"Oh, he's done it... He's finally done it..." Arlo said.

"Who? Done what?" I asked.

"He told Auburne that we're a family planning on killing him!"

"WHAT!?"

What Arlo said caught the attention of Aunt Mollie, Cassie, Mina, my other six cousins, and Onyx.

"Who did this?" I asked.

"Oh, who do you think? Barren! I told you he hates us, hates our whole family! And now he's got the mayor on his side to scope us out and send us to prison!" Arlo cried.

I honestly couldn't believe what I was hearing...

Onyx grumbled and howled. Cassie knelt and wrapped her arms around him.

"What are you going to do?" I asked.

"That's just it, I can't do anything. I'm just an officer." Arlo said.

"But Sharena can." Mina said.

I looked up at my cousin and raised a brow.

"What do you mean?" I asked.

"You're Lance's girlfriend. You're already in the mayor's good graces. You must go to him. You must go to the mayor!" Mina said.

"What!? I can't! Can't I just go see Lance and tell him?" I asked.

"You can tell him what's going on, but it won't make much of a difference." Aunt Mollie said.

"It will sound more believable if you tell Mayor Auburne yourself." Cassie said.

I turned away from them and let out a sob.

"I can't! I'm too insecure!" I cried.

"Sharena, there's no other way. You are the only one who can stop this." Arlo said.

"No! I'm not going to! I didn't even want to be Lance's girlfriend! I didn't have a choice! If I never went on that stupid game show, none of this would have happened! This is all my fault..."

I hugged my knees to my chest and let out a desperate sob.

"Sharena, there's no other way..." Aunt Mollie said.

"Even if I did go to the mayor, what makes you think he'll believe me? I mean, Barren is his Assistant Mayor." I said.

"We can't tell you what to do, but I can tell you this, you wanted to know why you became Lance's girlfriend. I told you God must have a reason. Sharena, perhaps he put you here for such a time as this. Perhaps this is the reason..." Arlo said.

I looked at him through my tear-filled eyes and then looked away.

"Sharena, you never have to be afraid to do the right thing... (Galatians 6:9)" Arlo said, placing a hand on my leg.

I exhaled through my nose as I felt tears stream down my cheeks.

"I'll pray for you... We'll all pray for you..." Arlo said, looking back at the others.

I looked at my family and they nodded. They all soon walked out of my room, but Onyx stayed to comfort me. Laying his head on my leg, I sighed and began petting his back. I looked up at the ceiling and sighed.

"Please God... Tell me what I should do..." I said.

Swinging my legs over the side of my bed, I walked out onto my small balcony with Onyx closely behind. Feeling the cool air on my face calmed me down a little. I watched the sky turn from dark blue to orange, pink, and purple, seeing the sun began to rise. When I felt the sun's rays on my face, a bible verse my mother once told me appeared in my mind. (Isaiah 41:10)

I know what I must do...

Walking back inside, I threw on some clothes and quickly did my hair.

"Stay here, Onyx." I said.

Obeying my command, Onyx laid on my bed. I then grabbed my phone and quietly walked downstairs. Grabbing my car keys, I walked on the driveway and got in my car.

I'm going to need all the help I can get...

Starting my car, I pulled out of the driveway and headed towards Lance's house.

Since the housekeepers know me, they'll let me in.

When I got to Lance's house, I parked in the driveway and quickly got out. Walking up to the door, I rang the doorbell. After a few minutes, one of the housekeepers opened the door.

"Good morning, Ms. Sharena. To what do I owe the pleasure?" she asked.

"I need to speak to Lance, please." I said.

The housekeeper nodded and led me inside.

This is my first time in Lance's mansion... So, fancy...

The floor was cherry oak and the pillars were marble. In the middle of the foyer was a grand, white staircase with golden railings.

"Master Lance, you have a visitor!" the housekeeper said, her voice echoing throughout the house.

After a while, Lance came down the staircase. When he saw me, he smiled.

"Morning Sharena." he said, as he walked down the stairs.

"Hi." I said.

He walked up to me and gave me a quick kiss on my lips.

"Come, let's sit in the living room." Lance said, leading her to our destination.

The living room had a beautiful wood-burning fireplace with a giant flat screen TV hanging over it. The sofas were leather and had a pure pearl white color. The two of us soon sat down on one of the sofas.

"So, what brings you here?" Lance asked.

Taking a deep breath, I explained everything to Lance.

I practically told him everything in one breath.

When I was done, I panted slightly. I then shuddered a little when I saw Lance's face. It was colder than ice and darker than night.

"I swear, when I tell my father..." Lance said, standing up.

"No!" I cried, desperately grabbing his arm.

When his eyes shifted to me, softness melted the ice, and light broke through the dark.

"I need to tell him." I said.

I took Lance's silence as my que to continue.

"I need to tell him myself... I can't stand idly by while my family is being accused for something they didn't do. If they're thrown in prison, they're going to throw me along with them." I said.

"I won't let that happen, Sharena. I swear of it." Lance said, sitting down and cupping my face in his hands.

I took hold of his hands and gave them a reassuring squeeze.

"Just... be there with me, in case this goes South." I said.

"I'll always be by your side..." Lance said.

Lance then pulled me into a tight hug. Finding comfort in his embrace, I leaned closer into him. When we parted, Lance stroked my hair back.

"I'm just so sorry this is happening to you," Lance said.

"Don't be. This isn't your fight," I said.

"Yes, it is. Before you were born, Arlo was like a second father to me. His family is my family, and I don't let anything interfere with my family."

"Thank you..."

After a while, Lance and I got in my car and drove over to Town Hall to confront Barren for the lying snake he really is. When we arrived, the two of us got out and stormed into the Town Hall. Walking up the stairs, we stopped outside Mayor Auburne's office.

"You ready?" Lance asked.

I turned to him and nodded. Letting out a deep sigh, I knocked on the closed door.

"Come in." Auburne said.

Opening the doors, I saw Auburne speaking with Barren.

"I already got officers looking for the Sterling Family. Once we find them, they won't be a problem to LA, and us, anymore." Barren said.

"Very good. What would I do without you?" Auburne asked.

I had to hold Lance back from charging at Barren. When I did, Lance had to do the same thing to me.

"Hey, who invited the kid?" Barren asked when he noticed us.

"Barren, you already know my son can visit anytime he wants."

"I was referring to the girl..."

Barren shot a dirty look in my direction, but I quickly shook of the feeling, and gave him my mother's ice cold glare.

Trust me, I felt like I was frozen in place whenever she gave me that look. My cousins know from experience...

"To what do I owe the pleasure, Ms. Beyevell?" Auburne asked.

"Well..." I began.

When I looked at Barren, I felt like I was suffocating.

"If it pleases you, sir... I... I..." I stuttered.

Barren's glare was so intimidating, it felt like he was staring into my soul...

"I'd like you, Barren, and Lance to come to dinner tonight..." I said.

Dang it, Sharena!

I muttered a curse to myself under my breath.

"We'd love to come, Ms. Beyevell. What time do you want us over?" Auburne asked.

"Um, say 9?" I suggested.

"9 it is."

"Great, see you then."

I smiled and dragged Lance out of the room, quickly shutting the doors behind me. I then dragged Lance far away from the office. When Lance opened his mouth, I abruptly cut him off.

"Before you say anything, I got scared, okay? Barren's glare was too intimidating, I froze up... I'm sorry..." I said.

"Hey, you have nothing to be sorry for. This is all Barren's fault. He's just riling you up." Lance said.

I rubbed my arm and sighed.

"Well, I better go tell my family to stay out of the house until morning," I said.

"Why?" Lance asked.

"If your father finds out that my family is the family Barren told him about, he will have them arrested for sure."

Lance looked away and then back at me with a smile.

"They can stay at my vacation home in Beverly Hills." Lance said.

I looked at him with surprise.

"Yes, I have a vacation home in Beverly Hills. Hans will drive them there. And trust me, they'll be safe," Lance said, placing a hand on my shoulder.

"Thank you, Lance." I said.

"Like I said, I don't let anything interfere with my family."

~Lance's POV~

We soon walked out of Town Hall, hopped in her car, and made our way to Sharena's house.

It was a nice, big house. Perfect for someone who lives with nine cousins...

Ringing the doorbell, Sharena's cousin, Cassie, opened the door.

"Sharena, Mr. Auburne," she said.

"Please, just call me Lance." I said.

"Oh, of course. Come in."

We walked in and Cassie quickly shut the door.

"So, what brings you by Lance?" Cassie asked.

"Can you call the rest of your family? What I need to say includes all of them." I said.

Cassie nodded and disappeared into the rest of the house. Couple minutes later, she gathered the rest of the family.

I didn't know Sharena had a dog. He's so cute, and big.

"So, what do you want to tell us, Lance?" asked Mina.

Exhaling, I explained my plan to them. When I was done, they all agreed to it.

"Lance, thank you so much for doing this for us." Cassie said.

"I know I've only known you guys for a short while, but you guys already feel like family to me, and I would do anything for my family." I said.

Everyone smiled, including Sharena. A few hours past, and Sharena's family all had suitcases.

Within those few hours, I really got to know Sharena's family. They're really fun to be around. Can't wait to conjoin our families...

"Hans is outside waiting for you guys," I said.

"Thanks again, Lance." Mollie said.

"Anytime."

"I'll call Arlo and tell him everything the minute I get in the limo." Cassie said.

"Alright." Sharena said.

Waving goodbye to them, Hans pulled away from the house and disappeared down the street.

"Godspeed..." Sharena said.

Heading back into the house, I started helping Sharena prepare dinner.

Good thing we only had 3 hours until my father and Barren arrive...

"You're a really good cook. And a fast one at that." Lance said.

"Thanks. My mother taught me everything I know. My father taught me how to cook quick..." Sharena said with a sad smile.

Realization hit me like a rock to my head.

When she said she rode in a limo before, she rode it to her parent's funeral...

Shaking the thought out of existence, I continued helping Sharena.

Even without parents, she keeps her head held high, and that's one of the many things I admire about her.

When we finished cooking, we set up the nearby dining table. Then, my phone began buzzing. I took it out and saw that it was my father calling.

"Hey Dad... Alright, good to know." I said.

I started pacing around the room, conversating with my father.

"See you soon." I said before I ended the call.

I looked at Sharena and saw her working very vigorously and diligently.

"Alright, everything is set. Did your dad say when he and Barren are going to be here?" she asked.

"A few minutes, he said. He had to pick something up before he came here." I explained.

When I said that, the doorbell rang.

"How much you want to bet it's them?" I asked.

"If I make a bet with you, I'm going to lose regardless." Sharena said, walking to the door.

When she opened it, my father and Barren were outside.

~Sharena's POV~

"Mayor Auburne, Mr. Luke, please, come in." I said, stepping to the side.

"Thank you, Ms. Beyevell." Auburne said, walking in.

When Barren walked in, I closed the door with a silent click.

"For you, Ms. Beyevell." Auburne said, handing me a bouquet of roses.

"Oh, thank you, sir. They're gorgeous." I said, setting them down in the kitchen.

When the two men and Lance sat at the table, I started serving them their food.

"This food is delicious, Ms. Beyevell. You cooked this yourself?" Auburne asked.

"Well, I had some help." I said, eyeing Lance.

"I must say, this is really good." Barren said.

That's the nicest thing he ever said to me, and it's probably going to be the last...

When I was serving the men their wine, I thought about when the best time would be to spring the news on Aubrune.

"Sharena, dear. Being as I am here, mind playing us a song?" Auburne asked.

"Oh, yes, of course. I'll be right back." I said.

I set down the tray and went into my room to grab my guitar. Coming back out into the kitchen, I strummed a lovely chord and soon began playing.

"And I will call upon Your name. And keep my eyes above the waves. When oceans rise, my soul will rest in Your embrace. For I am Yours and You are mine, woah oh!"

When I played the last chord, the men applauded.

"Beautiful as ever, Ms. Beyevell." Auburne said.

"Thank you, sir." I said, setting my guitar on the living room couch.

Guess now's a good time to tell him...

"Um, Mayor Auburne... The real reason I asked you to come over tonight was to... to..." I stuttered.

I don't have to look at Barren to know he's glaring at me...

"Was to see if you two would like to come again for dinner tomorrow night." I said.

I wanted to scream so bad. Cursing myself, I put on a gentle smile.

"Of course. That sounds nice." Auburne said.

"Got nothing better to do, so why not?" Barren answered.

Rude much...?

After an hour of eating and talking, Barren and Mayor Auburne left, but Lance stayed to keep me company.

"You froze up again?" Lance asked.

"Yup... I can't help it. Barren's too intimidating. No wonder no one in LA dares to talk back to him." I said.

"Yeah. I'd give anything to see Barren behind bars."

The thought of that made me laugh.

I need to tell Mayor Auburne the truth tomorrow night... no, I must tell him tomorrow night...

~Arlo's POV~

It was my first night as a Town Hall security guard, and everything was placid.

"Well, hello there." said a snarky voice.

I turned around to see Barren leaning against one of the pillars across from me. Putting on an annoyed face, I went back to work.

"I guess there's not much to say, eh Arlo? Seeing as in a few days when we find your family, you'll be waking up in a cell of your own precinct." Barren jeered.

I rolled my eyes and continued to patrol.

"You know, I just came from dinner with the mayor, his son, and that guitarist. And they invited me over again tomorrow night. I guess they must like me. Why don't you like me, Arlo?" Barren pestered.

If he were a fly, I'd swat him...

Letting out a sigh, I walked to the other side of the Town Hall's entrance.

"You know, it wouldn't be too hard to show me that you like me. Just give up to your position as Auburne's personal guard and step down from being head of security is all I'm asking for. Is that so hard? Who knows...? I'm a very influential guy. I might be able to work something out for you and your family..." Barren said.

Something in me just snapped.

"Arrogance is not fitting for a fool, Barren! Much less is lying fitting for an Assistant Mayor! I'll never get on my hands and knees and beg to you, much less give up the job I worked so hard to get! I only bow to and serve my father in heaven, and nobody else!" I shouted.

Barren's face turned sour. Barren stomped up to me and grabbed me by my collar.

"Oh yeah? Well maybe this foolish Assistant Mayor can arrange for you and your family to take a trip to prison tonight!" Barren shouted.

He let me go and walked into the building. I then let out a very deep sigh.

That felt really good to shout at him. I've been meaning to do that for a long time.

~Barren's POV~

I can't believe that little rat said that to me. When I tell Auburne, Arlo won't know what hit him...

When I reached his office, I opened the door to see Auburne hard at work.

"Barren? What are you doing here? I thought you left after you got what you forgot here," Auburne said.

"I did. I just forgot to tell you that I have a very urgent request," I said.

"Before you get to that, I need your help. I need a little creative advice."

"Uh, okay... What is it?"

"Well, there's this really great guy that I really want to thank, you know, to show my appreciation for something he did. Got any ideas?"

I couldn't keep the smile on my face from growing.

"I'm flattered..." I said.

"I was thinking of a card, or something." Auburne said.

"Oh, no, no, no. A card sounds nice, but this sounds like a really special guy."

Auburne nodded with a genuine smile.

"It sounds like the kind of guy who deserves... a thank you party. And your son should proclaim that this guy is one of a kind! The Mayor of LA couldn't do anything without him!" I said.

"You see, Barren? You're the creative one around here. What would I do without you?" Auburne asked.

"Well, thank you, sir."

"All those things you mentioned, every last one, do that for the good officer Arlo, the man who saved my life.

My mouth gaped open.

Did he just say... Arlo!?

"But instead of my son, you will be the one to tell everyone what he did. See, I knew I could count on you." Auburne said.

It felt like my blood was turning into molten lava.

"Now, what was it you wanted to tell me?" Auburne asked.

When I opened my mouth, the grandfather clock in the room let out a deep gong.

"Why not tell me tomorrow? I got to head home." Auburne said, gathering his things.

He patted my shoulder and walked out the room, leaving me in silence; nothing but the ticking of the clock could be heard.

Arlo... You are so dead to me...