Going home was something Sadie looked forward to all too much.
She'd travelled abroad, had fun in Orlando to celebrate her sixteenth birthday, and still made several gift purchases to give to her friends. Silly little souvenirs. But what really made her anxious was to find out what had come of her little plan.
She hadn't found her older brother at home when she got back. She'd even found it odd that he wasn't there to greet her, but she figured he was sharing a bed with some girl who had his interest. In the end, Sadie shook her shoulders without seeking to know more.
The next day she had woken up early to wash her hair and straighten it, apply fashionable make-up and debut her new coat she had bought at Disney. Her return would be awaited by her friends and admirers, and she was ready to exude happiness that everything could go back to normal.
She had even asked to be dropped off a little later. She wanted to arrive last and be the centre of attention. Since her return had not been mentioned to anyone, they would think she was out of the country when they saw her all beautiful and shapely at school.
She had the attention she wanted.
As she stepped into the schoolyard several students greeted her, saying they missed her with fake smiles. Many complimented her new blouse and asked how it was to travel abroad. Some even asked her to speak in English, but Sadie didn't risk showing her lack of affinity with the foreign language.
―You're looking good, girl! ― said Fabiana as she hugged Sadie.
― Come over after school, I brought you a treat.
― I will, and how was the trip?
About to tell about her trip, the brown eyes were surprised to see two boys passing by the school gates holding hands. Her face was filled with terror when she saw the happiness of those two boys so clearly visible on his face. Worse still was the fact that several students were greeting them as if it were as natural as breathing.
What was that?
What was happening?
Was it...Gabriel?
― What was it? ― Fabiana held her friend's hands, looking intensely at her. ― Look, I'll tell you something, so try not to freak out.
― What is it? Does it have to do with Gabi being with that creep?
― They're together. ― She said at once, finally having Sadie's surprised attention on her. ― Gabriel and Theodore are dating and they're not hiding it from anyone.
― What's that? Since when? Why didn't you tell me? You should have called me and told me!
― Good morning everybody! ― Thunder said as he arrived accompanied by Miles, both riding skateboards. Noticing the omega's presence, Thunder quickly went over to her, opening a big excited smile. ― You're back! Finally! How was the trip?
Sadie turned her eyes to the alpha and then to her brother who was just behind. Marching over to him, she held his wrist receiving a confused look from Milles.
― What the hell is going on in this school, Milles? Gabriel and Theodore are...
― Oh, you've heard? ― Milles looked over his shoulder in the direction of Gabriel who was sitting next to Theodore under the tabebuia tree. ― Well that's how things are at the moment.
― How can you seem so calm? He's going to destroy your friend's life, Milles!
― Don't freak out, sis. ― Milles rolled his eyes, picking up his skateboard and approaching the fountain where he used to gather with his friends. ― They've liked each other for a long time, you just don't get it.
― Milles!
― Stop it, Sadie. ― Growled the alpha, even though he was threateningly smiling at his sister. ― Gabriel is not your toy for you to say who he stays with. Accept it, they're together.
― You know very well that if this gets to our father's ears, it could be trouble for his parents. Am I the only one who's trying to protect him?
― No, you're the only one who thinks you can protect him. ― Stroking his sister's hair, Miles looked at her calmer now. ― Whether his family gets fired or not isn't even our problem anymore. It's not like we did anything. Besides, I don't like seeing my little sister dragging her feet for a guy who doesn't even like her. Even if this guy is my best friend.
Swallowing hard, the girl watched as her brother returned to the circle of friends and talked as if they were no big deal. Was the school going crazy? How could they take it so well? Gabriel's life was completely ruined, since no one would accept the relationship.
― You're getting pale.
Turning to Thunder, who held out a small box of juice fruit kapo, the girl took a sip and nodded, to the boy's delight.
―Since when are they together?
Thunder had looked in Gabriel's direction and cracked a wide smile. He didn't even make a point of hiding his joy at finally having a clear path for himself.
― It was after the qualifying final. Milles had a barbecue at his place and then Theodore told about they were getting together.
― In front of the whole team? ― Surprised the girl more.
― Yes, Gabriel agreed. Since then they have always been together at school.
― And.. How did the team react?
― Well even. It's not like the coach and the captain gave us time to ask the wonder couple anything. We're at regionals and we need to win.
Sadie stopped listening to Thunder in the middle of his speech. She realized right then and there that she had made the worst decision to go on a trip. She imagined that being away, Theodore would be out of her sight and Gabriel would come to his senses. But no, they had become even closer.
The girl had even tried to get closer to Gabriel in the classroom and at practice, but Theodore was always around. In fact, the alpha never let go of the blonde, always chatting and smiling as if the world were pink. Sadie couldn't help but envy that smile, which was so true and rubbed her face in how happy they were regardless of the rumors.
I mean, what rumours? They had already confirmed everything. There were no rumours now. It was all fact.
They were together.
Sadie waited until the end of practice to try to talk to Gabriel. It was the only time Theodore wouldn't be around. But when she tried to approach him, it was Nicolas who intervened. Always looking at her as if he was ready to kill her with a single touch.
Completely frightening.
― You're not thinking of going into the changing room, are you? ― said the short man with his corner smile.
Swallowing dryly, the girl rolled her eyes trying not to show her fear of him. That short guy was scary, all scrawny with those dark circles under his eyes, he could be a walking skull. And his smile was the scariest.
― I just want to talk to Gabi. Can you call him, since you don't want me to come in?
― I think it's about time you stopped chasing that piece of shit junior. He's not into you.
― I didn't ask your opinion and this is my business. Mind your own business.
― Then get out of the gym. I'm in charge here.
Nicolas' slow steps towards the girl made her step back and leave the gym. Damn Nicolas.
For the next few days Sadie kept trying to get closer to Gabriel, but without success. Always close to Theodore, and now Nicolas made it a point to brazenly watch her. Even Thunder had come to ask her not to watch the training sessions, because the captain could get in trouble with her.
By the sixth day, Sadia was already irritated. She frowned at that annoying duo that seemed to monopolize Gabriel.
― You know, you are more beautiful when you smile. ― Thunder said, trying to ease the omega's irritation. But she snorted.
― That stuck up little guy is a real pain in my ass. If it wasn't for him I would have been able to talk to Gabriel.
― The captain? Lately he's been hanging out with Milles too, sometimes they go away together.
― What? Is he trying to attack my brother now? That miserable... If Nicolas is friends with the creep, he must at least play on the same team. Milles is in danger if he stays with him.
― Nhe, the captain already has someone. ― Said Thunder paying attention to the very snack he had just bought. ― I saw him kissing a guy, I thought it was Theodore, but in the end it was someone else.
― I knew it. That little guy's no picnic either. ― Sadie smiled, crossing her arms. ― I think it's time we tried to get to know this captain of yours better.
Thunder raised his eyes to the girl noticing the peculiar, and certainly evil, glint in those almond eyes.
― What... You mean?
― Can you help me with a little thing?
The little thing was not so simple. In fact, it was a real nut job. Thunder had spent the rest of the day wondering why he had agreed to collaborate on something on that level, worthy of movies.
Despite all his questioning about the little thing, ultimately he was there hiding in the school after the evening classes were already over. Sneakily watching around, trying to hide the smell of omega from Sadie, who was passing by the window and helping him out next.
Yes, her thingy would involve entering the school at a time when no one would be around. Like a sneaky cat Sadie would walk the corridors paying attention to the sounds and holding the torch to light her way.
Arriving in front of the boardroom, the girl patted Thunder on the shoulder as he watched the path. Switching roles, the alpha crouched down taking out a paper clip to unlock the door while Sadie watched the corridor. It had taken a while for the door to be unlocked so they could enter the room.
Sneakily Sadie went over to the file cabinet which was locked. Grumbling she turned to the headmaster's desk where she rummaged through his drawers looking for any keys she could see. And once she had found a bunch of keys, she tested each one until she found the one that would open the file cabinet.
As the omega rummaged through the various folders arranged in alphabetical order containing the names of all the Montreal students, Thunder remained crouched in the doorway surveying the hallways. When he heard echoing footsteps, he would lean against the door and signal Sadie to lower the torch and remain quiet until the sound went away.
Constantly on alert not to get caught, Thunder was already getting annoyed at Sadie's delay in finding what she wanted. They had to be quick before the school closed its gates and the two of them were trapped. It would not be good at all if they found out that two students were there. They would discover their cunning plan.
― I found it! ― said the girl pulling out the folder with Nicolas's name. Opening it, looking at the torch on the sheet, the girl read the file of the team's captain and opened her mouth in a perfect "o" so surprised. ― I don't believe it!
Taking the camera from her small purse and turning it on, Sadie took a picture of Nicolas' file. There they found two precious pieces of information that the girl would certainly make sure to use wisely. Nicolas's class and connections in Montreal.