dreaded next day. Paul was atop her when she opened her eyes. She turned to her sides and sent him rolling on the floor. ¡°Hey, we¡¯ll miss the party?¡± he whined. She grunted, her mother must have told him he was going on a party with her. Delightful. She noticed her kegs been dragged by his tiny hands and so forced herself to wake. ¡°You devil¡± she sighed as pushed her to the bathroom to get ready. He was almost dressed himself. ra was already on her way out when udia finished from the bathroom. Her legs were barely on the ground as everywhere felt cold. She just wanted to take herzy body to bed but with Paul policing her, she just swallowed in her thoughts of warmth and coziness. ¡°What if the party is boring? They¡¯ll be mostly teenagers. Don¡¯t be too excited¡± she told him and she tried fixing her hair. He hopped besides her, ignoring her words. ¡°With teenagers it will be so awesome¡± he giggled to himself. The venue of the party was Trevor¡¯s mansion which was very familiar to udia. She would have walked as it wasn¡¯t so far but she took a taxi for Paul¡¯s sake. At the venue, she couldn¡¯t believe the length of some clothes she saw there. She unconsciously tugged on her pink gown to go farther below her knees but it just jumped back up. ¡°They¡¯re low alreadypared to ra¡¯s¡± udia sensed the disgust in Paul¡¯s tone. She patted his head and made an entrance into the main hall outside the house. A sting of alcohol struck her nose. She looked around and found more men than women in the hall. ¡°Wrong hall?¡± Paul squeaked from close nose. One of the men looked at her and signaled for her toe over. She rolled her eyes and continued searching for ra. Being very positive that the wacky sister of hers must have walked into the den of men. ¡°Girl on pink. Come over¡± the man shouted to her. This made some men to turn to her and udia nearly vomited when they licked their lips. They were as old as her dad. Almost. Meaning they didn¡¯t deserve much of her respect. Much. ¡°Run¡± Paul pulled her away out of the hall. Her eyes kept on darting about looking for ra.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡°You made it¡± someone was greeting some of the guests around. Someone else were was shouting or was it moaning. It was too rowdy and udia began regretting bringing Paul along. It was indeed a teenage party whether it was some in the morning or not. A pat on her bum made her blood pump and she sent a punch to whatever pervert. A six feet man stumbles backwards and bumped into another young girl in a tube dress. She falls down too and her breasts pop out of the dress as she hits the ground. She covers herself with her hands. And Paul quickly raised his eyes up. ¡°What I see¡± he mourns to himself. A crowd got formed. ¡°What a crazy pervert!¡± udia yelled. Another man, stupidly, moved closer to touch her neck. He hissed slowly as he came. It was visible they were all drunk. Some girls rushed to the girl who had fallen and wrapped her with a jacket. The girl sends a hateful look at udia. Other girls began raining insults on the drunk men and threatening to call the police. Soon a group of drunk men began chasing the girls, making growling sounds and extending their hands. It looked like a wildnd with men chasing women for sexual gratification. Paul just kept his head on his sister¡¯sps. He was sure going to have a trauma that night. It wasn¡¯t even one third of what he had thought would happen. Chapter Thirty-Five – Slam Dunked. He was sure going to have a trauma that night. It wasn¡¯t even one third of what he had thought would happen. udia was now distracted by all the screams and rubbish happening around her. But then she felt a strong dive to her waist and a man¡¯s private part pressing against her body. Real goosebumps rose on her body. She pushed Paul, who was already confused, aside and carried the man from her shoulders down to the ground. A perfect m dunk. Some older boys from Trevor¡¯s house hade out to settle the situation. ¡°Swear never to touch a woman in your life¡± udia yelled as she twisted the man¡¯s wrist. She was at advantage as he was drunk. The main celebrant, Trevor, ran out to search for his girlfriend amidst themotion and was shocked to see udia tackling his uncle on the ground. ¡°Swear or I¡¯m going to make a 360 circle with your wrist¡± she threatened. The man just screamed like a woman and said nothing. Trevor sighed but his eyes immediately lit up when he caught someone making a video of the whole thing. It was bad. If the video trends then his uncle¡¯s reputation, probably as well with his, would go down the drain. ¡°Excuse me, could you turn that off please?¡± he told the person. udia was now walking away with Paul on her back. The drunk man was rolling on the ground acting like a cry baby. Drunkenness was really degrading. Trevor made an attempt to run to udia but then his girlfriend, wrapped in a long ck jacket ran to him crying. ¡°You can¡¯t believe what happened to me. Those drunk men pushed me. My gown opened up and revealed my breasts. It was so embarrassing. You won¡¯t believe¡± she kept on wailing. He tried holding her but she just melted to the ground. Her brother, his best friend, came over so Trevor left her with him and ran to udia. ¡°Shouldn¡¯t we take ra along?¡± Paul asked, innocently. ¡°Did you see her anywhere?¡± she asked back. ¡°Excuse me?¡± udia heard it but kept on walking. ¡°It is Trevor¡± Paul told her but she shut her ears to him. ¡°Wait. I¡¯m sorry for all these today. My Uncle brought the alcohols. I¡¯m so sorry¡± Trevor said amidst shaking his head. udia rolled her eyes, ¡°Your uncle is a piece of shit for bringing alcohol to a party full of minors¡±. Trevor nodded, ¡°epted. You¡¯ve punished him already so please forget this¡±. udia¡¯s eyes widened. The man she beat up was Trevor¡¯s uncle? ¡°Don¡¯t feel bad. He won¡¯t take this to court¡± Trevor added. A scoff came from Paul, ¡°You think she regrets?¡± ¡°I do regret, Paul. I regret not kicking his butt more. And dragging him along those grass¡± udia red at the man still on the ground. Trevor cleared his throat. ¡°Thanks for attending anyway¡± and he left. A family meeting must happen tonight. His uncle had sessfully embarrassed him in front of his junior. ***** udia stayed in bed the next day. Her dad came upstairs, banging on the door and screamed ¡°No one misses Church in my house¡±. That day was a Sunday. udia barely heard him, her head was heavy and her nerves shook. Her arm was vibrating, the arm that had been cut. The arm she had used to throw down the drunk fool down. The effect of her m dunk was a perfect m dunk from weakness to her. She could barely move. ¡°Who is being a bitch now by trying to miss church?¡± ra gazed down at her. udia hadn¡¯t even heard here in. She wanted to retort by reminding ra that she didn¡¯t actually went to church for any good reason apart from flirting with the boys there. But her lips were tired. ra noticed her lips vibrating and ced her hand on her forehead. ¡°Oh, a fever? Serves you right. You think I didn¡¯t hear of the drama at Trevor¡¯s house. You embarrassed his girlfriend and she literally poured insults on me when she realized we were rted. You¡¯re such an embarrassment¡± ra hit her head harshly. A pang struck udia. Headache. ra just activates that. ra had thought udia was vegetable but a kick on her legs told her otherwise. ¡°Bastard¡± udia muttered as she gave her another one. ra¡¯s screams made their father rush upstairs again. ¡°udia what picked thing are you doing now?¡± he screamed. It hurt udia¡¯s head a lot. ¡°I told her not to ask like she¡¯s sick to moss church but then she said I should get out. When I said I¡¯d tell you she kicked me¡± ra¡¯s wails be more intense. Mr. Larabee rushed to udia and tapped her harshly on her shoulders, ¡°Get up. Dress up now. Don¡¯t y with me¡± he escorted ra out of the room as she leaned on him acting like her leg was broken. udia was so done. No one bothered listening to her side. Not like she could talk at her present situation. She stayed on the bed, looking dead. Her body was bing numb. No one came into the room. Not even her father again. Then udia felt a hand on her neck. She opened her eyes slowly to see her mom. ¡°You have a fever don¡¯t you? Why didn¡¯t you tell your dad. He thought you were being rebellious?¡± she touched other parts of her neck. udia just smiled. At least someone came to check, even thoughte. ¡°Stay home. Rest. We¡¯ll bring you to a doctor when wee back¡± her mother assured. She left the room shortly. udia smiled again. If it were ra, they¡¯d miss church to send her to a hospital. Had happened many times before. Usually, ra¡¯s problems were just a drop of hot water, hit shoulder on a door, have pimple that she¡¯d call an infectious rash. Still udia swallowed it. Her mother came back with some drugs and a wet towel. udia¡¯s face turned sour. Drugs were her worst nightmare, and she was theirs. ¡°Mom, dad said I should tell you to hurry up. We need to go now¡± ra shouted. udia clenched her fists as ra¡¯s shouts creates more pangs in her head. ra then walked on. udia was confused. Why was there a bandage on her leg? Was her kick that painful or was that another drama? She was walking fine though.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ¡°I am on my way¡± Mrs. Larabee red at ra who in turn ran away. ¡°Silly girl, what¡¯s a bandage doing in her leg¡± she scoffed. udia smiled, finally her mother was seeing ra¡¯s stupidity. Chapter Thirty-Six – Visiting a Classmate. Michael stood up to help clean the table after breakfast but Mrs. Peniel rushed to take the tes from him. ¡°Instead of helping me with the tables, go finish that math assignment you were given¡± she furrowed her eyebrows. A sigh escaped Michael¡¯s lips as he headed to his room. His phoneid on his bed. He looked up at it for missed calls but there were none. They were usually none since he came to the US. Tom barely called. His other friends made excuses. He didn¡¯t me them. Most of them were still angry he left. For a reason he doesn¡¯t know if he¡¯s achieving or not. Some of them were only his friends because of his money. It reminded him that ra had donated blood to him first hand without taking anything. If he had to lose friends who would take something for her who didn¡¯t take anything, then it was fair trade.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡°You better be doing your assignment there, young man. No tutor for you here in US to finish your assignments without you looking at them¡± Mrs. Peniel sang as she took the tes to the kitchen. ¡°I don¡¯t need tutors¡± he answered back. The chemistry wasn¡¯t much of a problem but the math was. How did factorization help him in his every day life? Addition, subtraction, division and multiplication did but no other subject in math seemed to be helping him on his every day life. He tossed the textbook to the wall and fell on his bed. Even still, his stay here was boring. ra wasn¡¯t even having his time much. Basically the only person who bothered him was udia. He immediately sprung up. That little boy Paul had given him a number belonging to a certain udia. He immediately began ransacking for the piece of paper the little boy gave him. If the kid¡¯s udia and his own udia matched then he just officially helped ¡°Miss dangerous¡± younger brother. He smiled as he saw the paper folded in his English notes. He dialed the line and called. A grin appeared on his face when she answered. It was his udia. ¡°Hello? Who is this?¡± she asked again. ¡°Oh, hello, its me Michael. I¡¯m surprised to be hearing your voice. Is this udia?¡± he asked. An inaudible groan from the other end replied. ¡°Hey, are you okay?¡± he added. ¡°I¡¯m not. My parents still left me for church. My pathetic life¡± the line was then cut. Michael looked at his phone. Was she sick? The miss powerful? Having a pathetic life? He remembered once when Wright had said something about her family being sort of crazy. He dropped his phone at his table and looked at it for a while. If she was home alone and very sick then it was dangerous. Life threatening. He had endured loneliness but never with a bad health. His father never left suche near him. He shook his head, why was he worried about her? She is tough and can handle anything, can¡¯t she? Mrs. Peniel came knocking on his door, ¡°I want to stroll for a while. Need anything?¡±. A thought ran through Michael¡¯s mind. ¡°Um, stroll? Well, if you just want to look around, why not join me to visit a ssmate of mine who is very ill?¡± He picked up his phone and ran to his door. Mrs. Peniel had an unsure look when he opened his door. ¡°ssmate? Well, do they know you areing? Their parents?¡±. ¡°No worries, my friend won¡¯t mind and parents aren¡¯t in. It¡¯s not like I¡¯m going there to steal. You cane along¡±. He was finally d when he convinced her. Somehow he wanted to stop and reason his actions but he didn¡¯t. ¡°Another episode of me acting without thinking¡± he muttered to himself. They arrived at the street where he had dropped the kid. The street was far down. He didn¡¯t know which house would belong to udia. His phone rang again. It was udia. ¡°Did Wright give you my phone number?¡± her voice was very low. Michael panicked but then answered, ¡°No¡±. She would have hanged up again but he asked her whereabouts. She could think it was weird or anything. He was just bored, and concerned, and wanted to help. ¡°Tsk. Don¡¯t you daree here. I¡¯ll throw you the chicken soup I¡¯m making¡± she shouted harshly. Michael frowned. Was she always this ungrateful? Just making him feel like walking away from everything. Leave her to take care of her own health, after all, if she can make chicken soup then she¡¯s strong. ¡°Ahh, how can it be so heavy¡± she screamed from the phone. She had forgotten she didn¡¯t hang up on her call with Michael. Michael kept on walking down the road. Maybe a scent of chicken soup can lead him to her house. A small dog ran to him and began wagging its tail excitedly. ¡°Hey, there, do you know a girl named udia?¡± Michael asked the dog, yfully. He hanged up the call. The dog continued wagging its tail, it stopped abruptly and began leaving, sniffing for something in the air. ¡°Oh, did you catch the scent of the chicken soup?¡± he followed the dog. It stopped at an apartment that had windows closed everywhere. One would doubt a human was inside. But Michael knew one was. He could see a faint light in the house and, of course, the obvious aroma of chicken soup. ¡°Michael, how could you run off like that?¡± Mrs. Peniel came closer to him panting. Michael stood transfixed in front of the door. He tossed his hair backwards and adjusted his cor. Mrs. Peniel eyed him. What was the need to look good? She banged the door and peeked in to check if someone wasing. ¡°Don¡¯t be loud. We are not storming the house or anything. Also, she¡¯s sick¡± Michael said to her. She eyed him again, ¡°Oh my, it¡¯s a she? The friend you are meeting is a she. Don¡¯t tell me it¡¯s ra? I thought you said she wouldn¡¯t know who you are?¡±. Michael shoved her questions aside. She kept on nudging him and he tiredly said, ¡°No, its not ra. It is a girl named udia, she¡¯s sick¡±. Mrs. Peniel nodded but then asked again, ¡°Isn¡¯t udia the sister of ra?¡±. Chapter Thirty-Seven – Her Headache Pangs. udia opened the door and sent a re at Michael. She faked a smile when she saw the elderly woman besides him. ¡°ra? Why do you look this sick?¡± Mrs. Peniel asked worried. ¡°It¡¯s not ra, okay? She¡¯s someone different¡± Michael answered instead. He then faced udia, ¡°I was bored so I came. Do you need to go to the hospital? My car is here?¡±. udia exhaled and opened the front door wider for them toe in. ¡°Aren¡¯t you rted to ra dear?¡± Mrs. Peniel asked again. ¡°She is just friends with her. Please stop asking. They can¡¯t be sisters¡± Michael pleaded. udia rolled her eyes, ¡°Yeah, we so can¡¯t be. ra is a chicken, I¡¯m not¡±. Mrs. Peniel was visibly confused but she waved off the feelings. She was really broken to know that the young girl in front of her had a deep knife cut. ¡°You mean your childhood friend did that?¡± Michael was in shock. ¡°Childhood friend? Did ra say we were that? Tsk. Fine then¡± udia shrugged. Michael thought something was off but he didn¡¯t dwell on the thought, ¡°I¡¯m sorry for aggravating it¡±. ¡°Aggravating it how?¡± Mrs. Peniel faced Michael. ¡°Um¡­¡± ¡°He identally made it bleed again. It wasn¡¯t intentional¡± udia came in to say. ¡°Oh, you should be careful. You know why¡± Mrs. Peniel advised. Michael gave udia a small smile but she acted like she didn¡¯t see it. ¡°So, I¡¯ve had treatment. I don¡¯t need any medical assistance anymore. Just I¡¯d be having shaky hands for the next week¡± udia sighed. Michael nodded. After his attempted suicide as a kid, he had shaky hands. They were painful as the hand just vibrates continually. ¡°By the way, for who gave me your phone number, it was Paul, your little brother¡± Michael announced. udia was surprised but she didn¡¯t show it. ¡°Next time, don¡¯t pick up any kid from the road¡± was all she said. She could have hit him for the stress he put her through but she was too tired to say anything more. She had been standing for too long, her head was bing woozy. Michael noticed and rushed to ce her down on a couch. He sat close to her and looked at her pitifully. ¡°We should leave now¡± Mrs. Peniel said to Michael, when it seemed he couldn¡¯t stop looking at her. He rose his head slowly and nodded. ¡°Thanks for¡­¡± udia couldn¡¯t finish as a pang of headache shut her up. ¡°You¡¯re wee¡± Michael answered, visibly excited to hear the ¡°miss dangerous¡± thanking him. School was due the next day and udia felt better to attend. ra was consistently looking at her. udia wasn¡¯t sure if she was worried or just ring. ¡°I will drop you two at school first, but would pick you upst, is that okay?¡± their driver asked. udia smiled at him to give her consent while udia said ¡°whatever¡±. The lessons of the day flew beyond udia¡¯s head for the day. She stared at the teacher right in the eye to get a hang of what she was saying but everything just sounded like bad music. Worst still, the math teacher gave a sswork since, ording to her, may people sent submit their weekend¡¯s assignment.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. The loud groans the whole ss made was painful to udia¡¯s ears and head. She literally shielded her ears and rested on her desk. ¡°Don¡¯t me me. If more people had submitted their assignment, this won¡¯t be happening¡± the math teacher shouted. Michael noticed udia hadn¡¯t lifted her head up. His brain assumed it was the headache but he wasn¡¯t sure. If only he had done the assignment, maybe they¡¯d be no sswork now. ¡°It is just easy, don¡¯tin¡± the math teacher went ahead to write the questions on the board. udia didn¡¯t bother look up. At worse, she would fail math, it¡¯s not like she was bad at it anyway. The teacher sat at the table to watch them as they wrote. Michael hoped udia would raise her head up but she didn¡¯t. The teacher overlooked her so many times. ¡°Ma¡¯am, ud¡­¡± Wright was about to call the teacher¡¯s attention but she just looked the other way. Wright looked at udia, then took her math notes. ¡°I¡¯ll being around to take the books so better finish your work¡± the math teacher announced. Wright red at her. He hadn¡¯t even finish the stupid shapes she asked them to draw. He scribbled some solutions to udia¡¯s book and closed it knowing he wouldn¡¯t have to time for the drawings. ¡°Ten minutes and I¡¯lle around¡± the teacher announced again. ¡°We know. Shut the damn thing¡± ra yelled out as the teacher just kept on making everyone tensed. The teacher walked angrily to her and in the speed of a light second, Michael reached out for udia¡¯s math book on Wright¡¯s desk. ¡°Just help her draw¡± Wright whispered to Michael as if he knew why he took her book. Michael nodded to him. ¡°I hope you do well on this like you did in your assignment. I¡¯m pretty sure it was udia doing those assignments for you, wasn¡¯t it?¡± the teacher mmed her table. ra looked her in the eye, ¡°You said we should do our assignment so I did mine. Why¡¯d you care how I did it?¡±. The teacher slowly went back and shook her head, ¡°udia had brain but no beauty. You have beauty but no brain. The thing you two have inmon is bad character¡± she made a spitting gesture then pointed at the ss rep. ¡°Gather those books. Time¡¯s over¡±. The ss rep. skipped Michael twice as he didn¡¯t want to offend him by taking his books. Michael finished the drawing and shitted both his book and udia¡¯s. At least, he was good at drawing. ¡°Thanks. She said she had a headache¡± Wright said to Michael after the ss. ¡°Oh really?¡± Michael acted like he wasn¡¯t aware. ¡°Maybe, she¡¯d be nicer to you for helping her¡± Wright yfully patted Michael. Michael smiled, ¡°I hope so¡±. Chapter Thirty-Eight – Playing the “Billionaire Kidâ€� card. After the math ss, some students began congratting ra for speaking rudely to the math teacher who was virtually disliked by everyone cos she was wicked. A girl even gave ra a high five and told her she was spots on. Michael found it weird that being rude was celebrated in the school. The why didn¡¯t everyone seem to like it when udia acted rude. ¡°She just took her drugs. It was war¡± Wright came to Michaels sides were he was watching the cheer leading girls. ¡°You have a crush of ra right?¡± Wright asked. Michael thought he¡¯d feel shy about the question but he rather felt offended. ¡°I should?¡± he replied. Wright chuckled but said nothing. ¡°Hey there, Michael, watching me?¡± came ra as she cat walked down to where they were, along with Mega and Belle, of course. Wright hissed and began leaving but Michael just left with him. He didn¡¯t even care if people saw him snub ra, she was really pissing him off. Clearly not what he thought she¡¯d be. ra stopped in her tracks and turned back. Mega wanted tough out hard but withheld herself when Belle frowned at her. ****** ¡°IT IS CHEATING!¡± udia emphasized on every word. Michael just stared at the ungrateful piece of wooziness that was talking in front of him. Wright shook his head and made an attempt to exin but she shut him up. ¡°Like she obviously saw me resting my head on my desk then boom my sswork appears done and drawn. You think she won¡¯t know something happened? You know she won¡¯t ignore it, she hates me¡± udia exined. ¡°Not that am not grateful but you know she hates me. Always finding a fault. She hates cheating andxity so she would surely react to this¡± she added. Michael had had enough. He stood up and began leaving the library. ¡°Honestly, I¡¯m grateful but this is trouble for me now¡± she kept on whining. Wright stayed calm and opened his books to read. Michael knew udia had a point. The math teacher openly called udia ugly, ignored Wright when he tried reporting about udia¡¯s health and she seemed pretty wicked too. ¡°Time to use my ¡°Billionaire Kid¡± card¡± he whispered to himself. He took one look at udia. She looked worried. Her grades seemed really important to her, and strangely her reputation as she didn¡¯t want to be seen as a cheat and rather failed. Michael was impressed with that. He just wanted to help Wright as he looked frustrated. Maybe he wanted to low key help udia since she was sick. Knowing udia more, he just realized she was just a regr teen with family, socializing, and anger issues. Though hers was a lot. ¡°How about I say I helped you, excluding Wright from everything?¡± he came back to them. ¡°And you won¡¯t get punished or daddy would save you?¡± udia asked with a brow raised. ¡°Hey, don¡¯t say that. I¡¯m trying to give an idea here. We are dealing with another miss dangerous, if you are have no n, ept mine¡±. ¡°And the result would be?¡± udia asked again. ¡°Well, you already guessed. I won¡¯t get punished, at least not as much as you or wright would. My dad sends fund to the school now. So what do you think?¡±. Michael adjusted his cor. udia scoffed, ¡°Say you did it alone then. Don¡¯t make me sound pathetic also¡±. Michael made a salute sign and headed to the teacher¡¯s room.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°If he is our friend, we would sure would gain a lot¡± Wright said. udia frowned at him, ¡°Gain want? Bullying teachers because he¡¯s dad is rich? Duh, I don¡¯t want that. It¡¯s is pathetic¡± she stressed herst words. Wright rolled his eyes, ¡°The one who is pathetic is you and my twin brothers¡±. udia smirked, ¡°how?¡±. ¡°Like it was nned, all their girlfriends left them two days to a big party. They even went as far as dating sites to get a girl but no avail. They even said they¡¯d pay a $100 per hour for a girl but¡­¡± ¡°Say what? $100?¡± udia asked him, basically interrupting. Wright nodded, ¡°I wished I was a girl at that point. I¡¯d have make good money. Stall them for hours and make like $500 dors¡±. ¡°Seriously, that¡¯s much¡± udia frowned. Well, rich kids do as they like, she knew Wright¡¯s parents werefortable people but for their kids to spend that much¡­ good for them. ¡°My family can be messed up too. So if you ever feel like talking about your family issues, I¡¯m open to hear them¡± Wright assured. udia nodded, ¡°I know you are. It¡¯s nice to reassuring it¡±. They heard a cough sound by the library door and found Michael standing there. ¡°Not to intrude in your heartfelt moment but the teacher called you. No fears, she¡¯s just worried for your health. Yeah, all of a sudden¡± Michael said and walked away. Wright shrugged, ¡°Rich kid talked to her, now she¡¯s nicedy¡±. udia nodded. Their teachers were so pathetic. She left for the teacher¡¯s room immediately but didn¡¯t find the math teacher there. She walked around for a while and still saw no one. ¡°Frenchie, where was the teacher at?¡± she asked immediately she sighted Michael sitting along under a tree. He looked moody. ¡°I don¡¯t know. Go find her¡± he replied. She turned to leave but then he stood up. ¡°Don¡¯t call me Frenchie though¡±. She turned back at him, ¡°I call troublesome or French guys a ¡°Frenchie¡±. You trouble me and is a French. You are well overdue for the name¡± she flung her hair sassily and left. Michael scoffed at the sassiness and sat back under the tree. **** It was an open embarrassment. ra couldn¡¯t just ce why the French guy would snub her that harshly. And everyone was watching. She felt like digging inches under the ground but still managed to walk away. What was with him? What did she do? ¡°Ugh, ra, don¡¯t me yourself. He¡¯s just bing a jerk after hanging around with that Wright¡± she assured herself. But deep down she knew she was hurt by his behavior and not just her pride being hurt but somewhere in her felt heartbroken. Chapter Thirty-Nine – Passing a warning. Prep was almost over. Over to the boring sses. ra groaned at the thought. She looked around for Belle but didn¡¯t see her around. ¡°Have you seen Belle?¡± she asked Mega who was pinging besides her. ¡°Do you have an errand for her?¡± Mega didn¡¯t look up from her phone. ra gave her a look, ¡°Can¡¯t I have ask about her without having an errand for her? You make it sound like that¡¯s the only thing I do with her¡±. Mega shrugged but kept her attention on her phone. Soon they heard Belle excited screamsing towards them. ¡°I saw it¡± Belle came running in, as she always did. She had her usual girl-I-got-a-secret look. ¡°After Michael ignored you, he and Wright went over to udia at the library. They three were all alone there. Also, if you didn¡¯t notice, Michael helped udia with her ss work. I don¡¯t understand the chemistry but udia can make anyone evil¡± Belle ended with a groan. Mega gave her a tired look. That¡¯s the trash she ran all the way to say. How her best friend was acting more and thinking more like ra. ¡°That¡¯s nothing, I know for sure. udia isn¡¯t even romantically involved with Wright even if he had an obvious crush on her. Michael can¡¯t jump in the picture, she hates him¡± ra waved the thought aside. ¡°Fine. But what about Michael? What if he liked her? He helped her with her ss work and I saw them talking under the tree few minutes ago. She looked like she was free with him but when she left, he kept on staring at her, even though with a scoff. You never know¡± Belle gestured as she spoke. One would think it was something useful. Mega had toe in. For one, if Michael has even a slight crush on udia, its none of their business, they don¡¯t hope on dating him anyway and she¡¯s done acting like a bitch. Two, it would be wonderful as ra has some interest in him. Which would lead to a sister fight. Very satisfying. ¡°Well, just in case, let¡¯s bully udia to stay away from him. Just in case¡± she suggested. Both Belle and ra gave her a shocked look, ¡°Bully udia?¡±. She flung her hair back and exined, ¡°udia, as ra said, is currently sick and weak. If we hit her injured arm a little she¡¯d screech. We pass our warning and move away. No one should be scared of her, anyway. We are Queens, aren¡¯t we?¡±. Belle smelled Mega¡¯s dangerous n fast enough but ra bought it at the same speed. ¡°Mega is right. Let¡¯s go find udia. We are the Queens here¡± she stormed out to find her sister. Belle gave Mega an angry re but Mega just popped her gum. Things were about to get exciting. udia was certainly not ready for what was about to happen. She stayed at an empty ss and opened her injury. She bit her lips as the pain flew to her brain. Even the breeze had a painful effect on it. All she had to do was apply the medicine the math teacher gave and put a proper bandage. She was still surprised with the nice tone the teacher spoke to her with calling her ¡°udia, dear¡±. ¡°So pathetic¡± udia cursed as she applied the medicine. ¡°You are the one who is pathetic¡± ra came barging in with Belle. Mega stayed at the door to watch out. ¡°What¡¯s the problem now?¡± but ra grabbed her hand before she could finish speaking. She stood up abruptly and yelled in pain. ¡°Now, listen, bitch. Stay away from Michael. I won¡¯t be repeating this¡± ra pointed with her other hand. udia tried using her other hand to push her away but Belle held unto it and ra twisted her injured arm. She could feel liquid squirting to her hand but then Mega said, ¡°Yes, twist it¡± and she stupidly continued. ¡°ra, please, stop¡± udia was melting in pain. She¡¯ll somit murder after this. A p across the face of Belle sent Belle crashing on a nearby table. ra let go of udia¡¯s hand immediately and stood transfixed face to face with Michael. His hands were hanging on the air and he was resisting greatly not tond it on ra. But then someone sent a p across ra¡¯s face. It was udia. She was about jumping on her too when Michael pulled her away from the ss bringing her medicine and bandages along.N?velDrama.Org ? content. ra stood speechless with her face, red from udia¡¯s p. Mega was helping Belle up. ¡°It seems Michael really likes udia. You lose¡± she spat at ra. ra frowned and turned to her, ¡°How could you say that! This was your n, idiot. And I know you purposely didn¡¯t call my attention when Michael wasing¡±. Mega smirked, ¡°Yeah, I didn¡¯t. You are the evil one here. You could do that to your own sister just because¡­¡± but ra shut her up with a p. Mega wanted to retaliate but ra pped her again and pushed her harshly to a wall. Mega stayed motionless on the ground trying to regain her strength back. ¡°Are you two animals?¡± Belle screamed but ra pped her face too. Mega was infuriated. ¡°Both of you would never have passed your junior years without me. You owe me your freaking lives. And I¡¯d not mind breaking any one of you if you think you are tired of me cos you have no choice¡± ra pointed. ¡°No freaking choice!¡± she yelled again. She stomped out of the ss, she froze when she saw the trail of blood that must have followed after udia. ¡°And clean this mess up¡± she turned to Mega and Belle. She ran out, following the trace of the blood to another empty ssroom. Michael was there helping udia with her injury and it seemed udia had passed out. ¡°I hate myself¡± she muttered with clenched teeth. Was this the ¡°warning¡± to stay away from Michael? Attempting murder? Michael saw her outside and signaled her to throw away the bloody cottons he used to clean up udia. She did as she was told without saying a word. ra also noticed that it seemed udia wasn¡¯t breathing well. ¡°Should I go get a inhaler from the nurse?¡± ¡°Ask her for a new heart and conscience as well, you need it¡± Michael said quietly. From the Author: Dear readers, kindlyment and share my story to your friends if you are enjoying it. This small gesture means nothing to you but it means a lot to me as the writer. If you have any criticisms, reviews or questions, please, use thement section politely. Thank you, lovelies. Chapter Forty – She’s jealous. ra was ready for whatever punishment she get. Even if it was a whole year of no going to school. It wasn¡¯t like she had a life there anyway. Her friends were fake, her lies were numerous and she was a total jerk to everyone, even her twin. But her parents were more worried about the reason she¡¯d turn that way. It was way more than just her disobedient and rebellious nature. It was bing psychological. ¡°You cause the cut in her hand in the first ce, why do you keep aggravating it?¡± her mother asked tearfully. She muttered a ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± but her mom shook her head. ¡°You may be sorry but I still want to know why. Why are you this mean to your sister? It¡¯s not like she has what you have? You are popr in school and as I can remember, you even got to date Mark, the guy she liked as a kid. Why are you this way with her?¡± Mrs. Larabee was now shaking her daughter violently. Painful tears just streamed from ra¡¯s eyes. When their father heard of the incident, he suggested taking ra to a psychologist. Mrs. Larabee seconded it. After that, she would have a week at the psychologist center to check if her ¡°condition¡± would improve. ¡°Don¡¯t act like you are sorry, bitch¡± udia said to ra as she saw her packing up in her room. ra stayed calm and continued packing her bags. ¡°You may not have anticipated me bleeding but you made cry and be in so much pain that you staying in even a rehab can¡¯t condone for¡±. ra turned to her, ¡°Leave me alone¡±. udia walked closer, ¡°There¡¯s nothing you can¡¯t do out of jealousy. Now that I know that somewhere in you, you are jealous of me, I¡¯d make sure to always act like the superior I am, especially in front of you¡±. ra raised her brows, ¡°Jealousy? What are you talking about?¡±. She had to ask to not give herself away but udia just smirked and walled away. She need not exin ra was well aware of all her insecurities and now, udia was. ¡°How did you know she was jealous?¡± Paul askes as if he helped udia pass a ss of water.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. udia sipped from her ss before answering him. ra dragged her luggage¡¯s down at that moment and stared at them. ¡°Oh, how I knew ra was jealous? It is a bully thing, always jealous of someone better¡± udia answered. ra rolled her eyes at her. udia continued, ¡°Well also, she always brought me down, even when she wasn¡¯t half as good as I was. She tried to take all the parent¡¯s love, spotlight and praises away. She even tried ending my life in extreme cases when her psycho demon surfaces. Only people with insecurities acted that way¡±. A loud smash on the table made Paul jolt. ra had caused a crack on the ss table. ¡°I am, will never, be jealous of you again. You are trash, I am a spec. And I¡¯d rise from all these¡±. ¡°Poetic¡± udia sighed and sipped from her ss again. ra clenched her teeth but then dragged her luggage outside to her father¡¯s car. ¡°Are you two twins? No twin energy at all¡± Paul muttered. udia felt the urge tough at his statement but he was clearly offended so she didn¡¯t. To help cheer him up, udia broke her parents rule on staying indoors to rest, and took Paul for a stroll and ice cream. ¡°I hope no Wright ising to meet us today?¡± Paul asked, in respect to theirst stroll when Wright had askes to meet. udia shook her head but then remembered something. ¡°You did not give my number to any one answering Michael¡±. It should have been a question if not that she already knew that answer. Paul scratched his head trying to remember. ¡°The rich going man is the only one I gave your number recently. I don¡¯t know any Michael¡±. udia didn¡¯t respond to him as her eyes were glued to a car rising towards them. ¡°Hey, it¡¯s the young rich man¡¯s car¡± Paul yelped and rushed to it but udia dragged him back to avoid him getting hit. ¡°Yikes, you and your sister likes doing dangerous things¡± Michael said when he got out of the car. ¡°That¡¯s why I call him ¡°Frenchie¡±. Never thinks before acting¡± udia smiled. Paul was confused as the young man smiled at his sister and she seemed to have smiled back. ¡°Wait a minute, did you two know each other?¡± he asked. ¡°Yeah, he¡¯s the pathetic and incredibly foolish French guy I told you went head over heels for ra even though he had saved my life technically fourteen hours ago¡± udia said quickly. Both Michael and Paul seemed confused but she just left to get them ice cream. ¡°I had ns of inviting you for lunch, sir. But my family had so much going so I didn¡¯t want you getting the wrong idea¡± Paul exined Michael patted his head, ¡°Yeah, I¡¯ve been involved in the ¡°goings¡±. I was just wondering how her hand was doing. And what exactly would happen to ra¡±. Paul frowned, this young man knew to that extent? ¡°Vani or Strawberry, Michael?¡± udia came back with an ice cream for only Paul and herself, ¡°I don¡¯t know your preference¡±. She began digging into hers. ¡°None. I rarely take I cream. Very unhealthy¡± he sighed. udia rolled her eyes. ¡°Well, nice meeting you. You can drop by at our house from time to time¡­¡±. ¡°Because you own the house or is it a thank you to almost kidnapping you?¡± udia shut him up. Michael beganughing, ¡°I didn¡¯t know she was also very rude and bossy to her own family. I thought it was only to me¡±. ¡°No, one gets preferential treatment. Especially when they try showing off stupidity¡± udia said again. Michaelughed harder and Paul just pouted. He was used to it anyway. Michael stoppedughing when he noticed the same car that had passed by before passing by for the fourth time. He could have termed it a coincidence if not it had the same logo of the ¡°Bleu Cristal¡± and not the official logo but the ¡°Bleu Cristal Mafia Dealnds¡±. From the author: Did you enjoy it? Why notment, vote and share to your friends? Chapter Forty-One – In need of a Psychologist. ¡°Either ways, I am very curious on what you told the math teacher, she changed coats¡± udia asked, taking another spoon of her Ice cream. She noticed Michael seemed to be staring at some girls but he was actually observing the guy they were talking to. ¡°Let¡¯s leave him alone, he has a thing for those type of girls¡± udia whispered to Paul, who giggled. ¡°Have you heard of a Mafia before?¡± Michael suddenly asked, taking udia aback. ********** Next day at school, udia was thinking deeply about how Michael had forced she and Paul to go back home with an excuse it was going to rain and she needed to rest. It didn¡¯t rain at all that day. The question about a Mafia bothered her too. She too had noticed the van speeding around but didn¡¯t get anything even though she noticed the logo. She snapped back from her trance when the ss door banged open. She had been in an empty room during prep because she wanted to give Wright space to finish his art project. She turned around to see the jerk who was banging doors around and was surprised to see it was Mark. ¡°Long time dude¡± she said casually. Deep down she wondered what he hade to say. She was sure it wasn¡¯t about ra, he wasn¡¯t stupid to ask her. Turns outs, he was stupid. ¡°Where¡¯s ra?¡± was the first thing that spat out from his mouth when he stood face to face with her. Despite him knowing full well what she had passed through in the hands of ra. Of course, his mom, Mrs. Beatrice had been told everything by now of ra needing psychological help. The best thing he, as a ¡°boyfriend¡±, should do was apologize to the victim. ¡°I won¡¯t repeat myself. Where did you and your crazy parents take ra to?¡± he shouted. udia¡¯s eyes widened. It wasn¡¯t the first time seeing him shout but it was sure the first seeing him can her parents ¡°crazy¡±. His girlfriend¡¯s parents. She was offended with herself for once being friends and even once having a crush on such jerk. ¡°You take me for a joke, right? You think I won¡¯t hurt you. Make you squeal again much worse than ra did?¡± Mark shouted. udia kept a straight-faced, ¡°Hey, don¡¯t cross the line. Or you¡¯ll be the one squealing. Stop acting like a baby and call my parents if you are so concerned¡±. She looked away from him and into her notes but he just yanked at her arm, painfully. She had already been adjusting to such pain. Sadly. She howled at him and pushed him away to a desk. Before he could stand a chair came flying his way and stopped his attempt to get up. ¡°As crazy as your girlfriend. That¡¯s what you are. What right do you have to bully me, you scrawny insect! What rights?!¡± she howled even louder. Mark jumped to his feet and marched towards her menacingly, ¡°You are just jealous that I like ra and not you right?¡±. udia wanted to puke, she kept her face close to his, ¡°I don¡¯t need to be jealous over a loser¡¯s leftovers. You are the one who¡¯s jealous that ra may have interest in Michael and I so wish he does so you watch her dump you like the trash you are¡± she would have spit on his face but then two figures appeared behind Mark. ¡°I will kill you and that Michael when that would happens¡± Mark pointed. udia smirked and walked to her seat, ¡°Kill? Kill your stupidity and cowardice first?¡±. Someone behind him shouted ¡°Get out¡± and that was when Mark realized that their ss teacher was in the ssroom, along with Michael. He looked horrified staring into Michael¡¯s cold and angry eyes. Too angry unlike the usual days. He stomped out if the ss in anger. udia sat back on her chair ignoring the two. ¡°Where¡¯s that stubborn twin sister of yours?¡± the teacher asked. ¡°ra was grounded ma. And taken to a doctor¡± she replied. She noticed Michael had a confused look so she turned to him, ¡°Yes, even I am confused sometimes why that monster is my twin sister¡±. ¡°Why is she grounded again?* the teacher asked again. ¡°As you said, she¡¯s stubborn¡± udia shrugged. The teacher dropped her books on a desk and left the ss. Michael walked slowly to udia, ¡°You mean twin? Twin sisters, you two?¡±. udia nodded, ¡°I¡¯m ashamed¡±. Michael shook his head and left. He didn¡¯t know why it didn¡¯t make sense to him. He had always doubted that ra and udia were childhood friends as they seemed to be so apart. If they were actually twin sisters then they¡¯d need be needing a priest. On his way out, he saw Wrighting towards him with paint all over his face. ¡°What happened?¡± but Wright just fell to the ground besides him.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡°All my work gone. All my designs. Everything gone. I did nothing to ra or Mark but they had to repay me this way¡± he looked like he would cry. Michael dashed to the art room and saw all of Wright¡¯s paintings soaked in red ink and his paintbrushes broken. A junior student was in the room and she looked terrified. ¡°Who did this?¡± Michael asked her but she just shook her head too terrified to speak. But Michael knew who. No other bastard than Mark, and of course with the help of the stupid Mega and Belle. They were troublesome as hell. ¡°He said that it would be blood next time. The paint would be blood¡± the junior student began crying. Michael wanted toe close to console her but she seemed reluctant. He left afterwards. Wright wasn¡¯t on the ground and was wailing to udia, who was already losing it. ¡°He needs to apany ra to a psychologist!¡± udia shouted from the room. Michael hurriedly shut the ss door and made attempt to bolt it. ¡°Hey, Michael, let this door open. I¡¯ll repair Mark¡¯s head. He wants me too. Open up!¡± She banged at the door. Michael sessfully bolted it and left. He didn¡¯t want another blood scene. From her or anybody else. He couldn¡¯t let the bastard go either. He needed some head repairs, so he¡¯ll do the honors. Author¡¯s note: Remember to vote andment. Chapter Forty-Two – Shameless boyfriend. The bastard was sitting at the cafeteria and cheering with some other boys along with Mega and Belle sitting by his sides. They wereughing at a painting Wright made of udia. She had her hair braided by the sides and she was wearing a floral gown smiling brightly. ¡°That stupid Wright is head over heel in love with that fool. I have known udia for years, she¡¯s only good at using people. Friendship and Love are foreign words to her¡± Markughed. ¡°And I bet idiocy and stupidity aren¡¯t foreign to you¡± Michael strolled in and ced his leg on their table. A boy wanted to pull his leg away but backed off when Michael red at him. ¡°I was expecting udia so I¡¯ll break her other arm¡± Mark chuckled. ¡°I suspected. You feel nice hitting on your girlfriend¡¯s twin. Generally you feel nice hitting women¡±. Mark frowned at that. Belle frowned too, ¡°Speaking of hitting women, you hit me the other day. Forgotten?¡± she asked harshly. Michael shrugged, ¡°You aren¡¯t woman enough. When you have qualities of being a woman you won¡¯t get hit¡±. Mega mmed her hand on the table angrily but then a bottle of juice had toppled over and poured all over Mark. Infuriated, Mark stood up and sent her a blow to her face. The whole incident happened fast. Everyone at the cafeteria was surprised including Mega. She nearly fell into some junior¡¯s table. The cafeteria was silent. ¡°You hit people for such small things. I wonder if these boys around you are friends or ves?¡± Michael shook his head. The boys looked down at themselves and back at Mark. He seemed to have regretted his action and began wiping his shirt. ¡°I¡¯m sorry¡± he muttered to Mega. She just stood up and walked away with Belle. ¡°Tell that to Wright too. And help him work on a new artwork¡± Michael added. Mark scoffed but kept quiet. ¡°You¡¯d be getting your own blow if you don¡¯t¡± Michael said casually. Mark red at him and the other boys began leaving the seat one by one. ¡°When did Wright be your friend or are you doing this for udia?¡± Mark was now clenching his fists, both annoyed with his friends leaving him and with Michael trying to push him in a fight. ¡°Wright cares a lot about his grades and overall school records. Wants to go to a big art school and be a big time artist¡± he smiled as he recollected. ¡°udia cares about her grades too, maybe not school records but she should get out of this case for her health¡¯s same. As for me, I have wealth up to my fourth generation¡± everyone in the room gasped. ¡°Can¡¯t I use my time to stand up to bullies like you?¡± Michael continued. ¡°Rich bullies. It goes hand in hand¡­¡± ¡°As well, as shameless boyfriends¡± Michael interrupted. He sighed as it seemed he and Mark were going to have an oral argument. ¡°Apologize to Mark, help him regain his works. You wouldn¡¯t also want to have problems with me¡± he then stood up and left. He turned back and took the painting Wright made of udia. ¡°udia is nothing like the angel he thinks¡± Mark scoffed. Michael said nothing to him and left. He stopped at the art room and threw the painting along with the others mixed with paint. He didn¡¯t ask himself why but he just left. ¡°You know I can punch you¡± udia barked when Michael opened the door. He forced a smile and copsed on a chair. Wright hurried out of the room to the art room to try to salvage any thing. ¡°How many teeth does he have left then?¡± she sat besides him. ¡°As many as he had always had¡± he replied with a t grin. She stood up to leave but he pulled her back. He immediately checked to know if he had pulled her injured arm but realized he hadn¡¯t. ¡°Crazy too?¡± udia yelled but sat back. ¡°Is it about ra? Don¡¯t spoil my mood¡±.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡°Can you smile more? I think it would look pretty on you¡± he looked her in the eye. She seemed uninterested and rolled her eyes, ¡°I somehow thought you wanted to ask me the hospital ra was taken to. I was so ready to tell you ¡°I HOPE HELL¡±. Why the sudden need to smile anyway?¡±. He shook his head at her question, stood up and left. ¡°What¡¯s wrong with you?¡± he kept on asking himself. Just then, he got a call. It was his father. ¡°Come home this instant. There¡¯s been a kidnap case, it was targeted at you but got to ra¡± Mr. Louis spoke in hushes. Michael looked around him before yelling, ¡°ra got kidnapped?¡±. His father confirmed and told him to leave his school as they was a target on him. ¡°That mafia. I thought he¡¯d stay quiet but he is just a greedy bastard¡±. Mr. Louis hung up to let Michael begin going home. He rushed back to his ss to retrieve his back and met udia having a call. He anticipated it would be about the kidnap news of her sister. He waited to see her reactions and was d she wasn¡¯t a monster as she was visibly worried. He got into a fix when she asked him to drop her off at her home since he was going home himself. ¡°I amte for a business meeting, I have to go¡± he said again but she wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°My sister got kidnapped. Which is more important?¡±. The driver came inside the school when he didn¡¯te out early enough. ¡°Just drop me home. Just this once¡± udia asked again. Michael mumbled another excuse and ran off. He clenched his fists on his way. Never had udia asked him for anything before and this one thing she asked, he couldn¡¯t even grant it. ¡°He killed the agent you sent to watch over ra earlier. This mafia killed him, he seemed dangerous¡± the driver filled Michael on. He crossed his mind and concentrated on going back underground till they tracked this rogue mafia. If the mafia could get ra, he could get udia, and that seemed more scary to Michael. Author¡¯s note: Kindly vote andment. Stay safe. Chapter Forty-Three – Clara’s Kidnap. The police was really slow in investigation. It was an obvious kidnap as the man had pointed a gun at ra while she was in a taxi with her mother. Mrs. Larabee said that she only remembered the man holding a childhood picture of ra that she can¡¯t really remember where it was from. And the man had also asked if it was ra. The police asked if there was any case of ra with such a man. Mr. and Mrs. Larabee had never been so undermines in their life as they told the police they didn¡¯t know all of the daughter¡¯s boyfriend and could have been a past boyfriend. The police gave them a weird look but added in the statement. ¡°Don¡¯t worry mum, we will find her¡± udia kept on reassuring.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. But her parents were too involved to even listen to her. They urged them to stay at home all throughout the week in case any other incidents urs. udia tried phoning Michael but it was switched off. She contacted Wright and he also said he won¡¯t being to school since he would want to work on his art work full time. She was really disappointed about Michael¡¯s not belong her but he could help by making sure he copied his notes so she could borrow from him. Paul was in a frightful mood all through the day. Their father immediately created ¡°missing girl¡± posters for ra. Whoever had kidnapped her hast yet called her family and it worried udia. It better be a kidnap case and not a murder case. Finally Michael phoned her back. ¡°Look, I won¡¯t being to school for a while. Make sure you copy notes properly, okay?¡± she said as soon as she picked up. Michael exhaled, ¡± A relief. Yes, do stay at home. ra would be back soon, it is a misunderstanding¡±. udia wasn¡¯t sure what he was talking about so she stayed quiet. ¡°Are you there? Really don¡¯t worry. The man who kidnapped her just wanted some money, he¡¯ll get it and ra would be found by the police. Also I won¡¯t being to school either. I have things to do¡± Michael reassured again. ¡°How can you be so sure. I never told you that the police where looking for her? And why won¡¯t you being to school?¡± udia was bing suspicious. ¡°Oh, well, it¡¯s business rted. Also, any reasonable person would know that the police would be looking for a missing person. And I¡¯m a reasonable person so I¡¯ll know. ¡± he chuckled. udia didn¡¯t buy it. Earlier her mother had said it could have been a case of a vengeful boyfriend or lover. So far udia knew, Michael, purposely or not, had hurt her because of ra. And him chatting about her being found back after giving the kidnapper some money, she wasn¡¯t sure about him anymore. ¡°Do you have money issues?¡± she asked just as he said he was hanging up. ¡°No, how can I? Why do you ask?¡± She didn¡¯t dismiss the thought but just hang up on him. Michael looked at his phone. Could that girl be any ruder? But he chose not to me her. She was probably tensed up because of her twin¡¯s kidnap. They still had their blood connection somehow. Michael now understood why udia seemed to have it bad for French people. Her twin sister had donated blood to one when she was little. It would have obviously left her wrecked for sometime. Michael was d ra seemed to have gotten over it. More less, she seemed to have forgotten about herpassionate, kind and innocent side. He still had the letter she wrote and she was a big contrast to the innocent nice girl he had assumed wrote the letter. He had waited toe to the U. S to be friends with her and possibly protect her but she turned out to be the bully. Maybe she couldn¡¯t hold on and became the predator instead. How disappointing. Or maybe she was nothing like that in the first ce. He didn¡¯t know why he thought that way but ra seemed to have had a big change. Five years wasn¡¯t so great to turn to a monster. ¡°What if she wasn¡¯t the one who wrote that letter? Maybe Miss Audrey did?¡± Michael was thinking of other possibilities. But what was most important now was getting her out of the locks of the rogue mafia. Whether she was the one who wrote it or not. She donated blood to him and the blood still ran through his veins. ******* Mr. Louis gazed down at the file on his table. It had the names of all his underground workers and his major contacts. That file had super ssified information that even him can¡¯t bring it out anyhow in daylight. That was what the bastard then wanted him to hand over? Why wouldn¡¯t he ept marypensation? Was he the only one who contracted a terminal disease? The disease wasn¡¯t any one¡¯s fault. They had been digging in a bad site. Heud them from the Jon and paid them off. Still, the bastard was keen on fighting back. A man named Luke knocked and then walked into Mr. Louis¡¯ room after gaining permission. ¡°Sir, my boys are ready, you can deploy them now¡± he ced his hands behind him. Mr. Louis nodded slowly. It was a risky feat. If his boys seeds in silencing this rogue, then he can keep this secret safe. If their n backfires, the secret would be exposed sooner. The world would know, his son would know dangerous the underground was and also, the girl, ra, could be hurt. And his son might never forgive him for it. He might never forgive himself either, the girl saved his son¡¯s life once, she won¡¯t get to die because of something rted to him. There had to be another way of survival for both his reputation and Bleu Cristal and also the survival of ra. Chapter Forty-Four – Saving Clara. There had to be another way of survival for both his reputation and Bleu Cristal and also the survival of ra. He had even told his son that the rogue only wanted money and hasn¡¯t bring the file into the picture so the file had to stay outside the picture. ¡°What do you think? Killing the rogue or concealing evidence?¡± Mr. Louis sprang from his seat immediately on getting a new idea. Luke seemed confused. ¡°We can burn off this file. Double thepensation of the workers involved and cut ties with the major contacts. Let¡¯s stop doing this mafia dirty work. The rogue would have nothing to hold unto¡± he exined further. Luke nodded. Was there anything he could do? The boss makes the decisions. And that decision seemed safer than sending his men to fight a well trained mafia. ¡°Deploy your men¡± Mr. Louis ordered while setting the file on fire. Luke was confused again. ¡°We can¡¯t let the police catch him or he¡¯ll say something that I don¡¯t need. Also, he could hurt the girl if we don¡¯t meet his requirements so find a way to save her while stalling him¡± he added moremands. Luke saluted and left Mr. Louis¡¯s room. His men were standing few meters away from the hallway where Mr. Louis¡¯ room was. ¡°I think this is a kill mission. The only thing expected toe alive is the kidnapped girl, ra and you. You may not value you but value the girl, understood?¡± he bellowed in a very deep voice. His men shouted, ¡°Yes sir¡± and saluted. He patted the youngest on his shoulders and began moving with them. If this was going to be theirst job as mafia ninjas, then they should do him an honor by dealing with it well. ****** ra turned around for the hundredth time to be sure the man wasn¡¯t following her. The tunnel was dark and she could only hear faint shuffling of her own feet. They shuffled no matter how much she wanted them quiet. They were too tired of walking especially as her kidnapper had taken away her shoes as his way of preventing her from running. She saw a faint light at the far end of the tunnel. She beamed and began walking faster. Suddenly it seemed like she wasn¡¯t the only one walking fast inside the tunnel. He was after her. She wanted to run but since she wasn¡¯t sure what she¡¯ll meet at the end of the tunnel, she quietly hid herself. Due to the darkness of the tunnel, ra was able to hide behind an old huge trash can. Her kidnapper passed by her, still holding the side of his stomach which she had kicked to enable her escape. ¡°I will say it again. I don¡¯t want to kill you. I just need you to get my revenge. Come out now¡± the man said calmly. ra stayed as still as ever as he came close to the trash bin she was hiding at. Her heart thumped loudly. She wasn¡¯t sure what the man meant by using her to his revenge because as long as she knew. She didn¡¯t know the man or any one rted. She didn¡¯t also know if there¡¯s anyone she had hugely offended who could have been looking for revenge on her. She remembered the picture she had seen in his hands. It was her picture as a preteen. One her father had taken of her ying with dolls. The picture was never photocopied and the original piece had been given to the French Prince from five years ago who udia had donated blood too. ¡°Was this something to do with that incident?¡± she asked herself. It was her picture that was given and she felt d since the French Prince would be seeing her but those were just childish fantasies. Could an enemy of the Prince be using that same picture to harm her? Maybe angry at her for her connection to the Prince? ¡°Come out. When that French man sends me what I need, I¡¯d release you. I promise¡± her kidnapper shouted tiredly. From his voice, ra could tell he was far away. He had also confirmed her suspicions by saying it was a French man he was watching out for. She sneaked from her spot and made to move to a much hidden position, possibly to wait till the police arrived. But the trash can¡¯s lid suddenly fell to the ground, making a loud ttering sound. ra turned to see the man looking straight in her eyes. He was still far away. She took to her heels running towards the end of the tunnel. It was her only salvation now. The man began a hot chase after her yelling ¡°Stop or I¡¯ll kill you¡±. Hadn¡¯t he said he meant her no harm? Her head began spinning. ra¡¯s body was shaking and her legs seemed like they¡¯d give up but her brain kept on being alert and not letting tiredness and wooziness take over her body. The man was closing in on her. The end of the tunnel was still a long way. A stone dived straight to her head and she groaned in pain. She turned to see the man for a split second and saw he was picking stones to charge at her. She tried picking up pace as he picked but when he resumed running he covered up immediately. She was now feeling extreme pain from underneath her legs and heels. Her flesh were peeling and pleading to her to stop running. ¡°You¡¯ll die¡± the man¡¯s scary voice was now close. Just then, a sound of a helicopter came into her ears. It sounded like it was descending right outside, at the Ned of the tunnel. The intrusion slowed the man down and with a new hope, ra began screaming as she ran. The helicopternded and the bright light was shone inside the tunnel. ra missed her step as the light cut into her eyes and the man dragged her to himself. ¡°Please, help me¡ª¡± the man held her mouth shut. Some men began running down from the helicopter into the tunnel. ra was almost passing out as the man was hurriedly dragging her away.Property of N?)(velDr(a)ma.Org. ¡°Let the girl go or you¡¯ll never get your end of the deal¡± one of the men from the helicopter said from a radio. He was dressed I¡¯m ck and didn¡¯t look like a police officer. The man stopped and turned to the men. But then a bullet came flying to his neck and got buried inside. ra fell to her back from the force of him dropping her, thest thing that was on her mind was why no blood came from the bullet wound. She forced her brain to ept that it could have been a drug and not a bullet and her brain quietly shut down. Author¡¯s note: Vote my story. Comment on it too. Thank you! Chapter Forty-Five – Wading off her suspicions. The Larabee¡¯s were ted to receive their daughter back. Though udia was more impressed on how they found her within twenty-four hours. She got her answer when they confessed that they did not actually find her but saw her unconscious near the point of her kidnap. It became more suspicious to udia. Was this all a hoax? The police said that she had a bleeding heel and was awfully dehydrated but with where they found her, they couldn¡¯t fathom how those had happened to her. They only concluded that the kidnapper had returned her back when he noticed the police on his tail. udia immediately got a call from Michael and quickly answered it. ¡°ra is back now?¡± he asked, excitement in his tone. ¡°No, why? Do you have a clue where she is?¡± udia yed dumb. Michael was quiet. ¡°I really hope she¡¯s okay. The police would surely find out this kidnapper¡± she faked a teary voice. ¡°But udia, ra should be back. Wasn¡¯t she found? Tell the police to search around the ce she was kidnapped¡± he said. udia shook her head. Now she was double sure that Michael knew more about this kidnap. ¡°What exactly do you have to do with this kidnap, Michael? ra is here, she was found around the ce she was kidnapped. Tell me what you know about this or you¡¯ll be telling the police¡± she threatened. Michael tried calming her down and convincing her he was just specting but she wasn¡¯t buying it. ¡°When ra wakes up, she¡¯d tell me about everything. Any detail that sounds rted to you and you¡¯ll sleep in cell. I don¡¯t know why boys can¡¯t control their obsession over pretty girls¡± and with that she hung up. Michael was speechless. Why was he the enemy now? Pretty girls? Did udia think he kidnapped ra because of your obsession? He tried calling her up but she didn¡¯t respond. Surely ra would say something about some men in ck rescuing her and it would make tingsplicated. If one thing leads to another the whole world would know about the French mafias his father had underground. Not that it was illegal but the U. S government wouldn¡¯t just like it. He had to find a way to wade off her suspicions. ¡°You are having a meal with your father by eight tonight in a fancy restaurant so I won¡¯t be cooking¡± Mrs. Peniel said to him. She was panting from climbing the stairs to his room. Michael simply nodded while still looking at his phone. ¡°Is something wrong?¡± Mrs. Peniel asked. He exhaled and shook his head, not wanting to inform her of anything that would trouble her. ¡°ra is back I suppose. You should be d. You know that man must have seen that picture of ra and that was why she became a target. I can¡¯t even find that picture anymore but I guess you don¡¯t need it since you are close to ra now¡±. Mrs. Peniel sat sown besides him. He wished she¡¯d leave but didn¡¯t dare tell her. He was feeling drained. With udia¡¯s temper, she¡¯d surely react. ¡°By the way, ra and udia are sisters. You were right¡± he muttered. Mrs. Peniel smiled broadly, ¡°I knew, I saw ra at the hospital, you know, while she was still on bed. She and her sister, udia, must be identical then right?¡±. Michael shook his head, ¡°ra¡¯s hair is curlier. I noticed. They are fraternal. Very different. Who you saw at that house was udia. You haven¡¯t seen ra before. Mrs. Peniel wanted to say something else but he just stop up. ¡°I have to talk to dad. I¡¯ll be back¡±. Mrs. Peniel let him go while she pursed her lips as her unspoken words yed in her head. The girl she saw at the house was the girl she saw at the hospital. If she¡¯s called udia, then she was Michael¡¯s life saver. Michael stormed into his dad¡¯s room just as his secretary was almost kissing him. He stood at the door startled as the woman disengaged startled too. ¡°What is this? That¡¯s no way to act with your boss?¡± he said calmly. The secretary put her head down. ¡°Get out your fired¡± he added calmly. The woman raised her head and looked at Mr. Louis who just diverted his eyes away. ¡°I¡¯m so sorry. But I was called in by Mr. Louis¡± thedy practically kneeled. Michael waved his hands in the air, ¡°You¡¯re not fired. Just leave¡±. Thedy as well as Mr. Louis was confused but she sped out nevertheless. You are having an inflow of reactions right now right?¡± his father asked with his eyes still diverted. ¡°I am not mad. I know you are promiscuous. I have inflow of questions instead right now¡± he sat on his dad¡¯s table. Mr. Louis wanted to protest but didn¡¯t. ¡°You said the man needed just money. If he needs just that why diet you give it to him and had to deploy those men?¡±. Mr. Louis nodded but said nothing. Michael began narrating how a girl named udia, ra¡¯s sister was so sure he had something to do with the kidnap. Her thought on it wasing from a and angle and she was going to the very bottom of it. If her sister tells her of some men in ck, speaking with a French ent that rescued her, udia was sure to pin it on him which would be disastrous.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. Michael felt less disturbed after sharing everything. His father didn¡¯t look bothered at all. He then exined how he had ordered his men to drug ra when she hot to the helicopter. She wouldn¡¯t be able to remember thest five minutes before the drug intake. She would assume she was saved by some farmers. The men who saved her had also dropped her at a farm site while she was gaining little consciousness. So she would agree with it. The drug wasn¡¯t harmful and would wear off after few weeks and whatever memory she would have would¡¯ve useless and only confuse her. Michael was awestricken by his father¡¯s tactical potency, he was sure now that udia won¡¯t find anything on him. Chapter Forty-Six – A possible accomplice. udia wished she hadn¡¯t woken ra up. Maybe the extra rest would have rested her brain into something better. It¡¯s not like she got any information rted to Michael from her. She just kept talking about some peaceful farm and how she hated the world full of cars, tall buildings and noisy and bright helicopters. Like she had ever seen a helicopter before. ¡°Honey dear, you are sure the man dropped you there. He seemed really sure you were his target¡± Mrs. Larabee tried asking ra but she stared nkly at her mother. The doctor registered that she may be stressed and having some traumas but she¡¯d be okay. When her parents left ra to rest, udia crawled back into her ward. ¡°It is actually scary being in a hospital right? Without your minions?¡± she teased her. ra rolled her eyes and for a second udia wondered if she was back to her normal self or was still stressed. ¡°You should leave me to sleep. I got involved on a lot of things today. My memory is bunked up¡± she sighed and rested her head. udia stayed back in her room. The kidnap case surely had a hole. Her kidnapper her was saved to have been with a picture of her meaning he knew who he was after. Then he suddenly dropped her off to safety? He didn¡¯t even ask for a ransom in the first ce. But settled? ¡°Meaning, he wasn¡¯t after her for a ransom but for something else. And that something else might have been settled with someone who wasn¡¯t our parents¡±. udia spoke out loud as those thoughts came to her. Was it the too much detective movies she was watching? Though everything thing seemed to make sense. ra sat up and red at her. ¡°I was the one kidnapped right? Why are you so bothered!¡± she yelled at her. udia flinched. Was this her real self or stressed self again?This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. Their parents rushed back to the ward and looked at the girls confused. udia looked thrilled. Why was she shouting? All she was having were possible ideas on the details of her kidnap. Why did she look¡­ threatened? ¡°Is there any detail you aren¡¯t telling us, ra? Like didn¡¯t the kidnapper say something to you while you were his hostage? You don¡¯t expect me to believe he just released you. He didn¡¯t even ask for a ransom mom¡± she turned from her parents to ra. Paul eyes widened, ¡°Yeah, in movies. Kidnappers ask for a ransom or some favors. What favor did you do for him?¡± he added a little quirky tone. The whole Larabee family was staring at ra for an answer but she stayed shut. ¡°What if I can¡¯t remember anything?¡± she muttered after seconds of silence. ¡°We will bring back the police when you are better, dear. Try to remember something¡± her father said mmy and left the room. Their mother followed and soon after Paul. ¡°The bottom line here is that I am safe. With no major injuries. The incidents there were traumatic. I don¡¯t know what you gain by making me remember them over and over again?¡± ra looked like she would eat her sister up as she spoke. ¡°You¡¯d gain justice. Your kidnapper would be punished. That¡¯s what you get by being open. Also I get to feed my curiosity. Traumas aren¡¯t bad, you seem good at giving it. Why not have some for a change¡± udia smirked and walked out of her room. Mr. Larabee had called the police immediately he left and it was just a matter of minutes before they arrived. They have even added extra information saying that some of the soil found on ra¡¯s feet were linked to an abandoned wood factory where lots of murder has been done. The murderer was never caught and said to be more than one. If ra¡¯s kidnapper had taken her there, it only means he had intentions of killing her. What changed his n? udia was really amused as the police tried getting information from ra but she remained stiff. Why in the world would she hoard information that would implicate the man who supposedly traumatized her? Her thoughts of Michael being involved began resurfacing and she wondered if she trying to defend him. ¡°ra, this isn¡¯t about you now. Lots of people have been killed at that site. Don¡¯t be an aplice¡±. ra¡¯s eyes shone when she heard udia calling her an aplice. The police seemed startled too. ¡°udia, what do you mean by that!¡± her father thundered. ¡°What I mean? Did the kidnapper not talk to you. What did he say?¡± she looked ra right in the eye. ¡°He said he wouldn¡¯t kill me. That he only needs something. He didn¡¯t say what. I suppose it was given to him and he released me. It had nothing to do with my family cos my family was never mentioned I no nothing else¡± ra said as tears began tickling in her eyes. Their father red at udia furiously. ¡°How did he release you. Did you know how you got to that ce?¡± udia asked again. ¡°Will you shut up and stop doing the police job!¡± Mr. Larabee pped udia before he could hold himself. The police immediately rushed him and dragged him out of the room. Coming back, he saw a smirk on ra¡¯s face. ¡°Youngdy, better be the victim here or you¡¯ll be tortured for answers. This is a murder case¡± he said as she sat face to face with ra. udia walked our of the room and Paul followed her. Mrs. Larabee was now clenching her fists with the level of violence going on around her. ¡°I really can¡¯t remember much¡± she started. She further narrated how The man had rough handedly her and since she was so tired, she passed. She felt like a helicopter had rescued her cos she remembered sounds and lights but it could be all an illusion. She said something about her being in a farm as well. Her kidnapper seemed dangerous but solely she deduced he only wanted something not involving money and not involving her parents. The police epted her statement and left while she hoped they¡¯d basically make nothing out of it. Author¡¯s note: Dear readers, kindly read,ment and vote my book. This book is also on Webnovel, Babelnovel, Istory and Popink, just in case you want to rmend to your friends. With the name book title and author name. Thanks, lovelies. Vote with love. Chapter Forty-Seven – Their visit. During her kidnap, ra deduced that her kidnap must be rted to the picture on her captive¡¯s hand. A picture her father had taken of her to submit to the French Prince udia donated blood to years ago. Her memories of the kidnap incident were vogue but she remembered strongly realizing the connection. Maybe someone was trying to get her as the Prince¡¯s weakness. She presumed it was the American and France tension going on that week. Well, she wasn¡¯t the real princess of the Prince and it was udia. But the Prince would have never known. And will never know. ra now had to make sure to be alert. If her kidnap was connected to the French Prince then he could send someone to spy on her and ask about her health. She had to act as pitiful as possible and even bring up the donation to look real. She had to also make sure that the police won¡¯t be finding anything that would instigate her ns as well. Her kidnapper may have been captured by the French¡¯s Prince men. He¡¯d be receiving justice like he would had been caught here at the U. S. ra smiled as her fantasies seemed real. She would be the real princess soon. Since he already thinks she¡¯s the real one. This sabotage would know no bounds. No better to way of getting back at udia than stealing her Prince. The door crashed open as Mega and Belle stood in front of her. ¡°Are you girls crazy? Want to break the door?¡± she yelled immediately. They looked apologetic but said nothing. ¡°How is school? Are my assignments done?¡± she asked rolling her head. ¡°A typical question for a school queen, I suppose?¡± Michael came strolling in, ¡°Won¡¯t you ask how they were first? Or let them ask you how you were?¡±. ra was confused on his visit. Before she could ask why he was there, Mark came running into the ward and then screaming out to some people that he had find her ward. It was a visit from her ssmates. ¡°Y¡¯all are darlings¡± ra couldn¡¯t help but say. Though she was barely touched and would have preferred if they set her gifts and chocte instead while staying in their homes. ¡°The police said your investigation isn¡¯t yet done. I wondered what they want from a victim of kidnap. Remembering your ordeals isn¡¯t good for you, I¡¯d advice you shouldn¡¯t try¡± Michael chipped on as the rest told Mara of some safety measure to improve her health. udia was standing behind the for and overhead Michaels ¡°advice¡±. While others said things like ¡°Eat well¡±, ¡°Be more conscious on the road¡±, ¡°Sleep well¡± and ¡°Take care¡±. Michael rather, was saying she should, in other words, ¡°Don¡¯t cooperate with the police questioning and get over the traumas¡±. It was safe to say again that he was he hiding something. It wasn¡¯t like anyone told him directly that she was traumatized. ra wasn¡¯t looking like she was either. ¡°Such bad lucks could have happened to udia instead of you¡± Belle sighed. All eyes went to her. She regretted her words instantly. ¡°udia would have definitely escaped from the kidnapper herself¡± Wright added. ¡°Is that the point? No one should suffer traumatic experiences. You know udia lost blood recently. This would have been bed for her¡± Michael added and the others agreed. udia scoffed and walled away from the door. Belle muttered ¡°sorry¡± and stayed shut while the rest talked about the vents of school that day. Michael¡¯s words yed in ra¡¯s head. She kept her eyes on him all through the visit. What he had said about her forgetting the kidnap had also made her suspicious as, obviously, every other person was telling her to remember more things to catch the kidnapper. ¡°Could he be the French Prince or a spy sent by him?¡± that idea popped into ra¡¯s head as she was staring at Michael. It would exin why he was really nice to her in the beginning but if he was really the Prince then he should have still been nice to her despite everything. He most probable might be the spy. She had to act pitiful in front of him. ¡°Well, I hope I get better. I have had my share of losing blood a kid. I hope that trauma doesn¡¯t resurface¡± ra blurted suddenly. Belle and Mega looked at her confused. ra knew they didn¡¯t know about udia¡¯s donation much, Mark knew more about it but had forgotten. ¡°You and udia seemed to have lived dangerous lives¡± a girl from their school had said and it got everyoneughing.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°I wasn¡¯t fighting or anything. It was required I give out blood. Like a donation stuff, it was hard but I did it either ways¡± she replied amidst chuckles. Some kids praised her for her kindness while some talked on how dangerous it was. Michael stayed quiet. Perhaps, he had been wrong about her. She was indeed the person the innocent girl that had donated blood. She just got tired of being a push over and became wilder. Also with a sister like udia, it was no wonder her life seemed unhappy. At the end of the day, their ssmates left ra¡¯s ward to retire to their homes. udia was at the front door sitting with Paul. ¡°I win. You¡¯ll date who I want you to date¡± Paul jumped excitedly, throwing his Uno cards in the air. udia shook her head disappointed. ¡°Date? Wait, who are you?¡± Some girls had asked when they saw Paul ying with udia. They basically can¡¯t believe she could y with a kid. Paul stood up straight to them, ¡°Paul Larabee, third child of the Larabees, fifth member of the household. Second most reliable sibling. Nice to meet you¡±. Michael patted his head, ¡°I bet ra isn¡¯t in your list of reliable siblings right?¡±. Paul nodded to him. Wright was surprised to know Paul was friendly with Michael, making him wonder if they were very good friend. ¡°ra never talks about having a brother¡± Belle was aghast. ¡°She¡¯s ashamed of the best things. Me, udia, her plushy, Mr. Pinks. Not to worry, I¡¯ll have the doll¡± Everyoneughed at hisments. udia smirked too, ¡°You won¡¯t say this in front of her, you know¡±. ¡°How could I? She eats little children alive¡±. ¡°Don¡¯t say that. ra is a typical angel at school. Let¡¯s go¡± udia shut his mouth and led him away. Whispers ensued from the ssmates on why ra would hide the fact she had a younger brother and what he meant by she eating children alive. Mega didn¡¯t look surprise, ¡°I knew she had a scary side. That little demon. Many new things to uncover about her¡±. Author here, Vote, Comment, Share. XoXo. Chapter Forty-Eight – Desolate. No high school queen liked rumors spreading about them and ra was no exception. By the time the one week break ra had to recover was over, the whole school had heard of the children eating ra and the fact she hid her brother. She wasn¡¯t sure how the rumor started but she guessed that they must have seen Paul at the hospital that day and he had chartered about them being siblings. Not that she was ashamed of him but just didn¡¯t want to be entitled to babysitting him. ¡°I¡¯d never be ahead of my little brother, even though he has issues¡± Belle said to ra. ra rolled her eyes, ¡°You should. That boy can¡¯t even say hi when he¡¯s waved at¡±. ¡°He can¡¯t talk that¡¯s why¡± Belle immediately defended. The talk of her being a bad sister to her little brother as how she was to udia made people fear her more nevertheless. She didn¡¯t have a very angelic aura at school anyway and bullied some students secretly. Mark was also displeased as ra¡¯s nickname grew to CEC, the Children Eating ra. ra shared in his displeasure. She was surely going to pound Paul onto pieces when she got home or get a hold of him in the car. ¡°ra Larabee. Today¡¯s topic is about children trafficking. I hope some of my exnations wouldn¡¯t trigger some traumas for you¡± the Civic teacher taunted as she flipped through her textbook. ¡°Not funny, Miss¡± Mark shouted. The teacher ignored him and started her lessons. ra felt annoyed. The students at school were disrespecting her. Her teachers were bravely dissing her. She had lost her poprity just by one conversation her ssmates had with Paul. It was a miracle he didn¡¯t say anything about udia knife incident or her life would have been over. The only person who seemed to be genuinely uninterested and unaffected by the rumors were Michael. And he seemed like he already had knowledge on the type of person she was. ¡°Hey, have you seen Mega and Belle anywhere? Since I resumed school, I¡¯ve been having mouse chases with those girls¡±. She said to Michael as he was sitting underneath his favorite tree in the school. It was said to be growing a fruit that was explicable to France so she assumed that was his attraction to it.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡°I didn¡¯t see them, only Wright, to show me his artworks, had passed by here. The popr girls of the school don¡¯te around here. It is deste. Makes me wondering why you are here¡± he raised an eyebrow. She smiled, ¡°You could have guessed. I¡¯m kind of deste now too¡±. ¡°Think of a good lie. Pretty girls get away with anything if they lie¡± Michael shrugged. ¡°Not if the world thinks you¡¯re a demon. I have as sides, who doesn¡¯t. But I sometimes feel too weak to y my brother type of games¡± she started, ¡°Sometimes I get jealous of udia for being the stronger twin¡±. Michael felt that for a second he really understood ra¡¯s rage towards udia. It was more of jealousy than hate. She felt weak and tries gaining any kind of power to look stronger. Only that if she meant physical weakness, wasn¡¯t jealousy an emotional weakness. Hate would have been moreparable than topare Jealousy. Since there isn¡¯t really any thing to be jealous about. She was the popr, most loved child though had a pack of blood losses. ¡°What are you thinking about now?¡± she broke him from his line of thoughts. He realized that he had been staring at her while thinking. ¡°Sorry, I went far¡± he brushed his hair back nervously. She smiled. Her attention went to his head. ¡°I look forward to you on ck hair though. Silver gives you a cool look. ck could give you a sexy one¡±. Michael cringed, ¡°And why¡¯d you want to see me on a sexy look?¡±. ¡°I don¡¯t know¡± ra justughed it off and went off. Michael found himselfughing at her attempt on flirting. Which was somewhat getting to him. She wasn¡¯t on a beast mode and looked more fun to be with. He could now achieve his dream of staying and protecting his life saver. Far off he saw udiaing and his countenance changed. Was she there to use him of some new kidnap case? ¡°Wright said you sent a professional painter to teach and assist him in his art work. I wanted to say thanks for that. I was busy with the kidnap case and couldn¡¯t help. Thanks for being his friend¡± she sounded genuine. Michael hesitated before speaking, ¡°Yeah, sure. What are friends for¡±. To his utmost surprise, udia turned away and walked off. That was all she hade to say! He was disappointed. Very disappointed but pushed the feeling away. ra hadn¡¯tpletely gone away from Michael. She saw how he looked back at udia expecting more interactions. udia was always oblivious to this kind of things. ra phoned Michael to keep his mind from wondering to much about udia. No matter how dumb she was, she could deduce that Michael was growing a crush on udia. It was her fault as she always yed the monster while udia was the victim. Or it could be just pity. Either ways, whatever it was, he wasn¡¯t suppose to like her. ¡°Yeah, hello?¡± Michael replied immediately his phone rang. She kept on watching him. ¡°I don¡¯t know if this would be okay but I usually wait for udia till she¡¯s done with her own sses and this time, I¡¯d be busy for another one hour. What I¡¯m saying is, would you mind driving me home?¡± she pleaded. Michael looked at his phone. He ced it down and acted like he wasn¡¯t on a call. ra wasn¡¯t sure what the gesture meant but she kept on talking. ¡°Please, I¡¯m deste now. I need time to write my notes. Mega and Belle hadn¡¯t done them for me. Just a yes. Or a no?¡± she sounded less tearful. ¡°Don¡¯t make it a habit. The road to your street is bumpy, I don¡¯t like it¡± Michael stood from under his shade. ¡°Have you been there before? How¡¯d you know?¡±. ¡°Of course, I have been there. Who do you think dropped Paul off that day? And I¡¯ve visited udia with Paul twice also. That road would surely take my car to a mechanic. Again¡± he hung up and began walking into the ssrooms. ra narrowed her eyes at her new revtion. He had visited twice. Paul hadn¡¯t even talked about. Something was up. Paul had more cases with her than she thought. Chapter Forty-Nine – The monster she has become. Another cup of water was dumped atop of Paul. udia came back with a cloth and began using it to dry him off so he won¡¯t catch a cold. Mr. Larabee tried massaging his son¡¯s chest to ease him as he was having difficulty breathing. ra descended down the stairs slowly with a bowl of milk for him. He had fallen down from the stairs and was passing out. ¡°How could he have fallen!¡± Mrs. Larabee was losing her mind as she scrambled around the house for the first aid box. udia noticed the evil smirk of ra¡¯s face and before she could hold herself she pounced on ra. ¡°I know you pushed him, you wicked witch¡± she dragged her stupid hair to the sides. ra tried pinning her over but udia nibbled on her hands. A cat fight ensued. Screams and growls rented the air. ¡°You little witch. What if you killed him? Did that kidnapper feed you some drugs!¡± udia made sure she drew scars on her sister¡¯s pretty face. ¡°Then he should die. He is a demon not me!¡± ra threw a punch at her. Their mother¡¯s flower vase fell to the ground and ra grab a piece to tear at udia¡¯s back. udia then stuffed her cheeks with the flowers and made her swallow them. Mr. Larabee kept on shouting on them to stop but none of them responded to him. ra was ripping udia¡¯s clothes off and udia was ripping her hair off. Mrs. Larabee sat on the ground. Crying as she was now aware that it was ra¡¯s doing that led to Paul¡¯s falling. Paul was still motionless on the ground and Mrs. Larabee didn¡¯t know if she should call an ambnce or a police. In a fit of rage and frustration, Mr. Larabee lifted a chair on udia and she fell unconscious, just as she was about using a pan to smoothen ra¡¯s head. ¡°Are you crazy!¡± Mrs. Larabee shouted at her husband. ¡°Is udia crazy! She started this fight!¡± her husband retorted. Mrs. Larabee ran to him and pped him hard that his face turned, she turned to ra and descended the pan on her face. ¡°ra is psycho. And now, I know where she got it from, you! This whole family is psycho!¡± the woman ran out of the house with the pan still in her hands. She began phoning the police with the ambnce on her way. Someone should take away the crazy beings in her home. ******* Michael dashed out of the bathroom to answer his phone. Earlier ra had called but kept on crying. Sheter hung up after someone shouted. He panicked and rushed his bath to meet her and she called again? He stayed calm expecting her to day something but she just stayed quiet. ¡°ra? What¡¯s happening?¡± he whispered to the phone. ¡°The police are looking for me. They said I killed my brother. I¡¯m scared. I didn¡¯t do anything, it was udia¡± she whimpered. Michael felt a cold run down his spine. Someone killed Paul? Just when he thought he could have a normal rtionship with ra as no paparazzi were following her about. He drove to her home personally and saw her being handcuffed away. ¡°What in the world was happening?¡± he asked himself as he searched for udia and hoped for Paul too. To his dismay, a stretcher carried udia out of the house. His mouth dropped and he wanted to run to her but felt pinned to the ground. Paul was carried on a stretcher too as a woman, who Michael deduced was their mother, cried her heart out. Michael wished it wasn¡¯t true. Another drama was happening as the police was dragging Mr. Larabee away and pushing him into a police van. He kept on shouting, ¡°udia is the psycho. She nearly killed my daughter, ra¡±. Michael scratched his head furiously. What was this? Their father was being arrested too. And why was he referring to ra as his daughter but not to udia. ra¡¯s van was leaving as well as udia¡¯s ambnce. Michael was torn on who to follow with. udia was unconscious, he didn¡¯t want to think of the possibility of her being dead. ra wouldn¡¯t be allowed to have visitors till the next day. Thest person at home was their mother who Michael expected to go alone with either of the cars but she just stayed back at home. He thought a lot about going to meet her and decided on having a brief conversation with her. ¡°Michael, aren¡¯t you?¡± she asked immediately she saw him. ¡°I saw ra¡¯s phone. You were thest person she called before uploading on her social media ount that she¡¯d be traveling for some days¡± Mrs. Larabee shook her head. Mrs. Larabee further exined that the fact ra knew she wouldn¡¯t be around for some days confirmed more that she was guilty if some offense. ¡°You are saying that ra pushed her little brother from the stairs? Then udia fought her and your husband attacked udia? What movie is this?¡± Michael shouted before he knew it. Mrs. Larabee stayed calm.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. ¡°Is Paul dead? ra called and saved she was used of killing Paul. Is he dead?¡± Michael asked. Mrs. Larabee had to react, she stood up from her couch angrily, ¡°That¡¯s a proof that ra is a psycho! She had always been doing impossible things to hurt her twin sister, I never knew it could get to this¡±. She paused for breathe and then continued, ¡°I should have scolded her when¡¯s she forced her sister to donate blood to that crazy nurse that year. I would have scolded her for such maltreatment to my baby girl and I should have sued that French family for the about, whether they were rich or not. My family started with that one mess-up. udia and ra hated each other after that incident and udia became distant from us because we couldn¡¯t protect her. It is my fault as a parent. My fault. I shouldn¡¯t even be ming ra cos I birthed the monster she¡¯s bing!¡± she stormed out of the room to cry. Chapter Fifty – It’s not Clara. ra averted her gaze when the police man sat in front of her. ¡°Did you know your home had a CCTV camera?¡± he asked in a hushed tone. ra turned to him. ¡°I guess you didn¡¯t know¡± he shrugged. Her eyes were now glued to him. ¡°So the camera caught you push your little brother down the stairs. Caught you break your mom¡¯s vase to caught your sister with the pieces and also at one time, caught you stabbing your sister with a knife one night¡±. Sweat was profusely streaming down ra¡¯s neck, down to her thighs. ¡°Well, you are a minor and won¡¯t go to prison but those are crimes. And you were said to have survived a traumatic kidnap or say, attempted murder. It¡¯s safe to say that you are¡­.¡± The police mam searched ra¡¯s face to get a reaction. She frowned and answered, ¡°I am not mad. I am not detrimental. All of you are. My brother spread rumors about me. Yes, it was an ident, I admit¡±. The police man nodded, ¡°You admit?¡± She rolled her eyes but nodded, ¡°Yes, I do. And it was for defense to use the broken vase on my sister, she¡¯s stronger and would have killed me. And the knife ident, a total slip. I am not detrimental¡±. The police mam nodded again and wrote down something¡¯s in his notes. ¡°If you aren¡¯t detrimental, and what I initially wanted to say is, you are psycho. Confirmed one¡±. He left the room to answer to his superiors. ra gulped down saliva as his words kept on repeating in her head. ¡°You are a psycho¡±. ****** If someone had told Michael he would be babysitting a woman in her forties that day, he could haveughed hard and said impossible. But he was. Mrs. Larabee had cried so much that he felt he shouldn¡¯t leave till she got better. Well, his mistake number one. It took hours till she ¡°got better¡± but them she asked a direct favor to stay longer as she wasn¡¯t used to being home alone. ¡°Well, maybe you could bail your husband or something¡­¡± Michael tried suggesting anything to rid him from a possible babysitting. ¡°I don¡¯t want to see his face. He is the one who had started the preferential treatment that led to this. Also, he isn¡¯t always home. udia is the homebody here. She¡¯s always home¡±. Defeated, Michael just epted the offer to stay. Maybe it would give him a chance to get the full story on how ¡°ra forced her sister to donate blood¡±. He just want to assume the woman had slipped tongue and used wrong names. After all ra and udia sounded alike.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡°My girls are different. And yes, udia is wilder but I¡¯d say much of a risk taker. ra is the happy one. Friendly and love colorful things. udia is easily bored. That¡¯s them before a major incident in our life though¡± Mrs. Larabee began narrating. Michael felt it weird she¡¯d just open up to someone she barely knew but he understood that she needed someone to talk to, badly. He only felt bad for himself because in her story he¡¯d be the viin. Mrs. Larabee pointed out distinctively how much she regretted not protecting her daughter from the abuse. Forced to donate blood at a young age and then paid to keep silence while she was a free citizen of the U. S. The mother also added that it wasn¡¯t just the fear of losing the case that stopped her from protesting but also the fear of the case ring on the news as ¡°French Heir abuses rights of American preteen¡± which was possibly how it would have been. The American media wouldn¡¯t waste time to pin the case on France and start a possibly media war from the countries. She didn¡¯t want that as her daughter would be seen as a pathetic victim instead of someone trying to fight for her rights. But in the bid to avoid all these, she failed to protect her daughter¡¯s trust in her and caused them to drift apart due to the guilt she had. Guilt filled Michael also. Since he was younger he always thought the girl who gave him blood ¡°donated¡±. He never knew she was forced to give it out. And paid for it. And threatened to keep it a secret. He had realized that few days ago when his father was saying ra might not like him since she hadn¡¯t really volunteered her blood. But Michael never imagined that it was a coaxed business. ¡°I hope I am not making you ufortable as you are French? I don¡¯t mean Frenches are bad. I work with a lot and they are really nice and funny but that experience was really bad for me¡± Mrs. Larabee sniffed. ¡°Oh, hmm¡­ it is bad. I¡¯d just say that maybe the other party had no choice and didn¡¯t know things would turn out this way. Maybe¡± he faked a smile. Mrs. Larabee smiled at him and then suddenly offered to make a snack for him. She disappeared to the kitchen before he could protest. Michael stayed glued to the chair. His phone began beeping and he knew it was Mrs. Peniel. She would begin thundering on how he left without telling her. But that was the very least of his problems. ra was surely aware of who he was or there was no other reason she¡¯d act like the real donator? Her reason for acting was still unknown. Shouldn¡¯t she be sharing the same hatred her family shared for the family that was donated to. Or did she hate udia so much that she didn¡¯t care. This information exined why udia had a weak body despite her strong nature. It exined why she never trusts and cared less about showing weak emotions. ra so had a query to answer. How long did she know he was the one? Why was she purposely hurting in front of him? Did she realized that he would have a special feeling for her? Why exactly did she lie about being the one? Chapter Fifty-One – Right that Wrong. ¡°Oh, dear. I forgot to ask, do you like sugar or honey?¡± Mrs. Larabee returned to him. He stood up abruptly, ¡°None, please, I need to leave now. My father would be worried¡±. Mrs. Larabee looked disheartened but agreed, ¡°Thanks for staying. Drive safely home¡±. Michael mmed his car door hard behind him. He was sure not going home to answer all Mrs. Peniel questions on where he went to. He had to deal with ra and her psychosis. And would pay udia a visit. She deserved it. She ways had. Michael searched through for the nearest hospital that udia might have been taken to. He would visit her mad twinter. The nearest hospital reported not to have any one under her name and that was when Michael remembered the other hospital which ra referred to as their family¡¯s hospital. Hopefully, it wasn¡¯t part of the numerous lies she had told him. The nurse confirmed that Paul and udia Larabee had been registered at her hospital but she refused to give the ward number per order. ¡°I am a friend of one of the twin girl. I just need to see she¡¯s okay, I¡¯ll leave soon¡± Michael pleaded but the nurse was adamant. It was an instruction and no matter who, she wasn¡¯t supposed to allow. The instructions came from the mother of the patients so Michael decided to back off. Mrs. Larabee might have been being careful to avoid anyone harming her children more than they already are. He¡¯d respect her decisions. He felt irritated leaving to meet ra at the station. He was more irritated seeing her as she came into the room to meet in. The officer that had brought her left and that was when she began fake crying. ¡°If only you¡¯de earlier. Why are youing now?¡± she cried. Michael could see through her disguise. He kept a straight face and asked, ¡°Why did you call me? What were you expecting me to do for you?¡±. ra sniffed and shrugged, ¡°Talk to the police maybe. I really didn¡¯t kill anyone. You know I wouldn¡¯t¡±. He shook his head, ¡°You didn¡¯t kill anybody but I don¡¯t know if you wouldn¡¯t. You need help ra. I won¡¯t be forgiving you anytime soon for what you did to Paul and udia, especially udia¡±. She looked confused but just bent her head down. ¡°Just came to say I wish you happy rehab and psychology sses. You need them a lot¡±. A smirk came up to her face and she red at Michael. ¡°My dad won¡¯t let me stay here. I¡¯ll be out soon. I¡¯m not insane, you¡¯ll are for thinking I am¡±. Michael looked at her with pity. The worst thing she could do to herself is to keep on saying that she didn¡¯t need help. Her lies could be normal. But her quest for attention and not minding hurting her sibling to get it, was so overwhelming.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. ¡°Just in case, I know that my kidnap had to do with you. If I¡¯m really going to rehab, then you and your father would be found with me¡± ra sneered. When she didn¡¯t a shocked expression on Michael she repeated her statement again but he still stayed quiet. ¡°You don¡¯t think I¡¯d do it?¡± she narrowed her eyes at him. ¡°Now, I get why you imed to be my donor. You thought you¡¯d get financial entitlement right? Well, yes, we should have given more financial entitlements. I¡¯d be giving them to ra¡± Michael responded. ra frowned and stood up and left for her cell. Michael braced himself for the scolding he would receive when he got home but fortunately, Mrs. Peniel was too busy calling her sister, Audrey, on the phone. Soon she began singing a happy birthday song to her and that was when Michael realized that it was her birthday. ¡°Oh no, I will be missing the party. You know I can¡¯t leave Michael alone here. And he maybe reluctant toe with me¡± sheined to her sister. Michael came closer and began trying tomunicate with her. ¡°What are you saying?¡± Mrs. Peniel asked in her hushed tone. ¡°That I don¡¯t mind going to her party. I have some questions for her. And I¡¯ve had a bad day myself¡± Michael pleaded. Mrs. Peniel agreed and they were on their way to Audrey¡¯s birthday party, though they stopped for some gifts along the way. Audrey was pleased to be having them for her party. ¡°Even the French heir came to grace my mini party. Will you befortable here? I have some going friends?¡± she winked at him. He nodded, he just had to find a ce to hide at and enjoy the party. Or so he thought. A young girl had noticed him and had quickly taken a seat besides him. ¡°I¡¯m Ang¡± her voice was sweet. She reminded him of the school cheer girls who flocked around him while at France. He never treasured the attention anyway. Thankfully Audrey sat beside him and the girl excused herself. ¡°Hmm. So I was wondering how you and ra is doing? My sister¡¯s been filling me in¡± she chuckled. Michael nodded. ¡°Alright¡± he sniffed. ¡°Does she know who you are? You know, I did suggest to your dad that year to pay a visit to her family properly, with gifts and a apology for what happened. I suggested due to guilt of course but he doesn¡¯t listen to anyone¡±. It was actually a good idea. And with the way Mrs. Larabee spoke spitefully about the ¡°French Man¡±, it would be good to make a proper visit to pacify her. ¡°I know you may not like it, that girl could hate you for the trauma she had to go through for your same but for conscience sake, do that, please¡± Audrey added. Michael was full aware of his next action. He¡¯d have to appease the Larabee as a first step. His initial n of hiding in the shadows and protecting his life savior didn¡¯t workout. To be honest, it was a huge failure as he ended up with the wrong daughter. All would have been averted if he had been upfront with who he was from the beginning. It would have been chaotic but udia would have gotten over it by now. And he was going to right that wrong. Chapter Fifty-Two – We meet again. udia walked home from the hospital with a slopping shoulder. Their family¡¯s doctor had discharged her but she felt bad that her mom couldn¡¯te to see her all through the week and she was now returning home. Worse still, her mom told her she¡¯d have to walk home as she couldn¡¯t pick her up and was very busy. ¡°I hope my life gets better here on¡± she muttered to herself. A car revved behind her and she jumped forward to avoid it sshing water on her. ¡°Hey, drunkards, watch where you are driving!¡± she screams at the numerous boys in the car. One of them screamed out, ¡°You dare talk to us like that, we ain¡¯t dating ya then¡± and the rest beganughing. udia eyes widened. That was actually the normal line of Wright¡¯s twins brothers. Wright had told her that since his brothers think they¡¯re basically every girl¡¯s dream guy, they threaten to never date any girl to force the girls to do their bidding. As much as it was stupid, Wright added that it usually worked as the girls reluctantly did as they wish. Just then an idea struck udia and she started running after their car. ¡°Hey, Doni, Dani, Micah, Mark, Josh and John! We meet again¡± she sighed after that, she was really surprised she still knew those names. They slowed down a bit and she caught up. They began rolling their eyes at her as she came closer. ¡°It¡¯s me, udia, Wright¡¯s friends. You guys are awesome crazy drivers. Might crashing me at my home, I¡¯m tired¡± she said with pleading eyes. They stared at her for a while, perhaps trying to guess where they knew her from. ¡°C¡¯mon, Wright, friend, ssmate, udia. I came to your house once to pick up Wright from school¡± she emphasized. Doni began nodding and whispered something to his brothers. They began shaking their heads as well. udia wasn¡¯t sure if they recognized her but they told her to enter their ¡°van¡±, she was d and did so without hesitation. ¡°So you are Wright¡¯s friend? Do you know any boy named Larabee?¡± One of the boys narrowed his eyes at her. ¡°Um.. No. Is there any boy named Larabee that Wright talks about?¡± udia could sense where they were going but she rather not clear them up. ¡°Hmmm¡­ if you don¡¯t know Larabee, virtually the only friend Wright imed he had before that Michael boy, then I doubt you are a friend with Wright¡± he replied. Another one quickly added, ¡°Maybe just a ssmate tryna steal a ride home¡±. Before udia could defend another one shouted,ughing, ¡°Or trying to seduce us in the car, baby I¡¯m ready¡±. They all beganughing and udia was visibly pissed off. ¡°Jeez, Doni, stop with the sassy talks. I¡¯m not those your sexy video game anime characters you y all the time¡± she sighed and folded her arms. They all fell silent and scrutinized her. ¡°You¡¯ve seen me ying my games?¡± Doni looked shocked. She nodded, proudly. Dani, who was driving, pulled the car to a halt, surprising both udia and his other brothers. ¡± Wright wouldn¡¯t have talked about Doni¡¯s games at school cos he hates Doni¡¯s video games filled with sexy anime girls¡± he licked his lips quickly making udia cringe. ¡°You must havee to our house to have seen Doni ying them. Question one is, where you invited or came by your own will? Question two is, if you came by your own will, where we aware you came or you came in as a burr?¡±. He was now frowning but his brothers burst outughing. udia would haveughed too if not for the serious face he was having. ¡°You think she would sneak into our house without us knowing¡± Doni smiled. ¡°Yeah, and what¡¯s M-twin¡¯s dogs for?¡± Someone said, presumably Josh or John, since M-twin¡¯s were Mark and Micah. Dani still had his serious face, waiting for his answer. udia was really enjoying it but she decided to clear things up to continue her ride home. ¡°Don¡¯t fear, Dani. I¡¯m the Larabee. I don¡¯t how Wright gave you guys the impression that I¡¯m a boy but I¡¯m really udia Larabee¡± she showed them a picture of she and Wright on theirst year graduation and her student ID with her surname. She asked them to call Wright if they doubted but they quickly imed they remembered. ¡°I can¡¯t believe you guys have so thin a memory but I guess you see tons of girls everyday so would easily forget my face¡± she shrugged. Dani still looked unsure but Doni and the rest seemed calm. ¡°I guess I remember you though, I don¡¯t know. I¡¯m Micah by the way. Official youngest, second to Wright only¡± Micah said. udia just smiled. She wasn¡¯t ready for a full introduction by all of them but they still gave it. She could catch that while Doni, oldest, Dani, second eldest, were the video game experts andwyer respectively. The rest were all into different aspects of Engineering. With Mark being the only one in the medical department. Their ages surprised her but she guessed that maybe that was why they were so random. She thought they¡¯d be much older since Wright seemed to respect them a lot much that he said he rarely called them by their names. The first set, Doni and Dani were just twenty-three. Next set, Josh and John, were twenty-one. Thest, Mark and Micah, were neen. ¡°We are all adults¡± Micah emphasized on the adults, making his brothersugh. She simply told them she was seventeen, not like they asked, not like it mattered. But so they¡¯d know they¡¯re dealing with a minor and never make dating threats.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. She also added that she was a twin herself and showed ra¡¯s picture. She was surprised when they, unlike other boys, didn¡¯t gush over ra¡¯s beauty and just nodded. Mark adding that ¡°Twins are the best¡±. ¡°So, you¡¯re the Larabee Wright said tossed a boy twice your size down at another student?¡± Josh asked suddenly. udia face mmed. That was something that happened at her grade 8, she barely knew Wright then. Had he been always fangirling her? Author¡¯s note: Vote, Comment, Share. Thank you! Chapter Fifty-Three – A breeze of positivity. udia face mmed. That was something that happened at her grade 8, she barely knew Wright then. Had he been always fangirling her? ¡°That¡¯s was very long ago, isn¡¯t it?¡± she tried to evade the question. ¡°Well, I¡¯ve seen that boy before. He¡¯s fat¡­¡±. ¡°Round, you mean¡± Micah interrupted. ¡°Well, round and big. If you were just a¡­ say¡­ thirteen and that boy looked like a seventeen year old. I wonder how you did it¡± Josh continued. ¡°Also, Wright¡¯s been talking about it for up to four years now, whenever he remembers¡± the others chuckled. udia smiled, an epic scene of older brothers exposing their younger sibling. ¡°Well, the ¡°round¡± boy was a bully. He just got unlucky¡± she shrugged. Josh nodded and tapped her on the shoulders. They unusually fell silent along the way. udia guessed that it could be cos of whatever Doni had said to them in Ukrainian, their native tongue, possibly to stop exposing Wright, but she enjoyed the quietness. She was now few streets to her own street. ¡°Well, if you are really Larabee, then I have a message to give to you. Wright¡¯s at France right now. He won a schrship¡± Dani broke the silence, he had an air of pride as he spoke. ¡°Wright¡¯s at France?¡± udia¡¯s head could explode. She turned to each brother and they replied with a nod. ¡°He said he had gone to a hospital to inform you or something but he wasn¡¯t allowed in. He left yesterday. It was urgent¡± Mark exined further. ¡°We¡¯d visit him tomorrow¡± Micah said excitedly but calmed down when he saw udia¡¯s sad face. ¡°Don¡¯t cry, he wasn¡¯t your boyfriend. Or was he?¡± Doni joked but udia didn¡¯tugh. ¡°He won the artpetition he had been working so hard for. We couldn¡¯t really help him cos we all based in the sciences and even though Dani was art inclined, he studiedw not anything art rted¡± Josh added. ¡°But then some hot French guy named Michael, paid some art geek to pretty his art up. I guessed that¡¯s why his ying around at the Eiffel tower aka France now¡± John said. udia looked confused on his choice of words. His twin, Josh, looked amused but nodded to agree. It was John¡¯s first words to udia and she barely understood, he could just leave the talking to the rest anyway. She got to her street and came down from their vehicle. ¡°Thanks for the ride and theugh¡± she forced a smile. ¡°Sure. Anything for Wright¡¯s girl¡­ ssmate¡± Micah nodded and waved. udia smirks and waved back. They drove offter and then udia noticed that they¡¯ve continued their reckless driving. They¡¯d been more gentle when she was in it. Well, away with them. She picked more courage and strolled ahead to her home. Expecting the best, now her father had been bailed and was now home. She knew her family would change especially now her mother had left ra at rehab. udia didn¡¯t really think ra¡¯s had a psychology problem just anger issues and perhaps anxiety, as well. No matter how much ra wanted to deny it, udia could see she just wanted the whole world to love her and woulde against anyone who threatens her glory. She only hoped that the ¡°rehab treatment¡± works for good and not for worse. As she got closer to her home. A neighbor of hers rushed out from his home and blocked her way. She rolled her eyes at him. The little fifteen year old Jackson again, bothering her. ¡°I heard you¡¯ve been in the hospital?¡± he asked with his arms still stretched restricting her from moving forward. ¡°If it¡¯s about your crush, ra, then you won¡¯t be seeing her for some months. Get used to it¡± she pushed her way ahead. ¡°It really isn¡¯t about ra. Your mom told me that ra caused an ident that made you and Paul to the hospital. I was asking for your health really¡± he pouted. ¡°Well, it¡¯s fine. Thank you¡± she went on inside. He was basically like all the boys she knew. Crush on a girl, and when they don¡¯t see that girl flirt with their sister. Immature. Definitely not going to waste her time on him. On opening her gate, a breeze of positivity blew passed her and she cheered up. She yelled, ¡°Paul, I¡¯m home¡± as per her normal ritual and awaited his weing. She remembered she didn¡¯t get him snack like she used to but she couldn¡¯t have as she had no money with her and as she had been dropped by Wright¡¯s brothers. ¡°Paul? I¡¯m home¡± she called out again. After this second attempt, he rushed out to big her and dragged her inside the house with him. He was looking all good. He had been discharged two days before her. ¡°You have a visitor¡± he whispered. udia had already guessed who it was. Unless it wasn¡¯t Michael Louis¡¯s car that was outside their gate. She just wasn¡¯t sure what he came to do. All eyes traveled to her when she came into the living room. While her eyes traveled to the piles of gifts in the middle of the room. She greeted all the elders there and waved slightly to Michael. Why was the atmosphere looking like they¡¯ve been waiting for her? To add, an elderly man, with a chic style, and the woman, who had apanied Michael on his first visit to her, were sitting alongside Michael. Michael, for some reasons, wasn¡¯t meeting her gaze. udia also noticed her father and felt instantly ufortable so she sat at the only unemptied chair left, that¡¯s wasn¡¯t besides her father but was besides Michael. ¡°I know you might know him already right?¡± her father cleared his throat. udia gulped down saliva and nodded, ¡°He is my ssmate. I do¡±.Belonging to N?velDrama.Org. Silence fell in the room again. udia looked at her mother to see if she could somehow, telepathically or verbally, tell her what was going on but her mother just sat there, streaming down tears. Author¡¯s note: Vote,ment, share. Thank you, lovelies. Chapter Fifty-Four – Eating healthy. Shocked to her bones. In total disbelief. Exponentially astonished. Any other big and totally appropriate word you have for confusion would do for describing udia¡¯s state of mind. When she discovered that Michael Louis was the ¡°Frenchie¡± that had attempted suicide that year. That Michael Louis! Real question is, why isn¡¯t she angry? She was shocked, alright. But she didn¡¯t feel offended with the fact he hid his identity or the inhumane thing that was done to her as a minor. Or that even after her sacrifice to him, he came back to yank her arm. None of those made her angry. She just appeared angry for effects bit wasn¡¯t angry. And it was definitely not because of the huge pile of gifts for her at home, she just chose to ignore him all through the day at school. She wasn¡¯tpletely invisible anymore as people came to her to ask about what happened to ra. She told them one cock and bull story or the other. By the third ss before recess, she received a text from Michael asking her if she wanted to eat out with him. udia red at the text with scorn. They had been a rumor that the school¡¯s cafeteria had some problems so they might not be enough food for that day. But he had no right to ask her to eat with her. It was too absurd judging from what he was to her now. Another text came in, ¡°Text back ¡°no¡± rather than ring at the phone. It¡¯s scared¡±. She knew he was now watching her and just sent the phone back to her pocket. ¡°No, eat yourself by yourself. Suck blood from you and drink it. If you feel like it, by some gifts topensate for your blood¡± she spoke to the empty field where she was at. She turned to behind her and saw him resting on his usual spot on the tree. She raised her face up and walked past him. ¡°I am not a vampire. I can¡¯t possibly eat myself¡± he said just as she passed. She red at him. ¡°You can eat me if you want though¡± he shrugged mindlessly. Her face folded, ¡°What did you say?¡±. He beganughing, ¡°Don¡¯t be dirty minded. You started the ¡°eating human¡± game¡±. udia raised her hand to punch him but he fled. That rural animal. ¡°Stay away from me or I¡¯ll really eat you, physically¡± she pointed but he kept onughing and she grew more embarrassed about the situation. She waste to the cafeteria resulting to all the food being finished. It was said that the cooks tried hard to satisfy at least eighty-five percent of those who wanted food. The other twenty-five would have to eat outside. Again, those twenty-five would wait till school¡¯s over. No one left the school while it was on session. udia was devastated. She valued her lunch most importantly as she missed breakfasts a lot and sometimes dinner, depending on her mood. The doctor had also told her that she should try maintaining a healthy habit, and steady exercises that weren¡¯t strenuous.N?velDrama.Org ? content. In other order, missing lunch wasn¡¯t in her schedule. She sneaked to the gate hoping to find food outside but the gateman quickly came in front of her. ¡°Hey, look, you either have to let me go or go yourself. There¡¯s no damn food in the cafeteria and I am on doctor¡¯s prescription. Get it?¡± she looked above the tall figure in front of her. He shook his head as response. ¡°So I should die. Cos it could happen¡± she folded her arms. The man pointed back at her school, indicating that she should return but she tantly sat at his post. They rather protect the gate together than for her to trek back to her ss on an empty stomach. She was now regretting not epting Michael¡¯s proposal to eat out. With his status, the gateman would have literally walked him out of the school himself. Also, if the teachers found her sitting with the gateman they¡¯d surely wonder what was wrong and that might not be very good for the gateman. The gateman seeing her stubbornness could smell she just wanted to put him in a tight spot. ¡°Give me the money. What do you want to buy?¡± he finally asked her. She smirked and listed all the healthy snacks she could think of and handed him a hundred dor bill, courtesy of the nice envelope Mr. Louis gave her before he left. She had sworn never to show her parents the full package. The gateman muttered ¡°glutton¡± as he left and she screamed back that the doctor told her to eat healthy and we was hungry so she had to eat a lot. She waited in silence for the man to return with her food. It was running to thirty minutes, recess was over but she wasn¡¯t having a ss till an hourter. The hour that the man was spending. She yawned for the neenth time and looked gloomily at the gate hoping he¡¯d appear. A figure appeared and she jumped up from the seat opening her sleepy eyes. She saw Michael in front of her instead. ¡°You look tired and hungry. Come with me. We¡¯d eat in my car¡± he offered. She closed her sleepy eyes and sat back on the chair. She felt his hands check her temperature so she knocked it away. ¡°The gateman would be bringing my food soon¡± she announced. Michael nodded and sat besides her. He began staring at her but because her eyes were closed she couldn¡¯t see him. ¡°I¡¯ve been thinking of changing my hair color. What color do you think fits me?¡± he nudged at her. She shot her eyes open. A student, probably trying to sneak from the gate, saw them sitting at the gate together and ran back to her ss. ¡°That prawn is going to start a gossip¡± udia sighed. ¡°Are you scared?¡± Michael smirked. udia shook her head, ¡°Nah, only a fool is going to believe we two have anything between us. You are ra¡¯s¡± she said nonchntly. Michael wanted to say something but stopped himself. udia¡¯s stomach thought it would be the perfect time to rumble in anger about not eating and udia seemed embarrassed about it. ¡°I bought you food. You can eat in my car, udia. Your ss would start soon¡± he advised. She seemed to give in as she stood up from the seat. Chapter Fifty-Five – Bad Mark. udia had to agree the stew she ate was delicious and tasted like those her grandmother made. Her grandma had African heritage so the ingredients used in making her stew was rare and only known by her. ¡°Did it taste like it?¡± Michael came into the car. udia red at him with her mouth full. She had told him to not toe till she was done but his ears seemed to fail from time to time. ¡°Just answer me and I¡¯d leave. Did the stew taste like your grandma¡¯s?¡± he repeated again. ¡°How do you know?¡± udia forgot she had food in her mouth. Michael sat closer, ¡°From your letter that year it was quite obvious you were fond of your grandma. This is a thank you gift. I knew about your mom¡¯s heritage from Wright. He said you told him once¡±.N?velDrama.Org ? content. udia hid her surprise, as well as gratitude, by stuffing the food into her mouth. Seeing her eat with more enthusiast, Michael registered the gesture as a thank you. He finally left the car and sat by the tree. Looking towards the car to know when she eventually finish eating. udia noticed his till watching her. ¡°You don¡¯t have to treat me like a baby cos I gave you blood. I can take care of myself¡± she shouted. He smiled and looked away. It was at that time he saw Mark and some other boys puncturing the tires of their teachers¡¯ cars. It was the senior math teacher¡¯s. Michael looked back at udia and guessed she wouldn¡¯t be walking out anytime soon so he went over to the boys to stop them from the vandalizing. ¡°Last time I did something like that to my dad¡¯s car, my dad made me draw a new model for his new car¡± he mmed at the car¡¯s bo to get the boy¡¯s attention. The junior boys with Mark look scared and immediately there away their weapons. ¡°Luckily my hand drawn sketch became liked by the engineers. They created my model which became your favorite car, Strike X¡± Michael continued. He smirked as he got the boy¡¯s full attention. Mark fondled the screwdriver that was in his hands, ¡°I never liked that car. Now I know why. Cos you¡¯re the brain behind it¡±. ¡°It is a mastermind. I never knew you modeled the car yourself¡± one of the boys blurted out. Mark pushed him backwards and walked closer to Michael, ¡°You may hold the teachers puppets but I get the right to punish them when I like. Get that?¡±. But before he left, Michael snatched the screwdriver from him. Mark attacked him to get it back and hit him hard on his stomach. Responding to stimulus, Michael pinned him to the car but let go off him when he realized himself. ¡°You aren¡¯t at all bothered about your girlfriend not being at school today? And you¡¯re here ying with dangerous objects?¡± he screamed at Mark. udia heard his scream. She had earlier seen Mark attacking him. She shook her head and began heading to them. Mark was fuming. His fists were half clenched., ¡°ra is mine. I don¡¯t know why you care so much about her. She told me she went traveling. So I¡¯m wishing her luck not being bothered¡±. ¡°What she told you! Wow. You¡¯re such fool¡± udia said behind them. Mark moved forward to her but Michael pushed him back. The boys with Mark tried pulling him back but he shoved them aside harshly resulting in one of them having a minor injury. ¡°A dirt like you shouldn¡¯t bother my life. Rather go try making your self important in your dad¡¯s eyes¡± Mark pointed at udia. Her eyes twitched and she grabbed the screwdriver from Michael and threw it on Mark. Itnded on his chest, sending him to the ground. Michael¡¯s attempt to hold udia failed as she bit him hard on his hands. Heter attempted holding her again when she atop was Mark. They three were the only ones there at the moment. The junior boys had runs way. udia kept on hitting Mark to the ground repeating dirt. Anything to remind him who the pathetic dirt was among them two. Michael sessfully dragged her off Mark¡¯s body and Mark was all wet from below his knees. ¡°Look what you¡¯ve done¡± he screamed at udia who had disgust written all over her face. How could he have soaked himself? ¡°Let¡¯s stop this. It won¡¯t end well you know¡± Michael reminded them while trying his best not tough at Mark¡¯s wet trousers. Mark realized that¡¯s he was getting the wrong idea and attempted exining but udia just shouted to them leave her alone and walked away. ¡°I didn¡¯t urinate on myself. A sachet of water was in my pockets¡± he revealed the empty sachet from his pocket as proof. Michael¡¯s eyes dimmed, ¡°Well, I hope you do more useful thing with your life hence forth¡±. He went forward and seized the screwdriver. ¡°Until then, I¡¯ll keep this¡±. ¡°You are a cat right?¡± Michael was referring to udia. He noticed that she kept on walking faster. He held her hand and faced her to see her crying. She there his hands angrily and stomped off. He was confused. Had he said something wrong. He couldn¡¯t remember. He then remembered what had aggravated udia to pounce on Mark. He had called her ¡°dirt¡±. But udia wasn¡¯t someone who got affected by abusive words. Maybe she particrly hated the word. He got into the car and saw she wasn¡¯t there. Her bag was still there so she didn¡¯t leave for her ss. He checked his wrist watch, and his ss was due too. They both had the same ss, math. And udia shouldn¡¯t miss it. He tried phoning her but her phone rang inside her bag. Basically, he had never seen her get affected by someone¡¯s percept of her. She wasn¡¯t diet so it shouldn¡¯t bother her. As Michael locked his car, he remembered the exact words of Mark. ¡°Dirt like you shouldn¡¯t bother my life. Rather go try making your self important in your dad¡¯s eye¡±. Those might have been the words. Thest parts. Chapter Fifty-Six – Finding help for Claudia. Michael was unsessful in finding udia before his sses started. He left for them in hopes of seeing her afterwards. Those words said also hunted him a lot. The need for her father to love her would be great on udia but for her sister¡¯s boyfriend to refer to her as dirt because he was aware of the cold rtionship between she and her father was so cold. No thanks to ra who would have added more vor to her problems. Michael barely concentrated during ss. udia would surely be going through a lot by being loved little by her father. After the ss, the teacher came closer to him and he could guess why. ¡°Michael, are you okay? You were staring nkly all day. Is there something wrong with you?¡± she asked. Michael knew his father must have told all the teachers to watch him. If he stared nkly or be uninterested in something he should interest in before. These were to avoid more suicidal attempts in the future. His father could rest assured, he had less problems now. He found a way to escape the teacher and went back go his car to see udia sleeping inside it. He had left the car open, despite how dangerous that was. Her bag was still in it. He felt her forehead. She was hot, her eyes were wet too. If there was something that left Michaelpletely helpless was when a friend of his was crying or in pain. He basically didn¡¯t know show to help much. He phoned the only person he could think of. Tom. His old French buddy. Even as a kid, Tom understood women. ¡°Oui, who is this?¡± Tom answered immediately. ¡°Michael. Did you delete my number again?¡± Michael sighed. A soft chuckle came from the other end along with the voice of some women. Michael rolled his eyes, ¡°Sorry for distracting you from something so important but I need your help in something¡± he began telling Tom all about udia and her father¡¯s unhealthy rtionship. Tom was munching on something but kept making timely ¡°hmms¡±. ¡°You see, I think you¡¯ve really fallen head over heels in love, mon gar?on¡± Tom said sarcastically. Michael red at his phone. ¡°Or not. But if a girl is feeling sad, they are many things to do to make her happy like¡­¡±. ¡°Depending on the kind of girl, Tom. I¡¯m not talking of one of your pit bulls¡± Michael retorted. Tom snickered and continued, ¡°Okay, that was harsh. These girls get paid to be my ¡°pitbulls¡±, okay? That was really harsh but if your friend isn¡¯t that way then I. Can¡¯t. Help¡±. Michael sighed. ¡°But, but¡­ gifts work on any girl, I guess. Try making her either hippie happie or shower her gifts. You got the money, you just need the woman¡± Tom added. Michael felt worms creep up on him. Hippie Happie? He had begged Tom not to use that word when referring to him. That childhood friend of his was as dirty as his old teddy Bino. ¡°Hope I helped¡± Tom chuckled at the other end. ¡°Sure did. Bye¡± Michael cut the line. Tom did help by adding to all the stupid ideas Michael would be having all day. It was the end of his ss for the day and he needed his car. But cursed would he be if he woke udia up from sleep. He saw Mark and those same juniors sneaking out of school. They just liked breaking school rules. Surprisingly, the gateman let them pass even when he noticed them. Michael hopped into his car and started the ignition, he noticed udia wake up but he didn¡¯t turn to her. ¡°I¡¯m done with my sses. Heading home¡± he said to the gateman. The man nodded and let him pass. Unknown to Mark and his boys, they were being followed. Michael found Mark and the juniors separating at an intersection, he waited for a while at the middle to see if they¡¯d corner to anywhere. The boys seemed to have gone to buy something while Mark sneakily went down a lonely street. Michael wasn¡¯t sure if he should keep on following him by car. udia had gone back to sleep. He parked his car in a safe ce and began tracking down Mark by foot. Deeper they went down a dark alley. It was beginning to give Michael the red sign warning and the mafia vibe. Wherever Mark was going to, was no good ce. At another intersection, there was a note written on the wall with what Michael hoped was red paint and not blood. ¡°Go left to live. Go right to die¡±. Michael was sure it was the warning sign of a territorial mafia don and gang. Not the kind of people anyone should mess with. His mouth dropped when Mark followed the right way. Quickly, Michael set his phone¡¯s tracker on active just in case he went missing. His curiosity couldn¡¯t let him return so he might as well get to the bottom of it and maybe find a thing to hold against Mark. Reasons why Mark would be associated with any mafia were noting to Michael. Wasn¡¯t he just a handsome girl¡¯s crush at school who was shifty and rude to everyone? Just like his iconic girlfriend? There was a loud roar and Michael snapped out of his thoughts. A six feet tall mam was standing in front of Mark with a bloody chain in his hands. ¡°Tell me you brought it?¡± he growled at Mark. Mark timidly nodded and brought out a bulk of cash that he had stuffed in his pockets while walking. ¡°No, it shouldn¡¯t be drugs¡± Michael sighed while trying to get a photo or video of what he was seeing. His phone began beeping but he thanked his heavens it was on silent. It was udia calling. Michael switched off his videos record and took a specific hiding ce. ¡°Don¡¯t get involved. Bring your butt back to the car or it¡¯ll get whooped¡± she shouted on the phone. Michael lowered his phone¡¯s volume just in case the big man heard her. Mark was now returning after delivering the money.This is the property of N?-velDrama.Org. Michael, with his evidence already on him whatever Mark had done, quickly ran back to his car. udia must have known about this. He was so curious to know what it was about? Chapter Fifty-Seven – His Father’s debts. Michael was still panting from his race as he started his car and sped back to the main road. udia wanted to say something but she waited still he got out of that street. ¡°Chain and Blood. That gang. Mark¡¯s dad owe them a debt¡± udia announced while he was still driving. Michael halted his car knowing that the full gist was starting. He could barely believe his ears when she was done. His motive for following Mark was to catch an evidence that would put him trouble. Use it to ckmail him to stop hurting udia¡¯s feelings. But with what it seem, it looked like udia¡¯s already knew a lot of secrets against him. But never used to cos she had a conscience. It made Michael wonder how long they¡¯ve known each other. Long story short. Mark¡¯s father had once borrowed a huge deal of money from some loan sharks. He dyed inying and the loan sharks informed him that the money actually belonged to the gang leader of Blood and Chain. This made Mark¡¯s father very anxious and he attempted stealing. The money he had borrowed was for Mark¡¯s younger brother¡¯s surgery as the boy had some growth in his head that would have imed his life. Well, Mark¡¯s father had been caught by the police. When the gang leader of Chain and Blood found out about it, they began bothering Mark¡¯s mom to pay up despite the fact that she had divorced Mark¡¯s father a long time ago. They had demanded for Mark¡¯s younger brother as ransom but then Mark had begged them to give him time to repay it. Fortunately, one of the gang leader subordinate imed that Mark¡¯s father had helped his daughter out once when she got stuck under the rain. He had given her some transport fare even though he had nothing. The man then pleaded that more time be given to the boy to repay his father¡¯s death. That was how Mark got into a whole load of debt since thest five years as he was told to pay by installment. He hid it properly from the eyes of his prying female fans. ra knew about it but one way or the other made Mark date her faithfully to keep it a secret. udia just didn¡¯t care much to publicize it. What would she gain from telling the whole school Mark¡¯s father was a criminal who made Mark inherit his debts? She rather lived knowing she once knew Mark. He had enough problems. She being one of his problems would do him no good. Michael couldn¡¯t understand why Mark would bully udia when she obviously knew so much about him and could embarrass him any day. She was the type he should avoid the most. Well, with what he knew, he¡¯d make sure he avoided her. Causing frequent pains in her life was not allowed or he¡¯d have to deal with the embarrassment of being a criminal¡¯s son. Even if it wasn¡¯t his fault. And it was the exact way, Michael made it clear to Mark. Mark was surprised when he saw the clips and photos take of him. He suspected udia to be involved but when he saw the map trail Michael¡¯s tracker had made, he knew then that Michael must have followed him. ¡°To rephrase or repeat my instructions, avoid udia. Or you¡¯ll be avoided at school when this fills our school group chat. I¡¯m not much of a bully, don¡¯t bring out that side¡± Michael emphasized. Seeing Mark quiet assured him that his instructions have been passed. He nodded and left him. udia was waiting at his car, her books were spread across the car seats. Her face was distorted with a frown. ¡°What how? I solve one problem for you and you rise with another?¡± he grunted. ¡°What!¡± she whined. He patted her head and looked down at the books. Physics. One thing he was sure they both dreaded. ¡°Wright was good at this. I don¡¯t know why he had to run to France all of a sudden. No one to exin now¡± she kept on whining. ¡°And ra is at rehab¡± she folded her arms. ¡°So? Was she good at Physics?¡± Michael had to ask. udia nodded, it was one of the very few things her brain caught. An idea came to Michael. To visit but she dismissed saying the first visit should be one of friendship not burdening her. Michael saw her point. ¡°Let¡¯s go visit then¡± he offered still, ¡°I bet Mega and Belle never visited after they fell out with her¡±. udia affirmed. Belle and Mega could do as they pleased with no ra to bully them around. But they did deserved the treatment she gave them. They literally swore to stay by her side at middle school as long as she gave them protection, poprity and to her abilities, good grades. Basically, they got all that but grew up to not needing anyone again. Not to want to be in anybody¡¯s shadow. ra was only right to fight back they sold themselves by their free will and still their master says they are free, they weren¡¯t supposed to leave. As for Mark, he could date as many girls as he liked. Most girls might not be as expensive as ra was. And he needed to save more than spend for his father¡¯s debts. Some of the girls at school had a sincere crush on him so he could still find another girlfriend since his basics of love was based on beauty and poprity. He was surely going to be very pathetic for long. ¡°I guess ra was jealous of you¡± Michael broke her thoughts with a mental sledge hammer. She red at him and he flinched.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. ¡°ra was jealous of everyone. When Paul was born, she wasn¡¯t so d cos dad¡¯s attention was divided from her. Whenever I got a test and she failed, she got jealous. She just had anxiety and personality disorders¡±. Michael agreed with her exnation. He hoped too that rehab would help ra or it might be another monster borne from her. Vote, Comment, Like, Share, Add to lib. Chapter Fifty-Eight – A protector, A friend. udia¡¯s phone began ringing while she was still with Michael. She bent her phone towards her and peeked in to see who it was and her face lit up when she saw it was Doni, Wright¡¯s brother. ¡°Why did you save the number as Doni with a blue heart? Who¡¯s he?¡± Michael asked wide eyed. He had managed to squeeze his eyes in. ¡°The handsome older brother of Wright. I think he has news for me¡± she smiled. Michael gave her a side eye and kept on watching her.Content bel0ngs to N?vel(D)r/a/ma.Org. ¡°Hello, you guys are at France already. That¡¯s quick. Could you give Wright the phone?¡± she spoke brightly. Michael rolled his eyes but then she tapped him. ¡°How do you say, ¡°Have a happy nice life¡± in French. I¡¯m losing my French¡± she asked him. He pushed her hand aside, ¡°Who do you want to wish all that?¡±. Doni began speaking again and she left him to continue the conversation. Michael rolled his eyes. So he was being third wheeled. Even felt like he was being fifth wheeled. Thest time he used to feel this way was when he was with Tom. Though in Tom¡¯s case, he was usually disgusted. He felt punched on his shoulders suddenly. ¡°What?¡± he moaned. Did she not know the weight of her punch that she threw it everywhere without thinking. She wasn¡¯tughing though as she threw he another one on his shoulders. ¡°You sent Wright to France right? Why? Doni said that it was the man you sent to help Wright that signed Wright for a schrship. It was you right?¡±. udia eyes were boring holes in Michael, not literally. He timidly nodded, ¡°I needs him away from you. Also, he liked Art. I helped him fulfill his dream¡± Michael defended. udia twisted her face in both disgust and anger, ¡°What you mean? You needed my exclusive punches for yourself only?¡±. ¡°I just wanted us to be friends, okay. I didn¡¯t like to be seen as that French guy whomitted suicide, that¡¯s all¡± he replied. ¡°It is nice to see you back to your old self. It¡¯s been long you punched me¡± Michael groaned, low key enjoying it. She withdrew and sat calmly in the car, ¡°This is weird. Why did you turn out to be that boy? He was really special to me¡± she confessed. Michael hid his surprise, ¡°Oh, well I can still be special to you¡±. udia red at him. He looked away. Was he flirting? Or asking for another punch indirectly? ¡°You shouldn¡¯t have sent Wright away. He was my only friend. Were you being nice or selfish?¡± udia snuggled back into her bed. Michael shrugged, ¡°He deserved it. No bullies. Only your achievements will speak for you. He¡¯s my friend after all. And, it did keep him away from you for a while¡± he winked. udia rolled her eyes. Michael was now sure he was flirting or asking for her exclusive punch, in the most direct manner. udia jumped from her seat. ¡°Want to be my friend?¡±. Michael wasn¡¯t sure to nod or shake his head but then she began ordering that he should keep away knives, bullies, kidnappers and danger away from her like it was what friends do. He was to be her protector as well till she gotpletely better. She further added that his new role in her life would be to be like a servant. Michael furrowed his eyebrows and asked if it was Wright was to her, a servant. Cos all the things he was making her sign up for, Wright never was all that to her. Not that he was trying to rece Wright. She scoffed and looked him over, ¡°Wright didn¡¯t force a blood donation on me, he didn¡¯t make me bleed, he basically is one of the sweetest beings that existed. You are the opposite sir¡± she was rather blunt. To say it didn¡¯t hurt, Michael would be lying but he just gave a brief chuckle and shifted the topic to her health. He¡¯d have to prove to her before she epted him, being who she is. ¡°I¡¯d be checking on you from time to time, that¡¯s what you mean, right?¡± he promised. ¡°You better¡± she scoffed andid her head on the car seat. She turned back to him and caught him staring, ¡°Well, did your mom really get assassinated?¡± she asked. He nodded, ¡°By some mafia men. Don¡¯t want to go deeper into it. Okay. Bye. Sleep now.¡±. udia rolled her eyes andid back, ¡°Don¡¯t stare so much. I could get a hole. You¡¯ll be expected to report here everyday too. With all my assignments done. Notes copied. Understood?¡±. She turned to realize she¡¯d been talking to herself for a thest few seconds. She stood up to chase after him but dismissed it. Her headache pangs wereing again. Nevertheless, she was grateful that one of the most terrible things that ever happened to her turned out to have a good ending. She now had a protector, whatever that meant. Her next few unanswered prayers would be that her father get to love her as his daughter. And that ra gets better. Really andpletely better. Paul hadn¡¯t been talking about her and she knew it was cos he was scared. She hoped her family would be normal again. Perhaps more smiles than pain were toe this senior year era. ¡°Hey, and who would be Mrs. Popr now that ra is gone?¡± she asked herself. Well, it could be whoever, she would aim for topping the ss and at least give her father more things to be proud of her about. Either ways, she shrugged and went to sleep on the car, dreaming of her ¡°protector¡± protecting her from any kind of painful smiles. The End Author¡¯s note: So this epic story hase to an end. Whether it ended well or not, I tried my best as a writer to convey my feelings in this book. Please appreciate my efforts. Thank you. Vote,ment and share, lovelies. Xoxo. The Novel will be updated first on this website. Come back and continue reading tomorrow, everyone!