1 The Beginning of All

..

Chapter 1: The Meeting

Me and my best friends Aria and Maxine decided to go a bar where we can enjoy ourselves after hell week..

"Sab! Come on! Let's go?" Maxine asked.

'Starlight Bar' the signed at the upper door says. I moved my feet inside and followed them. The bar's crowded and the music is too loud. The bar was wide and looks so high class. I'm kinda feeling uncomfortable and nervous at the same time since this is my first time going in to places like these. You know the typical nerd in the group? Yep that's me.. but this day I allowed them to dress me up.

"You guys stay here? I'll go get the drinks! It's on me!!" Aria said.

We all smile and nod. Maxine looked at me with a worried face but I mouthed her 'I'm okay' to let her know. She smiles warmly and open her phone. I tour my eyes to the place after we sit down. 

So, this is really what it feels like.. you know, adult things.

Aria is the 'happy-go-lucky' kind of friend. Rich kid. Only child and her parents live in States. Very pretty. Also an all-rounder.

Maxine is the 'Mother' kind of friend especially to us Aria, she's always there to scold and praise us. Kind of strict but what makes us happy is hers too. Also very pretty and smart.

I'm so lucky to have this beautiful people on my circle.

We were friends for almost 5 years and we all know each other thoroughly. Btw, all single.

"Hi miss! Are you alone?" A guy comes from out of nowhere approach Maxine and sat beside her. I saw her rolled her eyes and said "No, I'm with my friend. Don't you see?". The guy laugh and smirk at her. "Woah, okay harsh girl." And then left.

"Ugh, what a douch*bag." Then maxine sigh. Annoyed.

I distract myself and tour my eyes again.

Infairness.. The bar looks beautiful and there's even a second floor.

As I looked at the upper floor, I saw someone looking at me from that direction. Wait, is he looking at me?

I can't see his face clearly since it's dark and the lights are flashing.

Nevermind. Maybe just another creep.

"Guys! Here are the drinks!" Aria happily said. She placed the tray full of beer bottles on our table. It's too many. The bottles. I can't--

"Sab will only have 2 beers." Maxine said.

Aria rolled her eyes, "2 beers!? Is she a child?? Come on this is once in a blue moon Max!". Maxine glared at her and then continue typing on her phone. "I said 2 okay? Aria, you have appointments tomorrow right? You can't be hangovered in front of your parents."

Aria will meet her parents tomorrow in their yearly family gathering and she will fly to states for a week. She can't do anything and she just back to sat down then I saw her pouted.

"I can handle three." I confidently said.

Aria's face suddenly brighten up and smiles excitedly like a child but also, still waiting for Max's permission.

Max is not happy at all but her eyes shifted from me to Aria back and forth.

"OKAY FINE! JUST DON'T GET DRUNK!! I won't accompany you two tonight. Go home yourself, OKAY??"

Aria shriek in happiness and then we all laughed. We start drinking. Since this is my first time, I already felt tipsy on one bottle.

"Sab is a lightweight! HAHAHAHA!"

"Max!! Don't call her that! This is her first time okay??"

This two's already drunk. Time passes quickly and the table was already full of many empty bottles.

"You call me a lightweight?? You two looks more drunk than me!!" I nagged.

They just laugh. I shifted my eyes to the place where the bathroom is. Gosh, I need to pee!

"Max!! Max?!"

"WHAAT?"

"I NEED TO PEE!" I purposely raise my voice for her to hear since the music was too loud. We barely hear each other.

"PEE? OKAY! WHY YOU ASK? I'M NOT YOUR MOM!!" Maxine said then laugh.

Yes you are! ..

Aria's already laughing at Maxine since she's feeling sleepy. I hope she don't sleep at that couch. It stinks.

I need to compose myself. Even if I feel dizzy, I need to help myself to reach the bathroom.

"Ouch!" My forehead! It hurts! Who is this--

"Sorry, I didn't see you there!"

Who is this guy?

Wait, did he said he didn't see me? He literally blocks my way!

"Fine. Whatever!" I shoved him. Bathroom! Where are you!! Argh.

"It's your first time here, right? The bathroom are on the opposite way. I can take you there." The guy said and touch my waist.

"What the?? Get off me! I can go myself!" I shouted.

"No let me--"

"Babe? Who is this guy?" A guy behind me said.

Did he said babe???!!

"Who--"

"Why are you touching my girl?". He cuts me on my question.

His looks and voice seems calm but his glare can kill.

"Woah! Bo-bos--.. K-Kian! Sorry! I didn't see you!". The other guy said.

He looks very scared.

"Yo, I'm sorry okay? And sorry Miss!" He said then left hurriedly.

Kian???

"Ki--" Huh? Where did he go?

Why does people keeps on cutting my sentences off! 

He wears a black leather jacket. I saw his silhouette on the crowd and followed it. "Wait! I said wait!". I shouted but he didn't stop. I found myself at the second floor where he enters a room but there's a bouncer guarding it. When the bouncer saw him he immediately open the door and closes it. Wait! I need to thank him!

"Young lady you are not allowed here." The bouncer said.

"Sir, please I need to talk to that guy!"

"That guy?? HAHAHA! You called him 'THAT GUY'?"

"Yeah! I didn't catch his name but he save my life tho.."

"That guy was 'SIR KIAN', the son of the owner of this bar. He basically owns everything here so be careful for what you calls him, okay??"

"Son of the owner? But it doesn't give a threat to anyone right? Why does everyone looks scared of him??"

He pauses for a second and look at the left and right directions. He gesture a whisper to me and said, "I forgot to tell you.. He's our Mafia Boss. The highest here."

Huh?

"He also said 'Welcome' before entering. I got confused but maybe it's for you." He added.

What the??

"SAB!! HEY SAB!!" I immediately turn my eyes in the stairs where I saw someone walking from it.

"Aria!?"

"Sab! We're looking for you!! Look at Maxine she's dancing at the pole!! We need to go home!"

"WHAT!!?"

Before we leave I slightly bow to the bouncer and head to the ground floor and saw Maxine dancing at the stage and feeling herself.

Omg!

..

"I told you already! Those guys are looking at your butt!!" Aria said scratching her nape and rolling her eyes.

"Girls, let's not fight okay?" I said while patting Maxine's back.

We are now at the parking lot of the bar and Maxine's doing her business. We have to cover her so she don't puke inside the car. I mean it's better this way..

"What now? Are you okay Max?" I asked her.

"Yes.. *cough* I'm fine. Come on let's go home.." She said while covering her mouth. I am now convince that she's okay. We all ride the car and travel together. Aria drived. Although she's drunk, she said she can handle her self so well since she's used to things like this unlike Max and I..

Max's already asleep at my shoulder and we decided to drop her at her house first. We're also lucky that only his oldest brother is awake and we let him assist her to her room.

Aria also dropped me next. Looks like mom and dad are already asleep. I said goodbyes to Aria and told her to be careful. I headed to my room and take a short shower.

How interesting..

I still think at that guy who calls me 'babe'.

My mind's killing me at this never-ending curiousity. Agh! I need to sleep!

I stare at the ceiling of my room and place my fists to my chest.

What is this feeling?

.

.

.

*sigh* This bar is so boring. It always feels the same.

"Sir Kian.."

What now?

"Our recent client want to give you this. Looks like they're happy to our finished job." Sean said.

My personal butler. My right-hand man. He is one year younger than me. He also got the looks and he's my best friend.

He handed me a leather bag which is full of bundle One thousand pesos.

Worth of 5 Million probably.

"Good job." I said then decide to head out.

Now, how am I suppose to spend all those money? I don't know where should I put those.

Should I give it to this crowd?

I place my body to the railings and tried sight-seeing the whole bar. Although it's dark and lights are flashing, I know this place well more than anyone here. It is dad's but since he's gone now, I will shoulder all his dirty works and suffer it's consequences. Unfortunately, I have no siblings. I only have Sean who's have a father closest to mine. At Least, I can feel that I am not alone.

"Welcome Ma'am's." The guard at the front door said. Then I saw this girl wearing a black fitted dress and have a long black hair. Simple. She's glowing.

She's pretty. 

Unconsciously, I found myself smirking. What now self?

I light a cigarette from my leather jacket and starts to breath in and out the smoke. But why? Hmm, maybe it's to distract myself? Maybe from her.

I stand there for couple of minutes and silently observing her. I can't explain it but I want to see that girl. As I observe, I can already tell that it's her first time here.

Wait, where is she going?

It looks like she ask permission to the other girl she's going with and then go to the dark side of the bar. But why?

A guy purposely blocks her way and suddenly touched her waist.

Sh-- I need to do something!!

"Babe? Who is this guy?" I asked her.

"Why are you touching my girl?" I hope my face and glare was enough for him to back it up.

It's clearly effective and he immediately feels scared for his life like as he should be.

Like I will definitely kill him.

While that guy hurriedly walks away, I suddenly came back to my senses. I don't know why but this is the first time I felt so shy. Girls usually are the one in my place. They even want to die for me. But--

Wtf is this sht?

I can kill a gang but I easily get shy in front of a girl???

Pathetic.

I also hurriedly walks away from her. I hope she didn't see me. I need to get away faster. I tried to blend in the the crowd hoping she stops chasing me but she keeps on shouting at me. Good thing that the music was louder than her voice so people didn't notice us.

"Don't let her in. Welcome." I strictly said to the bouncer guarding the door of the VIP room. It looks like she followed me. She must have a good eyes tho.

Haha..

Why am I smiling? Am I crazy??

"Sir Kian, Miss Jade is calling.." Sean said and hand me my phone. Jade??

"What do you want?" I asked on the phone.

"Just checking up on you! Honey, I miss you! I've already checked the flights here and I'm waiting for the confirmations so that I can see you personally!". Argh! Her voice. It's annoying.

I looked at Sean but he just shrugged his shoulders.

"Jade-- *sigh* look.. I already told you this. We are done right? Why are you still calling me!?" I burst in irritated tone.

"Yeah, I know but--"

*Hanged up*

She ruined my night.

"The next time she calls, tell her I'm dead." I said to Sean. He sighed before leaving.

Jade is my childhood friend. Her mom and my mom are friends before. But after my mother's death, we moved to somewhere far from them and never see each other again. Last year, I heard that they already moved to US with her family and living the best life while me..

suffering.

Months ago she starts to text me and found my info's on social media. I don't know how but days passed and she continuously texting me. At first it was okay but now, I'm very annoyed. I need to move on, right?

It's very simple. I wonder why she can't do it. She's just making herself dumb and dumber.

..

"I can't focus, let's finish this meeting again tomorrow." I slammed the book at the meeting's table.

I can't help it but my mind's occupied by something. And then that girl on the bar last night. She keeps on appearing in my mind. I must be crazy!! Should I go to my doctor?

"Boss.. we have new recruits." One of my people entered.

Hmm, recruits?

"Bring them in." Sean said. He immediately nods.

"Boss this is Albert. Computer literate. Hacker. He also knows how to kill boss." He said.

"Does he?" I asked. This guy looks nerdy tough. I wonder if he's afraid of something.

I pulled out my gun and points it at his forehead. He maintains a straight face but I can clearly see his sweats.

"HA HA HA!" I laughed.

My people looks confused.

"This is fun! Is he the only one?" I asked. The two of my people pulled another guy.

"Boss, this is Marc. A former Assassin of the Watch Owls."

Watch owls huh?

"Watch owls was already a large group, why are you here?" I smiles and point the gun in his neck.

"Because of you boss, you're more powerful compared to them. I want to serve you." He said in a firmly voice.

"Oh really!? HA HA HA! You know too well!~ Should I kill you already?" I said. He's eyes got widen. And so are the others in the dark room.

"If someone knows too much about everything, they deserve to die to stop leaking the infos right??" I asked. No one seems to like it and they all avoid my gaze.

"*laughs* Oh come on guys! I'm just kidding!! We can make use of this people. Just make sure you do your job well.. Or else.."

I leaned myself beside their ears.

"I will kill the both of you myself. Okaaay?~"

They both gulped and nods.

This is fun.

This is going to be fun.

..

.

.

.

"Hello Max? Are you okay?" I asked her on the phone. It's already in the morning and I'm doing my routines before going to school.

"Yes, don't worry. I already texted Aria and she's on the Airport now for her flight. I also arranged her files for the information of the school about it." Maxine said.

"Oh really? That's good." I said while eating my breakfast.

"Yeah, I'll fetch you now so get ready.. Btw, thanks for yesterday."

I can feel her sincerity huh..

"Nah, it's fine haha! You're one of a dancer too!"

"LOL SHUT UP!! I WILL TURN THIS WHEEL AWAY NOW THO!!"

"Fine! Just kidding!! *laughs*"

I hanged up and eat my remaining food.

".. Sab.. I forgot to tell you. Me and your dad are going to Singapore tomorrow. We have an urgent proposal. We are planning to build a company there." My mom suddenly said. We are now at the dining table with dad that's currently busy in his desktop.

Yeah, work and work..

"Okay.." I tamely said.

"Is that all?" Mom asked.

"Yeah? Why? Is that new or something?" I asked again. She really don't likes the way it came out. She frowned and seems hurt.

"I'm sorry mom, take care. Dad. Love you both." I said. I am definitely a softie when it comes to the people I love.

They both smiles at me and kiss my forehead. Even if they travel a lot, they still in-touch with me through our gadgets but still, the physical manner really hits different.

Someone doors our bell and it's obviously Max.

"Bye Mom! Dad!" I said and waved before closing the front door.

"Bye! Take care!"

"Take care honey! Bye!"

I nodded and head out.

"Why's with the frown face Max?" I asked. She keeps on doing that ever since I got in here. She looks fine earlier, right?

"Nah, I'm just tired." Max said. Her eyes was locked to the way and keeps on driving.

"Max did I do something wrong?" I asked again in a worried voice.

"You're irritating, Sab." She said.

"Huh? Why?"

"YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT YOU ALREADY HAVE A BOYFRIEND! I'M PISSED." Max said in a louder and irritated tone.

"BOYFRIEND??? WHAT THE HECK??? WHERE AM I SUPPOSE TO FIND THOSE???" I asked.

..

"Here." Max said and points out on the confession board that is filled with sticky notes.

"Thank you Sab I am very honored to be your one and only boyfriend. I love you. -Unknown"

A large paper from a notebook said. It is written in a red tint. It was posted in the bottom so it's easy to see.

Wth? Who did this?

"SEE. Acting innocent." Max said and rolled her eyes.

"The heck? Are you going to believe that Max?? If I am going to have a guy, you and Ari are going to know it first?? I don't know who did this!" I exclaimed. It's so frustrating. Especially I didn't know who posted it here!

"One of my friend who cam earlier saw it and send a picture knowing that you're my friend. They ask me and I don't know how to respond. Sab, you can call it to us you don't need to hide it." Max said. But this time in a comforting voice.

"Max.. If this is one of your pranks.. I swear!!" Argh!

"What?? No!??" She said and burst a giggle.

"ARRGHHH YOU'RE MORE IRRITATING THAN ME! YOU PISSED ME MAXINE FORTUNA!! I HATE YOU!"

"Wow what!! You hate me now?? *Laughs* Come on! Don't be! Btw, welcome to hell.. Again!!"

I hate her so much.

..

Time passes by so quickly and I didn't even realize it was time to go home. Mom and dad's probably gone now and head to their flight so I am going to be alone at our house again.

As usual.

Why am I still questioning it?

Wait, where's Maxine..

We also call and text Aria during our Lunch break. But Max? I don't know anymore to that girl! I was almost convince that she's studying well.

They have meeting today at the Student's office since two of my best friends are officers. Max was the President and Aria was the Secretary.

I looked at my watch. It's getting late..

I am now at the gate of the school since it's evening now and it's dark on the highways. I'm kinda scared to go out the campus.

I am getting tired standing. Good thing that there are benches outside the school, it was a waiting shed.

At last, I can sit now.

I texted her in our gc and informed her that I'll wait her here. The message was sent. Looks like she's busy for the upcoming activities of the school. Ari likes those things and brainwash Max to make those kind of fun events. In a year, we have tons of foundation week and also have projects and games. They are the ones who made that confession board too!

"Hi Miss, can I ask you a question?" A guy in a car suddenly asks me.

I keep on talking to myself and I didn't notice the car stopping infront of m-- wow, is that?.. Mustang.

"Yes?" I asked.

"Are you from here?" He holds his sunglasses down and look into my eyes.

Wow, he's handsome.

But why is he wearing sunglasses eventhough it's night???

"Yes? Why?" I asked again.

He seems decent and cultured but the thing I first notice on him was his eyes. It's pretty in a way. The half of his polo was unbuttoned. Cool! The side shave of his black hair and have a baby-face.

"Are you waiting for somebody?" He asked again.

"Yes, I am." I'm kinda feeling bad about this.

My intuition and guts are always right so I answered in short phrases as possible. I hope he leaves.

"Oh okay, sorry to bother you young lady.. I'm going to head out now. Have a good night." He said and rolled up the window glass of the car.

I just fake a smile hoping he really head out.

After his car got away, the silenceness of the surroundings came back.

Where's Max? I'm losing my patience..

Minutes later..

A van suddenly stops right at the place where I am sitting there's four guys come from it then aggresively holds m--

"WHAT THE HELL--!!!?" I shouted in shock.

Sht! Is this how I'm gonna die!??

"MAXINEEEE! ARIAAAA! MOOM!! DADD!! HELLPPPP!!" I shouted in my head since these guys shut my mouth using white handkerchief.

They must have put something on that and I can feel my body weakening.. I feel dizzy..

They carry me inside their van.. it's dark. I can't see their faces..

I can't freaking move!! My body.. I feel.. sleepy..

Max...

.

.

.

Ow.. My head hurts..

Where am I?

"Boss, she's awake." I heard one guy said.

I can't see anything since there's a black cloth covering my head. I can't speak too because of the tape in my mouth. My hands are also aching because of the handcuffs on it.

Am I..

-- KIDNAPPED???

"Remove it." I suddenly heard a familiar voice. Wait--

I clenched my eyes due to the suddenly flash of lights that hit my face.

Dark and eerie and room, the only light was the one above my head.

Is this real???

Are they going to kill me???

"See. I told you. She's pretty." That familiar guy said.

Is that the guy who asks me questions earlier??

with the Mustang???--

"Boss, are you sure about this? Watch owls didn't need a new Queen." A distant voice of a woman said.

I can't see their faces because of the lightning but I can clearly hear their voices. I can't also speak since I have tape in my mouth.

... Did she say watch owls?

"This is my final decision. Now get out. I don't want to hear anything from you again." That guy said again.

I heard a door opened and closes.

"So, you may think that I am rude for not introducing myself.." He said. Looks like he's now talking to me.

Isn't.. kidnapping are rude enough for him!??

"My name is Zarco. You are now at our HQ.. Watch Owls. Welcome!" He said and claps his hand.

I feel so weak.. and helpless.

"This is boring. Untie her mouth, I want to hear her voice again." He said. Suddenly one of the guys slowly rip the tape in my mouth.

It hurts!!

Wait, how many of them are here inside!? Achk!

"Look.. I am being kind to you so if you ever thinks of escaping this place.." He looks at his right direction and someone clicks their gun.. no, is that a shotgun!???

Then he smiled.

It gives me the creeps!

I am really scared for my life right now but I need to be calm. I can't think properly if I'm not careful.

"What's your name?" He asks again. This time he leaned closer to the light and now I can see his face.

I need to play it cool.

"Before I say my name, would you untie my hands first? Promise I won't try to escape." I bargain.

"And what if you did?"

"Then shoot me." I gulped.

He looks at me for seconds and then nods to the guy behind me.

Luckily they did untie me. I also have no idea of escaping because at this rate, I know they're really into it. I don't know who this people are but one thing I am certain.. they're serious about killing me if I move a wrong one.

"Sab.. Sabrina." I said while touching my wrists.

I hope this won't leave scars.

"Sabrina huh?.. okay. Now, listen. This is a once in a lifetime opportunity for you. We are watch owls and obviously, we are syndicates. We run dirty works and kill people. We have a tradition of having a "Queen" that we leaned on. I, Zarco was basically the King here and yes.. I am now asking you to be my Queen." He said in a firm voice.

What the heck is he saying??

"And what if I say no?" I asked.

He chuckles.

"Of course we are going to kill you. Even if you escape, we will find you. Wherever you are." He said. He's dead serious.

What am I suppose to do now?

I need to live..

For Max and Aria..

For my Mom and Dad..

What should I do?

"Oh, I forgot! Don't be too pressured! You are here because we are giving you time to think about it until tomorrow. For now.." He said and then someone entered the room.

"Daph will assist you to your room." he continued.

So it's her.

Even though it's just a little light that flashes in her face.. I can tell that's she's really pretty!

"Of course, we need to secure our HQ.." He said again and suddenly a guy put a sleeping piece of cloth in my nose and puts the black cloth in my head.

Why they.. have to do... this..

I feel.. sleepy-.. again..

..

"Goodmorning. Go get up now. Don't make boss angry." Daph said.

It's morning already?

Ow, my head..

"Daph.." I asked.

"What!?" She said in an irritated tone.

"Do you have a phone??"

"What--!?" She exclaimed. Standing near the door in a very intimidated pose.

"I said a phone! I need to contact my mom and my friends!! They must be worried about me okay!?" I said.

I hope it works. Just keep on pursuing her Sab..

"Do you want me to be killed? If that's so, I will kill you now!!" She exclaimed again.

She didn't melt Sab.. She was irritated actually.

"Please.." I said again but in a very calm voice.

I lowered my head and fidget my fingers.

"Fck! Two minutes!!"

Suddenly a keypad phone land on the bed where I'm currently sitting. She go out and closes the door. She looks angry.

At least it works!! Yey!

I dialed Maxine's phone number.. good thing I still remember it..

"Hello? Who's this?" Maxine said on the other line.

My heart skipped a beat. I was happy to hear her voice again!

I have to not inform her about my situation right now.. I don't want them to be involved here. Especially I don't know what will happen to me while I'm with those people.. I need to play their game.

"T-This is Sab.." I tried to compose myself and trying so hard not to cry.

"SAB!??? HOLY SH-- SAB!?? IS THAT REALLY YOU!!? WHERE ARE YOU?? I'M GOING THERE RIGHT NOW!" Max said. Looks like she didn't rest because of me.

I'm sorry. I'm really sorry.

"WHAT?? IS THAT SAB!!? SABRINA!? WHERE ARE YOUU!? YOU MAKING US WORRIED!!" I heard Aria said from the other line.

They must be on call on her desktop too.

Gosh, I miss them already.

"Guys! I'm fine okay! Don't worry about me.. I'm with my friend right now, sorry. I didn't tell you guys.."

Yeah, lie to them. This is for them too.

"WHAT FRIEND?? YOU DIDN'T TELL US YOU HAVE OTHER--.." Aria asked.

"Yeah, I totally forgot. She was a girl friend. A childhood friend of mine. Sorry." I said.

"REALLY?? IS THAT SO? WHEN ARE YOU COMING HOME??" Maxine asked. This time I can't help but to cry because even me, I can't tell for sure..

"Not sure yet but I will call again okay? Did you already tell mom?" I asked again.

"NAH.. I TOLD MAXINE TO WAIT FOR AT LEAST A WEEK BEFORE FILING A MISSING PERSON YOU TO THE POLICE HAHA WE DIDN'T TELL TITA AND TITO.. MAYBE THIS DAY IF YOU DIDN'T CALL.." Aria said.

I am so lucky.. to have them.

"Please don't worry about me. I will call again next time okay? Just wait for me. Love you both.." I said.

Looks like it's effective and they got assure already. Now I'm kinda relieved too.

Before they say a word again, I hanged up the phone and blocked then erase the dialed number in the contacts. Suddenly, Daph enter the room after.

She's wearing a fitted turtle neck and black fitted pants that matches her black shoes.

When she entered, she snatched the phone in my hand.

"Another two minutes for you to fix yourself." She said then go out again.

I sighed and looked at my surroundings.

Well, this place was not bad at all. The interior looks nice. Yes, I'm still wearing my uniform..

I fixed my hair and straighten my skirt.

So, this is it right?

Game on.