27

{First of all so sorry for this super late update, I had exams anyways here is the chapter, I also intend to update more often now that my exams are finally over anyways please leave comments and enjoy!}

Paige

"Did she hurt you? Let me see... Does it hurt?"

"Aiden would you stop?" I punched him on his shoulder. "I'm fine ok, don't sound like Mom." I rolled my eyes.

Me and the girls decided to head to the pizza parlor for dinner and this guy tagged along.

"I'm just worried." He looked at my cheek. "Girls really do like to fight."

I rolled my eyes. "Just her."

"Why is she so mad at you in the first place?"

I reached out for a glass of orange juice. "Some Royal drama." I crossed my arms. "Why am I even a part of this?!"

He sighed and leaned on his seat. "You need my help?"

"No." I shook my head.

A little later, Aicko and Shari returned to our table with pizza. Eloise said she can't come for a reason I don't know of.

After we had dinner, we all went back to our dorms.

"What do you think made Kile break off the engagement?" Aicko thought while we brushed our teeth."

It's become our habit, even though we each have our own bathroom's we still like to share.

I gargled and placed my toothbrush back in it's holder. "No idea." I jumped on my bed and Aicko followed.

"Maybe because there's a royal issue?" Aicko suggested as she positioned herself on my bed.

"Or America cut ties with Rome?" I thought.

"No." Aicko shook her head. "That would be impossible."

"Why?"

"The Roman Empire is too powerful, America would be stupid to cut ties with it."

I nodded. "Yeah that'd be stupid."

I sighed and we both tried to think of possible ways of why would Kile break off his engagement.

"Or," Aicko exclaimed excitedly, I could almost see the imaginary light bulb light up on the top of her head. "What if it wasn't America that cut ties with Rome... What if it was Kile."

I frowned. "Then that would make him stupid

"But that may only mean one thing!" Another imaginary light bulb lit up on top of her head. "What if Kile likes someone else."

My forehead scrunched at what Aicko said. It would sound impossible for Kile to like someone other than Bellona. She was the prettiest among all of us at campus, she was the epitome of grace and beauty. She has everything.

My brows furrowed. "W-why would he like someone else? Wasn't he in love with Bellona?"

"Maybe? I don't know."

Was that why?

"Anyways, I'm going to sleep, we have a whole day tomorrow." Aicko stood up and headed for the door.

I suddenly felt a weak feeling in my gut. "I'm nervous of going to school tomorrow." I faced Aicko. "What if Bellona's other friends slap me next?"

Aicko shook her head. "They're princesses, they would never do that."

"Princesses, yeah right." I laughed sarcastically. "Just like Khrysie."

"Well she's a different conversation."

We both laughed before she left to her room. I lay down on my bed and sighed.

I pulled out my phone and stared at it's black screen, not yet sure of what to do. I wasn't yet sleepy and my mind wouldn't just stop working.

My eyes widened when I got a message from one of my social media accounts. I opened it and got shocked to see a verified sticker on the person's username, but my eyes got wider when I read the username.

kileastley: I'm sorry

I blinked twice, How did he know my social media username? Maybe if I didn't know him in person, I'd freak out that the Prince of the country just chatted me. I thought of a reply.

peggy: it's ok. It's not your fault

kileastley: I'll talk to Khrysie

peggy: She's not in her sound mind right now.

seen

I frowned. Why did he just seen me?! As if we weren't friends. Based on everything that's happening, he's going through a lot of problems, he might need help. I typed again.

peggy: something wrong?

That was stupid. Obviously something is wrong. Why am I so stupid?!

kileastley: No

peggy: wanna talk about it?

kileastley: No

I laughed sarcastically. He really is something. Guess that's the end of our conversation.

kileastley: you're not going to ask why I did it?

or not.

peggy: I was going to but I thought you wouldn't want to answer. Anyways, Why'd you do it?

kileastley: to make things right.

I honestly didn't know what to make up of that sentence.

peggy: wow wise words.

seen.

My brows furrowed. And that really was the end of our conversation. I sighed and looked up at my ceiling. For the second time tonight, my phone buzzed again.

From: Jerk

still up?

To: Jerk

can't sleep.

From: Jerk

helmets or seatbelts?

A smile immediately formed on my face.

To: Jerk

you know what I want.

From: Jerk

meet you in 5?

my smile widened.

To: Jerk

I'll be at the parking.

I immediately scurried out of my sheets and wore the first hoodie that I could see in my closet. I wore my shoes on and tied my hair in a bun before tip-toeing out of my room so that I wouldn't disturb Aicko.

I rushed down the dormitory and scurried through the lobby. The lady at the desk was snoring making it easier for me to leave without being noticed.

I got out of the building and a familiar engine sound echoed through the silent night. Blake took off his helmet and his eyes met mine. My forehead scrunched when he raised his brow at my sweater.

"Isn't that mine?" he chuckled.

I looked down at the sweater I was wearing. Oh shoot it was his, it was the sweater that he let me borrow when I spilled hot chocolate all over my clothes, at that time we were enemies.

"I forgot it was with me." I made an excuse.

"I thought I was never going to get it back."

I rolled my eyes. I was about to take it off and just settle for my grey loose tshirt inside when he reached for my hand and pulled me to his side.

"You could keep it." he smiled then took out another helmet and placed it on top of my head.

[Hi paige!] screech greeted me.

I looked at Blake. Wow he actually changed my nickname to Paige. I laughed, never knew that that'd be possible.

"Hold on."

I encircled my arms on his waist and we drove through the night. With no destination in mind. On a school night. We'd drive to wherever the wind takes us.

"I wanna learn how to drive this." I said to him when we stopped by a bench for a break.

"You sure?"

"Very." I said confidently.

I frowned when he chuckled.

"What's the matter?"

"You really are something else." He chuckled.

"I'm not joking." I crossed my arms.

He raised his brow at me. I maintained my serious face.

"Alright." He gave in. "We'll do it when the sun's up, it could get dangerous in the dark."

"Fine by me." I nodded and leaned on the bench. He did the same. Benches on the side of the road seems to be our thing.

I felt his hand go to the side of my head as he leaned my head on his shoulder. This felt good.

I could feel his breathing, maybe as much as he could hear mine.

"What are your plans this weekend?" He asked out of the blue.

I thought. "Nothing really." I turned to him. "Why?"

"It's Billy's birthday this Saturday." He faced me. "Come with me."

I suddenly became speechless. "Uhm is it ok with your sister?"

"She's the one who told me to bring you." He said. "But even if she didn't tell me to, I'd still bring you."

"Oh." I never thought Billy would see me that way. "Alright." I nodded. "I'll go."

I smiled at him and he gave it back.

I suddenly stood up and walked towards the bike. I held the helmet in my hands and smiled at him. "Lets ride?"

He just stared at me.

"What?"

He sighed and let out a soft chuckle before walking towards me.

I was caught off guard when he kissed me softly.

I was out of breathe when he let go.

"Lets ride." He said.

___________________

"Stick with me." Aicko ordered as we entered the school doors. "We can't have any more hands slapping your face."

"Haha very funny." I laughed sarcastically to ease my worriedness. Bellona's got a lot of friends, and I could come up with many worst case scenarios that they could do to me.

People eyed me as I walked by. Ugh can't my life for once be normal. Well it once was, now it'll never be.

"Hey!" Shari joined us and clung her arm on mine. "I heard that Khrysie's been suspended." She whispered for only us to hear.

"Serve's her right." Aicko chuckled. "Now everyone see's her true colors."

I didn't say anything about this. Of course it's a relief that Khrysie gets her punishment but that doesn't mean I'm happy about it, about all this.

"Would that make her friends friends furious?" Shari thought.

"Maybe not, Nile and the rest are more composed but best if we still be cautious." She eyed me. "No one knows what brews inside those Royals' heads." She folded her hands. "And non of us are a match to what they're capable of." Aicko said with a serious look on her face.

At that moment I knew that she was right. Although we were in the same school, the Royals have powers a commoner like me or even an elite can't fight.

"Speaking of friends." Shari said. "Guess ours moved back to her pack."

My brows scrunched at what Shari said. "What do you mean?"

Shari pointed onto to corner of the hallway. My eyes followed where she was pointing and my mouth dropped when I realized what she meant.

"What the?" Aicko said.

There in the side of the corridor was Eloise with her old friends, Nile, Diana and Isabel. They were smiling at each other as they walked towards the first section's classroom.

"Did I just see that?" Aicko said in disbelief.

"Obviously." Shari rolled her eyes.

"How could she?" I blinked again to make sure that I wasn't hallucinating.

"Well we really mustn't be surprised." Shari crossed her arms. "She's royalty, we can't blame it if a royal wants to go with other royals."

We wanted to talk about this issue more but the bell suddenly rang making us part ways. Aicko left to section 2's room while Shari and I headed to our section's room.

I entered the room with my inside feeling heavy as I thought about Eloise. Was she really our friend in the first place?

My thoughts were disrupted when the teacher entered the room. I turned to Blake's chair, he wasn't here , he has football training today. Kile and some other royals weren't here either, the heirs they have their special class today. I just sat on my chair and listened to the discussion.

When the bell rang for break, I hurriedly walked outside because I'm definitely starving. I walked through the corridors heading to the cafeteria. My eyes lit up when I saw Aiden step out of his classroom, I was about to approach him when some girls from his section surrounded him. I rolled my eyes and approached him.

"Hi Peggy!" He smiled at me. "Wanna take a walk?" He asked not remembering that there were other girls around us.

I just nodded.

"Okay." He turned to the girls. "See you around." He smiled at them then placed his hands on my shoulders and pushed me away from them. He stopped when we were a distance from the nosy girls.

"What's with the face?" He pointed at my face. "Hungry?"

Before I could answer, he pulled out a sand which from his bag and handed it to me.

I laughed. "You really know me."

"You're quiet when you're hungry." He chuckled.

I took a bite on the sandwhich and looked up at him. "Aren't you hungry?"

He laughed. "No, I brought that for you."

"Wow." I munched on the sandwhich again.

"You should get to the cafeteria, I'm needed somewhere." He patted my shoulder before walking away.

Oh well. I continued to the cafeteria and found the seat where Aicko and Shari were seating. No Eloise. I sighed and sat beside them.

"Where's Eloise?" Aicko whispered.

"Can we not worry about that?" Shari complained.

I kept quiet and just finished my sandwhich while reading my book.

Suddenly I sensed a group of people approaching us. I looked up from my book to see Nile's pair of hazel eyes in front of us.

Beside her were Diana and Isabel, and of course, Eloise.

"What do you want?" Shari asked.

"Are you going to pick up a fight as well?"Aicko started piling her books signaling us to pick up and leave. "Coz if that's what you want then-"

"No." Nile cut her off. "That's not what we want."

"Then what is it that you want?" Shari asked.

Nile's eyes went to me. "To apologize."

My eyes widened. Did I just hear that? I looked at Shari and Aicko and they too looked taken aback.

"Paige?" Nile called my attention.

I faced her.

"We're sorry." She looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "For everything Khrysie's done and for everything that we've done. We're sorry."

I scanned Nile's eyes and so as the rest of them. I tried to find a hint of fakery but there wasn't any. Somehow I could believe that what they were saying was genuine.

"I-I don't know what to say." I said honestly.

"I'm sorry that I just watched Khrysie do her evil tricks on you even if I could've done something to stop it."

Isabel nodded, Diana looked at me. "I'm sorry for talking behind your back and for all the mean things I've said. It was so immature." She looked at me with sympathetic eyes. "I hope you could forgive me."

"And." She continued. "Sorry about how I acted when I see you and Aiden, jealousy got the best of me, so I'll change that." She sighed. "I mean I can't be Queen of England with that attitude now can I?"

We all chuckled with what she said.

"We maybe royalty." Isabel said. "But that doesn't mean that we can't make mistakes."

I smiled at them. "I never knew you guy had this in you."

They laughed. "Look." Nile took a hold of my hands. "We might've gone off with a bad start but-" She looked back at her friends. "Do you there is still a chance for us to become friends?"

My eyes widened. I looked at each of them. Isabel and Diana were smiling, Eloise was just watching us with a small smile on her face. Now I know why she left.

I looked back at Nile and clasped her hands. "Yes." I smiled at Diana and Isabel. "I'd like that very much."

________________________________

When afternoon arrived, all students were called to the auditorium for an announcement by the student council.

All of us gathered inside and took our seats. Aicko wasn't with us since she was with the student council.

"What could the announcement be." Shari wondered.

When everyone was settled in their seats the Dean came out and introduced the student council. Everyone cheered when Kile came out, behind him were the other council members including Aicko who was smiling from ear to ear. Bellona wasn't there as usual.

"Good afternoon Eresians!" Kile's voice boomed through the speakers of the auditorium. I never knew his voice would be that loud. I laughed at how cold he sounded even if his voice was loud.

Everyone cheered. Wow they're cheering and he hasn't said anything yet.

The council went on until, Aicko the council's secretary took the mic. "We called you all here to announce that since February is just around the corner. The student council will uphold the Valentines Soiree!"

Everyone cheered.

They said that a soiree is a fancy evening party or such, which will be on valentines... Well that's something to look forward to.

"Exciting isn't it?!" Aicko exclaimed as we entered her car to go back tot he square for dinner.

"Is it going to be fun?" I wondered.

Aicko eyed me as if I was joking. "Oh Paige, in Eres everything's fun." She chuckled.

She drove to the square, Eloise said that she'd meet us there.

I leaned back in my seat and turned to Shari who seemed quite silent. She silently kept her eyes on the car window and her fingers on her lap.

"Hey." I called her attention. "Anything the matter?"

Aicko tilted her head a bit to Shari as well.

"I've decided." Shari sighed. "I'm going to confess my feeling for Ram on Valentines."

_____________________

"Faster we're gonna be late!" Shari complained while she stood at the door of our dorm while waiting for me and Aicko to get ready. We all were invited to Billy's party, well of course they are since their families are well known. Till now I still have no idea why am I invited.

"Ok, ok." Aicko took her bag and took my hand dragging me out the door with Shari. The three of us went down the building and into the parking lot. "Why are we always in a hurry?" I muttered.

Aicko took opened the door to the car. "When are we not in a hurry?"

"Why don't you ask yourselves." Shari came inside as well and we drove to the venue. We got caught in the traffic but we still got to the 5 star hotel in time. We got off the car and Aicko left her car to the valet.

We walked inside the venue, it was a really luxurious hotel! I stared in awe at the interior. I was wearing a cream colored dress, Aicko had a white one while Shari had a green one, we're all styled and I could say that we all look close to regal. There were also others in formal attires, maybe they're also headed to Billy's party.

"Keep calm." Aicko whispered in my ear. "It's just a party."

"Easy for you to say, parties like these are normal for you."

Shari laughed as we entered the doors to a bigger venue.

It was huge, there were many people who were all in their formal attire, some were sipping on champagne while they talked, others were sitting on tables. I looked up to the ceiling and found a fancy chandelier. There were also caterers and waiters serving food and drinks. I even recognized many familiar faces amongst the crowd. Models, Artists, Businessmen, they're all here.

"Ms. Aicko, Ms. Shari! you're looking splendid!" A photographer came holding a huge camera. "Smile!"

They both smiled for the picture and brought me with them. I smiled too but not from ear to ear because I'm starting to feel overwhelmed. Shouldn't I be used to all these by now? Why am I still culture shocked?

I started to feel anxious when the photographer looked at me. "And you are?"

"N-nobody." I answered immediately.

I felt Aicko's hand on my shoulder. "She's Paige Bennet."

"Excuse us please." Shari said before dragging us away from the photographer and leading us deeper into the venue. We went to one of the tables which is full of international supermodels, Hollywood and Broadway actors, and other famous people who seems to be friends with these two. I just smiled at them and offered my hand. I tired to divert my attention into finding Blake, but sadly I couldn't spot him.

"Ladies," A girl with an English accent stood up and kissed Aicko and Shari on the cheek.

I surveyed her look. She was wearing an elegant silver dress that complimented her dark skin, he kinky hair was down and her curves were in the right place, she was tall and her dress hugged her body perfectly.

"This is Paige." Aicko introduced me. The girl turned to me and smiled. "This is Gia Merrit , the supermodel." Aicko said.

My eyes suddenly widened, Wait she's a supermodel?! "Oh." Was all that came out from my mouth. I mean how should I know, I was never a fan of supermodels before.

"Hello Paige." She offered her hand.

I took it and smiled back widening my smile to not look rude. "Hi."

"Have you girls eaten already? You can already get your food," Gia smiled. "Come follow me."

Aicko and Shari followed her and I did the same. She seemed so nice, kind and well spoken.

"Help yourselves." Gia pointed to the long table of food.

I got a plate and started putting some food onto my plate while the girls chatted.

"Hi girls." A different voice suddenly said. We all turned from where it came from. A middle aged lady, probably in her late 40's approached us, she was in a formal attire and she looked quite familiar.

"Hi Auntie." Gia smiled again before kissing her on the cheek. Aicko and Shari did the same. "Gianna darling, looking stunning as ever."  When the lady turned to me I smiled as well.

"Who's is she?" I whispered in Aicko's ear.

"Blake's Mom." Aicko answered with a huge smirk on her face.

My heart suddenly thudded, I didn't expect to see his family this early.

"Hi." I almost stuttered with nervousness.

"Oh hello." She smiled. "So nice of all of you to come, Aicko, I saw your Mom at the other side, Shari, I was just talking to your parents a while ago."

Aicko and Shari just laughed. "Anyways have any of you seen Blake? I've been looking for him everywhere." She sighed. "Didn't he leave the campus with you?"

"Uhm." Aicko thought. "I think he left with Ram and Kile."

"Actually, I've seen him with the boys outside." Gia added.

"Oh is that so, well then I guess I'll have to fetch him, enjoy ladies." His Mom smiled before walking away. Amazing how their family resemblance is seen in all of them.

"Well, I need to get back to our table, have fun ladies." Gia pecked on our cheeks before walking back to their table.

Aicko, Shari, and I headed to an empty table which we could have all to ourselves. Aicko and Shari didn't get that much food, and for the first time I didn't get much either. I'm in a formal event so no binge eating allowed. I reminded myself.

While we were eating, I pulled out my phone from my purse. My eyes suddenly widened when I opened my inbox.

From: Blake

Did you already leave the Campus?

From: Blake

The boys and I just left.

From: Blake

Text me when you get to the venue.

From: Blake

Have you arrived yet?

From: Blake

Where are you?

Whoops, I forgot to check my phone, my bad, maybe I'll just reply after I finish eating. I placed my phone back inside my purse and continued eating. From time to time, I'd look up from my plate and my eyes would roam the venue for Blake. I couldn't see him, nor Ram or Kile.

"Is it me or are you not eating as much as you usually do?" Shari eyed me.

"I don't know what you're talking about." I just smiled innocently and continued eating, when I finished, I reached for a glass of water.

"Still hungry?"

I choked on my water when I heard a familiar voice beside me.

"Easy." Blake chuckled as he rubbed my back. My brows scrunched when I heard Aicko and Shari giggle at my present state.

When my coughing stopped he stopped rubbing my back.

"You good?" He handed me another glass of water.

I nodded before accepting it.

My eyes widened when he suddenly pushed back the chair beside me and sat on it. "Here." He placed a plate full of food. "I know you're still hungry."

I frowned. "No." I pushed the plate away. "I don't want it."

"You sure?"

I rolled my eyes. "This is a fancy event."

"You sure?" He repeated the question.

"Of course this is-"

"You sure?" He asked again.

"Ugh!" I rolled my eyes. "Fine." I pulled the plate closer and started eating. I had no choice but to give in, all the food is certainly tempting and he's not helping.

"I knew you couldn't help it." He chuckled

"We'll just go to our families." Aicko and Shari stood up.

"Wait what?" I frowned.

They both winked at me before walking away. Wow terrific!

I looked back at my food. "Did you eat yet?" I asked Blake.

"Yeah."

"Then what are you doing here?" I frowned. "You should go and entertain some of your sister's guests."

"Nah." He shook his head and leaned his arm on the backrest of the seat, he then leaned his chin on his hand. "I prefer being with you."

I bit my lip at what he said and focused on my food. I suddenly felt his fingers intertwine with mine from under the table. My heart started hammering.

He handed me water when I finished. "You wanna get some fresh air?" He asked.

"Sure!" I said enthusiastically.

He smiled and helped me stand up, together we headed for the backdoor which leads to the gardens.

"Blakey!" Billy suddenly came out from nowhere and hugged Blake.

We turned to her and she was smiling at us while holding a glass of champagne, beside her was their Mom.

She tilted her head to me and smiled again. "Paige!" She let go of Blake and took me into a hug this time. "So glad you could come!"

"Happy Birthday!" I greeted her. "And thanks for the invite."

"No problem."

His Mom turned to us and her eyes lit up. "Hi Baby." She turned to me. "Oh it's you again, Paige right?"

"Yeah." I smiled.

"So you know each other." She raised her brow.

"Uhh." I suddenly felt nervous. "Yes we do."

"Where are you both going?" She questioned.

"Just the gardens." Blake answered as if he was in a hurry.

"Oh ok." His Mom nodded. And just when I thought that we could leave now, Billy called again.

"Are you guys in a relationship now?"

I was about to answer when Blake cut me off.

"Yes, we are." He then took my hand and we walked away towards the gardens.

When we got out it was raining a bit. We sat down on a bench which was still covered by the roof so we wouldn't get wet. I leaned my back on the bench and listened to the drips of the rain.

"Where's Ram and Kile?" I wondered.

"Somewhere inside."

"What about your other family members?"

"My two older sisters haven't yet landed from their flights, they'll probably be here tomorrow, same as Dad."

"Oh." So that means only his Mom and Billy are here at the moment.

"Blakey." Billy suddenly came. "Uncle is looking for you, he wants to talk to you."

Blake looked at me, I nodded and urged him to go.

"I'll be back."  He said before standing up and going back inside.

I sighed and leaned back on the bench.

"Mind if I join you?" Billy pointed to the space beside me.

"Sure." I moved a bit to give her space and she sat down beside me.

"You know it's a big relief." She laughed. "To know that your baby brother isn't gay."

I laughed as well.

"But." Billy sighed. "I'd really like to thank you."

My forehead scrunched. "What for?"

"For changing him." She looked at me directly. "We both know what kind of person he is."

I chuckled. "Yeah for sure."

"He really is a pain in the neck if you ask me." She laughed.

"Tell me about it." I laughed as well.

"But." She stopped. "I believe there's also something that you'd also need to know. "

"What?" I suddenly felt anxious. Where is this conversation leading to.

"Everyone has a reason for doing things, same goes to Blake."

"W-what happened?"

___________________

Billy

"Good afternoon miss." One of our maids entered my room. "We prepared snacks downstairs."

I looked up from my science book. "Uhm can't it wait? I'm studying for my exams." Even if 5th grade exams aren't that hard, I still need to ace this."

"Your mother said that you shouldn't study on an empty stomach."

"Fine." I closed my book and followed the maid going downstairs, as I stepped down the stairs the sweet aroma of the baked goods the maids cooked for snack time filled the house.

I started heading towards the kitchen when I saw Mom rushing towards our main door in a hurry. What could be the problem? I followed her to see what was going on. She opened the door and outside was little Blakey crying with a wound on his knee.

He was sweating, his hair was scattered around his round chubby face, his clothes were dirty and his knees were scraped.

"Baby!" Mom exclaimed. "What happened to you?!" She kneeled down on her knees to examine his wound and too get to be on level with his face.

"Ida get a first aid kit!" Mom called our maid. "Baby did you fall on the ground?" Mom asked Blake gently.

Blakey shook his head as tears streamed down his face.

"Then what happened here?" Mom held his cheek. "Tell me baby."

"M-m-my," he stuttered. "My classmates." He cried more.

"What?!" Mom exclaimed. "What did they do to you this time?!"

"T-t-they said that I'm f-f-fat." Blakey cried more. "S-so they p-p-pushed on the ground."

"They called you fat again?!" Mom outraged.

"Here's the first aid kit Ma'am." Ida, our maid handed Mom the first aid kit.

"What's happening here?" Becca and Bobby my older sisters came downstairs, maybe they heard the commotion.

"Oh no what happened to Blakey?" Bobby rushed towards him and Becca followed. I came closer too.

"He's being bullied again." Mom placed a bandage on Blake's knee. "And they pushed him this time."

"What the hell?!" Bobby frowned. "They just won't stop won't they."

"Mom, I told you to move him to Eres, that way he could be with us and we will get to watch over him." Becca said.

"That's a good idea." I added. "He will also get to be with Kile, Ram and, Bella."

"But won't he get to grow more independent in an ordinary school?" Mom asked.

"Yeah, but look at what's happening, he's getting bullied everyday, just send him to Eres and he won't have to go through all this."  Becca said. "And the school has been asking you to send him there, he's already 3rd grade, he'll be fine."

"Fine." Mom sighed. "Next month, I'll meet with the dean." She then turned to Blakey who was still sobbing. "Baby." Mom whispered and caressed his cheek with her hand while wiping his tears. "Those people who bully you are like monsters."

"Like in my storybook?" Blake asked.

"Yes baby, like in the storybook." Mom laughed. "And how do we stop monsters?"

"We fight them." Blakey answered.

"Yes, we fight them." Mom nodded. "Now baby, You are going to have to learn how to fight these monsters, because they will be everywhere, sometimes you'll get to see them, sometimes they're disguised but remember this." Mom held his cheek. "From now until you grow up, there will always be monsters, we can't stop them from showing up but you're going to have to be ready, don't let these monsters scare you, don't let them get you and when the time comes when it's needed, learn to stand up for your own and fight for yourself.

__________________________

"Are they still bullying you?" Dad asked in the dinner table.

"Nope." Blake continued playing with his broccoli.

"How did that happen?" Mom asked.

"I don't know." Blake shrugged.

"But he's still going to Eres right?" Becca asked.

"Yes." Mom nodded. "I already talked to the dean.

____________________________

"How's your first day at your new school Blakey?" I knocked in his room to find him playing with his friends the Princes Ram and Kile. Kile was laughing at Ram who drew a moustache on his face using a pentel pen marker. What are these third graders doing?!

"It was awesome." Blake stood at the door of his room preventing me from entering.

"No one's bullying you anymore?" I had to ask. "No one calling you fat?"

"Nah." He laughed.

"Wow how'd that happen?"

"I know how to fight for myself now, that's what happened." He said before closing the door.

______________________

"What did you do to the new student this time?!" Mom scolded Blake.

"I didn't do anything." Blake crossed his arms and leaned on the wall.

"for heaven's sake Blake you're already high school!" Mom massaged her head. "Stop acting like a child."

Mom does have a point, he's lost all of his baby fat and he's now taller than all of the girls in the family, well except for Dad, but his attitude sure is left behind.

"Don't worry Mom." He chuckled. "I'm not."

Oh God what happened to my baby brother?

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Paige

"You're the only one who changed him." Billy smiled.

I was speechless. I never knew what he's been through, all I know is that he's a certified bully, it never occurred to me that there was a cause.

"You see." Billy continued. "He may not tell you this but I know that he's going through a lot, he was never the kind of person who open's up but trust me, inside him is the little Blakey Wakey that cries when he gets wounds, he just knows how to hide it."

I sighed.

"Although he is a jerk, an asshole and all of those other things, he's still my baby brother." Billy sighed. "He's never been as open to us as he is to you." She looked me in the eye. "He trusts you, so I only ask you one thing." She held my hand. "Please don't hurt him."

Everything Billy said started to process in my brain. I smiled and clasped her hand. "I won't."

I got shocked when she pulled me into a hug. "Thankyou."

Suddenly the garden doors opened again and Blake came back.

"Ok, I'll go back inside." Billy stood up. "You two enjoy the night." Billy said goodbye and went back inside.

"What did you two talk about?" Blake sat down beside me.

"Nothing." I looked at him and I don't feel the same way, before I'd look at him as a person who's changed, now I look at him differently, now I know that he's got a vulnerable side. A side that I want to open, a side I want to protect.

We stayed silent as the raindrops continued splashing on the grass and pavement somehow making a rhythm.

I opened my palm and felt the raindrops touch my skin. It felt relaxing. I turned to Blake and he was doing the same.

"This feels good." I smiled. "Peaceful."

"Yeah." He agreed. "Just like you."

I arched my brow. "Why?"

"Because." He faced me. "In you I find peace."

I smiled and took his hand, I stared into his eyes, his gaze went down from my eyes to my lips, making me look away. I stared back at him and he held my chin to stop me from moving. I automatically closed my eyes when he leaned and gave me a soft kiss.

I gripped his shoulders tighter when he moved his hand to my nape to deepen the kiss. When he let go I was panting, I immediately looked away from him because I'm sure my cheeks are red. I stood up and fixed my dress.

"We should head back inside." I stood up to leave when he pulled my hand making me bump into his chest.

"What? I gave him a questioning look. "We might catch a cold if that happe-"

"I love you," He cut me off.

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Ok so here are some questions...

*Who's your favorite male character?

*Who's your favorite female character?

"Who's your favorite Princess?

*Who's your favorite elite?

"What's your favorite Eres event?

*What's your favorite Paige and Aiden scene?

*What's your favorite Paige and Kile scene?

*What's your favorite Paige and Blake scene?