Chapter 56 - going back to the hood (Part 23) - a day we never forget and the birth of a star.

I woke up to a morning of confusion, finding myself surrounded by Mika, Nat, Mariam, and Amin. I was patched up with bandages, and my mind was foggy. I stumbled out of the room, trying to make sense of it all.

In the kitchen, Luis and Naomi were cooking breakfast, with Isabella and Detective Tracy lending a hand. Naomi smiled at me, "Hey big boy, breakfast is ready!”

Detective Tracy chimed in, "That's something, kid. You've been through a lot."

I asked him, "What happened last night?”

He filled me in, "Damien testified against Boulder, and one of Boulder's secretaries revealed the truth. Looks like Damien's not guilty.”

I felt a wave of relief, but then asked, "So it's over now, right?”

Naomi couldn't meet my gaze, but I knew she was crying. "Yeah...it's over.”

I wondered about her dad and asked Detective Tracy, "What about the others?”

He explained, "Her dad's being arrested for his involvement. It's complicated, but Sierra-1's gone underground, and the pawn shop's closed down. All signs point to the Brotherhood.”

Mr. Hawk emerged from the toilet, greeting me with a smile. "Hey Cheveyo, looks like our hero's awake.”

I brushed off the "hero" comment, but Mr. Hawk continued, "I'm glad you're safe. Nat didn't want to be left behind and headed to the Mayor's office...you know the rest. Thanks to her, at least she's safe.”

Detective Tracy added, "For now, kid, you're lucky. Damien testified that he acted alone, so you're not involved this time.”

I shook my head, thinking, "Stupid asshole, why'd he do that?”

I yearned for some fresh air, but Detective Tracy cautioned me, "Hold up, kid. There's a commotion outside.”

Curious, I peeked through the window and was taken aback. A swarm of news teams had gathered outside. "What the hell is going on?" I wondered.

Mr. Hawk explained, "It's all over the local news in California, but at least it's contained."

However, my gaze landed on a familiar logo in the distance - CNN. My heart sank. "Isn't that international?" I thought, panic rising. "Shit, if Mom finds out I'm ‘dead'..."

Mr. Hawk reassured me, "Your mom knows what happened, and she's eager to hear from you when you get back.”

I felt a sense of dread. "Damn, I'm 'dead'. How am I supposed to explain this? Especially to Amin's dad and Mariam's parents?" The thought of facing them was daunting.

I decided it was best to stay indoors, hoping the commotion outside would subside. But then, a new disturbance erupted from the bedroom.

"Bitch!!! Where the hell is babe?!" Mika's voice pierced the air.

"Hey, watch it! Babe is my boyfriend, not yours!" Nat shot back.

Mariam chimed in, "Kukuku, looks like a cat fight in the morning!”

Amin groggily added, "Ugh...just let me sleep for a while, honey…"

The room erupted into a loud, intense argument, with sounds of scuffling and shouting. My instincts screamed at me to stay out of it.

Naomi chuckled, "Well, what a great way to get some exercise!”

Detective Tracy raised an eyebrow, "A rowdy bunch, eh, Alex?"

Luis chuckled, "That's one way to start the day...with a side of drama!”

Mr. Hawk egged Nat on, "Go get 'em, Nat!" (Not helping, Mr. Hawk!)

Isabella fanned the flames, "Ooh la la, I really wanted to see this! Popcorn, anyone?”

I held my head in disbelief, asking, "Aren't you guys supposed to be worried about this?"

In unison, they shook their heads, dismissing my concern.

Detective Tracy chimed in, "Why would we worry? This is your problem, kid. You're the one who's always getting entangled in these messes.”

"Are you freaking kidding me, Detective Tracy?! Why am I always stuck in these damn messes?! What the hell did I do to deserve this shit?!”

The commotion escalates, with Mika and Nat's argument reaching a boiling point.

"Really?! I bet you're just mad 'cause you're short, babe! You look like a little sister...with a bad attitude and a worse haircut!" Mika taunts.

"Stop flaunting that slutty body of yours, bitch! If I say he's my boyfriend, I mean it! Take a look in the mirror and think about it, you skanky ho!" Nat fires back, her anger palpable.

Mariam attempts to intervene, "Kukuku, girls, let's take this slow...before someone gets hurt...or uglier.”

But Mika and Nat shut her down, shouting in unison, "SHUT THE FUCK UP, MAR!!"

A loud thud follows, and I suspect Mariam's been knocked out cold. I think to myself, "Jeez, that's something I don't hear every damn day...thank God for that.”

I try to escape the chaos by hiding behind my coffee, but it's short-lived. Mika and Nat plop down beside me, sandwiching me between their drama.

"Uh, ladies, could you please give me some space?" I ask, trying to sound calm.

But Nat has other plans, pinching my thigh with a sly grin. Mika joins in, stomping on my foot. I glance around to see Naomi, Detective Tracy, Mr. Hawk, Luis, and Isabella struggling to contain their laughter.

Naomi chimes in, "What a day, indeed! From last night's serious fights to this morning's...um, let's call it 'girl time’."

I shoot her a look, "Hey, Naomi! Why are you encouraging this?!”

Mr. Hawk, meanwhile, is savoring his breakfast, clearly entertained by the spectacle. I think to myself, "What the hell am I, a punching bag for these two girls?”

Mariam sneaks up behind me, attempting to lock my neck in a playful headlock. "Kukuku...I think you need to sleep a bit more.”

Amin wakes up, yawning, "Hey, what's for breakfast?”

Naomi offers him pancakes and coffee, while Mariam sits beside him, enjoying breakfast and ignoring me. I think to myself, "Aren't we supposed to be the Three Musketeers?”

The drama between the girls creates a chaotic atmosphere, but it's almost...familiar. Like a family breakfast, where everyone's socializing and enjoying food. But then I look back and remember everything that's happened - Mom, the Borneo Foundation, Frederica, the clone, and the Brotherhood of Mason.

Mr. Hawk interrupts my thoughts, "Cheveyo, let's go behind the balcony. I need to talk to you about something.”

I stand up, leaving the girls and others to their catfights and breakfast. Outside, Mr. Hawk asks, "Son, I see clouded eyes within you...what's going on?”

I look out, confused, and suddenly remember the dream. I say in French, "Madeleine, nous nous retrouverons à nouveau" (Madeleine, we will meet again).

Mr. Hawk is surprised, "Where did you hear that sentence?”

I explain the dream, but this time, it's as if I'm a different person - a lady with dirty blond hair and a Caucasian face. Mr. Hawk says, "Cheveyo, something's going on with your body...I can feel it. It's like it's about to be awakened...could it be...your mother is achieving something?”

I add, "Omega...the clone that killed Darrel...said I smell familiar, like I'm one of them."

Mr. Hawk looks down, concerned, "Son, this is something I wouldn't even share with Nat...but I wonder what's your plan?”

I look down, thinking, "In my heart, I'm screaming to find the truth...my fear...whether it will haunt my family..."

Mr. Hawk's expression turns serious, "Son, you're not alone...you know that, don't you?"

I look at him, trying to convince myself, "It's just...I know, but I can't think about it right now. That incident will end here, and I'll come back to myself again.”

Mr. Hawk holds my shoulder, his eyes locked on mine, "Son, remember why I gave you that name 'Cheveyo, the Spirit Warrior.' There's a reason for it...I know because I've seen it in you.”

As we talk, I glance over at the others. Natalie catches my eye, smiling at me. I turn back to Mr. Hawk, "For now, let me enjoy my teenage life. I know school is boring, but the truth will eventually come to me.”

Mr. Hawk's expression hints at a deeper concern, but he nods, "Then I trust you, son." He points to my chest, "This is what makes us human. Okay, now...let's get this over with."

We returned inside, where everyone seemed to have calmed down, except for Mika and Nat, who still weren't looking at each other. I smiled, savoring the brief moment of peace.

But it was short-lived, as Naomi handed me the phone. "Alex, someone wants to talk to you.”

I took the phone, and a familiar voice spoke on the other end - Sierra-1. "Maverick, Maverick...looks like you've done your job...congrats. But you missed something. You know I know a lot of places where I can hurt you…"

I smiled, realizing something about him. "Homie, try to think about it…"

Sierra-1's tone turned sinister. "There's no place to hide…"

Suddenly, a loud gunshot echoed through the phone, followed by Sierra-1's struggles. "What the hell are you?! Argh!!”

A new voice spoke, calm and collected - Soro. "Seems like this problem is solved. You owe me one."

I smiled, responding in Filipino, "Pinsan, mukhang kailangan kitang makausap" (Cousin, it seems we need to talk).

Soro replied, "About time...well, then, just make the call. We'll meet somewhere.”

I said, “Thanks..."

Soro hung up, leaving me with more questions than answers.

As we settle things, Naomi's request to help Mika weighs on my mind. I push it aside for now, enjoying the moment with my friends. Detective Tracy briefs us on how to handle the media.

"Remember, when we go out, act like you're not involved in the incident. Damien has someone from the CIA helping him." I'm surprised to hear about Damien's connection to the CIA.

We get ready, with Kyo tagging along with Mika and Nat. As we exit, the media bombards us with questions, but only Naomi engages with them. The rest of us slip away, escaping the chaos.

At UCLA, we gather to discuss our next move. Mariam suggests something, then suddenly takes a camera and positions Nat and Mika beside me.

"Cheese!" Mariam snaps a photo, catching me off guard. She tries to lift everyone's spirits, then asks Mr. Hawk to take a group photo.

Mr. Hawk captures the five of us together, smiling. Mariam wants to explore the university, dragging Nat along. Mika and I are left behind, confused by Mariam's antics.

"What is Mariam doing?" I wonder aloud. Mika seems just as perplexed.

I spot an opportunity to explore my musical side and ask Mika, "Hey, follow me.”

We stroll through the university's walkways, taking in the scenic views. Despite the commotion, I find a theater - Royce Hall. Inside, it's empty and dark, but I see potential.

Mika wonders why we're there, and I tease her, "You'll see.”

As I search for the light switch, Mika's swift kick connects with my balls, thinking I'm sneaking up on her. "What the hell was that for?!" I snap, irritation flashing through me.

Mika apologizes hastily, "Sorry, babe! It's dark in here!”

I take a deep breath, pulling her towards the stage. "Wait here." I flip the switch, and the grand hall's majestic beauty unfolds.

"Damn, this place is huge! Perfect for you, Mika.”

Mika's eyes widen as she takes in the theatre. "Hey, what the hell are we doing here?"

I gaze at her, encouragingly. "Just sing! That song you did in the mountains, I'll be your audience.”

Mika hesitates, her hand instinctively reaching for her holster and gun. I sense a deeper issue, something Naomi wants me to help her little sister overcome.

I approach her, gently removing the gun and holster. Mika's surprised, but I urge her, "Sing, Mika...just let it out…"

She takes a deep breath and begins to sing in a stunning soprano voice, reminiscent of Mariah Carey and Whitney Houston. The raw talent pours out of her, no melody or music needed.

"That's it, Mika! Sing something! Will ya!" I shout, channeling a fan's enthusiasm, creating a concert-like atmosphere.

She launches into Whitney Houston's "When We Believe," her voice soaring like Sylvia's, yet uniquely beautiful. I feel a surge of emotions, drawn to her passion and vulnerability, sensing she's capable of overcoming her struggles.

As she finishes singing, I erupt into intense applause. "Encore!!!!!!" I shout, and Mika beams with a smile. She launches into another song, and I seize the opportunity to find the perfect accompaniment.

Luck is on my side - I discover a collection of instrumental tracks, and I choose a cheerful, upbeat tune. Mika's voice adapts effortlessly, and she starts to sing and dance in a hip-hop style, captivating the growing crowd.

The commotion attracts more people, and soon, a small concert forms around us. "Hey, that girl's really good!" someone exclaims, and the buzz grows.

Just as I'm struggling to keep up with the music, a member of the music team approaches me. "Hey, need help?" they offer, and I gratefully accept.

As they take over, Mika transitions into another song, showcasing her incredible range. It's clear she has an inner talent, something I glimpsed when I first saw her at the strip bar. Her passion and energy are infectious, and the crowd is now fully entranced.

As I approach Mariam, Nat, and Amin, Mariam's face lights up with a radiant smile. Nat encourages me with a nod, saying, "That's my Cheveyo..." I smile, feeling a sense of pride and accomplishment.

Mariam suddenly makes a phone call, bouncing up and down like a kid who's just discovered a treasure trove. Mr. Hawk arrives, remembering our previous conversation about Mika's exceptional talent. "Son, is this what you meant about her?" he asks, impressed by the scene unfolding before him.

I nod, "Yeah...the first time I saw her, I knew she had something special inside. She doesn't need me; she needs to express what's already within her.”

Mariam shakes my arm excitedly. "HEY!!!!! YOU KNOW THIS!!! YOU DIDN'T TELL ME THAT MIKA HAD THIS TALENT!!!!" Her voice echoes through the theatre, drawing more attention to Mika's performance.

Amin chimes in, "Damn, she's like an artist...a true masterpiece." His eyes are fixed on Mika, mesmerized by her voice and presence.

Hardware appears, eyes gleaming with opportunity. "And she needs a manager..." I jokingly point a gun at his head, and he laughs, "Yeah, yeah, I know. I'll make sure she reaches the stars.”

Naomi and Xavier arrive, with Naomi tearfully hugging me. "Uwa!!!! THANKS ALEX!!!! THIS...IS...MIKA...she had...so much potential." Her voice cracks with emotion, and I can see the pride and joy in her eyes.

Mika starts crying, overwhelmed by the support and encouragement. I take the microphone, starting to rap, adding my own flair to the music. Mariam's surprised, Amin jumps to the music room, and Nat's taken aback by my sudden performance.

Mariam rushes to Mika, while I stand at the entrance, microphone in hand, feeling the energy of the crowd. Damien joins me in a rap, adding intense emotions to the music. The crowd cheers, and I smile at Mika, proud of her talent and perseverance.

Nat stands beside me, proud. "Cheveyo!!" she exclaims, hugging me tightly.

Lil Lim approaches, impressed. "Looks like you found me a real treasure here...she'll be with us, and we'll contract with her." He nods at Mika, acknowledging her talent and potential.

Detective Tracy arrives, nodding in approval. "Well, kid...looks like you've done something good...someone wants to talk to you." He glances at Kaia Reed, who's observing the scene with interest.

Damien introduces me to Kaia Reed, a CIA director and Darrel's former lover. She hugs us, tears streaming down her face. "Thank you...this is for Darrel...he would have wanted this." Her voice is filled with emotion, and I can sense the depth of her connection to Darrel and Damien.

As we exit the theatre, Nat insists on accompanying me, despite my initial reluctance. "I know you wanted to handle this alone, but I'm not backing off this time. I'm staying with you," she says, her voice firm but concerned.

Kaia joins us, her expression serious. "Regarding the clone incident, we tracked down the individual claiming to be Sierra-1. However, when we arrived, it seemed someone had already neutralized the target." I suspect Soro's involvement, but Kaia's next words confirm my thoughts.

She continues, "We've also identified the mysterious individual often seen with you. They're affiliated with a group calling themselves Sector Six - a self-proclaimed, autonomous organization, answerable only to themselves. They're a powerful, shadowy force, gathering influential individuals. One of them has already been identified: Nukran Ali Sabli, aka Maruk, a former soldier who served in the Soviet Union and later with US/NATO black ops in the early 90's. He's a hero in the communist world and feared by others."

I'm surprised by Maruk's notoriety, but Kaia's words confirm my suspicions. His aura of quiet confidence and authority had hinted at a complex past.

I recall Soro's warning and try to avoid any unnecessary problems with the CIA.

"So... what about it?" I ask Kaia, seeking her insight.

Kaia smiles, her eyes sparkling with intrigue. "You're one lucky guy to have a guardian angel watching over you like that. But make no mistake, I'm with Maruk on this - don't trust anyone right now. This complex web of conspiracy is the real reason Darrel died.”

She leans in, her voice taking on a conspiratorial tone. "I'm fascinated by how that man managed to recruit and utilize a young assassin, taking down targets with ease and precision, leaving no trace or clue. That's what I call efficient killers - ruthless, calculated, and always one step ahead.”

Damien interrupts, reporting to Kaia, "There's one guy, though - Soro's his name.”

Kaia's expression turns serious. "Soro, aka Fox, translates to Filipino. We first encountered him in Oklahoma, where he was involved in an incident with a terrorist who attacked a school. The way it was handled was eerily similar to the Sierra-1 case... and that was five years ago. We suspect he was only 10 at the time.”

I'm stunned, looking down as the revelation sinks in. "Damn, he's young... and already so deeply entrenched in this world."

"You could say he's already a seasoned killer, while the young girl remains a mystery to us. But what's truly unsettling is the footage of them taking down heavily armed men, trained like US Marines, with ease. It's a chilling thought to imagine what they're capable of.”

I wonder what they look like and how Maya and Soro handle such situations.

"Yeah, they have a motto in Russian: 'я убиваю зло злом' - 'I slay evil with evil.' It sends shivers down my spine." Kaia's voice trembles slightly, betraying her fear of this group.

"I wonder if that's all there is to it," I say, asking Kaia again. "I know we didn't meet here by chance…"

Kaia's smile grows sly. "You know, Damien talks a lot about you... but have you ever wondered how he ended up in Malaysia in the first place?”

I raise an eyebrow, intrigued. "Yeah... I'm guessing it was you.”

Nat chimes in, "Is Damien clear of all involvement?”

Kaia nods. "Yes, he's lucky that way. Anyway, you three seem like close friends, so here's my card. For now, you're under CIA protection. Nat, you're the smartest person in America; Damien, you're the youngest cadet agent; and you..." Kaia's eyes lock onto mine, "you're an asset that needs to be watched.”

I'm taken aback by the sudden revelation. This must be what Soro and Maruk warned me about.

"This is all due to Darrel's request for you two, and Mr. Hawk's request specifically for Nat," Kaia explains.

Nat's eyes widen in surprise. "When I get my hands on Dad about this..." she trails off, before Kaia gently holds her shoulder.

"All that research is actually an important document, Nat," Kaia says, her voice soothing. Nat looks down, deep in thought.

Kaia then turns to me, her expression serious. "As for you... I know this was Darrel's request, but the way you handle things suggests you don't need our help. Still, we'll take that into consideration." Kaia's statement makes me uneasy, wondering if she suspects a connection between me and Soro or Maruk, or if it's simply due to Darrel's wishes.

Damien says they're leaving, but Kaia asks him to stay with Nat, and they head off together. Suddenly, Kaia asks me to stay, and I sense something is amiss. As Nat and Damien head back, Kaia and I step outside the university, and she reveals a shocking truth.

"The truth is, I don't want to worry Nat and Damien because, as of now, you're the most important asset in this case. Your mother is a leading figure in America's cloning and human development, making you a vital clue to the missing link between Lilith and the Brotherhood of Mason.”

Kaia's expression turns solemn. "I'm a Vatican member, personally requested by the Pope to investigate the Brotherhood, which has strayed from its purpose.”

She continues, her voice cracking. "When Darrel was killed, especially since it involves the Brotherhood, I was devastated. He always talked about you two” Darrel never mention her before, I wonder if it's due to his secrecy as a Homeland Security Agent.

Kaia's eyes well up with tears. "I'm heartbroken, hearing that awful news. I couldn't believe it when I saw his body in the morgue. My heart feels like it's lost its half. We were supposed to get married after this case... but now, he's gone." I'm surprised she didn't share this with Damien, which adds to my concern.

"Sierra-1 is a mastermind behind this case, but now we're left with only questions and endless clues. Darrel only left me one message: 'I love you...'. Jeez, Darrel... I start to shed tears. But I ask her, "Now, tell me what's really going on?”

Kaia looks at me, her expression serious. "The Vatican requests me to stop the Brotherhood, but we're unsure who the new leader is. Since Grand Bishop Cassius' death, they haven't revealed a successor. We're in uncharted territory."

This secret society is way out of my league - I'm just a 15-year-old teenager, what am I supposed to know?

Kaia says to me, "Sierra-1 is the only clue we have left to uncover the truth..." I'm pretty sure Soro knows this, and he seems to understand the gravity of this information falling into the wrong hands.

Suddenly, I hear someone calling us. It's Maruk, and he says to Kaia, "Director Kaia... what a coincidence..." Kaia's tone turns serious as she responds, "We need to discuss something, and don't think about walking away from me…"

Maruk asks a question, as if he knows something, "You know, your beloved Pope... we go way back to the late days of the Cold War... He was a medical pilot, and I was a sniper at that time. How's his health?" Kaia explains that he's doing well, although she's cautious about his blood pressure. Maruk chuckles and teases Kaia, "Tell him to exercise more; sitting down all day praying isn't the solution…"

Maruk responds to Kaia, "Take this as a clue for now. I don't trust anyone but you, since Pope Leonardo Marcellus personally called me to help you... and…"

Suddenly, Soro and a Caucasian man appear. The man speaks in an old-fashioned, masculine tone, "Oi, why the bloody hell is a young girl directing the CIA? Haven't they run out of good men?”

Maruk calms him down, "Spectre, easy..." while Soro addresses Kaia, "This secret society is like a spider's web - complex and connected in random sequences. This is just a small part of it..."

Soro glances at me, signaling me to act like we don't know each other. Kaia receives a small device from Maruk, who explains, "This contains all the records we've managed to find, but it's a long read…"

The device looks like advanced data storage technology, not yet available on the market. Maruk warns Kaia, "This tech is for military and espionage use only, so keep it safe and don't trust anyone…"

Kaia protects me, saying, "This kid is under my protection. I'll ensure he returns to school like a normal kid. Got it?" She seems to know more than I do. Maruk smiles and explains, "He's not interested in our world, but our target is the Brotherhood. The clone is a threat in the espionage world, and we're getting more jobs than ever. It's good business for us... Plus, even if you obtain the formula, you won't get it right. Only Professor Mas has the formula..."

Kaia responds to Maruk, "I have guys watching her around the clock, and I believe you do too, right?”

Maruk nods in agreement, "Well, then, it was a pleasure doing business together. We look forward to working together.”

Spectre interrupts, his tone laced with sarcasm, "Working with the Americans? Once was enough, if you ask me…"

Soro addresses Kaia, taking matters into his own hands, "Sierra-1 isn't directly linked to them, but he's just a pawn for someone higher up. Has anyone disappeared or quit from any department recently?”

"Not that I know of, but I'll find out," Kaia responds, to which Soro adds, "For now, don't trust anyone. Got it?”

Kaia nods in agreement and turns to me, explaining, "There's no greater opportunity than working together rather than being enemies.”

It seems they're forming an alliance. I think it's time for me to exit this situation.

Spectre places a hand on my shoulder and says, "You did great, kid..." I simply reply, "Thanks."

Kaia approaches me again, and I feel compelled to ask her something.

"Hey Kaia..." I say, and she replies, “Yes?"

"Does Darrel predict that he'll pick me up?" I ask, curious about why Darrel suddenly accepts me.

Kaia gazes up at the sky and shares Darrel's words: "He says you're like a little brother to him, not just Damien... He sees something in you that reminds him of himself. He says if he doesn't help you, you'll be lost.”

I'm taken aback, tearing up at the revelation. I'm grateful for Darrel's guidance in my life.

Kaia mentions Damien, "He'll enjoy this, but after this, it's back to school for him. His parents are worried sick... I want him to attend MIT and join the agency."

I agree, knowing Damien needs to move forward now that the case is closing.

"I'm finally closing the case, and this closure is the end of it," I say to Kaia. She asks if I want to visit Darrel's grave, revealing that he has an unmarked grave only she knows.

We head to the grave site, and I'm overwhelmed with emotions, remembering the last time I saw Darrel's lifeless body.

Kaia is emotional too, and I wonder why Damien doesn't know about the burial. Kaia explains, "Damien doesn't want to see the burial; he wants to remember his brother as he is, full of life and love.”

We share a long pause, and Kaia says her prayers. Suddenly, memories of Darrel flood my mind.

Darrel's words echo in my mind: "Hold this and aim...", "Life is about survival, not winners or losers...", "You're not lost yet; you just need to find your path...", and "Thanks, and goodbye, little brother..."

I say goodbye to Darrel's grave, "Goodbye, big brother... and thanks..." Kaia looks at me, wondering when I, Mariam, and Amin will return to Malaysia. I reply that we'll be back in December, after Christmas. Kaia mentions that Damien might want to stay longer with me and then focused on his studies.

I'm impressed by Damien's motivation and realize I need to think about my own direction. As we return, Damien and Nat are outside, and Damien says, "You know, homie, you've got a knack for helping people... it's like it's your gift." I'm unsure if he's being sarcastic or encouraging.

Natalie chimes in, "Alex, look at that. I'm proud to see you guiding them like this." I appreciate her maturity and encouragement. We watch as Mika and Mariam perform on stage, and Nat suddenly says, "I'm not going to lose." I'm confused, and Damien advises me, "Homie, you need to think about your life... with antics like that, I'm not sure you'll survive.”

Natalie explains, "If she's going to be an artist, then I'll be serious about being a model... at least you can keep a collection of me." Damien and I are speechless, and it's clear Nat is competitive. I feel like I'm being pulled into a rivalry between the girls.

Damien shakes his head and holds my shoulder. Then, Mika announces, "Thank you for listening to my performance... but none of this would've happened without that person... yeah." Natalie's aura turns yandere, and Damien warns me, "Nat, don't drag your problems into this, homie.”

Kaia says to me, "She's really talented. I wonder where you found her..." Nat instantly responds, "She's a stripper at Gale's strip club..." Me and Damien realize the danger I'm facing, and it's like a death sentence.

Kaia is speechless, unsure whether to accept it or disbelieve it. Nat's convincing eyes try to persuade her, but there's no point arguing.

Nat continues, "She's a slut, taking my boyfriend everywhere..." Damien looks at me, "Damn, homie, your girl is really pissed..." He reminds me of Sylvia, the other girl I cared about besides Natalie.

Damien says to me, "Nat, you know that girl I told you about? She's even hotter than you..." I playfully try to beat him up, but Natalie suddenly changes her aura to a seductive pose, scaring me. Her fingers point at my chest, and even Damien is flustered.

We're all enjoying this, and Mika starts singing while crying. Me, Damien, and Nat raise our fists, with Natalie giving Mika the middle finger. Mika laughs, and Mariam is having the time of her life. Natalie says to me, "You know what, Alex... I've never seen Mariam enjoy life like this." She kisses my cheek and thanks me.

Mika looks upset but continues singing, teaming up with Mariam and her friends from Compton. I have a bad feeling about this, and Damien senses it too.

"Homie, don't get near me..." Is he running away?!

Mika and Mariam approach us, and Nat gives Mika a fierce stare. Despite being shorter than Mika (5'7" tall, like Priscilla), Nat's intensity is palpable. Mariam, also shorter than Mika, seems to be enjoying the tension.

I sense a catfight brewing between Mika and Nat, and my instincts scream to escape. Damien shares my sentiment and abandons me to hang out with Hardware. "FUCK you, asshole!!" I'm left to face the chaos alone.

Nat and Mika are on the verge of a catfight, and Mariam takes a picture of me stuck in the middle. "Why the hell, Mar...? You're supposed to perform, not take pictures!!?”

I'm exasperated, wondering "WHY THE HELL IS THIS HAPPENING TO ME!!!!!"