30th. May. Tuesday.Damon, Damien, and Aria got to school the next day, and they couldn't help but sense there was something like a vibe in school. Students were talking to each other in the hallway. In fact, everyone."What's happening?" Damien wondered looking around at everyone's brooding faces."Something really did happen," Aria confirmed also looking at everyone gossiping with their sad faces on.She walked toward a girl, and the boys followed. "Hi, Charity. Did something happen?"Charity looked at Aria and nodded. "Yeah. We heard something big happened. Something very sad.""What's the sad thing?" Damon asked."It's Sam from our class. We heard he's dead.""Samuel Fitz?" Damien asked for clarification.Charity and her friend nodded. "The news came in early this morning from the teachers. He died of food poisoning." Charity's friend made known."Soon they're going to call us all out for an assembly once information has reached the principal." Charity made known.The siblings nod
"Dad, mom..." Damien looked at his mom, and dad as they sat on the dining chair."What is it?" Alexa asked him."There's something you guys should know." Damien continued and looked at his siblings. They nodded giving the go-ahead."It seems it's something bad." Leo noticed.They all nodded. "Someone died in school.""What?" Alexa asked with a frown, while Leo was taken aback by it.""A kid named Sam Fitzgerald. He died."Leo nodded. "Okay. What killed him? Accident?""Drug overdose." Damon blunted out.Leo and Alexa looked at him. "He took too much paracetamol or what?" Leo asked.Damon shook his head. "The illegal kind."Leo and Alexa looked at each other surprised by it."Methamphetamine?" Leo asked.They all shrugged."Who gave him that?" Alexa asked with a frown on her face."The cops are beginning their investigation tomorrow," Aria answered."Although he was caught using drugs before he died. It was found in his bags and he admitted it. We just don't know or get how he overdose
"This is just wrong, Philip. Watching a little kid as a suspect. Not fun."Philip looked at the frown on his partner's face. "Still this stakeout is necessary, Rita. We have to find the older kid behind the little kid. He might come to visit."Rita nodded. "Yeah, I guess. I still find the domino effect hard to believe. Kids taking meth? How are we even sure that Joseph kid didn't take it? Kids do lie.""That's why I'm thinking of doing a test on them. It's essential." Philip imparted.Rita looked at the door of the house of Alan Murray. "It's a good thing the parents weren't informed yet. We have to be sure if that kid was right, or wasn't just throwing his friend under the bus.""You don't believe him?" Philip asked.Rita looked at him. "Believe that a kid like Alan is capable of introducing and forcing his friends to take meth? That's absurd." She looked back at the door. "At least for now.""Who do you really suspect, then?"Rita looked back at him. "Left to me, it'll be the older
(1st. June. Thursday.)"Happy new month, Leo."Leo looked at her as he was about to wear his jacket. "You're awake."Alexa nodded. "Yeah. And you're already dressed for work.""Told you I have an early meeting."Alexa sighed. "Yeah, you did. So, um, there's a special day this month, you know that right?""Father's day?"Alexa chuckled. "Yeah. That, and your birthday. Two days it seems.""Oh." Leo gaped, and then he nodded putting on his tie. "Yeah.""We should celebrate it this time, Leo. I really don't like the fact that you neglect it. It's an important day."Leo sighed, picked up his shoes, sat on the bed, and began wearing them. "I've told you times without number, Alexa. It's nothing to celebrate.""Everyone's birthday is worth celebrating.""Not mine, Alexa. It makes me remember things that I don't want to remember. The main purpose of why I was brought to life.""You're letting it affect you, Leo. You shouldn't keep letting it. I feel like you just hate celebrations as a whole.
Alexa looked outside her window, her brow furrowed as she saw a car stopped in front of their gate. "Someone is here, Leo."Leo looked at her and got up toward the window. He tried wrapping his hands around her, but she wiggled herself away and walked toward the door. "We should go check who that is."Leo sighed feeling frustrated at Alexa. He was beginning to wonder what he'll do to appease her.Alexa left the room and Leo followed. They both walked down the stairs and as she was about to walk out of the door... "Leave it be, Alexa. I'll handle it."Alexa looked at him and sighed, then she looked toward the movie room, or as her kids like to call it, their game room. The door was ajar, so she decided to go meet them.Leo watched her go, he shook his head and proceeded out the door, and toward the gate. He opened it as the visitor was about to knock."Hi."Leo looked at her in confusion. She was oddly familiar. "Do I know you?""If I'm that lucky to be remembered, we've taken glances
Four days later. (5th June. Monday.)"Hey! Charlotte!" Aria called as Charlotte was about to walk past her.Charlotte stopped in her tracks and turned toward Aria. Aria did the same, her hands folded, giving Charlotte a smug smile."What do you want, Aria?"Aria walked toward her. "I don't like the attitude you've been giving to me, Charlotte. Don't you think it's high time you apologize to me?""Apologize?" Charlotte asked with a frown. "We both know I did nothing wrong.""Does it matter?""If it doesn't matter, then why not apologize to me instead?"Aria scoffed. "Apologize to you? You must have been dreaming big to ever think that."Charlotte sighed and nodded. "Then don't call me when you see me. If you don't apologize, this friendship is over." She turned and walked away.Aria gritted her teeth at her retreating back and turned toward her other friend who just watched. "It seems Charlotte has grown some wings."Her friend blinked nervously. "Truth be told, you wronged her, Aria.
[Three weeks and four days later. (22nd. June. Wednesday.)]"Alan has officially left the school. How are you doing?"Joseph lowered his head. "A bit guilty. If I had reported, I would have saved them earlier on."The principal sighed. "You don't have to blame yourself. Does your dad know everything that's happening?"Joseph nodded. "Yeah. He's just too busy to concern himself. He knows I'm safe.""And you are? I just don't want you to get affected by it. Make new friends, okay?"Joseph nodded. "Yes, ma'am.""Do the Hodges still bother you?"Joseph shook his head. "In a while, they haven't. I guess they're waiting for things to die down first. I'm really scared of them, ma'am."The principal sighed. "If any complaints about them come to my table again, I'll make sure I do something about it.""What about their father? He defends them. He doesn't even know his kids are bullies""Well, next time, when they bother you, be smart about it. There needs to be evidence to prove those kids are
Alexa was browsing seriously on the file Leo brought home, leaning against the headboard, and smiled knowing her company is really left in good hands. Everything was moving smoothly, and her stock prices rising. Some members of her board even told her that truly Leo is extremely annoying, can be disrespectful, and is too annoyingly straightforward, but he does a good job. His ideas, terrific.She looked as the door opened and Leo entered in. "Going through the folder?" He asked seeing the file in her hands.Alexa nodded and dropped it on the vanity. "Done tucking your daughter to bed?"Leo smiled and sat beside her. "She loves my stories.""Hmm. I'm kinda having a feeling she won't grow out of it." Alexa disclosed.Leo nodded. "I'll stop it sooner, or instead reduce it. She'll definitely grow up."Alexa equally nodded. "So, what's going on these days?""With work?" Leo asked confused."Your life. I can't help, but feel you're up to something."Leo rose a brow. "What got you that idea?
The greatest shock Alexa received in all her life was when Leo knelt down on the ground with a ring in hand and ask the question she has never heard anyone ask her. "Will you marry me?"She was overwhelmed by that question. It was totally unexpected. Out of nowhere. It officially became one of the happiest days of her life.Her smile was broad and uncontrollable, and after saying yes, immediately after he stood up, she engulfed him in a hug.Their kids and friends just stood there happy since it was all planned by all of them.The wedding was not that grand, but it was perfect. The happy smiles on their face made things different from when they had their first.This time, there was love in their eyes. They were happy as they looked at each other.Back then, it was just pain, confusion, and different negative thoughts in their heads when they were about to join them together. There was just no smile on their faces no matter how much they wanted to force it.It's funny how different thi
Throughout, the kids were restless since they have no idea what was going on. They haven't seen their mom and their dad since he saved them from the wicked men."I'm pretty sure everything is going to be fine," Joseph spoke out, shaking his head at their brooding expressions as he came out of the kitchen."Don't talk to us, Joseph." Damien shunned him in a bad mood.Joseph took a seat on the couch by their left. "I understand you guys detest me, but I'm sure you've understood why. I'm not a bad person, you know."Damien scoffed. "Whatever.""He's right." James chimed in, coming out of his room. He closed his door shut and walked closer to the kids. "He's also a victim." He made known, sitting down on the couch opposite Joseph.The kids kept quiet wanting him to talk further."He's a kid without parents. Homeless. He saw an opportunity and grabbed it. He's sorry for everything he did just because he was looking out for himself. He's also helped to save a lot of kids like Kara. The cops
Leo's eyes widened in shock and horror as he held his wife firmly from falling to the floor. "Oh, my God."Alexa was choking as she was finding it hard to breathe, blood spilling from her mouth and the part she got shot which was her back.Leo knelt on the ground with her in his arms still in shock at what happened. He couldn't believe it. His... His wife got shot. "Alexa." It came out with a shaky breath.Her breathing was heavy, she was finding it hard to even say anything to him."We need an ambulance." Leo's voice came out shaky once again, but the war was still going on."This shouldn't have happened." The boss's voice was filled with regret."I'm sorry, boss. She came in the way." Mason apologized.Leo sighted Harrison and his goon hiding and immediately knew they were the ones who shot his wife. He knew they were hiding, but he thought it was just to save themselves from being shot.Fury tore through him. He didn't wanna kill anyone, but he was not ready for that man to go scot
(November 3rd. Wednesday)Leo stopped his car and came out of it arriving at the place Harrison Lewis said they should meet. It was like an isolated express where people and cars don't really pass through.His eyes were fixated on the old man and the other guy standing next to him and behind them was their car.It was obvious the old man was Harrison Lewis and it made him realize he actually never met him til now."It's an honor to meet you, Leonard Hodge. I'm honest." Harrison said with a smile.Leo looked around the old man since there was just one thing on his mind and that was saving his precious kids."Where are my kids?" Leo asked really wanting to see them.Harrison nodded. "Yeah." He looked at Mason. "Bring them out."Mason nodded walked to the car and opened it. He urged the kids to come out which they immediately did since they saw their father.Leo's eyes softened as he saw his kids. He was in relief seeing as they were looking fine.As Aria was about to run to her dad, Mas
The boss looked around the whole room, nodding his head and showing how pleased he was with it. "I didn't know you bought a house here, Mason."Mason nodded. "Yes, boss. It was actually for a reason, though."The boss looked at him. "I'm thankful you came back, but I've been having this burning question. How did you know?"Mason sighed. "It's Carmen, boss.""Carmen? Don't understand.""You said I should trail her on which I did. I was shocked when I heard her speaking to Leo via voicemail about what she's done for him. She was...she was the traitor, boss."The boss blinked and stumbled back a little due to missing his steps. "No. No way."Mason nodded. "It shocked and angered me. It was through her I know of the raid."The boss let out a shaky breath, finding it unbelievable. "Can't believe this. Where's she now?"Mason looked away. "I had no choice.""No choice on what?" The boss asked inquisitively."My...my anger got the best of me, boss. I shot her on the spot." Mason dropped hopi
Leonard's heart felt like it was put on a stake as he kept pacing on the porch of his house, looking worried and extremely restless.It's been hours since the mission to get his kids safe and sound, but he hasn't gotten anything. All he could get was a stupid voicemail from Carmen making him wonder how much senseless she can be.His phone began ringing making him stop in his tracks. He looked to see it was Emily and for some reason, he just felt there was bad news coming and he could only hope he was wrong."Emily..." He said after taking a calm breath. He heard her clear her throat making him sigh. "Don't tell me it's bad news.""I'm sorry, Leo. We had it all covered thinking everyone was where they were meant to be, but we were taken by surprise. Harrison Lewis and one other together with your kids escaped."Leo rubbed his head in frustration, feeling so annoyed and knowing the choice he was now left with. "We failed then. We lost our only chance.""Leo, there could be another way."
(NOVEMBER 2ND. WEDNESDAY.)"So tell me, Mason. Are you on her tail?" The boss asked over the phone.Mason nodded. "Yes, boss, but why? Why am I following her?"The boss shook his head. "Don't know. I just have a gut that she's up to something.""Something like what?"The boss sighed. "That girl has been calm lately. She doesn't come to me anymore...it's like she's creating an arm's length between us. She doesn't even talk about the anger she has toward the Hodges like she does then, so I'm having a wild feeling that something is not right with her.""And what do you think you'll get, boss?" Mason asked as he tailed Carmen carefully."Don't know. I feel she's sleeping with another man. She probably met someone to abandon me for and I won't condone that, because when I saved her, there was a pact between us."She's meant to be his if she wanted the whole world which is something he could provide for her."And what if she's betraying you, boss? What should I do?" Mason felt like asking.
"Ring. Ring. Ring."Leo's phone began ringing cutting short a long conversation as he attempted to calm Alexa down, telling her everything was gonna be fine since she couldn't stop complaining and then sobbing and then crying, showing how sad she was that their kids weren't with them.He's also sad, but all he's gotta do without choice is try calming Alexa down.He sighed, picked up his phone from where he kept it and looked at the familiar number. It was Damon's. He blinked at it, definitely knowing it wasn't his son, but his enemy.A call he's been impatiently waiting for.He answered the call. "Harrison Lewis." It sounded more like an inquiry.Alexa gently sat up, her gaze fixated on Leo, looking curious.He heard the man chuckle. "Of course, you guys cracked that. Damn it's been so long since I've heard my name.""I know everything, Mr. Lewis. Yes, I cracked a lot, but what is it you really want? How stupidly far can you go, since after all, you started stupid?"Alexa let out a wo
Carmen shook her head with a smile at the little kids in front of her. The boys just sat on the one bed inside the cage, quiet and sad, while the girl just lay down."So these are Leonard Hodge's little devils. I've heard so much."The boys looked up at her, recognizing her. She's Kara's mother. But they just looked away. No matter how strong they act, in the end, the reality of them being kidnapped, and taken from their parents were getting to them."Oh, look how sad you are." Carmen pouted at their facial expressions. "You are supposed to be tough, right?"Aria started sobbing obviously tired of what was happening. Missing her mom and dad. She doesn't know how long she can bear it.The heat due to lack of AC and the fear of eating their food that might be contaminated. Everything was so disgusting to her and it tired her. It felt like she was in jail. Now she knows why people don't like jail.Damon sighed as Aria's crying wasn't helping matters. He had to confess, that urge to also