Axel's POV
The first class is somehow boring since it's all about behavioral study in the field of medicine. I just suit myself in listening to what our professor is saying and from time to time look at Rainne who's obviously out of focus too.
At exactly 11:00, our professor dismissed our class. I offer a treat for our lunch outside the campus since I don't want Rainne to see Gavin inside the cafeteria.
We headed to Papa John's Pizza parlor just a few blocks away from the University. They called Madi and said that she cannot make it since her class is until 12, we just said that we will take her out and meet her in the library later.
"I'll pay." Rainne insisted but I already handed my card to the cashier.
"I said it's my treat. Let's go." I dragged her back to our seat where Kaiden is busy reading his book.
"Hey. Kai, can you accompany me later after class?"
I said that made him stop from reading "Where?"
"Can I join?" Rainne asks and I just smiled at her before looking at Kaiden
"Exclusive for mens only, can you?" I asks him again and he nods
"Okay, sure. Let's just use my car and leave yours in the dormitory later. We can take Rainne's home first if you want."
"I'm good. You don't want me to tag along but you want to send me home." She pouts at me and finds it really cute.I pet her again and she playfully pushes my hand away from her head.
"If I'm not there during the years that you are in love with Gavin, I might think that you two more looks like a couple."
Rainne just rolls her eyes into Kaiden and grabs a pizza before putting inside his mouth.
"And if you're not my best friend, I will be willing to stitch your mouth."
"Whatever. Just pursue her harder Axel, my blessing is with you." He joked again and we all laughed.
We finished our lunch and headed back to the University since we still needed to meet Madi. I asked them to go inside first since I needed to check on my bag that I left this morning inside the locker room.
And since it's in another block of this school, I drive there to make it fast.
It's near to English and Law Department, so there is a 99% chance of meeting that asshole again but instead of him I met his sister, Eleona.
"Hi Axel." She greeted me
"Hi El. It's been a while, how are you?"
"Good, you? Why are you here?"
I raised the bag that I am holding and smiled at her "I forgot it this morning."
"I see. Why are you not with Kai and Rainne?"
"We had lunch together and they are now in the library. I just pick this up and go there too."
She nods... and looks like she wants to tell something but she is hesitating.
"Is there something that you want to say?" I asks since she looks so shy to ask
"Ha.... do I look that obvious?"
I smiled at her and nod
"Then can we sit there for a minute and talk?" She asks and I nod. We sit in the bench near the English Building
"About Gavin...."
"I don't think it's a good topic.I don't...... " She cuts me off
"Listen first... I know you and him are not on good terms but still I want to ask this."
"As you know.. They are engaged but my brother is being too harsh on Rainne already and I cannot take it anymore."
I got curious.... She knows something.
"I know you like Rainne and you cared for her. It's very different to what Gavin is doing."
"So what if I really like her? She loves your brother."
"Distract Gavin..."
"What?"
"Make him feel jealous... Let him realize that Rainne can change her heart to."
"And why do I need to do that?"
"Because you care for Rainne and if you really care for her you will do this. Gavin is her happiness and if Gavin......."
"Wooooow..... Didn't know that you are that supportive to their love story but sorry El. My feelings for Rainne are real and I don't think your brother ever considers her feelings.... He even brought a girl to his penthouse and Rainne saw it all. She saw it all and pretends that she is okay, where in fact she is not. I will not let your brother hurt her again, you want me to make him jealous for him to realize that he has feelings for Rainne? I'll do what I need to do and I don't need to consider your brother's feelings when it comes to Rainne."
"Axel....?"
"You may find it hard to believe but I really like Rainne. If there's nothing else that you want to say, I'll go ahead now."
I walk into her and ride my car again, I rest my head in the steering wheel trying to get my mind straight again.
What the hell is that? What the hell did I say? Like, care? Do I really feel that for her?
The more I try to figure out my own feelings the more I get a head ache.I start the engine and instead of going to the library, I end up in our room for the next subject. No one is there aside from a few students who maybe take their nap there while waiting for our class to start.
I need to focus, I need to make things straight with myself and I cannot do that if I'm with her all the time. I need to find some destruction, I need to occupy my head of some other thoughts.
Then I was distracted when my phone vibrated inside my pocket, I took it out and read the messages.
"Where are you? - Rainne"
"You said, you're just going to get your bag. Is everything okay?" - Rainne
"We have class at 1, don't you dare skip our class." - Rainne
"Where are you dude?" - Kaiden
"Hey prince charming, where are you? Thanks for the pizza." - Madi
"Axel, whatever is your reason. I am still going to wait. I love you." - ASHTON
I bow my head for a moment to clear my mind but the more I try to relax, the more she comes into my mind. What's wrong with me? And then I felt a hand on my shoulder.
"You're just here and you made me so worried about you." I know that voice, I look at her and Kaiden who is now sitting next to me.
"I'm sorry!" I don't want to make a conversation with her right now, so I just bow my head again.
In just a few minutes our class started already, never did I try to make a conversation with her. If ever I have a question, I only ask Kaiden and I know they are both asking themselves why am I acting like this.
When our class finally ended, I felt so relieved.
"Maybe we can just meet later, Kai. I just need to attend something important."
"Are you really going to ignore me?" Rainne says while looking at me with her arms crossed.
I took a deep breath before smiling at her. "No... it's just that something came up and I couldn't really focus. Sorry!"
She pouts at me and started to walk
"See you later then, Bye." Kaiden says and starts to follow Rainne.
I need to sort things out and talk to him, so that I can go back to myself again but how?
I drive to the penthouse, so that I can have my privacy again. Thankfully I wasn't able to see Gavin because I am not in the mood to waste any more minute of my time.
I change into something comfortable before taking my laptop and phone. I started to check in all the emails that were sent to me from last year. I need to refresh my mind again because I am not sure anymore if what I am doing is still right.

Upon checking and reading all the emails, I find myself crying again. I looked at his picture when he was in the hospital, all his bruises, and the pain in his face. All of these are my reasons why I am here and I am not allowed to be distracted.
I dialed her number.
After talking to someone I really need to talk to, I am now back to my old self. I was reminded again of the reason why I am here and I am not allowed to fail that person.
Kaiden texted me if I could just meet him at their house, so that he wouldn't need to bring his car anymore. He sent me his address and I've been able to find it right away.
Kirkwood Mall, Bismarck North Dakota
"I don't understand you... You know how upset she is right now."
"Just like what I have said, part of the plan. You're already here, stop complaining will you?" I put my arm on his shoulder
"Fine fine... as if I have a choice."
"You're a good friend dude. Now... what do you think will be the perfect present?"
"I love you from Gavin?" He looks at me and laughs so hard that I end up pushing him slightly. "Joke.... It's just a joke. Anyway what kind of gift... hmmmm"
"What about sneakers, clothes or bags?"
Kaiden just shakes his head from left to right
"What else does she like?"
"Let's go there first... I'm hungry and since you dragged me here, it's your treat." Kaiden pulls me inside Wendy's.
When we're done getting our order, we settle in the table nearest the entrance.
"She loves cats but she already has one, hmmmmmm. What about a bracelet? Or a necklace? Yeah.. a necklace."
"Do you think she will like it?"
"I'm 100% sure. Just add a little bit of your personal touch in it and I am sure, she will probably love it."
Kaiden really knows her, no wonder they are best friends. After eating we headed to Harry Winston shop and looked for the perfect necklace for her.

We explore Kirkwood's and buy some stuff for our birthday surprise for her. We even inform Madi about this, so she can help us with our plan. I also asked Kaiden to stay in my place since we have lots of things to do and he said yes.
I leave Kaiden in my place to grab some beer in the convenient store and to get Madi outside.
We saw the girl who's always with Gavin in the convenient store. She said hi but I never looked at her while Madi in the other hand smiled at her, maybe she doesn't have any idea but to my surprise
Madi opens a can of beer and attempts to pour it to the girl but she drinks it and smiles.
"Scared? Didn't know that bitches are being afraid."
"Madi... Stop that, let's go now."
"What did I do to you?" She followed us outside
"Nothing much but to someone I love, a lot. So, now if you'll excuse us, bye."
The girl was left there standing and staring at us. She looked nice, so I am wondering why she is doing this to Rainne.
Madi keeps on complaining about the girl and I told her not to inform Kai about the things that she saw yesterday because Rainne doesn't want to make it a big deal.
On our way back to my place, we saw Gavin with his friends and we all got inside the elevator.
"New boyfriend Mads?" The guy with a pointed nose who looks the same as Gavin asks.
"Mind your own business, Seth."
When we're on the 12th floor, we headed out one by one.
"You are worse than me." Gavin's message is obviously for me.
"Let him be." Madi is trying to calm himself
"You said you liked Rainne the other day and now you're going to fuck her best friend." He laughs and that's when I give him a hard punch. His other friend tried to pull us apart but Gavin is very eager to have his punch too.
"Stop it."
"It's not just you who's dirty, even your mouth and how you think too."
He gives me a smirk "FUCK YOU!" Then they headed inside his place.
"Are you okay?" MAdi ask me while we're heading into my place
I just nod at her and smile
Madi really looks mad over what happened and she keeps on swearing to Gavin that gives Kaiden a hint that we had an encounter with him again.
I just told them to let it go and just focus on our surprise for Rainne, luckily they just followed my order.
While doing some stuff, we are also drinking and talking about some stuff. I really find these two a good companion and friend that I feel so relaxed to tell my story back in London.
Kaiden looks like a brother to me, who's always there and ready to listen. While Madi on the other hand is like an annoying but very faithful sister. But I need to look after my actions, I am not allowed to invest any emotions towards these people because I am about to leave.
Friday, August 29 (Rainne's 18th birthday)
Madi and Kaiden wake up early so that they can still go home and prepare for our own class. Luckily for us we have the same schedule today and that will be easy to execute our plan.
We have our Microbiology at 9, so it will not be easy for me to ignore Rainne for the whole morning,so I decided to talk to her but without greeting her during our class until Pathology for our second class that will last at 4 pm.
"She didn't even remember that today is my birthday, I thought he was sincere." She whispers to Kai but obviously lets me hear it too but I just ignore her.
"He has some sort of problem but he doesn't want to tell you since he thought it would be better, just let him be for today."
"Whatever. Let's go somewhere after class, my treat since it's my birthday."
"Sure, where do you want to go?"
"Ask him if he wants to join."
"I'll pass but happy birthday." I smiled at her and she just gave me rolling eyes in response.
"You can hear us but pretending you don't, you're so mean."
"Sorry, I'll bring a gift on Saturday."
"Okay everyone dismiss." Then that's the cue
"I'll go ahead.. See you" Then I leave them.
I headed straight to my place and started to do the things that I need to prepare for tonight's event.
Madi texted me that they are going to the amusement park to kill the time while they are waiting for my go signal to bring back Rainne in the University.
I started to cook everything that is listed in the list of her favorite dishes, from pesto pasta, fried chicken and vegetable salad with honey mustard on it.
After making sure that all the foods are ready, I make sure that the living area is already already set for our camping style dinner date for her with a movie to play later.

As I checked my watch, it's already quarter to 7 and I haven't changed yet. I leave Madi and Axel a message that everything is done and I just need to take a shower. They told me that they will be back at around 8:00 pm.
Time has passed and I keep on waiting....But there is no, Rainne.
Rainne's POV
My best friends drove me back to the University but in front of the University Penthouse and then they gave me a card before leaving.
"Let's have some dinner? Go inside the elevator and press P if you are willing. - Axel
Before getting inside the elevator the receptionist handed me another card and a bouquet of flower "I'll be waiting"
When I was about to enter the elevator, I heard a familiar voice.
"Rainne?"
"Gavin?" He walks straight to me and handed me a small box
"Happy Birthday" He says
"You remembered?"
He nods "Let's have dinner? At my place?"
"Really?"
"Yah.. Just this once since it's your birthday."
I smiled at him and cling my arm to his because of happiness. We both entered the elevator and went to his place.
And with that, I forgot everything about Axel.
Gavin orders some pizza and chicken. We ate together but none of us is talking.
"Gav?"
He looks at me while he is still drinking his beer.
"Why do you hate me so much?"
"Because you're weak and a spoiled rich girl who used her condition to get everything in life."
My tears fell down "That's what you think I am?"
"Why? Are you sad and hurt hearing the truth?"
"I thought you knew me better. Gavin...you know that I love you."
He throws his can of beer before combing his hair with his own hand "Bullshit. That stupid love of yours is the reason why I hate you the most, you are so selfish.I did not do anything for you to love me."
I am having a hard time breathing and my eyes are getting blurry because of the tears.
"Stop crying and stop getting hurt because of me."
"Then stop hurting my feelings... stop pretending that you don't care." I tried to held his face but he is trying to push me
"Stop loving me, so you wouldn't get hurt anymore. I don't love you and I don;t even care for you."
"Liar... I know you are lying. You're not going to agree with our engagement if you don't love me.'
"Wrong conclusion. Stop it Rainne, I don't want to hurt you anymore."
"Then tell me why? Why did you agree? Why?"
He is biting his lower lip, meaning he is afraid.
"I said why?"
"Just leave.... I will call Kaiden."
I stood up and grabbed my bag "Let's call off the engagement, suit yourself to tell our parents why."
"Rainne wait." He grabs my arm and says, "I'll call Kaiden, wait for him."
"Stop pretending that you care... I'll go now and please don't follow."
I push his hand and walk outside his place. I cry my eyes out until I feel a hug. He caresses my bag and hushes me to stop me from crying.
"You let me wait for you because of him and here you are crying outside his room." I tighten the hug, and cry even more.
"Can I stay the night?" I whisper into him and he nods for his response.
He pulled me from our hug and held my hand while leading me to his place.
There is no light except from the Christmas light surrounded in the mini tent, a candlelight dinner on the floor and a light from the moon outside his window.
I looked at him and he was just smiling. He led me to the tent and let me sit inside.
"Happy Birthday, Captain."
I punch his chest gently and he laughs while my eyes are still in tears. I am still in pain but Axel is making it lite, his sweet gesture and just being with him makes me okay.
"Do you want to play?" He ask
"Hmm. What game?" He gets the box next to him and pour what's inside. It's a piece of a puzzle.
"What's my prize?"
"Secret. Okay... let's start"
He helps me solve the puzzle and when I am almost done he stops helping me, there it reveals the image.
"Happy Birthday, My Captain." That's the image that is formed in the puzzle and when I look at him he is holding a small box.
"Here." When I opened it, it's a simple necklace that had a lily pendant on it.
"Lily means, return to happiness and represents all the little things in life that bring us joy."
"Axel why are you doing this to me?"
"The moment I met you, is the start of my happiness and every single thing that you do brings me joy."
"You didn't talk to me and hurt my feelings because of this?"
He smiles at me and grabs the box before pulling out the necklace and putting it on my neck, then goes back to his place again.
"You don't know how hard it is for me not talking to you when it's just Kaiden who's been our wall."
"You deserved that. I should scold and punch him too for being an accomplice."
We both laugh and I look at him
"You don't know how much you made me happy tonight, that you prepared all of this but I just go with Gavin and forget that you are waiting, I am sorry."
"I do understand, you don't need to be sorry. I will understand no matter what."
I held his hand and hugged him "Thank you, Axel. Thank you for always being there and for saving me all the time."
"I will always be here for you, that's why you are my captain."
I told Nanny Rose that I will stay with a friend's house tonight and thank god she didn't ask many questions. According to Axel, Kainden and Madi will be here later too and they are just waiting for his signal. I ask Axel not to tell them what happened tonight about Gavin because I don't want to ruin what they have prepared for me.
The four of us celebrated my birthday in a very unique way that I really appreciate.
