Chapter- 9 “Terrace”

<Rebel POV>

As we reached the terrace, I shut the door behind me and took a moment to catch my breath.

Damn Lisa and her muggers!

I never understood why they couldn’t just focus on the task their parents were paying for: studying.

Why not just live and let others live?

This was the first time I interfered in college bullies' affairs. It wasn’t like it didn’t affect me seeing Lisa and her gang bully innocent people now and then. I just didn’t want to get involved and attract unnecessary attention, especially since my mother made it clear from day one that she didn’t want our family in the headlines.

That was precisely why, despite our wealth, the King family avoided socializing. Angelina King despised us for having a social media profile, even.

It may sound crazy, yet it didn’t feel weird at all. It was a small cost to live a normal life, so be it.

“Are you… Alright?” I raised my head to look at the source of the voice.

I was quite struck by the most alluring brown eyes I had ever seen. Before my brain could function to notice other features of the guy whose hand I was still holding onto, I let go of his hand and stood straight to my height before answering the question he asked. “Yes. No need to worry about me. Worry for yourself first.”

He probably wasn’t expecting me to be rude. His gaze moved down as he whispered. “You didn’t need to save me. It wasn’t the first time someone bullied me. Thank you for saving me, though.”

Hearing him say that, I suddenly felt angry. Why, though? I didn’t know. I had never met the person before in my life, yet I felt like killing the last one who bullied him. What the heck was wrong with me?

“Don’t expect it to happen again. Learn to fight yourself so you don’t need to beg for anyone’s help. It’s a piece of advice, though. Take it or not, it’s up to you. It’s almost time for my classes, so I am leaving first.” I pulled out some tissues from my backpack and handed them to him before storming to the door.

“Thanks for helping me. I hope we meet again. I’m Drake, by the way.” A stranger whose name was Drake shouted from behind me.

“Hope not,” I whispered before opening the door and walking through it, leaving him alone on the terrace. It would be better for us to never meet again.

“There you are!” Rosie stopped at the upper stair and caught her breath before continuing, “I saw you running through the corridor like crazy and followed behind. God, you are so fast. And who was that guy with you? Are you guys dating? Why haven’t you told me about him? Are we keeping secrets now? Reb!”

Rosy rained down questions. She was sweating like a pig. She must have followed me.

“Let’s get out of here first.” I kindly ignored answering and walked past her.

“Wait! You have to tell me everything. Like everything.” She shouted after following me downstairs.

***

Classes were finally over without any further absurd events. Rose and I made our way towards the outside, ready to wish each other goodbye before going our separate ways. She lived nearby with her aunt, who loved throwing parties now and then just to get drunk on every occasion.

“You really think I will let you off without spilling it out? No, no, girl. Don’t play with me.” I turned to say bye, but she beat me to it. I knew she wouldn’t let me pass without telling her everything. Ignoring the fact that I did explain to her earlier, at least all the reasonable parts. Yet she kept nagging me for more. God knows what goes on in that little head of hers.

“There’s nothing else to talk about. He needed help, and I had to be the one standing there. That’s it. No biggie.” for the love of God I answered her again, to let her off my back. I’m not a big fan of playing the interrogation game, especially if I have to stand in the suspect column.

“So you’re telling me the famous Rebecca who never gave a shit about college affairs suddenly became a guardian angel when she saw a boy surrounded by wolves? There were so many people in the canteen, yet nobody stepped up for him but only you. Nope, not buying it.”

Ouch. Trust me, gal!

Calling it luck, a familiar black car came to my rescue at the right time.

“Well, that’s your problem, not mine.” I smiled at Rosie before walking to the car. “Alright, see you tomorrow.”

“Yeah, see ya tomorrow, and don’t think I let you off the hook so easily. I am not satisfied with the story.” She let me know before going her way. Of course, I knew that already. However, it’s tomorrow’s problem.

A black car halted in front of me. The glass rolled down to show a teenager wearing ripped jeans and a team t-shirt. His hair was dyed silver and covered half of his forehead. He wore a silver ring pierced at the side of his pink lower lip, giving him a charismatic look.

Sitting inside was the person I was least expecting. My younger brother. Ryan King.

“Hey there, sis. How was your day?” He grinned at me.

“Where is Mr. Karim? And why are you here? Don’t you have your band rehearsal?” I frowned.

“Nope, not today. And why can’t I come to pick up my beautiful sister? I hardly get the chance, though.” He threw his best smile my way and opened the door for me.

I scoffed but sat down in the passenger seat and wore my seatbelt.

“Enough with the buttering. Tell me what you want?”

I knew him well. I asked about his intentions directly. Ryan and I were pretty close, though we didn’t get to spend much time with each other after I decided to join the gang while he pursued his music.

“Ouch. That hurts.” He faked a hurt expression before getting to the point. “Well, if you are so generous today, how about talking to mom to give me permission for a vacation with my buddies?”

I rolled my eyes. Told you.

“I knew it. You only treat me well whenever you want something, my evil brother.”

“Eh, I am not evil. I am your handsome little brother.” He fluttered his lashes. Girls here go crazy over his sweet charming look, though it didn’t work on me. I grew up with him.

“Handsome,” I huffed.

“So, are you going to do it for me?” He gave me that puppy eyes look. Innocent and troubled.

I shook it off. Focus. Don’t fall for it.

“Umm… Let me think. What would I get in return if I agreed to poke the lioness for your sake?”

Hmm, that’s right. There must be some benefits.

“I can do your homework for an entire week or sponsor your snacks for the entire month.”

Not gonna lie, the offer does seem tempting.

“Deal.” I grinned.

“Deal! Love you, sis. You’re the best.” He did his little happy dance in his seat before starting to drive out of the college premises.

Though before we did, my eyes caught something in the side mirror, or someone in particular. That boy from the terrace...I couldn't shake off the feeling that our paths would cross again, despite my hopes to the contrary. As the car pulled away, I couldn't help but wonder what role he might play in my life in the days to come.