Ch. 8 - New Girl an Old Friend

Both Drake and Marlene were able to sincerely enjoy their time in that bath together. She even went as far as to sit on his lap where he could truly feel everything. Her breast rubbed against his chest and he would even be more forward with her. How she left hickey's on him, he then did his own on her neck and lower to her chest just in the space between her breasts. He even grabbed her arms in a way she could admire as he was now taking charge of her.

Before he got any more carried away, and she was exhaling a loud sigh, that meant relief and distraction. She had to ask shyly while holding onto his head between her cleavage. "Why did you stop…?"

Drake replied, removing his hands and just lowering them to grab onto her peach-like ass and soft thighs. "I tend to get carried away… and I don't want things to go too far so fast. Especially with you… I want to wait for just a little… before I make a woman out of you."

"You've had other girls before me…?" She asked, not at all mad or bothered. She asked politely and in a soft tone. She began to caress his head and play with his long black hair.

"I have…" he said honestly.

"So were you thinking about them?" She wondered.

"Not at all…"

"Then why stop…"

"Because I don't want to make any mistakes with you. I want to make the time we spend… unforgettable and something you can remember fondly. With no regrets." He only thought of her and stopped because in his mind overthinking it. He didn't want to ruin a thing. He wished for her happiness. As well as never feel like this was just a momentary situation because of what they were doing. "I hope you don't mind waiting… until I'm ready to feel like I deserve you…"

"Draky…" she mumbled softly and clinched to him more as she was happy. She heard his words and could tell he was truly sincere. It also made her heart race, knowing he spoke from the heart and heard how he wished to take care of her. "Don't make me wait too long… thank you for being so cautious and considerate for me and my wellbeing" She said and grabbed onto one of his hands that grabbed her ass. "I don't mind you copping a feel… so please Draky… understand… I truly care and want you…" she told him, holding that same hand that held her ass and using her other hand to raise his chin to look down at him.

Drake grabbed a bit firmly and leaned up to kiss her again and bring her right back down. The water splashed against the edge of the tub and tile wall as they kept moving against one another so much.

Knocking was heard and it was Maria. "You two better not be making a mess… hurry up and come get lunch… you've been in there far too long" Maria then stormed away flushed on her cheeks.

They went back to their senses, as it seemed like the heat and mood got to them both. "She has a point…" they both said together and looked at each other.

With an agreement, they got out of the bath together, since they also saw each other so much it didn't matter for either of them. They did still turn backs to one another and in a towel, Drake went to once again pick up clothes from the father's stuff. And Marlene picked her casual stuff to wear at home.

Drake has dressed in shorts again and what looked like a muscle shirt on him. While Marlene came down in sweats and crop top and there was no bra. Once downstairs Maria looked at Drake even walking toward him to hit him on the head and Marlene.

"What was that for?" Asked Marlene, and Maria responded.

"You know god damn why we could hear all that splashing around. I asked Jess to go get you, but she made me do it…" she complained and sighed. "I'm glad you're doing better, but also you're much too young for that still young man…"

"Uh… right" he nervously chuckled.

"What the hell was that?" Maria asked, and began to drill his head. "You've already done it, haven't you two?" She said,

"Ow, no stop!" He looked at her and smiled softly reaching up to grab onto Maria's cheeks and pinched her. "Counter"

"Hey!" Maria and him began to sort of fight. But as they sort of had that moment. She couldn't help but hug him, stuffing him between her breasts that surrounded his head. "I'm so happy you're safe and having fun… I heard what happened from Marlene's father…" she said and gently combed his hair.

"Uh… ma'am… that is my boyfriend you know…" said Marlene, not able to help but get involved and pull him away to now smother him herself. Only, thanks to how much taller he was standing. She couldn't accomplish the same of what Maria did and just hugged him hiding her face in his chest.

"Oh… so you two are dating then…" Maria said, surprised but happy. She then squeezed Marlene between herself and Drake hugging them both. "Take care of him okay."

"I will…" she replied and held onto him.

"Uh… I can take care of myself…" he said nervously but did hug her and Marlene back. One arm held Maria and the other Marlene.

"You get what I mean right?" Maria asked Marlene and got a nod back.

"I do, don't worry" they both smiled at one another and soon Jess spoke up while holding Sarah.

"I'm glad you're all getting along, but what about lunch?" She said, "Come on, let's eat…" Maria then pushed them both to the table and together everyone began to eat.

"So, did something happen?" Asked Jess. And the air felt somewhat cold.

"Nope… just… washing scrubbing…" replied Drake. "I promise…"

"Yeah, maybe… some kissing and… touching" added Marlene, who couldn't lie to her mother.

"Is that right…?" Asked Jess. Who then looked at Drake. "You better keep it in your pants… I don't want you making a young mother out of her… until you are both ready and older" she said, and it couldn't help but feel like a mixed signal.

"Don't worry… I already asked her to wait… until I feel like I deserve her…" He explained, reassuring Jess that her daughter wasn't going to have her feelings played with.

Jess looked to Maria. "He is a good boy…"

"Right? Now, this isn't a conversation, we should have with children around… let's just eat" she said and everyone looked to Sarah, who was clueless about the topic. Together everyone began to eat.

Today was Thursday and with no one going to school, they spent it as they pleased at home. In a way, it made things fade away, but deep down Drake felt this was temporary.

At school, someone made their entrance. A chick with black short hair and blue highlights was making her mark at the school, the same one Drake and Marlene attended.

"Hey… do you know where Drake might be?" She asked, grabbing onto a boy's collar while stepping on another boy's back who she managed to beat up.

"What the hell do you want with him?" He asked, bruised up.

"None of your business… So just answer or do I need to beat your ass too?"

"Relax bitch… look I don't know where he is, just leave me the hell alone!" They yelled a bit and tried to punch her, only for her to duck and sucker punch him and shortly uppercut him.

"Tch… I figured you punks knew since you have the damn nerve to say his name behind his back…" she was a tomboy, a rough and tough one. Who on her neck, had a 'Q' tattooed on her. "How does no one fucking know where he is… dammit… might as well go home… this is a waste of time…" she told herself as she began to leave the school ground. Until she ran into Akane. He bumped into her and fell. Scared he instinctively blocked. "I'm sorry"

"Relax kid…" she knew he was weak, and after seeing him, she got down to help him grab his stuff. She was crouched down spreading her legs in a squat unintentionally giving the guy a full look up her skirt and saw her surprising cute blue laced panties "Careful where you're going…"

He took in the sight as a gift only after hearing her attitude, and realizing her outfit "Uh… right," he said and grabbed his things in a hurry when he also noticed her tattoo and couldn't help but make a guess. "Are you… related to Drake? By any chance?"

She then grabbed his collar. "What do you know about him?"

"Uh… nothing… he just… has the same sort of tattoo on him… and" he then stopped to cover his face.

"Don't worry kid, I'm not into picking on the weak… tell me what you know? Do you know where he is?" She asked him, getting up now together.

"Uh… I don't know much… just that, he is pretty nice… and oh sorry, are you his girlfriend?" He asked just being helpless now.

"No… not really, we just have history… look, can you help me or not," she asked him.

"Sorry no… but, I heard he is dating someone I just thought was you my bad. Anyways, what I can tell you is he wasn't feeling good today from what I heard. so maybe he'll be around tomorrow… which, now that I think about it… who are you?" He asked.

She sighed and looked down at him, as she quietly talked. Her body was so defined that her outfit looked too tight. However, she was naturally busty. Large breast tight curves and peach plump ass under her skirt that only highlighted her beauty more with her black leggings and outfit choice. She wore a jacket that hung on her shoulders and a long blue-black stand of hair that flowed down from beside her right eye. She also wore gloves. Her eyes are hazel and captivating with power. "My name is Alex. Well… Alexandria. But Alex for short. Call me anything else and I'll beat you to a pulp" she told him.

'Just… what sort of people does he know?' Akane asked himself as he looked at this woman. "Your… quite scary…" and tried to forget the incredible view he just saw, fearing he would be on the bad side of her and especially Drake.

"I'll take that as a compliment… so… where do you think Drake is right now?" She asked him, having also an authority-like tone and so alluring.

"If I'm guessing… uh… then maybe an arcade? Or maybe… at his girlfriend's place…" he suggested and soon she left him.

"Thanks…" she left the school grounds and got on her phone. When she began to think to herself. 'That asshole isn't answering his damn phone… Where the hell are you? And on my first day of school… I was hoping to see him' she then attempted to call him again but nothing. 'Dammit… Do I really have to wait until tomorrow? Oh, his work!' She said and her annoyed look changed. She began to go on her quest to find him. This did take her all day. Since she believed he would have been working, only for her to be directed to the school where his sister's school goes too. He already knew her and the teacher he got to know, so she then got more news about him. She was then worried. It was already late in the day, as she was sitting on some swings at a nearby park. 'Should I text him instead?' She sighed and couldn't seem to relax.

Drake had been with Marlene at their place, and Maria left at this point. With the sun going down. He finally saw his phone and would see that he had missed calls from a contact, he labeled 'Best Friend' he already knew who it was. And soon opened his phone and saw if he also got any messages from her.

"Shit…" he told himself and did get one.

-Call me back idiot- Was all she sent.

"Hey, Marlene. Mind if I head out for a bit?" He asked her.

"You don't need my permission, do what you want… but are you gonna be okay?" She asked, standing beside him.

"Well… it's to meet someone" she said and showed her. The text and the name of the contact were there for her to see.

"Oh…" she now understood why he asked. "Will it be alright if I come along?" She was nervous about asking. Hoping he doesn't think too much about it.

"I don't mind… want to get changed then?" He asked her since she was in sort of small and exposed clothing.

"Okay sure, I'll be back in a bit…" she smiled and left to go to her room to change.

Drake then called Alex, and in a second she picked up. "Alex?"

"About time… jerk…" she said, happy to hear him. "Where are you?"

"I'm at my girlfriend's place… what about you?" He asked, slipping on his shoes. And waited by a door for Marlene.

"I'm at a park, next to that primary school your sister goes to. Why?" She answered him.

"Stay put, I'm coming okay…" he told her and ended the call.

She then smiled holding onto her phone, acting far from herself after that brief talk. 'Yaay!' She began to wait patiently for him. And they realized. 'He totally said he was at a chick's place…' this made her feel odd, but that wasn't what she focused on. She didn't want to start any drama, so she focused on the fact she would see her friend again.

"I'm ready" Marlene came down and held onto him. Together they left the house, hand in hand, as well as they, walked together. She couldn't help but ask.

"Hey, what's this person like?" She asked, leaning into his side.

"Uh… she is sort of like me… actually, no… she is tough as rock and hard to get to know… but she is a fighter and very sweet and soft once you know her… don't worry I think you'll get along fine with her…" he told her, not exactly answering her question, but also did.

"I see… is that all?" She kept going, hoping he would catch on.

"Well… we did use to date for a time… but, things fell off, it was mutual and we remained friends, I get a feeling that what you want to know… dont worry, I don't see her like anymore" he explained the best he could about their history without giving away to much.

"I see…" she once again realized. And said out loud. "I really don't know anything about you" she kept holding onto him.

"And that's fine… I'll tell you anything you want to know…" he reassured her, if she wanted to know anything to just ask.

"Really? No matter how personal?" She wondered and looked up to him.

"Sure, why not, just be ready for anything you might hear from me… and be considerate of what you ask…" he told her, he was fine being an open book to her. They already shared seeing one another. They just had to connect a bit more.

"Okay, I'll hold you up to that," she said, accepting his offer but also thought. 'I should watch my boundaries… I don't wanna push him away' she then kissed his cheek and kept walking together. "When you say she is like you, is she gonna be some skinny tomboy? Who dresses like a dude?" She teased a bit but wanted to know about this friend.

"Not, exactly… I mean, she does act like a tomboy, but she dresses like a girl… she's actually into cute stuff aside from her rough and tough looks and act" he replied.

"Really, you make it a hard picture to look at her as cute and feminine when you say she's tough you know" She couldn't imagine this girl he was talking about.

"You'll see what I mean… and, I just hope she can get along with you…" he told her.

"What, does she plan on beating me up or something…" she questioned him.

"Not, exactly… you'll see." He was nervous but kept pushing on. "Don't worry"

Upon reaching the park, they saw a girl in their school uniform on her phone, surrounded by some men who were trying to make their way with her. So Marlene responded to Drake. "If that's her, shouldn't you help?" Drake just held her and shook his head.

"Just watch her, we don't need to interfere," he said to her and watched with Marlene to the side.

"Hey bitch, we're talking to you…" one of the three men said.

"Come on babe, just one night with the three of us… you won't regret it…" another said. And the last one spoke up.

"Relax guys, she just needs motivation." They said, now reaching for something into their pocket. One was reaching for a knife. And the other began to get behind her and the last was grabbing into a piece of clothes.

"God you're annoying…" she said, and when she began to stand up, they tried to pounce. Yet it looked like she just danced around them. One tried to grab the collar of her clothes, but she shifted by them, giving them. Also a harsh punch to the jaw. She then catches the first of another. And just before the last of the three attacked with a knife, she kicked his hand away and kept the momentum kicking the second man. The third then was kicked hard in his balls by her heavy boots and she walked away with no trouble and ease. "Dammit…" she looked annoyed, and also very intimating with her head tilted down as she put her hands in the pocket of her skirt. She didn't notice Drake was already there. Until he came up behind her with Marlene.

He grabbed her shoulder and she couldn't help but feel a sense of dread and tried to counter with a punch as she turned. He caught her first and finally spoke. Marlene was a bit startled but amazed. "Yo, it's been a while…" he said and let her go.

"Oh… Drake" she calmed down and looked at him. She turned and dusted her outfit a bit.

'She… likes him!?' Said Marlene to herself in thought.

Alex turned and faced him. More proper and approachable. "Hey, Draky yeah it's been a while. Who is this?" She asked, and looked at Marlene.

"I'm his girlfriend… my name is Marlene, it's nice to meet you" she spoke for herself.

"No way? You're so damn cute…" she praised her and Alex added while walking up to her. "I'm this fool's best friend… and my name is Alexandria. Call me Alex. We also used to date, that was a while ago, so when did you two start" she asked openly asking what and saying what was in her mind.

"Just a few days ago… actually…" Drake added. And hearing his tone. Alex grabbed his hand and pulled him away.

"So how much does she know…?" She asked him in secret. And Marlene could just watch and be in thought.

'Is she someone he use to fool fuck…? Come on, don't be so nervous…' she told herself, noticing also the incredible difference between her body and Alex. Hers was less big and developed than Alex's, her ass and breast being much bigger and plump. 'Maybe I shouldn't have come… he deserves some privacy' "do you need me to go?" She asked finally.

"Oh no…" said Drake, and lifted his head away from Alex's arms and looked at Marlene. "You are just fine with us… come here…" he said, holding his hand out for her.

"Yeah, don't worry I'm not gonna steal him… I wanted to catch up with him… but now I wanna know about you babe" Alex said openly and smiled at her.

Marlene grabbed Drake's hand and walked back closer to him again. "Alright… if you both don't mind. I'd like to know about you, Alex…"

"No problem, come on, let's go out to eat" she suggested, going to Drake's other hand and side grabbing onto him.

"Fine, fine…" he held onto both of their hands and together walked further into town. "Is it necessary for you to hold onto me, Alex?"

"I'm still a girl you know… why can't I hold onto my best friend?" She said,

"But, you can protect yourself…" he said.

"Where's the fun…?" She said and chuckled, squeezing her breast against his arm. "How I missed my best friend…"

"You sure haven't changed… don't mind it too much Marlene… She may be a tough girl, but she acts more girly than others… she's also very clingy… so I can't help what she does…"

"Oh don't worry, just dont ignore me okay… so how did you two meet?" Marlene said, acting mature about her situation. Even though she didn't like it.

"Well, Alex here got into a mess way back, and I helped her out… I was sort of entrusted with her also for a time… until she moved away… which reminds me, how is that situation going?" Drakes asked and answered.

"Well, I'm no longer with Them. And I was adopted by my grandparents. Lucky me… I got to finally be free and away, but drake… what about you…?" She asked back.

"Still bad… and… it's gotten worse…" he said. Not sounding too good on it.

"Just how bad…?" Alex asked and stood in front of him.

"I rather not say…" he said and looked away from either of them. "Maybe we can talk about another time…" he asked.

Alex looked at him, and sighed, "fine… just call me if you need my company" she said and that would mean more.

"Are you alright Drake?" Asked Marlene hugging his back. "Dammit… you know I don't want to lie to you…" he said and soon felt Alex lean on his chest.

"You're hiding something… what happened Drake…" she asked and both pressed on him.

"Okay, fine… can you two ease up on me… you're both so… close…" he looked up and kept his hands away from either of them.

"We got him, Marlene," Alex said to her and Marlene replied, "for sure…"

'I'm not winning here am I?' He said and soon looked at both of them. He grabbed their hands and kept walking. "Let's just sit and eat…" he led them both into an open fast-food spot and got into line.

"I got us, don't worry," said Alex. "Since I got to see you and your new babe, it'll be my treat and gift" she smiled.

"Alright, it'll be hopeless to change your mind, so thanks," Drake said. And Marlene agreed to smile. "Yeah thank you… even though we just met, you are being quite kind to me"

Marlene was in thought for a bit. She realized that Alex may still like him, but also it seemed that Alex was quite flirty and overly kind to him after just meeting her. She was a bit nervous about her, but for different reasons.

"Okay, let's take a seat over there" suggested Alex leading them together to a window spot.

When it came to seating, however. Drake was left alone, and Marlene sat with Alex across from him. "So how bad did it get Drake?" Alex asked, getting right to it.

"Fine… I don't think I can avoid it with you around… my father…" he explained to them, what exactly he said to Drake after beating him last night.

Marlene felt sick, and Alex was pissed. They heard him, as Drake explained. If he ever slipped up again just one last time. His little sister would be sold off and prostituted. In her mother's place. It was hard for him to stomach as well. "So yeah, I'm at the end of my rope now…"

Marlene then asked. "How come… you don't resist or fight back Drake?"

"He can't…" Alex told her. "His father would just abuse his sister if he did anything of the sort…" Alex explained.

"That's just not fair… or right…" said Marlene. Only realizing further she really can't do anything to help him.

"That's right. So I can't fight even if I want to…" Drake said and just bit into his food slowly. "Let's change the subject. You got what you wanted to hear…" he said, not bothered that they wanted to know, but his tone made it sound like he was annoyed by it.

"Sorry… we didn't mean to push it… it was insensitive to," said Marlene.

"Not at all, it just lets me know you care, and you two haven't run off bothered or stopped talking to me, so it's alright." He said and looked at them eating his burger.

"Damn it…" Alex looked away. "I hate it when you say shit like that…" she was grabbing into her skirt with one hand. Feeling anxious and happy about what he said. He was observant. And he could see she was just trying to be kind and helpful. "You could be a little clueless you know…" Alex said.

Marlene then grabbed onto Alex's hand. "I so get what you mean… but… isn't it also a good thing… that he notices good from the bad?"

"Yeah…" Alex looked at Marlene and couldn't help but think. 'I would have been just like her… if things went differently' she then looked at Drake. "Hey, Drake…"

"Yeah?" He saw the look in her eyes. "What's wrong?"

"Please take me back…" both Marlene and Drake stopped.

"What?" He asked. And Marlene could even function.

"Hold on, he's already got me…" Marlene added.

"I know…" answered Alex. "Is there something wrong with having another girl?"

"Hold on a minute Alex," he said. "I can't do that to Marlene."

"Give me a good reason!" Said Marlene. "Why?" She never gave a clear answer.

"You want a reason? Because I still love this fool… we only ended things after I had to move away a few years… this was way back… so don't worry about the details… Just know, I still love you, Drake. I don't mind also dating you, Marlene. Let me answer you properly. I care about him, love him, and I've known him a long time… I adore this man. And I want to be by his side. Frankly, no one could match him… or even compare to him… but, I also want to be with him because I want to help him… his life has been hell, you know that right…? I just want to stay in his life, but if you are dating him, I don't want to ruin that. So, I wish to be a part of this… for better or worse and until death. I made up my mind then and now… I will do anything for Drake. He means more to me than you could understand" she proclaimed right in front of them wholeheartedly and with clarity. "is that clear enough? or should I show it?"

"... No." Marlene looked at her and saw her conviction. 'She can do a lot more for him than I could. She means it. Her eyes tell a history between them. What right do I have to stop her? Still. This hurts. Can I share my drake with another woman?' She thought to herself. "Fine… but… you can't keep him to yourself… because you'll also be with me…" she said and sat down.

"You're interesting Marlene… you just met me, yet don't judge my style or personality. You can even look at me in the eyes. I like you… and you have my respect" said Alex, and went to lean on her grabbing her waist. "You may be a bit skinny. Not as developed. But let me tell you something…" she said and whispered only for her to hear. "Drake does like them slimmer like you… dont be shy to spoil him with some skin… trust me. If you want to know for real… there's no better place than a bed…" she leaned away and smiled. "So what will it be? Draky, mind taking care of us both?"

"Marlene… are you gonna be okay with this?" He asked her, concerned about her thoughts.

"Well, as long as you can provide for us both I don't mind, just keep me in the loop okay, talk to me often, and don't hide anything from me… I'm still new to this" she said and looked away, but also leaned to Alex's side and hand.

"Alright… I'll take care of you both. With my life until death. I promise to include you in everything Marlene. I won't hide a thing from you, and I do not intend to. I'll love and take care of you both equally."

"For someone so hurt, you got plenty of care and love to give don't you," said Alex who smiled hearing him confess to them both.

"Okay, Draky… then the two of us will get along, and help make this work for you," Marlene said, and smiled at Alex.

'I hope I can take care of them both…' Drake said as even he was shaken up by the sudden proposal. And now this development. Still, he was happy, he wouldn't have to complicate either relationship with them. So this was a welcome development. "You know… I can't help but think… I didn't deserve you two…"

"Hey, this just started, wait a month before doubting," Alex said to him.

"Sorry, it's just… you both know my situation. The danger I'm in and I don't want to drag either of you into my trouble… I don't want you both getting hurt or worse, because you are with me. And I feel lucky… having you both with me. It feels wrong and like I don't deserve it." He explains his thoughts on them. He only felt this way, because of how he was treated. And everything he was told. He wasn't deserving of love or care. So to receive any and from two women, he just felt off.

"Hey, I may have just met Alex, but I can tell you, she means it…"

"Same here, Marlene's eyes only follow you, and she gets worked up for your sake… I can tell she cares about you a lot. So I wonder. Have you two done the dead yet?" Alex asked. Lifting and changing the mood.

"What?! No… not exactly… but, we were naked in the bath already" Marlene said.

"After just meeting? Really? Drake you naughty boy" Alex teased and held onto Marlene smiling.

"Don't tease her too much, please Alex" Drake said.

"Have you two… before?" Asked Marlene shyly and holding her hands between her thighs.

"Plenty… I can't tell you the number of times I was screaming and scratching." Alex openly said.

"Hey, Alex… relax a bit would you," said drake. "We have… but not as much as she's claiming"

Marlene was shy and in shock. "A lot huh…?"

"Yup, even when we were younger… he was a real dog, you're missing out… hey since there are three of us, we can definitely have more fun" Alex claimed.

"One thing at a time… she is still pure Alex so I won't let you ruin her…" Drake claimed.

"I was until you ruined me, and don't worry you'll be ruining her too" she just kept going.

"Your hopeless Alex…" Drake sighed.

"It's okay…" said Marlene. "I'd… like to hear me…" she grabbed her phone and gave it to Alex.

"Oh my God!" Drake was surprised by Marlene.

Alex went for it, giving her phone number. "Anytime, just let me know… and we'll take it easy on you. And Drake, don't worry, I haven't cheated on you with anyone else since we parted ways" she said and smiled.

Marlene nodded quietly and smiled blushing. She was getting excited about this new development.

"Don't worry, I'll be careful with her… mind taking me home with you two… I want to see Sarah" she asked. And Marlene nodded.

"Sure, and how did you know he was staying elsewhere?" Asked Marlene.

"Oh, I heard the background, no drunk ugly bastard yelling, and I heard plenty of quiet movement. So I figured he was elsewhere" she smiled.

"Okay, you're coming with us then… but let's keep this three-way a secret. For now… unless you two want to explain it to the Parents." Drake said.

"I don't mind… but I agree, for now, a secret okay," Marlene said and Alex agreed.

"Okay okay a secret, but at school or in the streets, we're not hiding shit got it," Alex said and finished eating.

"Well then let's go home…" Drake said. And got up already finished before them a bit ago.

"Alright, let's head home…" agreed Marlene as she first picked up some food for Sarah and her mother to also take to them.

Together they head home. Drake had them both on each side of him and let them talk to one another and get to know one another while he just acted like the middle man, literally. He was careful about where they walked together and input his thoughts when they asked. He was glad to be a part of their talk. And Alex was a big help being so open and talkative, Marlene was able to get comfortable, all while Alex was finally able to have real 'girl talk' with someone. It was well-balanced all things considered.

Drake was never able to share or feel affection, yet his time in the past with Alex, got him to feel those things, and open up more. He had lots of his affection to give even if he would never receive any. Alex, who was a tomboy, and had her difficulties, found it easy to be around Drake and Marlene, able to be both sides of herself. She was happy and didn't want it to go away, and won't anymore now she has returned to drake. And Marlene. The new girl to the whole neighborhood and raised by loving parents, as well understood and saw people for who they were. her understanding would help her get along with both of them. She was happy to have given Drake a chance and now Alex. They each balanced one another, providing something for each other.

'This must be an omen. A signal for me. This feels too surreal' at a red light, Drake was contemplating what's happened in the few days. He was so close to freedom. He met a girl who would stay by his side, her family who seemed to trust me. He had once again been brought together with his long-time friend. As well, who has had his back since they were children. This was like a sign. A moment in time for him when he realized. 'Danger is coming. And fast isn't it? Why God?' He accepted that everything that has happened, would lead to something cruel later. That beating his father gave him was only the beginning of an even cruel fate for him. "I feel sick… all of a sudden," he said, as the girls grabbed him. "Why?" They asked and hurried to take him home in a panic.

*Happy Holidays :)*