Ni hao, wo de peng you! LOL sorry, about that, I'm a little hypo at the minute! I haven't written anything for so long and I am SO sorry! Thanks so much to the SPECIAL people, who were kind enough to still review my author's note. Thanks guys! That means so much to me and because of you few; I managed to get this out after much pain! Hehe Yes I did say pain, and that is because of my arm. Due to doctor's analysis I have a fractured elbow and nerve damage… woo hoo!

Please Enjoy!

CHAPTER 12 – THREE TIMES TOO YOUNG

-0-0-

To my darling Odette,

It pains me greatly and I am unable to forgive myself for leaving you alone at such a tender age. I will miss watching you grow, seeing you in your times of happiness and helping you out in your times of sadness. However, there is something that I must tell you. Since you were young, your father and I made a contract with two other families, the Valkov's and Hiwatari's, concerning your futures. As it happens you must choose between either of the two boys by your 18th birthday otherwise you will be sent to live with your Grandmother in Germany. Please make your decision wisely. As your Mother I know that you will make the correct choice.

Your Loving Mother,

Anna Nickolai

'So, what does it say?' Tala asked curiously as he looked up from the photo album that had recaptured his interest. Odette's eyes had become glassy, she didn't reply. 'Odds, what did it say?' Tala asked again, this time giving her a little nudge to catch her attention. She looked at him briefly before handing him the small letter. She lingered silently, playing cautiously with her fingers, as he skimmed over it, waiting for him to comment. But nothing ever came. Odette looked up from her fingers and at Tala's face. It was blank, giving Odette no queues as to how he was feeling. He quietly got off the bed and walked towards the door.

'Tala? Where are you going?'

'Hm' and with that he left. Closing the door behind him, making Odette feel even lonelier then before.

-0-

Since Odette's mother's death, Kai hadn't been himself. Not saying that everybody had gotten back to their normal lives, but still something had changed inside of him. Deep down he wanted to reach out to Odette and tell her that everything would be okay, but how could he? Nothing would ever be the same. After all if he reached out too much, then she would grow dependent on him and what happens if that results in her choosing him to marry. If what Tala told him were true, however it obviously it was, then within the next year two of them would be married off, like animals. He was way to young for this; she was way to young for this; they all were too young for this.

'Kai?'

'Hmm?'

'What ya thinking about?'

'Nothing… It's nothing.'

'Oh.'

Silence consumed them once again as they occasionally took a swig of their beer.

'I'll do it.'

'Huh, What?'

'I said that I would do it.'

'I know what you said, but you have to think about what you are saying, man.'

'I did and I know that this is the right decision. She's our best friend and I love her. It would be easier for me, knowing that she is safe and well looked after. We don't know what her grandmother is like, or what could happen to her in Germany all by herself.' Kai just stared at Tala. What he said was exactly how Kai felt, but for some reason he couldn't say it himself. 'Look mate; don't beat yourself up over it. You've got Sian and wouldn't you feel better knowing that Odds with me, as opposed to someone else. We would all still be able to stay together.'

'I guess your right. Although this is all a little unbelievable.'

'Yeah.' Tala said quietly. 'Yeah I know what you mean.' After all, I'm getting married…

-0-

'Okay girls, that's it for today.' Sian said as she wiped the beads of sweat that had started to accumulate on her forehead. 'Tomorrow, we can discuss the parts of the routine that we need to work on.'

The cheerleading squad walked back to the change rooms after a long training session. It looked like the boy's soccer team was going to make it to the regional finals this year, yet again. As cheerleading captain, Sian was determined to "spice" things up this year. She was working the squad to the bone, forcing them to perfect new, harder routines, but it looked like all their hard work was starting to pay off.

The change room filled with conversation as everyone started talking to each other about what they were planing to do on the week, while they were showering and getting changed into dry clothes. As Sian pulled the hair tie out of her blonde hair, her brain continued to work in over drive, noting possible improvements and other routines that they could start working on next training. All her extra time was a consequence of Kai. After an exciting revival of their dying relationship it seemed everything had gone down the drain. Sian let out a frustrated sigh as she thought about how off he had been lately. He never wanted to go anywhere anymore. He never wanted to do anything anymore. She knew that him, Tala and Odette were very old friends, and he should have the right to be upset with everything that had happened to Odette's family, but it seemed that he was taking it worse then Odette herself, and the scared Sian.

'What's wrong Sian? Trouble in paradise?' mocked a voice, that interrupted Sian's train of thought. She whipped her gaze up and glared at Justine.

'Piss off King.' She snarled.

'Ohh, it seems that I touched a nerve.'

'I'll break your nerves in a second if you don't shut your trap. You have no clue what my problems are.' Sian seethed.

'But I do Sian. Tala dumped me and Kai will dump you. After all they are one of the same, best friends. Everything they do, they do together.' Sian growled as she slammed her locker shut. 'You know that you only have one person to blame for this, don't you?'

'Who?' Sian asked as she picked up her bag and headed to the door. 'You?' Justine laughed at that comment.

'You would, wouldn't you Zylstra, but maybe you should ask your little friend, Odette. Oh sweet little Odette. Isn't she just so innocent? You would never even suspect her.' Sian stopped dead in her tracks and rounded on Justine. All of the conversations in the change rooms had died at the point. Everyone's gaze was locked on the two ex-best friends, trying to figure out what was going to happen to next. One thing was for sure by the murderous glint in Sian's eyes, if someone didn't intervene soon, let's just say that Justine would not be walking out of there.

'Now your asking for it King. First you insult me. Now that I can handle.' Sian whispered as she advanced on Justine. 'But then you insult my best friend, who has been through a horrid couple of months. What the hell is your problem?' Now Sian had gripped the material of Justine's shirt and was holding her roughly.

'You don't scare me. Hit me if you want, but you'll only get suspended, meaning that I'll be squad captain while your gone.'

'Do I look like a give a shit about being suspended at the moment? I wouldn't care if I got expelled after I am though with you. If you want to be squad captain so fucking much, take it! I don't care!' She yelled and then turned to face the squad. 'Since you are all here, the better. From this point on I want you all to-' but before she could finish she was gruffly yanked off Justine and dragged to the exit.

'Don't you dare finish what ever the hell you were going to say.' Ariel growled as she continued to drag the fuming blonde out.

'Ariel, let me go! She's a bitch and deserves everything that I am going to give her!' Sian cried as the door of the change room swang shut behind them.

'Your acting stupid and will end up doing something completely irrational. If you don't stop I'll be forced to tell Odds and she doesn't need to deal with your shit right now.' At that Sian went limp and did not resist Ariel's grip. 'You know, you can actually walk. You aren't exactly the lightest feather to be dragging around.' Ariel continued cheekily. That seemed to spark up Sian as she let out a friendly growl and smacked the chestnut haired girl over the head. 'HEY! What was the for?' Sian shrugged her shoulders before twisting her arm, so that her and Ariel's arms were linked.

'Since when did you get all deep, Ari?' Sian asked as she unlocked her car. It was Ariel's turn to shrug.

'I guess with everything that has been going on, we never really realised how quickly we actually change. It's kind of scary, but whatever.'

'Yeah. Do you need a lift home?' Ariel shook her head.

'Nah, I'm fine, thought I might walk. It's not to far anyway. I'll see you tomorrow?'

'Okay if your sure! Just don't talk to strangers!' Ariel rolled her eyes at Sian.

'Yes, mother. Goodbye mother. ' Ariel said as she shut Sian's door and watched her drive off, waving to each other just before she turned out onto the main road. When her car was out of sight, Ariel turned in the opposite direction of her home and headed towards the mall.

-0-

When Ariel arrived in front of a café, she stopped and checked her watch. It read, 6:15. Great she was already 15 minutes late. Why couldn't she ever be punctual like her sister? Nervously, she run her fingers though her hair as she pushed open the door, which let out a friendly ring as it brushed a dinner bell near the ceiling.

The warmth of the little café enveloped her and soothed her frazzled mind. She glanced around at the occupants, but failed to see whom she was meant to meet.

Oh, no! She thought. What if they had left already? Okay, so she was a little late but only fifteen minutes!

As Ariel continued to freak out, she missed the bell ring, to indicate that someone else had entered the café. They cleared their throat to catch her attention as she was blocking the way to any of the tables. Ariel turned; ready to apologize when her honey orbs were caught by a pair of laughing, midnight blue orbs. She smiled shyly as she tucked a strand of hair behind her ear.

'Hey.'

-0-

The next day, Tala, Kai and Odette were all sitting in Voltaire's study discussing the arrangement.

'I know that you have all been informed about the agreement between our three families.' The three nodded their heads. 'And now it is less then a year before the dead line must be met. That is why I am asking you three to start deciding what is to be the outcome.'

'Excuse me sir.' Odette began meekly. 'But what happens if I can't choose between either of them. They both mean too much to me. It would be unfair for me to select one over the other.'

'So you have decided that you would marry one, instead of moving to Germany?' Voltaire asked with a glint of happiness in his eyes. Odette looked at Tala and Kai before looking down and nodding. 'Unfortunately my dear I cannot help in who you choose, maybe the boys have something they want to add? After all this is your futures as well.' Tala glanced at Kai who was sitting on the other side of Odette, whist he gazed towards the wall.

'Er, well. Kai and I were talking yesterday and kind of agreed that I would marry Odette.' Tala said almost hesitantly. 'That is if she wants to.' He quickly added. Odette whipped her head to look at Tala before her emerald eyes began to fill with tears. She looked to Kai quickly, who still refused to look at anyone, or anything in particular, before turning back to Tala and hugging him. He hugged her back, while she let out a soft sigh and whispered,

'Thankyou.' Voltaire acknowledged the decision and pulled out some papers in order to start discussing the details.

'Now, that is sorted. I want to talk to you two about the details.'

'Can Kai stay?'

'If he wishes.' Odette looked at Kai hopefully, but he merely stood and exited the room. Odette glanced at Tala confused, who just shook his head, as if telling her to leave him alone for a little. He squeezed her hand affectionately as a sign of reassurance that they were doing the right thing. Odette smiled back.

'Ah, Voltaire would we be able to discuss the details tomorrow? I think that we have some things that we want to discuss together before we go any further.' Tala asked maturely.

'As you wish Master Volkov. I'll be awaiting your return tomorrow afternoon. Good day.' The two remaining teens bowed respectfully towards the other man before they left the room together. Crimson orbs glared at the two from the shadows as he saw Tala's arm wrapped around Odette's shoulder.

-0-0-

So, what did you guys think? I know that it is a little short, but I have my reasons! I haven't written this in so long as you all know but if I muddled anything up like last names, appearance, personality etc. I would greatly appreciate it if you told me and then I can fix it. Remember I love any input from you guys and if you want some to happen just let me know! I promise that it won't take as long with the next chapter, but I can't promise any dates at the moment!

Kat

P.s. In case you haven't noticed I need a beta so if you know of anyone please drop me a line!