7. Shady Business.

MARCH 23, 2013 | 2:10pm -

INT. ARLAN HOUSE - STORROW LAGOON. NOEL RESIDENCE - FOYER. DAY.

HALO doubles back in surprise as Olive eyes the man suggestively. She turns to Halo and gives him a knowing look before striding up to Qasim. She extends a hand, further challenging him with her curious glance. Lucian stands by, almost failing to hide his unease, but he remains composed and confident.

Olive Moore:

Hi, Qasim. Is that with a K or a Q?

Qasim chuckles at her question, but he blinds her with his pearly white, lopsided grin. He then takes her arm and shakes it gently.

Qasim Assad:

With a Q. And your name?

Olive Moore:

You can call me Liv.

Qasim then turns to Lucian, who keeps his arms crossed over his chest.

Qasim Assad:

And you are?

Lucian Slater:

A concerned parent.

Olive chuckles, failing to hide it which flusters Lucian more. Qasim's hand falls, and he looks to Halo to quell the anxious atmosphere.

Lucian Slater:

I'm uh-, I have to go. Gael's judo class lets out soon.

Olive gasps, clearly aghast, but Halo moves forward to usher them out the door.

Halo Noel:

I will see you both soon.

Qasim Assad:

It was nice meeting you both.

Halo Noel:

So, what brings you here? To my villa.

Qasim greets him with a smile.

Halo Noel:

So?

He looks over at Mustafa as Qasim considers his answer.

Qasim Assad:

After speaking with your father, I admit I was a little shocked he would introduce us. Though, a man of his calibre? One has to consider... the possibilities.

Halo nods at his words then smiles.

Halo Noel:

What are these possibilities?

Qasim Assad:

Too many to name.

He shakes his head vehemently, but Halo still glances at him with an expression of wariness. Perhaps confusion.

Qasim Assad:

It was not my intention to startle you or show up to your residence unannounced.

Halo Noel:

But I did not give you my number, and my father insisted on you asking me for it.

Qasim Assad:

Except he didn't.

Halo nods, partly surprised, but more warmed by the gesture.

Qasim Assad:

I wanted to ask myself... which he highly suggested as a better idea.

Halo Noel:

Huh.

He looks away as a blush creeps up his cheek. Halo then purses his lips, then pulls his cellphone out and hands it to Qasim. The man tentatively takes it and enters his number. He hands it back to Halo with a nervous smile.

Qasim Assad:

And you will... call me?

Halo Noel:

Why not indulge my father?

He chuckles and Qasim follows suit.

Qasim Assad:

It is also the weekend, and you promised me a date.

Halo Noel:

That I did.

—

MARCH 23, 2013 | 2:58pm -

EXT. BALDWIN TERRACE. LIO RESIDENCE - PORCH. DAY.

LUCIAN rings the doorbell, stepping back from the large oak door. A Caucasian man opens the door, giving Lucian a heavy gust of pizza and beer. Kane Trudeau wears a tank top, crushed beyond measure, over a pair of blue and white, checkered Pajama bottoms.  Rumpled and stained by food almost giving away the fact that he had given up on his appearance for the rest of the day.

Lucian Slater:

Hi, I'm Lucian. Here to drop this jacket off for Jessie?

The man sweeps his gaze over Lucian for a moment, then leans back into the house, ignoring the jacket altogether.

Kane Trudeau:

Oh, you're the dude that brought him home the other day.

Lucian nods and the man laughs and punches his right shoulder lightly. He dresses back with a forced laugh and Connor nods, hands akimbo.

Kane Trudeau:

Hey, kid, your lil boyfriend's dad is here.

Lucian raises an eyebrow, but he refrains from making a comment.

Jessie Lio (In Distance):

Coming!

Kane widens the door, and Jessie hops from the couch in the middle of the living room. Dressed in a simple, sky-blue, short-sleeved button-down, brown cargo shorts and an old, dirty pair of white converses. He smiles up at Lucian as he skips over.

Jessie Lio:

Hi, Mr Slater! Did Gael come with you?

Lucian Slater:

I'm picking him up on my way back home, buddy, but he did tell me to bring sum'n to ya.

He holds out the jacket, and Jessie smiles brightly as he takes it. He then notices how big Jessie's bag is, and narrows his gaze.

Lucian Slater:

Goin somewhere?

Jessie Lio (Shrugging):

Just extra clothes for me and Ryu in case I have to sleep over at my uncle's.

Kane then pulls Lucian aside when he glances over at the man.

Kane Trudeau:

Hey, man, today's me and the old lady's anniversary, so we want to celebrate a little. Mind dropping him off at the uncle's?

Lucian Slater:

Hey, I understand that, but-.

Kane Trudeau:

Awesome, man!

Kane plucks out his wallet and pulls out some rumpled bills. He stuffs them into Lucian's chest, and grins as he pats it and turns to enter the house. He turns and gives Lucian a weak salute and closes the door.

Lucian sighs, looks down at the money, and shakes his head. 

Lucian Slater:

He's a real piece of work ain't he?

Jessie Lio:

At least you don't have to live with the guy.

Jessie turns and strides away, but Lucian catches up with him.

Lucian Slater:

Where's your mama? Does she know you're leavin?

Jessie Lio:

Her doctor says she's sick, but I don't like being at home when she gets really sick.

Lucian Slater:

Why not?

Jessie Lio:

She throws things and... other stuff. Thank god my baby brother gets to stay with my uncle.

Lucian stops and Jessie pauses to turn and stare up at him. Completely innocent, but hurt glistens in his eyes.

Jessie Lio:

Can I get Mcdonalds? I have money.

He smiles, but Lucian simply stares at the boy.

Lucian Slater:

You know what? Anything you want today, it's yours. And...

He pulls out the bills the man had given him, and hands it to Jessie.

Lucian Slater:

... why don't you hold on to this? So, you'll have more money for McDonald's.

Jessie Lio:

Really?

Lucian nods.

Jessie Lio:

Can we get ice cream for my brother?

Lucian Slater:

I don't see why not.

—

Jessie Lio:

There's Uncle Cho!

Jessie points just before the men, where the young, Korean man stands. Rocking a crying bundle, in a car seat he crouches over on the ground. 

Cho Jin:

Come on, little guy.

Ryu fusses, eyes puffy and droopy as he cries.

Lucian parks the car, and he and Jessie emerge. Cho, the uncle, looks almost relieved when he sees Jessie who goes to his brother as the man stands.

Cho Jin:

Thanks for giving Jessie a ride. He says you're his friend's father?

Lucian Slater:

Yeah, I'm Lucian.

Lucian gazes at Cho, suppressing the urge to ask questions as he takes his stained t-shirt and slightly decent ripped jeans. He notices the young man's agitated demeanour, and lets out a sigh. Ryu fusses and Lucian's paternal instincts kick in.

Lucian Slater:

Oh, no. We got ourselves a crier.

He crouches, smiling at Ryu as he unhooks the straps and picks him up.

Lucian Slater:

Hey, little buddy, don't cry.

Lucian smoothes Ryu's hair back, holding him close to his chest as he rocks him. Ryu gradually quiets as he glances at Lucian, taking in his face, and the gentleness in his voice. Cho watches, lips quirked in an impressed smile when Lucian manages to get a smile out of Ryu.

Lucian Slater (Whispering):

You alright. You good.

He rocks the boy, who starts to smile as he is pulled into peace and serenity.

Cho Jin:

Wow. I got so accustomed to him being agitated I forgot how cute he is when he's not screaming his head off.

Cho looks down at his nephew, a gaze of pity on his face.

Cho Jin:

I want to get them out of that house, but I can't do that if I don't go to college.

Lucian Slater:

What do you mean help them?

Cho hesitates, then shakes his head.

Cho Jin:

My sister isn't... well.

Cho shakes his head, then looks at Lucian and gives him a flippant shrug.

Lucian Slater:

Look, I barely know Jessie, but my son stopped three boys from trying to bully Jessie at school. There needs to be more focus placed on him at this point in his life, and why is he just out and about by himself? He didn't even have a ride here, short as the journey is.

Cho Jin:

I'm a foster kid in high school, besides he usually walks, no matter what we tell him. Ryu comes first to Jessie.

He lets out a frustrated sigh, but Lucian raises his eyebrows and frowns. Jessie looks saddened, but Lucian notices the way he brushes it off.

Jessie Lio:

It's ok, Uncle Cho. We know you're not big enough yet.

Lucian Slater:

Well, we got ice cream money. Wanna go to the StoneHouse Creamery?

Cho Jin:

Really?

Lucian nods, but Cho narrows his gaze at him.

Cho Jin:

You're not like some pervert, are you?

He narrows his eyes to slits and Lucian chuckles softly.

Lucian Slater:

What I am is the guy inviting you all to have ice cream with me and my son, who...

He checks his watch and winces.

Lucian Slater:

... I'm gon be late to pick up from judo class if I have to prove I'm not no weirdo.

He raises his hands and an easy smile breaks across Cho's face.

Cho Jin:

Cool. Let's go. I really need this ice cream break. My foster father's wife is here, and she's not very pleased with the floral toothbrush in the bathroom.

Lucian Slater:

And this... floral toothbrush belongs to...?

Cho Jin:

It's mine. But she doesn't need to know that. I call shotgun!

He pats Lucian's shoulder and skips off towards the van with Jessie in tow. Lucian laughs, and Ryu giggles. He looks down at the boy who watches him with a plain smile.

Lucian Slater:

You make me want more kids, but your uncle makes me scared of the one kid I got becomin a... gosh dang teenager.

He shudders and shakes his head, but Ryu only giggles and pokes at his beard.

—

MARCH 23, 2013 | 3:34pm -

INT. LE JUNO GRILLE - PRIVATE BOOTH. NIGHT.

HALO sits around a grand, decorated table across from Qasim Assad. Chuckling lightly at another of the man's jokes. He wears a comfortable, simple blue suit which brings out his eyes that glisten in the soft glow of the restaurant.

Qasim Assad:

So, are you ready to end your life as a civilian and start anew in Arlingfell?

Halo Noel:

I certainly did not expect to become head of state until my father's period ended.

Qasim Assad:

I have seen your commendations, five years served in the Arlingfell Guard, three deployed for efforts in freeing civilian refugees during the great discord.

Halo Noel: 

It was... something indeed.

Qasim Assad:

You... are something.

Halo smiles, but he takes a sip of his champagne. Hoping to hide the blush in his cheeks. His phone chimes atop the table, and he picks it up to check it. Noticing media from an unsaved number.

Halo Noel:

Excuse me.

Qasim nods with a smile, and Halo slides his phone open to see a picture of Gael and Jessie, both swinging in the park.

Unknown Number

(Text Message):

Gael wanted to send a picture. -

Lucian.

Halo sits up, surprised, but a smile spreads across his face. Qasim notices and narrows his gaze when Halo chuckles and writes a reply.

Halo Noel (Text Message):

I am happy they are friends.

Halo puts the phone down and passes Qasim an apologetic gaze.

Halo Noel:

Apologies.

Qasim shakes his head and waves him off.

Halo Noel:

It seems a... friend is babysitting his son's best friend. They make a very cute pair.

Qasim Assad:

Perhaps it is unbecoming of a Duke to sexualize children?

Qasim chuckles awkwardly, but Halo's smile fades. He shakes his head as if pondering the man's words.

Halo Noel:

I... am not sure I know how to respond to that.

Qasim Assad:

I... meant no offence. I just think a child isn't sure he or she likes the same sex.

Instead of retorting, Halo leans back. His teeth grinding painfully as he sits up.

Halo Noel:

I apologize.

Qasim Assad:

You do not have to-.

Halo Noel:

But, I must.

He sits forward with a short laugh.

Halo Noel:

I must apologize for wasting your time.

Halo looks down at his phone when another notification chimes. He looks down at it, momentarily forgetting Qasim's presence.

Lucian Slater (Text Message):

I might need me an authority figure.

Halo chuckles, blushing as he reads it. Another text message comes in.

Lucian Slater (Text Message):

... For Jessie's sake?

Halo purses his lips, but he looks up to see Qasim putting in another order for champagne. 

Halo Noel:

I must be going.

Halo stands, gathering his phone and fixing his jacket. Qasim looks up at him in surprise, but he nods with a frown.

Halo Noel:

It is a school matter, and since I still work for a school, this might need my immediate attention.

Qasim Assad:

Can we do this-.

Halo Noel:

No.

Qasim's eyes bug open.

Halo Noel:

I am terribly sorry, but I do not think this...

He gestures to the table, the appetizer salads that have gotten too warm to enjoy.

Halo Noel:

... will work between us. I do however apologize for my father meddling.

At this, Qasim leans back with a grimace, but he nods and gives a sweeping gesture.

Halo nods then turns to leave the restaurant with his bodyguard joining him. A man that had blended into the crowd, and into every corner of Halo's life, Calum Beauchamp. As they exit the restaurant, Calum glances over at Halo with a smirk.

Calum Beauchamp:

I could have been on a date right now, Your Grace.

Halo Noel:

I hate dating. I also may loathe my father a little, for setting me up with the poster boy for meaningless spouses and deep daddy issues.

Calum Beauchamp:

Do you think your father expects you to marry? Because they are putting a lot of expectations on Prince Garth. 

Halo sighs, and they come to a stop at the entrance. Calum discreetly nods to two more casually dressed men. A valet strides over in his black and white uniform and slips a phone into Calum's hand.

Halo Noel:

I think my father wants grandchildren.

He chuckles and Calum shrugs knowingly.

Calum Beauchamp:

Then maybe you should give that to him.

Halo doesn't answer, but he smiles. Not in assurance, but uncertainty according to the next chapter of his life.

Halo Noel:

As head of state, things will not be the same. I spent all this time as a civilian in America, but still, I have failed to have my whirlwind romance. And, no. I am not having children to please the court. We all know why that isn't even a possibility. Thank god I am not to be king.

Calum Beauchamp:

But is that all you came here for?

Halo Noel:

Perhaps not.

—

MARCH 23, 2013 | 3:54pm -

INT. STONEHOUSE CREAMERY & TREATS - BOOTH. DAY.

Lucian Slater (Whispering):

I might need an authority figure? What in the hell was I thinkin'?

Lucian rolls his eyes and locks the phone screen. Sighing loudly as he tilts his head back and lets out a sigh.

He sits in the booth, lamenting his decision to invite Halo Noel. Jessie and Gael tend to Ryu, feeding him ice cream, playing with him as the boy coos and gurgles loudly in excitement.

The bell at the entrance chimes and Lucian looks up, but a young, Chinese couple enters with twin boys. They run to the counter, their squeals of excitement loud and piercing.

Gael Slater:

You ok, dad?

Lucian shakes out of his reverie and smiles at his son. The boy looks up, and his face breaks into a huge grin.

Gael Slater:

Mr Noel?!

Halo enters the restaurant, jacket and tie no longer a part of his outfit. He notices Gael and waves as he strides over to them. Lucian stands, mouth poised to speak, but nothing comes out.

Halo Noel:

Hello, Lucian.

Lucian Slater:

You... came. I mean...

He clears his throat and Halo chuckles.

Halo Noel:

My apologies. I should have responded to your last message.

Lucian Slater:

No. No, it's cool. I'm uh-, I'm glad you're here.

Halo Noel:

You are?

He casts the man an appraising look.

Lucian Slater:

I...

Gael Slater:

Dad?

Lucian Slater:

Hmm?

He barely looks at Gael.

Gael Slater:

You're sort of... hogging my teacher.

Lucian frowns, but his eyes widen as he glances down at Gael, seeing him smirk.

Halo Noel:

Hello, Gael.

Halo chuckles, but his gaze lands on Jessie who watches him from behind his large milkshake cup.

Halo Noel:

Hello, Jessie and... little one?

Halo notices Ryu, who nibbles on his thumb as he watches Halo with his head tilted in curiosity.

Lucian Slater:

Yeah, that's, Ryu. Jessie's baby brother.

Halo Noel:

That is... most curious.

He gives a little wave to Ryu and is immediately drawn to the child.

Halo Noel:

He is just... bloody cute. 

Lucian chuckles and Halo glances back at him, smiling, blushing.

Halo Noel:

How did you end up on babysitting duty?

Lucian Slater:

I'm just here as company.

He looks over at the boys and shakes his head.

Lucian Slater:

Gael, Jessie. Why don't you both go order some more of them Oreo milkshakes?

Jessie & Gael:

Ok!

They both gather themselves and run to the counter. Lucian slinks over to Ryu and reaches into the car seat to tickle his belly. He reacts with a giggle and grabs on to Lucian's hand. The boy's face twists up, and he lets out a muffled grunt. Lucian's eyes widen, and he looks at Halo with a terrified look.

Lucian Slater:

Does he seem a little agitated to you? I was fixin to burp the little guy.

Halo nods then moves to sit beside Ryu so he can unbuckle the boy. As he begins to cry, Halo gathers him into his arms. Lucian watches wordlessly as Halo expertly places the boy over his right shoulder. Gently rocking him as he hums.

Halo Noel:

He is agitated because he just ate. He might also be lactose intolerant, but we will know shortly. Won't we, chap?

Ryu gurgles noisily, arms clutching onto Halo's shirt and rumpling the fabric.

Lucian Slater:

Got any kids of your own?

Halo Noel:

Not yet. I did receive my degree in paediatrics, and children are... my most natural element, even without it. I feel I may not be ready, but the world has strange ways of exalting fate.

Lucian Slater:

He's not throwin a hissy fit no more, so you must be doin somethin right.

Halo smiles, but he feels the baby's stomach gurgle against his chest. He pulls the boy away gently.

Halo Noel:

I think he is about to-.

He is cut off by warm, slimy, and yellow puke spilling from the boy onto his chest. Lucian exclaims, but like a seasoned father, he winces with a forlorn look of embarrassment.

Halo Noel:

... blow.

He winces, getting a strong, sour whiff of the boy's puke. Lucian stands up swiftly, taking the boy and holding him at arm's length.

Lucian Slater:

Ok, that's not somethin I miss very much.

Halo grabs napkins, but instead of wiping at his shirt, he steps up to Ryu and gently wipes at his face. Lucian narrows his gaze in surprise, and Halo captures a glimpse of it.

Halo Noel:

What? Is there puke on my face?

Lucian shakes his head.

Lucian Slater: 

Your face looks great.

He closes his eyes for a moment and curses under his breath as he shakes himself.

Lucian Slater:

I mean you-your face is ok. Vomit free.

Halo nods, but he focuses on Ryu. Finishing with a smile as he smoothes the boy's shirt over his shoulders.

Halo Noel:

Now you're all handsome again. And I... need to find a restroom. Perhaps a new shirt. I can feel it seeping through my undershirt.

Halo lets out a chuckle as his shoulder wriggles.

Lucian Slater:

Of course. We're all good here. I do have a change of clothes for the little guy, but I think he's had enough of this place.

Lucian pulls the boy close and balances him on his arm. Ryu clutches onto him, less agitated as he gums his right hand.

Halo Noel:

Well, I deem them safe enough to be left in your company. I need to go home and change out of this shirt.

Lucian Slater: 

Are you sure you don't wanna stick around? I mean... I got my hands full, and I might be a little in over my head. Little buddy here gets madder than a wet hen.

Lucian gestures to Gael and Jessie, holding hands as they stand at the register. Halo watches them, and a warm smile spreads across his face.

Halo Noel:

I would love to, Mr Slater, but as a teacher, I should not even be here as it, is against school district policy.

Lucian Slater:

Yet, you still came.

Halo sighs, then looks back at Lucian.

Lucian Slater:

I won't tell if you don't.

Halo Noel:

I am afraid I cannot.

Halo gives him an apologetic smile, then turns to leave.

Lucian Slater:

Jessie's mother is sick.

Halo stops and turns to face Lucian.

Lucian Slater:

His stepfather basically paid me eleven bucks to babysit overnight, his uncle is overworked and in high school, so he's busier than a cat on a hot tin roof. Not to mention, Jessie seems to be ok with all of that crap. Now, you told me the other day that you wanna keep these kids safe, so, I'm callin you to duty, Halo Noel.

Halo exhales sharply, a look of defeat and purpose on his face.

Halo Noel:

What is happening with Jessie and Ryu?

Cho Jin:

Too much.

Halo turns when Cho exits the male restroom to Lucian's left. He eyes the young man who smiles as he strides over, but he catches a glimpse of Ryu's puke on Halo's shirt.

Cho Jin:

He got you too, huh?

Halo stares wordlessly at him.

Lucian Slater:

Yeah, we ain't burp him properly. Thank god Halo was here, but it seems he did too good of a job. This is Cho by the way. He's Jessie and Ryu's uncle.

Halo Noel:

It is very lovely to meet you, Cho.

Cho nods as he sits.

Cho Jin:

Lucian's right by the way. There seems to be a lot going on at Jessie's house.

—

MARCH 26, 2013 | 12:11pm —

INT. CARLTON BLACK PREPARATORY - CLASSROOM FOUR-B. DAY.

JESSIE LIO sits in his classroom during lunch, gazing out at the playground. Watching children play, content in the bucolic atmosphere. He pulls at his shirt, grimacing at the shortness and its inability to fall lower than his belt buckle.

The door squeaks open, and the boy jumps with a start.

Gael Slater:

It's just me.

Jessie smiles when he sees Gael, bringing with him a neatly folded paper bag. It rustles noisily, but an appealing aroma wafts from the bag. Jessie's stomach growls then, and he looks down as his cheeks redden in embarrassment. He however looks at Gael's clean, pressed uniform that looks brand new.

— Jessie was surprised his mother cared enough to send him to school. After losing his and Ryu's father merely two months into her pregnancy with the younger brother her depressive state got worse, while her sanity and will to live decreased. Worsening after Ryu's birth, leaving Jessie with only one option. To grow up too fast. To lock himself away from the world because nobody cared to notice.

— When Gael Slater intervened that faithful day, Jessie found hope. Even meeting Lucian, and the kind teacher he would see in the hallways waving at him. It opened his heart to the world, and out came all the love friendship and he had to give to it. The innocence to bestow, and garner hope for the future he wanted to lead.

Jessie Lio:

Are you really here?

He runs over, throwing his arms around Gael, who returns it, then pulls away slowly.

Gael Slater:

I swear I wasn't body-snatched.

Gael chuckles nervously as he walks back to the desks and chairs with Jessie in tow. They both take a seat and Jessie smiles over at Gael. Though, when their gazes meet, Jessie frowns with an oddly sentimental look in his eyes.

Gael Slater:

Did Jason bother you today?

Jessie shakes his head, and Gael fiddles with the bag, pulling it open. Jessie's belly growls again, and Gael looks over at him with concern. Seeing the pain in Jessie's eyes as he clutches his stomach.

Gael Slater:

We have Mr Noel to thank for that.

Jessie Lio:

Is he your dad?

Gael Slater:

Not... yet.

Jessie giggles and covers his mouth as Gael chuckles playfully.

Gael Slater:

Why aren't you eating lunch?

Jessie stares out the window again, then sighs as his fists coil together nervously.

Jessie Lio:

My mother forgot.

Gael frowns.

Jessie Lio:

She and her boyfriend have been fighting a lot.

He shrugs and Gael sighs.

Gael Slater:

Well, forget them, and lucky for you, I brought extras today.

Jessie Lio:

You did?

His eyes shine, replacing his sullen look with one of replete content. Jessie throws his arms up with a loud whoop, but the action raises his shirt to expose his torso. Gael gasps inaudibly, eyes bulging when he sees a scar. Black and blue, obviously days old, and clearly worse than Jessie lets on, but he notices and pulls his shirt down.

Gael Slater:

Did that happen when Jason pushed you?

Jessie Lio:

It... yes?

Jessie bites his bottom lip and looks away as his ears and face tints crimson.

Jessie Lio:

Promise you won't say anything!

The boy grabs Gael's shoulders, shaking him as his eyes well up with tears. Gael shakes his head and rests his hands against Jessie's. He sighs and squeezes them affectionately.

Gael Slater:

Jessie, what is going on?

Jessie Lio (In Modern Korean):

Gael, stop, please.

Gael Slater:

Did Jason hurt you, or not? Because I'm not scared to give him a matching black eye, God forbid how disappointed Mr Noel and my dad will be. Nobody screws with my friend, which is what you are, and friends don't have secrets. We're nine-year-olds. We're not supposed to hold this back from each other. Our parents, maybe. They're a pain, but you don't keep secrets from me, and I don't keep secrets from you.

Jessie Lio (In Modern Korean):

Don't make me. Please.

Gael Slater (In Modern Korean):

Look at me.

Jessie rolls his eyes, but he settles his gaze on Gael, seeing nothing but pleading in his eyes.

Gael Slater:

I need to know you're ok, Jessie. Please. Also going in Korean mode isn't as protective as you think.

He smiles, reassuring Jessie as he frames his face with his palms. Jessie sighs, then nods.

Jessie Lio:

Usually, he only hits my mother, but this time, I tried to do what you did— tried to be brave, but he...

Jessie trails off and lifts his shirt to show the purpling bruise, with streaks of yellow and red running through it. Gael's face becomes ashen with grief. Anger. Pity. Without words to describe his emotions, he grabs their bags and Jessie's hand. Hauling the protesting boy to the Nurse's office.

—

MARCH 26, 2013 | 12:46pm —

EXT.  CARLTON BLACK PREPARATORY - ADMINISTRATIVE BUILDING. NURSE'S OFFICE. DAY.

HALO approaches the Nurse's office, spotting Gael sitting outside. Coiling his fingers nervously as he watches the door to the secluded area.

Halo Noel:

Gael?

Gael perks up at his voice, but as Halo walks closer, he sees the desperate look on the boy's face. 

Halo Noel:

What is the matter little one?

Gael Slater:

Have you ever wondered about Jessie's home life?

The boy sucks in a heavy breath, then continues.

Gael Slater:

Something is very wrong.

Halo crouches on one knee and rests his arms atop Gael's shoulders.

Halo Noel:

Ok, Gael. I want you to breathe.

He then takes a breath, urging the boy to mimic him with just a look. Gael takes a few breaths, gradually slowing his heavy sighs as the tension seeps from his shoulders. Halo feels him relax and then smiles.

Gael Slater:

I told him he could trust me, but you don't just allow something like that to happen without saying or doing anything, and I think that you can help him.

Gael shakes his head, and Halo watches him— stunned to silence. He breaks away from his distant look when the door behind him opens. Halo stands and turns as a stout African American woman emerges with a troubled look in her green eyes. She wears her stylish, knee-length ruched dress, which hugs her figure hidden below the white physician's jacket.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

Oh, Mr Noel. I was expecting Jessie Lio's teacher, Mr Beauchamp. 

She shakes her head and then waves off her surprise with a chuckle.

Halo Noel:

Yes, he was notified, but Jessie and Gael are friends. His involvement warrants my presence.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

Wait...

Her gaze passes between Halo and Gael, and she lifts her finger, wagging it between them.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

Oh my god, is Gael your... son?

Halo and Gael glance at each other, but they both chuckle as they incline their heads, then shake them simultaneously.

Gael & Halo:

We are not related.

They share another laugh as Nurse Bennett's gaze flutters between them nervously.

Halo Noel:

How is Jessie?

His question makes the woman cast him a pensive look.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

There is... bruising on his torso from blunt force trauma, or rather, something big enough to bruise or crack a rib. Jessie needs to be taken to the hospital, where they can provide him with immediate trauma care.

Halo's face pales, and he looks down at Gael who nods.

Gael Slater:

It makes sense given what he's said to me so far. He's being abused, and that bruise on his stomach is from a booted foot.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

An... astute observation, Gael.

Nurse Bennet glances at Halo, confirming the boy's assumption with a nod.

Halo Noel:

How would you describe his mental state?

Nurse Ola Bennet:

The bruising points to trauma inflicted impulsively, but he is still in a state of dismay and a bit of shock.

Halo sighs, reading the woman's look on account of the experience.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

I've seen cases of child abuse before. This is severe so, Jessie won't talk to me.

Halo Noel:

Gael?

Gael Slater:

Yes?

Halo Noel:

Lunch will be over soon. You should return to class, perhaps eat something? You will find those tarts you like atop my desk, but be sure to be discreet. They are a favourite among your classmates.

Gael Slater:

But I want to see Jessie. He needs to know I'm here.

Halo Noel:

Jessie will be fine. I will make sure he knows that he has your complete support, but I need you in class, focused on anything but this.

Gael Slater:

Give this to him.

Gael swings his backpack around his shoulders and opens it. He pulls out the brown paper bag and shoves it towards Halo with an expectant look. Halo takes the bag with a smile.

Gael Slater:

He didn't eat lunch today.

He nods at Gael, but the boy reluctantly moves off and Nurse Bennet steps forward.

Nurse Ola Bennet:

I will ensure he gets back to class, Mr Noel.

Halo turns towards the door and steels himself before walking towards it. He opens it to see Jessie sitting atop a high examination bed at the other end of the room. He looks up, eyes glistening as he chews his right index finger. Shaking with nerves as his small, shirtless body shivers through unshed tears.

Jessie Lio:

Am I in trouble?

Halo's gaze softens, and he steps forward carefully.

Halo Noel:

Quite the opposite. Can I sit?

He gestures to the chair before Jessie and the boy nods. Halo sits, careful to keep a smile on his face and kindness in his eyes.

Halo Noel:

Gael wanted me to give this to you. He said you have not eaten.

Jessie takes the bag without hesitance and digs in immediately. Eyes alight with wonder as he pulls out a divided Tupperware.

Halo Noel:

Jessie, how are things at home?

Jessie Lio:

What do you mean?

He opens his plate to reveal four parts, with crackers, a full, turkey sandwich. The third part is filled with salad, and the last holds seedless, green grapes and sliced strawberries. Jessie goes for the grapes first, plucking them into his mouth one after the other.

Halo's gaze travels to his torso, eyeing the bruise as a bitter feeling surmounts inside his chest.

Halo Noel:

Does your stepfather...

Halo trails off, afraid of the answer he would get. He instead sucks in a breath and composes himself. Jessie eats tentatively, sparing nervous glances up at Halo.

Halo Noel:

Does your stepfather or your mother hit you?

Jessie Lio:

I can't... say anything. He'll hurt my brother.

Halo Noel:

I cannot help you or your brother if you don't tell me everything, Jessie.

The boy looks away, riddled with guilt if his expression is any indication.

Halo Noel:

That is not an ultimatum. Your bruises have already confirmed Nurse Bennett's suspicions. All I want is for you to be safe.

Jessie nods reluctantly a moment later, but after Halo's promise sinks in, he relays everything. Detailing his life and his younger brother's after their father died. When he grows exhausted, Halo offers him a breather. Yet, there is a bitterness on his face that Jessie sees, but knows it isn't being directed at him for once.

Jessie pulls out two pudding cups, still attached to each other. He frowns and places it atop his lap then digs into the bag again. His mouth twists up into a grim line, and he chances a glance up at Halo.

Jessie Lio:

Gael didn't bring spoons.

He then glances at Halo, then pops one pudding cup off. Halo stares at him hesitantly as Jessie pushes the cup towards him with eager eyes.

Halo Noel:

Thank you, Jessie. Though, I might have an idea of how we can eat this.

Jessie Lio:

You do?

Halo nods.

Jessie Lio:

Show me!

He smiles as Halo tears the protective covering off and dutifully licks it clean. Jessie giggles, and it turns into an exuberant laugh when Halo puts the cup to his lips and squeezes. He slurps the pudding noisily, and Jessie cackles when Halo pulls his cup away, revealing a pudding moustache.

Halo Noel:

Go on. Try it.

Jessie quirks his lips upward, but he pulls his own covering off and brings the cup to his lips. Like Halo, he slurps noisily, laughing when the action tickles his lips. They lick their lips clean, coming down from laughter after licking their cups clean.

Jessie Lio:

That has to be the best way to eat pudding. You're kind of cool, like my uncle, Cho.

Halo smiles at Jessie, but his gaze drifts to the bruise again and he looks away, as if guilty, but he steels himself and glances back at the boy.

Halo Noel:

Jessie, I want you to know that nobody will ever hurt you or your brother again.

— Halo knew better than to make promises. Yet, something deep inside him surmounts and heightens his protective nature. He knew then that he would do everything in his power to protect Jessie, and the brother he was forced to care for by himself.

—