Chapter 25: Sweet Eighteen

(The Next Day - April 21, 2017 - Floor 20 in the Tower - 8:00am...)

This is when the Beginning of the End really kicked off.

If you've already figured out where this is going, then congratulations - you've earned the right to call me an inconsiderate *sshole. Trust me, I wouldn't blame if you did because I deserve every insult you're willing to throw at me. That being said, how was I to figure out the full circumstances on my own? ... Argh, I think it's best for me to return to this later. In fact, I'm gonna separate it into two stages, so this will hopefully be easier to explain:

Stage 1: The Calm Before.

Stage 2: The Storm.

Let's begin with Stage 1. It was now April 21, 2017, which officially bounced Libby's years of existence up to 18! Even though it was unfortunate that her parents would miss out on celebrating this big milestone, I imagined they would be pleased to know that their daughter had us to stick around with. I mean, maybe they're celebrating along with us, wherever they're at? I had this in mind as I excitedly followed Jade down a couple of blocks from her room on Floor 20 to see Henry standing outside Libby's room, quietly pestering Rahim with a slightly agitated "Kid, what the hell are you doing? She's still asleep!"

A smirking Jade instantly knew what was about to happen. "Here we go..."

Hearing this, I shot her a confused look before the sounds of pouring water answered my question and within seconds, Libby was up with a startled yell - just as Henry lunged forward. Cue the 19 year-old to burst out laughing, exiting the room with an empty water bottle and triumphantly exclaiming "Revenge!" only for the younger kid to retaliate by violently chucking a soaking wet pillow at him, which only prompted him to dodge it effortlessly with another laugh.

"He's in a good mood," I commented in a pleased manner, also having figured out what my girlfriend had implied seconds prior. Lib pulled a similar prank on Rahim, didn't she?

Jade hummed in agreement, before she addressed her younger brother with an amused "Well, I see a Congratulations is in order,"

"Thanks!" Rahim chirped with a cheeky yet slightly saddened grin. "It wasn't as great as I hoped it would be, but hey,"

"How so?" I found myself allowing my concerned curiosity to get the better of me.

Cue the older kid to momentarily consider flashing me a warning look. "I'll explain some other time," He then turned to call out an apologetic "Sorry about my prank, Libby!"

"All is forgiven, mate!" We heard her respond happily as Henry exited her room to join the three of us. "You bl**dy got me there too, that was a good one!"

"Cheers, Lib!" My bud gave an amused chuckle, before he decided to head for Floor 19 with a friendly salute aimed at us.

"See you downstairs, kid," I called after him kindly, grinning as I turned to address Henry. "How's she doing?"

"Libby's annoyed, as anyone would be," The man revealed honestly. "But she's just getting ready and she'll be out any minute. Did you guys manage to get something for her yesterday?"

Cue Jade to answer "I found a bulletproof vest and I was thinking that could be from all of us,"

Hearing this, Henry flashed an intrigued glance. "Wow. Smart idea,"

"It is a smart idea," I agreed, before questioning him with a confused "Why'd you ask, though?"

"No reason," My buddy reassured us, despite attempting to hide a trace of visible concern. "I figured I'd try to get to know Rahim and, I'm probably going to get killed for this, but he told me that you invited him to look around the school with you,"

"You did?" My girlfriend asked me with a surprised expression.

"Y-Yeah," I momentarily stammered. We're both dead, bro. We're so f*cking dead! "It's called being considerate, people should... people should do that more often here,"

Hearing this, Jade slowly nodded in agreement. "That's really kind of you,"

I couldn't hold back the sigh of relief any longer, and it didn't help that it took everything in my power not to smirk at the dumbfounded expression on Henry's face. Pfft, at least I'm not the only one who cowers at the thought of a p*ssed off Jade, heh heh.

"Why are you both staring at me like I'm about to turn into the Hulk?" The woman asked in a confused manner.

"Well..." Henry began nervously. "We know that you're protective of Rahim, which is absolutely fine. Just don't..."

"Just don't come after us if you're ever p*ssed off?" I asked sheepishly. Ha, finishing each other's sentences! Awesome!

"Yes! Thank you, Kyle," My buddy replied.

"You're welcome,"

Hearing this, Jade couldn't help but stifle an amused laugh. "Henry, you haven't even seen the vicious side I've got and I doubt you will anyway, so you're perfectly alright,"

"S-Seriously?" The former bandit gawked.

"Does she look like she's f*cking with you?" I shot back playfully, chuckling.

Duuude...

Thankfully, his shock was broken by the 18 year-old Libby who emerged from her bedroom in her hooded jacket, t-shirt, jeans and boots, despite her hair still drying because of Rahim's prank. "Hey guys, sorry I kept you waiting,"

"You don't have to apologise for that, Lib," Henry beat me to reassuring her. "Are you feeling better now?"

"Yeah, yeah," The younger kid perked up appreciatively. "And I'm going to repeat myself here, but thank you again for helping me out," A sigh of annoyance. "Though for the record, I'm not happy that you had to see me get soaking wet,"

"Don't worry about it," Our friend replied kindly. "Besides, I know how you feel - because my friends pulled pranks on me all the time, when I was your age,"

"Did they, really?" My surrogate daughter asked in surprise.

"Yeah, they sure did,"

"Oh no!" She gaped, feeling bad for the poor dude. "Did you at least manage to get back at them?"

"I've thought of ways," Henry informed her. "But no, I haven't had the chance yet,"

"Ah, right," The younger girl responded, addressing the three of us with "I... I was wondering if you guys are up for helping me get back at Rahim next year? Since by then, it will be his turn to hit a big milestone?"

Hearing this, my girlfriend quickly sent me a smirk. "I'm sure we can come up with something. But let's enjoy today first, alright?"

"Okay, no problem," Libby giggled.

Sounds like a good idea.