9 Chapter 9

Earlier that Friday before the announcement at school, Leon was in his room keeping himself busy with school work. The thought of the presidency made him feel nauseous and worried.

His father knocks on his door and enters the room. His father had posted bail, yet was still battling the corruption allegations in court. It has significantly affected his campaigning.

"I hope you're not sick" said his father

Leon gets up from his desk and puts his hands in his pockets.

"I'm running for student council president, and the announcement is today, so I couldn't go to school."

"Are you afraid of how they will react?" asked his father

"I already know how they'll react. I'm only trying to create a spectacle, and for it to work properly I can't be there when it happens."

"That may work for a day or two, but the buzz won't last long. I hope you have something to follow it up with." said his father

"I'm taking it one step at a time, but I already know it's not going to be easy, because as it stands, I'm the least favorite to win." replied Leon

"Does this have anything to do with my recent arrest?"

Leon takes his hands out of his pockets and shakes his head vigorously

"Absolutely not, I've just never been part of school politics - so I'm not as popular as the other candidates"

"No Leon, I meant is my arrest the reason why you're running?"

Leon paused. He didn't quite understand his father's question, yet a part of him understood exactly what he meant.

"What do you-"

"Does this explain why Veronica was here yesterday?" said his father interrupting him

Leon paused again, locking eyes with his father. He felt stupid and ashamed that he thought his father wouldn't notice the girl with him last night was Veronica.

"I wouldn't hide this from you father, but Veronica didn't want you to know." he explained

Leon's father turns around and starts to the leave room. He reaches the door and looks back at Leon over his shoulder

"You know I don't step on your toes. You can do as you wish, but whatever is going on with Veronica Tundra" he pauses "that cannot happen. For more reasons than you think you know, understood?"

Leon looks down avoiding eye contact. He had rarely seen him this serious. He nods gently.

"Understood."

...

Since it was Friday, Leon would be going to his mother's house as he would spend the weekends with her. She was Jessica Cottonwood, the founder of the third political party known as the Thread Party. Since its democratic inception the nation was only run by two opposing parties - the Harbor Party and the Red Party. She was only able to pull off such a feat of creating a third party because she was the daughter of one the most influential politicians - Hilda Cottonwood.

Despite not going to school, he still left to go to his mother's house at the time when school ended. His father may not care as much if he skipped, but his mother was far stricter.

As he was leaving his house he heard a knock at the door. It was Taylor, with a huge smile, larger than usual. Justin was parked at the front of the house and stayed in the car.

"I'm guessing you heard?" said Leon to Taylor

"Don't get me wrong Leon, I'm heartbroken you didn't tell me you were running beforehand, but I'm just so excited at the same time - I can't stop shaking." said Taylor smiling even more

"What are you excited about?"

"How can you be so naive? Leon Lapuzi, the son of the defamed Alexander Lapuzi running against the son of his father's enemy and an emperor grandson. It's intense! Why did Leon do it? Was it to defend his father's name, or was it to-"

"This has nothing to do with my father."

Leon barges through Taylor and makes his way to Justin who was still in the car.

"I'm sorry Justin."

Justin gives a glance at Leon then looks away ignoring him.

"I wrote the e-mail so late at night, I fell asleep and the next day I just couldn't face you to tell you."

Justin got out of the car.

"What do you mean you couldn't face me?" exclaimed Justin

"Take it easy on him Justin." said Taylor

"No he's right, I should've told you both. Last night, it felt like everything built up at the same time and I ended up sending that nomination e-mail. And if I'm being completely honest, I'm starting to regret it."

Normally Justin wouldn't let this slide easily. Leon and Justin told each other everything, and he would've not forgiven this sudden dishonesty. Yet Justin understood Leon was going through his father's arrest and that his reputation was on the line with this presidential election.

Justin goes around the car and sticks his face into Leon's.

"Regret? That doesn't sound like you at all. It's done, there's no backing out." Justin takes a step back "Though, let me be clear, I'll always have your back Leon, but not if you don't trust me." continued Justin

"He's right Leon. We'll always be there for you, especially now. But if you don't trust us, what's the point?"

Leon opens his mouth slightly as if he's about to say something, then quickly retracts.

"What is it?" asked Justin

Leon shakes his head "Nothing. I have a weekend to plan the campaign strategy. I'd appreciate your help."

Justin and Taylor make their way into the car. Justin lowers the window and sticks his head out

"Sounds like a plan."

Leon smiled as Justin raised the window and drove off. The smile quickly disappeared as he watched them leave with a blank look on his face. It wasn't lost on him that, after a speech about trust from his closest companions, he couldn't muster the courage to tell Justin what happened between him and Veronica last night.