The weekend came and Arlo had nothing to do. He did some revisions and prepared one presentation and was free in the afternoon. Jenny was happily getting ready for an outing with her new friends.

“Aren’t you going somewhere too?” She inquired while checking her phone.

“I was supposed to meet with Dan and Ron but something came up.” Arlo poured himself some water and drank it.

“Where are you going?”

“Elen and a few of our friends are going to a karaoke club.” Jenny looked excited. “You can join us, it will be fun.” She added while still checking her phone.

“You sure? Do you want to drag your older brother with you?”  It seemed suspicious that she suddenly wanted his company.

Jenny put her phone aside.

“You see there is a girl that keeps asking me about you all the time. She is nice and I promised her to take you with me if I can. So, are you coming?” 

After a few seconds Arlo agreed he went as far as changing his T-shirt and combing his hair. When Jenny wasn’t looking he even brushed his teeth and put on a little bit of dad’s cologne.  He was ready in no time.

‘Well, well bro, you look nice and you smell good too.” Jenny gave him a meaningful smile.

The club was quite entertaining. The room they had looked cool. It was in the 80’s style with a disco ball, plush couch and colorful walls. The whole group of seven people were really having fun. None of them was a good singer but they simply enjoyed jesting. Arlo was immersed in a discussion with Bernice. She was a nice girl and she seemed very interested in him. Arlo already told her about his precious school, interests and plans for the future. She was fun to talk to and easy on the eyes. She also had a good sense of humor and Arlo really didn’t regret coming here.

“So , hmm can I have your phone number?” Bernice asked and Arlo was happy to exchange numbers.

“We can go and grab some coffee next time when you have time.” Arlo suggested.

“I’d like that.” The girl seemed happy about a promise of a next meeting and Arlo imagined himself on a first date with her and that made him smile. The smile wasn’t disappearing from his face even when they were leaving the club.

“Arlo, that’s a  surprise?” 

Arlo bumped straight into Andrew, Tod’s friend. He was with a large party and Arlo could smell some booz from him. 

“Oh hi.” Arlo greeted him without any intention to strike a conversation with him. 

“So you like karaoke ?” He asked looking closely at his company, especially at Bernice who was standing next to him.

“Yeah I do from time to time. Sorry I need to go, we can chat later at school.” Arlo cut the conversation and moved with the rest of the company.

“Sure see you.” 

For a moment Arlo felt Andrew’s stare right on his back, there was something in the way he looked at him that made him wary.  

The dim sparks from the cigarette was the only source of light in the surrounding darkness. Tod was standing on the balcony leading to his room and looking at the sleepy garden. He was inhaling the smoke and letting it out slowly. He needed time to calm down as he still felt irritated deep inside after Andrew’s call. 

That little cutie actually went out with his sister’s friends and had fun on his own instead of calling him as he promised. Firstly Tod intended to go easy on him, to be nice, caring and protective as Arlo was sure to be his, but now he felt betrayed. 

Since he didn’t want to come to him on his own accord he must make him do so. Tod didn’t want to be harsh to him as Arlo seemed fragile and sweet in his eyes but some pets must be taught obedience to appreciate the luxury they were given.

Tod threw out the cigarette bud and went back to his room. It was way after midnight he should rest, now there was nothing he could do. He needs to wait.

Monday came and Tod, accompanied by Andrew and Jack, were walking leisurely to school. He noticed Arlo from afar, he was standing next o a plain looking girl and smiling at her. Tod frowned. So it was like that. For a brief moment Tod was watching them how they talked to each other, laughed and she even grabbed his arm. They seemed to be close, too close for Tod’s taste.

“Your little boy is having fun with a girl.” Andrew noticed only to enjoy the sour face Tod made . 

“Who is she?” Tod asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“Bernice, she’s sixteen. “ Jack was the type to know everybody at school, well almost everybody.

The great three went into the building and Tod neither stopped to greet Arlo nor acknowledge his presence in any other way. He was too good to him and he didn’t appreciate it? It's time to change his strategy. Soon Arlo will be glad to hear “hello” from him.

During classes and while they were having breaks Tod avoided any contact with Arlo. To his surprise Arlo didn’t approach him even once. Day one was over.

Tod continued his strategy for the whole week, on the surface he wasn’t interested in whatever was happening to Arlo, however he received full reports about Arlo’s every step. After a whole week has passed Tod decided it was high time for him to strike back.

Arlo with his headphones on was listening to his favorite music. Jenny was ahead of him talking with some girl from her class. His head was occupied by the Chemistry  test and a little bit by Bernice. They were supposed to meet after school. Actually he was about to ask her if she wanted to date him. He closed his eyes for a moment and felt the sun on his face. It was warm and pleasant.

“Arlo!” He was suddenly interrupted by his annoying sister.

“What?”

“Bernice had an accident!”