Rex's Pov:
I ruffled my hair, feeling a mix of frustration and helplessness as Mum kept whining from behind, simmering my anger.
"I'm talking to you, Rex! Don't you dare keep me quiet!" She rasped, increasing my anger.
"Damn it! Mom, what do you want me to say? Huh? What else do you want me to say?" I turned to her and asked.
"Was your brother telling the truth? Did you really send thugs to beat him up? This question hung in the air, threatening to unravel everything."
"Well, what if I say yes? What difference will it make?"
She scoffed in shock.
"You're unbelievable, Rex. I can't believe you'd stoop so low to hurt your own brother".
"Really? Am I hurting him? How about the times he's hurt me, huh? Have you even noticed??
"Of course, not! You only care about him and no one else. Seriously mum, you're not the only one who's tired because I'm tired as well." I stated angrily and stormed out of the house.
*
*
I was standing at the balcony, staring into space with a drink in my hand when my phone vibrated in my pocket.
I brought it out and discovered it was Dad.
Yeah - perfect.
I took in a deep breath before picking it up.
Noah," he called immediately.
Noah. Can you hear me?"
I can hear you, Dad," I replied, itching my heart.
Good. Where are you? I need you to come over to the house".
Seriously, Dad, not to sound rude, but I'm not coming back there - at least not now. I can't risk seeing that animal!"
Noah! That's your brother you're talking about!"
Yeah - the same brother that paid some hoodlums to attack and beat me up mercilessly!!"
For a moment, he was silent.
Tell me, what really happened between you two? What's causing the hate?"
Seriously, Dad, I don't know. You can talk to him if you want to because as far as I'm concerned, I don't have any issues with Rex. So, maybe you should sit him down and speak some sense into his numb skull".
Noah," he called after a moment of silence,
"Please, just do me this favour and come over to the house. Let's have a chat at least".
I emptied the drink in my glass and scoffed.
I'll try, Dad. But definitely not today. And not anytime soon", I added the last part in a whisper.
.
Fine. I'm okay with it. See you soon."
Hold on," I stopped him from ending the call.
What is it?" He asked when I dallied.
Um...I....actually wanted to ask a question". I started, wondering why I was suddenly feeling twitchy.
Gosh! What is wrong with me?
Go on, Noah. I'm listening," he prodded, and I sighed.
About your condition - asking me to get married before gaining possession of the company; I just wanted to ask - can it be anyone at all? Like...anyone of my choice, right?"
I could feel him smile from where he stood.
Well - of course, anyone of your choice. But she must be a decent lady. I wouldn't want you getting stuck with a whore who would only get you into problems," he replied, and I smiled and nodded as he could see me.
Alright. Thanks".
Hold on; why are you asking Noah? Is there someone?" He asked, and I smiled again.
Don't worry, Dad. We'll talk later. Bye," I replied and ended the call before he could say any other word.
Hmm. I think I feel better now.
*
*
Charlene's Pov:
I sat next to Marcus in the car as we played and kissed in the backseat.
The song on the car's FM was pretty loud, and I kept screaming and dancing to it.
"Come on, Charlene. You might hurt yourself." Marcus laughed and pulled me down by the waist, and we kissed again.
After a while, we got to our destination - his destination as the car came to a stop.
'Stay here, Charlene. I'll be quick. And when I'm done, we leave for dinner, okay?" He told me as the door was opened for him.
"Okay, sure. I'll be waiting". I replied, and he kissed me again and finally left the car.
I smiled and relaxed my back, still enjoying the melody.
The driver was still seated in the car.
Hmm.
Now, with my heart pounding, I thought this was the perfect moment to escape, risking everything for a fleeting sense of freedom.
We were parked by the roadside, and I thought this might be my chance to run away, hoping the audience would feel my desperation and longing for freedom.
I fixed my eyes on the driver, wishing he could vanish or something.
But then I realised I was only wasting my time because there was no way he was leaving that seat.
So...summoning all the courage I needed, I opened the door and jumped out of the car.
"Charlene?" He called.
"Hey, where are you going?"
Without any hesitation, I took off, running like a participant in the Olympic race.
"Charlene!!!"
I heard him call from behind but didn't turn to look, as the only thing on my mind at that moment was surviving.
The umpteen people on the road were astonished, and I made sure to take a path that'd be hard for the car to chase me.
*
*
Maxine's Pov:
After having a boring day at school, I returned home, feeling so tired.
I was exhausted after a boring day at school, hungry and in need of rest, hoping the audience would connect with my need for comfort and relief.
I was damn hungry and planned to sleep as soon as I was done.
The dining table was already set, and I served the meals I wanted and settled down to eat.
I ate hungrily and rushed my food, but not until Noah showed up.
Oops! I guess he's been in his room all this time.
I slowed my eating pace and lowered my head.
"Hi", I said shyly, and he didn't say a word until he took a seat, facing me.
"Hi", he finally muttered.
"How was school today?"
"Um...it was fine. Thanks" I tucked my hair behind my ears and continued eating.
He reached for an empty plate and served himself.
Oops! I should've helped him with that.
"Your guardians...they didn't show up in school for any reason, right?" He asked, and I shook my head.
I didn't want to mention Ruby and Tammy's part.
He started eating, and for a moment, we were silent.
"Maxine", he finally called, working with his knife and fork on his meat.
"Can I ask a question?"
I couldn't tell why, but that alone made me nervous. What question could it be?
"Um...yes, of course", I replied, and he dropped his cutlery to stare properly at me.
"If you were being asked for it, would you get married at this age?" He asked, and I almost fell off my seat.
Whaaat?