Chapter 8

One week later

Azure nervously waited for the results of the special test, his heart pounding in his chest. He knew that this test was the key to unlocking his future, and he had spent days preparing for it with the help of Zeke and Francine. They had spent countless hours pouring over textbooks and reviewing important questions that might appear on the test.

Zeke had been the one to first suggest that Azure take the special test. "You're too smart to waste your talents," he had said. "You could go places if you just had the right opportunities." And so, with Zeke and Francine's guidance, Azure had thrown himself into his studies, determined to ace the test and secure his future. He won’t let down Zeke. The first man who trusted him and treated him with respect.

And now, as he waited for the results, he couldn't help but wonder what his life would be like if he passed. He had always been intelligent; he knows that, but he had never quite known what to do with his talents. With the special test, however, he knew that he had the chance to do something great.

Finally, the results came in. Azure's heart skipped a beat as he read the words on the paper. "Accepted," it said. He had done it. He had passed the test and secured his future.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Azure turned to Zeke and Francine, who were both grinning from ear to ear. "Thank you," he said, tears in his eyes. "I couldn't have done it without you. I’m a 9th grader now,”

Zeke clapped him on the back. "Of course, you could have," The old man said. "You're one of the smartest people I know. We were just here to help you along the way."

Francine nodded in agreement. "You're going to do amazing things, Azure," she said. "I just know it."

And with those words of encouragement ringing in his ears, Azure set off to begin his new life. He was filled with a sense of purpose and determination that he had never felt before, and he knew that he had Zeke and Francine to thank for helping him get there.

These past few days, Azure threw himself into his studies, eager to learn everything he could about his new field. He spent countless hours in the library, pouring over textbooks and taking detailed notes. And all the while, Zeke and Francine were there, cheering him on and offering words of encouragement.

As he worked towards his goals, Azure couldn't help but notice the growing bond between himself and Francine. They had always been close friends, but lately, he found himself thinking about her more and more. He admired her intelligence and her work ethic, and he loved the way she always seemed to know just what to say to make him feel better.

The Forenbach family was overjoyed with Azure's achievement. They were proud of him for passing the special test and securing his future. His intelligence was undeniable, and they knew he would go far in life.

However, there was one member of the family who didn't have much to say about Azure's success. Royce, Francine's older brother, seemed to be distant and uninterested in the news. It was a mystery to everyone, but Azure didn't dwell on it. He was too busy focusing on his studies and his new school.

“Goodluck on your first day at school, Francine, Azure!” Beatriz and Zeke wave their hands in the air. The couple looks so happy while looking at them. 

“Thanks, mom, dad! We’re going to go now!” Francine waves her hands back.

Their family driver drives them up to University. Even though Azure has already seen the University, he still can't believe he is going to study in this prestigious school.

“I know you’re scared, Azure. But you don’t have to. I know you can do this. You can just call me on my phone if you need something,” She said. Her father bought him a cellphone and taught him how to use it.

He took a deep breath. “Thanks, Francine,”

Azure felt a bit nervous. It was a new environment, and he didn't know anyone yet. As they reached the University, Francine gave him a fist bump and wished him luck, and he felt a surge of confidence.

As he entered his classroom, Azure was surprised to see that he was the oldest student there. Everyone is looking at him. He’s like attending a children’s party. It didn't bother him, though. What did bother him, however, was the attention he was receiving from the girls in his class and the other classrooms.

Many of them were flirting with him and showing interest in him, but Azure wasn't interested. He found their advances annoying and distracting. He was there to learn, not to date.

One particular girl, Lily, was especially persistent. She would follow him around and try to strike up conversations with him, but Azure always found a way to politely excuse himself. He didn't want to be rude, but he also didn't want to encourage her advances.

Francine had noticed the attention Azure was receiving, and she found it amusing rather than being jealous. She knew Azure was focused on his studies, and she trusted him to handle the situation with the girls in his class.

As the time passed, Azure began to form close friendships with some of his classmates, including a boy named Jake, who shared his interest in science and technology. He is older than Jake, but he’s not too young either. He also found himself growing closer to Francine, who he had always considered to be his special person.

He admired her intelligence and her drive, and he appreciated the support she had given him throughout his journey. He found himself thinking about her more and more, and he can’t stop wondering about her.

But he didn't want to rush anything. He was there to focus on his studies, and he didn't want any distractions. As much as he enjoyed spending time with Francine, he knew that he had to stay focused if he wanted to achieve his goals.

And so, he continued to snub the girls who showed interest in him, choosing instead to focus on his studies. He knew that his future was bright, and he was determined to make the most of it, with or without a romantic mate by his side.

***

It was recess time on the campus, and Azure was looking for Francine. He had finished his classes early and had some free time on his hands, so he thought he would spend it with his friend. He went to her classroom, but Francine was not there.

“Have you seen Francine?” He asked one of her classmates.

They all nodded and said they hadn't seen her.

Azure decided to look for her around the campus. He walked down the corridors and scanned the soccer field, but he couldn't find her anywhere. It was only when he heard some commotion coming from a secluded corner of the field that he realized something was wrong.

As he approached the source of the noise, he saw that Francine was being cornered by three young men. They were harassing her, and she looked scared and helpless.

Azure felt his blood boil. He had always been protective of Francine, and he couldn't stand to see her being harrassed. He marched up to the men, his fists clenched and his jaw set.

"What the hell do you think you're doing?" he spat at them.

The men turned to face Azure, surprised by his sudden appearance. They seemed taken aback by his aggression, but they quickly regained their composure and sneered at him.

"None of your business, oldie," one of them replied. "Why don't you just run along and leave us alone?"

Azure didn't budge. He stood his ground, his eyes locked on Francine. He could see the fear in her eyes, but he also saw something else – gratitude.

She knew he was there to protect her, and that gave her strength.

The young men continued to taunt Azure, but he refused to back down. He was taller and stronger than them, and he knew he could take them on. They were just kids, the same as Francine’s age. He braced himself for a fight, his fists at the ready.

The young men lunged at him, and Azure fought back with all his might. He landed blow after blow, his fists connecting with their faces and bodies. 

Francine shouted in fear. “Azure! Don’t!”

But he didn’t listen to her. There’s no way to stop him. They mess up with her, they will see his evil side.

He felt a sense of satisfaction as he watched them crumble to the ground, defeated.

Francine watched in awe as Azure fought off her harasser. She had never seen him so angry, so determined. It was a side of him she had never seen before, and it made her heart race.

When the fight was over, Azure helped Francine to her feet. She was shaken and disheveled, but she was unharmed. Azure put his arm around her shoulder, and together they walked away from the scene.

As they walked, Francine looked up at Azure with admiration in her eyes. She had always known he was intelligent and driven, but she had never realized how strong and brave he could be. She felt a warmth in her chest, and she knew that her feelings for him were deepening.

Azure, too, was feeling something new. As he looked down at Francine, he felt a sense of protectiveness and affection. He knew that he would always be there for her, no matter what.

After the incident with the bullies, Francine was a mess. She was crying and shaking, and Azure knew that he needed to comfort her.

He took her to a secluded area of the campus, away from prying eyes. He sat her down on a bench and put his arm around her shoulders.

"It's okay," he said softly. "You're safe now."

Francine sniffled and wiped her tears. "I'm sorry," she said. "I didn't mean to cause trouble."

Azure shook his head. "It's not your fault," he said. "Those young guys were out of line. I won't let anyone hurt you, ever."

Francine looked up at him, her eyes red and swollen. "Why did you do that?" she asked. "You could have gotten hurt."

Azure shrugged. "I couldn't let them hurt you," he said simply. "You're my family, and I care about you."

Francine felt a warmth spread through her chest. She had always admired Azure, but in that moment, she realized that her feelings for him were deeper than she had thought. But damn, she’s just fourteen!

"I care about you too," she said, her voice barely above a whisper.

Azure looked at her, and for a moment, they locked eyes. There was something in the way he looked at her - a tenderness, a protectiveness – that made her heart skip a beat.

"You know," he said, breaking the silence. "You should know how to fight. Once they know you’re weak, they will abuse you,”

Francine nodded, her head still bowed. "I know," she said. "But I might be good at academics, but I have a weak body. I can’t even fight,” There’s a disappointment in her tone.

Azure took her chin in his hand and lifted her face to his. "You're amazing," he said. "You're smart, kind, and talented. You have so much to offer the world, and anyone who can't see that is a fool. Those young kids are probably brats,”

Francine smiled weakly, but Azure could see that his words were having an effect. She seemed to be gaining confidence, and he knew that he had done the right thing by standing up for her.

"I'll always be here for you," he said. "I'll protect you, and I'll never let anyone hurt you again."

Francine felt a rush of gratitude and affection for Azure. She leaned into him, resting her head on his shoulder.

"Thank you," she whispered. "You're the best, Azure,”

Azure felt a surge of emotion as he held her. He had always cared about Francine, but in that moment, he realized that his feelings for her were changing. He wanted to protect her, yes, but he also wanted to be more than just a brother.

As they sat together, the sun shining down on them, Azure knew that he would do anything to make Francine happy. He would protect her, console her, and be there for her, no matter what.