They were about to start. When I finished changing clothes, I followed my other classmates to the soccer field. I was wearing a gray Dolce and Gabbana shorts and muscle shirts customized with our company logo and Nike Mercurial Vapor Superfly because I was allergic to the material used. As I approach them, I was in time. I told Mark and the other bodyguards just to take a seat in the bleachers and watch us play but they didn't listen. They said it was improbable to sit down it's time of their duty. Well, suit themselves. I already told them. My classmates were in the field doing warm up exercises. They were grouped for a match. I noticed that I was the only one who is different. They were all wearing the school's PE uniform. I felt like an outcast but I didn't let my insecurities hinder me. They looked at me and began to murmur. "Show off!" one said. I didn't even bother to think about it for a second. I just joined them and let what our teacher will say. I saw Lester and Sophia at the back. I approached them. "I will let you group yourselves. Since you're only twelve, divide it into two groups. Who want's to be the team captain of each team?" There was a sudden silence until Ethan stepped in front and volunteered himself. "I bet Xavier only knows to show off. I wonder if his skills are like the thing he wears." I was intimidated. I told myself that this will only make things worse. I looked at Mark and the other bodyguards. It looks like they heard it. They were closely observing us. I couldn't help my pride. I stepped forward.
"Now, you will pick your members alternately." Our teacher continued, "First of Ethan." He picked one. until our team was complete that includes Lester and Sophia in my team.
"Looks like the loser team!" Everybody laughed besides our team who were ashamed. They dispersed as soon as they heard coach's whistle. The game started when Ethan stole the ball to Lester. I couldn't help myself. He was more than stealing the ball, he was intentionally tripping my team mates. Ethan was near our goal. He easily dodges my team mates offenses. I run aiming to steal the ball from him. Once, twice, trice my team members tried but still no luck. Even Lester and Sophia admitted to me that they're not good at soccer. I gathered all my strength and rushed towards Ethan. A surge of adrenaline ran through my body. Unknowingly, I had already stolen the ball from Ethan, now he was the one chasing after me. His team members were trying to trip me and block my way but it didn't work. Only once I played soccer before. I couldn't remember when but it doesn't matter. It was just my luck. I had scored in rows now. Ethan was getting agitated. He always clenches his teeth whenever I score. The only reason why Ethan wasn't getting a score because he was the only one playing. He won't let his team members play once he gets hold of the ball. But I did the opposite, I don't let the ball stay long. I always pass it to them. At the end, the ball goes to me and I got to kick the ball in the goal making me the striker. I had a lot of fun until something came up. When Ethan got the ball and stole it just after he got the ball, he got mad and pushed and pinned me down. The game stopped. Our coach whistled. I looked at Mark and the other bodyguards who was running when the moment I got pinned down. I can see the hatred in Mark's expression.
When I was in Switzerland, We were trained in different kinds of martial arts ever since we arrived there though we haven't used it when we need it the most. When we were kidnapped. For a brief moment, I had forgotten about the video tape and what Mark told me when he confronted Ethan that I had confirmed when I saw the video. The watch I saw in the video, it was the same as Ethan's but I need to be sure. I was one step ahead. While I was in the locker room, I had thought about it. I was Ethan's locker was open. I was planning to close it but when I saw his watch, I got curious and had to call Mr. Cruz to tell him to verify if Ethan's watch was the same as the watch we saw.
I couldn't forget what Mark told me when he confronted Ethan. He said 'I will take everything from him' He said. It was the same line Mario Garcia dropped. He was dad's friend but became an enemy when Marip held grudges and got jealous. It really is true. What becomes a friend can become a rival you never wanted. I only need one thing, the right answer to what I am looking for.
"Is your dad Mario?" I repeated, "Mario Garcia?" Before he could answer, He was pulled by Mark and shoved aside. He quickly stood up and confronted me.
"Why do you need to know?" He said in an awkward tone. Like he's afraid. "Is that something concerning you? What if I'm or not?"
Mark was trying to push him aside to give me the way but I was still talking to him. I was about to tell him not to when a bodyguard told me, "It's time for your target shooting practice."
"I may not be able to do anything right now because of your bodyguards but remember, I will take everything from you." He said in a creepy voice that made my blood boil.
"What do you mean by that?" Good thing my hands were tucked inside my pocket. My hands were trembling. I know what he meant and I hope that isn't true.
"You already know it but why do you ask? Nothing will change. Your father ruined our lives. I should be the one living like you." My body stopped. I cannot move a muscle. Does this mean that he is admitting that he's Mario's son.
"Stop it." Sophia said with persuasion. Lester was at her side trying to support her. "Let's go Xavier." Mark and the other boys didn't mind it. They followed us at a distance.
"So, are you okay Xavier?" Lester said, "Does your stomach hurt. And look at your right eye. Its violet. How can you explain that even though it is covered with make up, I can still see it."
"I was supposed to tell him that." Sophia said in a funny voice. Out of nowhere, Lester hugged sideways trying to intimidate Sophia.
"Why are you jealous?" Lester said and broke into laughter. We laughed.
"How can you be so eccentric? Do you know how silly you are right now, let go of him." Sophia showed affection. She blushed. Once Lester lets me go, she left us and skipped going to the locker rooms. I followed her leaving Lester behind.
I stopped her before she could enter the girls locker room. I hold her hand. In the corner of my eye, I can see Lester took a picture. I wanted to protest but this was important. "I didn't have the chance to say thank you to you and to Lester." I said with sincerity, "Thank you." I hugged her for a brief moment and turned towards Lester who was approaching us.
"For what?" Sophia said, "And why did you hug me?" She was blushing.
"For helping us when we were kidnapped." I continued, "If it wasn't for you guys, we could have been dead or in a abandoned warehouse tied up." I hugged them and said, "Come with me after we change clothes."
"Why where are we going?" Lester said, "Are you going to bribe me in not spreading the picture I just took or to thank us when your ass was in trouble?" We laughed.
"Just come okay?" I told them. They went on their respective locker rooms leaving me outside the door. I waved and called Mark, "Prepare the car, Sophia and Lester will come with me. Is Austin ready?"
"I got it sir. Mr. Austin Fournier is being summoned." I looked at him and I think he forgot our agreement.
"Have you forgotten?" I said with desperation, "I already told you a long time ago that I don't want formalities with you or Arlene. We owe my life to you and Arlene. If it wasn't for your help, We could have been dead."
"I'm sorry Xavier, it's just that Ethan, what if Mr. Cruz tell your father about Mario's kid is the reason why it happen." he said, "This will be preceded by a storm. We must be ready when the time comes."
"I know. We must find a way to solve this problem." I said, "I'm going to change my clothes and tell them to add another car for my friends. We will be there in a few minutes."
