Chapter two

Aliestar

My muscles ache, and all I can think about is the shower to wash away the days grime. I step into my apartment, and I'm greeted by the thumping bass of loud music.

I make my way to the boom box, seeing Jessica drowning in the loud music, completely lost.

I reached out and turned of the music, and she spins around, I bet she didn't realize I was already home.

"Hey, my song" she exclaims, her eyes sparkling with mischief. I can't help but smile at her enthusiasm.

"Are you trying to blow out our eardrums" I asked, raising an eyebrow.

She looks me up and down, her eyes crinkling at the corners as she asked "why are you so sweaty"

I chuckled, wiping the sweat from my forehead. "I've been at the gym, trying to relax"

She burst out laughing, looking at me with amusement "So you wanted to relax, and the only place you could think of was the gym? You're such a weirdo" she teased

I laugh along with her, but my gaze narrow slightly as I study her expression. She's trying to hide it, but I know something is bothering her. Jessica only blast loud music and get lost in it if something is bothering her.

"What's wrong Jessica"

She raises her eyebrows, clearly suprised by my abrupt accuracy.

"How did you know"

I smile "come on, I'm your big brother. You can't hide much from me"

Her expression softened, and I knew she was about to open up. " I missed an important test in school.... I haven't balanced the fees, and I'm afraid I won't graduate next year because of the outstanding amount. "

My heart goes out to her, as I feel a pang of guilt for not being able to provide more. She looks up to me, her eyes welling up with tears.

"I don't want you to feel bad Aliestar. I know how much work you do just to provide for me"

I pull her into a tight hug, trying to reassure her. "Things have been hard for me ever since we lost father, but you shouldn't worry okay? I'll go work double shift at the valet and look for other things to do. We'll raise the money before you final papers, I promise" I try to sound confident, trying to ease her worries

She suddenly pulled out from the hug, I could see the mix of emotions on her face - frautration, sadness and a hint of anger.

"Aliestar you don't deserve this, our family doesn't deserve this. Dad worked tirelessly for the fortensky company, helping build to what it is today. But look what happened, he gets dumped, and then....he dies. And now we are struggling meanwhile fortensky gave is undeserving daughter the entire company".

I stood up, my expression a mask of calmness. But she continues to speak, which slowly builds a raging storm within me.

"Jessica, I don't want to talk about this" I said, my tone a gentle warning. But she pushes on, her words piercing my resolve.

"Aliestar, our family have a huge share in that company. His daughter is living the life of luxury, while you are here suffering. And the painful part is, she was once your best friend"

"ENOUGH!"

I raised my voice, cutting her off.

I know she was right, our family does have a share in the company. But I wasn't ready to revisit that past.

I turn to Jessica,and our eyes meet. I see suprise and a hint of fear in her gaze. And I already regret raising my voice. "Sorry Jess"I said,my voice softening. "I didn't mean to yell it's just that.... that's one past I wouldn't want to revisit. It took me years to get over it, and I've vowed to build my own empire"

I glanced at the bracelet on my wrist, a symbol of promise that was broken. "Friendship doesn't last, even the ones who makes promises " I mutter, more to myself than to Jessica.

My expression turns determined as I look at her, "I'll be out working for the next three days. Prepare for your test tomorrow, I'll bring the money."

2 :03AM (MIDNIGHT)

I wake up to the sound of the clatter and noise from the kitchen. At first I think it's just Jessica getting a midnight snack, and I try to roll over and get back to sleep.

But then I hear the sound of the door being broken down, followed by Jessica terrified scream.

Sleep swept from my eyes with my heart racing, I quickly sat up and grab a baseball bat I keep by my side. I rushed out of my room making my way toward the noise, at that point I didn't care if the me had guns, i will do anything to save my sister.

My senses on high alert, I jump out and immediately a gun is pointed at me, the other pointed at Jessica.

They were up to 10, so I knew fighting back was stupid. I drop the bat and raised my hands, trying to keep my voice steady as I pleaded with them.

"Please don't hurt her, what do you want" one of them step forward, a cruel smile spreading across his face.

"Are you Aliestar budgen, son of late Mr Micheal budgen"

I swallow hard, trying to keep my fear on check

"Yes" i answered

The man cocks the gun and points it directly at me "give me the documents" he growls

"Which documents" I ask, trying to stall time.

His expression twist in anger. "Don't play dumb with me. Your father worked with fortensky, and there's about to be a major scandal. We need those documents immediately. And we know Micheal budgen took them with him when he parted ways with fortensky. So I'm sure you know exactly what I'm talking about"

I shake my head, trying to process what was happening " I don't know what you're talking about, I don't have any documents"

I could see his face darken, and so he nods to one of his goons. "We don't have much time, so we'll take your sister. If you don't bring that documents, she's going to meet your papa in hell"

"No, take me instead" i rage at them ,but they are to quick. They overpowered me and I watched helplessly as they dragged Jessica away, as she screamed for help. I'm left lying on the floor, my body aching and my mind racing with fear and uncertainty.