Prologue.
"Karen", Adrian called from down the stairs. "I'm here, it's time to play in the pool".
"I'll be there Adrie. Just give me 5 minutes", Karen called back.
"Okay", Adrian said and went to sit. The Bayler's house was large but not as large as the Kendall's.
Adrian Kendall, the daughter of a successful businessman, was waiting for her best friend, Karen Bayler because it was time for them to play as usual. The six years old girls do everything together. Even though Karen's Parents are not as rich as Adrian's, the two get along well.
"Adrian", Karen called running down and she hugged her best friend.
"Let's go Karen. I don't want you to be late before you get back, you know your Dad will be mad if you come home late."
"It's true, let's go", Karen said and waved to her Mum who was coming over to the sitting room. "Bye Mum, I'll be back soon."
"Okay baby and don't stain that dress. It costs a fortune", her Mum warned.
"Okay Mum", Karen said and held Adrian's hand.
The two girls ran happily carrying Karen's bag which contained her swimming suit. Even though Adrian can't swim, she still goes to the pool with her best friend.
"Where is your necklace?", Adrian asked.
"Oh! I forget to put it on. It's in my bag you know I can't put it on at home because my dad will ask where I got it from and he will punish me."
"I know but don't misplace our symbol of friendship", Adrian said pouting.
"I won't", Karen said and took the necklace from her bad and put it on.
"Let's click our necklaces together", Adrian told her.
"Yes", the later replied and they click the necklaces together.
"Best friends forever?", Adrian said
"Best friends forever."
They got to the door and the driver opened the door for them, the car belonging to Adrian's father. The driver drove them to the Kendall's house. The girls opened the door and ran happily to Adrian's room. The girls changed and were about leaving the room when the door opened and Aiden, Adrian's twin brother entered the room.
"Aid, you don't just enter a girl's room without knocking, that's rude", Adrian said glaring at her brother.
"I'm sorry, kiddo. I just wanted to ask for your shampoo, I ran out of mine and I didn't know until now."
"You should have at least knocked", Adrian said and went to the bathroom to get the Shampoo.
"Hey Karen, how are you?", Aiden greeted.
"I'm fine. How are you?", Karen replied shyly.
"I'm fine too", he said and winked at her.
The later just smiled in response.
"Here you go", Adrian gave the shampoo to him.
"Thanks kiddo", he said and left.
"Can't he just stop calling me kiddo?", Adrian said.
"He just like teasing you, you know?", Karen replied.
"But it's annoying."
"Just leave him and let's go to the pool already. I can't wait to swim."
"Okay", the two girls held each other and went to the pool.
Karen is the swimmer between the two. Adrian can't swim but she is willing to learn. Karen ran to the pool and started swimming while Adrian just stood watching her best friend.
Adrian was enjoying the scene in front of her and suddenly Karen was struggling in the pool.
"Help me Adrie...Help." Adrian was shocked and since she couldn't swim, she ran out to get help. At first, she didn't see anyone around and she continued running.
She saw a bodyguard. "Save my friend please...Save her", she shouted to the bodyguard. The bodyguard followed her to the pool side, got into the pool and brought out Karen. He gave her the mouth-to-mouth respiration but she didn't budge.
The ambulance arrived and Karen was carried to the hospital but she didn't make it. Karen Bayler DIED.
? Adrian's POV?I stepped down from the plane, I knew immediately that my life is going to change for the better. My chest tightened as I smelled the not too familiar air of New York after 11 years of leaving home.I tightened my grip on my bag and continued walking to see the familiar face that will welcome me back home. I know my family will miss me... I mean why won't they, it's been 11 years but I'm certain not all of them will. As I walked, I heard the sweetest voice I missed calling my name."Adrian", I recognized the voice immediately and smiled. I turned my head to the direction of the voice and I saw him, my twin, Aiden. He is taller than I am with black hair and blue eyes like mine. He was wearing a green shirt and a pair of black trousers with a pair of black shoes. His smile was so heart warming and welcome.I had to walk faster because I can't wait to hug my crazy twin brother whom I misse
? Adrian's POV ?I saw that one person I no longer consider family....My father.He is a man with dark hair and brown eyes. He was putting on a black suit with a blue shirt and a pair of black shoes. He was talking to a maid and when he noticed me, he looked up at me. He gave the suitcase to the maid and dismissed her then he moved closer to me."Adrian", he called with his thick voice. "You are back.""Yes, I am. I'm back from the prison you sent me to", I said and I started to walk but stopped when I heard him talk again."You know that is a rude way to talk to your father."I turned to look at him and said sarcastically, "I'm sorry, Mr Kendall. I meant to say, I'm back from the 11 years adventure." I rolled my eyes and walked away from him. I didn't look back but I know it hurts him to hear me talk to him like that but I don't care because he didn't care about me 11 years ago when he believed when Karen
? Adrian's POV ?Seeing the painting on Dad's table brought tears to my eyes but I quickly pushed it back because I know I'm not a coward and I don't want to look vulnerable. I can't forgive him easily.Aiden looked at me when he heard me sniff and mouthed "what's wrong?""Nothing", I replied and he nodded.Dad turned to look at us and began. "I'm sorry for keeping you waiting. I had to check those documents."I rolled my eyes because I don't get why I should care about him checking the company's paper work."Aiden, I want you to brief Adrian about the school and tell her all she needs to bring along. I won't really have a free time again this week that's why I called you today. I want you to guide your sister well and take good care of her.""No need to tell me Dad, I will take care of Adrie just like an older brother should", Aiden said and poked me to make me laugh and I did."Okay", Dad said and
? Aiden's POV?I woke up on the sound of the alarm. "Ohh, is it morning already?", I said and checked the time. It was 7:00. I have to dress for school. I got up, took my bath and was ready for school. I went downstairs for breakfast and saw my parents."Good morning Mum, Good morning Dad", I said and kissed my Mum on her cheeks."Good morning", they replied."Why are you still at home? You should be at the company by now, right?""It's nothing we just want to go a little bit later.""Okay", I said shrugging."Where is Adrie? Is she still sleeping?""I don't know", Mum said."I'll go call her", I offered."No. Let me go", mum said and stood up.I remained silent and began eating my food and Dad was just reading the newspaper.Some minutes later, mum came running downstairs and said, "Tom, Adrie is gone.""What do you mean she is gone?", Dad enquired."She is not in h
Location: McGregory high school? Aiden's POV ?"Aiden", Adam called me."What's up?", I asked."You said you had a problem to deal with this morning.""Ohh. That. It's nothing serious. My sister came back yesterday and-""What? Your sister? You mean your twin sister?", he asked shocked."Adam, calm down and stop shouting. You are too nosy", Anthony said."Dude, didn't you hear? He said his twin sister is back.""And?", Anthony said. "I hope you are not thinking what I think you are thinking?""You better don't move anywhere near my sister because I know you", I said glaring."Calm down dude. I won't touch your sister without your permission", Adam said smirking. "But at least show us a picture.""I can't show you. Wait till Monday. Today is Friday so just have a little bit of patience", I said."Okay. If you say so", Adam said sounding def
? Adrian's POV ?I was checking through my bag when I noticed something fell. It was the handkerchief. I took it and put it close to my nose."What's that?", Aiden asked and almost startled me."It's just handkerchief as you can see", I rolled my eyes.He took the handkerchief and smelt it. "There is no way this is yours. A man's cologne is on it. Who owns it?""It's just someone I met at the cemetery this morning", I said and explained everything to him."Wow. You have a guardian angel", he said beaming."Just shut up, Aiden." Just then the door was knocked. "Who's there?""Dinner is ready Ma'am", a maid replied."Okay, we'll be there soon", I replied. "Aiden let's go. I'm hungry. I thought Mum said she would be back before dinner.""Maybe she got stuck in traffic. She'll be here soon. Let's go.""Okay", I said and we went to the dinning room.We were eating when Mum came
? Adrian's POV ?This is surprising. I know Aiden's friends. The first guy I saw was the guy I met at the mall and the second guy was the one I met at the cemetery. I was really surprised."Adrian, you've met my friends before?", Aiden asked."This is the guy I met at the mall", I said pointing to the guy. "And this is the guy I met at the cemetery", I said pointing at the second guy."Is this your sister?", the guy I met at the mall said looking at me angrily."Yes. Adrian this is Anthony, my friend", Aiden introduced him. "And this is Adam, my other friend.""Hi, I'm Adrian", I said and smiled sheepishly at Anthony but he looked like he is gonna kill me anytime soon. "Adam, I'm Adrian. It's nice to see you again.""The pleasure is mine", Adam said and kissed the back of my hands."Ugh... Can we just go now?", Anthony said obviously annoyed."But I don't see anyone holding you", I said raisin
? Adrian's POV ?"How was your fisrt day at school", Mum asked during dinner."It was great, Mum", I said grinning.We continued eating but I noticed Mum was feeling uncomfortable like she have something to say."Say it mum", I blurted out and Mum & Aid looked at me."What is it?", Mum asked."You look like something is on your mind. Tell us about it.""Oh! I have something to tell you two", she said and Aid sat upright to listen. "Don't freak out.""We won't", I promised and Aiden nodded."From now on, you'd be going everywhere with bodyguards.""Bodyguards?", Aiden asked confused."Yes baby. You won't go anywhere without bodyguards with you.""But why?", I asked her."It's for your protection darling", she replied."Protection from what?", Aiden asked."You know what?", Mum said and we listened. "The both of you won't ask any mo
3 years later"Excited about the exhibition?", Karlie Ann asked as she entered her sister's room."Excited and nervous", Adrian said while brushing her hair.It was Adrian's art exhibition and she was preparing to head out. She looked at her finger that still wore the diamond ring she was given 3 years ago. She misses him and she hasn't been able to contact him since the beginning of that week."He still hasn't called?", Karlie Ann asked when she noticed her sister was staring at the ring."He hasn't. I'm kinda worried because he doesn't do without calling or texting a day. And now it's been 8 days.""Don't worry. Maybe he's just busy.""I don't think so. Even if it's in the mid night he is free, he always text at least.""Have you tried calling him?""Severally. I will call me after the exhibition again. What are you doing to
🚩Third person's POV🚩The car stopped and Adrian was carried out of the car and placed gently on her wheelchair by Aiden."You are so heavy. What on Earth do you eat?", Aiden said."Stop whining. I'm very light", she argued while eating popcorn."Light indeed. I can even lift you with a finger", he said sarcastically."Whatever", she said and rolled her eyes.Aiden wheeled her towards the house with their parents behind them. They moved to the entrance and Ruby and Eric were standing there.On seeing Eric, tears filled her eyes."Eric?", She whispered and he smiled."Hi", he said and moved closer to her."Are you okay, now?""I'm perfectly fine. Welcome home.""Thanks a lot for everything.""It's my duty.""Welcome home", Ruby greeted and moved closer to hug
🚩Third person's POV🚩Adrian sat down on her hospital bed looking bored. Everyone left her alone that morning to take care of some 'businesses' that they wouldn't seem to tell her of. She has been watching some Netflix movies but it isn't still helping her boredom.The door opened and a girl of her age with blond hair came in holding a folder and dressed in an uniform Adrian has seen some hospital personel wearing."Bored?", The girl asked."Yeah. I can't wait to get out of here." She looked at the girl. "Are you a nurse?"She smiled. "No. I'm just a volunteer here. What's the reason you are here?"Adrian shrugged. "I was shot."The girl laughed. "That's funny. Now tell me the real reason you are here."Adrian raised an eyebrow. "I'm serious. Do you think it's a joke?""I don't think it's a joke. I know it's a joke.""Well, y
🚩Third person's POV🚩Adrian felt a deep pain on her waist and felt someone was beside her. She didn't know who was and she couldn't open her eyes. All she could hear was beeping. She wondered what was wrong with her and why she is like that. She was trying everything to open her eyes but they just wouldn't seem to obey her command.She then heard her mum speak. "Good morning, baby. Today is another day, making it a week and 4 days. Please, baby. Wake up. We all miss you. It's been a hell of a week but I know you are strong."She wanted to ask her mum what she meant by "it's been a week and 4 days". She wanted to shout to her mother but she couldn't even open her eyes talkless of being able to question her mother.At that moment, she felt tired and slipped further into the darkness she woke up in and couldn't get out from.After what felt like hours, she heard the beeping again. She noticed
Cassie woke up to the familiar sound of beeping machine in her daughter's room. She didn't even know when she fell asleep during the night. She looked around and saw that Thomas was not in sight. She wondered where he could be because he was there before she fell asleep. She picked up her phone and realized that it was already 8 am.She looked at her daughter but she was still unconscious. It's been a week and they've all been waiting for her to come back."Good morning, baby", she said stroking her hair. "Today is another day, making it a week and 4 days. Please, baby. Wake up. We all miss you. It's been a hell of a week but I know you are strong", she said with tears rolling down.The door opened revealing Thomas, Aiden, Anthony, Adam and Karlie Ann. Cassie cleaned her face immediately because Thomas wouldn't be pleased if he found out she's been crying again. Everyone has been trying their best to conceal their tears.
🚩 Third Person's POV🚩On hearing the gunshot and Adrian's name, the Kendalls, Anthony and Adam turned their back and ran towards the front of the court. They got there and saw Karlie Ann running towards something or better still someone lying on the floor covered in the pool of blood. At that moment, they were heart broken when they realize who was on the floor.Without wasting time, they ran closer to her and there Adrian was lying in blood and her white tee was crimson."Mum!", Adrian called, sobbing."Yes baby. I'm here. SOMEONE CALL 911! Adrian, baby. Mum is here", Cassie said, shaking all over."Mum", Adrian called again. "It hurts. It hurts", she said and groaned.Cassie let out a sob. "I'm sorry, baby. You'll be fine. I promise.""I can't... the pain... I can't endure the pain. It's unbearable", Adrian said with tears rolling down her eyes."Jus
The court hearing has begun and Lucy, Eric and Ruby were not here. The court has been going on for some minutes and the Kendalls were getting worried. Thomas tried calling the bodyguards but none of them was picking his call. The judge asked for an hour break because the case was going nowhere.When they got outside, they all sat with worried looks."Where are they?", Cassie shouted.Thomas tried to reach Ruby again but she still isn't picking. He dialed Eric's number too but was met with the same response.The lawyer also moved close to them. "Where is Lucy?", She asked."I have no idea. I have been calling the bodyguards I sent to bring her but no one is responding to my calls", Thomas answered her.Adrian was afraid and held unto Anthony's hand. She was almost crying before Aiden spoke up."Ruby!", He called looking forward. They followed his gaze and indee
🚩Third person's POV🚩️Adrian woke up with a very severe headache. She wasn't sure if she was being nervous about the court hearing or it's just a normal headache. But if she were to choose the cause, she would choose the former.She got up from the bed and went to the bathroom to have a refreshing bath. Minutes later, she was through with dressing. Since she was not in the mood to dress up, she wore an old white tee and her faded blue jeans with her favorite Nike sneakers.She was surprised that Karlie Ann wasn't there to force her out of bed. Maybe Karlie Ann also understand what she was going through. She got downstairs and saw her family members sitting at the table having breakfast. The tension was thick in the air that it was almost possible to cut it with a knife."Good morning", she greeted but it was not the usual cheerful greeting she gives every morning. It was a very tense one but her family members un
🚩 Adrian's POV 🚩I woke up when someone was pulling the covers from my body. I opened my eyes and Karlie Ann was standing with her hands on her hips raising an eyebrow."What?", I asked.'It is time to get up. Aren't you going to school?'I checked the time. "What? It's still early. This is just 6 o'clock."'Yes. And that makes it the time to wake and dress up for school.'"No! We wake up by 8 in the morning", I argued.'Well, not anymore. Things have changed. Get up', she said and pulled the covers completely from my body. 'As from today, you have to wake up by 6 to get ready for school.'"What?!", I said almost shouting but she didn't say anything and went out the door.I took that as an opportunity and pull the covers back to sleep but she came in again holding a bottle of water.I laughed sheepishly. "I wasn't slee