As Marianne came out of the building, just like that, the principal was at her elbow, face concerned. The oppressive soupy air was thick with the day's remains, and the late afternoon sun was edging its way across the parking lot."Mrs. Marriane," she started with a soft but serious tone, "I used to feel some disturbing symptoms of late in Ariane's behaviour; she always used to lag behind in studies, but it was pronounced after she lost her dad. She is inconvenienced; I feel it to some extent because she misses a father figure.She gave Marianne a peculiarly sharp look. Marianne stopped by her car, thinking over what the principal had said. "What do you propose to do?" she asked, her voice not quite so even at the effort to keep concern from revealing itself.The principal sighed, her arms busy folding. "I think she needs more of your time. She is really trying to manage, and with your presence, she might feel safer. Maybe consider spending more time with her in finding ways at home t
Enoch smiled uncomfortably and handed him the box. "I just thought you deserved something nice, you know, for all that you do.".He took some time in answering the question, and all that while, she looked at him as if trying to read something from his eyes. It just did not really add up, but she could not point the finger at it. She nodded and took the necklace, her fingertips brushing the cool metal. She didn't really trust him, but for now, she would play along with him."Thanks, Enoch," she replied, and he had at no time been other than courteous. She pocketed the necklace without attempting to try it on. "To work," she said.She brushed past and by to the building, filled suddenly with many questions. Why had Enoch given her the necklace?Enoch was breathless at Marianne's parting, but such words, he finally gave it to her. He had given her the necklace—not just anything but the one Victor insisted on. Nothing more did Enoch do than let a big sigh out in the case that the weight w
Stephen's heart raced, putting Yuna one step at a time toward the terminal. Every step seemed to reverberate in his brain, reminding him of the decision he had just made. A war waged in his mind-half of it screaming to turn back and join her, while the other half begged him to walk away-to finally let go of this living nightmare he was dragging her through.Yuna turned once to him-her big, innocent eyes were wide with trust. Stephen forced a smile and gave her a little wave. He fought the tightness in his chest-he was terrified, could not let her see this, not now, not when all was at stake.She hesitated in the entrance, as if expecting him to change his mind. For one tense moment, Stephen almost snapped. But he knew this was the only way to keep her safe. If Clarke catches up with him now, then Yuna will be in a worse danger than ever. This is the last gift he can give her: a chance at life free from the chaos that's consumed his own."Go on, Yuna," he muttered under his breath, alm
"Stephen," Charles yelled in a hollow voice into the empty space. "I know you're here. Come on out. Let's end this peacefully."Stephen remained hidden as his mind dragged him into a frenzy. He couldn't believe that he had actually trusted Charles, even for a moment. Now, his only option was to think fast, find a way out before Clarke's men cornered him."Search the place," Clarke barked, a cold tone to his words as if shot from a stutter gun. His team spread out, ready for action, weapons out and loud shoes beating against the concrete.The pulse in Stephen's throat quickened. He had to do something now. If they found him, it was all over. He cursed himself inwardly at the lack of forethought, at letting his guard down. He scanned the factory for any signs of something that would give him an escape. The factory was like a maze, filled with old machinery and stacks of crates since time immemorial, but there were few alternative doors. And certainly not the main door—it was always unde
Charles wheeled himself closer to Stephen, his eyes never leaving his. The dim lighting of the factory cast long shadows across his face, his smile more sinister."You know, Stephen," Charles started, his voice soft yet reeking with a chilling edge, "I really did want to help you. But you simply could not refrain from the urge to betray me. To run off to another country without a word? Really not how you treat a friend.Stephen chuckled and slightly shook his head. "That's the real reason, Charles? Because I was leaving? You and I know differently.Charles joined in the chuckle, a low menacing sound. "Well, you got me there. It wasn't just about you leaving. You've always been in my shadow, but lately… you started stealing my limelight. I've always been top dog, Stephen. I wasn't about to let you take that from me."Stephen's face darkened as the pieces fell into place. "Victor? He was just a by-product of this petty game you are running?"Charles eased himself back into his wheelchai
Victor burst into his apartment, irritation evident in his stride. He went directly to the bathroom and stood in front of the mirror. A view of a swollen nose, still bruised from Stephen's punch, accommodated his building anger even more. He slapped a fresh bandage over it, grimacing as he did so. The doctor had said his nose bone was shifted, and Victor was already fantasizing about the day when he would get revenge on Stephen and double over in pain for this.As he finished with the bandage, Charles rolled in; his wheelchair let out a slight squeak on the tiled floor. "What happened to you?" Charles asked casual yet with a hint of curiosity.Victor shot him a hard glance through the mirror. "None of your business."Charles's brow furrowed slightly. "I take it you didn't catch Stephen then?""No," Victor snapped, frustration evident in his tone. "He managed to get away."Charles leaned back in his chair, a false look of surprise crossing his face. "Stephen escaped? Surprising. I'd ha
Victor and Charles stared at each other a moment longer, the air heavy with menace. With his eyes narrowing, Charles wheeled closer, darting from Victor unto the cell phone held in his hand. He noticed Victor stood rigidly and the slight facial twitch.Charles reached out and calmly took the phone from Victor's hand, never breaking eye contact. He glanced down at the screen to see it was a message from Clarke, attached to which was a picture of a battered Stephen."See anything?" Charles asked, his voice low and casual, deceptively so.Victor hesitated, then slowly stood up, slipping his hands into his pockets to mask any anxiety. "I didn’t see anything important," he lied smoothly. "Just needed some air. I’ll be back later."Charles nodded, his suspicion never quite leaving his eyes. "Al歲ght," he said, watching Victor closely as he walked out of the room.The moment Victor was out of the room, Charles had his face on the phone again; thoughts ran riot in his head. Stupid of Clarke to
Back to the dining room, Enoch was getting more and more uneasy. "What is taking Marriane so long?" he thought and said to himself, looking across at Ariane, who was looking as uninterested as before.Suddenly Ariane spoke. "I heard my mom used to date your younger brother." Her voice showed no apparent interest, while her eyes did tell a different story altogether.Enoch stiffened in surprise. He reached hastily for his goblet of wine, draining a small amount into his mouth for time. This child knew too much already, and directness in her questions unsettled him."Well." Enoch fumbled for words, until Ariane cut him short."Are you trying to avoid saying anything about it?" her voice issued sharply.Enoch forced a smile, his gut starting to feel the edge of the knife inside. This kid was unstoppable. "I think I've had enough wine," he said, putting the glass down. "Where's the toilet?"Ariane pointed down the hall, her face unreadable. Enoch nodded, getting up a little too quickly, u