《BLUEFLAME (BOOK ONE-1)》


 (1) - UNACCEPTABLE DEFEAT.

    The night was cold and silent, an after effect of the heavy downpour a few hours earlier. With the streets wet and glistening as the streetlights along the street shone on them. Not a single soul in sight.


    Every single light from the houses and apartments along has been put out long back as the occupants su- rrendered themselves to their peace- ful and lovely sleeps.


    From the distance, on the right, the angry roar of a motorbike could be heard speeding closer - disturbing the silent beauty of the night. As it got clo- ser, the black attired rider increased his speed after a quick look behind him.


    Just as he sped past and the accom- panying noise decreasingly died do- wn with his disappearance, multiple similar roaring sounds from a dis- tance away; the way he approached. Filling the night with their distur - bance. Without a doubt disturbing a lot of peaceful sleeps.


    As the former sped through an in - tersection ahead, two sets of black attired riders crossed him from his right. Causing him to swerve to his left with his eyes fierce and muscles tense. Before he could get away, a black van blocked him off. Extremely irritated and helpless, he could only stop abruptly.


    " Get out of my way!"A young mascu- line voice yelled as the helmet opened to reveal, as much as the limited ope - ning on the helmet could allow - a young strikingly handsome face with pale blue eyes, adorned with long blonde eyelashes.


    "Sorry little master," A middle aged stern-looking six feet tall man said professionally, not sounding and loo- king very apologetic as he got out of the van in a black suit. Followed by two other familiar faces in similar suits."but we''re just following orders." He continued.


    " Whose?" the former asked, his anger evident as he took off his helmet. Wild blonde curls appearing as he did and framing his face. His eyes reddening in anger. Giving him a wildly attrac - tive and dangerous vibe. " My dad''s or my brother''s?"


    " Both, little master." The later replied, maintaining his professional tone.


    " Not interested, now move!" The for- mer snapped, seeming even more enraged at his reply, his eyes turning colder with his position back on - rea- dy to ride off.


    " I''m sorry little master, but we''ve been ordered to send you back home with us." A younger looking man with a long but faint scar on the left side of his face replied.


    The former rider referred to as ''little Master'' let out a humourless chuckle. Shaking his head, he pointed around him at the men, his eyes darkening;


    " So many of you are here, which clearly shows me the old man, and my dumbass of a brother...." At that, the faces of those present changed briefly but instantly returned to their usual icy and composed looks. "knows too well I''m not going. So why bother? Tell them to get lost."


    Quickly moving his freshly - bought motorbike through an opening be - tween two unsuspecting riders, sur- ged forward.


    " Get him!"


    Just as the order was barked, he fou- nd himself surrounded again. More enraged now, he swang a fist at an approaching rider, catching him off guard and causing him to fall off his bike. His other fist landed on the face of another attacking him from be - hind. Now in full - fight mode, he swi- ftly swang his right leg off his bike, kicking another away from him with the action. Then fully on his feet, he didn''t hold back, bringing forth his years of pent up anger and frustration towards his family.


    The scene was chaotic and bloody. At the beginning, the larger party tried to hold back, with him being their Masters second heir and just a teenager. But realising his skills and relentlessness, they had to forgo their restraints. A few were uncontrolled due to the embarassment and irrita- tion of being beaten by a teenager, even if he was nineteen. They just couldn''t accept defeat and felt it nece- ssary to redeem themselves. Not long after, they heard the faint sound of the Police sirens blaring from a dis - stance - approaching. Someone had reported them!


    " Stop!" A familiar loud authoritative voice boomed, cutting through the chaotic atmosphere. Effectively resto - ring absolute silence and attentive - ness.


    Looking around with a mixture of emotions at some of his guards look - ing dishevelled and trying to hide the- ir pained expressions, a brief proud look crossed his face and was soon go- ne. His brows furrowed and his gaze instantly fell on his youngest son,who looked so mad and was bare barely controlling his anger.


    Just then two Police cars pulled to a stop beside them. Two corps getting out of each with stern faces. Before they could officially announce their presence with their renowned ins - tructions, their eyes caught sight of the prominent figure before them. His aura too powerful to be over looked.


    If you encounter this tale on Amazon, note that it''s taken without the author''s consent. Report it.


    "Mr. Kane Reef."A staut Corp with ave- rage height said with a nod in gree - ting, looking a bit surprised, but his tone was respectful. His colleagues, looking even more surprised followed suit.


    " Sorry Officers, " Kane Reef replied simply with a little respectful nod of his head. " Family matters. My son got a little out of control. I''ll take care of everything."


    " Alright, Mr. Reef." A tall lean Corp said in understanding, the rest nod- ding along. Not long after, the cars le- ft. Leaving them alone once more.


    Turning his now icy eyes back to his son, he spoke in a low threatening voice ;


    " I gave you two choices, Michael. "


    " And I gave you my reply dad." The teenager replied back fearlessly. " I don''t want the Business Course!"


    " What''s the big deal in this? You have already gone through the first and se - cond years. Just finish with this final year and I won''t bother you again. " Kane Reef said, his voice getting calmer as he spoke.


    A loud sarcastic laughter filled the now silent night from Michael- looking at his father with ridicule in his eyes.


    " Seriously dad, do you remember my birthday? " He asked." I''m no more a kid. "


    Hands in his pockets, Kane Reef kept quiet. His posture calm. But a storm was just beneath the surface;


    " Your School''s Principal contacted me." He said, his displeasure dripping from his tone." You''ve stopped atten - ding classes."


    " I wasn''t joking when I said I prefer Computer Science and Technology. Either that, or I quit!" Michael gritted out. Getting on his bike and getting it into readiness, he made a one - eighty degree turn into another direction.


    " Forgetting why you''re here son? " Kane Reef said after him so he rode a little distance away.He watched as Michael''s bike stopped, feeling a slight satisfactory, knowing he had achieved an effect.


    " No." Michael, with a straight back re- plied, not looking back." For punish - ment. I remember my father didn''t approve of my dreams and plans and had to send me here to keep me from investigating and finding Stella. Using my will to study Computer Science and Technology as a front cover!"


    Having said that through his teeth, he rode away. Before he was out of earshot, he heard the words he had been expecting all along, which in - creased his anger and frustration ;


    " You keep insisting, and I''m cutting off your credit cards'' supply. "


    ????????????????????????????


    Three hours later at a night racing arena, two cars could be seen and heard revving as they waited impa - tiently in line for the familiar fairly - endowed attractive brown - skinned girl with the two flags to finish count - ing down. Her long legs looking lon - ger and more attractive in her mini sports shorts and six - inches high heels.


    The loud excited shouts from the spectators mixed with loud - crazy blaring music, alcohol and smoke created a more lively, wild and care - free atmosphere. With everyone ea - gerly waiting for the start of the most anticipated race with the highest bet ing rate; a shiny red sports car and a blue and black one.


    Knowing the racers, some specta - tors found it hard placing their bets, not sure who to support.Whilst others just went with whoever they were more familiar with, liked, or seemed more likely to win at the moment, judging by appearance.


    The moment the go-ahead was gi - ven, the two cars sped right past - the excitement in the air multiplying. A while later, the black and blue car ca- me to a winning stop with a large dis - tance between it and its opponent.The rider having exhibited surprising and unexpectedly crazy skills, leaving his opponent losing cowardly and pitifu - lly. Opening the door slowly and gra- cefully, Michael stepped out dressed in a full black leather with a matching black half - face mask.


    "What the hell is wrong with you, motherfucker?" Opening the door of his car, the opponent - Jonas asked angri- ly and got out, banging it behind him. He looked not much over twenty with a couple of gold and silver teeth, several dark tattoos covering most of his exposed skin. His eyes red from rage and excessive smoking, and most likely drugs.


    " Yeah.....what is wrong with him to - day? Had his heart broken by a slutty girlfriend?".A friend of his; Brentford. mostly referred to as ''Brent'' retorted in anger. Siding with his friend. He was a shorter guy with red and blue recklessly died hair with fewer tatoos than his friend.


    "Watch your words."Micheal growled, his eyes dark and cold as he closed the door sharply behind him.


    " Or what? " Jonas challenged, advancing towards him angrily.


    He already never accept defeat, but losing so pitifully in such a cowardly manner in front of his friends, fans and girls was definitely unacceptable. He never knew the motherfucker had such dreadful skills. He had witnessed his other occasional races and had realised he was good. Causing him to set up this race to show him who rea- lly owned race. He didn''t like that he was gaining as much fans and admi - ration as he was.


    At first, he wasn''t really bothered as he was a hundred percent sure of himself that he wasn''t his match. But after the last race, he realised a lot off his fans were either completely lean- ing towards his and the motherfucker''s side, or were completely not supporting him anymore. It was then that he felt he just had to put an end to the nonsense. But he had never dreamt it would turn out this humilia- ting. But he wasn''t going down with - out a fight and somehow redeeming his image.


    " Back off!" Michael warned, feeling his control slipping and his irritation and frustration bubbling over.


    " Who the hell do you you''re talking to?" Brent retorted. Showing unwa - vering support. " Do you, this back - groundless - masked- suicidal moron, know who who you''re talking........"


    Before he could complete his words, a heartless punch to his most valued ''prety'' face sent him flying ba- ckwards unexpectedly and into a group of underdressed girls, previous sly siding and cheering for Jonas, stri- ving for his attention now looking at Michael with unhidden admiration.


    A loud mix of excited, shocked and angry cries filled the air. A moment later, Jonas charged at Michael, now completely out of control. But no soo- ner had he launched forward, he saw a second too late late ; a swift kick in his direction before he felt a intense pain in his chest then found himself flying quickly and landing roughly on the cold wet floor. Skidding smoothly further away and only stopping by a bright yellow sports car - Brent''s.


    A short moment moment of silence and shock followed. Then the sound of a car raving loudly brought every one''s turned heads and gazes, which were looking at Jonas on the wet floor returned to the surface. Only to see the shiny - new black and blue sports car sped off!

 (2) - SILENT DEMON.

    Teeth clenched with heartbeat twice it''s normal rate in anger, Michael  increased his grip on the wheel, gazing out absent mindedly into the night as he sped past. His cell phone which he had connected to the car rang loudly for the third time in a row, increasing his irritation. Angrily he connected, having had enough of the disturbance and deciding to deal with it once and for all.


    " What?!" He snapped the very  moment the call connected, listening through his car''s speaker.


    " Yeesh..... chill bro! Why the steam? Chill....." The voice on the other end replied, sounding carefree, masculine and young. Its familiarity with him unmistakable.


    Eyes turning darker as his knuckles turned white from over tightening on the Wheel, Michael took a deep audi- ble breadth, his eyes closing briefly with the action. On the other side of the line, a barely controlled laughter seeped through, before the latter ''s fake calm and controlled voice conti- nued;


    " That''s it.....take a deep breadth..... calm....."


    But before he could end his words, Michael interrupted in a dangerously low and calm voice - barely controll- ing his anger.


    " I swear Chris, if you don''t go straight to the point, I''m a few minutes away from the apartment. I''ll beat the hell out of you when I get there."


    " Sorry..... Sorry bro. I was just joking. Just....just trying to lighten your mood....." The latter referred to as Chris stammered, clearly frightened. Only to be interrupted and scared even more out of his wrists.


    " You have only three seconds..."


    " Okay..... Mike, I just received a call from Phil. He told me he just got to the night racing arena and heard everything. What really happened?" Christopher, simply referred to as Chris by his close friends and family quickly said, his voice taking on a more normal and concerned edge as he ended.


    Michael sighed, a bit of his anger evaporating; "He asked for it."


    " He must have really done it this time to get you to lose control like that." Chris observed.Then a sudden thou- ght occurring to him, he added."Or did another issue crop up from home?"


    The silence that followed was enou- gh answer afor Chris. He sighed. Just when he thought Michael wouldn''t answer, he did. With just a short sen - tence;


    "I''m here. "Then the call disconnected.


    Driving past the last few apartments to his three bedroom apartment in Silver- stone, Michael drove through the gateway to the silver specially digita- lized gate. Flipping through his cell phone, he pressed on a button. A mo- ment later, the gate opened smoothly and he drove in, closing a few seconds after him. Parking, he spotted Chris coming out the door with Fate - his dog trailing after him.


    " Bro, your dog ate my pizza!" Chris complained just as Michael stepped out of the car. Barking, Fate wagged his tail as it circled Micheal.


    His mood lifting slightly at the sight of the full white dog with few black spots, he chuckled, squatted and ru- bbed it''s head affectionately. Casting a side glance at his sulking friend be- b! side him, he shrugged and replied nonchalantly;


    " Payback time?"


    " Come on Michael!" Chris cried in frustration,glaring at the dog that just wagged it''s tail at him with its bright eyes looking back at him with its ton- gue half- hanging, like it was mocking him. " I didn''t know that half- full bu- cket of McDonald''s chicken on the coffee table was Fate''s."


    " But you did eat it. So... I guess Fate was holding a grudge all along. You can call it even. " Michael answered calmly - getting on his feet. They made their way inside.


    " What a petty dog." Chris grumbled as he closed the door a little too hard after him whilst Fate made it''s way to the back of the apartment where it''s cute little house was. At that moment, they heard a car at the gate.


    " They are here." Chris informed, looking out the door.


    " They? He''s not alone?" Michael asked, throwing his car key onto the coffee table as he took of his black leather jacket.


    " No," Chris replied, a light frown for- ming on his face as he turned back into the living room - plopping into the sofa. " He came with Ray and Rich."


    " What are those two doing here at this hour?" Michael asked, annoyed. Walking to the fridge in the Kitchen, he poured himself a glass of water, listening to loud chatter of the boys outside.


    " I guess Philip called them, or they simply tagged along." Chris replied, switching channels. Micheal just si- ghed. Keeping in his anger.


    " Hi guys!!" Richmond and Raymond, a year and a half distanced brothers with inseparable bond that looked very much alike; lean and tall with bright dark eyes, stylishly messy bla- ck hair and a spread - winged bird shaped birthmark on their left necks - greeted together.


    " Do you idiots know what time it is?" Philip asked the duo. He was of the same height and build as Michael, ex- cept a little more reserved and calmer with a bright even-toned complexion from being half African, deep dimples on both cheeks with thick- black-shi- ny - curly hair in five cornrow braids, and deep brown eyes.


    " Come on bro!" Richmond, making his way to the small sofa, practically fell into it. " It''s just 9:pm!"


    " What!" Chris exclaimed in shock, looking at him wide eyed. But in the next moment broke into loud laugh- ter, almost falling off the sofa."Wow!"


    " Shut up! " Philip snapped in a con- trolled voice, kicking Chris in the but mercilessly. Causing him to hold in a pained cry with his laughter. Turning to Richmond, his dark eyes glared at him and he spoke in gritted teeth ; " You fool! It''s 1:00 am! "


    " Get the fools out of my apartment, now!" Micheal, now holding a glass juice as he made his way out of the kitchen gritted out.


    Stolen from Royal Road, this story should be reported if encountered on Amazon.


    " Hey big bro,"Raymond, now with an innocent and wronged expression complained with his hands raised." I did nothing wrong. Don''t kick me out, please? "


    " Then behave! " Richmond scolded with a firm kick at his little brother''s right leg with a stern face.


    " You....." Raymond wanted to retort, but in the end chose to keep in his grievance upon seeing the dark looks on Michael and Philip''s faces. After all as the saying went; '' it''s better safe than sorry.''


    Sighing, Micheal sat quietly, his gaze distant. Sitting beside him, Philip loo- ked calmly at him for a long moment before asking ;


    " What happened?"


    " Dad found out I haven''t been in school recently and threatened to cut off my credit cards." Micheal replied, finishing off the rest of the juice in one gulp.


    " Wow, guessed as much." Chris said, finally deciding on putting the TV off after not finding anything appealing to watch.


    " Sent his guards? " Philip asked.


    "Yes."Micheal answered, his mood getting worse.


    " it ended in a fight with the Corps Showing up a few minutes after dad did."


    " Wow, things escalated that much? " Raymond asked excitedly leaning closer."Wish I were there."


    " Are you even capable of thinking anything beyound video games and action movies?" Chris asked sarcasti- cally, glaring at Raymond.


    "Oh....come on!" Raymond whined, pouting before turning his head away.


    " Anything new about her?" Rich - mond asked with an unusual seriousness while looking intently at Michael.


    " No," Micheal answered, his voice and eyes filled with deep longing and a bit of frustration. " still the same. No clue. But I''m not giving up. I''m finding her dead or alive. And no one is going to stop me." His voice raised slightly and turned stern nearing the end.


    " She''s alive." Philip unexpectedly and calmly said. " Here in Crystal City. "


    Micheal was the first to react, jerk- ing upright in the sofa. His eyes sparkling with hope and excitement. The others having similar expressions, but not nearly on an eighty percent scale of his excitement.


    But Philip''s shake of his head with his raised hand, indicating silence and patience kept them controlled, but on edge. Chris however still managed to ask.


    " You saw her?"


    "Not really,"Philip answered, vaguely, sending most of their excitement plu- mmeting into dust. " Just for a brief moment at the local market." He added unexpectedly.


    " God dammit, Philip! "Richmond sna- pped whilst Raymond and Chris burst into laughter." Can you talk like a nor- mal human being for once? Will it kill you to say more words?! " But Philip remained unfazed. Reaching into his Jean pocket, he calmly pulled out his cell phone.Seeing his calm expression, Raymond''s irritation only grew and he yelled;


    " You silent demon! "


    " You haven''t even seen her before." Chris added, a little frown on his still amused face.


    " Shut up!" Micheal snapped, glaring at Richmond and Chris. Then there was total silence.


    " I haven''t had a proper peaceful sleep in days. I had to get moving today."


    "Philip added calmly with a casual shrug, whilst flipping through his phone.


    " Okay....wait a minute. " Raymond said, confused, sitting up in the sofa." You.... Phil, mean to say.... no, are say- ing that you have been having some weird dreams about Stella for days, which prompted you to go looking for her today. And somehow managed to find her, but just for a brief moment at the local market?"


    " Good." Philip simply replied, still fli- pping through his phone.


    " Wow! " Raymond said with a chu- kle, feeling great at being able to piece everything together.


    " Another one of his spiritual non- sense... " Richmond scoffed then let out a low cry of pain as he felt a slap at the back of his head. Turning his head he met Chris glaring at him - his hand suspended, ready to give him a second slap.


    " What the hell, man?" Richmond exclaimed.


    " Shut the hell up! " Chris scolded. " If you can belive silent demons exist, you can belive in spirituality. You fool!"


    " One more word,"The cold low threat hunged in the air. "and I swear I''m going to throw you all out."No one needed to see Micheal''s face to know he was nearing his limit.


    " Here. " Philip''s voice came through the long moment of silence that fo - llowed, offering his cell phone to Mi- chael calmly.Catching on quickly, Ray- mond almost flew over, squeezing around Philip to look from over his thighs.


    " Whoaaa!" He cried. " Is that her? Even her side profile proves she''s a beauty."


    At that, Chris and Richmond finally realised what was going on and ru- shed over.


    " That''s really her?" Richmond asked, his eyes wide as he looked down at the cell phone''s screen from standing by Michael.


    " Are you really sure. " Chris, standing and looking close by Richmond added.


    " Yeah, it''s definately her." Michael replied calmly, a smile slowly brighte- ning up his face, adding more charm to his captivating looks." She''s grown up now. She should be around sixteen now. "


    " Tomorrow." Philip suddenly added. Shocking them even more. "She''ll be sixteen tomorrow. Two pm."


    " Damn!" Chris whispered, shaking his head in admiration and exasperation, a complete mix. He chuckled a second later.


    Micheal looked at him in surprise, a new found respect for him brewing in his eyes as he looked silently at him. Returning his gaze, Philip added with a knowing look and slight smile;


    " I checked yesternight, she''s a Pices. A water sign just like you."


    " Thank you." Michael whispered with a smile of his own at him, understan- ding more into Philip''s casual remark.


    Even though he wasn''t a believer in astrology or spiritually for that ma- tter, meeting Philip had left him star- ting to believe and trust him to a per- centage. Raising his believe in those kind of stuff gradually.


    He wouldn''t deny Philip had helped him a few times get out of trouble and find his own path away from his con- trolling family. It was only a few mon- ths earlier, after years of knowing Phi- lip that he stayed calm and open min- ded enough to to learn from him that he was a Scorpio, and a water sign.


    Not that Philip was too eager to sha- share his knowledge either. Quiet on the contrary. He only did occasionally, very few times.


    By telling him she was a Pisces and a water sign just like him, he was cau- sioning him about her sensitivity. His way of helping him in his future dea- lings with her. With that knowledge, he found himself going against him- himself with planning to learn more about her personality. But then some- one just had to ruin the mood;


    "That''s great!At least we know your crazy parents didn''t kill her! Being so beautiful, let''s hope and pray she already doesn''t have a boyfriend."


    Raymond said excitedly, gazing at the picture on the screen dreamily, a smi- le playing on his lips.


    But he heard a loud smack a millise- cond before he felt a sharp pain in the his butt. With a loud cry, he shot up from his comfortable posture across Philip''s thighs, looking wide-eyed at Philip who was glowering at him with a lost expression while vigorously rubbing his but. Ignoring the sudden burst of laughter from his brother and Chris.


    " If you can''t think before speaking, don''t talk!" Philip growled, looking like he wanted to give him a beating.


    " Out of my apartment!" Micheal snapped, standing up in anger. He had definitely reached his limit.


    However the next moment, a series of rushed footsteps and goodnights filled the air. Then the living room was empty with the exception of him and Philip.The rest, frightened, had rushed upstairs to sleep.


    Sighing in resignation, he sat back down,a barely noticeable smile on his lips.


    " Thank you." He repeated, gratitude evident in his voice as he looked at Philip.


    Not responding to his gratitude, Phi- lip simply added;


    " Keep a low profile, don''t let your fa- mily know. She''s in danger. "


    Micheal nodded after a moment in thought. Then with a stretch and a yawn, Philip stood up.


    " Good night bro. I think we all have school in the morning." He said, making his way upstairs.


    " You can stay in my room. " Michael said quietly, his gaze on the picture on the cell phone in his hand.


    " Thanks bro." Philip replied, smiling. His dimples clear and prominent as he did.


    His footsteps soon disappeared up - stairs. Leaving Micheal alone on the royal blue and silver sofa, gazing lon- gingly at the girl on the screen. But this time, his expression had a spark of hope in it.

 (3) - THE UNBEATABLE FIVE.

    The noisy chatter in the cafeteria instantly died down at the loud slamming of the door, causing hundreds of heads with matching pairs of eyes to turn in the direction. Some widened in surprise whilst some didn''t look too surprised at the arrival of the five famous attention - attracting seniors.


    Who in Crystal Heights Senior High didn''t know ''The Unbeatable Five''? Having made their name after arriving in the school together in the middle of the second semester of the first year with their great looks, mysterious wealthy backgrounds, fearlessness and aloofness,as well as their carefree nature in school.


    Not forgetting their marvellous intelligence inspite of their frequent absence. Especially Michael, who faught his way with the second year studen- ts in the Computer Science and Technology department to participate in their class test, and Philip.


    Even though more than half of the class ended up in the Principal''s office for fighting and and a few of them later at the , he explained himself and got to participate in the test after being made to apologise to the class for intrusion. Whilst his attackers initially had two weeks of suspension, he kind of took pity on them after some of them asked him for help in pleading with the principal for a lighter punishment and begged on their behalf. Resulting in them jogging for two hours around the basketball park in the school.


    Eventually he had formed an unshaka- ble bond with the class after the test results came out and topped the class. But his parents still refused to allow him to switch courses, even with the intervention of the department head and the Principal. Leaving him so angry and heartbroken that he had stormed out of the office and then out of the school, leaving his bag in the practical room where he had taken the test.


    He was absent for three days and his friends didn''t force him to go to school, neither did his family as they knew he needed an alone time. But his friends came around his apartment anyway, just kind of walking on egg shells around him.


    He returned to school on the forth day to realize the news was allover the school. Increasing his irritation. But the Principal called him and told him he could only allow him to learn in the department on his own free time. In order words, he could always go to the department to learn. That had somehow made his day.


    What he didn''t expect was for the seniors to accept him wholeheartedly this time, even apologising again and suggesting friendship. He didn''t have any problem with it. He just wanted to be able to learn when he had the time, just not too often as his family would find out. His only problem was the female seniors in the departament starting to get too close for his liking.


    While Michael''s intelligence was proven through violence, Philip''s was through a special Science assessment in front of the school''s authorities and the students who had reported him for suspicion of examination cheating. He was practically acused of cheating in all tests, with some parents pulling some strings behind the scenes.


    But he wasn''t affected. He sailed through all oral, theoretical and prac- tical questions with stunning ease. Po- inting out some errors in the quest - tions whilst suggesting different ways they could have been made. From his own will, he explained their recent test and what his mates did wrong, adding solutions and his own developed methods of learning that were surpri- singly simple. His methods were pre- cise and left no room for doubts. All through the process, he was very calm and collected. Showing no signs of being under pressure or nervous. It was the longest anyone had seen him talk -two straight hours!


    Right after ending, he had surpri - singly told them to send Mrs. Crimsom, his fifty-eight years old female physics teacher to the hospital. It was then that the authorities and students there had realised the woman who was previously pale had gotten more pale. But the stubborn woman had insisted she just had a little headache.


    Philip, with his brows furrowed for the first time that day had known so- mething was seriously wrong and had a familiar really bad feeling. Not being able to keep too much in, he had told the woman her condition seemed to be getting worse. But she wouldn''t budge.


    Seeing the severity of the situation, the Principal had granted her the rest of the day off to go for a check up. But just after she stood and took a few ste- ps forward, she had suddenly collap- sed.


    Half an hour after she was sent to the hospital, four professional looking guards from Philip''s family arrived to take him - who had gone to his home- room to sleep home. Looking disa - pprovingly at the Principal and some stuff members who had to come meet them outside in the hallway after they refused to talk in the Principal''s offi- ce, saying they came to take their '' tittle Master'' home.Ignoring the curious looks of the students in the hallway and peeking out from windows and doors.


    Once two of the guards had gone in- to the homeroom to get Philip, the remaining two had sternly but calmly told the authorities the school had made their Little Master talk too much, and he needed to go home and rest!


    Christopher''s case was both intriguing and scary. Unlike the first two at all. The boy had been fixed at the third position, neither stepping up nor down, and he seemed perfectly fine being there. Concerned, his family had teamed up with Philip and Micheal with some teachers to force him to step up.


    With Micheal in the Business course with him shifting from the first position and the second always, it was easy to assume Chris was intentionally being lazy and staying a comfortable step right behind Michael or just a step away no matter what position he had. Prompting even Michael to be strict on him, forcing him to learn more .


    This content has been misappropriated from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.


    The end results was the boy losing some weight and constantly com- plaining that he didn''t want to step up. Adding that it was too tiring to step up and that stepping up would kill him. But of course, no one took him seriously, because he wasn''t sounding serious.


    That was until he collapsed in front of the class after submitting his last paper and stayed in comma for three weeks and three days! Only waking up three days after school reopened.


    When the boy woke up,his first words were a question of who his parents were. Frightening everyone into thin- king he might have lost his memories. But a moment later, the silly boy had burst into dry throaty laughter, teas- ing them of looking like 2D cartoons on a cracked screen!


    How they wanted to give him a bea- ting! But none of them had the heart to. When given the report of the tests he took, he had merely glanced at the second position and the other grades, huffed and stuffed the card into his dad''s hand and leaned back against the bed. Looking at Michael, he had asked of his position. Hearing that he had the first position, he had smiled weakly and then with a grime look at his father -and older brother Collins, he had firmly told them to lock the report in a safe, because that, was never happening again!


    None of them knew exactly what to feel at that moment. It was Philip who was standing by the door way who let out a burst of laughter then quickly wet out. Looking at his retreating fi - gure, Chris had smiled, then without any warning, slipped right back into sleep. Frightened, they thought he had gone back into coma.


    Afterwards, he had gained unlimi- ted freedom in his studies. No one dared to force him to study again but the crazy boy maintained his third position.


    For Richmond and Raymond, they had no pressure from their grandfather and their two older brothers.Provided they stayed within the first five positions in their Arts classes. And by far, they''ve had all the required positions except the fifth which was their bottom line. So it seems they are doing fine.


    The previous years had let the sch- ool to realise the five boys preferred keeping to themselves, not allowing outsiders into their circle. There''s been various tries, mostly from girls of all classes, but none worked. And it seemed there would be another again. Certainly a really good one that would provide a good show in the cafeteria.


    Instead of the silence ending quickly and the chattering continuing, the si- lence stretched on with heads and gazes shifting from the five boys to their secluded table now occupied by the school''s Cheerleader ; Joana, and her two best friends ; Stacy and Julia- na, mostly referred to as Julia. And their boyfriends ; Tyler, the school''s soccer captain and his best friend- Albert, the basketball captain.


    Joana and her friends started sitting at their table on Wednesday. Their on and off boyfriends feeling insecure about the girls'' recent break up with them and their unexpected change of tables, joined them the following day and today. Now with the sudden arrival of '' The Unbeatable Five'', a good show was bound to happen.


    Casting a helpless look at Raymond who had opened the door so drama- tically, Michael just shook his head but chose to keep quiet.


    " Can''t you just keep it a bit low, con- sidering we just came in?"Chris how- ever asked, not intending to keep it in like Micheal.


    " Nope. " Raymond replied with a silly grin on his face."This is much better. "


    Richmond just chuckled, giving his brother a thumbs up and a fist bump. " Same here."


    At that moment, the later two''s ga- zes fell on their now occupied table. Their eyes dimmed and their expressions turned serious. A stark contrast to their previous jovial selves.


    " What the hell..." Both brothers said in low voices in synchronisation. But an almost inaudible shushing from Philip at the same time Michael subtly signaled them to follow their lead si- lenced them.It was then that they rea- lized Micheal and Philip were already in the know about what was going on and seemed to have their own plans.


    Chris seemed a little lost, but was just going with the former two. Seeing the situation, the siblings decided to go with the flow. Not wanting to act on their own and destroy any original plan.


    Under the watchful eyes of ninty- five percent of the students in the large cafeteria, the boys, led by Philip and Micheal a foot away from him went casually to the counter. Where an average- heighted and slightly chu- bby californian woman in her early sixties, with a dark-brown bob and bright lively eyes smiled at them as she saw them coming.


    " Long time no see Mrs. Blunt! " Philip greeted cheerfully, his face lighting up with a rear smile as he neared the older woman. His dimples deep and clear, giving him an unusual cuteness as his eyes sparkled with fondness. His enthusiasm creating a lot of sur- prised and shocked expressions.The four behind him not being exceptions.


    Michael had a brow raised slightly with a light smile on his face. Chris'' eyes were wider and looked like they might actually fall out of their sockets. But thankfully his mouth remained closed. But unlike Michael and Chris, Richmond and Raymond actually had their mouths wide open.


    " The Silent Demon can be anything but silent and calm?" Richmond ask- ed, not really expecting a reply, but Micheal gave him a quick one;


    " Shut up."


    " Oh... my boy!" The older woman re- plied just as cheerfully, reaching out from over the counter for his hands." It''s been so long. I''ve missed you so much! "


    " Missed you too." Philip replied, chu- chuckling as he held her hands on the counter. Leaning closer, he planted a warm kiss on her cheek before lean- ing back, grabbed a high stool close by and sat down. Looking at his friends, he said ;


    " Meet my friends."


    " Hi... Mrs. Blunt." Micheal greeted wi- th a warm smile. Not having to put in any effort as the woman''s warmth was contagious. He found himself feeling really comfortable with her, something that didn''t happen often." I''m Micheal."


    " Hi dear..... " Mrs. Blunt began when a sudden realisation hit her. " Oh my! I remember you boys.... from that photo Phil showed me five years back. It was the same day I went back to my country."


    " Yeah... the same." Philip replied her, pushing another stool near him closer to Michael, who grabbed it and sat down.The rest getting the hint, picked up some around and followed suit. All the while being casual and not casting a single glance behind them.


    " You boys have grown so much over the years." The woman went on, her eyes twinkling. " I''ve been asking around since I started working here about you boys. Angela here...."She pointed at a beautiful dark skinned woman in her late thirties making sandwiches behind her, who just responded with a light smile and a nod in their direction before conti- nuing with her work.".... told me you you all truely come to school here. But never told me you were such royal truants!"


    Her voice raised a tiny bit at the end dramatically. A frown etching itself on her lovely aging face.Causing the boys to laugh shamelessly.


    " Oh trust me grandma," Raymond began mischieviously, all innocent and and comfortable. Working his charm on the older lady. " If not for me, they wouldn''t ever remember they have school. I''m always the one who wakes those lazy bums up every morning these days."


    " what! " Chris yelled, his face full of disbelief.

 (4) - NOBLE BLOODED POWER.

    Raymond''s words left Chris so shocked that he exclaimed. He just couldn''t believe it! What was that idiot saying! Did he suddenly lose his memories or what? Who was it that refused to get out of  bed this morning? And almost every other morning for that matter?


    " What!" Chris whispered his exclamation, his face full of disbelief.


    " Idiot." Michael murmured, looking away from him with a barely visible annoyed look whilst Philip just sent him a harsh glare.


    " Oh really," Mrs. Blunt asked, intrigued. " That''s great! You''re such a darling. Come give your old lady a hug."


    Grinning, Raymond hopped off his stool towards the older lady, who was coming out from behind the counter and hugged her. However Chris subtly gave his left calf a kick. At the same moment, Richmond who was sitting closer raised a hand and not so subtly gave him a controlled knock at the back of his head, causing him to cry out and jump back.


    " What was that for?" He asked, rubbing the back of his head and calf. His actions getting Mrs. Blunt''s attention. She quickly caught onto what happened and her mother instincts kicked in instantly.


    " What do you two think you''re doing? Bullying the boy like that? " She pulled him behind her as she spoke, pointing her right index finger at the culprits; scolding sternly.


    Behind her, Raymond grinned, looking provokingly at his friend''s. Causing them to glare at him. Seeing Mrs. Blunt turn to him, Raymond immediately returned to looking pitiful and pained. Out of the corner of his eyes, Raymond saw Richmond''s subtle threatening gesture.


    Instantly, a flood of memories from the beatings he had received from him and Chris after they rushed up - stairs to bed the previous night filled his head. He was made to sleep on the sofa by his brother. He still bore the marks from their beatings and his neck still aches. The memories sent shivers down his spine and cold sweat to break out on his forehead. Suddenly receiving a wave of inspiration to a solution, he turned to Mrs. Blunt with a more pitiful look and began complaining ;


    " Grandma look, they''re threatening to beat me up. Look at my skin...." He pulled back his sleeves to expose a few fading red marks. " Such nice smooth skin now looks like this. They beated me up last night...for just a little tiny mistake."


    "Oh my goodness gracious!" My poor boy! " The older woman exclaimed, concerned. Then turning to the rest, she scolded." Just because he''s the youngest you bully him? You should be ashamed of yourselves! " Her fierce gaze landed on Richmond and she glared at him. " And you! As his older brother you have to protect him. But instead, you team up with your friends to bully him. What kind of older brother are you? "


    " We''re not part." Philip defended with a tilt of his head towards Michael, who nodded in agreement.


    " So it''s you two then. " The older woman turned back to Richmond and Chris." Come sit here. Let me check. Such a handsome grandson and you you fools want to destroy his great looks and turn him ugly." She grumbled, her brows furrowed, completely forgetting Philip.


    " What! " Richmond complained while glaring at his brother. " I''m not a fool grandma."


    "Yes grandma." Chris added, offended. Imagining hundreds of ways of torturing Raymond once he got his hands on him. Of course, without ending up in jail. " It isnt that serious. He''s just overreacting. We just taught him a little lesson to watch his big mouth."


    " Those fools." Philip murmured in exasperation, shaking his head.


    " Those idiots don''t know when to close their mouths to save own their lives sometimes." Michael gritted out in a low voice, his eyes moving momentarily to the cafeteria, where almost every pair of eyes seemed to be watching them as they ate, chatted or just plainly watched them wide - eyed in a mixture of shock, confusion and facination. Not surprised, he looked away. But not before noticing the heating argument that seem to be going on  between the current occupants of their table.


    He understood the confusion on the students faces; first, this was the first time they were seeing them this care- free in school, that too with someone most of the students consider beneath them ; a nobody. And the second was the reason someone like her, who they with such wealthy backgrounds show that much respect to, would be working in the school''s cafeteria. Enduring the disrespect and rudeness most students show her here.


    Crystal Heights Senior High being a prestigious school, ninty percent of the students here come from rich, if not wealthy families. And it''s a globally known fact about most rich kids being spoilt and rude. The previous server who is now being replaced by Mrs. Blunt left unfairly due to an ar- gument she had with Juliana, who inspite of being in the wrong threatened to get her fired. And actually stuck to her words.


    Just the previous day, Joana had had an unpleasant exchange with Mrs. Blunt who had calmly calmly called her out on her rudeness and unreasonable behaviour in a non-rude way. And now everyone was wondering if Joana, being the Governor''s third and youngest daughter would also get her fired.


    This tale has been unlawfully lifted without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    But with this new development, it was very unlikely. Even though they weren''t in school when everything happened, Micheal knew about everything. He had his own personal reliable sources. Looking back at his friends he heard and saw just the reaction he and Philip were expecting from the lovely older woman at what Richmond and Chris just said.


    " It''s not that serious and he''s just overreacting? You want the poor boy to die before you know it is serious?!"


    Huffing in annoyance, she turned away- back behind the counter and retrieved an ointment. " Here, let me help you grandma." Richmond, eager to get on the older lady''s good side suggested, getting down from his high stool and going closer." Let me apply it on my brother...."


    " No need!" She snapped. " You all go to your table over there. I made some cookies yesterday when I thought you troublesome boys would show up. Luckily I kept it here. I''ll get it for you boys."


    " Thank you Mrs. Blunt, but our table has already been occupied." Phillip replied with a light smile.


    "What nonsense are you talking about boy? That table has been empty.... " Mrs. Blunt was saying dismissively when she saw the occupied table and her words trailed off.


    " Oh.....how come! " She asked, clearly confused. That table had been empty since the day she arrived a few days before. Always avoided like it had a deadly virus. What had happened during her absence the past two days during breaks. Then a sudden possi- bility occurring to her, the frown on her face deepened for a while before she returned to her casual self." Forget it for now. Just come back early later and reclaim it."


    Then as if suddenly remembering something, added in a very serious tone." No fighting "


    The boys just laughed and nodded. Then Micheal said casually, glancing at his cell phone expectantly;


    " Don''t worry Mrs. Blunt, it seems they have a special fondness for our table, so we have decided to let them have it. We''re getting a new one. "


    " It''s just a table anyway." Philip added calmly, noticing the argument at their table had escalated to a loud and nearviolent one where Joana and her friends were yelling at the boys. All attention seemed to move to them at the moment.


    " It''s all your fault! " Joana was yell- ing. They were all on their feet. " If it weren''t for you two idiots insisting on sitting with us here, they would have been sitting here!"


    " Do you girls even hear yourselves?!" Tyler asked angrily, his chest heaving with anger and jealousy."


    " Let''s go girls." Joana said commandingly like a queen, leaving the table. Her friends following right behind her like the good subordinates or subjects they were  - silently.


    " Where to?" Albert asked, annoyed, holding stacy back to him by her arm. " You''re not even done eating yet."His voice turned calmer." You... sit and let''s finish eating first."


    " Let her go! Joana snapped, pulling her friend away from him. Her eyes glaring at him. " We''re all leaving to give their table back. You two need to leave." She added with a provoking smile at him and Tyler.


    Just then there was a little commotion at the cafeteria''s door as it was fully opened. Every head turned curiously in the direction. The Assistant


    School Proprietor entered, directing a group of professional-looking men carrying a new five or six - people table with five chairs. Even though the furniture looked similar to the ones in the cafeteria, it was obvious at a closer look that they seemed more well-built and comfortable ; clearly more expensive too.


    As everyone watched, the men set the table at a better place with more exclusivity under the guidance of the Asistant Proprietor. The slightly  chattering in the cafeteria that had turned lower with the arrival of the Asistant Proprietor suddenly turned into full fledged murmuring.


    To make matters worse, just as everyone was wondering whether the new table was really for The Unbeatable Five as Micheal had just said, they saw Mr. Adams - the Asistant Proprie- tor approach Michael who was then on his feet and moving closer. At the moment, the men completed setting the table and with a nod in Micheal''s direction, quickly left.


    " Micheal." He said with a slight nod of his head towards the boy now standing in front of him. His voice tinged with a bit of respect.


    " Sir." Micheal answered, his voice neither too respectful nor cold. At that moment, the man could feel the natural authoritative and powerful aura the boy emmited. Even though he could tell Michael wasn''t intentionally exhibiting his power but just being serious, it was too difficult not to feel a light pressure.


    Without taking into consideration the boy''s powerful family, he alone had his own fair share of noble blood that operated from the inside out. Emmiting such power at nineteen, he was frightened just thinking about how he would turn out seven years from then.


    "Sorry for the inconvenience Micheal. I just received the notice that you ordered for a new set of student''s cafeteria furnitures, and the security team were holding them off outside. On the behalf of the security team and the management, I apologise for it. We weren''t aware of what was going on here."


    " There''s no problem Mr. Adams, we don''t hold the school accountable for this." Michael said calmly with a faint smile, trying to lighten the mood upon noticing the older man''s slight nervousness. He was used to it. " We were absent for days, some people felt the need to take our table because they liked it. It''s partly our fault and we didn''t want to trouble the school or cause a fight here because of this. We just want some peace and quiet. Sorry if our actions bothered the school in any way. "


    " Sorry Sir." The boys who had gotten onto their feet in respect at a point in the conversion said in sync.


    " No need...no need boys. " Mr. Adams said with a chuckle, dismissively. "Feel free.If you hold no grudge to the occupants of your table, do you suggest we let them be?"


    " Yes let them be." Michael replied casually.


    " Are you sure?" Mr. Adams asked, his brows furrowed. Even though most of the students in the school were from rich and powerful families, very few were from powerful wealthy families like the five boys in front of him. So far as he knew, they were the only students from such outstanding families in the school. And he couldn''t afford to offend any of them. Even if they were quiet reasonable and respectful, he knew where the dead line was. " What they did can be seen as an intentional act to provoke a fight. It could have resulted in violence and is an offensive act. Punishable.


    " We''re really grateful for your con- cern Mr. Adams. " This time Philip spoke up, calmly as usual." But there''s no need."


    " Alright then....boys. " Mr. Adams said through a sigh, preparing to leave. " Take care."


    " Sir." Philip called just after the man took a few steps away, getting closer and standing beside Michael ; his ex- pression serious and his eyes darkening. " One more thing."

 (5) - STUBBORN ASS KICKS.

    Just a few simple words, but the tone and it''s power was anything but simple.The seriousness with which the words were said and the darkening of his eyes prompted Mr. Adams to stop. More than out of obligation or sheer will.


    Upon turning to face the nineteen year old senior year half - African youngster, he felt another formidable aura from him, not necessarily beneath Michael''s.This youngster always had a slightly intimidating presence with his calm and aloof personality. Always saying few words without displaying much of his thoughts from his expressions either.


    If nothing else, his aura could only be said to be on par with Michael''s. Only possessing more calmness and mysteriousness that was harder to overlook. With his calm and serious posture, he felt the youngster had something serious to talk about with him.


    " Anything Philip, tell me." Mr. Adams reassured, praying he hadn''t somehow unknowingly offended him, and for that, matter, his family. If that ends up being the case, he feared he would be in trouble with the school''s authorities. And the school, with Philip''s family-the Barons. Preparing himself for whatever outcome may emerge , he didn''t know how close to the truth his thoughts and fears were.


    " I know what happened to to Miss Bernice." Philip stated straightforwardly. His voice neither too loud nor low was enough to be heard in almost every corner of the now absolutely silent cafeteria.


    " Damn!" Richmond whispered to no one in particular, chuckling softly. " This guy is too straight for forward."


    " I guess I saw that coming."Chris whispered, shaking his head, amusedly as he held in his laughter.


    " So frightening.... " Raymond, now standing closer to his brother began, only to be cutted off unfairly and rudely;


    " Shut up! "


    Offended, Raymond could only glare at him with a grimace before going back to Mrs. Blunt at the counter, finding comfort there.


    " As much as the reason for her dismissal upsets me, I don''t care much. I just don''t wish for history to repeat itself....again." Philip continued, seeming anything but a mere student and a teenager at the moment.


    Suddenly feeling cold sweat drip down his back and forehead, Mr Adams felt his heart racing. He looked at the entrance- towards the Principal''s Office, praying someone would show up and get him out of his predica cament. But he was bound to be disappointed. Being so and realising he was on his own at the moment, he could only start with a little awkward laugh ;


    "I hope you would understand my situation, Philip."


    " Oh.... I do." Philip responded calmly.


    " And I also understand no one knows Mrs. Blunt is practically part of my family. She''s here because she wants to. If anyone, absolutely anyone tries any ''Miss Bernice show'' on her, again, I won''t let it slide." He emphasised on the word - ''again'', stretching it, showing he was aware of her argument with Joana the previous time.


    As he finished his last sentence, his gaze swept across Joana, whose face had suddenly turned pale. Beside her, Juliana was trying her best to hide behind Albert and Stacey. Her face no worse than Joana''s.


    Just as Philip''s cold gaze swept past them, they both felt as though a bucket of ice - cold water had been poured on them. Returning his gaze to Mr. Adams, he noticed his eyes brigh- ten up at the same moment the cafeteria''s strong partial plain-glass door opened again and and Mr. Rufford - the school''s Principal came in with his assistant - Miss Elise ; a woman in her late twenties with her dyed-blonde hair held up in a neat ponytail behind him.


    This book''s true home is on another platform. Check it out there for the real experience.


    " Micheal, Philip, Christopher, Rich- mond and Raymond, you all came today." Mr. Rufford said causually as he approached with a friendly smile. Clearly he had heard of what was going on in the cafeteria and came to smooth things over. "Micheal, I was hoping you and your friends would come around my office. My laptop is giving me some technical issues I wanted you boys to check for me. The last one you checked is doing just fine. But you boys didn''t even bother finding me. I thought we are friends now. "


    His last words had a double meaning that the boys understood easily, but merely smiled and remained silent. Realising Philip had a point to put across and not wanting the Principal to dissolve things yet before Philip was done. They were friends, like brothers, and stick together to sup- port eachother.


    Sighing, Mr. Rufford turned his gaze to Mrs. Blunt behind the counter, applying an ointment on Raymond''s arms and greeted her warmly. Then continued;


    " I never knew you were having some problems with some of my students here, Mrs. Blunt. I''m really sorry about that." He stated.


    " Oh....that''s no big issue." Mrs. Blunt replied dismissively with a light chuckle. " It''s a normal thing like this to happen. They''re just kids, still growing up. Just a little correction here and there and we''re all good. Philip is like that because I practically helped raise him. He''s just worried I''ll get bullied. But I''m not that old yet. I can still give some stubborn asses some good kicks when I want to, Mr. Rufford. "


    At her last remark, there was a barely controlled round of laughter in the cafeteria. The previously slightly tensed and caution mood brigtened significantly. Her cheerful personality was just so contagious. Philip couldn''t help but laugh silently whilst shaking his head helplessly.


    " That''s good to hear." Mr. Rufford said with a relieved sigh, chuckling. " I''m actually happy you''re here. You can help keep these five hard nuts some good kicks when their heads gets too stubborn."


    " What!" Richmond exclaimed before he could stop himself. As much as he had come to like the friendly woman, he could tell she was a tough one. To have her monitoring their moves from then would be a mini-disaster!


    " What? " Mr. Rufford asked with an eyebrow raised with the question, a smile tugging at the right corner of his mouth with faint wrinkles appearing on his aging face.


    " No principal Rufford." Richmond replied with a dissatisfied look in his eyes.


    " Good." Mr. Rufford said in a final tone.


    " But what subjects would she be teaching us? " Raymond asked curiously and innocently, looking confusedly at Mrs. Blunt. Right after he asked, his brother shot him a hard glare and he instinctively shrunk back, blinking his eyes in even more confusion; won- dering what he did wrong .


    At that very moment, a small but loud male voice responded from a very far corner in the cafeteria ;


    " Subject number eleven! Stubborn grown senior ass kicks! "


    " Leo! " A pleasant small feminine voice shouted right after in repremand. The whole cafeteria burst into another round of laughter. This time the laughter was more intense than the previous.With Mr. Rufford,Mr. Adams and the female secretary trying their best to control their laughter. Their faces reddening as a result.


    Michael and Philip were having a hard time not laughing out loud. Whilst Chris and Raymond were almost on the floor from laughing so much. It was only Richmond who was glaring in the direction of the voice, where a petite boy with wild pale - blond hair was trying to fight off a similar-looking girl with her hand covering his mouth tightly.


    " Whoever that was...." Mrs. Blunt managed to say in-between laughter. Her eyes brighter and livelier. "..... should come for these cookies...." She pulled up a crystal clear container filled with cookies-looking rich and delicious.


    At that very moment, the siren went off for break- over and the boy, having finally broken free from the girl''s grasp, rushed forward towards Mrs. Blunt. Not having a better choice, the girl followed him, apologising as she adjusted her silver-rimmed glasses. " Sorry everyone. sorry seniors, my brother can sometimes be a little hyper."


    " Alright everyone, get to your classes. Too much curiosity can be detrimental for your health." Mr. Adams said, trying to get the still lingering students to leave the cafeteria.


    " Joana! " Mr. Rufford called over the notice of the students leaving.


    " Sir! " she responded soon after, before coming closer to the Principal with her two friends, Tyler and Albert following her at a close distance.


    " Follow me to my office." He said seriously, all traces of warmth and amusement gone. Looking past her to Juliana, he added."Come with Julia."


    " A...and Stacey?" Joana stuttered.


    " What!" Stacy whispher-yelled in shock, holding onto Albert''s right arm tightly. Her eyes filled with shock, annoyance and a hint of hurt, she glared at Joana; " What did I do?"


    " No." Mr. Rufford replied sternly before heading out the cafeteria with his assistant, Mr Adams, Joan, Juliana and Tyler following.


    Sighing in great relief, Stacey looked at Albert and whispered, her hands still grabbing onto his tightly ; " Let''s go to the class."


    Humming in response with a satis- fied grin, Albert led them out of the cafeteria.

 (6) - BROKEN PROMISES.

    Hands tucked casually into the pockets of of the black pants of his school uniform as he looked at the retreating figures going out of the cafeteria, Micheal''s gaze rested on the new furniture he had ordered for a few seconds, before moving onto the old table, now having the remnants of the food and drinks from Joan''s team.


    Watching the now dirty table, a contrasting image to theirs after using the table, an irritation started bubbling up from his previously calm self. Trying to gain his control back, he took in a deep breath whilst stifly unclenching his now stony fists in his pockets - his eyes closing briefly.


    Upon opening his eyes as he exhaled, his dark gaze met Philip''s calm ones looking back at him with understanding and a small smile.


    " Annoying as hell, I know." Philip stated and chuckled. Glancing at the dirty and wet table with the disorganised chairs and tables, he shook his head and looked away. At that momoment, they both heard a commotion at the counter where the remaining boys and Mrs. Blunt with two new little humans were, then a loud yell from Richmond;


    " Lion!"


    " I''m not Lion! I''ve told you that alrea- dy! I''m Leo! Leo! You know....like the zodiac sign. Leo!" The boy corrected sternly and fiercely, offended at the change of his name. Even though it was actually the same in meaning.


    Focusing on the causes of the commotion, Michael and Philip saw Richmond and Raymond now teamed up on little Leo, refusing to let the poor boy take the cookies away with his sister exasperated and slightly scared.


    " I don''t give a damn, what your name is!" Raymond snaled, glaring at the boy with jealousy and annoyance. " I don''t care if you''re Lion and your sister is Lioness or... Tigress! All I care about is you letting go of these cookies right now!


    "Hey! "Leo''s petite and cute sister called out deffensively, looking interestingly more like her brother in that moment. " I''m Leona! Not Lioness or Tigress!"


    " Wow!" Chris said, laughing so hard that he was half bent, holding his stomach. " Great twin names! I really love them!"


    By then, Micheal and Philip''s faces were red with holding in their laughter. Unlike Chris who was openly laughing freely, they knew laughing like that would offend Richmond and Raymond.


    " You boys know these kids? "Mrs. Blunt, having had her fair share of laughter finally asked upon noticing the familiarity between the kids and the boys.


    " Not really. " Richmond said disdainfully." We only met twice. And in both cases, these Lion and Tigress kids rill me up so much! They are so trouble- some!"


    " Hey.... You...." Leona began to object again, but Mrs. Blunt, still controlling her laughter signaled her to keep quiet. Not having any other choice, she just kept her anger in. Looking away from him with a loud huff.


    " Okay boys.....why don''t you just let the kids have the cookies?" Mrs. Blunt suggested."Honestly speaking, I initially made them for you boys but now, I''ve given them to Leo and his sister. Why not just let them have them while I make new ones for you boys?"


    " No! " both Richmond and Raymond objected sternly, with a tone of finality.


    " Okay then Philip, share the cookies equally amongst them for now.... " Mrs. Blunt was saying. But what she didn''t expect was what followed;


    " No... Mrs. Blunt! We''re offering these cookies to Stella as her birthday present!" Leona said sternly. Her brows furrowed as she rushed to her brother''s side and held the other side of the container.


    " Stella?" Mrs. Blunt asked in surprise." Is today her birthday?"


    " Yes! She''s sixteen today but unfortunately isn''t feeling well." Leona said, her voice turning lower and sad. " She couldn''t even go to school today and can''t rest either."


    " Why?" Mrs. Blunt asked seriously. Her worry and concern for the just mentioned girl evident." What happened to her? "


    " She''s been having a hard time lately with Mrs. Clause and her daughters over some Crazy rent and bills issues. And some stupid bullies from her school destroyed her artworks for a school project this coming Monday. Aahhh! I''m so upset just thinking about it! " Leo answered, his hold on the cookies tightening.


    " Goodness! " Mrs. Blunt exclaimed then remained quite, her eyes looking up into thin air looked distant with her brows furrowed. Very likely in deep thought.


    " Hey kid...." Raymond called gently this time, letting go of the cookies.


    " What!" Leo snapped, looking at him with an annoyed look.


    With a different and more serious purpose now, both Richmond and Raymond seemed more warmer and calmer. They only chuckled at the boy before Richmond, lowering his head and back slightly to Leo''s level, asked;


    This book was originally published on Royal Road. Check it out there for the real experience.


    "What is your friend.... Stella''s last name?


    " Skyluck." Both Leo and Leona replied together.


    " Her full name is Stella Skyluck. Why? Do you know her?" Leona continued in a calmer tone, but it certainly didn''t affect her hold on the cookies.


    " Are you people suffering from Multiple Personality Disorder or something close? " Leo asked sarcastically, just as the second and final bell went off.


    " You boys should go to your classes. I''ll start making some cookies now. We''ll talk later." Mrs. Blunt said warmly. Finally back from her deep thoughts. Though her voice was warm and seemingly lively again, the worry and concern deep in her voice and demeanor could be detected upon closer inspection.


    " There''s a girl here too....you know.. Mrs. Blunt?" Leona said, dissatisfied about her being so easily overlooked.


    " Oh... Sorry dear. You see.... the boys have out-numbered you." Mrs. Blunt apologised with a chuckle.


    " Alright.... bye.... everyone! " Leona said, waving at the older boys who seemed somehow lost and distracted. There seemed to be something bothering them, but who really cares?"  They gave up the cookies and now they''re free to give them to Stella! What can be better than that! "


    " Come on, let''s go." Leo, taking his sister''s hand in his, began rushing out of the cafeteria with her. But a few steps to the entrance, he stopped after Leona said something to him. They then rushed back to Mrs. Blunt. Holding up the cookies, Leo asked;


    " Mrs. Blunt, can you please keep these cookies with you till closing?" He side eyed the five big boys suspiciously before adding ; " We don''t want to lose it. Thank you again for the cookies. We''ll be using our monies  to buy her some painting supplies after school and....maybe some wrap- pers too. "


    " Okay....kids, I''ve got everything under control. I''ll have you send some gifts to her for me. " Mrs Blunt taking the cookies from Leo and and keeping it away at where she took it from.


    " Turning around, Leo and Leona noticed the boys were behaving quiet out of character - so far as their knowledge of the was concerned. Micheal, looked particularly troubled, and from a closer look and a more deeper thought, it seemed the rest were trying to cheer him up or reassure him of something.


    "Without lingering any further, the male and female - pair of siblings ran out of the cafeteria.


    " It has to be her. " Raymond said, his gaze on the disappearing figures out of the door." It is too accurate to just be a coincidence. "


    " it''s really her." Philip, who had been silent all along said in his usual calm tone " And she needs help now."


    " You boys know Stella?" Mrs. Blunt asked, looking intently at them.


    " I do." Micheal answered, his voice sounding low and almost lifeless." I met her five years ago on a holiday trip with my family on the Moun- tains . I wondered off to explore and got lost. Then I almost died from a deep knife wound and a bite from a poiso- nous snake. But luckily I met her and her family....and here I am today. "


    " Oh... I understand now. " Mrs. Blunt said in understanding." But why didn''t you look for her before now? The girl and her family have suffered so much. It''s just a miracle she''s still alive today."


    " I wish I knew where to find them." Micheal replied with a self deprecating laugh. " I broke my promise. I broke all the promises I made to her and her family. I made her suffer so much. I can''t even be a good friend. "


    " Come on Mike.... " Chris objected, patting him gently on his shoulder. His voice consoling. " You know things were out of your control. You have been trying your posible best."


    " At least there is a chance to make amends, you know? You can help her and her family now. " Richmond said, hopping his words would somehow comfort him. But Mrs. Blunt''s next revelation shattered ninty percent of his hopes;


    " I don''t really know the full details of it all, but she''s the only surviving member in her family."


    " What! "


    Micheal, Chris, Richmond and Raymond exclaimed in sync, shocked.PhiPhilip, whose eyebrows were furrowed with his lips pressed together into a thin line in deep thought jerked his head in her direction ; his eyes wide, but otherwise remained silent.


    " When?" Micheal asked through clenched teeth, his eyes reddening with his chest heaving in anger as he clenched his hands into stony fists." Do you know how they died?"


    " No." Mrs. Blunt answered, her voice tinged with sadness and regret." The poor girl doesn''t remember much from what happened that year either, she only remembers fragments of things that happened occasionally. She once suffered a fatal blow to her head, once some people tried to kidnap her after her mother''s burial. I wish I had been in the country then. Maybe I could have been of some help."


    " When did you learn about all these grandma? "Philip asked. Calling Mrs. Blunt by grandma was an occasional occurance back then. Usually when he was feeling emotional, just like now. It was either that or simply ''Nanny'' when he wasn''t using her real name." You''ve been back in the country for just two weeks."


    " Most of what I know were gotten  from Leo and his sister. They grew up with her in the Grace Care Orphanage for four years after her mother''s death."


    "Orphanage!?"Micheal snarled, near- ly shouting the question in rage. Feeling like his head might explode from information overload. His head might control was snapping gradually as well. It would only be a matter of time. " She was there all along!? "  Noticing Micheal losing control, Mrs. Blunt held back the rest of her words- advising ;


    "If you boys really want to help Stella,  I suggest you all go back to your classes first. Then talk to Leo and Leona after closing. I believe they might have more information than me. They might show you boys where she stays too."


    " Okay.... Mrs. Blunt. " Chris replied seriously, laying his right hand firmly on Michael''s shoulder. Silently offering his support, while also telling him not to lose his cool. " We''ll do just that. Thank you for your time and everything. " He offered a light smile at the end.


    " No problem kids." She replied with a forced chuckle, forcing himself to remain calm and composed. " Go on. Hurry along!"


    Nodding at her, all five boys began leaving the cafeteria when suddenly Mrs. Blunt called out ;


    " Micheal!"


    Micheal merely stopped and looked back at her, not responding orally. But his undivided attention was worth just as much as the expected response he could have given her if he wasn''t feeling the lesser need to respond orally. Mrs. Blunt continued ;


    " Please protect her for me. Don''t let your family know."


    A moment of silence passed before he responded, nodding;


    " You have my word Mrs. Blunt, She means a lot to me."


    " See you later grandma." Philip and Raymond said together, their voices low in enthusiasm.


    Realising they spoke in unison, they mementarily looked at each other before chuckling-their moods impro- ving a bit. Before all five of them left the cafeteria.

 (7) REVELATIONS.

    The familiar bell ringing through - out the school brought Michael, back from his abscentmindedness. In a swift motion, he was on his feet, back- pack slung over his shoulder, note- notebook and pen in hand, and was moving out of the classroom whilst the slim and bald fifty-two years old accounting teacher - Mr. Morris, was yet to conclude his lesson. The next moment Chris was following him out - all set.


    " Sorry sir." Micheal merely said just as Mr. Morris saw him as he moved swiftly and gracefully through the classroom towards the door, not looking back. " Something came up."


    " Have a good evening sir." Chris said as he passed by the slightly displeased teacher, casting him a bright smile and a wink. " No offence intended." Then he was out of the door after Michael, who was moving like he had a ticking time bomb in his pants.


    Upon reaching the hallway, they were met by Philip, who signaled them to wait. Just as they reached the first year students'' hall-way and it started filling up with students rushing out of their classrooms, they saw Leo and Leona rush out of their''s and  and sprint towards the cafeteria. A few seconds later, Richmond and Raymond rushed out after them. Then everything cleared up.


    " Those idiots." Micheal gritted out. " Couldn''t they have waited a little longer."


    " They just wanted to help." Philip stated with a chuckle, ignoring the curious looks they were receiving from the students around, including some teachers. " The kids would have ran away."


    Micheal just sighed, he knew things weren''t going to be easy. Throughout lessons, he couldn''t stop thinking about Stella. About how she was then doing at home. Whether she was doing better or worse. He had been tempted to skip school to go look for her during launch break, but the boys had held him back and brought Mrs. Blunt in.


    Although he had initially been  annoyed, he soon realised it was for Stella''s safety.Acting recklessly at this time when his father might be keeping an eye on his attendance at school would be dangerous.     e and the boys had managed to squeeze a little more information out of Leo and Leona, but it wasn''t much past what they had been told by Mrs. Blunt. The kids were very cautious and tight-liped.


    Firstly, they realised Stella had been suffering from partial amnesia and had been with them at the orphanage for the following four years after her family died. Before running away after nearly being kidnapped in the confines of the orphanage. Which was very suspicious.


    Secondly, she has been on her own since leaving the orphanage. Moving around a lot and trying to stay as hidden as possible. Finding odd small jobs from adding up on her age to make some money; from washing dishes to helping out at the local mar- ket. While rejecting the offer of some friends she made that wanted to take her in. Some with ulterior motives  whilst some like the Barrett family, who had been genuinely good and protective of her had wanted to really help her.


    But unfortunately the Berret family had suddenly traveled and been gone for almost a year now. Stella had refused to go with them for reasons only known to her.


    Thirdly, they had been in contact with Stella occassionally but secretly after she runaway from the orpha- nage. Not letting anyone know Stella''s whereabouts for reasons they didn''t want to talk about with them then. Even now that they have been adopted by a good and seemingly trustworthy couple that were responsible for they being able to attend Crystal Hei- ghts Senior High, they have promised Stella they wouldn''t reveal too much information about her to them.


    And finally, Stella''s life is in danger. Some people or someone wants to harm her. This final piece of informa- tion wasn''t new. They were already aware of it, but it raised the sense of urgency to see her in them.


    Leo and Leona still did not fully trust them, even after explaining they were seeking to protect Stella, they had obviously decided to bolt on them after getting the cookies back. Something he wasn''t going to let happen. Or would have had some difficulty preventing from happening if not for the crazy intervention of Richmond and Ray. Philip is right, they are just trying to help.


    " You''re right." Micheal admitted with a sigh."Let''s follow them to the cafete- teria.


    " Those two can be crazier than me sometimes." Chris laughed.


    " Not necessarily." Philip objected calmly. Chris just casted him a mildly hostile look.


    Upon reaching the cafeteria, they saw Leo and Leona looking so excited at a small pile of gifts on the counter, including a beautifully boxed baby pink and ice-blue birthday cake with a stylishly written ;- ''HAPPY SWEET - SIXTEENTH BIRTHDAY, STELLA!!!'' on it. With their excitement, it could easily be misinterpreted as they having their birthday instead of Stella.


    " Thank you..... thank you all so very much!" Leona said, full of excitement. " Stella''s going to love this!"


    " Wait." Leo said abruptly, causing every pair of eyes to turn to him.Pointing to the cake, he asked worriedly. " There are no peanuts in it, right? "


    " Peanuts.... " Mrs. Blunt began in con- fusion, But before she could continue, Leona exclaimed ;


    Support the author by searching for the original publication of this novel.


    " Oh my God! Peanuts! I forgot.... I forgot she''s allergic! The..."


    " Don''t tell me you gave her your Chocolates!" Leo snapped with wide eyes. When Leona remained silent with her eyes darting around evasive- ly and guiltily. Leo had his answer.  "What was wrong with you?!" He snapped with wide angry eyes.


    He was angry, and it surprised  everyone present that his anger was directed at his beloved sister. It was the first time anyone of the five boys or Mrs. Blunt had seen him scolding his sister like that and they couldn''t but intervene when Leona''s eyes began moistening.


    " Hey.... Leo....calm down, okay?" Chris said, a frown on his face.


    " What''s it." Michael asked seriously.


    " Calm down Leo..... what''s it?" Richmond said, glancing at the plain plastic covering of the cake''s box and noticing the small chocolate - coated nuts on it and came to a realisation;


    " Calm down." Philip said calmly, his eyes darting between the two siblings none judementally.


    "Ah.... Philip."Richmond called calmly, looking up at Phillip who had a light frown on his face, then continued after receiving his attention." You''re also allergic to peanuts right? "


    " Yeah..... a common reaction to most nuts in our family." Philip replied somewhat absentmindely.


    " Don''t you guys find this somehow strange funny." Chris asked after a sudden laughter. "


    " What''s funny?" Raymond asked, eager to get in on the joke.


    " The fact that almost all of Philip''s family members are male''s and are allergic to nuts....you know....even if they have some...."


    " Chris!" Mrs. Blunt yelled, cutting him off with a glare."


    " Sorry." Chris apologised, holding in his laughter as Raymond snickered.


    " Keep the distance." Philip growled, glowering at them.


    " You two idiotic fools!" Micheal snapped."


    " Sorry bro." Raymond said whilst instinctively moving a step back from his intimidating aura." It was just a joke."


    "You touched on a sore spot son." Mrs.  Blunt said with a deep sigh. Realising Chris and Raymond still looked confu- sed, she realised they really didn''t know the severity of their joke this time. With that thought, she clarified ;


    " Philip''s younger sister and grandmother died on the same night from peanut allergy at his grandfather''s seventieth birthday."


    " What!"


    The shocking revelation left the two pairs of siblings and Chris in shock. Finally realising their awful mistake, Raymond and Chris looked at Philip with seriously apologetic looks but all they received was another harsh glare.


    "Sorry Phil." Chris went ahead to offer  a real apology. " I honestly didn''t know....."


    At that moment, a series of muffled sobs filled the tense atmosphere.  Prompting them to follow the sound to the source, only to find Leona quickly taking off her spectacles and whipping her rapidly watering eyes.


    "Leona? " Mrs. Blunt called worriedly,  quickly going to her side and holding her close."Dear,why are you crying?"


    " She''s scared Stella''s condition would worsen because of her." Leo explai- ned with a sigh. His earlier anger having gone down, he now felt his sister''s fears and anxiety. "


    " We all make mistakes Leona. I didn''t know so I made this peanut - choco- late cake. You also forgot and gave her your chocolate but you had good intentions. So let''s just pray and wish her a speedy recovery okay? " Mrs. Blunt coaxed.


    " A-a-at the orphanage, we all didn''t know and she had an attack after having a peanut butter sand - witch. Shh-she hadn''t eaten since morning and had given her launch to Leo and me because ours were too small. We thought she would die! I-i-it was so scary! " Leona burst into a louder round of tears. " Why does it seem like she wasn''t treated well at the orphanage?


    " Micheal asked , his earlier anger concerning her growing once again." If I remember correctly, the orphanage gets sup-plies from the Reef Foundation and... the others quiet frequently. There shouldn''t be shortage of food."


    " Hah! " Leona pulled back from Mrs. Blunt and huffed in anger. " Frequent supplies! Yeah we did receive them. But the new dean and his people sold half or even more of the supplies everytime. We found out and almost got caught, but Stella took the blame and hatred for it!" She wipped her eyes angrily with her handkerchief at the end. Her sadness was instantly replaced by rage and resentment.


    " So.....just because she supposedly found them out in their evil deeds they didn''t give her enough food? " Richmond gritted out.


    " Yes. But not only that." Leo replied, taking his sister''s glasses and  wipping it for her.


    " The late Dean liked her very much and most of the kids didn''t like her as a result. One time the now dean didn''t give us some art supplies donated, but wanted us to testify that we had received them.


    Claiming we would he receiving them the followding two days.Stella had spoken to the dean - Mrs. Owens about it three days later beacause most of us kids needed them.That had sparked a lot of issues, almost getting Mr. Banes, the now dean sacked and arrested."


    " Do you know how the late dean died? "


    " We have our suspicions. But no evidence. " Leo answered, his gaze looking distant - in thought.


    " That night the late dean - Mrs. Jones died, Stella had been with her because she was complaining of feeling a slightly dizzy earlier. She had go e to check up on her but Miss Elsie - Mr. Banes'' mean older sister sacked her from there to go to bed. The next morning, Mrs. Jones was reported dead from Hypertension! " Leona elaborated, her voice rising towards the end."


    "Damn!" Micheal said from between his clenched teeth. Then pushed a stool away onto the floor in anger.


    " Did they send Stella to the hospital when she had the allergic reaction?" Philip asked seriously, his eyes slightly squinted.


    " No." Both Leo and Leona answered a slow shake of their heads, their faces clouded in sadness.


    " Those wicked heartless people! " Chris exclaimed, sitting on a nearby high stool angrily." I bet they wished she would she would have died then!"


    " She''s not at the hospital, is she?" Philip asked calmly. But his friends could feel the underlying current. Having known him for so long, they knew in such situations, his calmness was just a way to control his raging emotions.


    " No." Leona replied. "she was in bed, running a slight fever."


    " Let''s go!" Philip said urgently, adjust- ing his backpack on his shoulder. Realising


    the urgency, Mrs. Blunt quickly bagged the gifts on the counter with the exception of the cake. Handing them over to Richmond who was closer, she instructed;


    " You boys should order her a new cake. I''ll have this given to someone else. Make sure you send her to the hospital when you find her."


    "Okay, thank you."Richmond replied and followed Michael and Philip out of the cafeteria. Only Raymond and Chris lingered.


    Grabbing the cake with both hands, Raymond declared while gesturing at Chris and himself ;


    " We have a fridge."


    Then they were running out of the cafeteria before she would object or say anything.

 (8) - VIPPERS.

    In the slums of Crystal city, which was located in the North-Eastern side of Silver Gardens - where the five boys had their apartments, two black same sleek cars drove through the poor neighhood.


    The first car, being driven by Micheal with Leona in the passenger seat directing the path to their destination. Michael and Leo at the back, with Leo chipping in every now and then whilst Philip sat quietly beside him, looking thoughtfully out the window.


    " Hey Micheal," Leo called, uncomfortable at the curious stares the two cars were receiving by passerbys and the neighbourhood dwellers. Raising his concern for the boys'' safety and his and is sister''s in case of a possible attack from some crazy neighbourhood goons. In the best case scenario, it would just be parts of the the cars getting stolen. " Couldn''t you people get a bit low key cars? This is attracting to much attention. Ah!"


    " Oh trust me, this is low key." Philip answered with a chuckle, looking at Leo''s uncomfortable expression.


    " These cars are for Richmond and Raymond. Their personal guards brought them because they asked for normal cars as you and Leona requested." Micheal answered, looking around and trying to memorise the route.


    " Over there!" Leona suddenly said, pointing at a two - storey wooden building beside a few others not too far away from the narrow street they were on." Park right here."


    " No, " Leo objected. " You people should pack in the compound instead. It''s safer. We can all avoid unnecessary accidents this way."


    " Alright." Micheal agreed, driving carefully into the dusty compound with the other car following closingly behind.


    Just when both cars parked, the wooden door to the house opened and a short chubby middle aged woman with her messy hair greying hair held in a messy bun,dressed in a fading black and white checkered ankle - length dress. A big smile on her heavi- ly made-up face.


    " Hello there!" She waved enthusistically at the cars without even seeing the occupants of the cars. The doors to the car Micheal was driving opened and first and Leo and Leona stepped out with serious faces. Having told Michael and Philip to wait for a while before coming out, they had called the boys in the other car and relayed the news. Which resulted in only the two of them facing the older woman whose expression changed drastically after seeing them.


    " You two? What, do you kids want here again?" She asked her displeasure showing.


    " Good evening Mrs. Klaus." Leo greeted indeferently. " We''re here to see Stella."


    " Keep your stupid greetings to your selves! And by the way, Stella no longer lives here. We''ve thrown that ungrateful insolent brat out. So you can leave!"


    " What!" Leo and Leona exclaimed in shock.


    " No..... you can''t do that! She''s not even feeling well! " Leona continued, her little hands clenching beside her.


    " Why can''t I? " Mrs. Klaus asked with a triumphant  look on her caked up face." This is my house. My property. I was kind enough to let a fifteen years old homeless orphan girl live here. I have been very kind to her with the weekly thirty dollars rent. But that girl is owing me and has refused to pay last week''s rent. Why then should I allow her to continue living in my house?! "


    " Mrs. Klaus that''s not fair! " Leo snapped just as Micheal opened the car''s door and stepped out, Philip doing same. A short moment later, Richmond and Raymond stepped out ofd their car with Chris.


    Seeing the five young rich-looking handsome boys stepping out of the car, she stood rooted to the spot with her eyes wide and frozen. Even when they stood right in front of her she remained frozen. Until hurried footsteps sounded towards the door from inside. As the footsteps sounded closer, so did the sound. A few seconds later, the door flung open and two overly-dressed fake-blond girls stru- ggled to out-do each other to get out of the door first.


    In their haste, they forgot all about their mother who was then starting to unfreeze from the shock and stumbled right into her. Causing all three of them to fall forward-towards Leo and Leona. Leo instinctively retreated to the side whilst grabbing Leona with him.


    It was a great and caring move, but lacking the necessary skill for perfect execution both brother and sister began swaying and stumbling comically towards the ground - close to  Richmond and Chris.


    The action amused the five boys more than Mrs. Klaus and her two daughters'' scene just did, so much that Chris and Raymond burst into a barely controlled laughter as Chris steadied Leo whilst Richmond steadied Leona. But Micheal and Philip soon regained their composure back.


    " Lion..." Richmond started inbetween laughter but Leo pushed his hands away from his shoulders angrily and adjusted his shirt before snapping ;


    " Thanks for the rescue, but I''m not Lion!"


    Love this story? Find the genuine version on the author''s preferred platform and support their work!


    "Alright.... super boy." Richmond answered calmly this time after noticing the glare Leona was sending him. " But your rescue....." He intentionally trailed off. Knowing most definitely one of his friends would continue for him, and he wasn''t disappointed.


    " Was great." Philip continued with a serious look, no sign of mockery on his face. His words would have been hard not to believe if not for glint and slightly mocking looking in his eyes.


    " Yeah, an excellent move." Raymond said, nodding his head seriously.


    "You really take care of Tigress." Richmond agreed with a small smile tugging at his lips.


    " I''m not Tigress!" Leona objected with a stomp of her right foot in anger.


    " Okay.... Okay... Tig....no I mean.... Leona." Richmond said with his hands raised in surrender.


    " Guys....concentrate, please!" Michael hissed from his side whilst helplessly helping Mrs. Klaus off the ground.


    " Get off me....you fool!" The older looking daughter yelled at the slightly shorter and younger looking one, her voice filled with disdain." You''ve ruined my make up!"


    " It was your fault for being so restless!" The younger- looking daughter, refusing to be at a loss


    retorted whilst getting angrily off the floor." What were you rushing for! There are many of them here and mom called us all here! That stupid Stella isn''t here to steal them away like with the previous times....."


    " Shuuuut up!" Mrs. Klaus yelled on top of her lungs, anger and embarrassment evident on her caked face. Her make up now wiped off on her left cheek. When her daughters looked wide-eyed at her, she gestured to the boys standing with various degrees of displeasure showing on their faces. She thought her gesturing was subtle, but it was anything but that under the watchful eyes around them.


    " Oh...hi there....handsomes!" The older - looking daughter immediately gaining control of her self said with what she assumed was a bright and lovely smile. " I''m Glenda-eighteen. And this is my younger....."


    She was moving on to introduce her  little sister-Alex when she was unexpectedly hip-pushed aside by her. Before she could stabilise herself and complain, her sister was standing right in front of her introducing herself more flirtatiously than she had. Even though there was enough space for them to stand side by side and still be seen.


    " Hi.... I''m Alexa, I turned seventeen last month. Sorry for what happened earlier. It was just a mistake. Which school do all go to? It must be very expensive right? Your uniforms.... Oh I now remember! You''re all from Cry- stal Heights Senior High! My good- ness! I''m the top student in my class and the most beautiful too. I''m more talented and presentable than that Stella. She''s a full - on trashy girl. Always flirting with our suitors. She''s nothing but a disgrace. I''m available to anyone of you here. You should choose me!" She beemed proudly at the end of her long flirty speech.


    " Hey Ray." Chris whispered to Ray- mond. " Are we at a brothel or something? "


    " From the look of things, I think we are. Stella just found herself in the wrong place." Raymond answered in a whisper.


    Having finished her flirty speech, Alexa walked seductively to Michael who was closer whilst eyeing Philip as she went. However, just as she rea- ched out to touch Michael who had reached the end of his patience, she was shoved to the side,causing her to almost fall.


    " Where''s Stella?" He asked impatiently.


    " I''ve thrown her out!" Mrs. Klaus snapped in reply upon seeing her daughter rejected so harshly. " I don''t care where is she is! She''s not my daughter!"


    " Very great she isn''t." Philip said with slight irritation showing in his calm voice. His eyes icy.


    " You knew she isn''t feeling well, yet you ruthlessly threw her out?" Richmond asked in anger and disappointment." What kind of a woman are you?"


    " Hey young man! " Mrs. Klaus snapped. pointing her left index finger at Richmond.


    " Mom....mom....what are you doing? "Her daughters whispered and rushed  to her side, trying to let her control her temper so as to not destroy whatever little chances they had with the boys. But the woman didn''t seem to care anymore ;


    "Move aside!" She snaled, pushing her daughters aside, then continued ;- " I took her in for just thirty dollars a week, but that ungrateful brat refused to pay this week''s rent and faught with my daughters. She''s an ungratful little brat!"


    " Faught with your daughters? Hah! What a joke!" Leona asked with a loud scoff while moving forward and stood frearlessly in front of Mrs. Klaus. Then continued ; " Do you think my brother and I don''t know you make her do the laundry for your whole family recently? All because her payments has been delaying.....you greedy vippers!"


    " That was only normal!" Glenda said unapologetically, folding her arms in front of her. " She was supposed to pay fifty dollars per week for rent and bills. Since she couldn''t afford it and has been delaying her payment recently, she had to do some house chores to compensate! How does that make us Vippers?"


    "What!" The five boys and the twins couldn''t believe their ears.


    " Fifty dollars for week''s rent?! She was just fifteen then!" Chris asked in sheer disbelief.Though it was hardly an amount he or his friends would look at, for Stella, he knew it was close to an impossibility.


    " Yeah. But as good as my mom was, she reduced it to thirty dollars. It was either that, or she or she would have been on the streets!" Alexa snapped.


    " Look her." Michael began, moving slowly closer to the Klaus family. Standing in front of them, he spoke in a low and frightening calmness with his gaze cold and dark. His aura chill- ingly suppressive; " I can get the Corps  here within ten minutes to arrest each one of you here for maltreat-ment, fraud and attempted murder."


    "Attempted murder?!"All three of the Klaus family members exclaimed in synchronisation.


    " Wow! " Of all three crimes they could be arrested for, they chose murder." Raymond said sarcastically, leaning casually against his car.


    " Either you give me useful information about Stella, or I call the corps." Michael continued. "She was sick and you threw her out. I consider that as trying to kill her."


    " Okay....okay.....I think she might have gone to work for her money." Mrs. Klaus said.


    " Which of her works?" Leo asked.


    " How will I know?!" She retorted angrily. But upon seeing the look on Michael ''s face, she controlled her temper." She does a lot of works."


    " I heard her arguing with her restau- rant boss this morning." Alexa said quickly. " They seemed to be arguing about her payment."


    " Which restaurant?" Philip asked seriously, his deep eyes looking like they might stare right into her soul.


    " The old yellow painted one on your way here." Alexa answered, looking eager to finish up so they could get going. She had lost interest in them. What was initially attraction had turned to fear. They were just so scary!


    " Let''s go." Micheal said simply after turning back to the rest. Without sparing second looks at the three anxious and scared Klaus family members, they got in their cars and drove off.

 (9) UNCOMPROMISING.

    Speeding back towards the way they came from, Michael felt his anxiety grow. He couldn''t really pinpoint if it was from possibly meeting Stella for the first time or just knowing she was working whilst not feeling well.Not being able to help himself, he asked a pressing question from their conversations with the Klaus;


    " How long has Stella been with the Klaus Family?"


    "I think.....for seven months now." Leo replied slowly with his head resting against the head-rest of the driver''s seat. " Since the Barrett family left ten months ago and rented their house to a family, she moved in to live with Miss Claudia ; a kind and friendly woman who offered free accomodation to a few young girls like her for a month. Then she left there with a seventeen years old girl....I don''t remember her name. But they parted ways then.


    She had another free accommodation from an old woman living alone about two kilometres from here for the next two months. We used to call her Grandma Vic. I could tell Stella was genuinely happy when living with her. But then, she couldn''t stay there for long either. "He ended with a sigh.


    " Used to call her.....is the woman still alive?" Micheal asked, then swerved to the side to avoid a stray dog.


    " No, she isn''t." Leona answered with a deep and sad smile. " She was very good to us all. But her children sold the house after her death and Stella had to leave and rent Mrs. Klaus'' room. "


    Just then they heard a sudden screech of the car behind them, prompting them to look back curiosly.


    " What happened?" Leona asked as Michael abruptly stopped the car and began ubbuckling his seatbelt with Philip who was looking keenly out the back window.


    " I think they knocked down someone." Philip answered as he opened the door and stepped out  - keeping it opened for Leo.


    " Hey....boy!" Richmond was yelling at a young boy laying on the road in front of their car, barely moving. He was in a faded blue jeans with black and white old sneakers. His hands and arms were covered in a black sweater that was zipped tightly up to his throat.The hood covering almost his entire head. " Can''t you freaky see! Throwing yourself in front of a car like that, do you want to die?!"


    " Rich.....hey...." Chris called calmly beside him, tapping him on his shoulder repeatedly. " Rich calm down. Look at how pale....."


    " Don''t tell me to calm down Chris! " Richmond retorted angrily, pointing at the slowly moving boy. "We''re in a hurry to find Stella and this boy just wastes our time like this!"


    " Shut up!" Philip snapped as he got closer, Micheal, Leo and Leona close by him.


    " You''re talking too much Rich," Raymond said and knelt down by the boy. " You should first make sure he''s alright first."


    " You do it! " Richmond snaled.


    At that moment, Leo and Leona had frozen wide-eyed in place, whispering something to themselves as they watched the boy on the floor in shock. The word they whispered was drowned out by Raymond''s yelling. But standing close to them, Michael and Philip heard them loud and clearly enough. Causing them to stiffen for just a second before rushing forward to the boy struggling to get up from the floor.


    Oblivious to the sudden extra caring and anxiety shift in the air, Richmond continued ranting ;


    " If he wants to die, he should die somewhere else! I think he''s just pretending..."


    "Shut the hell up!!" Michael and Philip yelled at the same time Leo and Leona unfroze from their sudden shock to hear his last sentence and accusation, causing them to snap really loudly;


    " Shut up!! "


    Effectively shutting up from the  sudden hostility, Richmond looked confused at the two pairs of people who had shouted so loudly at him that he felt his eardrums were actually drumming.


    " Stella.....?" Micheal called gently but urgently, kneeling by the almost still unconscious boy-like figure, he slipped a hand under his head and raised his face up.


    Initially, he and Philip still had doubts after hearing Leo and Leona whisper her name earlier. But as he raised the ''boy''s'' face, the hood slipped back a bit and he saw the familiar face a little more clearly. Even so, Philip pulled the hood back completely and every- one gasped.


    It was really her! That was an undeniable fact. But what caused the chorus gasp was the almost paper - white paleness of her face, and she had stopped moving too.The two combined created an unwanted frightening image in their heads; a corpse.


    " Stella!" Leona called, shaking her slightly whilst kneeling with her brother beside her. " Why is she not moving!"


    " We didn''t hit her!" Chris answered in fright. This sudden turn of events was too frightening. Eventhough their car certainly didn''t hit her, he was starting to entertain the thought that they had frightened her so much when they almost hit her that her sickness had gotten worse.


    " Open the car!" Micheal shouted, already on his feet with Stella lying unresponsive in his arms. Before anyone could react, Philip was already  at the back door of the car, opening it.


    Unauthorized use: this story is on Amazon without permission from the author. Report any sightings.


    However, before Michael could get Stella into the car, a slightly old silver car pulled to a stop behind the car Chris was driving and a loud frantic voice called out as the Passenger door was flung open ;


    " Stella!" The voice was feminine.


    Every head, with the exception of Stella''s turned towards the voice. A pair of beautiful slim and smooth legs in a shiny black six inches high heels stepped out quickly from the car before the full figure of a beautiful oval shaped woman in her early thirties with shoulder length red-dyed hair, brown almond shaped eyes with an averagely endowed but attractive body in a deep green knee - length skin-tight dress with light make up and deep red painted lips that matched perfectly with her hair - walked briskly to them, and straight for Stella in Micheal stepped away.


    " Miss Claudia?" Leo and Leona called quietly in surprise at that sudden appearance of the woman.


    " Hi.... Leo... Leona, it''s been quiet a while since we met." Miss Claudia said with a bright smile while addressing the siblings. She seemed warm and harmless. " You two never visited me after Stella left my place..."


    " Who''s she... Leo?" Micheal asked, impatient. Stella was seriously sick and needed to be sent to the hospital. He didn''t know where this woman come from to block them and waste their time like that?


    " Oh....sorry Michael." Leo apologiesed quickly. " This is Miss Claudia. She''s the kind woman we told you Stella stayed with for a month for free before leaving to live with the old woman who died. "


    Michael merely nodded quietly, still having an I''mpatient look on his face. Looking at Miss Claudia, he asked straight forwardly; " Why are you here?"


    " Hi, as he said, I''m Claudia. I... I...saw you kids with Stella. She''s unconcious. Maybe you hit her by mistake, so I will take her from her from here and send her to the hospital. You all can go back home to your parents...." Claudia said as calmly as she could, but at the end of her last sentence, she noticed a drastic change in the five older boys'' expressions.


    Even though they were in High School uniforms, she could judge easily they had great backgrounds. She could feel it easily in the power they consciously emitted, their ways of carrying themselves, and their well-polished looks. With the kind of work she does, she could tell they weren''t going to be easily dealt with.


    "You''re mistaken. we didn''t hit her." Raymond said seriously and defensively.


    " You didn''t?" Claudia asked confusedly. Even though she had used the sentence - ''Maybe you hit her by mis- take'' earlier, she had indeed thought they had knocked her down with  their car. "Then... then what happenened? Why....."


    " She fell in front of our car. She''s not feeling well and we''re taking her to the hospital." Chris answered, irritated and impatient.


    " Don''t worry, I''m a good friend of hers. I won''t harm her." Claudia said with a light smile." I just came from Mrs. Klaus'' house. She told me she had thrown her out of the house. That crazy woman needs help! But it''s okay now. The poor girl needs some peace and happiness. I''m here to take her back with me. She will stay with me from now on."


    " I''m sorry but no. " Micheal said firmly, his gaze stern with his hands tightening around him possesively." Stella is unconcious now. No one can decide for her, including me. Even though I''ve been looking for her for what seems like ages, I''ll wait for her to wake up. If she does and wants to leave with you, I won''t stop her. I will support her decision."


    Leo and Leona looked at him with deep touched emotions showing in their eyes. At that moment, a new found deep respect for Michael began to take root and grow within their hearts. They began to really understand how much Micheal really cared and respected Stella. They each had  lititle obvious smiles on their faces as they looked at him. " Please move aside. We need to quickly send Stella to the hospital." Philip said with a straight and impatient face and tone. "Oh....okay. Go ahead." Claudia said, stepping aside. " I''ll follow you to the hospital to make sure she''s alright."


    "Thank you" Michael said simply before very care fully laying Stella in the back seat of their car and closed it. Without waiting for a go ahead or not, Leona carefully got in the back with her from the other door - placing Stella''s head gently on her lap. Seeing this, Michael simply smiled and shook his head slightly and shared a brief look with Philip who was looking at the scene in the car with a small smile. With their expressions, it was clear they were all pleased with her love and dedication to Stella. Philip moved to the passenger seat.


    " What? I can''t be with my sister?" Leona asked with raised eyebrows, pouting a little.


    " No...no....it''s okay. ." Philip said with a quick shake of his head, still smiling. " I''m just a bit surprised you call her your sister." Michael said and walking to the door Leona entered in, closed it ,  gently but firmly before moving to the driver''s side. Leaving a bewildered Leo standing outside, his eyes wide;


    " What about me?! " He asked, frowning.


    Richmond who was the last to get in their heard Leo''s exasperated question and turned around. Seeing his expression, he couldn''t help but chuckle and beckon him over ;


    " Lion! Let''s go!"


    Hearing Richmond''s call filled with amusement, Leo turned and looked at him, his irritation growing even more with Richmond''s provocating choice of name for him, causing him to glare in his direction.


    " Leo....go with them." Micheal, standing by the opened door told him with a smile tugging at his lips then lowered himself to get into the driver''s seat. Leo began walking towards the other car reluctantly, his lips pouted and grumbling ;


    " I''m Leo... I''m Leo...keep calling me that....and see if I''m not going to eat that stupid pretty- rich- boy face of yours...."


    Just as Micheal got seated behind the wheel and reached for the door, a deep unfamiliar masculine irritated voice boomed from the driver''s seat of the car Claudia had come in ;


    " You can''t take her! "


    Each one of the four teenagers stiffened for a second before instinctively looking towards the car.


    What they saw confused them as much as it annoyed them;- A tall man in his sixties with fully greyed hair that didn''t match his physique was striding confidently from his car towards them with two guards in black suits with matching pairs of black sunglasses a few feet behind him. His grey hair gelled and styled added to his attractiveness and powerful figure in the light grey designer suit.


    " What''s going on?" Leona asked no one in particular as she looked back through the back window. "Who''s he? "


    " We don''t know...but I think he looks familiar" Michael replied with a grimace.


    " I''ve see him at a company dinner with my uncle before.They didn''t seem close." Philip replied whilst looking back at the approaching man with a serious look whilst ignoring Claudia who seemed to be desperately trying to get him to back off.


    Meanwhile the four boys in the other car realising a new situation had cropped up up initially wanted to step out but Chris told them to wait a bit. Explaining that Michael and Philip might have a plan then called Michael on loud speaker. The call connected but Micheal didn''t speak. The call remained connected though.


    With a grimace, Michael looked at Philip who seemed to share his emotions at that moment and voiced their thoughts to Leona;


    " I think this will turn very serious."  He had said it calmly but that didn''t stop Leona from getting more anxious as she looked at Stella''s pale face.


    " What! Why?! We need to get Stella to the hospital!"


    " Calm down.... Leona" Philip said gently looking back at her.


    " Get out of the car kids!" The man, now standing by their car ordered loudly, his gaze and expresssion uncompromising.

 (10) - UNDERESTIMATED.

    " What''s the plan guys?" Leo''s anxious voice asked in the other end of the line. Unlike the calmer other three with him., he just couldn''t stay calm. Not with the intimidating man and his mean - looking guards now at the car in front of with Stella and his sister, ordering everyone to get out!


    " Calm down Leo," Raymond said, his voice not sounding very worried. " We''ve got this."


    " Sriously?!" Leo almost shouted, his worry and anxiety increasing from his voice. " That man is very dangerous!"


    At that, Michael and Philip shared a look and an unspoken understanding crossed between them. The silence on the other end of the line with the slight shift in the air they felt from the other end confirmed the other boys shared the same thoughts. Before anyone could voice the thought, Leona beated them to it;


    " Leo....do....do you know something?" Her frightened gaze was on Stella as she asked. A brief moment of silence went by, in which the impatient man outside the car''s door to Leona and Stella at the back knocked on the window impatiently, whilst trying to open the door.


    " Get out of the damn car!"


    His voice came through the small opening at the top of the windows.


    " Yes Leona," Leo''s anxiously quick reply came right after the order. " but just a little. We''ll talk later."


    " Richmond, you and Ray should stay back." Michael said after another shared look with Philip. " Chris, you and Leo should come over." His words were straight to the point and loaded with a natural authority.


    " Alright." A chorus of the single worded reply sounded on the other end. No other words added.


    " Move back a bit." Philip told Michael after they saw the gates to Richmond ''s car open and the boys stepping out decisively.


    Obediently, Michael moved back quietly, catching the man and his three guards who seemed ready to pull out something from under their suits - undoubtedly guns just the previous moment off guard.


    " Hey...stop right there....." A guard was shouting when the car suddenly stopped pretty close to it''s same other and the doors opened. They quickly walked over with their boss right behind.


    However, the very moment Michael and Philip stepped out of the car into view, all four stopped abruptly, their eyes widening. It was then that they really saw the kids involved up-close. Previously in the car, they were a bit far away to actually really see them.


    " Boss....these....." A guard began hesi- tantly, but a raised hand of his boss signaled him to keep quiet and immediately did.


    " Remember me Mr. Ridge?" Philip asked with a barely visible smile  while closing the door.


    " What are you doing here?" The man just referred to as Mr. Ridge asked, his expression a mixture of surprise and displeasure. " Why are you boys with Stella?"


    " We should also be asking you that Mr. Ridge." Michael replied calmly and stood a hands length away from Mr. Ridge and his guards. " As far as I know, you - Mr. Ridge have no ties with Stella."


    As the conversation was going on, Chris had gotten seared behind the wheel with Leo beside him. Without waiting for further instructions, Chris sped past and in no time at all, the car was almost out of view.


    " Whoaa..... Chris! "Leo exclaimed in surprise and excitement, with Leona laughing at the back."That was great!"


    " Thanks. " Chris said, laughing at the awed expressions on the siblings'' faces.


    From the front mirror, he could see two of the the man''s guards trying to get past Richmond and Raymond whilst Michael and Philip blocked the seemingly raging man and the guard with him. With a loud huff, he looked away and concentrated on the road.


    " Do you think they would have trou- ble with that man and his guards?" Leona asked, referring to Michael, Philip, Richmond and Raymond.


    " No, they''ve got this." Chris answered confidently taking a sharp turn. A smile still on his lips.


    "Even if we get Stella away to to the hospital, do you think the man would come find her? Leo asked worriedly, the earlier excitement gone from his face.


    " Honestly, I don''t really know about that. " Chris replied truthfully." But I strongly believe Michael and Philip will find a way out."


    " Owh.... Okay." Leona whispered whilst Leo just nodded thoughtfully.


    " Take a turn over there.....after that building, " Leo pointed out seriously. " There''s a hospital there. Let''s take her there.


    " Philip''s family own a branch of their hospital a few minutes from here. Let''s get her there. It''s safer. Even though he didn''t get to say it, I''m sure he and Michael would love to have her there. And that man wouldn''t be able to steal her away if he tries."


    "Oh.....that''s great then." Leo said with a satisfied smile on his worried face." Let''s just hurry up."


    You could be reading stolen content. Head to Royal Road for the genuine story.


    " Don''t worry." Chris just told him assuredly. A couple of minutes later, the car took another sharp turn and completely left the slums. Then Chris made a phone call through the car''s updated system.


    " Hello.... Aunt!" He said cheerfully when the call connected.


    " Hey.... Chris!" A very lovely and lively femine voice filled the car from the speaker. " How are you....and all the others doing?"


    " Great, Aunt thank you." Chris replied, winking at Leo who raised a brow at his reply before shaking his head slowly at his wink and looked away. " I just need your help a little Aunt. Are you at the hospital here in C.C? "


    " No, I''m out on a three-days trip in The Bahamas for work related reasons. Why? What''s wrong?" The woman asked, starting to worry.


    " Don''t worry Aunt, Philip is okay. We all are." Chris assured her.


    " Oh... That''s a relief." An audible sigh could be heard in the car." Then who''s not feeling well? "


    " A friend of ours. She has a serious allergy and is currently unconscious and....very pale." Chris expained, adjusting the front mirror and looking at Stella with furrowed brows as he spoke.


    " Goodness!" The woman exclaimed, sounding very serious and panicky." How old is she? What''s her name? "


    " She''s Stella. She turned sixteen today. " Chris answered.


    " It''s her birthday today?!" The question came pretty loudly.


    " Yes, Aunt." Chris answered a bit hesitantly, a slight look of regret on his face. " I''m sorry Aunt, maybe I shouldn''t have called.... "


    " What are you saying son? " The woman asked, slightly Offended. " It''s true your friend Stella has reminded me of Hazel. But so what? What is done is done, no matter how much it hurts. It''s part of life, we just have to continue living...and talking about living, Stella is in danger of shifting from that! Now stop with the non- sense and tell me where you are! "


    Leona let out a laugh at the back but quickly covered her mouth.


    " Alright, I''ll get everything prepared for your arrival right now. " The woman answered ,calmer.


    " Thanks Aunt. " Chris said apprecia- tively." Don''t mention it. And....you boys should take care of.... hey wait!" The woman abruptly paused mid - sentence, seemingly remembering something. "Stella...is she Michael''s lost girlfriend he''s been trying to find since five years back?"


    " Aunt...girlfriend?" Chris asked with a hearty laugh, but soon took control of himself as he was driving. " They  were much younger then... Aunt. Michael was just a few months after fourteen and Stella was just eleven. They were just friends."


    " You silly- all-knowing -naive-kids of recent generations." The woman murmured  before continuing firmly ; " Do you people even understand the name ''girlfriend''? What''s the difference between female and girl? It might be the age or longivity of existence right? "


    Chris nodded, but realising she couldn''t see him, answered out loud; " Yes Aunt."


    " Good, you idiot... " The woman continued. But Leo and Leona both broke into muffled laughter-covering their mouths. Chris playfully glared at Leo beside him but couldn''t help but smile. "Then a young female human is a girl, and if she''s your friend, isn''t she your girlfriend? It''s the whole romantic or sexual addition that creates the difference. Do you understand?"


    " Yes, Aunt." Chris answered obedien- tly.


    "Good, now answer my question. Is she the one?"


    " Yes... Aunt." Chris replied with a smile. " We only found out she''s in crystal city yesterday and found her a someminutes ago."


    "Wow!" This is so great! You know I''ve been looking for her too since you boys told me about her last two years." The woman said excitedly.


    Chris laughed and answered ; " Don''t mention it. I finally confirmed a little information gathered through my search recently. I''ll talk to you boys about it later. Until then, let''s focus on getting Stella better. " The woman said, a little seriously.


    " Okay.... Aunt, later." Chris answered and the line went off.


    " It''s sorted. Stella will be very safe there." Chris informed very confidently."


    " Thank you." Leo said, then asked, unsurely, seeing a grand modern and traditional blend hospital an increasing distance nearer; Is that the hospi- tal?"


    " Yes. " Chris replied and slowed down as they got closer.


    " Wow!" It looks grander and nicer than in its incompleted state. " Leo marvelled, looking keenly out the window.


    " You''ve been here before?" Chris asked as he turned. and carefully to a space to pack.


    " Not really, " Leona answered with a shake of her head. " we only got to see it almost completed last two years, the day we were adopted from the orphanage, we passed here. "


    " Oh... Chris whispered, nodding in understanding, then said ; " We''re here. "


    The car came to to a stop and three nurses and two doctors - a man and a woman waiting nearby quickly came over, greeting them respectfully.


    " They are here for us?" Leo asked in disbelief even as the answer was staring right back at him, opening the door and going out.


    " Yes," Chris answered quickly, getting out of the car. " You can call it perks if being wealthy and privileged. Though it sometimes gets uncomfortable for some of us." He closed the door behind him.


    By then, the nurses and doctors were urgently on their jobs, wheeling a still unconscious Stella away into the hospital with Leona close by like a shadow.


    " The woman you called told them we were coming " It wasn''t a question, but an observation Leo made as they followed Leona and the medical stuff into the hospital.


    " Yes." Chris confirmed. " She''s Philip''s mother and a part owner of this and some other hospitals. "


    ??????????????????????????????????


    Meanwhile on Michael and his team''s side, things had heated up and escalated into a fight. But the losing side was most definitely not their team. Mr.Ridge and his guards realized the boys were not to be underestimated. Then he scolded himself for being stupid. What was he expecting?


    Even though he only knew Philip and Michael''s backgrounds as being from the Reef and the Baron family respectively, he didn''t know the other two boys. Just that they were siblings from their looks. Being in contact with a lot of influential families, he knew a half of them make their children, especially the male''s go through special fitness and skills trainings. How much more powerful and wealth families like the Reefs and the Barons?


    Looking at his beaten up guards in anger and embarrassment, he knew he had to back up to save the little pride he had left.


    " That''s enough!" He snapped at his guards who were just following his order, like he was scolding stubborn willful kids. They immediately stopped, breathing heavily.


    " Good for you." Raymond said with a scoff, looking at a dusty footprint on his white shirt from when a guard had kicked him unexpectedly just before Mr. Ridge had called for the stop. He had various ways of retalia- ting playing in his head.


    "It definitely doesn''t look good right now for you ....Michael said tauntingly." It will be called you and your guards bullying High School Students. Just imagine the headlines."


    " I just wanted to resolve this quietly, but you boys made things difficult." Mr. Ridge said defensively, trying to stay calm.


    " By taking Stella forcefully away?" Philip asked through clenched teeth.


    " What even gives you the right to think of taking her away? " Richmond asked, brushing off dirt from his shirt angrily. " That''s kidnapping you know?"


    " No it''s not!" Mr. Ridge said fircely, glaring at them. " Because Stella is betrothed to my family!"

 POETRY ; A BEAUTIFUL NEW DAY!

    Bright and sunny - a new day has arrived,


    Cheerful and promising,


    with the sun rising gracefully and powerfully,


    behind the accent strong and powerful mountains and hills.


    Showing and gracing everything in sight.


    Not excluding those hidden with its magical brightness and golden sunshine.


    Birds chirping and hopping happily on the now dry ground,


    As they looked for their food merrily.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    Others high up in trees,


    singing to the praises and glory of nature,


    for giving them yet a lovely, charming and beautiful day.


    Singing with all in them for mankind to feel the hope and blessings of the new day.


    The gentle and refreshing breeze,


    blowing gently through trees, plants, flowers and grasses.


    Making them dance joyfully and gracefully to its gentle melody.


    Beautiful-lovely-brightly coloured butterflies,


    flying across grasses and sweet scented lovely flowers.


    The sweet and pleasant natural scent of the wet earth,


    in companionship with the sweet scents from the gracefully dancing flowers and grasses,


    fills the clear and fresh air.


    High up in the beautiful blue sky ¨C


    birds fly higher up, and distant lower.


    Soaring their wings up high from reach.


    Sending the unique and priceless message to mankind;


    That though they have no wings ¨C


    they can spread the wings of their dreams, power, and aspirations.


    And like them,


    soar higher up in the sky.


    And even well past.


    Because as it is,


    the sky is certainly not the limit!


    The limit is far higher,


    And further than the eyes can see.


    Their soaring music high up being a simple message ¨C


    ¡®spread your wings and soar higher!¡¯


    By :-  Lovia Affram ( LABA )


    I composed this during the covid pandemic. It¡¯s always great to stay positive. ??


    All the best! ????


    Love you! ????????

 (11) - CRAZY COMPROMISE.

    '' What!''


    The exclamation wasn''t said, but it hung visibily and boldly in the air, Shocking, ridiculous and highly annoying. The boys stared at the speaker of the virused words like he had grown an extra head and was stripping nacked in public. He had lost it! And Raymond was the first to make sure he knew it;


    " Have you lost your damn mind!" He snapped, moving closer angrily but was held back by Michael. " You''re absolutely crazy to even think of what you are saying!"


    " She''s just turned sixteen today! She''s an orphan without a guardian or a simple stable home!Barely able to look after herself, and you''re here claiming she''s betrothed to....Who? You?!" Michael gritted out, his anger hands clenched tightly at his sides and his eyes darkening in great anger. He was just a thin self-control line away from punching ing the man in the face.


    " Not me. She''s too young for me, but my son." Mr. Ridge answered, his mood improving and a small smile appearing on his face as he spoke. " She will be perfect for my son. She''s a good girl."


    " So....let me get this straight." Raymond began, leaning against their car." You want to give Stella to your son, because she''s a good girl?"


    " Yes, absolutely." Mr. Ridge confirmed with a broad smile.


    " What if she refuses? " Michael asked, trying his best to stay calm.


    " Oh...that''s expected. It''s normal for a girl like her to reject. She''ll just grow to like him if not love him. It''s only a matter of time. Mr. Ridge answered more calmly this time. Waving a hand to a guard behind, the guard came closer and he whisphered in his ear. Nodding in understanding, the guard walked quickly to the car they came in and brought a shaky Claudia towards them.


    "Stella doesn''t know about this, right?" Philip asked observantly as he looked at Claudia with squinted eyes as she came closer.


    " No." Mr. Ridge answered straight forwardly. " I was going to tell her today."


    " How did your....'' betrothal '' work with no family members from Stella present? You crazy old man." Raymond asked sarcastically.


    " Hey kid!" A guard warmed, growling at him." Watch your tongue!"


    "Who''s a kid?" Raymond retorted, moving towards the guard angrily but Richmond called him back as Mr. Ridge signaled to his guard to back off.


    " I met Stella at Claudia''s. Mr. Ridge explained, gesturing to Claudia who was now standing uncomfortably by his side. " Later, I explained my intention with Claudia. Since she was Stella''s guardian back then, it was only right for her to agree on her behalf. It will benefit the girl a lot. She needs the help."


    " Oh really?" Philip asked calmly with a hint of amusement." If that''s the case then your help is no longer needed. And your contract with Miss Claudia isn''t valid. It''s illegal."


    " You can''t threaten me kid! " Mr. Ridge snapped, turning hostile once again." I have no bad intention and Stella trusts me!


    " Really?" Michael asked with a humourless chuckle."I don''t see it that way, old man.You are abusing Stella''s right to make decisions for herself even if she isn''t eighteen yet. She just turned sixteen today. She''s still a minor and you and Miss Claudia are trying to force her into an unwanted engagement."


    " No! " Claudia suddenly cried in fright." I didn''t mean to....I really like Stella. And Mr. Ridge said he would help her to complete her education and find a great career before she and his son would get married!"


    " And did you ask her? " Richmond asked doubtfully.


    " No, I couldn''t." Claudia answered, her eyes wide and misty" By the time Mr. Ridge told me about it, Stella had...had left my place because she didn''t.... "


    " Didn''t like your shaddy business. " Richmond added, cutting her off with a mockingly knowing look. " Because you''re a prostitute."


    At the end of his statement, every single pair of eyes there turned to him in surprise. But he chuckled.


    " Don''t be surprised I know. " He specifically addressed Claudia, Mr. Ridge and his guards. " It''s not a threat, but think about it. Do you think you people can win a lawsuit on this case.?


    " Are you threatening me kid?! " Mr. Ridge snaled.


    This story has been unlawfully obtained without the author''s consent. Report any appearances on Amazon.


    " No, I''m not." Richmond stated very calmly. " But you must know my brothers and me here can help Stella file for a case against you people. No matter how good your intentions are, she''s still a minor. If you really value her as you''re saying, then wait till she''s of age to talk about her joining your family."


    A moment of silence passed before Mr. Ridge spoke up after scrutinising the young boys before him. " With you kids of this generation being so impatient, my son has already accepted her. I can just speak to her after she''s well and allow the two of them to meet."


    " Are you even listening?!" Michael gritted out, feeling his anger and jealousy raising their colourful heads.


    " Of course I am." Mr. Ridge answered  with a laugh. His eyes gleeming as looked at Michael with deep observing eyes. " I''m just telling you boys l''ve heard you. And I''ll follow your advice, but in return, I hope you boys won''t stop Stella from meeting my son. Trust this old man''s intuition, they will be great together. Very happy."


    With that, he turned towards his car and began walking forward. Signalling his guards and Claudia, they began to follow him.


    " Let''s leave. They make sense. Now that we''ve reached a compromise, there wouldn''t be any more problems. We''ll visit Stella with my son later." His words were indirect finality to everything, while paving the way for his son to freely visit Stella in the future without any interferance and also warning Michael his Son and Stella belonged together.


    Not long after, the car sped past the silent but inwardly annoyed and grieving boys. As they watched the car disappear, Raymond couldn''t help but snarl;


    " What kind of Crazy Compromise is that!"


    ??????????????????????????????????


    Twenty minutes later, Philip drove them up to the parking space at the hospital. Immediately, they spotted Raymond''s car and quickly packed beside it. Getting out of the car, they immediately made their way into the hospital


    " Chris." Michael called out the moment he spotted him with Leo and Leonard in the waiting area talking undertone.


    " Hi guys." Chris answered with a small smile, getting on his feet.


    " How''s she?" Philip asked straight - forwardly.


    " She''s been stabilised." Chris answered in a low sad tone, looking past them to the entrance, Cautiously.


    " Don''t worry, they won''t come bothering her here." Michael assured him when he noticed his cautious looks at the entrance. " At the very least, not today. "


    " Great, that''s a relief." Chris replied with a deep audible sigh.


    " What was the observation?" Philip asked.


    " The doctor said she is a bit malnourished in addition to the allergy, and is suffering from low blood pressure. It seems she barely rests. " Chris answered, the sadness in his voice not hidden a tiny bit.


    At that, the boys sighed in both frustration and relief but otherwise, didn''t seem too surprised.


    " All that together seem very serious?" Richmond observed.


    " It is. " Philip simply confirmed, a deep grimace on his handsome face, his gaze distant. " so.... what was the final result with the crazy old man?" Chris asked with a grin, eager to hear how things developed.


    " Yes, how did it go?!" Having suddenly sprung from his seat, Leo asked, his sister following with the action. Their eyes sparkling with excitement and eagerness.


    " Wow! " Chris laughed as he looked at the previously down and sad twins now looking so lively." You kids are strange creatures, aren''t you?"


    " We''re not kids, we''re fifteen already." Leona corrected defensively.


    " Alright, fifteen....but everyone here is older, which makes you two the babies here you know?" Raymond   said teasingly, looking at his brother  indirectly asking for support.He wasn''t disappointed. Just got more than he expected ;


    " Yeah....the only babies here....after you Ray. " Richmond said, trying so hard not to laugh at his brother''s irritated and surprised expression but found it difficult.


    " What do you mean by that?" Ray- mond asked unnecessarily, glaring at his brother who had taken a seat with Philip and Michael.


    " Hey no offence but....you''re two years older than Leo and Leona at seventeen. So you''re not specifically one. So chill!" Richmond explained while still fighting a strong urge to burst into laughter.


    " Oh....so....Ray, you''re also two years younger than all four of your friends. " Leona asked slowly, her lips twitch- ing in amusement with her hands clasped together behind her, and an eye - brow raised. " So....you''re also a baby."


    " Baby Ray....." Leo said and burst into uncontrollable laughter with his sister. Barely keeping the noise level controlled.


    "Ba...baby Ray....it sounds good.....no


    .n...no...no far worse than ''Lion'' and ''Lioness'' or...or...Tigress...!" Leona just couldn''t control herself, she slumped into the seat she was in - holding her stomach with her legs stretched out and her tears streaming down her face.


    The sight was so comical and enter- taining that the rest of the boys coul- dn''t sit still and unbothered. Raymond ''s reddening face from anger and Chris and Richmond''s reddened ones from desperately holding in their laughter behind their white neatly ironed handkerchief were evidence enough.


    "Hey you....stop laughing!" Raymond said angrily, but the laughter just intensified.


    " Hey....Ray.....just let go. Let them laugh. Their just finding some amusement to help with the sadness of Stella''s situation." Michael advised after fighting his amusement, leaving only small smiles playing on his lips.


    " Let them have some fun." Philip added, then pressed his lips into tight thin lines. But the bottled up laughter still found an outlet through his dimples. Making them appear shallowly.


    " At my expense? You must be joking!" Raymond snapped. Turning to Leo who had managed to find his seat beside his sister, he commanded; "Shut up Lion!"


    " Hello young men." The male Doctor from earlier called out calmly as he approached them, forgetting about Leona eventhough he could clearly see her and knew without a doubt that she was a girl. And a pretty one too at that. But a second later, he added ; " And young lady."


    " Doctor."


    Philip was on his feet a second before Michael, but they spoke together.


    With a tight smile n his face, the doctor revealed, his gaze shifting through the still laughing Leo and Leona now trying to control themsel- ves and he shook his head in amusement before looking away and and stating ;


    " The patient has woken up."

 (12) - SHELLED.

    Hesitating by the door to the Intensive Care Unit with the beautifully made and wrapped customised cake which only arrived a while ago in her hands, Leonard turned to look at Leo, who had the birthday presents now packed up and wrapped nicely in a large gift box in his hands then back at the five boys behind them sitting with hesitancy and expectancy.


    " Are you....not really coming.... Michael?" She asked, " You know.... She might want to see you too. You''ve been looking for her for so long....you should go in."


    " I can''t Leona." Michael answered helplessly ;running his hands roughly up his face and through his hair-backwards with a deep intake of breath, then exhaled quiet audibly."The truth is, I honestly really want to go see in and see her right now. But I''m afraid she won''t remember me or worse, not forgive me for abandoning her, Leona. For now, you two should go in. If there''s a chance, wish her a direct happy birthday and a speedy recovery from us." He ended with a small sad smile.


    " Okay. " Leona, replied sadly, feeling the toughness of Michael''s decision. She felt sorry for him and wished she could help him, but felt a bit powerless. With a deep sigh, she decided to look for possible loopholes and chances for him to meet Stella. Hopefully it wouldn''t end in a disaster. She added ; " We''ll go in now. Let''s hope there''s a chance you people can meet her."


    " It''s Okay if only Michael can see her for now." Chris said with a slight smile. " If that happens, we will have a chance to meet her later."


    " Alright." Leo said with a nod of his head then opened the door slowly and slightly then peeked in. Pulling back, he looked behind him at his sister and beckoned her to follow. One after the other, they entered, intentionally leaving the door slightly opened.


    Looking at the almost closed door, Richmond sighed and looked at Michael who looked very deep in thought with a frown on his his face and his gaze distant, then pointed out.


    " You know our gifts might get rejected or cause us to be called in. If the latter happens, will you go see her?"


    A long moment of silence passed with no signs of Michael going to answer  him, then with a very deep and audible sigh he answered in a low voice, not looking at him or anyone. His gaze straight at the slightly opened door through which Leo and Leon''s lively voices could be heard singing a '' happy birthday'' song to her;


    " I will. And just hope she doesn''t throw me out but let me be around her to make up for neglecting her."


    " What if she doesn''t want you around her?" Chris asked, pulling his cell phone from his right trouser''s pocket. " Will you let her be?"


    " No." Michael replied quickly with a grimace." Give her space, yes I will. But we will have to speak sooner or later. "


    " You don''t really have time.... Michael." Philip stared slowly, turning to look at him.


    " What do you mean? " Michael asked, sitting up right. Before Philip could answer, quick footsteps from the entrance diverted their attention towards it.


    " Uncle Brian? " Raymond asked in supprise upon seeing the familiar middle - aged couple almost running towards them then turned to look at Richmond who was already on his feet with a confused and slightly scared look. The rest looked on quietly, their faces showing various degrees of confusion


    " Calm down Rich, I don''t think they are here in relation to your family." Chris assured him.


    "I feel like it''s personally related to them."Michael observed, his expre- ssion calming down from its previously confused state. Philip just had on a light confused frown, his deep eyes on the couple who by then were almost walking past them without noticing them.


    " Uncle Brian! " Raymond called with a rapid wave of his right hand.


    " Oh... Little Master Raymond!" The older man, finally noticing who the five boys in school uniforms he had overlooked we''re  - cried in surprise and moved closer quickly. " Little master Richmond.... Little Masters." The last acknowledgement went generally to Michael, Philip and Chris.


    " Oh.... what are you...Little Masters doing here?" The woman beside the man asked, looking at them with a more worried expression.


    "We''re okay Aunt, don''t worry about us." Richmond assured her then explained upon seeing the still confused looks on their faces;," We brought a friend here."


    " Oh..." The man laughed, finally understanding. Then looking at their uniforms, he seemed to suddenly remember something ;" Oh... Little Masters, have you by any means come across two kids....not actually real kids, but they''re fifteen...in your school ''s uniform around here?"


    " They''re twins!" The woman added quickly, moving closer, her eyes wide and anxious. " They are twins...a boy and a girl."


    " Twins? " Chris asked as a sudden realisation hit him, making him look at his friends with wide eyes then chuckled."A boy and a girl...twins, we''ve seen them."


    "Oh you have?!" The older couple asked together, getting a bit closer. " Where are they?"


    " Who are they to you?" Michael asked calmly, looking keenly at them.


    " They are our children." The woman answered.


    "Your children?" Richmond asked, confused. Looking at Raymond, he could see his understanding was no better than his. So far as they knew, uncle Brian, having been their dad''s personal secretary before they were even given birth to had no children. On that note, he continued to ask; " You have children? I...."


    " Rich, wait." Philip cutted through, sitting up, " I think.... they adopted Leo and Leona."


    " Leo and Leona! Yes!" The man said quickly and urgently. " They are the ones. We adopted them."


    " Wow." Philip said with a light smile then looked towards the door where the birthday song was ending, filled with a bare low girly happy laughter, no doubt belonging to Stella. Then looked at Michael who seemed concentrated on what was happening in the hospital room, an unconcious smile on his face.


    The narrative has been taken without authorization; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.


    " Do you know Stella?" Richmond asked.


    " Leo and Leona''s friend.... Stella?" The woman asked, looking slightly confused. "


    " Yes Aunt."Richmond answered. Not waiting for their response, he continued ; Stella is here. She had an allergic reaction and we brought her  here."


    " Oh my God!" The woman exclaimed. " Is she okay? Are they all okay."


    " Leo and Leona are perfectly fine." Philip answered this time, calm as usual." Stella''s recovering."


    " Oh....thank goodness. " The woman - Leah said, sighing. Then hearing the ''hurrays'' from familiar voices in the nearby I.C.U, she turned and walked towards it. " Oh...dear come. They''re here."


    "Coming... Coming..." The older man said with a chuckle, obediently going to his wife who was excitedly looking through the slight opening in the door."Aren''t we going in?" He asked after seeing the scene in the room.


    "It''s Stella''s birthday and we didn''t even bring anything. That girl won''t accept any help and I really want to help her. But she''s so mysterious and shelled. I can''t even go through Leo and Leona. They are so protective of her. But I honestly really like her and want to help her. If we''ve brought some gifts, it could have helped." The woman explained in a low voice.


    " Maybe..... we should go with the previous plan and adopt her. " The man suggested, tucking his hands into the pockets of his trousers.


    "Do you think it will work...." The woman was as- king doubtfully when a chorus of familiar voices when a chorus of surprised familiar voices asked quiet loudly behind them, forgetting about the need for a low tone;


    " You want to adopt her?!"


    " Quiet!" Michael whisper-yelled, glaring at Chris, Richmond and Raymond who had spoken loudly earlier. Turning to look at the now guilty-looking culprits, Philip just glared at them and looked away;


    " Sorry." Chris whispered sheepishly.


    " Do you want to adopt her, Mr. Lewis?" Michael asked seriously, looking at the older couple cautiously.


    He couldn''t help being doubtful about the couple.He just found his long lost childhood sweetheart and hadn''t even had the chance to talk to her yet, and he had already gotten to meet two families who want to take her away from him? What was even worse was the unsurity of the trustworthiness of them in terms of her safety in in the short and long term. He wouldn''t allow anyone to hurt her again, even if she doesn''t accept him back.


    " Have you told Leo and Leona about this?" Philip asked sckeptically.


    " No we haven''t told them." Mr. Lewis replied quietly, taking off his spectacles and blinking with a silent sigh. " I know it''s been just a month since we adopted them, and it will take a while for them to really trust us with some very pressing issues they had been facing....but we really want to help them and Stella. We didn''t see Stella there at the orphanage when we adopted them. She had already left them. "


    " Back then, you didn''t know her, are you sure you would have adopted her if she had been there? " Richmond asked doubtfully. He and his brother were sitting again.


    Mr. Lewis chuckled. Turning to look through the opening in the door, he continued. " Just meeting her once is enough. We asked about her at the orphanage and we were told she had rejected seven couples that wanted to adopt her at the orphanage because of Leo and Leona. She had met them at the orphanage but had been very close and protective of them even after she had run away from there. And even if she is only months older than them. "


    " Rejected seven families? " Michael asked in surprise. The older couple merely nodded.


    " Wow! " Richmond said and chuckled lightly." I really underestimated the bond Lion and Lioness share with Stella."


    " Lion and Lioness? " Mrs. Lewis asked asked confusedly looking at her husband for help with clarification.


    " Idiot." Michael whispered and  looked away. The rest didn''t need any explanation to understand the situation, and Raymond caught on a bit later. He didn''t seem to mind though.


    " I think Lion and Lioness are actually Leo and Leona." Mr. Lewis explained to his wife then started laughing. " It''s great!"


    " What''s great?!" Mrs. Lewis snapped, glaring at her husband who imme- tely pressed his lips together but the amusement still remained clearly on his face." Calling my children animals is great?! You''re forgetting I''m also like that uh? I''m Leah! Just like....like a Lioness!"


    " Oh.... Chris and Richmond muttered together. Realising they did, they looked at each other and snickered, almost bursting into laughter.


    " So....the Lion Family uh?" Raymond asked quietly but seriously. And that did it! It was definitely the last straw that broke Chris and Richmond.''s last string of control-they broke into uncontrollable laughter whilst desperately covering their mouths and trying not to meet Mrs. Lewis'' glare.


    Fighting back their own laughter, Michael and Philip cast a look at Raymond who was intentionally facing towards the entrance -avoiding everyone and seeming focused. But from his hand covering his mouth and slightly shaking shoulders, they could tell he was in an uncontrollable silent laughter. Shaking their heads helplessly  with their lips twitching, Michael and Philip looked away - back at the door to the room.


    " You...let''s go and get some gifts for Stella now!" Mrs. Lewis ordered sternly, looking very annoyed. Then made her way to the entrance without looking at her husband. " For calling me and my children Lions, you''re sleeping in the guest room tonight!"


    " So....sorry honey.... I was wrong. I honestly like your names. You know the Lion is the head of the jungle and is the bravest of all! Please don''t be angry anymore..... " Mr. Lewis explained desperately whilst hurrying after his wife, looking a bit scared.


    " Wow! Being in love or married can be really scary. " Richmond observed in awe,looking after the older couple as they disappeared from their view.


    "Wait till you find your love or get married to someone you really love." Michael stated cooly.


    " Right." Richmond said sarcastically. " Like that''s even a possibility with all these opportunistic, ill-mannered, sluty and aimless girls all over."


    " You know....it would actually be nice to have someone you love and grow with together like that. It''s very rear. Dad keeps telling us that." Raymond said with a sigh.


    " Not everyone can be lucky like him. To find such great love that he has chosen to live with her memories than find someone else. " Richmond said with a sigh, sounding a bit distant and sad.


    " The last time I went home, my dad got home late slightly drunk from a business meeting and mom made him sleep in the guest room. He was so miserable and repentant that I couldn''t help but laugh. My goodness! You guys should have seen him." Chris said and laughed at the end.


    " It''s happened with my dad a few times and he learnt from it. " Philip said calmly with a snort and a chuckle.


    " Guess what the man told me when saw me laughing at him?! " Chris asked then turned slightly serious. Getting his friends'' silent attention, he continued ; "He told me to learn from his mistake and not follow Steven''s footsteps."


    "Whooaaaa man!" Raymond exclaimed, forgetting to keep his voice low.


    " Keep it Low Ray!" Michael whisper - yelled.


    " Sorry guys." Raymond said apologetically. " Got carried away a bit. But damn Chris. That''s a great advice there. Following Steven''s footsteps will result in hell!"


    " I heard your brother - Steven is getting engaged. How did he even end up with her?" Michael asked, barely keeping his disgust in check? "


    Precisely at that moment, they heard a commotion in the room across from them to their right. What seemed like an argument then escalated then a cry of Stella''s name from Leona, before a really loud pained scream from Stella got them all on their feet abruptly.


    " What''s going on?" Michael asked seriously, looking through the opening left by the door and saw Leona rushing out in fright. Her eyes wide and her body shaking. Behind her in the room, Leo''s anxious voice could be heard calling out to Stella. Looking back at Leona, Michael asked ; " What''s going on with Stella?"


    " What happened?" Philip asked urgently, instantly by Michael''s side with the rest coming closer too with very serious expressions.


    " Stella.... Ste..... Stella has.....something is happening to her!" Leona stuttered nervously, her eyes watering. Then another pained scream came out the door, more so than the other


    " Doctor!" Chris called, Jaws tensed and his voice very loud.


    Almost as soon as the calling was done, the doctor and two nurses came running past them and into the room. A moment later, a scared and unwilling Leo was pushed out gently by a nurse who spoke as gently as possible in the situation ;


    " What happened in there?!" Michael almost shouted, at the twins, increasing their misery and fright.


    " Mike....calm down." Richmond said gently.


    " She....she heard you guys talking outside and asked if we brought friends. Not thinking it''s the right time to tell her, we tried making....something something up. But she kept insisting and tried to get out of bed. Suddenly she...she held her head and began screaming and writhing in pain. " Leo explained, his voice full of panick.

 (13) - BEFITTING RIVAL.

    The familiar silver gate opened and two cars of the same model and colour drove into the apartment and parked. The five boys gloomily got out of the cars ; three in front and two at the back and made their way into the living room. Each lost in their own thoughts. The situation at the hospital having taken a negative toll on them.


    Even though Stella had been stabilised again and they''ve been told two hours ago after examinations that it was possible she had started regaining some memories, they just couldn''t relax and stop worrying. Mr.and Mrs. Lewis had had a really hard time convincing Leo and Leona to go home and rest. It had taken a lot of promising and convincing before they finally left. But not before telling an unconscious Stella they would be back early the following morning to see her before leaving for school.


    In the living room, Raymond was the first to rush upstairs to change and shower before getting into a pair of blue shorts with a white shirt. Slipped his feet into a white slippers and rushed downstairs - he was starving. It was already a little past seven P.M.


    Going into the kitchen, Raymond got a big glass jar of juice and some cookies and returned to the living room. Placing them down on the glass table he suddenly remembered Mrs. Blunt''s chocolate - peanut cake originally meant for Stella still in the boot of his car. Glancing around cautiously, he realised everyone was still upstairs showering. Perfect! Quickly, he went to his car for the cake and dashed for the fridge where he kept it.


    However when he turned, he almost jumped out of his skin. Standing right behind him was none other than Philip, looking calmly at him with his hands tucked into the pockets of his coffee - brown shorts that were a perfect match with the sea-blue shirt with a shadowy bird printed on it. His feet in a light brown slippers.


    " You went for the cake." Philip stared, his gaze fixed on the fridge with a smile tugging at his lips.


    " Sorry Phil." Raymond said with a grin while scratching the back of his head awkwardly. " It was just so tempting."


    Philip couldn''t help but chuckle lightly, shaking his head. With no hint of anger on his face he replied ; " Just keep it away from me and Stella.


    " Oh....right. Understood. Raymond replied happily, a bright smile on his face." Don''t worry, there''s no way it would get to Stella." He ended confidently, turning to look at the fridge before following Philip into the living room where the rest of the boys were done changing and getting some cookies off the plate on the table.


    " Hey idiot! " Richmond called out whilst looking at his brother with mock disdain and a cookie in his hand. " How could you serve juice without glasses. You little salmon - headed moron!"


    " Hey come on!" Raymond said, offended and frowning. " Just forgot- okay? How about you go get it!"


    He had just ended ended when a knock landed on his head, the low sound it made filling the room.


    " What the heck bro! " Raymond cried out with a frown and a pout, rubbing the hurting spot on his head, looking wronged and innocent.


    " Use your head next time and stop complaining. Now move your lazy butt!" Richmond merely said before getting seated and munching on his cookie. He had changed into a light and comfortable light orange  coloured pant with the same white shirt Raymond was having on.


    Glaring at his brother, Raymond stormed into the kitchen to get glasses, grumbling as he went. Just as he disappeared into the kitchen, Philip''s cell phone rang and he moved a few steps away to answer as Chris had the T. V on quite loudly. The call was short and he returned just as Ramond came from the kitchen with the glasses.


    " Is there something you have to let me know, Chris?" Philip asked as he got seated, his deep eyes scrutinizing Chris who was busily eating a cookie and pouring juice into a glass in front of him with his left hand. His actions paused for a second before resuming


    " No....oh yes. I forgot. " He said, seeming to have suddenly remembered something. Placing the jar down and taking a big sip, he continued, looking at Phillip with a slight guilty look and a small smile. " Sorry Phil. I forgot to tell you this too...with everything that happened. "


    " Go on." Philip merely replied, face having a barely noticeable frown on it.


    Chris, having changed into a white shirt with white shorts sighed, understanding he had upset him with the withheld information. The rest were all looking at the two of them curiously


    " Whilst taking Stella to the hospital, your mom had figured out who she was without me explaining much. I slipped up and told her our friend is a girl, had an allergic reaction and it''s he sixteenth birthday.....but Aunt was asking questions."


    The narrative has been illicitly obtained; should you discover it on Amazon, report the violation.


    " Damn. " Raymond whispered, placing his glass of juice on the table.


    " What was her reaction? " Michael asked, adjusting the neckline of his black light -fabric shirt. He had the shirt on a pair of white comfortable pants with his black slippers lying carefully at the side.


    "She was initially very frantic, serious  and scarily anxious about Stella  - but then scolded me quiet mercilessly for thinking she couldn''t handle Stella''s information because of Hazel. She seemed very excited about Stella though. I think she''s planning on meeting her when she gets back from her trip. "


    " She''s back. " Philip stated, taking a sip if his juice.


    " Already?! " Chris asked in disbelief. Philip just nodded silently.


    " I hope this wouldn''t cause any problems with Stella. " Chris said, sitting up with concern on his face.


    " No, I think it will be fine. " Michael said with a thoughtful look. " I trust Aunt. I''m sure she''ll start as her Doctor - friend for now."


    " Oh...that''s great then. But she did say she found out about a few things in her search for Stella these past two years. " Chris said calmly, Now relieved from his worries, he took a cookie and began eating.


    " Look. " Philip said, showing his cell phone to Michael who quickly took it, his eyes widening a bit in surprise as he flipped through then suddenly darkened.


    " What''s it?" The rest asked curiously, starting to come over but Michael gave the phone to Raymond who was nearer. The other two lowered their heads and looked closely.


    " An authopsy report on Mr. Skyluck....Stella''s dad?!" Richmond asked I surprise, then exclaimed ; " He was acid poisoned?!"


    " With her older brother." Philip added.


    " What the heck?!" Chris said in shock. I was suspecting their deaths weren''t normal...but certainly wasn''t expecting this. And this report has been hidden all these years and we never found anything in our search!"


    " Someone or some people are covering up things." Richmond observed. " And.... Mike, I think your parents had accomplices. "


    " Mom said there are a few more, but we will have to meet personally. It''s possible our phones might be getting tapped sooner or later. " Philip said with a thoughtful look.


    " Don''t worry. I''ve worked on that with my new software. They can''t tap into any technology we have here. " Michael said confidently, sipping on his juice and taking a bite of a large - rich chocolate - chipped cookie.


    " The doctor said Stella is showing signs of regaining some lost memories. She might remember certain things and help with our investigation." Raymond said as he poured himself a bother glass of juice.


    " She''ll be in more danger if they figure out she''s regained some memories. " Michael said, his hold on the glass in his hands tightening.


    " I did what you asked me me to. " Raymond said after eating a cookie. " I had the information sent to your email. Mr. Ridge seems like a normal rich business man dealing with Fabrics. But underneath that, he''s into fire-arms smuggling."


    " Wow!" Raymond said with his mouth half filled with cookie. Picking up his glass of juice, he downed it all before chuckling.Then continued ; "That''s why that Lion Kid said he''s dangerous and seemed so nervous."


    " I felt that dangerous vibe when we met him." Michael said with a knowing look and a huff. " He thinks he''s smart enough to get Stella? He should keep dreaming."


    " Do you think he''s going to hurt Stella? " Chris asked seriously.


    " For now...no." Philip replied. " He might genuinely like Stella. But there''s definitely a benefit attached."


    " You think so? " Chris asked doubtfully." Stella''s an orphan you know? I don''t think she has any properties left to her by her parents."


    " We don''t know much about Stella''s background. We need to find out more about her. Philip''s right." Michael said with her eyebrows furrowed and his eyes darkening."


    " Mr. Ridge has five sons and two daughters." Richmond revealed. " His fourth son seems like the only rational, responsible and good one among his children. He''s twenty - four is currently managing his own Organic oils company in Crystal City. "


    " Divine oils? He''s..... " Michael asked the paused, his eyes widening slightly in recognition. " He''s Lord Divine? "


    " Yes, that''s him." Richmond confirmed with a grin. Taking a cookie, he ate before continuing. " His full name is Lord Divine Ridge."


    " My God! " Chris exclaimed and burst into laughter. " You really have a befitting rival here... "


    " Shut up. " Michael snapped at him, while glaring at him. Chris instantly shut his mouth but had to look away and cover his mouth with his palm to control the laughter. Michael just ignored him.


    " I think Lord Divine knows Stella already." Philip said calmly, downing the remaining half of his juice in a go.


    " Seriously?" Chris and Raymond both asked in synchronisation.


    "But he might not remember her now." Richmond replied with a thoughtful expression on his face.


    " How does he know Stella?" Michael asked through clenched teeth, starting to feel helpless again. If Stella really knew Lord Divine, then he''s chances of being with her was dwindling.


    " Stella''s mother used to be his nanny for some time, and her father was the Mr. Ridge''s secretary in the company for sometime. When she was five, her mom sent her over to the Ridge''s family home a few times and Divine was very fond of her. He was the one who inspired her to start painting at that young age. He thought her a few things about it. "


    " Whooaaaa...that was why that crazy old man could confidently say she belongs to their family." Raymond said in surprise, his eyes bright and full of excitement.


    " That''s not enough reason for him to say that." Richmond told his brother sternly." He''s just trying to tactfully join Stella and his broken hearted son together. "


    " Oh...now that you''ve said it, there are some circulating rumours that he''s been in love twice and both girls ended up breaking his heart for his cassanova older brothers. "Chris said and chuckled.


    " What''s the reason? " Michael asked.


    " What else? " Chris asked with a huff then continued." His older brothers are boastful and fluant their family''s assets in font of girls. But Lord has ways been the calm and responsible type. More interested in building his own fortune than relaying on his family''s. Back when he began his business, he did everything on his own and refused financial support from the family. No one except his father actually believed he could do it. I think it is because Mr. Ridge also began from scratch and saw himself in his son. "


    " How did you find out all theses. " Philip asked, looking curriously at Richmond with a light frown on his forehead.


    " I have a recent friend I made that''s in the Ridge family''s security - Luke. I asked him to find out for me." Richmond answered with a proud smile. Philip answered with a proud smile.


    " We can''t keep Stella hidden forever." Philip stated, leaning back in the sofa with his gaze upwards at the ceiling. " Things will be getting complicated. And...we will need her to stay close to protect her."


    " That''s going to be difficult." Michael replied with a sigh." I''ll find a way."


    " Do you know my mom plans on adopting her?" Philip asked, his voice full of amusement.


    " What! " Michael, Richmond and Raymond said in synchronisation, their eyes wide. Except Chris who didn''t seem too surprised.


    " She wants us to convince Stella to accept her. She seemed kinda desperate. " Philip added, his cheeks deeply dimpled from the laughter he was trying to hold in.


    Chris chuckled and muttered ; " Guess I saw that coming."

 ( 14) - NOTHINGNESS.

    I


    Darkness, thick endless darkness with not a single streak of light. Then there was the force compelling her to keep running, to keep moving in the help helplessness despite the almost overwhelming urge to just give up. She couldn''t see, but her senses seemed hightened in the foreign-strange environment.


    The wind seemed to be picking up the further she went inspite of the slight chill it brought, beads of sweat built up on her forehead and her skin seemed to be moistening with it. But as rapidly as the formed, it dried of almost as quickly. Behind her she could feel the approaching doom,  prompting her to escape, to run as far as she could. But her tired and weak body seemed to have it''s own  thoughts - to just surrender.


    ''Surrender! Surrender!''


    She could hear the word, distant and clear in the opposing strong winds pushing her back the way she came. Trying to send her right into the doom catching up. But she could feel the invisible energy deep within her fueling her will to continue, to survive, to fight and and to live.


    Gritting her teeth, she clenched her hands and persevered. Pulling, dragging herself forward against the tide. Time seemed to stretch forever and she seemed alone. Completely on her own. And she just knew somehow that she really was on her own without her loving family. Not that they didn''t want to help her or be there for her in her toughest times, but they just couldn''t.


    She could strangely access that thought, that understanding in that environment of nothingness. That they could no longer be there for her anymore, and in that nothingness, she could hear a very distant call of her name,the voice calm and in control. Urging her, reminding her she could do it. She could rebuild her life as it was meant to be. And that some people, her family were still there, waiting for her to sail through.


    The voice seemed both masculine and feminine. It had no gender. And it sounded so calming and refreshing that she a little revitalised as she focused on it. Closing her eyes and taking a deep breath, she cleared her mind of the approaching doom behind her and other unseen dangers she could feel coming for her from almost all sides. Some waiting patiently in place like they knew she had no where to go and will end up with them anyway. Whilst others, she could feel hiding, lurking in the shadows to get her.


    As she concentrated, she could feel the force of the opposing winds grow lighter and less as forceful and a sudden light around her with distant voices calling out to her with distant voices calling out to her, warm, friendly and trustworthy. Asking, pleading and praying for her to extend her hand to them. Promising they weren''t going to fail her. Telling her they were her family, siblings and friends.


    She could feel their sincerely and eagerness to be a part of her life. But she just couldn''t let them in. The fear, the insecurity and the part of her still stuck in the dreadful past wouldn''t let her. It kept reminding her of the pain and horror she has been through with her family. Telling her the only way to keep living was to fully not trust new people. For those the very few that she could trust, she had to keep them out a bit to not drag them into her mess and hurt them.


    Images.Quick heartbreaking clear and blurry images with fragments of unclear conversations began filling up her mind. Slowly at first, then began picking up pace and volume. Some voices and faces seemed fami- liar but she just couldn''t dwell on it. They moved away as quickly as they came. She could make out some faces as belonging to her parents and her brother. Some images were blurry but very bloody and so heartbreaking that she felt her eyes tearing up and her breath getting difficult.


    ''Mom.... Dad...bro...brother I... Ivan don''t leave..!'' She really wanted to scream at the disappearing figures in front of her but couldn''t shout no matter how hard she tried. Her words were barely above a whisper. She could hear voices calling out to her and a force holding her back from reaching out to her family who just looked back at her and continued continued, disappearing into the brigh-ter light at the far end.


    Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.


    She couldn''t give up. She had to get to them and be with them. Whatever was holding her down had to let her go, and was going to make sure of that. Summoning the little strength she had in her, she began struggling and the voices became clearer, louder than anxious.


    " Stella..... Stella....wake up. Stella wake up!" The voices sounded warmly familiar. She tried to remember where she knew them from when she suddenly remembered ;


    ''Leo? Leona? Where were they? Were they okay?''


    She was still wondering and searching when very unexpected and familiar long-missed two masculine and little girly voices registered in her head;


    " Stella.... Stella dear wake up. It''s just a nightmare."


    "Stella...hey...little star, wake up. You''re fine. Don''t be afraid okay? Just open your eyes."


    She could feel her heart fill up with so much happiness and comfort at the arrival of the voices that the fear and pain from earlier fled to the very back of her mind.


    "Uncles Arnold? William? "She wondered in disbelief as she looked around, searching eagerly for the source of the voices.Then she heard the two little adorable girly voices from earlier that tugged at her heartstrings, prompting her to force her way out desperately from the boring and scary environment. Her awakening was so sudden and forceful that she shot out of the bed to who knows where. But a strong hand reached out in time to grab her back into the bed.


    " Easy....calm down Stella." She heard the older familiar masculine voice again and looked around, disoriented. Her blary gaze settled on two beautiful and cute faces that she could recognise anywhere - looking at her with bright, large lovely eyes and heartwarmingly beautiful and cute smiles.


    " Ava? Eva?" The names came out just a little above a whisper, her bright brown eyes wide and and smile slowly growing on her beautiful face and lovely face now a little pale.


    " Stella!!" The two girls called out loudly together with outstretched arms dramatically, like they were in a choreography. In the next second, they were already climbing the bed so quickly and enthusiastically that anyone barely had time to stop them.


    " Ava! Eva!" Four different voices cried out in alarm as the four - years olds rushed up at Stella.


    " Girls.....stop.! She''s sick!" Arnold Barrett - their father cried out. He was a forty - six years old man who shared a great resumblance with the girls was in a green T-shirt with a black pair of pants and a black baseball cap covering his head and hiding his face a bit.


    Beside him was a younger version of him in grey pants with matching short-sleeved jacket with a hoodie that covered his head and half of his face. Seeing the girls on the hospital bed with Stella, he rushed forward and grabbed both girls by their arms, intending to pull them off Stella whilst scolding gently. " You little sweet - heads, can''t you see she''s sick?"


    " No... Willi.....we just want a huuuu- gggg..." The girls objected pitifully but firmly, stretching out the last word whilst holding Stella who had gotten momentarily dizzy from rushing out to hold them.


    " Wait a little for her to get better. " The young man told them sternly, not giving in. However he couldn''t pry the girls off and it was Stella holding onto them tightly. Exasperated, he called in a playful growl ; " Stella?"


    " Oh come on.... William." Stella, having regained her stability back from the dizziness said and laughed a bit weakly, looking at him with pleading eyes. " We missed each other so.... Very much. Can you let us Hugh a little?"


    " Yes....yes...Willi pleaaaaase? " Ava pleaded with a pout.


    " Please.... Willi....just one very biiiiiiiiiiiggg hug." Eva added, her expression as adorable and irrisistible as her twin.


    "Oh please...William...."Stella pleaded with her expression turning desperate and in that moment, similar to that of the twins." If you don''t accept, you''ll be the big bad wolf. Right girls? " She asked with a light pout, her eyes not leaving William''s. The girls nodded quickly in response.


    Helpless and a little annoyed, William playfully glared at the three girls on the bed, wondering how trying to save a life suddenly turned him into a villain - the big bad wolf!


    " Seriously, Stella?" He asked,  exasperated and in disbelief. " I''m trying to save your life her and now I''m the villain?"


    " Yeah..... William the big bad wolf." Leo said dramatically by his sister, who was chuckling.


    " Leo." William called calmly with a playful glare at him.


    " Hmmmm?" Leo responded with a innocent look.


    " You''re not helping here." William stated.


    " Sorry." Leo said unapologetically with a grin. Then joined his sister in chuckling.