Dan's place ____
As Dan strutted into the room with a grin plastered on his face, he couldn't resist his signature banter. "Still hung up on those bad bitches, huh? Can't blame you, they're something else," he quipped, earning an eye roll from Richard.
"Seriously, Dan, read the room," Richard interjected, his tone laced with a hint of exasperation. "We've got bigger fish to fry here."
Lexie, pacing back and forth with agitation, finally let out a frustrated sigh. "Guys, I'm losing it. I can't keep this to myself anymore," he confessed, running a hand through his hair.
"We've been sensing something's up with you for a while, Lex," Richard reassured, offering a comforting pat on the shoulder. Meanwhile, Dan, always the provider, fetched some non-alcoholic drinks from the fridge.
Settling into his seat, Lexie poured himself a drink and downed it in one gulp before blurting out, "It's that girl my parents brought home. She's constantly on my mind, driving me insane."
Richard and Dan exchanged bewildered glances, struggling to comprehend the gravity of Lexie's confession. Dan couldn't help but burst into laughter. "So, you're telling us your parents' foster kid has got you all hot and bothered? Thought you couldn't stand her."
"It's not that simple," Lexie shot back, frustration evident in his voice. "I can't even enjoy the company of other girls because all I see is her face. You know why I left the party early? It's because of Kate, that annoying girl in my house."
Richard couldn't help but chuckle at the revelation. "Looks like someone's got a crush," he teased, earning a scowl from Lexie.
"Cut the crap, guys," Lexie retorted, downing another drink. "I can't believe I'm falling for someone like her."
"Maybe you just need to scratch that itch," Dan suggested with a smirk. "Get her out of your system, and you'll see things clearer."
Lexie scoffed at the idea. "That's ridiculous! I'm not about to indulge in some fantasy with her."
"Or maybe," Richard chimed in, his tone more serious, "you should confront your feelings head-on. Drop the facade and see where it leads."
Frustrated by his friends' advice, Lexie finished his drink and stormed out, leaving Richard and Dan to ponder his predicament.
Meanwhile, in a covert hotel room across town... There, Drey took refuge. He stared into space, lost in thought, as the image of a teenage girl he'd saved seven years ago resurfaced in his mind. "Did you vanish into thin air? I saved you to exact revenge on that monster. Where are you now, little beauty?" His phone rang, breaking the silence, and the caller ID flashed "MONSTER" - a name that made his blood boil. He hesitated, then picked up, his voice laced with disdain. "Son of a monster." The voice on the other end was mocking, "Time to come home, Drey. Your mission is complete, and I'm proud. But there's a bigger job waiting..." Drey cut in, his anger simmering. "I'm done with you. I told you, that was my last job. I'm not your son, and I'm tired of being a monster like you." The voice laughed, "You can't deny your bloodline, Drey. We're monsters, and it runs in our veins." Drey's response was laced with defiance. "I'll show you my rebellious side, Williams Bryan."*
*Kate's POV*
I was transfixed by the man across the road, my eyes glued to him as he walked away. But then, he stopped, and I smiled, my heart skipping a beat. I dashed across the road, my long stares finally paying off. "Lexie?" I whispered, my surprise evident. He looked at me quizzically but didn't respond. I stopped him from walking away, my shock getting the better of me. "I'm sorry. You look like someone I know. I've been searching for you. I'm Kate." I studied his face intently, committing every detail to memory. And then, I woke up, frustrated. Another dream about him. I knew it wasn't Lexie I had drawn, and I was determined to find the truth. I rushed to my painting room, my mind racing. After minutes of drawing and painting, I had his image - the same guy who looked uncannily like Lexie. How could two people look so alike? I painted Lexie's image alongside the other, noticing the slight differences in their jawlines and eyebrows. Lexie had a chiseled jawline and pointed nose, while the other had a semi-pointed nose, full brows, and a broad jawline. The differences were slight, but they were there. He's out there somewhere, I thought, my mind racing. I folded the drawing into my backpack, knowing Tony was the only one who could help me uncover the truth. We were both law majors at Greenville college, and Tony was a pro at tracking and hacking computer software. I kept my plans hidden from Sandra, not wanting to worry her. I headed downstairs for breakfast, my family already seated, my mind still reeling with thoughts of the mysterious stranger.