Gordon was surprised and shocked. He couldn't digest what was happening. His best friend met with an accident and his cousin was responsible for this. He care about Xia and he love his brother too. But his brother was not just a handsome man there was more to it. Words can't describe how dangerous and harmful his presence could be in anyone's life. Gordon didn't want his best friend to suffer that fate. He wanted to keep Xia safe. She was a smart girl yet naive for this world. She had no idea what this world is filled with.
Gordon and his cousin went upstairs. Gordon opened the door of his room and asked his brother to come in.
"Make yourself at home," Gordon said sitting on the couch.
"I'm at home brother," his brother smiled.
Gordon was looking for appropriate words to start conversation with his brother but he was finding it difficult, it's not because they are at bad terms or something but also because he is not only his cousin but also something very dangerous, which is not known to everyone.
Few seconds later his cousin spoke, "C'mon you don't have to be so much formal with me. You're still my baby brother ; talk freely," with a grin and jumped on the bed.
"Yeah right!Why don't you tell me about your absence in the town hall meeting?," Gordon asked.
"Something came up last minute," his cousin replied.
"You know your parents were worried about you. You've to change this habit of yours of bailing on last minute," Gordon stated.
"Seriously dude! Let's talk about something else," he said with a boring tone.
Gordon realized he was being hard on him. He did nothing wrong, in fact because of him Xia is safe. So he changed the topic.
"How do you found about our assignment?," Gordon asked with toothy smile.
"Yeah! About that you owe me one. I came to meet you but aunt said you are in school. I was leaving but my gaze fall on the assignment. When I checked,it belonged to your group. So I knew my little brother needs saving ," he chuckled.
"Thanks for that," Gordon smiled.
"Hey your friend was telling about some ball. What is that?,"his cousin asked adjusting pillow under his head.
"I think you should ask yourself about that because your parents are organizing that ball," Gordon replied.
"Seriously?," his brother asked.
" Don't tell me you haven't met your parents yet?," Gordon questioned.
"I came to meet you so you can accompany me to visit our new home but then I went to your school and after that something came up and I left to attend that, while coming back I met your friend. This is my explanation Milord I hope you'll find me not guilty," his brother answered.
"You haven't changed a bit Orion," Gordon nodded his head in disappointment .
"You too Gordon,"Orion said.
Then Gordon asked about what happened that day with Xia. His brother told him about that incident. Gordon thanked him for taking care of his friend and bringing her safely here.
"Well I can see you care about her a lot. Don't worry buddy your friend is my friend too," he smirked.
"Hey! Don't joke about it man. I don't want her to be involved in our business," Gordon replied in serious tone.
"Okay. But why? I mean you're her friend so according to that she is already involved. Isn't she?," Orion replied back.
"We are college friends. So it's different," Gordon answered.
While they were talking Tora came to inform Gordon that she is taking Xia to her house. Orion also excused himself as he too has to visit his parents, Gordon joined him.
Xia went to her house. Maid opened the door and her parents were in the living room. She greeted them. Her mother asked her not to plan sudden night stays. She promised she won't. Her mother asked about the clothes she was wearing, she told her that she forgot to take clothes with her and they were more comfortable. Her mother laughed and asked her to get some rest as she was looking pale and tired. Xia was feeling very relaxed that her parents don't know about what happened that day or else she had to go through interrogation by her parents and would have been grounded for a week or more. She went to her room somehow. Her wounds were still not healed properly. She freshen up, changed her clothes and went to sleep. Past few days were unbelievable for her. Not even in her wild dreams she had thought that something like this will happen with her. She giggled thinking how Tora was in such awe about Gordon's cousin. Actually that guy was something different. He was not like regular boys, there was something enchanting about him. Since she met him she can't shake away his thoughts, it was like she was thinking about him on a loop involuntarily. So she can't blame Tora for being charmed by him. While she was eating sandwiches Tora only asked questions about him. It's nice now she have something to tease Tora. Her eyelids started feeling heavy and she slept.
Next morning Mrs Nate came to the class and announced that the class today is suspended. All the students were happy but then she told that Mr Achilles has requested everyone to gather in the assembly hall. Everyone started wondering what this is about. Xia asked Tora but she too didn't have any idea. Everyone marched to the assembly hall. They formed line Roll number wise. Everyone was curious to know what is going on.
In the murmuring of students Mr Achilles entered the assembly hall and addressed the class, " Good morning students, I'm here to inform this year's internship program is about to start, it's a brilliant chance for all of you to score some extra points. This year's focus will be 'Social welfare of less fortunate ones'. I'm glad to say that our this program will be funded by Steinkuhler Enterprises. They are going to reward few scholarships to the student for their outstanding performance so students buckle up and get ready to grab this golden opportunity. Rest will be explained by your teacher. Thank you."
After he left assembly hall again filled with buzzing of students.
"This family is hosting the ball. Isn't it?," I asked Tora.
"Yeah. I told you so they are super rich,"she replied.
"Yeah. I can see why everyone is so obsessed with them," I sighed.
Gordon and Reese were busy talking with each other.
Mrs Nate took the stage. She explained about this year's internship program, that they all have to work for the nearby villages. For dividing students in groups and giving them task students have to pick chits from the bowl which was placed on the stage. Students with similar task will be in same group. She strictly mentioned she is not going to change anyone's group in any case.
Now this was like a nightmare for students. Nobody wanted to be separated from their group and join a new one. Xia, Tora, Gordon and Reese were together since forever. Luckily they always had consecutive roll numbers so they were always in same group but this time it's going to be different from usual.
One by one everyone picked their chits and joined their group. Xia was praying for her group to be together. Tora's turn came and she joined the health and hygiene group. Gordon was in food and nutrition group. Reese was looking very glad as he was single guy in his cultural group. But among them Xia was very upset because of her group. She was with the wicked girls of the class in Teaching group. She has always been enemy to them. They always try to target her no matter what. Xia never understood why they hate her so much. Now she had to work with them for three months. This was indeed a nightmare for her.
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