Chapter 2

January 7, 2012, 8:40 a.m. Saturday

In only too twenty-five minutes to trek down from Grey Chevalier's house toward the open road facing Maeve Thatcher's grandparent farmland, because their main gate was facing the slop entrance up the hill where the Chevalier property was located, Grey was awkwardly silent but Maeve doesn't mind she has been observing most of her classmate for the past months and he was the only person how was nice and keeps to himself, a certain enigmatic charm surrounds his silence, but he can casually talk if asked in a straight and polite manner,

he was really into military idealism, and he can be sometimes clumsy thru words but never in action, one recollection that made many of the female students admire him from afar was his lean and toned body, one time the Gym teacher force all the male students to participate in obstacle course training to see how capable the male student where, and nobody was more excited to join, Grey dominated the obstacle course with easy and even saw in his face the training exercise was lacking,

He was never a show-off unlike the rest of the male students who showcase how define their body was, as they were told to remove their shirt because there was a 3-meter crawling mud on the half portion of the obstacle course the male student flex their body, Grey was more focus on the training exercise,

His body was chiseled to perfection, with every muscle defined and sculpted. It was evident that he had put in countless hours at training, honing his physique to its peak condition. Grey was the living embodiment of what a true warrior's body should possess. His broad shoulders and rippling abs showcased the dedication and discipline he had towards his fitness journey. As he moved with grace and power, it was clear that Grey's physique was not just a result of his physical strength, but also a reflection of his unwavering determination to push his limits.

Maeve continued to blush and remember those memories, while they continued to walk to the bus stop a few meters from the Thatcher farmhouse, which will arrive soon at exactly 9:00 am every morning like clockwork from their road leading toward the main city, about more than half an hour, so within that time Grey decides to understand and know Maeve better and give her a few details of her life in a respectable manner considering she lost her parents a few months ago.

Grey gently asked Maeve, "If you don't mind sharing, could you tell me a little bit about you and your family, especially your parents? I can't imagine how difficult it must have been for you to lose them." Maeve's eyes welled up with tears as she took a deep breath and began to open up about her parent's love and the impact they had on her life.

He wanted to be sensitive and supportive of her. Maeve, on the other hand, appreciated Grey's genuine concern and felt comfortable opening up to him about her parents' passing and the challenges she had been facing since then. She hoped that sharing her story would help strengthen their bond and build a deeper connection between them.

Maeve saw the awkwardness of Grey slowly dissipating, and she was actually having fun talking to him. He was honest and real. Even when the Bus would suddenly stop to pick up local passengers, he would always extend his arm in front of her to be her arm hold as the bus seats were far apart from each other. Maeve appreciated Grey's small gestures of chivalry, which made her feel safe and cared for in a way she hadn't felt in a long time. As they continued their conversation, Maeve realized that Grey had genuine empathy for others and a kind heart, which made her even more drawn to him.

As soon as they arrive at the city entrance, the bus will turn around, wait for ten minutes, and continue its route back to where it came from. As they step down, Grey even helps a Hunting store owner that he usually visits to buy items for his weekly hunting trip in the mountain at the back of their secluded home. Grey and the store owner exchange a few friendly words before Grey bids him farewell. As Grey walks away, he can't help but feel a sense of anticipation for his upcoming hunting trip in the picturesque mountainous region near their secluded home.

after Grey placed, the last crate on the floor at the city entrance the shop owner's wife was already waiting for her husband with their pickup truck and thanked Grey and even as who was the lovely lady with him, Grey smiled and formally introduced Maeve Thatcher and briefly gave a small introduction of who she was to avoid that lingering suspicion toward them being together that Saturday morning,

After Grey's place, the last crate on the floor at the city entrance, the shop owner's wife was already waiting for her husband with their pickup truck to thank Grey, and even as who was the lovely lady with him, Grey smiled and formally introduced Maeve Thatcher and briefly gave a small introduction of who she was to avoid that lingering suspicion toward them being together that Saturday morning.

The Gun shop owner's wife smiled and told her she was in good hands, complimented her elegant look, and added that she should be patient with Grey's naïve and somewhat ignorant personality when it comes to an emotional connection with women just like her.

as he tends to be reserved and cautious. She assured Maeve that Grey was loyal and trustworthy, always putting others before himself. With a reassuring smile, she advised Maeve to give their friendship time to grow and develop naturally, as Grey's intentions were genuine. She smiled and thanked the Gun shop owner's wife, even mentioning she would visit their shop as soon as she could if Grey would accompany her, as she wanted to support their business and show her appreciation for their kindness. Maeve felt a sense of relief knowing that she had someone like Grey by her side, someone who not only understood her but also had the potential to become more than just a simple friend.

briefly looking at him seeing that he was also good-looking and had a hint of mystery in his personality, not knowing Grey she was kind of one of those girls who secretly has a small crush on him because of the way he handles himself, he was confident, honest, helpful, and doesn't follow the normal social norms of the rest. Grey had always intrigued her with his unique charm and non-conformist attitude. She admired how he effortlessly stood out from the crowd, unafraid to be himself. It was this combination of qualities that made her heart flutter whenever she was around him, deepening her secret crush even more.

Maeve helped Grey place the small items in the truck, the shop owner ask them to join them as they dropped them off near the location they were heading to, but Grey declined, saying he has a reason why he wanted to walk, store owner wife smile with a hint of mischievousness, Maeve understood what it meant, but Grey gave a small reason, saying he wanted to know her better and taking a casual stroll in the city was a good way of opening ones self toward another person without being too forward,

The gun shop owner tipped his trucker hat and applauded his proper manners toward understanding a woman, acknowledging that not all men possess such qualities. He commended Grey for setting a positive example for others in the community. After saying their goodbyes and smiling with a heartfelt wave, they gave each other a look and a nod as they continued to walk toward the library. that was just ten minutes away. As they approached the library, Grey couldn't help but feel a sense of accomplishment, knowing that his actions had made a positive impact on someone's perspective.

But that optimism will soon be tested because the local bullies made the small connecting alleyway at the side of the library building to prey on those students who visit the place to borrow the needed books for their daily classes. Grey's attention as he noticed the bullies lurking in the alleyway, their menacing presence casting a shadow over his previous sense of accomplishment. He knew he couldn't let fear deter him from standing up for what was right, so he took a deep breath and prepared himself to confront the bullies head-on to protect Maeve if necessary, determined to ensure her safety. As he approached the alleyway, Grey's heart raced with adrenaline, and his mind focused on diffusing the situation peacefully. He reminded himself that standing up against injustice was a responsibility he couldn't ignore, regardless of the potential risks involved.

The five known bullies were keen on insulting him in front of Maeve, despite knowing the reason they were at the library based on what they already knew because they too had the same project. Grey took a deep breath, ready to confront the bullies and defend Maeve's honor. He knew that by standing up to them, he was not only protecting her but also sending a powerful message that their behavior would not be tolerated. With determination in his eyes, Grey stepped into the alleyway, prepared to face whatever came his way.

the five bullies were finally making their move and were adamant about showing off that Grey was nothing compared to them, taunting him to put his fist up and prepare to fight them like a man, Maeve ran toward the library to as for assistance as she saw some patrol car heading near her she waves him hand and as soon as the stop to ask her, she told them that a group of school thug was about to hurt her friend name, Grey,

the patrol police's expression changed as they were feet meters away from the alleyway so they rush outside their car and told Maeve to lead the way before its too late, Maeve was now more concerned about Grey's condition, as one of the police already called in for an ambulance, Maeve asks if her friend was in a dangerous position, the police told her, the ambulance was for the thugs attacking him, knowing it was Grey they foolishly attack was a stupid thing to do, especially considering his reputation in the neighborhood. Maeve's worry for Grey intensified, hoping that he would come out of this situation unharmed. She quickly led the patrol police towards the alleyway, determined to ensure Grey's safety.

As they turned the corner, all five were kneeling on the fool and sobbing in pain as he stood in front of them. Maeve's heart sank at the sight of Grey standing tall and unscathed amidst the injured thugs. It was clear that his reputation was well-deserved, and she couldn't help but feel a sense of relief wash over her. She approached him cautiously, grateful that he had come out of the altercation without any harm.

One of the police officers walked in with Maeve beside him, as the five bullies complained that they were minding their business when Grey started attacking them without warning, but Grey pointed at the three-story building next to the alleyway, and the five saw a CCTV camera.

As they took a deep breath, the other police officer came with the USB drive with the video about their altercation and who started the brawl, proving Grey's innocence. The police officer reviewed the footage and quickly realized that the bullies' claims were false, leading to their immediate detention in the juvenile room at the police station,

Maeve approached Grey and check if he was really o, and could not believe he was able to defend himself effortlessly, Grey naively smiled and assured her he was fine and there is nothing to worry about, Maeve encountered something that was unexplainable, that single person was able to imprint pain and fear in those five notorious bullies single handily, and even witness how the local police knew the outcome by just hearing his name,

Maeve couldn't help but be intrigued by Grey's ability to command such respect and fear. She wondered what secrets he held that made him so powerful and why the police seemed to have a vested interest in him. It was clear that there was much more to Grey than met the eye, and Maeve was determined to uncover the truth behind his enigmatic presence.

the police officer asked Grey if he wanted to press charges and see them really behind steel bars, but he said no, the officer told him that if they do not get the proper punishment they will eventually seek him out and plan their revenge, Grey starred at them from afar and gave out a serious look that made the five look down as they enter the patrol car, wondering if he had made the right decision. As the patrol car drove away, Maeve couldn't help but feel a sense of unease, realizing that Grey's refusal to press charges might have unintended consequences in the future. She knew she had to stay vigilant and continue her quest for the truth about Grey's enigmatic past.

Maeve asked Grey about his action, concerning the reason for not pressing charges against the five delinquents, Grey just said

"They still have the opportunity to change for the better,

"I don't want to be the one who will lead them on the wrong path,"

"And if they come back to attack me, I will just beat them up again, until they reach a point to change,"

Maeve was feeling something strange in her chest as her heart was beating fast. As she looked at Grey's face, she noticed a mix of concern and confusion. Maeve wondered if Grey could sense her racing heart or if it was just her imagination playing tricks on her. She couldn't help but feel a growing connection between them, making her even more curious about what he was thinking at that moment.

January 7, 2012, 9:46 a.m. Saturday