Noah's Pov:
"Noah!" Mum called in excitement as soon as she spotted me.
I met her in the kitchen.
"Good morning, Mum," I beamed and received the hug she offered.
"Oh! My dear son! Finally, you're home," she said perkily and kissed my cheek.
"I've missed you. How was your night?"
"It was fine, thanks," I replied.
She took a slice of fried plantain and pushed it into my mouth, and I couldn't resist.
She smiled as she watched me chew.
"Finally, He's home", I heard Dad say and turned to see him walking into the kitchen.
I cleared my throat and stood properly to face him.
"Good morning, Dad," I said, awaiting the scolding.
"Yeah, good morning. And I hope you already have an explanation for the rumours flying around. What is it about you and the Maxine girl?" He asked in that strict tone of his.
"Dad...it's nothing you should worry about. I'm trying to help Maxine because she's been suffering at her family's hands," I explained, aiming to clarify my motives and keep the scene engaging.
"Be of help? What're you talking about?"
"Well...the Maxine lady...she's been suffering a lot in the hands of her so-called family. They've turned her into an enslaved person and use her like a piece of rag. It's pretty upsetting, and I want to help her," I explained, hoping my words conveyed my genuine concern, which I hope resonates with the audience's sense of compassion.
"So...you decided to take her away against her family's will and live with her?" He asked, and I itched my head.
"Those people don't deserve to be called her family, Dad. They..."
"So, why should it concern you?" He cut me off.
"I mean, what relationship do you have with her? And how did you even get to know about the ill- treatment she receives from her family? Did she discuss them with you or what?"
I shook my head.
"Noah, if she's having a problem with her family, the police should be the ones to handle that, not you. I don't see any reason you should meddle in unrelated people's affairs".
"I'm not, Dad. Just leave it to me, okay? I can handle it," I replied, already getting pissed off.
"Noah", Mum called tenderly and placed her hand on my shoulder.
"Your father's right. You need to let go of that girl to avoid having disputes with her family".
"They can do nothing. And I'm not letting her go. Just chill, mum. Okay? Please," I huffed and sank my fingers into my hair.
"Talk to your son. Talk to him," Dad said angrily and walked away, and I rolled my eyes.
Yeah - whatever.
"Noah", Mum called and sighed.
"You need to listen to your dad".
"I've told you, Mom. I'm fine. You don't have to worry about me. Maxine will be staying with me until she decides to leave," I replied peskily, and she shrugged.
"Help me with the tray. Come on, and join me for breakfast," she said as she took the plate of fried plantains and started walking out of the kitchen, and I lifted the last tray and followed her.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
I came out of the bathroom with a towel tied around my chest and was about to take my dress off the bed when the news on the TV gripped my attention.
They were announcing the chosen contestants!
I paused to watch with keen interest as they displayed it on the telly.
Wow!
The A3 made it!
So many others..
And...
Oh my gee! I was among!! I made it, and I couldn't believe it!
I made it.
"Yes!!!" I exclaimed and jumped up in excitement.
"I did it! Yes!"
I laughed and fell on the bed, and my towel nearly got loosened from my chest.
Oh! Good saviours! I made it!
I giggled happily and turned on the bed.
But a knock on the door interrupted the moment as I sat up.
"Who's it?" I asked but got no reply.
It was probably a maid.
I left the bed to check it out, and as soon as I opened the door, my feet wobbled.
Whaaaaaat?
"R...Rex?" I called in shock as he smirked at me.
Oh my God! What's he doing here??
Immediately, he pulled out a small gun from his pocket and signalled for me to stay quiet, sending a shiver down my spine and heightening the suspense for the audience.
*
*
Noah's Pov:
After eating with mum, I decided to leave, and she accompanied me to my car.
"I miss you, Noah. If you really want Maxine to be with you, why don't you bring her over to the house so we can all be together?" She asked wistfully, and I shook my head.
"I can't, Mum," I replied
"But why? Is it because of your brother?" She asked, and I nodded.
"I don't want him close to Maxine. You know what happened. And that lady has gone through a lot already to face troubles anymore".
She didn't say anything else until I finally got to my car.
"Well, just be careful, okay?" She held my cheek and said, and I nodded.
"Bye, Mum. "
"Bye".
And I walked into the car.
I turned on the engine and took off, and in a few minutes, I was on the road.
*
*
I had barely gone far when the car began to slow down and malfunction.
I hit the steering repeatedly, getting pissed off at it.
What could be wrong?
Finally, it screeched to a halt, and I flinched.
"F**k!!* I rasped and hit the steering
It was probably a flat tyre.
Like...today of all times???
I groaned and stepped out of the car to check it out, and immediately, a black car pulled over in front of me with three boys coming out of it.
I ignored them and went to look at the tyre, but, surprisingly, the boys came to me.
"Mr Noah", one of them called, and I stood to face them.
They were strange.
"Yes...can I help you?" I asked, wondering who they were and what business they had with me.
"Um...actually, we don't need any help from you. We have something quick and important to do," another replied, and before I could realise what was happening, he landed a punch on my face.
Whaaaat??
What the hell??
I touched my cheek, looked at them in shock, and immediately they all bounced on me.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
He pointed the gun at me and signalled me to go in, and I did, and he locked the door afterwards.
"Hello, Maxine", he smirked and clicked the gun, making me hyperventilate.
"How're you doing?"
I shuddered in fear.
"S...sir Rex", I stuttered.
"What're you doing?"
"Shut the f**k up, Maxine, before I blow off your head", he rasped, and I shivered.
Oh my God! Why does it have to be now that Noah's not at home?
He adjusted the gun in his hand and moved closer to me. He smiled as he walked around me.
"Seems you're just coming out of the bathroom", he stated calmly, making me really scared.
Why does this have to happen now?
"Has Noah gained access to it?" He asked, but I couldn't say a word.
Surprisingly, he took his hand to the tip of the towel, and my eyes dilated in shock.
"Please, don't", I wavered and moved away from him, and he pointed the gun at me.
"If you take one more step, I'll cripple you", he blurted, and I whimpered
"What do you want from me? Please," I wept, and he smiled and came closer.
"Well...I'm here to give you two options.
"Tell me your relationship with Noah and the barman, or I'll f**k you to death this very instant," he threatened, and I gasped.
What? For