Let Me Prove Myself To You

What, what's going on? Why aren't they there?

Howie can't keep up with the physics class anymore, he had class this morning with the boys yet he can't find them anywhere. And their absence begins to worry him, he keeps fidgeting in his chair, which makes his classmate uncomfortable.

What's wrong? Elie whispered to him You make me nervous moving like that.

Don't worry, I'm fine… So, if you're fine, stop moving and concentrate a bit? You don't have to tell me to concentrate Elie, I concentrate if I want to.

Oh hey, calm down handsome, you don't need to jump down my throat, I just wanted to remind you that you're in class. What's happening to you today? Why are you in such a bad mood?

I'm not in a bad mood, I just… ah, shit! Is the student transport service always as late as usual?

No, on the contrary, they are always the first to arrive, which is why many of them do not use them. They prefer to drive or drop off by their drivers or friends sometimes. Why do you need it?

Oh no, may God protect me from this, I don't want to get stuck in a van, no matter how luxurious it may be accompanied by three or four other students.

You know what, for someone who comes from a modest background you have a lot of requirements, I see why your father is very careful with you.

What is this Elie? You want to insult me now, is that it? Howie replies, putting his quill down on his desk to turn to his friend.

No, Elie whispered with a chuckle, I'm just saying you're really hard to please, to be with you will take a lot of effort.

Howie nodded in disbelief, I can't believe what you just said.

Don't act the innocent one, you know that as well as I do. If you're looking for the twins, I think they're avoiding you because you've been avoiding them since this video was uploaded. So they give you space, they will take the second class.

These idiots? I will strangle them with my own hands, I did not avoid them...

You two, shouted the physics teacher in their direction, if you want I'll give you my place. It seems that what you had to say is much more important than the course. May I ask you to share with us Mr. Huckleburry and Miss Morgan?

Why would we like to share with you, Mr. Bryer? Howie replies with a cold look, which gives chills to Mr. Bryer who looks away cursing the day they introduced that little rascal to his class.

Mr. Huckleburry, I have the obligation to ask you to… he couldn't even finish his sentence Howie got up from his chair, he picked up his flat-screen he was watching the lesson on before he started wondering where had the twins gone?

Under Mr. Bryer's horrified gaze, and Elie's amused face, he pushed his chair, and without her understanding what was happening to her, Howie grabbed her arm and dragged her with him towards the exit.

Leaving the course to Mr. Bryer who still couldn't believe that this little rascal had been able to leave like this without even waiting for him to finish his sentence by dragging another of his students with him. He called out to him...

Mr. Hucklebury, come back here immediately, you're going to take the course anyway, I'm not going to let you get away with this. Go back to your place, please.

Why do I have to take back my steps? Howie asked the teacher who keeps getting angry and playing nervously with his glasses. Aren't you going to throw us out, because we prevented you from giving your course?

Yes, but no, I've changed my mind… I'd rather keep you here than give you extra free time. I'm not going to give you this thumbs up, you're going to sit down and take the class.

You know what, I'm someone who respects my words so when I say something no matter what it is I respect it, so follow my lead. if you keep always going back on your word like that don't make you a reliable man. And you are teaching teenagers you should be a role model for them. isn't it true class?

And those who were only waiting for this moment, did not wait to be asked to give an affirmative answer to Howie who looked at them in a circular movement. So! Howie exclaimed raising his arms, now we agree, right?

I was already on my way out, I'm going out, so you can continue your class. Everyone is responsible for their choices and actions.

The teacher turned away from the class to hide the anger rising in him, after a few seconds he faced them again to tell Howie the bottom of his mind and that he was being kicked out of his class for the rest of the semester, but he was not disappointed to notice that the other had already left leaving him standing there in front of these twenty pairs of laughing eyes which are looking at him with mockery.

Only a few minutes before the next lesson started, he watched them trying not to laugh at the situation in front of him. Their heads are red like tomatoes from the concentration of laughter in their throats.

Look at them making fun of me, he said to himself, we'll see how it goes next week. And this little prick will pay for it, I've never met such an arrogant fellow in my life. I'll send him to rot in the hole he came from. Rubbing shoulders with people from high society gives him wings, I'm going to cut them off one by one.

While Mr. Bryer was having bad blood Howie has already forgotten what just happened. He only had one thing in mind to find the boys before they started putting a lot more bullshit in their pretty little heads.

Why did you drag me into your delirium, Howie? You could have stayed or gone without me but you had to drag me into it too, what the hell is your problem mate? You really are a pain in the ass, you know that?

Stop complaining like an old lady Elie. you had plenty of time to sit down but you stayed with me, and I remind you that you were the one who tugged at my sleeve when the teacher was thinking about my punishment. You are a bad president my dear so accept it.

Elie burst out laughing before realizing that she was still in the hallway where teachers continue to teach behind those half-open windows in an Olympian calm. She put her hand on her mouth, quickening her pace before starting to run silently despite the big smile that appeared on their two childish faces. she grabbed Howie's arm and dragged him behind her.

She almost swallowed her tongue when she heard her mother's voice rise softly over the loudspeaker that litters the hallway, there are speakers everywhere in the establishment, not to mention her surveillance cameras. They completely forgot that they were under surveillance and that they would have to use blind spots to escape Celine's view.

Damn it! Eli shouted with a start. she's going to kill us. You had a scandal during the week and you got kicked out of class, what are we going to be able to say for our defense? The truth, I'm sure, is that scum Mr. Bryer has already reported our departure.

Yeah I'm sure of that too. Well let's go. yeah, after all what other choice do we have? None my dear, let's go. they adjusted their uniforms, before going back to walk calmly, taking their time. Celine watches them from her office on a flat screen that frames half of the wall. She has a direct view of the various corridors, nooks and crannies of the establishment, restroom, reading-room, etc.

Come in, she ordered them in a tone that made it clear they were screwed, and a mischievous smile tugged at the corner of Howie's lips.

Without even waiting for Howie to close the door behind him, Celine attacked first, deciding to give them the punishment they deserved for defying the authority of a teacher in class. second, for running through the halls while there are classes going on. and thirdly, because they are both members of the student council, and his daughter lets herself be influenced by the bad manners of her slightly crazy classmate to act in such an irresponsible way.

Since when did you act so flippant and immature? what, you want to shame me even more, is that what you want Elila?

Madam the Principal! Howie intervenes with a small voice full of regret and held back tears while Eli wrung her hand with real tears on his face. So she still hasn't forgiven me, she thinks, trying in vain to hold back her tears.

You're waiting for me, I'll be yours in a moment, for now let me take care of my daughter who is no longer the one I raised. Continue Celine out of her mind, the scandals she faces this year are completely beyond her. And she thanks heaven the Morgensterns don't yet know about this story that Todd made public on a whim. But Howie persisted until she stop talking to listen to what he wanted to say.

It's my fault that Elie is being punished, she was just trying to help me overcome the situation I'm in, because every day the other students keep judging me and saying bad things about me. I'm to blame, not her. She was only doing her duty.

When she heard what Howie said she feels bad to get so carried away with her daughter and the damage is already done before she could even open her mouth to say something to her daughter, this one left the office, slamming the door behind her with a deafening crash.

I fucked up, Celine whispered, she walked around her desk and sat down in her chair. What am I going to do now? She is stressed with all this story circulating about the twins, knowing their mother who is a cantankerous self-centered she risks making this story an even more scandalous event. And she risks losing her rights to her inheritance. She does not intend to leave the management of her establishment under the direction of someone else.

Mrs. Morgan, your daughter is a good person and the best person you had here so if you continue to judge her like this without listening to her you risk making her bitter and it will change her forever. I care about her and I love the person she is so please have some faith in your daughter.

Celine looked up at Howie's beautiful boyish face, who dares to give her life lessons on how to treat her own child, isn't that daring for a boy his age? She would have liked to put him in his place but what he said made sense and that's what makes her uncomfortable in front of him now, that's how she knew who had intervened during of the meeting, he always allows himself to intervene in situations which for him exceed the limits.

She realizes that she has just verbally abused her daughter in front of a stranger who respects her more than her.

You can go Howie, she said dryly without looking at him. Satisfied with his work, a small smile tugged at the corner of H's lips. He pulled the chair away and sat down across from her with the same puppy dog expression on his face.

Ma'am, please allow me to make a request, I know things are a bit complicated because of me and the school year is almost over, but can I ask you a favor, Please?

Celine puts her hard gaze on him, which immediately softened when she noticed the expression on his face.

I have my cousin who has just arrived at our house, he is not well. he had to leave his parents to seek refuge somewhere where he will feel like himself, until he fully recovered from his trauma to return home.

He is the same age as Raphael, but he has just turned seventeen. After the loss he suffered I'm afraid to leave him alone at home lest he get even more depressed. Could you accept him into the establishment so that he can finish his school year in a healthy and welcoming environment?

That cousin your dad went with this morning? Yes, that same one madam. Yet they didn't tell me about his problems, what kind of loss did he suffer? His grandparents who raised him and his childhood friend, his dog. Oh I'm so sorry, I didn't know.

Give me a few hours, and I'll give you an answer. Howie got up from his chair with a small victorious smile, he knows that with what has just happened, Celine will do everything to help, she has a big heart like her daughter but sometimes she lets herself be overtaken by events.

Howie hadn't planned to take an opportunity like this to get what he wanted but with the opportunity that just presented itself, he couldn't let it fly away like this. He knows how to turn a situation to his advantage. But he feels bad for Elie and his mother now, who will probably be in cold for a while.

He got up from the chair, he took two steps towards the door then retraced his steps, he felt Celine's gaze on him, she wanted to say something to him but she didn't dare. she's the adult here, there's no question of asking a child for help to fix her family problems. But there is this connection between young people that she will never have with her children. She would like to take advantage of this connection to push Howie to speak with her daughter on her behalf.

He comes back to the desk where Celine was still sitting. She straightens up abruptly and adjusts her outfit, a blue trouser suit.

Yes, Howie, is there anything else I can do for you? She asked him with a detached voice. No ma'am answered Howie, I just want to share something with you. Sometimes our parents don't know how to apologize to us, often they think they have the right to do or say anything to us without expecting in return that one day it might come back to them, and persist tirelessly in reproducing the same patterns.

I don't want you to be in this category of parents. You are an open-minded, understanding, tolerant and patient person and your children admire you because they see you not only as their mother but as their friend too. So, if sometimes it's too hard to express yourself in front of them without feeling uncomfortable. You can write them notes or cards, so you'll have more time to think and speak more calmly without getting angry or saying something you might regret all your life.

There are sentences when they have crossed our lips, nothing can erase them or make them forget.

Celine was silent watching Howie talk to her, so he wasn't finished yet she said. The lesson continues. She stared at him for a moment before answering him harshly.

You're just a disruptive, trouble-making kid who does everything to get others in trouble Howie, how dare you stand in front of me and talk to me about how I have to make up with my children? How many children have you already had, exactly?

Howie ignores her harsh tone and replies politely to her. I don't expect to have any anytime soon. In any case, as long as I don't know how to deal with them I will avoid them. I hate hurting others. Believe me if you want, this technique works, if you do not know how to go about it, write a letter with sincerity and that will be enough. My father and I use this technique. This is to tell you that I know what I'm talking about.

Thank you ma'am for having accepted my cousin, I'll be grateful to you for that… she opened her mouth to answer him, but she closed it immediately afterwards without saying a word. She was far too disturbed by this brat who dares to lecture her that she decides to give up otherwise she risks having a master's degree in how to raise her child right here in her office.

When he got to the door he put his hand on the handle and turned a second time to Celine who dropped her hand on the desk in front of her in despair.

What else is he going to sing to me now? she grumbled between her teeth. Howie smiled and answered, not much ma'am. Celine jumped, how did he manage to hear me at this distance. She sat up and licked her lips, holding her head straight.

What now? She said defiantly, childishly.

Oh that, you might not like it at all, but I'm telling you anyway. Elie is quite mature for her age, so there's no need to ask her for more every day, she has to do her own stupid things, and she has to go through her own trouble from time to time she's not an image. She can't be very wise all the time.

Before Celine could even give him an answer he opened the door and fled into the hall laughing a little. He went to find Elie outside, who was waiting for him a little further on, seated on a sofa at the end of the hallway. With red eyes.

Hey princess, he said sitting down next to her. stop crying, you look like a baby, no one here is going to date a crybaby, my dear. And you have snot all over your face, you're not at all attractive like that.

Elie smiled and wiped her nose and eyes. He puts on a serious expression before adding in a very tender voice, caressing Elie's hand which he has taken in his own. apart from the twins with whom he shares deep complicity to the point of touching and kissing them, Elie is the third person he allows himself to let approach him so close. But the twins remain and will stay the only ones who broke through all his defenses.

She didn't mean what she told you, do you know that? I know Elie replies in a hiccup, but that doesn't erase the fact that she said it. I know too, Howie replies with the same tenderness.

You know, I give her so much work to do that she doesn't know where to put her head, she's probably stressed for this video story. And I'm sorry for hurting you. It was me she was mad at and then she saw you with me, it blew her away.

Stop apologizing and making excuses for my mom, it's a habit of her to take out her frustration on others but I know she didn't mean to be mean to me. Anyway the course was shit this morning too. Maybe Mrs. Bryer had trouble sleeping last night.

If I hadn't already finished with the program I wouldn't have any idea what it was about. Then they burst out laughing. again they remember where they were too late, they cover their mouth with their hand before running off.

They slow down by taking a bend, Elie takes the opportunity to ask him the question that was burning her lips. Since when are you so close to them? It's been a while now, after the little rebellion of the girls to make some changes in their uniform. The three of us got a little closer.

Oh really? How could I miss this? At the slumber party, I suspected that you were friends, they were very agitated when you disappeared from the evening and everything was back in order when you came back with my brother. But I didn't know you were so close.

Do you have to be aware of everything Elie, huh? No, that's not what I said, but you shouldn't have hidden that from me. I haven't hidden anything from you at all. And you see what it does when someone is close to them, it raises some disgusting gossip.

Do you find it disgusting to date someone of the same sex as you? What are you talking about? Don't be stupid with your questions Elila, you're too smart for that. What I find disgusting is because these are rumors that can hurt them and it pisses me off.

How Todd could think of telling such stories, it disgusts me to the highest degree. he could have said I'd date the two of them that wouldn't bother me, but going so far as to make up crazy stories to back up his nonsense was a low blow. They don't deserve this. And what did I do, I avoided them, I didn't even write to or call them.

I thought I was acting in their interest until I understood yesterday that I was not acting like a good friend at all, instead of putting myself in their shoes and understanding them, I left them alone.

Elie can't stop smiling as he listens to Howie speak, she's never seen him show so much emotion on his face since she's known him. And why didn't you make it clear to Todd that you didn't like what he did?

Howie laughed like a madman which scared Elie, if I should mention a single word of all this to Todd, he will not be around by the time we discuss. I would have twisted his neck like the dirt he is.

And above all, I don't want to cause any more problems for the boys by acting like an idiot. I didn't think you would have so much compassion for others. I discover another Howie today and I like the one who thinks of others before him. My Howie is great.

Who would believe you have such a sweet and understanding side to you, that's why you keep everyone away from you. My brother will be pissed to learn how much esteem you have for the twins, he tried everything to get closer to you while you do everything to keep him at a distance.

Well, you know where to find them now, it's almost time for our break, good luck. You have practice tonight, don't you?

Yeah, the match is coming soon and you co-captain of the cheerleaders? I hope to have a good show this weekend, I won't disappoint you. Well, they were almost to the cafeteria when Elie put a hand on his arm to force him to slow down. Are you attracted to them?

If I'm close to them it's because I share something with them that I don't share with anyone else here except you, right? It is feelings of well-being that attract us to each other and make us friends. So ask me the question you really want to know the answer to. Come on, I'm listening.

Do you like them? I don't know, but I'm going to find out because I'm really close to them more than I am with my dad…he knows what he's talking about when he says more than his dad, the twins are the first to sleep in his sheets without him wanting to throw them away. Elie does a double backflip with such flexibility that Howie didn't her feet land on the floor, she was so happy with Howie's response.

Don't you think you're overdoing it? Howie tells her waiting for her to join him back. Elie was the only one to talk to the twins about what had happened, while the others laughed or made inappropriate comments as they passed. As they have always been imperturbable, they did not react to the contempt that some students showed them. They explained all to Elie about their friendship with H without going into the juicy details that they both kissed him, but she knows that they spent the last two months practically at his house.

When Howie spoke to her the same way about them without trying to hide his affection for them, she liked it because at least their friendship is shared. That's why she did that double backflip. She's a real crazy girl when she's in good company and with Howie, she feels like herself.

Hey, learn how to use your phone like all teenagers your age, to make calls, send text messages to your friends, and play video games that you like and such. because sometimes it's good to just make a phone call to someone you care about.

I intend to start giving myself a little more to the people who are close to me and using my electronic gadgets for much more personal purposes like those you have just mentioned.

While he was talking with Elie, the smell of the expensive quality of the boys' Eau de perfume invaded his nostrils, and he jumped. Without even apologizing or giving Elie time to understand, he started running in the opposite direction. Elie remained frozen on the spot without understanding what had just happened.

What was that again? she yells with all her might. We must have scared him away, answer the twins who have approached her. She is startled hearing their voice so close to her, when did you arrive? Not long ago. I didn't hear you coming through. We understood that, but not the other, he must have felt us coming from afar like a dog. They all look in the direction where he has just fled.

What a jerk, that one Elie muttered between her teeth, he said something, and the next minute he does exactly what he shouldn't.

I'll meet you later, and don't worry about him, he was looking for you in class until Mr. Bryer kicked us out. The boys are smiling, it's all him, Aike said with a small voice.

Elie left them, she had an appointment with her brother for lunch. The boys as usual entered the cafeteria but they couldn't stay long because of the impertinent looks and the teasing. As they were about to leave, Howie appeared in front of them with a nice lunch box, a bewitching smile on his face, and his freshly used Eau de perfume flooding the room.

where were you planning to go? I don't plan to eat alone. A dead silence fell over the room, they all converged on a single point like beams of light. Without waiting for the boys to give him an answer, he grabbed Aike's hand with the one he was holding the lunch box and put the other around Ayke's shoulders who looks at him with a little chuckle. Then he leads them to their usual place while talking to them without paying attention to the others who are watching them.

They dared to bring...

You finish that sentence Todd, and I assure you that I will make you swallow it with all your teeth without exception. Howie threw over his shoulder, raising his voice so they could hear him. And the tone and sound of his voice made it clear to Todd that he wasn't joking and no one ever saw him joking once. Todd took a quick look around. He didn't meet any stare that supported him. He shoved the chair he was sitting in and stormed out of the cafeteria. Murmurs of voices and chuckles of stifled laughter rose in the room. Without any of them daring to raise their voices to be heard by all the others.

The alpha protects his pack! commented a person that Howie knows the voice too well and he smiled recognizing that of Oleck who will soon come to join them. He got into a fight with the twins for the lunch that Howie brought for them, he ate almost half of it on his own.

When the practice ended it was a relief for the coach, if he had taken one more minute Howie would have reduced Todd to a pulp, who had taken it into his head to manhandle him during training. With the twins, Howie, Raphael, and Oleck on the same team, he almost lost his mind. Great was his surprise when he realized that H was not an opponent he could afford to have on his back.

Todd started to play in a physical way completely unaware that his opponent was only asking that he make the mistake of underestimating him once again. And it wasn't a good experience for him, now he knows Howie wasn't kidding when he told him he'll swallow his teeth if he dares to open his big mouth again to talk bullshit on the twins.

Nobody saw the beatings he took but he knows how to behave with Howie, no physics or any stupid attempt because he risks paying dearly for them. When he arrived at the locker room the bruises left on his stomach, and his ribs cage, are proof of his stupidity. He started attacking everyone who dares to talk to him, he became completely enraged after that.

When he noticed the Taycan that Howie parked in front of the boys in the parking lot asking them to get in, he didn't even dare open his mouth to spout, not even blinking an eyelash he didn't allow himself to do.

While Oleck and Raphael teased Howie, having taken flight that the little bird came out of its nest. Your father must be bored not being able to wait for you here for hours while you finish your training. and the poor man, he's never late either.

Welcome to the adult club my buddy Raphael told him.

Holy car! commented Elie who has just appeared with the other girls, Kaeli does not comment but it is clear that she was thinking of something. Howie and the boys waved at the others before he started the car in a seductive whisper.

Why does he drive a sports car and you don't? Kaeli asked the boys who were admiring the car, even Todd was under its spell.

Because he has the class and looks to drive it, Raphael replied without looking at her.

Once getting at a distance Howie stopped the car and turned to the boys with a wistful expression. I'm sorry I didn't consider your feelings, I walked away thinking it was the best thing to do. I understood only yesterday that my behavior was not friendly and I regret not having known how to face it correctly.

But from now on I will not abandon you when a difficult, and delicate situation show up between us. And no more van for you, from now on I'll be your driver, don't talk to me about your mother, she can't harm me. and I would like you to share your fears with me so I know how to cope and protect myself.

Yeah, like you shielded yourself from Todd's attacks, and thank you man for pulling me out of his way many times today. I didn't understand right away until I saw that nudge that he missed miserably. Ayke commented with a clear and happy laugh while his brother remained posted in his seat without saying a word.

Oh another thing, Bravael will be with us in class starting tomorrow.

What, he's not a college kid? the twins asked as usual with one voice.

You can ask him the question tomorrow morning, I'd be happy to hear his answer too.

He glanced at Aike in his rearview mirror because he had hurriedly got in the back before his brother forced him to get in the front.

He felt h's gaze on him, he lifted his head and met his gaze, Howie smiled at him but he didn't respond to her smile even his eyes weren't laughing. He started the car and drove off. Aike who was following them turned to his brother communicating with him through their link.

I assume he's mad at me, he has the right to be, no need to force him to do things he doesn't want. At least let me prove to him that your friendship means as much to me as it does to you.