CHAPTER 1: In the Beginning
Setting: San Francisco 5 months after Alex Rider moves in. Sabina Pleasure aged 16, Alex aged 15- just 3 months younger than Sabina.
Flashback:
"Alex! I only have a week before I have to return!" Sabina was packing for her quarter at her boarding school, 2 and a half months away from Alex, her boyfriend. "Why don't you come to the school I'm going to," Alex Was doing his puppy dog face that she never said no to. She poked his nose and replied "Mum and dad already paid, I promise I will after."
Present (a week later):
"DON'T LEEAAVEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE", Alex was crying on the inside but was embarrassed to let it show. "Shut-up Alex, you know I'll be back for Halloween and definitely your birthday." (NOVEMEBER 1) "Yeah, but I don't want to lose you to another person." Alex was now letting a few tears show. "Alex, my school is only for girls." Sabina looked perplexed when Alex started to chuckle and say, "Yeah, but you know, you're a pretty girl and with all those gi-". "SHUT-IT." Sabina could see the twinkle in his eyes and leaned forward. Their lips met for a couple second before their mum and dad came out. Mr. Pleasure frowning slightly seeing what looked like a kiss. Sabina's cab showed up and it was time to go. Alex saluted Sabina as she walked to it. Her mum was crying like she did every time she left for the quarter.
For the past 5 months, Alex and Sabina were unable to be apart. In the first month, Alex usually woke up screaming and crying, but Sabina always soothed him by letting him fall asleep in her arms. He spent almost every day with her.
Sabina in the cab:
Sabina was dreading this moment for about a month now. (ITALICS ARE THE CHARACTER'S THOUGHTS) Alex was about to start school with these pretty cheerleaders. What if he forgets me and sees someone. I know he will never do it, but he is hot and BRITISH! All the girls are going to be all over him! And if MI6 calls or the CIA, who will be there to tell him to refuse, certainly not mum and dad. I just don't know how long I can take without Alex, my Alex. This is going to be the longest 2 in a half months ever.
Back at the Pleasure's apartment:
Mr. Pleasure and Alex were sitting on the balcony looking at the city skyline and how the sunset reflected off of the buildings. "Don't worry Alex, she'll be back before you know it!" Mr. Pleasure announced adding a fake smile at the end of the sentence, he usually cried himself to sleep knowing his "precious little girl" was 4 hours away from him. "I know Mr. Pleasure, but without her I won't have any friends at school, and no one to help me." "Alex, I've known you for some time, you can call me dad or Edward, heck I'm the one who signed the adoption paper! And I'm sure you will have friends, all the girls will practically be on you, YOU'RE BRITISH, and all the girls love that. You'll have a girlfriend in two weeks, you'll see!" Alex winced at this. When the Pleasures adopted him, Edward told wife, Liz Pleasure, he didn't really want Sabina and Alex to date, but she didn't agree with him and secretively told Alex and Sabina this. Alex and Sabina decided to pretend to end things on a mutual break-up, still friends sort of deal, and tell their dad they are apart, but in reality, they love each other and they both know it. Liz knew they were in love and it wasn't just puppy love. "Well Alex, I think you should get showered and then off to bed! And set your alarm to 6, remember it's the first day at Ocean High School!" Alex went to the bathroom to take a shower when he thought, Sabina, I need you. Little did Alex know Sabina was thinking something at the same moment, Alex I need you.