Now days are passing in a blur, with all the rigorous training with Martin. Finally, I am on good terms with all my brothers. Just Grandpa and Tio Pablo are a bit aloof. But I can tackle their hearts later. I am a nervous wreck as with every passing day the test is coming closer.

Today I finally made a friend in school. Clarice. She is a new student and joined a day ago. On my way to the ground, I saw a few senior boys bullying her. She was standing there, bowing her head and tears were spilling from her eyes. I couldn't keep my calm after witnessing that. Living as an Ortiz had made me braver and so much more confident. Usually, I wouldn't have the guts to interfere or I would just call one of my brothers for help. But training with Martin was no joke. I know I can defend myself if the need occurs, though the possibility is less because everyone in school knows that am an Ortiz and they try to stay clear of my path. I went to the group and said in my no-nonsense voice, "Leave her alone."

"Aren't you some Illegitimate child of Ortiz, who popped out of nowhere?"

"Do I need to prove my bloodline to you? Naah you are not Important. Anyway, I am smart, strong and pretty, so I'll let my traits do the talking."

"Strong huh, my dog has more muscles."

"Fine, I challenge one of you to fight against me. If I win, you and your gang will stop bullying everyone and if I lose, I'll do whatever you want."

"Be our slave for a week."

"Fine, so who among you is ready to face me?"

"Please don't, you don't get in trouble because of me. It's not worth it." the meek girl said.

"An Ortiz doesn't back off. Ang girl this is not just for you. These stupid mules need a reality check.

I don't have a whole day to waste on you guys, Let's start the fight and just one request, don't go easy on me."

The fight started and ended in just 6 minutes. The guy ended up having a broken nose, displaced shoulder and sprained leg. I on the other hand, just had a bruised fist. Not even a scratch other than that. The guy was too slow and predictable, he couldn't even land a punch on me.

Amidst our fight, the bell rang. Now it was lunchtime and slowly a crowd formed around us. From the corner of my eye, I saw my brothers among the bystanders. Thank Jesus that they didn't interfere but I know I have to now give long explanations and justifications.

That's why I ended the fight real quick, and I was hungry as well.

After the fight, without saying another word, the rest of the boys carried the beaten boy away.

"Thank you so much for helping me. My name is Clarice. I was so scared when those boys encircled me. But you are a hero. You are so strong and invincible."

"Thanks, Clarice. I did what I must. I'll be going now. Take care."

"Wait, I- I have no friends here, Will you be my friend?" Wow seriously someone wants to be my friend. I will finally have one friend. So it is true that your good deeds come back to you.

"We can be friends Clarice. My name is Alicia. I am in a little rush today but maybe from Tomorrow, we can have lunch together."

"Thanks, Alicia Bye. See you around."

I head on my way to the canteen when the realisation hits hard. I got involved in a fight. Dad, Lucas, Tito, and everyone would be so disappointed.

The fight started and ended so soon that no teacher could intervene but will they take any action now? Will they inform Papa about it? Would I be suspended?

My chain of thoughts was broken when I saw my brothers sitting quietly at their table. I went over, not knowing what to say. I quietly sat on my chair. Rey passed me my lunch but still no one said a word. It was too quiet.

So following suit, I dropped my head and silently finished the lunch. As soon as the bell rang, indicating that the break time was over, I rushed out and went to my next lecture.

My thoughts kept me company as I hardly heard a word that the teacher said.

Halfway through the class, I was pulled out of my reverie when I heard my name announced through the intercom, I was summoned to the principal's office.

My nerves skyrocketed as I hurriedly marched to the principal's office. The lady at the reception told me to wait and that I could get in with my guardian, who would be arriving shortly.

Holy Shit!

They called my guardian for this one trivial fight, shouldn't they let me off with a warning or something?

I don't even know who they called. Dad or Lucas. I just pray that it's Dad. Fingers crossed.

Cheers to my luck...

It's Lucas who comes dressed in a black suit, styled with his infamous blank face. The face that is void of any emotions. You just can't tell whether he is happy, sad, furious or disappointed. No expression, no-nonsense, fully in control. That's our Lucas for you.

Lucas like everyone else didn't say a word. He just nodded towards me and without knocking he entered the principal's room. Lucas held the door for me so I entered after him.

He took the only empty chair beside a woman. I am assuming that she is the boy's mother as he is standing beside her.

"Welcome Mr Ortiz, sorry to bother you for such a trifling matter sir but -"

"Anything that concerns my sister is not trivial to me, Jonas. Tell me what's the matter."

Don't ask me why the principal is addressing Lucas as sir while Lucas is calling him by his first name. Beats me.

"Sir Roni here and Ms Ortiz fought. His mother now requests for expulsion or suspension."

"Jonas, Mrs Smith here is a powerful lady, her husband is the only heir of Smith and Steels. We can't oppose her. If she wants expulsion, then expulsion it is. I want you to issue the expulsion letter for Roni Smith based on the fact that he was caught bullying his juniors."

Wait what. Mrs Smith who was smirking till now was even more shocked than me.

"What do you mean? This girl bullied my son, not the other way around. Look at all these bruises and marks." Mrs Smith shouted.

"My grandfather established this school, security was his priority. Every corner of the school is under CCTV surveillance with high-quality video and audio. Play this clip, Jonas."

He slides a small pendrive to Principal, who plays it on his computer. Mrs. Smith is shocked to see her son bullying Clarice.

"This school has no place for bullies so as requested by Mrs. Smith, expel her son."

Lucas stood up, held my hand and got out of the office. I thought he would ask me to go back to my class but Mr. Unpredictable here took me to the parking lot.

"Are we skipping school?"

"Yes take the rest of the day off, you can rest and prepare for the test tomorrow."

"Okay"

The ride to the home was silent, but when we were about to get out of the car, I asked him "Lucas can we talk, I want to ask you something." He nodded. We went to the garden.

"Lucas I am sorry that I disappointed you."

"No Xia you didn't disappoint me, I am proud of you dear. I am happy that you can now not defend yourself but others as well."

"Really Lucas. But others are upset with me. They didn't even talk to me during the lunch."

"Yes, they are upset but not at all disappointed. All your brothers feel responsible for you, they are happy that you defeated that boy but they would be thrilled if you had asked them instead to fight for you. I know that you are capable of protecting yourself but they want to protect you. You are no damsel in distress, princess but they want to be your knights. It's more for them than you."

"I think I got your point now but how do you know their thoughts so well."

"I am also your brother, little one. We think alike." Lucas said with a smirk.

"Goodness. Lucas, do you know I made a friend today? She is the girl Roni was bullying. Her name is Clarice."

"Good, Peanut. But always remember, it's advisable to get to know her before you trust her.

I nodded, and then we went to the house.

As we entered, Lucas went upstairs, probably to his office. I went to the living room.

Dad was sitting on a sofa, and as soon as he saw me he engulfed me in a big bear hug.

"I am proud of you princess."

"Gracias Papi"

"Just tell me one thing dear, were you scared when Lucas said that Mrs Smith is a powerful lady and that they should adhere to her."

"How do you know what we talked about in the principal's office?"

"Answer my question first, then I'll answer yours."

"Okay, so when I first saw Lucas in school, I was very scared and nervous. But my nerves disappeared when he said that he was never busy with his sister. At that moment, I knew that come what may, I have my brother right beside me. I knew that he might be disappointed in me but still, he would always protect me. I answered, now it's your turn."

"I am happy with your answer princess. We were together when Lucas got that call from Jonas. He left in a hurry after that. Initially, I thought it was about one of your brothers. So I just opened the CCTV recording of your principal office to see which of them caused the nuisance this time, and it turns out to be you. Huh."

"Sorry, papa for troubling you all." I said hugging him.

The entire week passed in a wink, tomorrow is the day of the 'Los Lobos' test. I don't know many details about it as Grandpa will tell me those tomorrow only. I am scared, tensed but excited as well. I have a chance and I will live up to it. Come what may.

......