Episode 6

THE FOLLOWING SCENE...

LEANDRO: For your information, your parents have just swindled me out of a hefty sum of money," I stated with irritation and a furrowed brow. Truthfully, my prior thoughts of that girl had vanished, replaced by my anger.

Madison: W-what?? H-how much do they owe you? she queried with evident fear.

LEANDRO: Let's just say it's a matter of millions of dollars, and I expect repayment immediately, or they'll never see the light of day again. They're unaware of who I truly am, so it's in their best interest to follow my instructions," I declared.

MADISON

I could only gaze at my parents with a blend of anger and distress for their deeds, falling into silence until I discussed the matter with them.

MADISON: Please, Mom, Dad, return the money to this gentleman so he leaves us alone," I implored them in a whisper.

MRS. GEORGINA: Don't be foolish, girl. If we had the money, we'd have repaid it by now. Our recent overseas investment backfired on us, leaving us to be swindled," she huffed with annoyance, her fist striking the floor. "That's why we were planning to leave this place," she said dismissively, not grasping the consequences.

MADISON: How can you speak so calmly, Mother!? Don't you realize they could kill us right this second?" I exclaimed, while my mother regarded me with indifference. It seemed she hardly cared about us.

MR. SIMON: Please, grant us some time to repay you. I swear we will manage within a few days, I'm begging you," he pleaded on bended knee.

LEANDRO: Three days. You have just three days. If I don't have my money by then, I'll take whatever of value I can find," I said, leaving them puzzled and chuckling to myself.

LEANDRO: Oh, and one other thing: don't even consider escaping because my guards now have this house under surveillance. You are prohibited from making any phone calls; all lines are blocked from this point forward," I stated before making my exit, casting a final glance at the girl still on the floor watching it all unfold.

MADISON'S THOUGHTS

I couldn't believe what my parents had done. I had always suspected their business dealings, but never imagined it'd come to this. My parents were con artists, and now all I could wonder was how we would repay this man, and what he would do to us if we didn't. Overwhelmed, I stood up from the floor and went to my room, luging suitcases up the stairs to unpack all over again, because it appeared we weren't leaving anytime soon. "What a cursed life," I muttered to myself, missing my home country and friends now more than ever. It struck me that school awaited tomorrow, and I had to reorganize once again after skipping today.

After a while, it was 4:45 PM, having settled everything into my closet, I decided to eat something since I hadn't nourished since the morning. Descending to the living room, I found my parents embroiled in heated discussion, abruptly ceasing when my name came up as I appeared.

MADISON: What’s going on? Why was my name mentioned? I inquired.

MR. SIMON: Nothing, my dear. What are you doing up? Perhaps you should rest instead. Today was taxing, and it's better you ask no questions about this morning's events. Your mother and I will seek a resolution—don't worry," he assured me.

MADISON: How can you tell me not to worry, Dad? That man's going to harm us if you don't return the money you stole from him!" I contended, visibly upset.

MRS. GEORGINA: Haven't you listened to your father? Just stay quiet and do as you're told, you cursed brat!" she bellowed in fury. "You're giving me a headache, child! I ought to just give...." she's cut off by your father.

MR. SIMON: Don't say that, dear, she's our daughter. Please, let’s put an end to this. We’ll find a way out of this situation," he said with a mix of anger and stress. "Let’s rest now, and tomorrow we’ll find a solution to all of this," he suggested before departing.

THE NEXT DAY...

WITH MADISON

I awoke early and prepared for school, taking about 40 minutes before heading downstairs for breakfast. On my way out the front gate, men dressed in black had congregated at the entrance, with one halting me by the arm.

GUARD OF LEANDRO: Please wait, miss, you can’t leave," he said firmly, gripping my arm.

MADISON: What? Let go of me immediately! Who are you, and release me this instant!" I snapped back angrily, shaking free from his grasp.

GUARD: I'm the bodyguard of Mr... he doesn't get to finish.

MADISON: Yes, yes, I know who you are. You're the guard of that foolish man who threatened my parents yesterday. I'm aware," I retorted, slightly agitated. "And tell me, am I now forbidden from attending school as well? Look, I am a child and I have the obligation to go!" I insisted, raising my voice. "Tell your boss not to be such a damn fool, and that I won't be running away," I snapped before half-running away from the scene.

GUARD: (calling his boss, Leandro) *

LEANDRO: Yes, what happened? Any issues with that family?" I asked sternly.

GUARD: I'm not sure if it's an issue, but the girl just stormed out of the house, claiming she was off to school.

LEANDRO: Fine, but have someone follow her," I instructed, remaining serious. "Anything else?"

GUARD: No, nothing more, sir. Just that she asked me to tell you that you're 'a damn fool' and that she has no intention of running away," he said, somewhat concerned about his boss's reaction.

LEANDRO: SHE SAID WHAT!? THAT LITTLE BRAT WILL PAY FOR THIS!" I exclaimed in anger before abruptly ending the call.

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