Chapter 15

Darcie 

I took a step back, astonished that Charles' brother actually came to school because of his zeal to make him go to BC (Blackwood Corp)This one would definitely be worse than their father. The world around me blurred as I focused on Arthur, his last statement. 

“I'm sorry. Why are you trying to involve my father in this?” My pulse increased. He looked around and when he saw no one in sight, pierced his fingers deep into my elbow and held my arms firmly. I winced and his voice, low and dangerous.

“You mind your business. Your job is to help Charles with his school work and Charles, is to go to that goddamn building.”

I stood my ground, even though I'm taking risks. “That's not going to happen.” I gulped. “I'm sorry. It's just that I support Charles living his own life.”

He nods. “I see, you're stubborn. If your case gets to my Dad, you wouldn't like what would happen to yours.” 

My stomach tightened, I started to scramble for thoughts, trying to diffuse the conversation but at the mention of my father, I couldn't help but feel intoxicated. “Don't touch my dad.” My voice breaks. 

“I won't…if only you and Charles don't repeat the bullshit of today!” He grit his teeth and his fingers sank deeper. I pushed myself off his grip, stumbling, stepping back with a darted gaze and he just stood with his hands in his pocket. 

“Still, I'm here to take him away.”

I wrinkled my nose, wondering how he even got in here. From the side access walkway perhaps, there's a path for students and staff behind the bleachers. “I'm not part of whatever game you're playing so stop.”

He laughed, low but despicable. “You are a very stubborn one. But don't worry. Actions speak better than words.”

He moved past me under the stands. I'm watching him go down as the game has finished. He was finally on the field and went down into the tunnel. What sort of desperation is this exactly? I breathe in and out, worried about Charles too much. I just hope he will be fine. I just trooped out of the stadium with the rest of the students, waiting, hopefully in class, to see Charles. It's almost an hour and he wasn't here. Then, his call flashed on my screen. I didn't hesitate to answer. 

“Hello?”

“Hello, Darcie.” His voice sounds tired. 

“Where are you? I've been waiting in class so we can go home together.” Then I whispered, determined. “Can you guess what? Arthur showed up.”

Then silence before he breathes deeply. “I know. Arthur is with me. George is outside waiting for you. Go home, Darcie. You'll see me later.” He orders, tone in a defeated way. 

“Are you alright?”

“Yeah. I will be. Just go home.”

The call ended as he hung up. My brows fell as something felt awkward, like something wasn't right. I slinged my bag over my back and head out of the room. Outside, I see George leaning on the car and he slides in the front seat when he observes my presence. The drive home was quiet. 

Getting home, I took a shower and threw on some clothes. I made lunch too then worked on school assignments. It's 9:pm and Arthur and Charles still haven't come home yet. My mind drifted, thinking. What if he took him to his father's. Charles would get scolded so badly. I lay on the couch. Waiting? Sure, I really was waiting for the guy that called me an accessory the first day I walked into the mansion. 

I dozed off for a while but the sounds of feets woke me up. 

I snapped my neck. Charles walked in–with Arthur. Charles in a Black suit and holding a big briefcase. His appearance screamed ‘old money’ style. I see the tension between both brother's and how he's trying to play it cool. Charles' doesn't even look comfortable. There's a huge smile on Arthur's face. A proud, satisfied beam. He pats Charles shoulders.

“Good. Well, impressive for a first start. Don't you see, power is the only currency that matters. You surely will maintain a strong presence and legacy for the sterling family.”

At first I was lost but now I understand, Arthur still took Charles to that fucking firm. What if the scouts gave him a scholarship at the end of the day? Poor Charles. 

“We go again tomorrow. Good job bro. Make me proud.” He smiled, then his eyes met mine. “Go prepare something for me to eat.”

I replied softly. “Done.”

“My laundry.”

“Arthur…” Charles butts in. “Darcie isn't a maid. The maids handle that.”

He nods like he didn't know. Asshole. He turned to leave. But as he left, his eyes fell on me, giving me a lingering stare like he was waiting for me to challenge him or something. I gave him a killer glare too before he left upstairs. Then, the tension had lightened as Charles slumped on the couch beside me. 

“Hey.” I turned to him, agitated. “Tell me. What happened? Did you go to BC?”

He turns to face me. His face looks weary and tired. Eyebrows falling off like he was lamenting and going through a whole lot. “Yeah.”

“This is bad.” I complained. “What are we going to do?”

He shrugged like he was giving up already. “Do you think we can do anything? Today, I got in, well through my father. Got to observe roles in meetings, did menial jobs.” He sighed. “Darcie, I hate it there. Everything. This?” He pulls a piece of the suit. “It's all bullshit.”

“You should have seen how he walked into the tunnel to the gym room as a killjoy while I was just celebrating my victory.”

“I saw him. He grabbed me first.” I spat. 

“What? Did he touch you?” Charles looked directly into my eyes. 

“No.” I whispered, lying. “What's that on your face?” I held his cheeks and there's like a five hand sign mark blueprinted on his cheeks.

He dropped my hands. “Don't worry about me. Arthur hit me earlier. I'm fine.”

“He hit you?” I asked, alarmed. 

Charles stood up, didn't say anything but leave, leaving me in a confused and scary state of mind.