Chapter 27 - The last time we were together (5)

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

Lexi could not believe the arrogance of her friends. Matthew had proved his identity, but they still refused to believe either him or her. But as she knew they were arrogant and only believed what they wanted if it was what they saw as the truth.

Sensing that Matthew was getting tense beside her, she carefully placed her hand on his arm and quietly said to him "Do not worry Matthew. They will only believe what they want and if they refuse to believe there is nothing that we can do to change that."

They disbelieving girls heard what Lexi had said and were angry about her attitude but knew that they needed to be on their best behaviour as the teachers had warned them earlier in the week, poor behaviour at this dance would impact their final marks. However, they knew that they could use the dance itself to niggle at the stuck-up Miss Lexi Yao having her react and causing the problem.

Matthew, as they moved away onto the dance floor was not only keeping his eye on the three troublemakers in uniform, but the girls that Lexi had introduced him to as if he was reading them right they would cause additional problems for Lexi. The moment that he took Lexi into his arms on the dance floor was indescribable. It was the first time that anyone could see them together without fear, and he was loving it.

Matthew noticed by the end of the second dance with Lexi, that those same girls were starting to get closer on the dance floor to them. He knew that his instincts were right. They were out to target Lexi. He bent down and quietly whispered to Lexi "Do you mind if we step off the dance floor for a minute?"

Knowing Matthew well, Lexi saw the look on his face and that he was expecting trouble. She simply nodded and took the arm that he offered as he started to move off the dance floor. As she turned, Lexi realised that Matthew had spotted that some of her classmates out to cause trouble.

As he was escorting Lexi to the side to the dance floor Matthew then noticed the three troublemakers surrounding another young boy, looking like they were about to cause an issue. Lexi, seeing what was happening and that it had been noticed by school staff present nodded to Matthew who decided that he would stop this before a scene was caused.

He purposely walked over and said in a commanding voice "Gentleman."

The three soldiers turned and saw the uniform in front of them, and immediately snapped to attention saying "Lieutenant."

Matthew angry about the whole situation shot out "You need to accompany me now."

"Yes Sir," they responded following Matthew to a corridor outside. Lexi followed them, not wanting to be in the main room as she felt her classmates were ready to cause a problem.

As they reached the quiet of the corridor, Matthew turned "I saw your behaviour and know that each of you are on your last chance. Now what was happening in there?"

The three of them started to look at each other, but before any of them could respond a sound like gunfire was heard from inside the room where the dance was being held. He turned to the three of them quietly saying "You might just be able to save your careers."

Pointing to one Matthew continued "You will escort Miss Yao and anyone you find on your way out of the building to behind the sports pavilion for safety and remain there. You other two will split and go in opposite directions to sweep the building for any other guests sending them to the same location. Once that is done, you will return here."

Turning to Lexi, he gave her a quick kiss quietly saying "Sweetheart, to deal with this I need to know you are safe. If you get hurt Chester and Andrew will kill me."

"Go Matthew, I will be safe. Is there anything you need me to do?"

"Just help any classmates stay calm and quiet when they get to you, and I will see you as soon as I can."

Having gotten the orders from Matthew the three soldiers knew that they had been given an extraordinary chance. They had messed up, but circ.u.mstances were allowing them to repair the damage to their careers. When Matthew had spoken to them, they had realised who he was. In less than twelve months he had become a legend on the base, not only flying through basic training in a third of the time of everyone else but being promoted to an officer within twelve months of joining.