Chapter 6 HE'S AN ENGLISH BOY

The following morning, Marian sat in the living room, waiting impatiently for the boys to come out of their respective rooms. After some minutes, Lucian finally appeared, holding his backpack.

"Good morning, Mum" Lucian greeted politely.

"What's so good about it? Can't you see you're late? Next time, if you're late again, you'll go to school on your own" Marian said, her voice cold as Lucian stood there, shocked. A few minutes later, Cardo climbed down the stairs, also with his backpack in hand.

"Cardo, how are you?" Marian asked, her tone immediately brightening.

"I'm fine, Stepmum. Thanks for taking care of my hand" Cardo said, flashing a pleased smile.

"Mum, you didn't say anything to Cardo for coming down late" Lucian pointed out.

"Hi, Lucian" Cardo greeted with fake warmth, which Lucian chose to ignore.

"Lucian, you should respond to your brother" Marian scolded sharply.

"Stepmum, please forgive Lucian. I'm sure he won't behave badly again" Cardo said calmly, casting a quick, smug glance at Lucian.

"Did you hear that? Such a well-behaved boy. But look at you. let's get going anyways" Marian said as she stood up.

"I'll sit in the front, Stepmum" Cardo said as he walked beside Marian, while Lucian followed behind them.

"Of course, son" Marian agreed without hesitation.

"Mum, you didn't give me my lunch money" Lucian reminded her from behind.

"Greco already gave it to Cardo. He has the credit card" Marian said, disregarding him.

"But, Mum-" Lucian started to protest, but was immediately cut off.

"Don't worry, Lucian. We'll spend all of my dad's money" Cardo said with a smirk as he turned back to look at Lucian.

The car pulled over at the expansive premises of Supremo High School, the most prestigious school in the city.

"Bye, Stepmum" Cardo said cheerfully as he alighted from the car, walking toward the school building.

"Aren't you getting out?" Marian asked, noticing Lucian still seated.

"Mum, are you upset with me?" Lucian asked softly.

"Why wouldn't I be? The other day, you barged into my room while I was having private moment with my husband. Then, you broke that antique vase, hurt Cardo, stole his snacks, and said stupid things." Marian said, her voice filled with irritation.

"Mum, do you really believe all of that?" Lucian asked, his voice filled with disbelief.

"Yes, I do. The maids witnessed everything and confirmed it. Cardo greeted you, trying to be friendly, but did you return his greetings? I saw how you ignored him before we left home. I can't believe anything you say" Marian said.

"But he insulted you and my dad, Mum. I was just-" Lucian started to explain but was suddenly cut off.

"Lucian! Cardo would never insult me. He's a good and respectful boy. Just shut up" Marian said sharply, leaving no room for argument. Lucian nodded quietly in response.

"Okay" Lucian said sadly.

"Just behave yourself. Despite everything, my husband still paid for you to be enrolled here. This is the biggest and most prestigious school in the city. You have no idea how much it costs. If you had stayed with Alfred, you wouldn't be in a place like this. And if anyone asks you about Greco, remember, he's just your stepdad and a businessman. Understood?" Marian said, her tone stern.

"Yes, Mum" Lucian said quietly.

"He now holds the position that your coward father turned down, and that's why we are enjoying all of this" Marian said.

"Alright, shall we head to the admin now?" Lucian said, not wanting to hear anything again.

"Here's your admission letter" Marian said, extending Lucian some papers. "Find the admin's office on your own" she added.

"Aren't you coming with me?" Lucian asked, surprised.

"Lucian, I have a date with my man, and I need to visit the spa and get my hair done. I won't be going with you. Now, off you go. Out of my car." Marian said, dismissing him. Lucian stepped out of the car sadly, watching as she drove away.

As Lucian walked into the school building, he met two girls applying lip gloss in the corridor.

"Hi, could you please show me the way to the admin's office?" Lucian asked politely.

"Wow, he's so cute" one of the girls admired.

"My name's Amanda, what's yours?" Amanda asked.

"Lucian" Lucian said.

"Lucian, the admin's office is in the next block. By the way, I'm Paulina" Paulina added with a smile.

"Thank you" Lucian said before heading in the direction the girl pointed out. The admin office door was open, so he walked in. He saw a man and a woman seated at their respective desks.

"Good morning, ma'am. I'm Lucian, the transfer student" Lucian introduced himself.

"Oh, Lucian Gambino, have a seat" Mrs. Theresa said warmly.

"Gambino?" Lucian repeated, a bit shocked as he sat down.

"Yes, that's the name Mr. and Mrs. Gambino registered you with" Mrs. Theresa explained.

"Can I change my name, Mrs....?" Lucian began, and Mrs. Theresa smiled.

"It's Mrs. Theresa. Yes, you can still change your name. Let me have your admission letter" Mrs. Theresa said as Lucian handed her the letter.

In the general subject classroom, students were scattered around, discussing in small groups. Some rest on their tables, others settled in their seats, while a few stood around talking.

Cardo sat gently at his desk, wearing headphones, lost in his own world. A girl entered the classroom and walked directly to him, taking off his headphones. Cardo looked up, recognizing her immediately.

"Athena?" Cardo called.

"Are you really my friend? I wasn't feeling fine, and you didn't even check on me" Athena said, taking the seat next to him.

"Don't be mad, Athena. We had an unwanted guest at home" Cardo said. Just then, Amanda and Paulina walked to Cardo's desk where Athena was sitting.

"Athena, it's nice to see you back in school" Paulina said.

"Tena, have you seen the new student? He's so cute" Amanda added excitedly, making Cardo to scoff.

"Amanda, hold it" Paulina said, trying to stop her.

"He can't stop me from talking. What's he gonna do, kill me?" Amanda said defiantly as she look at Cardo.

"Athena, take your poor friends and leave" Cardo said coldly.

"That's not happening, Cardo. She didn't say anything wrong" Athena said calmly.

"I blame the school for giving out scholarships for peasants like you. If they didn't, you wouldn't be here with me" Cardo said mockingly.

"At least I earned my place here with my intelligence. I didn't buy my way in" Amanda shot back.

At that moment, Mrs. Theresa entered the classroom, bringing every conversation to a halt.

"Good morning, students" Mrs. Theresa greeted.

"Good morning, Mrs. Theresa" the students responded in unison.

"We have a new student joining our class today" Mrs. Theresa announced as Lucian walked in, carrying his backpack.

"Hi, I'm Lucian" Lucian introduced himself.

"This is Lucian, Cardo's stepbrother" Mrs. Theresa added. Athena and the two other girls exchanged glances and then looked at Cardo.

"Now I see why he's pained" Amanda whispered before heading back to her seat.

"Your stepbrother? Is he the 'unwanted guest' you were talking about?" Athena asked Cardo.

"Yes. I can't stand him" Cardo replied as Lucian walk to an empty seat at the back of the classroom.

"Alright, everyone settle down. Your teacher will be here shortly" Mrs. Theresa said before leaving the room. Athena couldn't help but keep glancing at Lucian.

A man walked in, and the students quickly took their seats.

"Good morning, class" Mr. Roberto greeted.

"Good morning, Mr. Roberto" the students echoed.

"Today, we'll be discussing active and passive voice" Mr. Roberto began. "The active voice is when the subject performs the action, while the passive voice is when the action is performed on the subject. For example, let's take the sentence 'He does the work.' In passive voice, it becomes, 'The work is done by him.' Now, can anyone change this sentence to passive voice 'He did the work'?"

A few students raised their hands, attempting to answer.

"He has done the work."

"He will do the work."

"The work is done by him."

"No, no, no" Mr. Roberto said, shaking his head. "Cardo?"

"The work has been done by him" Cardo answered confidently.

"Not correct. Athena?" Mr. Roberto called.

"The work was being done by him" Athena answered.

"No, that's not correct" Mr. Roberto said, noticing Lucian raising his hand. "Yes, go ahead."

"The work was done by him" Lucian answered.

"Correct. Are you a new student?" Mr. Roberto asked.

"Yes, Mr. Roberto" Lucian replied.

"What's your name?" Mr. Roberto asked.

"Lucian" Lucian responded.

"Very good. Everyone, take note-pay attention and learn quickly like Lucian. Now, let's move on to the next one 'He was doing the work.' Anyone?" Mr. Roberto asked. When no one raised their hand, he called out "Lucian?"

"The work was being done by him" Lucian answered confidently.

"Excellent" Mr. Roberto praised him. Cardo let out an annoying scoff. "We're out of time for today. We'll continue in the next class. Have a good day" Mr. Roberto said before leaving the room. Immediately, a group of girls rushed over to Lucian's seat.

"Lucian, can you help me with this?" the girls asked eagerly. Amanda and Paulina joined the group as well. Athena was about to stand up when Cardo yanked her back into her seat.

"Where do you think you're going?" Cardo asked angrily.

"Let go of me, Cardo. I need help, and he clearly understands it better" Athena said, pulling away and walking over to Lucian.

"Hi, Lucian. I'm Athena. I would like to learn from you as well." Athena said with a warm smile.

"You're welcome, Athena" Lucian said, smiling back. As Lucian began explaining the concepts to the girls, Athena couldn't take her eyes off him, while Cardo glared at them from a distance, filled with jealousy.

It was lunchtime, Cardo and Athena were about to head out when Lucian called out to Cardo.

"Cardo, can I come with you to get my lunch?" Lucian asked, trying to sound casual. Cardo burst into laughter, drawing the attention of the other students.

"Didn't your bitch mother give you any money? Why would you beg me to buy your lunch? Or are you planning to steal my lunch like you stole my snacks at home?" Cardo said mockingly, his words filled with wickedness. Lucian felt the sting of embarrassment as the other students began whispering and staring at him.

"Cardo, stop it" Athena intervened, looking upset.

"But it's true, Athena. (His mother divorced his father because of my father's money. His father's a coward and wasn't strong enough to handle his bitch mother)" Cardo continued, gathering attention as the students laughed even more.

"Cardo, (Stop it, he can hear you)" Athena said, trying to get him to stop.

"(He's an English boy, he doesn't understand Italian). Too bad for him, he won't be learning it here since he didn't start with us" Cardo said scornfully.

"Even so, you should respect him. This is what I don't like about you-you bully my friends, and now him. I'm not going to lunch with you anymore. Just go" Athena said angrily, turning her back on Cardo. She then looked at Lucian, softening her tone. "Come with me, Lucian. My treat, as a welcome gift."

"Thanks, Athena, you can go ahead. I'll be fine" Lucian said, his voice filled with embarrassment as he immediately rush out of the classroom to escape the humiliation.

It was the end of the school day. Athena's driver arrived to pick her up, and she was soon on her way home. Meanwhile, Lucian and Cardo's car pulled over at the usual spot where Cardo always wait. Cardo got in and noticed that the car hadn't started moving.

"Drive, James" Cardo commanded.

"What about the second young master?" James asked, glancing back at Cardo.

"He's not a young master. His name is Lucian, and as you can see, he's not here. You can come back for him later. He can't ride with me" Cardo said. James hesitated but eventually obeyed, driving away.

Lucian was just leaving the admin office when he saw their car driving out of the parking lot. He waved and shouted, trying to catch their attention, but it was too late. With no other option, he sat down under a tree in the school compound, feeling abandoned.

A short while later, Athena's car reappeared, and she got out, walking over to him.

"Lucian, what are you doing here?" Athena asked, surprised to see him still in school.

"The driver left without me. What about you?" Lucian said

"I forgot my science textbook, and I have homework to do. Mr. Marcello will punish me if I don't submit it." Athena explained.

"Let me go with you to get it" Lucian said as he stood up.

"Thanks, Lucian" Athena said gratefully as they started walking together. "Don't take Cardo's behavior personally. He's just a bully. He picks on my friends Amanda and Paulina all the time because they're not rich."

"How long have you known Cardo?" Lucian asked, curious.

"We met a few months ago at my thirteenth birthday party. He and his dad came to our house. My dad said we should be best friends since our fathers are business partners" Athena explained.

"What kind of business?" Lucian asked.

"My father is a doctor. He owns a private hospital, and now he's Mr. Gambino's personal doctor. Before that, he was Mr. Ronaldo's doctor-he's basically like a family doctor since they're investing in the hospital" Athena explained.

"Ronaldo was my grandfather. I'm a Romano" Lucian revealed.

"Wow! But then why is your mother married to Cardo's father? What happened to Uncle Alfred?" Athena asked as they entered the classroom. She picked up her textbook and turned back to Lucian, waiting for an answer.

"Athena, I'll tell you everything when the time is right" Lucian said, trying to dodge the question.

"Okay" Athena said, though she looked at Lucian with a hint of curiosity.

"We should head back, Athena" Lucian suggested.

"Yes, let's go" Athena said as they made their way to the car.

"I can have my driver take you home" Athena said.

"No, James will come back. It wouldn't be good if he doesn't find me here" Lucian said, but just then, his stomach growled loudly.

"You haven't eaten all day, have you?" Athena asked, feeling concerned for him.

"I'm fine, Athy. I'll eat something when I get home" Lucian said.

"Athy? I like that" Athena said with a smile, as they both exchanged a warm look.