23

BRICE

FRIDAY

I walked out of the Physics exam content with my performance. I would never be as confident in academics as I was in athletics but I was certain I'd passed this one. Having a geneticist as a father highlighted that, despite my talents and capabilities, I was still lacking.

He was a brilliant doctor and scientist, and I was a brilliant swimmer.

It didn't quite compare.

I was capable of focusing on Physics without a spell clouding my mind. I'd be lying if I said Soleil didn't help me with study techniques and highlighting topics I should focus on. I get overwhelmed by course work and end up not wanting to do it.

What am I going to do with our contract? I pondered.

We had a deal. Was I going to let it go, just like that? No. Now so more than ever.

I've been holding myself back, allowing Soleil to heal and digest everything she's seen. I did tear a wall in her mind and uncovered a deep-seated fear that drew terror demons to her. She's taking this rather well if you ask me. I'd been checking on her, without her knowledge of course, to make sure she wasn't suffering any nightmares.

It didn't take me long to figure out Soleil had blocked me. I'd tried to call her. When I couldn't get through to her all day Wednesday, I went to her room later that night and checked her phone. Having a bio-ID erased the labour of guessing a password. Using her finger to unlock the screen, I saw my number was no longer listed and she was no longer following me on the socials.

I rolled my eyes because I noticed when she followed me and of course I followed her back but she never liked my posts. She was a silent lurker so I wasn't surprised by her move to ghost me. Clearly, she needed space and I was going to give it to her.

I'm also trying to play it cool and keep a low profile between us to quell any embers of the rumours started on Halloween night. I have to thank Hailey for her stupidity in going live. She's dead set on forgetting that weekend. The gossip mongers should move on when their queen bee posts MD content which is all she can talk about.

"How was it?" Louis asks closely followed by Baptist when we walk out of the exam hall.

"Pas mal du tout. And for you?" Not bad at all.

"Je l'ai cloué." I nailed it.

"Oui. C'était un morceau de cake." Yes. It was a piece of cake, comments Baptist.

The Bourbons are cousins and members of Maverick Manor. Proud Franks but not as insufferable as Le Pen. We head back to the dorms shooting the shit about our plans for the MD after party despite it only being the first week of exams.

"What's up?" Jacques asks when we settle and find him in the common room.

"Trying to come up with a venue to host the afterparty," Louis says.

"I thought the matrics as a grade had already organised one at Club Con?"

"Yes. This is more of a private party," Baptiste says as he wiggles his brows.

"Tell me more. I'm sure we can use the manor-" Jacques says before I have to cut him off.

"I already said no. And besides, having it and Mavericks would exclude most people since its members only/invite only."

"And? What's the problem with that?"

"I already said no."

My decision was final. I wanted to spend the last night of my high school career with all my peers. I had a feeling I would be seeing this bunch for more years than I cared to count. I could do a night without.

In the silence that followed, I saw Tshepo walk past with Hidde. I whistled to get their attention.

"You guys down for a private party after MD?" I asked.

"Yes!" Tshepo said.

"No." Hidde replied simultaneously.

"Bien sûr il est invité." Of course he's invited.

I caught the snide remark uttered under Jacques' breath even if no one else did.

Lately he'd been rubbing me the wrong way since our run in on the stairs.

"Okay we're going to need a venue - something private. We don't want to get raided. Limited access," Louis forged on with the plans.

Tshepo raised his brow. "Count me out. I can swing a weekend with the boys but my rents won't admit strangers into their home."

"Then don't tell them." Baptiste countered.

He rolled his eyes in annoyance. "How about I hire an air BnB? I don't mind covering the cost but these bookings require you to be over 21."

"Who's booking?" Baptist asked.

They both turned to Hidde who folded his arms as a pre-cursor. "I already said no to a private house party. Why then would I want to be responsible for the mess that will doubtlessly ensue?"

"Remember the party your grandfather threw in the Cape? He said anytime so maybe..."

"Oupa is far too kind for his own good which is why I'm repeating myself, yet again, in saying no.

Hidde then turned his accusatory gaze on me.

"Shit. I can't host every party. I'm still trying to recover from hosting Halloween."

I could hear the gears shifting as the boys tried to come up with a plan. We may have enough money to do what we wanted but that didn't mean there weren't other restrictions keeping us at bay.

"If you can't think of anything else, you're welcome to head straight to the vac house afterwards," I proffered as a consolation before heading back to my room.

***

Despite it being the weekend the only thing to look forward to during finals is the MD. Jacques has requested a club meeting and I doubt he has anything entertaining planned. When he's not on the rugby field, he's a man of the arts preferring to indulge in French music, food, and literature. I'm a proud Frank but it gets boring and at times obnoxious.

"I was thinking maybe you'd wear your red military jacket to match my dress," says Hailey pulling my mind back to the present.

"Hmm. I'll think about it."

I didn't want to draw unnecessary attention to myself. I couldn't explain that I'd served which is why I had the uniform. According to what most knew it was a tradition carried down the line by the men in my family.

"What about a red blazer with your house emblem."

"Maybe."

"Are you even interested in going with me anymore?" she asked with her head hung low.

I wrapped my arm around her shoulders and mussed Hailey's hair playfully. I cared about her and appreciated my mother's decision to take her in despite our past. However, things had changed. We would never be lovers. I handled her with care simply because the men that were supposed to didn't.

"Of course. I just don't want the pomp and circus of it all."

"But your family basically built this place. Your the legacy of the founding family of this school – this town. Be proud and stand for that. Think about your future generations."

That's all I did - think about the future generations, because that's all most people seemed to care about when they saw me as the next in line. Technically, I was an adult. But this wasn't the olden days where 18 was an appropriate age to sire children – more specifically an heir. This was the twenty first century and I could afford to wait another decade if I so wished.

"They'll be perfectly fine irrespective of what I do or don't wear. Surely, they'll have greater responsibilities than following the dictates of fashion."

Hailey looked offended.

"What's wrong with fashion? Antonella wants to get into the industry."

"And that's perfectly fine in her case. Her family is in the mob. They could do with a few legitimate businesses. She'd be doing them a favour."

"Speaking of the family business, where do you think I would fit in? I already applied to law school."

"Uhm... haven't you spoken to père about your future plans?"

"No, I'm closer to Genevieve," she replied in a resigned tone.

I nodded my head in understanding. My father was a hard man. A man of focus and structure. A man of science. He'd adopted Hailey to appease his wife. He had me to fulfill his duty as a man to the family line.

How boring. How sad. It could never be me.

"We'll speak to him before the holidays. Just focus on your exams and not stepping on my toes today, okay."

She bobbed her head in agreement with a smile gracing her face. I liked Hailey. I just didn't want to cross the line by slipping back into a physical relationship. I couldn't be the boyfriend she needed. I needed to focus on the trials that stood ahead of me starting with the Olympics.

So much for my focus when my attention was stolen by Soleil as soon as she walked in. Her skirt gently swayed from side to side with the strut of her heels showing off her toned legs.

We make brief eye contact before she tears her gaze away. I admire her form as she moves across the hall. I run my gaze from the crown of her dark hair pulled back in the standard bun to the soles of her heeled feet. One of the first things I noticed about Soleil when she was standing in my car was her legs. Not for the first time, I imagine them wrapped around me. That is until she ends up in Mark's embrace.

I'm pleased to announce that the desire to kill him every time I see him with her is gone. Seeing them together irks me though.

"Tell me what it's like sipping on that hot chocolate," says Louis following my gaze.

I didn't even notice him come up to me. That's how distracting she is. I can't help but glance over again and see her skirt lift slightly as Mark spun her around. She smiled so easily around him and seemed to be having a good time. It was unsettling to watch but I'd never admit it.

Before I can give a witty comeback, Jacque quips with a, "He's a dog and you know what chocolate does to dogs."

He mimics a bark for dramatic effect that gets a chuckle from some of the guys. Irritation courses through my veins in a red rage.

I'd been cocky when I started having sex. I would brag about it all the time. I couldn't blame those who knew my reputation because I was a horny teen with access. I could even admit that the mess with Hailey was a point of shame.

But to call me a dog?

I felt disrespected.

I've always owned up to my shit - my actions and the decisions I've made. But to call me a dog? Does he know I am a god?

"Come again?"

"Leave him." Louis places his hand on my chest stepping between us to calm me down.

"Alright boys and girls." Mrs Lydall claps to get our attention. "Can we please have two lines with each one of you facing your partner."

Hailey walks over to stand in front of me, oblivious of the little exchange. I would drop it for now because I planned to drop him later.

***

I walk down the hallway of the family wing with Hidde looking sharp for dinner in a black tux. We're meeting with the other members - Louis, Baptiste and Jacques – downstairs .

"Jacques has called this meeting because he's feeling... disgruntled. I hope we can settle whatever is brewing between the two of you before things escalate.

Truth be told, I'm ready for a beat down.

"Don't worry. We'll settle the matter tonight."

Hidde doesn't look convinced.

"Just keep a calm head. Listen and don't respond unless spoken to. Allow me to be Chair and arbitrate the situation."

"Sure. If you think that will solve anything."

If you asked me, the problem is that Jacques talked too much about things that didn't concern him and we all allowed it.

We gather in the library after everyone has settled in for the night. It's going to be a short stay seeing that every pupil is under lockdown for exams. We're already pushing our privileges with the principle but why should I care? He technically works for the family.

I spot Jacque in the corner looking uncomfortable with Louis and Baptiste. All are dressed for a late dinner.

"What did we miss?" asks Didier DuPont who is soon joined by his younger brother, Olivier.

They had transferred from Milton to Saints a couple of years back. Since our fathers were fast friends, they were allowed to keep their membership.

"I wasn't expecting you two."

"Je prendrai n'importe quelle excuse pour quitter l'école." I will take any excuse to leave school.

A smile broke out over Hidde's usually stoic features. They were close until Didier left. Hidde would have followed suit had it not been for his sense of duty and focus. He had already made headway at Milton for leadership. He wasn't going to lose that for a fresh start at a new school.

"Hoe gaan dit?" How's it going?

"Hidde hidde hidde. Bisou vir my boer." A kiss for my farmer.

He walks over to my cousin with the pleasantries then shortly after heads over to the bar and pours himself a brandy.

"What's on the agenda for the evening? I'm here out of sheer curiosity more than anything," says Olivier following in his brother's steps and pouring himself a glass.

We had been drinking since our early teens. It would be hypocritical to stop Olivier now that we were finally legal. Nevermind he was 2 years our junior.

I let them catch up and take a seat in my father's chair behind the heavy, wide oak desk.

"Gentlemen, if you could please gather around. I'm glad that everyone took the time out of their busy schedules to come to Mavericks. It's been a long road in the various institutions of learning we have attended. We are almost at the end. Tensions are high and I would hate for that to spill over into the brotherhood we have formed which is why this meeting has been called. Jacques and Brice, I will give you both the floor to clear the air."

"Thank you, Hidde. You have always been a man of integrity and honour. A man worthy of respect and someone I can confidently stand behind. Unfortunately, I can't say the same for the VP of this club. He does whatever he wants, whenever he wants, with whomever he wants with impunity. What kind of an example does he set? What does he represent because at this point, I highly doubt it's us."

Olivier's eyebrows reach for his hairline. He quickly covers his reaction by tipping the glass back. The rest of the room stands in silence. Despite my many misgivings, no one had ever come for me over my behaviour.

"What can I say? Manners have always eluded me. Why don't you have our good boy Hidde write you a ticket and then you can stand in line with my mother. She's more invested than you've ever been and she's still waiting for the gentleman in me to emerge. Take a seat, it's going to be quite the wait," I egg him on.

I can see his jaw tick and pupils dilate in anger. Jacques is a big boy playing the position of a forward on the rugby team. If he wants a fight, all he needs is to call me out like a man instead of this tedious diplomatic shit he's playing at.

"He thinks he can do whatever he wants, consequences be damned. We stand having this conversation like equals and friends yet he can't be bothered to join us. Look at him behind that desk lording over us with that smug look on his face. Am I the only one disturbed by him? How he moves? How he treats his own compared to others?"

"Sure things have gotten out of hand a time or too but we're young. It's all in good fun. I don't go to Milton and I'm not his prefect." Didier shrugs his shoulders and effectively washes his hands of whatever Jacques wanted him to collude to.

"Where is this now coming from, huh? We were planning a private party earlier which Brice has very kindly offered to host," says Louis. He claps Jacques on the back in good nature.

"He's the resident bad boy so we don't have to be." Baptiste supplies.

He gives me a wink to show he means no harm. I resent the title. But it is what it is.

"So you're all gonna turn a blind eye because you benefit from it?"

"Le Pen, that's human nature. You should know that better than us seeing that you tend to move in political circles." Olivier walks over to the bar to refill his glass. "We're in fucking high school. If he screwed up over something majorly impactful then maybe. But these infractions are some dumb ass rules to keep dumb ass kids in line."

"Hidde?" Jacques implores the only guy in the room not to have said anything. "Do you think this is acceptable?"

"What's the real issue here? What did you mean when you referred to 'how Brice treats his own compared to others? ' As Olivier pointed out, these infractions you speak of are immaterial to the club."

"Well, how about the fact that he's let me take a few hits on the field because he was covering Tshepo? What about how he's been leading Hailey along for all these years only to embarrass her with that Soleil chick? Not to forget, he allowed my suspension back in Grade 10 when you could have put in a good word with the principle?!"

"Brice, do you have anything to say for yourself?"

"Is this what you called us here for? To demonstrate your jealousy? Tshepo is our right wing and has scored more tries than anyone else on the team. Why would I jeopardise his injury when you're clearly built to take a hit. Do you think it's by mistake we've won the league for the past three years. As for Hailey, I know you have a thing for her and I didn't mind it at first but now... Shouldn't you be happy I've set my sights elsewhere? So tell me, do you want to fuck me or do you want to be me?"

Jacques eyes widened in anger and what I'd guess to be embarrassment. His face changed from its usual pale palour to a beet red as he made to lunge at me. Fortunately for him, the boys held him back.

I stand to my feet and walk around the desk. "Let him go." They slowly do and we stand chest to chest. Nose to nose. Where Jacque is tall and wide, I'm built tall and lean. "It's not my fault you got in a fight with Obi. The kid was half your size. Since you want a piece of me so badly, I'll give it to you."

"Le défie-t-il en combat?" Is he challenging him to a fight?

"Yes, Olivier, I am. Clearly, someone wants retribution."

"No. What are we going to tell the school when we return tomorrow and you two look like you were pulled from a wreck?"

"I plan to come out of this unscathed. Maybe you should try reasoning with your friend since diplomacy works so well."

"I'm good to go. Ici maintenant," Jacques counters. Right here right now.

I head to the door and pull it open. "As much as I don't care for material things, the same can't be said about our other members. Follow me."

We head downstairs to the basement that is cold and dark. The first level is a cellar but there is another level below hidden behind a false wall. I pull on the lever designed to look like a bottle. The door gives way to a staircase and the torches on the side wall instantly light with fire.

Once we reach the bottom, we arrive at a thick wooden door. My ancestors built this place and the key was designed as a puzzle. I push against the intricate carvings, moving the adjustable pieces into place until it finally unlocks.

"This particular room we're in is reserved for rituals. The remains of some of my descendants have been laid to rest here. And more importantly, no cameras. What happens in this room, stays in this room. Understood?"

A chorus of affirmative answers echoes around. Jacque is in the zone already taking off his jacket and bow tie.

I walk to the center of the room in a square pushing in various bricks until the floor gives way and a portion of it drops.

"This is the pit. It hasn't been put to use in years. Hidde, would you mind officiating the match?"

"I do but don't let that stop you," he mutters sarcastically.

I know I'm in for an earful. I can't be bothered at this stage. We attended a pit fight once when we'd turned 13. That match ended in death so I can understand my cousin's apprehension.

I jump in and so do Jacques and Hidde. It's about 7 feet deep giving the audience a bird's eye view.

"No hits to the face. No hits below the belt. No fatalities. First one to get to a three count or make their opponent tap out wins."

"Are you ready to be humbled joli garçon?" Pretty boy.

Jacque puts his hands up in defense as we circle each other looking for an opening.

"I would have you on the floor with a broken jaw in 60 seconds. But the rules state I can't touch your ugly face and I know what a stickler for rules you are."

He swings and lands a gut punch. I let him.

I'm stronger than most men. I'm just curious how strong Le Pen is especially when pushed to the edge.

I breathe out a heavy breath. Not bad but I can take him and more. Much much more. I just don't want it to end it before he can begin.

I allow him a few blows just to keep things interesting. I dodge him every now and then to wear him out. The boys are watching the show so I keep going.

"What's wrong bébé garçon? Can't land a punch or are you too scared to fight me?"

"Not at all, just thought I would indulge your fantasy a little while longer." I give him a few false jabs then return the blow to the stomach. When he bends over out of breath, I whisper in his ear, "If only you'd asked me nicely. I would have put in a good word for you. Maybe had Hailey play nurse. But no, you just had to come into my house with some bullshit."

I knee him in the gut to drive home the point. Jacques falls over and retches all over the floor. Unless he's a sucker for punishment, I doubt he'll get up. I didn't hold back with that final kick.

"One. Two. Three. The match goes to Le Roux."

Hidde sounds like the most disinterested referee ever. That doesn't stop me from raising my arms in victory as Olivier gives applause.

"Tu fais pas mal de performance Le Roux. Had us worried for a minute there." You put on quite the performance Le Roux.

The rest of the boys stare on in silence. They know who I am - what I'm capable of. I doubt the worry they had was for me. He'll probably have quite the stomach ache but other than that, Le Pen doesn't look bad at all.

"Messieurs, pouvons-nous avoir la chambre?" Hidde asks but it comes out as more of a statement. Can we have the room?

"Of course, we'll meet you upstairs." Didier leads the way with the excited chatter of Olivier trailing him, his voice growing faint as they make their way up.

Hidde ever the hero crouches down to see to the loser.

"Are you okay? Do you need a hand up?" Silence. He blows out a breath of exasperation. "You would have never won this fight. There are things you don't know or understand that will be revealed in due time. Stay out of Brice's way. He's VP for a reason. It's not the voter's choice. It's by birthright."

"Fuck off to your little boyfriend with your fake sympathy," Jacques growls out.

He's still on the floor holding his stomach, spit dangling from his mouth as he hovers over his own chunder. I walk over to retrieve my cousin from his poor attempt at consolation.

As I'm about to jump up and out of the pit, I hear him say, "All this over some black bitch?"

Before I can register what I'm doing, I'm standing over Jacque with a spear in my hand as I drive it through his thigh. His screams echo around the cold chamber. The way this place has been designed, no one hears him.

"That may be the case but keep in mind, that black bitch belongs to Brice."

My house. My club. My rules.

22 | 04 | 2023

WC 4160

When people say, violence doesn't solve anything....

ME: What happens at fight club, stays at fight club.

Make the violence LOUD.

Thinks about the time Gohan punched Cell so hard he spat out Android 18 LOL

ANYWAY.... the world needs diplomats. Thank you Hidde. We appreciate your effort but uhhh 😂