Meanwhile, at Jason's Father's birthday. Mr. Taighn, one of the country's greatest tycoon. His mansion, from a distance, looked less like a home and more like a luxury resort with strings of lights wrapped around the tall palm trees.
The sound of music drifted through the air. The atmosphere very lively.
Naturally, almost everyone important had shown up, the President, commissioner. Quite a big party. The party of the rich.
However, at the far end of the venue however, away from the music and excitement, Freddie sat alone with a bottle of wine rested on his table. Several glasses sat around him, some empty, some half-finished.
Three girls approached him hoping to start a conversation, but Freddie barely paid attention to any of them. One tried complimenting his shirt, another offered to dance with him and the third boldly asked if he was single.
None of it worked.
He either remained quite or give a short, uninterested and distant response until eventually they gave up and walked away while Freddie simply poured himself another drink.
Jason, on the other hand was doing his best to make sure everything ran smoothly. He had barely been able to enjoy the party himself while speaking with one of the event coordinators, his eyes landed on Freddie. He looked so terrible.
He frowned then rolled his eyes.
"Not again kiddo." He muttered.
Jason excused himself and began walking towards him, but before he could get far, one of the household staff hurried over.
"Young Master, your father would like to see you."
Jason stopped.
"Now?"
"Yes sir."
Jason glanced once more at Freddie before nodding reluctantly.
"I'll be there." He said then followed the staff after grumbling.
Moments later, a convoy of black luxury vehicles rolled through the gates. Most people didn't turn their heads. I guess they are used to this kind of scene already.
The Yungies arrived.
The lead vehicle came to a smooth stop and the driver's door opened first.
Eadlin stepped out.
Dressed in a fitted black suit, he adjusted the sleeve of his jacket before looking around the venue. The bright lights reflected briefly against his watch as he shut the door behind him.
The second and third vehicles stopped shortly after.
Ashley stepped out gracefully from one of them while several household staff followed carrying expensive gift boxes wrapped neatly in gold and silver paper.
The final vehicle came to a halt.
Mr. Yungie emerged first and Erica followed immediately after. Unlike the others, Young Yungie carried his own gift.
The sight alone drew attention from nearby guests. The entire family began making their way towards the celebration together.
Jason abandoned whatever task he had been given and hurried towards them.
"Eadlin!"
Eadlin looked up and then smiled faintly.
The two exchanged a brief handshake before Jason pulled him into a quick hug.
"Glad you made it." Jason said so excited.
"I told you I would."
"Happy birthday to your father."
"Thank you."
Jason laughed before immediately looking around.
"So where's Fade?"
The question had barely left his mouth before Eadlin changed the subject.
"Have you seen Freddie?"
Jason raised an eyebrow reacting to Eadlin immediate change in subject. He pointed towards the far end of the venue.
"Over there."
Eadlin followed his gaze and immediately spotted Freddie sitting alone.
Jason sighed heavily.
"I don't know what got into him tonight. He has been drinking since he arrived."
"Thanks man." He said then handed Jason one of the gift bag with him.
"Give this to your father." He added.
"What are you going to do?" Jason asked as he accepted it.
Eadlin's eyes remained on Freddie.
"Damage control."
Jason laughed.
"Good luck."
Eadlin walked over to Freddie then he placed a gift bag on the table and pulled out a chair.
"I'm sorry."
Freddie looked down at the bag before slowly lifting his eyes towards Eadlin.
A bitter laugh escaped him.
"You really think you can buy your way out of everything, don't you?"
Eadlin sighed.
"That's not why I brought it."
"Then why did you?"
Eadlin said nothing.
"Because you pity me" Freddie said then stood abruptly, causing the chair to scrape loudly against the ground.
"Keep the gift." He added. Without waiting for a response, he picked up the remaining bottle, turned and began walking away staggering.
Eadlin immediately followed him but kept a little distance.
Outside the venue, Freddie staggered slightly as he approached his car, before he could open the door, Eadlin grabbed his arm and pulled him back.
"You can't drive."
"Yes, I can."
"You're drunk."
Freddie laughed bitterly.
"This is exactly why I hate you sometimes."
Eadlin stared at him quietly.
"You always pity me."
"I don't pity you."
"You do." Freddie's voice cracked slightly. "And about Fade…"
He shook his head.
"Why do you always get everyone's attention?"
Eadlin rolled his eyes.
"Not this again."
"All…. the pretty ...girls like you. All the parents like you"
Freddie pointed at him.
"Every single one."
"Eadlin this."
"Eadlin that."
"Eadlin is handsome, rich, brilliant, mysterious."
Freddie laughed.
"And you act like none of it matters."
"Because it doesn't."
"Lies!" Freddie shouted as he squats.
His breathing became uneven.
"I honestly think you pretend not to care because you don't want me to feel bad."
Eadlin folded his arms.
"You are talking nonsense."
"Am I? My dad hates me because he thinks you are better, and when I am with you, I am invisible and you try to compensate for that by pitying me" Freddie stands up.
"No, I am a good boy. No, I don't drink. No, I don't like the ladies not that I don't want to but Freddie would feel bad."
Freddie took another step forward.
"What about Gabrielle? The poor girl that leaves at a weird neighbourhood that they say eat dogs."
"Freddie." Eadlin said trying to hold him but he pushed him away.
"You like her."
Eadlin remained silent.
"You cant be too close because you are scared she will be hurt if your dad finds out. Always want to act strong and cool like dem mafia in the film."
Freddie laughed again.
"Freddie, shut up."
"You"
Before he could finish speaking, his legs suddenly gave way.
He collapsed.
"Eadlin!"
Panic immediately replaced his annoyance. Eadlin rushed forward and dropped beside him.
"Freddie!"
He shook him.
Nothing.
"Freddie!" He called out again but still nothing.
For one terrifying second, Eadlin thought something was seriously wrong.
Then...
A loud snore escaped Freddie's mouth.
Eadlin froze.
Another snore followed.
Eadlin swallowed, calmed his breath then laid beside him.
"You are right. I do pity you and I am not trying to act tough because I want to, but because I want to be there for you. Though our mother went missing together and I knew I had to be your rock."
However, at Gabrielle's house in the morning, a loud aggressive noise suddenly echoed through the house. Gabrielle wakes up slowly, then falls back asleep but the noise from the door kept interrupting. She then opened her eyes, her vision was a bit blurry and her head spinning. All for a while then back to normal.
Then something heavy landed across her face.
She frowned.
It was a leg.
Ariel's.
The magical girl was sprawled across the mattress like she had been dropped there by a flood. One arm hung off the edge while one of her legs rested directly on Gabrielle's head and the other towards her hand.
Gabrielle grabbed it and shoved it away.
"Flexible but annoying." Gabrielle said grumbling.
Ariel groaned and rolled over.
"I thought you said people don't sleep in the magical realm." Gabrielle mocked as she sat up.
Ariel opened one eye.
"We don't."
"Really?"
"Yes. I was meditating." She replied in a rough tired voice.
They both laughed.
"Sure."
The loud banging came again.
BANG!!
BANG!!!
This time both girls sat up properly.
"Who is trying to break down your door?" Ariel asked.
"I don't know."
Gabrielle got up and headed towards the kitchen, grabbed a frying pan then walked over to the living room.
The house was still quiet.
Alex remained asleep on the couch with one arm hanging down.
Another loud knock followed.
Gabrielle hurried towards the door and pulled it open. The moment she saw who was standing outside, the pan with her dropped, her face lit up.
"Joan!"
Without thinking twice, she threw her arms around her friend.
Joan stood still for a second before returning the hug.
"Where have you been?" she asked excitedly. "Do you know how worried I was?"
Joan forced a small smile before replying;
"I'm okay."
"Come inside."
Gabrielle stepped aside.
Joan entered the house slowly.
Her eyes moved around the room carefully, her gaze landed on Alex sleeping on the couch.
A smile appeared on her face then suddenly it disappeared.
"Are you okay?" Gabrielle asked noticing it.
Joan quickly looked away.
"I'm fine." she replied.
"Have you started che….." Gabrielle stopped herself immediately. The words almost slipped out.
"I should get going." Joan said stretching and faking a yawn.
"You just got here." Gabrielle asked surprised.
"I only came to check on you. See you later, Ella."
Gabrielle froze while Joan leaves then shuts the door.
Ariel enters the living room, her hair was messy and she still looked half asleep. She glanced at Alex and immediately frowned.
"Get up."
Alex didn't move.
Ariel grabbed one of the throw pillows and launched it directly at his face.
Alex jumped up.
"What was that for?"
"There is no school today," Ariel replied. "Training starts in thirty."
Alex groaned loudly.
Ariel ignored him and turned back to Gabrielle. Only then did she notice Gabrielle's expression.
"What happened?"
Gabrielle looked at Ariel.
"I think something is wrong with Joan."