Alcina collapsed into her seat. It was first period, history. She came to school with the boys, but ditched them the second the car stopped. She didn't have this class with Kris, so they parted ways with the promise of talking during lunch. She glanced around the class. She was greeted by a few hateful stares. The whole school seemed to have eyes on her after that stunt Leonardo pulled in the parking lot the previous day.
Lisa sat at the back, glaring as usual. The glare disappeared when Austin walked in and Alcina rolled her eyes. Austin who seemed to love the attention, sat beside her and Lisa perched herself on his lap almost immediately.

Alcina dumped her bag on the floor and fished out her books,wondering why high school was such a hostile and unfriendly place. In middle school, she'd been friends with Lisa. They weren't that close, but it was a friendship. Now all she could do was wonder what went wrong.

The noise died down as Mr Wilfred entered the class with a mountain of books in one arm. He dumped the books on the table and Alcina could already picture how the lesson would be. Boring af. But weren't all his lessons boring. Mr Wilfred adjusted his horn-rimmed glasses as he scrutinized every single student as if plotting their deaths.

"Ms Lisa!". All heads whipped to the back. "You have to behave yourself or get a hotel room. I will not allow such in my class"

Several students snorted and Lisa blushed her way back to her seat.

"Today, we'll be learning about the second world war. The direct and indirect causes and how it came to an end". He started passing around handouts. "As we learnt previously on the first world war which ended in 1918, the world powers then created the treaty of versailles which demanded exorbitant reparations from the Germans, for the damages caused during the war. The Germans were displeased and voted Adolf Hitler into power. He promised to rip up the treaty..."

Alcina stopped listening at a point as he droned on. The second world war was the least of her problems. At first, she had never wanted vengeance on the man that had killed her father. She had liked being a normal teenager. But now that she was involved in all this, she was going to go through to the end. Alcina seemed to love the thrill and excitement it brought.

Then there was Leonardo. He had freaked out when he saw Alcina and Lucas on the couch. Alcina had pegged this to be out of anger. Jealousy was too far fetched. Besides, didn't he have Elena. She had the body of a super model and Alcina just saw herself sometimes as an awkward potato. Kris was always telling her: 'you're beautiful', 'stop shaming yourself'. But she always laughed it off. After that stunt in the car, the look on Leonardo's face said that he'd clearly underestimated her.Probably saw her as the stereotypical dumb blonde.

Just cause some girls bleach their hair and act stupid so they look cute, for guys, doesn't mean all blondes are dumb.

"Miss Bianchi?". She whipped her head back to Mr Wilfred. She'd been staring out the window. "Care to tell us what's more interesting outside the window than this lesson?"

Everything! Alcina wanted to scream. But she shook her head and stared at the handout as he continued speaking.

      
○ ● ○ ● ○

"So how was school today?". Kris asked in a flight attendant voice and Alcina resisted the urge to smack her friend. "I bet you had fun!". She chipped in again as they walked out of the double doors to the parking lot, in a swarm of teenagers.

"Kris, don't start. I love you, but if you push me, I can get wild". Alcina said and Kris fell into a laughing fit.

"I would beat you hands down if we fought". Kris said and Alcina decided that would be arranged sometime later. "I don't care if you're in the mafia"

"Shh shh". Alcina glanced around warily. "Don't tell the whole school. Jeez, Kris". Alcina had told Kris all that had happened during lunch time as she'd promised. Kris had ended up gushing about how Alcina was badass now. The poor girl didn't understand the gravity of the situation, Alcina had mused.

"So where are those friends of yours?". Kristina asked feigning innocence.

"They're at the other end of the parking lot. Why do you ask?". Alcina raised a brow at her friend.

"You know just introductions. What? Don't give me that look. You said Lucas may or may not have a crush on you but you're not interested"

"He has a girlfriend". Alcina stated in a duh tone.

"Then there's David". Kris shrugged. "So what about Rachael?"

"I haven't heard from her, not that I care though". Alcina shoved her thumbs in the pocket of her jeans, courtesy of Elizabeth. There seemed to be a new addition of clothes to her wardrobe everyday at the Moretti mansion.

"OK shut up. There they are. Act cool, be cool. Don't freak out Alcina!". Kris said as they approached David, Lucas, Christopher and Tommy. They were all by the G- wagon which they brought to school. Tommy waved as they spotted her. Alcina smiled back.

"You're clearly the one panicking here". Alcina chuckled. "Hey guys".

"Hi, whatever. So, who's your friend?". Christopher said checking Kris out. She didn't notice him though, she seemed interested in David.

"Guys this is Kristina, my bff. Kris meet David, Lucas, Christopher and Tommy. They have a sister called Bianca too". Alcina said.

Kris smiled and shook each one of them. She was smiling like an idiot and something had to be done.

"Do me a favour". Alcina whispered to her.

"What?". She whispered back.

"Stop acting so deperate".

"I should get going". Kris said to the boys.

"Can we meet sometime?". David asked, shocking everyone.

"Sure". Kris batted her eyelashes at him. "Give me your palm"

He did so and she scribbled her number on it.

"What's this?"

"My phone number". Kris replied seductively.

"Can I use it?". David asked.

"I dunno, can you?"

"Ugh, will you two stop flirting awkwardly and make a date already?". Alcina asked frustrated.

"How bout saturday? We could go watch a movie". David continued.

"Stop encouraging her!". Alcina scolded David.

"Sure. Call me and I'll text you the address"

Austin's car horn beckoned to Kris.

"See you later, David". Kris said seductively again and made her way to the car.

"What about me? Bff? No goodbye?!". Alcina yelled

"You know I love you!". Kris yelled back, earning Alcina a few stares from the other students.

"Well that was awkward". Lucas spoke up first.

"Tell me about it". Alcina said as she took her place in the car. There was no way she was going to be stuck in the middle.

"That was some weak flirting bro". Christopher said with a sad look on his face.

David turned  to glare at him from his position in the driver's seat. A glare that promised a well deserved beating if Christopher kept talking.

"Home we go!". Tommy said as they drove out of the parking lot.

Home? Alcina thought. Was that truly home?

For some reason Tommy was excited as the car pulled into the huge garage. Alcina still couldn't believe that the family owned that many cars. They all added up roughly to fifty.

"Why is he so excited?". Alcina asked as she stretched. She had been cramped between Tommy and the door.

"Cause we're going to the shooting range this afternoon". Tommy answered making guns of his hands as they walked towards the door that led into the building. The sound of the doors of the car locking echoed through the garage.

"Should be fun for you guys". She said.

"Oh, you're coming with us. Leonardo said so". Lucas said. "So we'll see you in a while". He touched the tip of her nose and they sauntered off, leaving her in the hallway.

She sighed and started walking down the hallway, not that she knew where she was going. This mansion could easily pass off as an hotel. Alcina adjusted the strap of her bag on her shoulders, she was hoping to run into someone and ask the way around. Those four losers had left her alone, a map or a compass would be suitable for moving around.

As she turned the corner she spotted Julian. He was on the phone. She was about calling to him but stopped as she heard him speak.

"I don't know his plans yet". A pause. "I know, but...". Long pause. "Sure. I'll let you know. But there's nothing big being planned now". Another pause. "Ok". He hung up but still had his back turned to Alcina.

"Hey, Julian!". Alcina yelled, figuring out that if he turned to see her, he would guess that she had been listening. She jogged over to him.

"I'm lost, I was hoping you could show me the way back"

"Sure". He turned and started walking. Alcina trailed behind him, pointing out landmarks to help next time. He was tall, but Leonardo was a little bit taller and more muscular. He led her through corridors and didn't say anything until they arrived at a door she was now familiar with. She thanked him and watched him disappear around a corner.

She turned the door knob and pushed it open. Alcina tossed her bag on the floor and collapsed on the bed, sprawling herself on the sheets.

There was a knock on the door.

"Come in"

Elizabeth came in with lunch.
"Thank you". Alcina muttered as Elizabeth placed the tray on a small table. She kicked off her shoes and started eating.

"Leonardo asked to tell you to meet him outside when you're done".

Alcina nodded as she chewed.

In a few minutes, she was full. She sat back with a sigh. Now to a more pressing issue, shooting range outfit.

She got off the bed reluctantly, how she would give anything for a nap. The wardrobe doors swung open and she walked in. It wasn't that large but you could walk around in it. She stared at her reflection in the mirror.

The bandage on her arm was carefully hidden by the long sleeve top she wore, but a bit of it peeked at her from the top. The top would have to go, it was too lacy and flowery. She tilted her head as she considered the jeans.

Having made her decision, she moved to the racks and found a black t-shirt. There was a depiction of a skull on it, but it was girly. Feeling a bit badass at the thought of going to a shooting range, she opted for the shirt. She walked back to the room where her discarded shoes lay, they were still warm. She picked a band from the vanity and tied her hair up in a ponytail.

Alcina traced the landmarks back to the garage and stepped out into the open. Her heart swelled as the breeze blew around her, whipping her ponytail around. She walked down the driveway till she stood close to the roundabout in front of the Moretti mansion. The gate seemed so far from here, than when you looked from upstairs.

She glanced around, not spotting Leo and the boys. Alcina listened and heard gunshots nearby. It was coming out muffled but she knew what she heard. Following her ears, she walked to the left of the mansion and stumbled upon another building. It was smaller than the main one, but had the same architectural structure.

Alcina pushed open the door and walked in. Her eyes nearly popped out of her head. It was bigger on the inside than it looked from the outside. There were targets of different sizes and in small stalls, several people were shooting at them. The stalls were over a dozen. She spotted Leonardo at the very last stall and went to meet him. She did not miss the double doors with a sign that said 'authorised personnel only' and she nearly died with curiosity. Lined on the walls were different gadgets and artillery you could think of. From the smallest pistols to the biggest guns, you name it. The walls also as she noticed, were padded to reduce the noise leaving the building.

"Wow". She whispered as she came to a stop by Leonardo. He had on one of those ear phone thingys that virtually everyone there was wearing to muffle the noise. Lucas had one also and was currently in the stall shooting at targets.

Leo glanced at her and pretended to watch Lucas. His hands were casually in his pockets and he was leaned back. Alcina sighed unconsciously as she gazed at his biceps, his sleeves were folded up revealing his muscled arms.

"Alcina!". David called jogging to her. "You ready?"

"I'm not cut out for this". Alcina whined as Tommy pushed her into the stall beside Lucas'.

"Cone on. I'm about to go for it too, we'll do it together". Tommy said from another stall as she unwillingly put on the mufflers.

"Don't be such a wimp". David said. "I'll get you some guns". He left to fetch pistols from the collection on the wall.

"Where's Christopher?". Alcina asked.

"He went to run a few errands with dad". Lucas said as he fired some rounds hitting the wooden target on the shoulders and then the head. She nodded in approval, the guy was good with his guns.

David returned a few moments later with two guns. David gave the smaller one to Alcina and the bigger one to Tommy.

"Why do I get the smaller one? I'm older than him". She said frowning.

"OK then". David said as he switched the guns. Tommy scowled as he weighed the weapon. Alcina copied his actions and found it to be heavier than the smaller one.

"Steady your hand". A deep voice rumbled in Alcina's ear and she jumped in fright. She looked back and came face to face with Leo. His nose just inches away from hers. She nodded in response and turned forward to prevent him from seeing her reddened cheeks.

Alcina held up the gun and shut her right eye. She was aimed for the head of the target and steadied her arm. She was vaguely aware of his looming presence behind her as she pulled the trigger. She shot. A gasp escaped her lips as she did.

The shot was completely off. It hit the opposite wall, not even grazing the target. The three brothers erupted into laughter behind her. Her eyes narrowed into slits as she watched them, hunched over and laughing like dying seals. She resisted the urge to plant bullets in their thick skulls and something told her that she wouldn't miss if she ever tried. Alcina also didn't miss the smile tugging on Leonardo's lips.

She huffed, ignoring them and trying to do another round. This time it chipped a foot of the target. Tommy snorted. She turned around again.

"One more sound from you losers and I'll plant three bullets in each of your heads". She said with narrow eyes. But that seemed to be the most hilarious statement ever as they started laughing again.

She stared at the dummy, his blank face mocking her along with the boys. Angrier than ever, she tried a few more rounds.

"Stop". Leonardo said as he stepped behind her, the intoxicating scent of his cologne engulfed her and her knees buckled a bit. She struggled to hold herself up. He placed a hand on her own and guided the gun upwards. She felt her cheeks warm as he adjusted her stance by putting a hand on her waist.
There was no way she would make a good shot with those losers watching.

As if sensing her thoughts, Leonardo said:
"Don't listen to them. They're just children. After what you did that day in the car, I'm really impressed". His hot breath fanned her neck sending shivers running up and down her spine.

"Steady your aim". With his hands still on her body, she tried to focus and with his help, she hit the torso.

"Good". He encouraged her. "Let's go again"

This time Alcina aimed for the head and got a hit.

"I was going to let you take baby steps, but I guess you can handle yourself". He chuckled in her ear and stepped back much to Alcina's relief. Though she instantly missed his body heat and insanely attractive cologne. Things like that should not be produced, they could make women do stupid things.

Leonardo and the boys watched as Alcina showed her stuff, shooting dummy after dummy. She was loving the thrill it brought. She found herself grinning at a point as she shot some rounds.

*  *  *  *  *
It's a long one, show some appreciation, it took me two days...
Please.....Vote, Comment And Follow me. #VCF
Love,Vicki.💟