"How did you..."

"I was studying at the library and I saw you... did you want me to drive past you?"

"Well, you probably would have done so any other day."

"You've been taking the bus a lot, right?"

How did he know? Was there a secret group chat about me? What had Nathan been telling everyone?

"I do, but what does that..."

"Hop in."

Was he feeling generous tonight? Or did he plan on driving me to the middle of nowhere, hoping I would turn into roadkill while hiking my way back?

"I just..." he looked up at me seriously as I spoke.

"It's cold outside, hurry up..." I paused momentarily and then got into the car. As soon as I put my seat belt on we were driving away. We didn't exchange a word while he drove us home.

When we reached the drop-off area, he parked. I assumed he wanted me to get out first and I was right. I saw him heading towards the massive parking garage. I stood there a little baffled by what just happened. But I made it home and well before 11pm which was a nice change whenever I had an outing I attended.

I avoided going out not just because of my circumstances but this mansion was cut off from major landmarks and spaces I could go to after work without wondering how I would trek back.

When I got back to my room it felt like I would dissolve into my bedding. Before I knew it I had fallen asleep

*

I woke up earlier than usual and decided to have a shower before I started my day.

Nathan had asked me to come to the office so I would. I dreaded wearing formal clothes again, but it was a part of my duties while I lived here.

When I was walking down the steps Charlie flew by me. Before I could greet him he was already out the door. He, like Jackson, was next to impossible to have a direct conversation with while sober or even in the same room.

Edna, who looked healthy as an ox again, had finished making my breakfast. When I sat down at the table Kai also showed up. I was about to leave, but he raised his hand. I sat there quietly as he ate across from me. When I was done I left the table. Edna watched me carefully as I left.

I held my hand to my chest, thinking about how straining it felt being around him, and I didn't know why...

I decided to walk it off before work, but I found myself in the opposite end of the mansion in a completely separate wing. I realized I needed to head back again.

However, as I was walking back, Cassandra passed by me a few metres away. On instinct, I slid over to the left side hiding behind a pillar. She was on the phone with someone.

"Well, he's not my son, and therefore not my problem... I already told myself I wouldn't get involved no matter how pathetic that boy was..." I leaned in trying to understand who she was talking about.

"He brought it upon himself. He's just like his grandmother. Timid, shy, submissive..." she laughed and then added: "I mean, for heaven's sake, if you're being beaten up nearly every single day without telling someone what does that say about yourself? You're beyond help..." she continued to prattle on and I snuck up slowly behind her, hiding behind what I could.

"Yes... you know, the quietest son I'm always telling you about... it's Charlie... yes, he's the one being harassed like a fool..." she scoffed and then added, "like I said, I'm not the parent, but..." she continued speaking but by then I had stopped in my tracks.

Everything that she said right now was about that kid... and after all this time... I saw him leaving and entering the house. And secluding himself... for him to be bearing this much of a burden... that was just so pitiful... then I thought about how that woman was reacting, and suddenly my blood started to boil. What was with her?

Why did she ruminate in such toxic behaviour? Did someone not love her enough as a child? Or perhaps she was too spoiled?

No, stop... I needed to think of Charlie. Now that I knew about it I could try and do something... 

When I reached the front foyer again, I heard Nathan shouting over to me.

"Are you ready?!" he smiled at me while waving me over to them, but I was in a daze. Right... I had to go to the office today... I rushed over to them and then put my shoes on. After I put my jacket over my shoulders Nathan handed me my bag. When I got outside, there was only 1 car ready.

"Nathan, I'm not..."

"Our other driver called in sick today so..." I sighed and then looked up at him.

"Doesn't look like I have a choice..." Nathan smiled and when I got into the car Kai seemed to be unmoved by the situation. He was reading through some documents. I joined him on the opposite side, completely absorbed by what I just learned.

How long had Cassandra known about the harassment? What did she lose by telling someone about it? Who was her source of knowledge about this matter? Or did she just accidentally stumble upon it, and decided to keep quiet?

I couldn't understand where that woman's intentions lied. But I assumed it had to do with greed. Ever since I stepped foot into this house she was vocal about how unhappy she was about it.

I could believe why she would keep quiet knowing the darker sides of her personality. But Charlie was only 17 years old. Surely considered to be more grown up than a 14 or 15-year-old, but he was still a kid that needed to be protected. I wanted to wash my hands clean of Cassandra but I had a feeling I would keep running into her...

I thought about how I could interject in a situation like this.

Could I barge into his room? Or intercept him mid-way after he got home from school and put him in a headlock, tie him down, and confront him?... That would probably make me as bad as the people harassing him.

I also didn't have a lot of power and I couldn't pretend like I could waltz into that preppy school knowing what I was doing. And if I asked for help without getting a clear picture of what was going on then that could cause trouble, and who knew what Charlie would do if anyone found out about it...

"Hazel... Hazel..." I turned to look up at Nathan. He had opened the door for me. I turned to my left and saw that Kai had already left the car. I shook my head. I got out of the car quickly, patting some wrinkles out from my dress pants.

"Is there a reason why you are so distracted?" I looked up at him and smiled.

"I'm just processing a few things..."

"Would you like to talk about it?"

"I think... after a while, yes, I would..." he nodded, giving me the space I needed. We both walked side by side into the building. We were greeted by multiple employees. When we got to the elevator Kai was standing there seemingly waiting for us? He pressed the button to go up.

We all waited for the elevator silently together. Nathan, at least, had business to do on his phone but Kai and I were idly waiting to get upstairs to start the meeting with the shareholders.

When we got into the office we were greeted, once again, by an array of people in power at the company.

When Kai began speaking my thoughts also wandered off. I could pick up pieces of information from time to time. He was talking about the progression of my idea and the production of the commercial, and how successful it has been for the new Ravenwolf S19. He was thinking about hosting a 'party' for loyal clients of Ravenwolf at a charity function to continue to boost our reputation. 

It seemed like everyone was in agreement. The details about the new model, specs/safety, and procedures were addressed as well.

When the meeting was over Nathan escorted the shareholders out and Kai sat at the head of the table while flipping through some documents.

"Would you like to see the site for filming Miss. Rose... Miss. Rose...?"

"Huh?" I looked over at him and I saw him clasp his hands together.

"You were distracted during the whole meeting. Normally I wouldn't pry given the circumstances, but I have decided to give you an opportunity here at Ravenwolf."

I looked up at him thinking about the place he was coming from, and thought about not being able to withhold my part of the agreement.

"Sorry, actually, I-"and then his phone rang. He looked like he wanted to ignore it. I nodded, looked away, and he took his call. After addressing the person, he stood up and walked forward. 

I didn't think I would be needed for the rest of the day so I decided to leave. I needed to think through this calmly...