The Disolate Scion

Taking care of someone

Carlos Downs stood there, rooted in place, glancing at the umbrella in his hand and then at Zak in the rain, slowly coming to a realization. 

Was this guy deliberately avoiding sharing the umbrella? 

For the first time in his many years, Carlos, the young heir, felt a growing sense of irritation. He briefly contemplated reclaiming his umbrella but ultimately decided to enter the school with it still in hand.

As he hurried into the educational building, Zak flicked off the rainwater from his clothing, removed his hat, and elegantly tossed back his hair.

...

"In the afternoon, what's your plan for the parent-teacher meeting?" Terrence patted Juelz on the shoulder and winked. "Don't you want to make your little brother's day unforgettable?"

Juelz, still nursing some lingering irritation, shot Terrence a sidelong glance. "Got any great ideas?"

"I've got plenty of them. It all depends on whether you'd like to witness him getting embarrassed or simply enduring a bit of discomfort," Terrence said with a mischievous grin.

Given that he had been taunting and insulting Zak daily without a reaction, Juelz believed it was time for Zak to experience some discomfort that would leave a lasting impression.

With these thoughts in mind, Juelz let out a dark chuckle and gave Terrence a malevolent look. "Naturally, it's the latter. He won't remember it without a little pain."

"That sounds doable," Terrence snapped his fingers and whispered a few words into Juelz's ear.

"You handle that, and if it works out, I'll entertain one condition," Juelz replied in a subdued tone upon hearing Terrence's plan.

"Really? Then I'd like to take a photo with Camilla Gilliam," Terrence exclaimed, his excitement palpable.

Juelz hadn't expected this sudden request and was somewhat irked. "Someone like Camilla Gilliam isn't easily approachable for casual photos. You don't..."

"I remember you mentioning that you know Camilla Gilliam and that she remembers you. Talk to her, and she surely won't refuse," Terrence interrupted, gripping Juelz's arm, and pleading, "She's my idol, please, I just want a quick photo. It won't disturb her."

Juelz fell into contemplative silence.

Fearing embarrassment, he couldn't readily admit that he hadn't exchanged a single word with Camilla Gilliam. After a moment, he shook off Terrence's grip and spoke sternly, "Finish your task first, and then we can discuss it."

Zak had just wrapped up filling his water bottle when the rain began its descent outside. 

The sky wore a menacingly dark veil, casting an oppressive atmosphere over everything. Unrushed and undisturbed, he remained in the corridor, his attention absorbed by raindrops tap-dancing into puddles, playfully shattering the serenity of their reflections.

Only when he caught a nearby observer casting surreptitious glances in his direction did Zak avert his gaze. He feigned ignorance and casually made his way back to the classroom, water cup in hand.

"You sure it's him? Why's he the spitting image of Juelz?" The boy, who had been covertly sizing up Zak from a shadowed nook, emerged with a furrowed brow. "I can't tell them apart. How am I supposed to handle this?"

"What do you mean? They're twins!" Terrence clucked his tongue in disbelief and continued, "Take a closer look. He's got a mole; Juelz doesn't. And notice how he always walks with his head slightly down, like he lacks confidence. Juelz, on the other hand, oozes pride and arrogance." Terrence brought out photos and juxtaposed them, emphasizing, "I've got pictures of Juelz to show you, just to be clear. Don't mix them up."

He held out the photos, offering a side-by-side comparison of the two teenagers. Despite their striking resemblance, their distinct personalities made it relatively easy to distinguish between them.

"Alright, I've got it. Just don't forget the promised five hundred bucks when it's over," the boy said as he ambled away, flexing his arm muscles with a taunting grin. "Taking care of someone like him will be a walk in the park."

Terrence pondered for a moment before responding, "No worries, but please, don't take it too far."

"Don't fret; I know my boundaries," the guy assured. "Just have him ready when the time comes."

Once the two were out of sight, Zak, who had been lurking in the shadows, stepped into the open. He casually brushed off the dust from the wall that clung to his uniform, lingered for a couple of minutes, and then returned to the classroom.

...

At noon, after the last class, the school gate was congested with an array of luxury vehicles.

Some parents had already arrived, accompanying their children and strolling around the school.

As Zak headed to the cafeteria for lunch, he couldn't help but spot Samantha Elliott in the distance, delivering a packed lunch to Juelz. Her face radiated adoration.

With her stunning appearance, akin to that of a model, she naturally commanded the attention of countless onlookers. Eventually, amidst the flurry of compliments, she led Juelz towards the classroom.

After collecting his meal, Zak found a seat. Suddenly, someone called out to him, "Aren't you bothered that your mom only has eyes for Juelz? Do you even think she'll attend the parent-teacher meeting this time?"

As the words landed, another lunch tray appeared on his table. Carlos Downs seated himself across from Zak, his gaze locked onto him.

Zak shook his head in response to Carlos Downs' cryptic question, "Are you genuinely unfazed, or do you simply not care, perhaps it's all concealed deep within?"

Meeting the inquisitive gaze of the young man, Zak delicately placed his spoon down, wiped his mouth clean, and replied, "I've finished my meal."

Carlos Downs interjected, "I've just arrived, and you're already done; that's no fun at all. Why not stick around and have lunch with me?"

Zak offered a polite smile, gesturing at the many other people present, implying that he could easily find another dining companion. He neatly set down his tray, turned, and left the cafeteria.

People can be quite peculiar. The more they perceive someone as a potential threat, the stronger their desire to unravel that person's mysteries. Zak, with similarities to his cousin but also distinct differences, had piqued Carlos Downs' profound curiosity.

At exactly two o'clock in the afternoon, the parent-teacher meeting got underway. Parents were seated inside the classroom, while students waited outside.

The homeroom teacher called out names on the attendance list. When she inquired about Zak's parents, there was silence.

She glanced at Samantha Elliott, who was occupying Juelz's seat.

Initially, Samantha Elliott feigned ignorance, but as more eyes turned her way, she reluctantly removed her sunglasses. Revealing her beautiful face with a faint smile, her red lips curled as she addressed Zuri Mcleod, "I'm Zak's parent as well. I didn't hear earlier; I apologize, Ms. Mcleod."

Zuri Mcleod nodded, checked off Zak's name, and continued with her speech.

Outside, Juelz, who had been waiting, noticed Zak's absence. Furrowing his brow, he grabbed Terrence and urged, "Go find him."

Terrence pointed toward Zak, who was approaching them, and explained, "He's right over there. I've already sent a message to inform him. It's just that this place is so crowded, making it challenging to make a move."

"Lead him to the restroom in the playground," Juelz instructed, sensing Terrence's unreliability. He grabbed Terrence with a sinister grin and said, "I'll handle this."

With that, he quickly approached Zak, positioning himself above him, and inquired, "Care for a chat?"

He had expected to be turned down but was taken aback when Zak readily agreed.

As Juelz took the lead, he suddenly felt that something was off. He turned to scrutinize Zak.

The young man wore a gentle smile, his face beneath his black hair appearing calm and unremarkable.

What could possibly be wrong?

Unable to discern it, Juelz decided to set aside his concerns, his excitement about witnessing Zak's pitiable state later overshadowing any lingering doubts.