Chapter 1125 - Disciplining (1/2)
~ Los Angeles, the Cliffside Villa ~
Sunday
7:15 AM
In the house for kids (and staff)…
Sarah and Ade are in the common area on the main floor. Sarah is sitting on the sofa with Kitty's head in her lap and Ade is standing in attention in front of her. The agenda: his failure to complete the mission.
Aiden is not present. Education and training of the kids is Sarah's responsibility. Of course, Aiden is helping out, but Sarah is in charge. Disciplining included.
Ade was looking everywhere except at Sarah. And that hallway which leads to outside looks like a good target, it's summoning him to dash through it and avoid whatever is coming… and based on Sarah's expression, whatever is coming, it's not good.
The house for kids (and staff) is a five story dwelling, with two levels above and three levels underground (currently). The building is 'X' shaped and it has four wings: one is for girls, other is for boys, the third one is consisted of larger suites which are in use by other staff members (grown-ups) and the fourth one is for miscellaneous use, such as the indoor gym, study room, kitchen and dining area. The four wings meet in the middle with hallways connecting to the common areas which are equipped with sofas, television, tables and chairs where people can relax and mingle.
Most of the rooms don't have a direct access to daylight, but Felix collaborated with Louis (the architect) and Cash (the construction manager) and used a complex system of pipes and mirrors to bring in the sunshine even to the third level below ground. It is amazing what they achieved.
Back to the common area…
”You know that you are the only one who failed a mission?”, Sarah voice was stern.
Ade didn't respond. He was looking at his feet.
”Silence will not help you.”, Sarah warned him. ”I need to know that you understand what happened. Why did you fail?”
”Because I didn't mind my own business.”, Ade said in a weak voice.
”Explain.”
”I was looking what others are doing…”
”Instead?”, Sarah was frustrated how this cheeky boy who always does mischief and speaks over others is now barely talking and she needs to force words out of him.
”Instead of doing what I should do…”, Ade said after some time.
”Assuming that I give you another chance. What will be different?”
”I will not tease others.”
Sarah sighed. ”You got this wrong. As much as I don't like you teasing others, that is the part of your personality and no one should force you to change. However, I hope that you are aware how your behavior is pushing people away. No one wants to be friends with a person who is always waiting for an opportunity to make a joke at their expense. But that is not the reason you failed. You failed because you were unable to focus on your mission and you didn't follow my instructions. Yesterday was a practice, but it showed what I can expect from you and I saw that you will neglect your duty in order to have fun.”
Ade panicked. ”Will I get another chance?”
Sarah was pleased that she got his attention. ”For what?”
”To prove that I can focus and complete a mission successfully.”
Ade was looking at Sarah and he thought that he will pass out. Why is her expression not good? Is it possible that she will not give him a second chance?
Her next words made his heart drop… Sarah's voice was soft and soothing, but there was nothing soothing about her words!
”Ade, not everyone is made to be a spy or a soldier… and there is nothing wrong with that. Maybe you can be a singer, or an architect, or a comedian, an astronaut... You can be whatever you want. Think about it…”
”No!” Ade's eyes filled with tears in a second. ”I want to be a bodyguard. I trained hard. I have skills!”
Sarah told herself not to waver. Being a bodyguard, going on missions is very dangerous, and unless he takes it seriously, she will not allow him. Even if her heart breaks at the sight of him crying.