AXEL, THE LOST HEIR

Chapter 7

Principal Oberon Collymore massaged his temples as he mulled over at his desk in his office.

Duncan Hillside High School had been a heavy load to carry and manage as the principal, but he had to do it nevertheless.

His brows furrowed, as he chewed the temple tip of his recommended glasses in his palm and put them on his back.

He glanced through the list of aced students he had planned to award soon.

He stumbled across Axel's name and nodded his head. He heard about the news and he had so much hope for Axel, but felt bad that he had to be expelled.

He knew he couldn't undermine the command that Elias gave as a senior member of the board, and he had to comply.

He felt contrite about the fact that he was the one who gave the expulsion verdict.

He gritted his teeth, as he mulled over how Axel must have felt all this while.

He was known to be very friendly and sympathetic towards the students, too bad his powers and authority were limited when it came to issues that the full board were involved in.

He knew he felt whittled of authority that day and winced away, feeling abashed after he made the verdict.

So far, Axel had done nothing but made the school proud with all his success in all ramifications and yet this diabolical state befell him.

He quickly recalled that he had a meeting to host soon and he briskly got some paperwork ready.

He was bewildered about how he would move out freely within the school premises because he wasn't sure that the shame he felt would be abated in any way.

He attempted to call his secretary, Dahlia Blair before he got a call.

He was startled when he checked the caller that read, Birch Sallow.

He knew he was Ottiline's manager, and that Ottiline was the mother of Mateo who was the owner of the school in the first place...

Ten Years Ago

Oberon waggled into Mateo's office to perform a curtsy bow. He had been waiting patiently for Mateo who was scarce from being present at the school.

A new principal was needed to manage affairs at the school while Mateo continued to manage the other extension of his businesses.

His heart was pounding against his ribcages so loudly that he could feel the blood thrumming in her ears.

He had done his interview even though it wasn't directly through Mateo because it was through Birch, his manager.

Birch had accompanied Mateo and they both sat down while he stood.

"You can have your seat, Oberon," Mateo's voice was audible and calm when he spoke.

Damp sweat trickled down his skin till it landed on his jaw as he finally sat down after behaving in a knowtow manner before Mateo.

"So, we have examined your interview and we can say you are an aced candidate to sit on the principal seat of Duncan's Hillside High School," Mateo announced with elation.

Oberon felt on cloud nine. A huge smile emitted across his face as he tried to suppress his emotions as if leaping up and down for joy.

It had always been his dream to become the principal and when he had served as a teacher for years, he had been sceptical to apply for the role of principal when he was called upon to do so.

"Thanks, boss. I'm so grateful for this opportunity and I promise that I won't let you down," His eyes popped open in excitement.

"Ooh, sure. No problem, I believe in you, and that's why I chose you, so no need to worry about anything," Mateo's amicable gaze lingered upon Oberon.

"I need to attend a meeting in my other establishment," Oberon stood up to get ready to leave...

Present Day

"Ooh, Manager Birch.." Oberon stuttered out of regard for Birch and the entire Bonneville.

"Ooh, Oberon I am just calling to inform you that our young master would be living in the school hostel and he should get the best of everything as a student," Birch's voice reverberated through the phone.

"Ooh," Oberon stuttered, dumbfounded, because he knew that Mateo was the boss and he was late and there was no young master since they didn't talk about any child at all when they were running things.

"Yes, he was lost and now found and he is indeed the lost heir and should be treated well," Birch explained.

"Ooh! So, when did he come? I mean, I didn't hear about his arrival. Please, forgive my manners," Oberon implored.

"Ooh, today, he was expelled today and returned today," Birch explained succinctly.

Birch was appalled. He knew that it might be inexplicable to explain how a lost heir of the Bonneville family could be expelled from the school in the first place.

According to him, those who had been expelled unlawfully were being picked on by those like Elias who influenced members of the board.

"He is Axel Dankworth, as his foster surname but now Axel Bonneville since his identity has been revealed," Birch explained.

"Ooh, my goodness!" Oberon stuttered as he used his hands to stifle a shriek.

"Yes, his identity must not be revealed but also, he mustn't be treated as a lowly student," Birch caveated.

"Alright, I understand," Oberon nodded in non-repugnance.

"So if you still love your job as the principal, you would ensure that he is protected no matter what happens," Birch added before he cut the call.

Oberon's jaw dropped as his eyes popped and flung open in amazement.

He couldn't fathom what he had just heard. Indeed he had committed a great crime, by allowing Axel to go through all that he went through without curbing it.

Indeed, Axel was the son of Mateo all this while, which meant he had the highest authority even over Elias's own.

In a blur of shock, Drew, Quinn and Charmaine came in to report the incident ongoing in the school.

"Principal Oberon, Axel has just returned to the school and is being assaulted by the hardy Boyz again," Drew gritted his teeth as he complained bitterly.