Let's Be Friends

Her first meeting with Caden's men came to an end. She was informed that the girls would have to infiltrate the school and pretend to be someone.

Phoenix as the new infirmary nurse, Red as one of her classmates, Cleo as their new homeroom teacher, and Rogue as the guidance counselor. She didn't ask how they did it, but Caden promised that the school staff wasn't harmed at all and they just went on vacation.

"Don't you think it's too much? I mean we have A.E security team and the royal guards around campus and at home. Do you really think we need the mafia?" She asked.

Caden held her hand. "Yes. We need them. The Trekker Clan already made a move. And this time, they're closer."

Her heart pounded. She suddenly felt restless. At first, she couldn't understand Caden's reason. But hearing about the Trekker Clan and remembering what they did before, they really need everyone to protect them.

"What do you mean closer?" She asked.

"They are using the students in the bronze class." He said.

"Like what they did to Aunt Nina?"

Caden nodded.

"Is my brother okay? How about Brie?" She suddenly asked.

Caden looked at her. "Brie will never do what Aunt Nina did. She doesn't belong in the bronze class. Alira, Brie loves Lucas. And you know that."

She knew she was being unfair to Brie. But her mother became someone's spy and betrayed their parents so she couldn't stop herself from worrying about her brother.

They went home and decided to rest. She was exhausted from everything. Her mind was full of questions about the mafia and the royal family. And she just wanted to sleep, but she couldn't.

She was on the bed for an hour staring at the ceiling. She tried to close her eyes and count sheeps like what she was told when she was young, but still she was wide awake. Then she wondered if Caden was already sleeping.

Out of her curiosity, she got out of bed and went out. Caden's room was one beside her brother's so she had to quietly walk in the hallway.

But when she was in front of Lucas' room, the door suddenly opened. She was surprised to see Brie standing by the door and she knew she had the same reaction.

Brie gently closed the door behind her and couldn't look into her eyes.

"I was—"

"Have you been sleeping with my brother?" She asked.

Brie's eyes widened and shook her head. "No, it's not what you think."

She looked at Brie from head to toe. She never had the chance to get closer to her because of what her mother did. Unlike their parents, the people living in Queen's now were strangers to each other.

"I know you love him, but don't you think it's time for you to stop? I heard there are a lot of guys who like you. Why don't you try opening your heart to them?" She asked.

Brie stared directly into her eyes. "What about you? You waited Caden for twelve years, can I not do the same?"

She was surprised by her question. She didn't expect that her question would easily backfire on her.

She sighed. "What if it's more than twelve years? Will you still hope and wait?"

Brie nodded. "I don't care how long it takes. I just want to stay by his side."

She chuckled. "You're stubborn. I never like you because of what happened. But it's in the past. And Caden said you're not going to betray Lucas. I don't trust you, but I trust Caden. So, stay by my brother's side. Maybe when he learned to love you, we could be friends."

She turned around, but Brie grabbed her arm.

"Why can't we be friends now? I wanted to be your friend for a long time, but you never gave me a chance."

She could feel Brie's pain from her words. She turned to look at her and she saw the sincerity in her eyes.

"Fine. But don't follow me around like what you're doing with my brother. It's annoying. And I don't want you walking behind me." She said.

"Is it bad?" Brie asked.

She nodded. "I don't know why you always walk behind Lucas, but if you want him to like you, I think you should start walking alongside him."

Brie's face lit up. Then she was surprised when she jumped to hug her.

"Thank you, Alira. I promise I would never break your trust. And I won't tell your brother that you're sneaking into Caden's room."

She blushed. "What? I—I, whatever."

Then she walked quietly toward Caden's room. Before she opened the door, she glanced at Brie who was waving at her. She giggled. For some reason, she felt like something was taken out of her chest.

She knew Brie was a good kid, but she just couldn't accept it. But now, she was glad they had a chance to talk even if it was just for a short time.

She took a deep breath and slowly opened Caden's room. She walked barefooted so he wouldn't be disturbed if he's already sleeping. She just wanted to see him and maybe chat until she falls asleep.

She walked toward his bed, only to get disappointed that he wasn't there. She wondered where he was and took a step backward, but she was startled when someone grabbed her by the waist.

She screamed and struggled, but the one behind her covered her mouth.

"Hey, quiet. It's me." It was Caden.

She was breathing raggedly because she really thought someone was in Caden's room. When he let her go, she took his pillow and threw it at him.

"You jerk!" She shouted.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know you'll get scared." He said while laughing.

She pouted. "Because I thought you were a stranger."

Caden rushed toward her and pulled her into an embrace.

"I'm here. It's me." He said.

She nodded and then hugged him back.

"Why are you here? Can't sleep?" He asked.

She nodded again. "Can I stay here for a while? I just want to see you."

"I have a better idea. How about we take a shower?" He asked while looking at her with a wide grin on his face.