The Fall Before the Rise

Chapter 8

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Before Kyle could process the magnitude of what was happening, his phone buzzed in his pocket. It was a call from his best friend, Zack. The urgency in Zack's voice immediately set off the alarms in Kyle's head.

"Kyle! Get back to school now! Your grandmother—she's here. She found out about your suspension, and she's begging the director to reconsider. But, bro, that's not the worst part. Tara and Stephen are at the gate. They're making things worse for her. Stephen told her that if she wants you to be allowed back, she needs to—" Zack's voice faltered, a mix of anger and disbelief. "They're telling her to kneel down and beg them."

Kyle felt his blood run cold. His heart pounded as Zack's words sank in. His grandmother, the woman who had raised him with so much love and sacrifice, was being humiliated because of him. The image of her standing before those monsters—Tara, the girl he had once loved, and Stephen, the arrogant boy who had tormented him—made Kyle's vision blur with fury.

"I'm coming," Kyle said, his voice hard. "Don't let them hurt her."

Kyle snapped his phone shut and turned to his grandfather. "I need to go back to school," Kyle said sharply. "Now."

He then briefly narrated what had the call of about, and he needed to get back to school immediately because his grandmother was there. Arthur immediately assigned his assistant, Mr. Gray, who was still standing by the door like a statue, to accompany him and ensure he was safe.

Without hesitation, the assistant followed Kyle out. A bodyguard opened the door to the luxurious car parked outside. As Kyle slid into the plush leather seat, he couldn't help but marvel at the vehicle's grandeur. This was different from the one that had picked him up earlier. The seats were smooth, the scent of newness filling the air, and the car's dashboard gleamed with futuristic displays. It was a far cry from the battered bus he used to take to school every morning.

But now wasn't the time to admire the opulence of his new life. His grandmother needed him.

The driver sped toward the school, the hum of the engine barely audible as they moved through the streets. Kyle's thoughts raced; he was feeling guilt, rage, and worry all at the same time. How had everything spiraled out of control so quickly? How had he gone from a quiet, bullied student to the lost heir of a powerful family—and now this?

As the car neared the school, Kyle leaned forward. "Stop here," he said abruptly. But the assistant stopped him, and then he explained he didn't want anybody to know about this all yet.

"Why hide your identity? You can't keep it hidden, boy." Mr. Gray informed him.

"I know, and I am still trying to process everything. Can you guys give me some time and let me handle this on my own?"

"But…."

"Please."

"Okay." Gray gave in.

The driver, who was still looking confused, stole a glance at Gray, who nodded for him to follow as Kyle as instructed, pulling over a few blocks from the school gate. Kyle didn't want to make a scene. He wasn't ready to reveal his new identity. Not yet. There would be a time for that, but now wasn't it. He needed to handle this as the old Kyle—the one they thought they knew.

But before he got out, Gray stopped him. "We will be waiting, and I will watch you from a distance. But stay safe." Kyle quickly nodded before he got out and rushed toward the school on foot, his heart hammering in his chest. The sight that greeted him as he reached the gate was enough to make his blood boil.

There, standing in front of the imposing school entrance, was his grandmother. She looked small, frail, and out of place amidst the grand architecture of the school. Her hands were clasped together, and her face paled with worry. Tara stood beside her, her arms crossed and a smirk playing on her lips. She was just as beautiful as Kyle remembered, but the cruelty in her eyes tainted everything. Stephen towered over his grandmother, a sneer plastered on his face as he taunted her.

"If you want him back in school, old woman," Stephen was saying, his voice dripping with mockery, "you'll need to get on your knees and beg. That's the only way we'll consider it."

Kyle's fists clenched. How dare they?

His grandmother shook her head, her voice trembling. "Please... don't do this. Kyle didn't mean to cause any trouble. He's a good boy. We don't have the money to pay for another term... please, just let him prepare to take his exams."

Tara let out a laugh, her voice sharp and cruel. "It's simple. If you really want to help Kyle, then you'll do what Stephen said. Kneel, and maybe we'll talk to the director on your behalf. Isn't that right, Steph?"

Stephen grinned, clearly enjoying the spectacle. "That's right. All you have to do is kneel and beg, and I'll make sure your little grandson gets back into school."

Kyle's vision blurred with rage as his precious grandmother was about to go on her kneel. His body moved on its own as he stormed toward them, his voice ringing out before he could stop himself.

"Leave her alone!"

The words sliced through the air, and the crowd of students who had gathered at the gate turned to look at Kyle in surprise. Stephen and Tara both froze, their eyes widening slightly as they saw him approaching.

"Kyle," Tara said, her smirk returning. "You're back just in time. Your grandmother was about to show us how much she cares about you."

Kyle's grandmother looked over at him, relief flooding her eyes. "Kyle... I'm sorry. I didn't want to make things worse. I just wanted to—"

"No, Grandma," Kyle said firmly, walking to her side and gently taking her hand. "You don't have to beg these people. You don't have to beg anyone for anything."

Stephen's grin widened, his eyes gleaming with malice. "Oh, look, the hero has arrived. What are you going to do, Kyle? Fight me?"

Kyle's jaw tightened, but before he could respond, Stephen stepped forward and spat at his feet with a cold eye. "You're nothing, Kyle. You're a loser. And no matter how much you try, that's all you'll ever be."

The crowd began to murmur, some whispering about Kyle's suspension, others mocking him for standing up to Stephen yet again. "He doesn't just know when to quit," a voice said from the onlookers.

Kyle clenched his fists. He was on the verge of exploding; his anger was already boiling over. But then, out of nowhere, a sleek black car pulled up to the curb. The car door opened, and a tall, imposing figure stepped out, flanked by several men in suits.