Eight

ALEC'S POV

Two eyes stare at me hoping to get a reaction from the news Nick had just dropped. Nick knew better. Ever since my mom left when I was in eight grade, while Aiden was still in fifth grade, I hated the thought of having another woman around the house and so dad fired all the female employees and employed only male workers. 

When I finally moved out of the house to a new residence, where I and the guys stay, the only female employed, was madam Antoine, my nanny. 

And now, here I am facing two strange looks with eyes begging me to give permission to something I detest. 

"What?" I ask when no one speaks up.

"Don't you want to be a hero to someone in need?" 

Nick finally speaks up, just that his statement totally contradicts my nature. 

"I don't want to be a hero to a villain" I state firmly while trying to draw a line as I stare intently at the blue eyes of the person I'm supposed to be a hero to. Her expression was cold but I could see desperation in them. 

I didn't like her from the moment our eyes locked at the school's hallway, and now I'm supposed to help her? She definitely isn't going to have it easy. Not now, not when she moves in, nor ever, if she keeps lingering around me. 

"Nick let's figure out something else." Adrienne says not convinced a single bit that I would give in to Nick's suggestion.

Well that's a fair thought given our relationship, but I plan on playing nice in order to play dirty. 

"I have a condition" I say as their attention diverts to me, given the fact that they were both staring at some kind of argument going on between a customer and the café's cashier. 

"What's the condition" Nick asks while trying to read my expression. He knew it definitely wasn't something he would like. Adrienne just stares at me puzzled. 

I didn't know whether it was for the fact that I had accepted her moving in, or the condition I was about to state. Either ways, I couldn't help but admire the innocent look she had on, and I hate myself for feeling that way. 

"She has to go through the same process you all did when you moved in."

"What process?" she asks, not directing her question to anyone in particular.

Nick being the gentleman he is, did the honor of explaining the whole process. "Well it's something we do. When I moved in, I had to live a day doing Alec's wishes. When Halsey moved in, he had to live a day doing I and Alec's wishes, and when Derek moved in, he had to live a day, doing all our wishes. And it's a day to a person, so one person's wish for a day, another's wish for a separate day. Now this sounds fun." He says with a glint of amusement in those brown eyes of his. 

"Not to me. But I'll go with it." Adrienne says still not sure whether she made the right decision.

"Good then." I say with a smirk on my face. I was definitely loving this trust me, she was in for a long ride and I couldn't wait. 

ADRIENNE'S POV

"I'll be moving out tomorrow" I say as Kate walks into the room, grabs a pillow and sits on the bed, raising her legs to her chest.

After meeting with Nick- and the uninvited guest Alec- we had concluded he'll come pick me tomorrow at 8:00am and I really didn't want to keep it from Kate, not her of all people. I would be a bad friend if I left without saying a single thing, or giving her my reasons. I still even felt bad for living anyways.

"To where," she asks not knowing fully well, the meaning behind those words.

"A new apartment"

Knowing I would get a reaction from her, I bend my face to my laps, not wanting to make contact with her eyes.

"What!" She exclaims in disbelief. 

"See Kate, I've made my decision. I love you so much but I hate to see your family tear apart just because of me." I say as I finally look up to meet those sad blue eyes. 

Come on Adrienne, you can do this. Those tears must not fall. I say to myself.

I tuck strands of my hair behind my ear as I try to sit up straight. I could bet this would be a long discussion.

"You're not tearing my family apart Adrienne, every family always has an issue. Maybe you just got mixed up in this one. Stop being unreasonable."

She stands up from the bed, pushing the pillow aside with anger.

"Kate, I get that you're angry at me and I hate to admit it but I deserve it for not telling you earlier on that I would be leaving. I just didn't want you to convince me out of it."

"You know Adrienne, you're really ungrateful. After what we did for you, is this how you gonna repay?" she says almost yelling. Her blue eyes flaming with anger.

She's not the only one angry right now, I also am, and I couldn't take it anymore.

"Fine! Your family was there for me, which I'm always forever grateful, but I was also there for you guys okay. I willingly transplanted one of my kidneys for your dad, yet I never knew your mom had that much hatred for me!"

"I thought I could change her mind. You know what, just leave my life. Get out of it. I thought we were more than this!"

She yells this time not hiding her emotions.

"Don't talk like it's all my fault. I'm dividing your family, and that's all that matters. All I'm doing is moving out of your house, not your life Kate. Our relationship still stays the same way.

I wish you would just understand me. If it's the cost I have to pay in order for your family to be at peace, I'm more than willing." I say a little calm this time, while standing up from the bed and heading towards her. But I guess lashing out was her only escape from the reality of my moving out. 

"Fine! Do as you wish. You always push your love ones away, that's why you're lonely."

She climbs the bed and grabs the pillow she once threw to the tiled ground, then storms out of the room, her chestnut hair bouncing behind her.

She couldn't possibly understand how I probably felt. Her family was there for me, and I really hate to see it break apart just because of me.

I open my box, which was already on the bed, though not so big, and place the rest of my belongings inside. I really wish I'm making the right decision in leaving Kate's family, and moving into the house of the four bad ass of Greenville.

I wish someone could just encourage me. No one ever tries to understand me, that's why I just hate expressing my emotions.

I feel I'm cursed to leave this kind of life, with no one by my side. I'm left alone in this world with no parents or siblings. I really hate myself. Nope, I hate my life!

A drop of tear finds its way out of my eyes. No crying Adrienne. You're bigger than this. I try encouraging myself but I guess I knew the real truth.

My life is a mess and I guess my symbol is loneliness.

Thinking about living in this hellish world alone, brings more sadness to my heart as i burst out in tears. I pick up the nearest pillow, and cry out my misfortune to it.

After crying for what seems to be almost an hour, I dry up my face with my blue sleeveless top. 

If it's my fate, I should at least try to change it. I've got to be strong. I'm Adrienne, tough and cool. Maybe not so cool...but I've got a lovely brown hair, cool blue eyes, nice figure, and smart brain. That's enough to live life to the fullest.

I need to earn a lot of money to cater for myself because, I'm not so sure if Kate's parents are going to keep paying for my tuition. This was my last year in high school and I didn't want to live it with any regrets.

My phone beeps, bringing me out of my fantasy. I walk to the well-furnished desk in the room, and grab my phone close to the lamp stand.

I draw my pattern and unlock my phone.

One new message from Nick.

Seeing this alone brings an unexpected smile to my face.

I click on his name and read the message.

Hello berry.

-Hey- I text back.

'Hope you haven't changed your mind Berry. I've told the guys about your moving in and they didn't seem to have a problem with it.'

-I'm still on board with the plan Nick. Thanks once again- I text back quickly, drop my phone on the bed and finished packing.

After which I climb unto the bed and heard a beep from my phone.

I'll pick you up by 8.00am tomorrow. See you then.

This was the last thing I saw as I cuddled my pillow till I was fast asleep.