Picture is Cameron Turner•

BAD CUPID

Created By; Snow Marisvega

Chapter 112

Dylan's P.O.V

"Happy new year!!" Everybody screamed the second it was twelve am. Raven pulled Zach closer by his shirt and kissed him deeply, his hands gripping her butt. Everyone was kissing someone, Jon and Gwen, Jaxton and Dominic, at a far corner Christian and Tyler were making out and other teens as well, except me.

Raven had thrown a party and the crowd was just as much as Halloween. I looked away from all my friends who were swallowing each other and sharing bacteria through their mouths and at the dancefloor, I'm sorry it was the only way I could make it sound less romantic.

Everyone finally pulled away except Zach and Raven who had become the IT couple. They had become the power couple in Eastwood high who made out at every corner.

"Come on now, that's enough." Gwen said with a laugh.

"Enough." Jaxton said pulling them apart.

"Cheers to a new and happy year." Jon said and rose his glass to the air, we all did the same, clinked glasses and drank.

"Okay, let's go dance guys." Raven said and pulled Zach along with her, they were both drunk as fuck.

"Yes!!!" Jaxton followed along, pulling Dominic from his chair. Dominic looked at me as he was being taken away and muttered a "help me" which I replied with a salute.

"You coming?" Jon asked as he followed with Gwen. 

"Yeah, I just need to use the bathroom first." I lied.

"Alright." He said and joined the others. Nicki Minaj was blasting through the speakers and I should have been interested but lately I barely had any interests.  I dropped my cup on the table before me and made my way up the stairs and into Nixon's room.

I was exhausted, I wasn't exactly interested in the party. I didn't want to come but Raven wouldn't allow it, her best friends had to be at her parties. I closed the door, keeping the loud noise and the music outside. I needed some peace and quiet, with a sigh I collapsed on Nixon's bed. It was comfortable as fuck, there were a lot of rooms here and I even had mine; Mr. Frost had made an arrangement, since I was always coming around and stuff, he just let me have one room out of the nine room they had, I hope I got the number correct.  I should have gone to mine but Nixon's bed was too comfortable.

According to him, the sheets were bought in Tokyo and the blankets in Spain, he said it didn't cost much but that was rich people's way of saying 'you're poorer than poor', because their "it isn't expensive" is always something you can't afford and when they say "it isn't too expensive," just forget it.

I took off my shoes so I could get in completely and not worry about ruining his not-so-expensive sheets. Laying on my back and resting my head on his super soft pillow, I stared at Nixon's ceiling. I shouldn't be bored but I couldn't help it, I took out my phone and opened my clash of clans, it was a game I suddenly got addicted to, I didn't think I would because it wasn't my kind of thing but I was hooked before I knew it.

Of course, I was already attacked three times in one hour.

Zach introduced the game to me, I had seen him numerous times playing it and when I asked what that was, he explained the game to me and how it worked. I downloaded it and now I'm just as hooked as he was.

I suddenly got a video call just when I was about to attack a clan, I groaned  in frustration but still answered because he was a very good friend.

"He-"

"DYLAN!!!! HAPPY NEW YEAR, CHAOS!!" He screamed making me laugh.

"Happy new year, Timmy Turner." I smiled. He was at a club and he was probably drunk as fuck right now like the people downstairs. Timmy looked different, he had cut his hair low and that made him cuter, I had to admit.

"I am having so much fun!" He yelled into the camera and I snickered.

"I can see that. Are you alone? I hope you don't plan on driving home alone."

"What? No, I'm not alone. I'm with my best friend and beautiful boyfriend," he said with a grin and looked to his left.

"Who is it?" I heard him ask.

"Commmmeee." Cameron whined.

A boy appeared to his side, a drink in his hand. "Oh, hi Dylan!" He grinned at me.  "Happy New Year!"

Dwayne and Cam have been dating for a while, I only got to know him last month. His hair was as low as Timmy Turner's except he was blonde. He wasn't completely muscular but he had a good body, we had spoken about four times since Cameron introduced us weeks back.

"Hey, hey. Happy new year."  I smiled back. Dwayne  was cute as hell and perfect for Turner. "How's Miami?"

"It's fucking amazing, i am so glad Dwayne brought me here." Cam said and kissed Dwayne's cheek. "You are the bestest in the whole world, Dwayne."

"Move away, you're drunk as fuck." Dwayne said but he was blushing, he rolled his eyes at his boyfriend but ended up smiling a second later.

They really were a match, not just because they were both good looking and cute, but they were both from money. These boys were both rich and Dwayne took Turner on a surprise trip to Miami while Turner had bought him a bracelet worth three months of Dominic's salary a couple of months back.

I was happy for them but I envied them as well, everyone seemed to be in a relationship or suddenly enter the second I stepped out of it.

"Oh, aren't you supposed to be at a party? Don't tell me you're home doing nothing." Dwayne said while Turner nodded in agreement.

"He's right, didn't I see a post on Raven's twitter about a party at her house? You're best friends so you should be there." Turner said.

"I am there, I'm just not feeling it."

"Wow, that sounds depressing." Turner said, making a face.

"It really does. You should be having fun tonight, Dylan." Dwayne said and I smiled.

"I am having fun."

"Mmhmm." He rolled his eyes. "How's your sister? The Dexwell with the most beautiful eyes?"

"Aw, thank you, but let us not talk about me and talk about my sister. She's great, she's with my parents and sofia and they are probably having more fun than I am."

"Obviously." Cam said.

I chuckled. "Anyways, thanks for calling, dickface. You both enjoy your party and Miami as well, I'll call you all later."

"Alright, goodnight, take care of yourself." Dwayne said. It was crazy how Dwayne and I had hit it off without it being weird, he knew Turner used to have a thing for me and didn't give off any jealous vibe, instead he asked me one time what Turner was like when he was pestering me. I guess that was how our relationship grew, from making fun of Turner.

"You too, bye."

"Goodbye, chaos!" Turner said in a loud voice and I chuckled.

"Alright, get out." I said and hung up. I looked back at Nixon's ceiling and let out a heavy sigh. "I should have just gone to New York." I murmured.

Raven's dad had gone to New York with Nixon, as you know he works with a famous website and has his own company as well which Nixon runs. They went on a business trip in New York and he had invited me to come along, he said he was going to need me so we could be the ultimate trio and by that he meant; three males with an intimidating aura, a powerful stance and a tongue as sharp as fire. His words. No one would have been able to stand the heat with us all in one team but I declined. I declined a free flight to New York which I have never been to, free food, free shopping, an expensive hotel and meeting rich folks while acting like I was Bill Gate's illegitimate son.

All for Raven's dumbass party which I am not even in the mood for. She had convinced me and begged me to decline because she wanted me here, now I'm here and nothing special is happening. I needed to be away from Eastwood but I guess I could never escape this god forsaken town.

Beatrice, Raven's mom had left town as well, It's either Australia or Switzerland, I seem to have forgotten. Raven decided to stay instead of going to her Nana's, she had the house all to herself and I knew she wanted me around, that was half the reason why she begged me to stay.

I opened my WhatsApp, I had gotten an awful lot of text messages from people wishing me a happy new year, I didn't even remember whom half these people were. I had eleven texts from Isabelle, I smiled and just as I was about to click hers, my phone rang again.

I was starting to get tired of this. It was an unknown number and somehow, I don't know, i felt it was him. I was nervous about answering, staring at my phone as it rang but I didn't need to ignore him, right? So I answered and placed the phone against my ear.

"Hello?"

"Dylan Dexwell."

My heart skipped a beat and I rapidly sat up, I let out a breath. "Detective Fisher."

"Ambrose, remember?"

"Oh my God, are you okay? I have been expecting a call or something from you, I've been worried.....the news."

Detective Fisher had been on the news with Johnathan repeatedly. There had been some footage of them walking on the street or in a grocery store together. Last I heard, they were in Florida and four days ago, a video was shown on CNN concerning a crazy crossfire between the police and the duo and he had been shot in the leg, so now the police were looking for man with an injured leg.

For a while both had disappeared and no one could find them, not until they discovered some changes.  Detective Fisher had cut his hair off and he looked even more built now while Johnathan had dyed his hair red and was looking like an anime character.

"I'm fine, Dylan."

"Really? You've been all over the fucking news! We saw! They shot you! Gwen's been freaking out."

"Yeah, I know, it was a crazy move. Tell her that I am sorry."

I sighed frustratedly. "They are going to kill you, Detective Fisher, you're risking your life for him?"

"I told you before, he's not a bad kid." He said, calmly. "And besides, he's not the same kid you used to know."

"So, he's worse now?"

He laughed. "He doesn't hate me anymore and the dummy cried when I got shot."

"Johnathan cried?"

"Yeah," I could tell he was smiling.

"Ambrose! Who the fuck are you telling these thing!" I heard Johnathan ask.

"Shh, dry off and let's have dinner." I heard him say and I grimaced.

"Are you two acting like a couple now?" I asked and he snickered.

"How's Henry?" He avoided my question.

"We uh, we broke up."

"What? Wow, I thought you were both endgame."

"Well, we aren't and can we talk about you and not me? You got shot! It won't be long before Johnathan leads you to your death and you get sent to the underworld."

"I'll be fine, I promise."

I sighed in defeat. "Don't die, okay?"

"I won't."

"I gotta go, Johnathan's been ranting and has a gun pointed at me."

"And you find this amusing because?" I could tell he was smiling.

"Good night, Dylan and uh, Happy New Year."

I remained silent for a couple of seconds. "Goodnight, Detective Fisher."

"You won't stop calling me that, will you?"

"Nope." I replied.

He chuckled. "Take care." He said and hung up.

Well, fuck! What the hell is going on with you, Detective Fisher?

I laid back on the bed and slowly closed my eyes. I couldn't help but worry about him, Johnathan was cunning, I knew he was possibly only using Detective Fisher for his own selfish intention, for his protection and I was worried. Johnathan was the king of manipulation and he knew how to get what he wanted, whatever it was.

He was a demon.

*** 

"Good morning," I greeted as I approached Raven at the dinning.

"Ooh, Good morning, sly." She replied. She had a plate of pancakes and cup of tea before her. She was wearing a blue short dress and scrolling through her phone.

"I didn't sly."

"You went to bed early!"

"I was drunk, I needed to lay down cause my head was killing me." I lied, sitting beside her.

"Whatever."

I looked around the house and noticed it was completely clean, it didn't look like there had been a big ass party here last night. "How is the house sparkling clean? It's only nine in the morning." I asked as I was placed some pancakes on a plate.

"Ten actually." She corrected.

"Good morning!" Zach greeted as he approached the table, he was all dressed up in black office pants and a tucked in white shirt. He was dressed like he was heading to a meeting for rich people, or a parry hosted by Chuck Bass's parents.

He leaned and gave Raven a kiss on the cheek which she smiled in reply to. They looked like a married couple already, I looked away and began to eat. "How the hell did you wake up so early after a party like last night's?" Zach asked, letting out a chuckle afterwards.

"Practice makes perfect."

"Hey, good morning Dickhead." Zach greeted and sat beside me.

"Good morning, fuck face." I replied with a smile. "Sleep well?"

"Like a baby." He smirked. "You?"

"Of course he slept well, he abandoned us the second we said happy new year." Raven said with a frown.

"I passed out." I groaned.

"Give him a break, Rave. Dude was clearly worn out and not in his right senses after all that alcohol." Zach said and I nodded in agreement.

"Whatever." She replied and suddenly her phone rang. "Shit, give me a sec, my mom's calling." Raven said and answered, placing the phone against her ear as she stood up. "Yes, mom? Mmhmm, happy new year to you too." She rolled her eyes and walked away.

I chuckled.

"So, tell me truthfully," Zach said as he made himself some peanut butter sandwich. "Why'd you leave the fun party?"

"It's like you said, I was drunk and passed out."

Zach snorted. "Please, you held one cup the entire night and didn't even finish it."

"You were watching me? Gee, talk about creepy." I said and he chuckled.

"Well, you are my friend, I gotta look out for you even though it is exhausting."

"You are so sweet Zachary-Kun."

"I have told you not to call me that." He groaned. "This anime shit will mess with your head, Dylan-sama." He said and I snickered.

"Like you aren't doing it too, dumbfuck."

"Whatever." He grinned.

"You're all dressed up, going somewhere?"  I inquired.

"Yup. I need to head to my father's office, he's having a guest and he wants to show me off." He smiled.

"He's in town?"

"Yeah, arrived this morning."

"Well, shit."

"Yup, the old man woke me up." He sighed.

I had never met Zach's parents before, they were always traveling around for business and would only stay in town for a few days, a week at most. I had seen pictures of them, they even had a big portrait in their living room of all three of them looking like the Crazy Rich Blacks.  Zach and I had gotten close ever since my breakup with Henry, you would think he'd stay away a little but he was by my side all through and before I knew it, we were closer than ever.

And so, I got to ask him about his parents when I slept over at his and he told me about them. I knew it had to hurt, there was no way not having your parents around all the time wouldn't affect you in a way. I mean you might be glad at first because you'd have friends over and throw parties but he was still a kid who needed his parents love and they were not there for him. So, he hid his feelings by throwing senseless parties and being a manwhore, until he fell for Raven of course.

He loved his parents but he wasn't really okay being around them. According to him, they were like strangers half the time at the dinning and only talked about Oxford and his grades and work. It was sad but knowing he wasn't really close to his parents, should I let him just go alone? I mean, I know they live in the same house and all but still, I'm sure he'd need someone by his side.

"Do you want me to come with?" I asked.

Zach took a bite from his sandwich and shook his head. "Nah, I'll be fine."

I rolled my eyes and stood up. "I'm coming with, besides I need to see your father's company which you'll be taking over soon."

Zach chuckled. "You don't need to come."

"I'm not even asking anymore, I'm telling you. Give me fifteen minutes to get ready."

Zach looked at his watch. "I'm supposed to be there by ten thirty, but," he smiled at me. "Take your time, the old man can wait."

I chuckled and rushed up to shower, I didn't have spare clothes here because I mean, I might have a room here but this wasn't my house. I decided to check out Nixon's room, he had more flesh than me and muscles while I had squidward's body but I could make something out of his clothes.

I went through his closet, looking for a shirt to go with my jeans, half his shirts were too big for me but after the fifth change I realized so was Henry and yet I was able to wear his and make it still look good on me by being creative. So I took out a red shirt of his, I folded the sleeves and tucked in a side of the shirt, leaving the other part out. I fixed my hair and rushed out after wearing my shoes.

Zach and Raven were both in the living room watching something on Raven's phone with a smile on their faces.

"What are you watching?" I asked as I walked towards them.

"Guess who reposted a video of my party on their Instagram story." Raven said with a big smile as she stood up and excitedly made her way towards me.

I arched a brow at her. "Who?"

"Gabriella Clarkwood."

I gave her a blank stare. "I'm sorry, am I supposed to know who Gabriella Clarkwood is? Is she supposed to be famous?"

Raven huffed. "She's a student at Yale, and not just any student, an elite! After I went to Yale last month to get a good look at the school, I ran into her and we followed each other on twitter and Instagram. Her father is a millionaire and one of the board members at Yale as well, so if she's popular then she's gonna be what I need to get promoted." She said with a smirk.

I blinked. "I'm sorry, you followed each other on social media but didn't exchange numbers? And what do you mean promoted?"

"It's simple, Dylan." Zach said and I turned my attention to him. "To be the Queen, you have to kill the Queen."

"Exactly." Raven smirked wickedly. "She's going to help me get popular before I even get to Yale and when I do, I'll climb up that ladder and take her crown."

"If you go, you'll be popular anyways." I shrugged.

"Thanks for the compliment, sugar, but this is Yale not Eastwood, there will be other outstanding, rich students almost like me. She seemed nice but I know it's call a façade, she knows when I get in, I'm gonna steal her throne, subjects and crown and so she's trying to use me but in this case, I'm gonna use her."

"You're a highschool student, she's in Yale already." I stated. "She's gotta have more power."

"That's why I'm building myself now, she reposted and I've been getting new followers from Yale students." She shrugged. "You said it yourself, Dylan, if I want to get into Yale, I need to act like a student in Yale."

I swallowed. "How are you so sure you'll get in?"

"Because I will." She chuckled. "I have more faith in this than my cooking."

"Alright then," Zach sighed and stood up. "We'll be going now, beautiful." He said and kissed her.

"You boys take care, oh and Dylan, is that Nixon's shirt?" Raven asked, her brows knitted.

"U-Um, no? Come on, Zach, we'll be late." I said, walking ahead.

***

"Found anyplace?" Zach asked as he drove.

"Well, there's a diner not so far from the address you gave me. I checked them on google and they sell chicken wings, waffles, chicken laps, actually a lot of things that has to do with chicken so yeah, this is the right place for us." I said with a grin and he laughed.

"I hope you brought your wallet."

I snorted. "I'm poor, you stupid background character, you're the rich one, so you do the needful."

"But you eat a lot, like a pig."

"Call me a pig one more time and I'll make us have an accident and I hope you know by now that I have nine lives, I'll just come back to life and you'll be on your way to hell where you'll burn for all eternity while regretting your actions and begging the devil for mercy."

Zach frowned deeply. "Do you always have to be so dark."

"Duh, no one would love me if I was normal."

"You are sick," he chuckled and began slowing down, he parked close to a building and unbuckled his seatbelt. "We're here." He announced.

I got out of the car and looked at the tall story building, I couldn't even see it completely because the sun wouldn't let me. "How many stories?" I asked as I followed him to the entrance.

"About thirty."

My eyes widen. "What?!"

"We also have branches around the world." He said and put on his sunglasses.

"Good morning, Mr. Pratt." The security guards outside greeted, he just smiled at them and walked in.

"Mr. Pratt?"

"It's the money speaking not me." He shrugged and I chuckled.

"Zach?" A woman called surprisingly and approached us.

"Mrs. Selma."

"You naughty boy." She pinched his cheek. "You should come visit us sometime." She said as she pulled away.

Mrs. Selma as he called her was a brunette who seemed to be in her thirties, she was dressed in a fitting black suit and held a blue file in her hand.

"Sorry, it's been crazy, you know, with the finals and all." Zach shrugged.

"Not a good excuse."

Zach chuckled. "I'll try to come see you often."

"I'll hold on to that." She smiled. "Who is this young beautiful boy."

"Uh, meet my friend Dylan. Dylan, Mrs. Selma, she has been working here for years and used to buy me sweets and stuff whenever I was brought here and bored."

"If I didn't, you'd have created a ruckus." She said and I giggled. "Nice to meet you, Dylan." She shook my hand.

"Same here."

"Anyways, where's my Dad?"

"In his office, he has a guest though."

"Don't worry, he's expecting me. I'll see you later." He said. They both exchanged farewells and afterwards, we made our way towards the elevator.

"Wow, your father's company is huge as fuck." I said as I looked around. I caught a glimpse of the company's name on the wall and stopped to look at it, it was big and well done by someone who knew his work. "Phoenix? That's the name of your father's company?"

"Yup." Zach nodded. "Dad said his business failed many years back which devastated him but then it sprang back up and this time it ended up greater and powerful, just like a Phoenix so instead of doing the whole Pratt industries and shit, he went with it."

"Pretty creative." I admitted. "What's his work?" I asked as I approached an elevator. 

"Not that one, it's for the workers, we'll take the one at the right." He said and my brows furrowed in surprise.

"Two elevators? Are you shitting me?" I followed him.

"What floor is his office?" I asked as we got in.

"Twenty seven." He said and clicked the number in the elevator, it closed and took us right up.

"That far? Wow, I see many possible deaths happening up there." I muttered. "Anyways, what's his job?"

"My father is an operation reaction analyst." He replied and I frowned, turning to look at him.

"What does that even mean?"

He smirked. "An operation reaction analyst is a remarkable high level problem solver, they use advanced techniques such as data mining, optimization, mathematical modeling and statistic analysis to develop solutions that helps businesses and organizations operate more efficiently and cost effectively."

"So in conclusion, your father is a genius."

He laughed. "You could say that."

"Wow, that is impressive."

"Mmhmm, and it got him here and gave him all these. You know, this job is ranked number seven in best business jobs and ranked thirty four in best hundred jobs."

"Wait, really?"

He nodded. "And father happens to be in the top twenty most successful business men."

"According to what?"

"Google and Forbes." He shrugged.

I blinked in amusement, I was beyond impressed. His father might be a douchebag but he really knee his shit, dayum!

"Impressed?'

I snorted. "Are you kidding? Of course I am."

"Wait till you see his office."

We finally got to twenty seven and he took the lead while I followed, a few people greeted him with smiles since he looked like a million dollars if a million dollars was human.

"Hello, Jean." Zach greeted as he walked over to a woman typing away on her keyboard. She looked up from the computer and at Zach and smiled.

"Zach? Well, look at you." She grinned at him, she was probably in her mid twenties. She was black and wore a blue top with a black suit jacket and a black skirt. "You know, you should call once in a while so we can know you're alive or at least pay the company a visit since you'll be inheriting it soon."

"You know, there's a saying that people should mind their business, Jeanette, or they'll end up in a ditch somewhere"

Jeanette rolled her eyes at him and scoffed, flipping her hair backwards with her perfectly manicured hand. "Whatever zee."

"Can I go in?"

"Yes, he's expecting you anyways." She replied.

Zach nodded and looked at me. "Come on." He said and with a nod, I took a step forward but then Jeannette stopped me.

"Um, he's only expecting you, he didn't say anything about a second, so I'm sorry but your friend will have to stay behind." Jean said and furrowed her brows at him, flashing me a fake smile.  "You go take a seat and wait for him to come out."

"Of what? The closet?" I asked, my brows knitted.

Zach chuckled slightly. "Good one."

"Aw, thanks."

"Funny, I forgot to laugh." Jeannette said, faking a perfect smile.

"It's okay. Some people's sense of humor can be dead." I flashed her a smile.

"It's simple, she's my cousin," Zach answered, smiling at her. "And she might be a bitch ninety percent of the time but she knows how to do her job."

"Thanks for the compliment, baby cousin. Now," she looked at me. "Please take a seat and wait till the meeting is over, or you could just go home."

I nodded. "You know what? How about you go, Zach. Like you said, she is doing her job and I can just wait out here for you."

"Nah, wherever I go, he goes." Zach said and she snorted.

"Yeah, and I'm your father's assistant, secretary, you name it, I determine who goes in." Bitchy Jean replied.

"But, I'm gonna be the boss here soon," Zach smirked. "And don't worry, when I take over this place, I will release you from your duties." He said and she gulped in surprise to his response.

"Dear, Zach. It seems like you've grown more balls." She cocked a brow at him.

"I love you." He smiled at her and sighed and turned to me. "Let's go, Dylan. Come meet my father." He said and walked ahead.

"Thank you for your time, Miss." I said to Jeannette. "Lovely lipstick color." I flashed her a smile and followed Zach.

"Well, she's lovely."

"She's actually sort of like you." He said with a smile. "Tough and doesn't listen."

"I guess that's why I kinda like her."

Zach chuckled.

"Do you want to take over? I mean, be the new owner of this place?" I suddenly asked, concerned.

"It may not seem like it but I admire my dad and his work, so yeah, I actually want to, and in that way, I don't need to stress much." He said with a shrug.

"Can your brain take it?"

"First of all," he turned to me and I stopped walking. "Fuck you." I laughed. "Secondly, I've gotten a lot smarter." He said and approached a black door.

Zach knocked three times before holding down the door knob and pushing it open, fixing a smile on his face. Once we walked in, two men who were sitting and having coffee turned to us. I closed the door behind me and took in every detail of Mr. Pratt's office. This man was fucking rich, his office was bigger than my room, what the hell?

At the right, further to the window was his desk and the chairs looked comfortable. The entire windows were glasses, you could see the city from up here, tall buildings and people would probably look like ants from him. His office was painted white, what was rich people's obsession with white? He had three red couches at the middle of his office with a glass table in the middle. There were a couple of paintings, a water Despenser, a television that was twice the size of mine back home. Damn, I knew Zach came from money but I didn't know how rich he was, until now.

"Dylan!"

I jumped and looked to see the men were all looking at me, a smile on Zach's face. I didn't even know when he left my side and walked over to his father. I faked a smile and approached them where they stood.

Zach's father was putting on a fitted Navy blue suit, it looked expensive just by looking at it. He was bald but that only made him more handsome for his age, he looked really serious, like Raven's father the first time I met him. The man at his right which I assumed was the person he wanted to introduce was on a black suit, he was white and had black hair as well, he seemed a bit older than Mr. Pratt, maybe five years older?

"Dylan, meet my father. Dad, this is Dylan, my friend from school." Zach introduced. Mr. Pratt thrust out his hand for a handshake and I took it, I noticed the gold wristwatch on his right hand that seemed to sparkle but quickly looked away from it.

"Hi, it is nice to finally meet you, Mr. Pratt." I said with a smile.

"I don't think I've seen you around before, are you on the team as well?" He asked with a soft small. 

"Uh, no, I'm not. I couldn't play to save my life." I chuckled but even with that joke, he didn't laugh, instead his smile vanished.

"Oh." He pulled his hand back and I frowned.

"Uh, Zach, this is Mr. Tony, he's a good friend of mine and the Dean in Oxford, I thought I should introduce you both." Mr. Pratt said and Zach smiled.

"Hello," he greeted and they both exchanged handshakes. "It's nice to meet you."

Mr. Tony chuckled. "Same here, Zach, I've heard a lot about you." He said before patting his shoulder. "Do you mind if I ask you some questions?"

"Uh sure," Zach nodded and they both sat on the red couches and began to talk.

"Dylan, right?" I looked up to see Mr. Pratt in front of me.

"Oh, yes?"

"Walk with me." He said and walked past me. I frowned and looked at Zach who had a confused look on his face, I shrugged and he muttered a "be careful."  I nodded and followed Mr. Pratt out of his office. "Tell me about you, kid. Are you in any sports at school?"

"U-Um, no, I'm not. I mean, they don't have my kind of sports there anyways." I answered.

"And what is your kind of sport?"

"Archery." I smiled. "I have come to like knife throwing now though."

Mr. Pratt stopped and turned to give me a look that said what the hell, but I just smiled.

"Do you know why I called this place Phoenix?" He asked as we walked past Jean whom I flashed a mean smile before answering his question.

"Because it died in the beginning after being unsuccessful but then you found a way to bring it back to life and make it....this?" I answered like Zach had not just told me about it few minutes ago.

"Exactly. My business sank like the Titanic but I did not give up," he said, his hands behind his back. "I did everything I could to rise up, I never stopped working, never stopped pitching my ideas, building it up from scratch until I had my empire. I didn't want my family to have to suffer and soon, Zach is going to take over." He said as he came to a stop. "But you see, he doesn't need some certain distractions, like people who won't add value to his life." He said and turned to look at me.

"He needs to be around people with the same dream as his, like his best friend Henry," he said and I swallowed. "I assume your family don't have money, do they have a name for themselves?" He asked, his voice loud enough for everyone who worked on this floor to hear. He wasn't necessarily shouting for them to hear him, but his voice was deep.  He was trying to pass a message, he was trying to humiliate me.

"How about you keep assuming?" I replied and his brows furrowed, he looked taken aback that I actually spoke back.

He chuckled slightly. "Go home, Dylan. You might dress like a rich kid but it doesn't make you one. You are only going to be a distraction, you'll probably end up in one of these colleges that doesn't even make it in the best top twenty." he mockingly laughed. "Zach has so much to learn,  he needs to realise that being around people like you will only cause him everything. He's got a bright future and I know he will take this company so far, but the likes of you, will only corrupt him and make him take the wrong path." He said and I frowned deeply at him. "Go home. Get your life together and try to make your parents proud instead of walking around with a kid who has it already."

"The likes of me? What does that mean?" I questioned.

"I know your type, you only follow my son to be able to have access to his pockets and eat what is left over from his table. Always wanting people to pity them, you act like you've got your entire life figured out but you don't even have a plan or a vision, you just want to eat from where you are not invited." He said and I just stared. "I believe I have made myself clear, get out." He said and walked past me, heading back to his office.

I laughed, loud enough for everyone to hear. If he thought he was going to humiliate me in front of all these people who look like they talk with their nose then he has to think again.

"Wow," I spun around, he was looking at me with a confused expression. "You know, when I first knew your son, I was disgusted. I mean, we were enemies, he had this attitude and arrogance that made me want to drive a spear up his ass every time," i huffed. "I guess now I see where he got that dirty attitude from."

"What did you say?"

"Exactly what you heard, Mr. Pratt." I said and slowly made my way towards him. "You act like you know what your son wants, have you ever asked him what he wanted?"

"What happens in my family is none of your business, child." He said, angrily pointing at me.

"You see, that's where you're wrong." I smiled. "Everything that happens in my friends lives is my business, ask anybody." I shrugged. "And don't even expect a single respect from me because I have a record of dealing with my close friends parents and putting them in their place when they've got their head so far up their ass that all they say and see is shit."

"Jeanette." He called in a soft voice and she rushed to his side.

"Yes?"

"Call security, I think it's time to take out the trash."

Jeanette smirked. "Of course." She said and walked back to her desk.

"You don't know what your son wants, you don't know anything about your son and here you are spilling trash like you know everything, you don't even live here, you're in town like once a month." I chuckled. "What did you think? That you would insult me, humiliate me and I would cry and go home and then you'll tell Zach some cliché made up evil father story to get us to be nemesis again? Please, I know fathers like you. And if you thought I'd just run off, I'm sorry but you don't know me at all. To get rid of me, you'd have to slit my throat, Mr. Pratt and yeah, that won't even stop me, I'll just come back." I laughed. 

"You've got a big mouth."

"Isn't a future lawyer supposed to be able to share his views and speak freely? I mean, Zach is like my client and you're the guy I'm trying to put behind bars, so," I shrugged. "It's simple." I smirked. "Maybe you should spend more time with your son, and he'll probably remember what it was like to be loved by his parents. Just because you've made it doesn't mean you have neglect your child and treat other people like shit. What was it you said?  You built this empire so your son wouldn't have to suffer? But in return what did you do?"

"Zach is old enough to take care of himself, he is a man, he doesn't need us around all the time but I don't think this is something you would understand."

"Two words, Mr. Pratt. Bull-Shit." I emphasized. "He is a boy who is still growing, he's still a child who needs to feel his parents love and care but your toxic masculinity won't let you see it, it stinks." I grimaced disgustedly. The elevator opened and two security guards rushed in, Jeanette cat walked to stand beside Mr. Pratt.

"Take him away." She ordered but before they could take one more step, Mr. Pratt rose his hand, stopping them.

"You do realize who you're talking to, right?"

"Yes, Zach's father. You might be in the top ten best businessmen in the world but that you are also a father and if people won't tell you what you need to know then why shouldn't I? Just because I am a teenager doesn't mean I don't know right from wrong." I snorted. "I am not as rich as you are but I can afford my own meals and I am comfortable with my life, thank you very much. You think I'm friends with your son because of his money?" I cackled.

"We're here making your son a better man and yes, he will get me some chicken wings and everything I want to eat because I'm hungry and I deserve it. He eats at my home too and my mother treats him like a mother should treat her child, during Christmas when you were in...Italy, was it? My father played video games with your son and my other friends, we spent Christmas together, our group did and he was happy, he is happy, but the sound of your voice only seems to cause his distress," I snorted. "I wonder why."

"I will not let you talk to him in that manner, you psycho." Jeannette said, glaring at me.

"Shut the hell up, you two faced bitch. The sooner you realize you only work here as an assistant and this isn't your company, the better for you. So just shut that second vagina of yours which you use for speaking and go stand behind your boss." I sneered.

Her eyes widen at me, she was boiling with rage. She looked at the guards and yelled at them. "What are you waiting for? Take him out of here and make sure he doesn't come back."

They reached for me but I took a step back. "If anyone touches me, I will set them on fire along with this building, I promise. I know my way out, I'll just wait for Zach in his car." I said with a smile.

"There's no need." Zach's voice filled the floor, I looked behind his father and spotted him. He walked towards us and stood by my side, looking at his father. "What is this, dad? Harassing my friend?"

"Your father was only putting him in his place, this friend of yours insulted your father like he was his mate, did he even realize whom he was speaking to?"

"Jean, this should be easy for you but I don't know how you still can't do it. Shut up, go back to your desk and focus on making those damn calls, dear cousin." Zach snapped at her and I smirked.

I felt like a proud father.

"You've never been around, my whole life I never had my parents around," Zach said, staring his father in the eye. "I have done everything you asked of me, tried to be a good son, followed you to your boring parties and stuff and you and mom couldn't even play your parental roles. I've felt empty, staying in that house without a mother to make me breakfast or a father to talk about football with, do you even know what it's like feeling like your parents don't love you? Like you don't matter?" Zach asked, I could feel and hear the pain in his voice, made me want to hold his hand.

"I have never asked anything from you, so do not insult my friends because they make me sane, he makes me sane. Because of him, I've gotten good at math, my grades has increased because of my poor friends. I wrote my SATs like I was writing a normal paper, that's how easy it felt for me, thanks to their tutoring and study groups. They complete me and they fill the void you and mom couldn't, so insulting him is like you insulting me. I will get into Oxford and it is all thanks to him." Zach said, finally standing up to his father, something he never did. "Let's go, Dylan, we have some chicken to eat." He said and turned, walking way.

"That's my cue, good day." I said and followed him into the elevator. "You did good."

"You think?" He asked, taking a deep breath.

I nodded. "The worst that could happen is him freezing your accounts and disowning you for humiliating him as well but don't worry, you can sleep in your car." I said and he laughed.

"Good to see you're getting better." Zach said, smiling at me.

"Well, I couldn't let him think he could just control you anytime he wanted, but, thanks." I smiled back.

It had been a while since I spoke to someone like that, I had been kind of reserved, until he flipped my switch and I felt a little like myself again.

***

"

Ugh, today was so tiring." Jaxton said as he collapsed on the couch. "Where is Sofía?"

"Dominic took her and Megan out." I answered as I took took a bite from my chocolate bar.

"How was the shooting?" Jon asked as he fell on the couch I sat on and rested his head on my shoulder.

"Wasn't so bad but we also had to do an interview." He sighed.

"Why?" I questioned.

"One of us might be on the front page of The Buzz Magazine."

"What?  No way!" Jon exclaimed.

Jaxton smiled. "Yes way. I hope it is me but there are like hotter boys, you know that Tyrone kid."

"The boy with the long, super gorgeous hair?" I asked and he nodded. "Yeah he is hot."

Jaxton sighed. "This is torture, I just need to make enough money on my own."

Jaxton had turned eighteen last month, to be precise; December 16. To think he was older than Raven and I was shocking and I thought I was older but dude was older than me with two months, I was still stuck at seventeen and now he was eighteen. He was an adult now. Jaxton didn't have a big party, we just had a family and friends celebration, with my parents, friends, Dominic and his family and yeah, that was about it. It was fun as well and he did cry, we had lots of photos so we could remember. Although I wasn't completely myself back then since I was still going through my breakup, I had to still smile for him.

Jaxton was eighteen now and soon was going to be Sofía's guardian, he decided to raise some money for himself, worried that social services might say he wasn't able to provide for her, I mean he had us but still, he needed to work for some money and that was where Gwen came in. Gwen introduced Jaxton to her uncle who owned a magazine and did a lot of photoshoots for models which he featured in his magazine. I mean, Jaxton's got the looks and all and so why not? He went for it and he accepted Jaxton, so Jaxton's been doing some shoots, not just for Gwen's uncle but for other agencies as well.

And in the last month, he's sang in two like big restaurants. He needed the money and he could sing, so he went for it and was paid a good amount, we didn't want him contributing to anything since they were a part of us now but then he came back with groceries because he didn't want us doing everything. Silly kid.

"Modeling isn't that hard, is it?" I asked.

"Not exactly." He answered and stretched his hand towards me, I handed him a chocolate bar which he muttered a thank you in reply to.

"Anyways, what about you?" I asked, looking down at Jon. "Anything up with you?"

"No." He shrugged. "I mean, not exactly. I think my jeep is dying, she's not in good shape anymore."

I gasped. "Not Velma, she doesn't want to follow you to college?"

"I guess so." Jon sighed. "I'm gonna miss her."

"She's not gonna die." Jaxton said as he kicked off his shoes.

"Anyways, Raven said you went to Phoenix with Zach this morning?" Jon asked.

I nodded. "Yup," I took another bite from the chocolate. "He dropped me off and went over to Raven's."

"You went to Phoenix?" Jaxton asked, sitting up rapidly. "Like....Pratt's father's company?"

"You know, it's weird how you guys didn't tell me Zach was that rich. I always thought he was just normal rich, you know? But turns out he's rich-rich, like run me over with your car kind of rich."

"I don't think that's how you'd explain it." Jaxton chuckled. "But yeah, he's super rich."

"And I heard his father is a scary man." Jon said and took my chocolate bar from my hand real quick and ate it.

I slapped his forehead which he giggled in response to. "Did you meet him?" Jaxton asked.

"Mmhmm." I replied and the boys looked at me suspiciously.

"What did you do?" They both asked and I frowned at them.

"Are you both accusing me of something? I didn't do anything wrong, I just don't think his father is anything special."  

"We know you have a bad case with people's parents." Jon said and I pinched his cheek.

"But I love your mom."

"Dylan, you didn't do anything that could get you arrested, right?" Jaxton questioned.

"No." I stood up and Jon's head fell on the couch. "I didn't. Now if you'll excuse me, I'm gonna go call Taylor." I said and walked out of the living room.

***

I had somehow fallen asleep after speaking to Taylor, I guess I was exhausted and felt heavy after Zach fed me like he planned on getting me fat all of a sudden.  When I woke up, it was past seven already. I yawned as I got out of bed and made my way out of the room with my phone in my hand.

"You think?" I heard Raven say as I walked down the stairs. "I just wish school didn't have to start in ten days." I heard her sigh.

School, ugh.

"I can't wait to graduate." Jaxton whined.

"Oh my God, guys, have you seen Henry's latest post?" Gwen asked and I stopped in my tracks.

"Henry hasn't posted anything in a month." Zach said with a frown.

"Yeah, neither has Dylan." Jon muttered.

"Those two are so alike." Raven huffed.

"Well, Henry just posted on his Instagram and boy does he looked good." Gwen said.

"He got a new haircut." Jaxton spoke. "Traveling to Spain really did him some good."

"Yeah, it did. He's back to wearing black earrings." Jon chimed in.

"He's never been to Spain before." Zach said. "Glad he went with his mom."

"Well, whatever happens, we shouldn't mention his name in front of Dylan or talk about this post." Raven instructed. 

I swallowed. After our exams, Henry had left Eastwood with his mother the very next day, they had both gone to Spain but we didn't know what happened in Spain. Henry didn't post anything and neither did I, not that I was checking all the time but I guess I wanted to know what he was up to. And now, hearing he had finally posted something, I was a little tempted to check but I had to stop myself from checking his Instagram.

"What post?" I asked as I made my way to the living room. I wonder what lie they'd come up with now.

"Not important." Raven disregarded it.

"Oh." I replied and sat beside Jaxton. "How come you guys always use my house for one of your meetings?"

"You're damn lucky we didn't wake you." Gwen said.

"Oh, and we heard what happened at the company." Raven chimed in.

"You lying asshole." Jaxton sneered.

"I just did what was right."

"Mr. Alexander Pratt is a powerful man." Jon stated.

"Alexander? That's his name?" I questioned. "Not bad."

"My dad's not all powerful." Zach said, laying on the couch and resting his legs on Raven's lap.

"Don't even lie." Jaxton said. "He's like lex luthor except black. "

"I agree." I nodded. "He's got the whole bald thing going on, maybe you'll end up like that." I said, smiling at Zach who afterwards gave me the middle finger.

"I'm not the one who looks like a character from an anime series with that hair." He retorted.

"At least I'm hot." I smirked.

"Besides, how could you have spoken to him like that?" Jaxton asked and I rolled my eyes.

"Hey, I'm not complaining." Zach replied.

"How did they all know?" I asked him.

Zach looked away from me and at Raven who's mouth was slightly parted. "It slipped, and I didn't know it was supposed to be a secret." She shrugged.

"You are in for it." Gwen chuckled and then someone knocked.

"I'll get it." Jaxton said and stood up.

"He won't do anything, besides you have me." Zach said with a shrug. "I'm not scared of him anymore."

"You are no hero, Zach." Jaxton said as he made his way to the door. "You know how powerful your father is, stop trying to lie and make it better."

"You really need to be nicer." I said, loud enough for Jaxton to hear.

"Well, you ruined him yourself." Raven snorted.

"Whatever."

"What if Mr. Pratt decides to send you to jail or ruin your life?" Raven asked.

"You all stop making a big deal out of this." I groaned and stood up. "He's a grown man, if he can't handle a kid talking to him then he's still a kid."

"Uh, Dylan?" Jaxton called and I turned to him.

"What?"

"We have a um...guest." He said and suddenly Mr. Pratt came into view and my jaw dropped.

"Oh my God, guys, I'm going to jail." I muttered.

"Dad," Zach called and stood up. "What are you doing here?"

"Shit, Mr. Pratt is in Dylan's house." Jon said and stood up as well.

"You've done it this time, Dylan." Gwen said, I looked at her and rolled my eyes.

"I came here for the young boy with the white hair." Mr. Pratt answered his son.

"Alright, tell my mom to come bail me out when they get home." I said as i approached Zach's father.

"I'm not arresting you." He said and I halted.

"You're not?" Everyone asked at the same time and he shook his head.

"No."

"So what? You're gonna kill me?" I questioned and not once did he smile.

"I should but I forgot my gun." He replied and I was taken aback, not because of his answer but the fact that his humor matched mine in a way.

"Haha, funny." I replied, not laughing in anyway.

"What then do you want, Dad?" Zach asked, walking to stand beside me.

He looked at everyone and huffed. "So these are your friends? The ones who helped make your studies better?"

Zach nodded and his father blinked. "Can I talk to you both outside." he said and walked out, not waiting for a reply. Zach and I exchanged looks and followed him outside the house and to his car but we didn't get in.

"So?" Zach asked.

"I uh, I gave what your friend said a lot of thought and uh, I realized he had a point."

"A point? I had more than one." I replied and Zach gave me a look that said shut up.

"You were right. I haven't been spoken to like that in over two decades or more and having a kid stand up to me like that, it was....offensive and daring yet admirable."

I blinked. "Are you....are you complimenting me?"

"Don't think too much of it." He said blankly. He looked away from me and at Zach. "Your friend was right, I haven't been....the best father to you, have I? All I thought about was my company and giving you the best life but I didn't think about what you needed, I just gave you what I thought you wanted and I apologize." He said.

Zach looked staggered, like his father had never apologized for anything in his entire life and I wouldn't even be surprised. "At first, I was mad when this poor kid spoke to me in such a manner, then I got furious as I listened. Later, I realized I wasn't furious because he was speaking to me rudely but because it was true. Your mother and I have....not been the best parent in the world and we left you all alone. I was going to wait till your mother got back from Africa but this couldn't wait, I needed to set things right with my son." He said and smiled for the first time.

"Dad, this isn't easy, we can't just patch things up in one night after everything." Zach said, probably feeling annoyed.

"Let me finish before you say anything, Zach, just....hear me out." He said, cutting him off. "I know I've missed your birthdays, not one or three or...five and your games. I know I've never been there for you and I pressure you a lot, I just want you to be the best you can be, to be like me but....you are your own person and I am sorry, Zachary. I really am sorry for being a selfish father who never put your feelings first, who never asked you what you wanted to do except play sport."

Zach swallowed, trying hard to hold his tears. He looked down at his feet and nodded. "I get it, I think." He said and looked back at his Dad. "I understand that you wanted what was best for me but I just....needed you and mom, I needed you guys to understand me too."

"I know, I know. I mean, I know that now." Mr. Pratt nodded, swallowing hard. "If it wasn't for this crazy, big mouthed friend of yours, I probably wouldn't have figured that out myself." He scoffed. "I am sorry."

Zach smiled. "It's okay, pops. I mean, I can't really be mad at you forever, I kinda need your money to pay for college and stuff." Zach joked and his father laughed.

"That makes sense." He replied and this time Zach chuckled. "Can I...get a hug, maybe? Not the rushed, one sided kind we used to have."

"Yeah," Zach chuckled, sniffing. "Not the rushed, one sided kind." He said and walked closer to his dad, they wrapped their arms around each other tightly. It felt like some tension had been gotten rid of and that made me relived.

I watched, a smile on my face as Mr. Pratt patted his son's back. "I love you, son."

"Aw, well look at the Pratts, all patched up and back to the father-son relationship." I said and they pulled away, looking at me. "Well, I guess I should just head back in." I said and clapped my hands together.

"I'm not done talking to you." Mr. Pratt said and I sighed. He walked towards me, carrying that intimidating aura around him but I was barely moved by it, I mean Mr. Frost used to be scarier than him.

"So, you want to be a lawyer?"

"Not just any lawyer, the best." I answered.

He smirked. "You will make a great one. You are not like other kids who have no vision or dream, I was wrong. You are just the friend my son needs, the way you spoke to me? Proves you've got guts, you've got what it takes."

I smiled. "Thanks."

"If you ever need my help or anything, don't hesitate to ask." He offered.

"So you could rub it in my face later?" I snorted. "No." I said and he chuckled.  "I'm sorry," I apologised. "I mean, everything I said was right and all, plus I couldn't let you just humiliate me and walk away like them rich folks, but still, I apologize."

Mr. Pratt smiled. "I'm sorry too, I shouldn't have spoken to you that way, I was quick to judge."

"Yeah, you were and you're a bad one." I laughed. He gave me a look and I cleared my throat, covering up my laughter.

"Say hi to your friends for me," he said and turned to Zach. "I uh, I'm supposed to be on a flight to Barnabas but, I'm gonna delay my flight for another two days." He said, smiling. "Do you wanna....you know go home and watch that show you used to love as a kid? The something hawk?"

Zach snickered. "Dad, they don't show Silver hawk on TV no more."

"Oh." He blinked.

"Wow, you are so far behind." I said, my arms folded.

"But," Zach smiled. "We could watch one of them shows, you seen Van Helsing yet?"

"What is that? Does it have anything to do with vampires?"

Zach grinned. "You bet."

Mr. Pratt grinned as well. "Sweet."

I blinked, my brows furrowed. "So the Pratts are blood suckers, well shit."

Zach chuckled. "My dad used to be a fan of Blade back then."

"Nice." I smiled. "I liked blade too."

"Anyways, uh, give me a second, I need to introduce you to someone."  Zach said, smiling widely.

"Uh, who?" Mr. Pratt asked, curiously.

"My girlfriend."

"His girlfriend."

We had both spoken at the same time, he looked at me and I smiled. "Oh," Mr. Pratt blinked. "Um, okay."

Zach ran back in to get Raven and I sighed. "You are not completely awful Mr. Pratt. I believe you wanna try, so please, do try your best." I said and he nodded with a smile.

"Thank you."

"You're welcome, Mr. Alexander Pratt. That's a cool name by the way." I said and he huffed.

"Take care of yourself, Dylan."

I nodded. "Later, Mr. Alex." I said and headed back to the house.

"It's Mr. Pratt." He corrected.

"Okay." I said, still walking with a smile. I got to the door and Zach was coming with Raven, we all paused, I stared at her outfit and frowned. "Weren't you wearing a crop top like five minutes ago?" I asked her.

"Shut up, I borrowed Gwen's jacket." She replied before Zach pulled her along with him.

I watched them,

So in love.

Happy.

Cute.

And I was back to feeling depressed.

***

"Here is your order." The blonde waitress said and handed it to me, I flashed her a smile as I took it and my change. I never really buy food but I didn't want to eat out, I just wanted to go home, eat, watch some sad movies and sleep. I could have ordered but I just needed to stretch my legs a little, it was four pm and I hadn't left my house since last night.  Mom had been working on something so she wasn't always home and I was hungry again, Dad was in Seattle for a week and Grandma Athena had gone back a month ago. 

My phone begin to ring and I took it out of my pocket. It was mom and I couldn't help but wonder why she was calling, I answered. "Yeah?"

"Hey, where are you?"

"Went to get food, what's up?"

"Oh, well hurry back, I've got a surprise."

"What? Um, I'll be there in like five." I said as I headed for the door.

"Alright then."

"Bye." I pushed the door open and as I stepped out, I  bumped into a rock and fell to the ground with my ass. "Ow!"

"Hey, are you okay?"

I winced and clapped my hands, dusting our the sand. "Yeah, I'm fine." I replied and picked up my food bag.

"Hit you that hard, huh?"

"Yeah, I'll survive." I replied as I packed my things but then it hit me.

Wait, that voice. And why the hell do I feel like I've had this conversation before?

I looked up and my jaw dropped, green eyes were staring at me with a smile.

Henry.

Damn, he looked real good, just like they had said. He had a new hairstyle, he had cut the sides and he looked....dare I say it, better? Fuck, not seeing him for a month and finally laying eyes on him really felt like the first time again.

"Give me your hand," he said, a smile on his face, showing his perfect teeth. "Or else your ass loves romancing the floor." 

I would have laughed but I was still shocked that he was here and right in front of me. I didn't even know he was in town, I didn't think I'd bump into him this way.

"So, are you gonna take it?"

I looked away from his face and to his hand which he had stretched towards me.

One month doesn't change anything, Henry. It doesn't.

I am going to slap the shit out of Zach for not telling me Henry was in town!

Author's NOTE

Hello everyone, thoughts on the new update? Oh, and if you haven't read "JUST FEELINGS." I wonder what the hell you are waiting for because that book is fucking awesome and written by my friend. 😪❤❤