Chapter 26 - The last time we were together (4)

May-June, 8 years ago, various locations City K

The next couple of days while Lexi was at school finishing off her classes before her final High School exams started, Matthew was spending time with Phillip, helping him in the business while setting up the finalising the blind trust that was needed for his company shares and other investments. That and all the other legal things that they were doing made him happy to be away and do the necessary training that he had ensuring that Lexi and Phillip will be protected.

After school hours though the fun was avoiding Chester, Andrew, Paul, Steven and John who were all still, and as Lexi kept telling him 'p*ssed off with him' from having joined the military. They were all still ready to lynch him. Lexi, apparently had negotiated with her brothers that provided she was home before her curfew each night, followed her parent's requests and caused no problems at home they would not interfere with her spending time with Matthew.

Lexi, by the Friday was so excited given the end of classes dance for her and her classmates. No one believed that she had a boyfriend and she was so happy that she had convince Matthew to escort her in his uniform. Her father was trying to force her to take Richard but given that she had been earlier in the year subject to some bullying from classmates she had convinced them, that despite everyone's anger about Matthew having joined the military having him escort her in uniform would protect her.

Matthew, worried about the reaction of both Chester and Andrew arrived in a chauffeured vehicle to take Lexi to the dance. As he arrived the two of them were waiting for him and dragged him into their mother's favourite sitting room to lecture him about not doing anything to hurt Lexi.

Having been told the story Lexi used to her parents, Matthew continued to reassure them that they were friends and he would protect Lexi. At the same time, he made it clear that if Lexi was affected what some of her friends did tonight, he would have her stay at his Villa and send them a message. Both wanted to kill him at that suggestion, but as he explained to them, he was aware of what their father was trying to do in pressuring Lexi to marry their cousin Richard, he did not want to provide ammunition.

In the end they both agreed his suggestion was suitable but made it clear that they did not trust him or forgive him for abandoning them and joining the military. Before he could respond, Lexi opened the room door, and stunned the three of them into silence. Matthew unable to believe that this was his beautiful girlfriend, no scratch that fiancé standing in front of him gathered himself up firstly and said "Andrew, and Chester it was a pleasure to see you both. I promise you I will make sure that she is safe."

Lexi taking the hint, moved across and gave both her brothers a kiss on the cheek before saying "Tell Mum and Dad I will have fun and will see them tomorrow." She then took Matthew's arm and headed out to the chauffeured car heading to the dance venue.

Having arrived at the venue, Matthew as now was habit scanned the venue looking for risks, exit options and at those around. Surprisingly he noticed three men in military uniform who he knew had not seen him. He recognised them, not only as troublemakers from the base but as men who due to their issues had been made repeat parts of their training. One of them was on his last chance, if he messed up, he would be dishonourably discharged. He racked his brain for their names, and eventually he recalled them, David Dang, Joseph Pang and Ben Wang.

Lexi noticed the direction of his gaze, and quietly asked "What is it Matthew."

"Those three over there. They better not cause an issue especially since they are in uniform. Maybe I better have a word with them."

"Matthew leave it. We are here to have fun, not for you to …"

"Go over the top. I get it Lexi. Provided that they cause no problems, I will not do anything. Now, come on you need to introduce me to these so-called friends of yours who do not believe that you have a military boyfriend."

Taking the hint, Matthew escorted Lexi over to a group of girls who apparently had ditched their escorts for the night to gossip and cause issues. Despite Matthew being in dress uniform and showing them his military identification the refused to believe that Matthew was in the military or was Lexi's partner.