It was a brand new day and Leonie was hoping it would be better than yesterday.

"Leonie, why hasn't Kennedy come around?", asked Leonie's Mum.

"Oh she's... well we've just been busy", said Leonie. She groaned in pain as clutched her stomach.

"Is your stomach still hurting, baby? I've got some tablets downstairs", said her Mum, leaving her room.

Leonie looked at the leaflet for Hardman University. She reflected on everything that had happened to her since joining the Theatre Club this year.

She reached for the leaflet and ripped it into pieces, throwing it into the bin. She stared at the pieces of paper. "Not like I'd get in any way."

-
After rehearsals, Isaac walked home alone because Camryn said she'd meet him after grabbing some more of her things.

Ernesto approached him. "Eli! How's it going, little man?"

"Oh! Hey Ernesto... good. Yeah, things are good. How about you?"

Ernesto sighed. "Actually... I need a favour from you, little man."

"A favour?"

Ernesto nodded. "I know this isn't ideal and I apologise. I just don't think I can trust anyone else with this."

Isaac wasn't sure why Ernesto trusted him- but he was so serious that Isaac couldn't help but feel intimidated.

Ernesto shoved something into Isaac's hand. "I need you to take this to 72 Larson Street."

Isaac's eyes widened when he saw the packet in his hand. "I- I don't do... I can't... I'm sorry", he stuttered, shoving the packet back in his hands.

Ernesto frowned. "I could really use your help here. Money's been tight ever since Claudia... passed away. I just need you to do this one thing for me."

"I'm really sorry Ernesto but... I can't. I'll do anything else but that."

Ernesto's expression changed. He looked angrier than before. "That's a shame, little man. After I gave you money for your shoes?"

"W-With all due respect, I didn't ask for it. And I'm grateful but I can give it back to you!"

Ernesto shook his head. "That won't be necessary. Because you will do this for me. I think you'll find I always get what I want."

Isaac just stared at him in horror.

"Your sister's a very pretty girl. Very pretty. I'd hate it if something happened to her."

-

Camryn grabbed her favourite beanie and a 'Random Facts' Book Nico picked up for her last week.

Just as she walked to the door, Isaac banged on it, calling out her name. Camryn quickly opened it. "Isaac what's wrong?"

He didn't say anything at first. Instead, he just showed her the packet.

Camryn's eyes widened. "What the h*ll are you doing with that?"

Isaac explained everything to her, omitting no detail.

Camryn was silent for a while, which scared Isaac. "Give me the dr*gs."

-

Weronika entered her house, surprised to see her parents at the dinner table. "Mama? Papa? What are you doing at the table?"

"We felt bad about not asking you how Book Club was going. So we emailed the school", said her Mother. She looked up at Weronika. "Please tell me why they said Moorside Academy doesn't have a Book Club?"

Weronika stared at her parents, wondering how on Earth she was going to get out of this one.

-

Darius came home to his bickering family. He rolled his eyes as his father gave another one of his 'You'll never achieve anything as successful as our company' speeches.

His younger siblings just stared back at him, blank expressions on their faces.

He saw Darius and his face brightened. "Ah. Darius. Please tell your siblings that our company is a family company, and that they need to take more of an interest."

Darius sighed. He turned to his siblings and repeated what his Dad said, in a monotone way. His father always asked him to do this. "It's been a long day, can I go to my room now?"

"Not just yet. A potential sponsor is coming here and we need you at the meeting", said his Dad.

"Oh. So now you want me here? When we had that meeting with the Caldwell's, you wanted me out!"

"That was between adults. This sponsor is keen to hear about a teens perspective on technology", said his Dad. "You're the only person I trust for this, son."

Darius looked into the eyes of his pleading father. "Fine. I'll help."

-

Camryn stormed over to where Ernesto usually was, trying her best to look intimidating. Her blood boiled as she saw the smirk on her face.

"Ah, Lil' Cami-"

Camryn threw the packet at him whilst glaring at him. "Don't call me that. And don't give my friends dr*gs to sell."

Ernesto laughed. "Weird kid, he is. Sad life though. Would've made a lovely little dealer-"

"-Just leave him alone!"

Ernesto shook his head. "I'm afraid I can't do that. Your precious big brother's Dad owes me a lot of money."

"What are you talking about?"

"He couldn't pay off his debts so agreed to help me deal. Then that little sh*t kept all the dr*gs for himself! So I had a guy put in an anonymous tip off to the police about his dealing. But his son owes me the money back. Seeing as he ain't here... that kid will have to do. "

"You're not going to drop this, are you?"

Ernesto shook his head.

Camryn stayed silent for a few seconds, before looking up at him again. "I'll do it. Leave Isaac alone and I'll do it for you.

-

Hi!

Some characters haven't been included for a while, but they do have storylines! They just have to happen at a certain point in the Book.

Isaac's and Camryn's storyline is very common within our society. Dealers and gang leaders look for people who feel lost, unprotected or vulnerable. It usually takes weeks, months, even years for this to happen but because of timing issues it had to happen fast. One thing I wish I'd changed is the length of this storyline.

Hopefully this will raise awareness about gang gr**ming. They make you feel wanted but they ALWAYS want something in return.

I won't give away too much but, what happens next will impact every character's lives.

And what did you think about Darius' home life?

Uh oh, Weronika's parents have discovered her lie!

-cherrysvalanxe

ATHENA-yeonnie

CaptainHermioneSwan

DoodleYeet

gillioddities

LiaHook_Descendants

starryeyedturtle