I.D.E.A. (International Diadem Elite Academy) [RECENTLY UPDATED!]

Chapter 18

Raleigh and Zach were driving towards Krause Imperial Hotel leaving Mavis at the Weinstein mansion. It was already way past midnight but the entire village still looked alive because of the Infinity party that was still continuing on by the next block.

"RJ..."

The loud thuds of bass resounding all over the area seemed like a normal occurrence for all who lived there. It was like the Poisé mansion had already booked the entire subdivision for that huge annual event which happened to be Genevieve's birthday celebration.

"RJ..."

With all the clamor and the never-ending unexpected events of the night, Raleigh seemed to have absorbed just as much. He had been driving quietly for a couple of minutes now, completely ignoring Zach.

"RJ!"

"Huh? You're saying something?"

Zach was almost dumbstruck after realizing just how much Raleigh had been spacing out.

"Are you okay?", he said curious as to what is on Raleigh's mind that's been keeping him preoccupied.

"Yeah. Of course. Why?", he answered looking at Zach briefly and back on the road.

"I've been trying to get your attention for the last 10 minutes...", said Zach looking even more curious. "Are you sure you're okay? I know it's been quite a long night and I've caused you guys too much trouble and..."

"Stop thinking about it okay? Things happen. And it's not your fault so stop blaming yourself Zach. That...ass...just don't know his limits.", said Raleigh as he made a left turn entering the busy district where the hotel is situated.

"I really don't care about Jeremy. I'm used to it. What worries me is what I did to Mavis...it just wasn't right. Why did I even do that...", he said still with the looming sadness and regret.

"We both know that was an accident. And she's okay now. We'll go there to check her up early tomorrow.", said Raleigh as he stopped the car in front of the hotel. They both got out and headed straight for the elevator. Raleigh booked a room for Zac at the hotel so they could both conveniently go back to Jeremy's place the day after.

"Thanks Rj..I had always been troubling you...", Zac said as he bid Raleigh goodbye and got off his floor.

Raleigh entered his room, still looking all troubled by his deep thoughts. He went straight to the couch and lied there placing his right arm over his eyes and breathing heavily.

"What is this...I shouldn't be...", he uttered weakly when he suddenly got up and press the remote control device button. As he once again watched the videos he had been always playing on his television screen, he felt as if he's head's about to crack open from conflicting thoughts...and unsettling emotions.

"You're cruel. Is this your way of stopping me? Do you want me to see for myself why you fell for her?...", he said as if he's talking to the person he sees on the screen. "Do you want me to change my mind...and change how I feel about her?"

He stood up and went straight to the washroom to clean himself up. Looking at his all bruised face, he just couldn't shake the feeling of doing something completely out of his character. He had always been convinced that he'd never stoop down to Jeremy's level and play his game, but just earlier, he initiated a brawl without even thinking twice. It made him think of what exactly was he truly angry about: the fact that Jeremy pulled pranks on Zack again...or something else...someone...else.