Chapter 9

  After the drive back to my apartment, I sat down in the living room, deep in thought. Michael sat next to me, as he looked at me with intense focus, trying to read my thoughts.

  His spoke gently, “I know you well, Andrew. I sense that you're worried about something that you're not telling us.”

  I admitted, “Yes, you're right.”

  He smiled at me, “...Can I help you with your worries?”

  I looked away, "Thank you, Michael, but... no."

  He seemed as though he was going to push more, but we both got distracted when the front door opened. It was Ashley! She entered the room as she gave us a light wave and took a seat opposite us.

  She folded her arms, "Sup?"

  Michael chuckled and lightly elbowed me, “I’m trying to get Andrew to talk about his past.”

  Ashley looked intrigued, “Oh, what about his past?”

  He shrugged, “That’s just it, we know nothing about it. He asked AI to not even look into it.”

  She looked at me for several moments, trying to read me, before she spoke respectfully, “When you’re ready, Andrew, we’ll be here to listen.”

  AI appeared on the TV, “Yes. I know you well enough to respect the fact, that you have your reasons.”

  I shook my head as I looked at the floor. I felt a lot of pressure coming from them all, about a topic that I felt I had very clearly expressed the desire to not speak about.

  I looked away in frustration, “I don’t know if I will ever want to talk about it. It’s… it’s a big deal for me and I’m worried that… actually, never mind.”

  Michael realised from my tone, that my past was a seriously important issue to me. He stopped pushing right then and there.

  The hours passed by, and I never said anything, as I was deep in thought. Ashley cleaned her pistol, while Michael and AI watched. She did it rather quickly. It was an odd thing, seeing a gun get broken apart so easily. It made me think, about how complicated things are always at risk of falling apart.

  Oliver finally came home, after what seemed like an impossibly long afternoon. He took off his smart black Rose blazer and took a seat next to Ashley. He looked at me with a sad face. I thought I would cut him off that time, as I knew what he was worried about.

  I looked him in the eye, “It’s ok, Oliver, you did what you had to when I was panicking. Before you even try… you don’t need to apologise or feel bad. Thank you for helping at an emotional time.”

  He was surprised, as he looked down for a moment and spoke, “How long before you tell them?”

  I leaned forward, “Tell them what?”

  He looked me straight in the eye, “I know your past, Andrew. It was hard for me to find it, but I had to know it, to take care of you the best I could.”

  I froze on the spot. I should have realised that Oliver would’ve looked into my past. He had never mentioned it before, but then again, why would he have? What was there to say?

  I looked away, “When the time is right…”

  His voice was frustrated, “Right, well, it’s becoming harder and harder for me to keep my mouth shut on this. I can only play ignorant for so long, especially when it comes to 88 billion pounds…”

  I looked at him sadly, “I didn’t realise that you knew, Oliver. I’m sorry to be a burden to you… that’s all I am at the end of the day, a burden.”

  His impatient tone shattered my confidence in one swift strike. I looked at the floor as a wave of shame washed over me.

  Ashley and Michael jolted in reaction to what I said.

  Ashley looked me in the eye, “You’re not a burden, Andrew! Why would you even think that?”

  Oliver coughed loudly to get her attention, “There are reasons, Ashley. This time… he’s not being defeatist… hopefully you will understand why, sooner rather than later.”

  I looked away, “Hopefully nobody will ever need to know...”

  He looked at me with a combination of sadness and irritation, as he shook his head with disapproval. Why should I have cared what he felt? What on earth did he think he knew about the topic?

  He looked at me sadly, “Andrew, I know your past, and it never once stopped me from respecting you. It never once made our friendship less meaningful, either. In fact, I think that’s why our friendship is as strong as it is. The sooner they find out, the sooner you’ll escape your loneliness.”

  I shouted at him, “Loneliness is all I’ve ever known, Oliver!”

  He slightly jolted from my attack, before he regained his composure, and he tried to defend his argument, “AI and me… are we not at your side? What of Michael?”

  I shook my head, “It’s not the same and you know it! This is different, this is a lifetime of-” I stopped myself.

  Oliver looked down sadly, for he knew how significant it was. He couldn’t argue… that it wasn’t a big deal. It was a big deal, maybe even a huge one. Every decision I had ever made, was made as a consequence of my past.

  Michael was frustrated, “What am I supposed to do in this situation? You’ve stonewalled me out of something incredibly important to you, Andrew.”

  I stared at the floor as tears threatened, “Just promise me… that you won’t abandon me.”

  He gently put his hand on my knee, “Why would I abandon you?”

  I shouted at him, “That’s a question I've asked my entire life!”

  Oliver put out his hand, “Shush, Andrew, be calm… don’t make friends into enemies.”

  I looked away as breathed deeply. That was too much… I couldn’t keep talking about it.

  I looked up and shouted at the ceiling, “No more on this, not one single word more!”

  Michael and Ashley were stunned. They had never seen me behave like that. I could see that they were trying to make sense of it, but they simply didn’t have enough to work with, as they looked at each other with deep concern. A long moment passed before Oliver changed the topic.

  He smiled, “Therapy time.”

  Ashley did a double take, “What… now? After this?”

  I ignored her concern, “Let’s go, mate, ask away.”

  He rubbed his hands together, “So you’re a billionaire!”

  I sighed, “I suppose I am.”

  He looked at me confused, “And this is a bother… why?”

  I shook my head in irritation, “Because I don’t want money! I never wanted money, and now that I have it, nothing will change… nothing of any importance, at least.”

  Ashley spoke, “Really, nothing at all? Don’t you want to buy something?”

  I spoke sarcastically, “Like what, Ashley? A yacht? A private jet?”

  She looked at me annoyed, “No, something you really care about, but you couldn’t afford before?”

  I thought deeply about it and a thought occurred to me.

  “AI…”

  AI responded immediately, “Yes, Andrew?”

  I spoke slowly, “Even though you classified my medical bills-”

  She instantly cut me off, “No, Andrew.”

  I looked at her on the TV, “But I have the choice-”

  She put me down, “No.”

  I stared at her, “Why not, you can’t stop me from giving you that much.”

  She shook her head, “Yes I can, we can simply refuse to take the money.”

  I felt disappointed, “But why?”

  She smiled at me, “Because it was a gift to you, and a form of repayment.”

  A long moment passed, as I sat there irritated.

  Ashley spoke up, “Really, Andrew? Why are you so against this kindness?”

  I looked at her, “Because nothing in life is free, and gifts are a form of control.”

  She chuckled, “Yes, if this were outside the Roses, I would completely agree… but this is the Roses we’re talking about here! Have you not noticed that we do things differently?”

  She had me there… everything about the Roses, really was different. Their integrity, honour, truthfulness and determination to do the right thing… how could I have possibly questioned that, after their kindness had been given to me, so many times before?

  I nodded as I looked at her sadly, “You’re right, Ashley… It’s just hard to start trusting, after a lifetime of being hurt…”

  She read my body language, “You’ve lived a brutal life, even before your sacrifice… haven’t you?”

  Oliver responded, “Probably harder than anyone else in the whole Roses…”

  Michael and Ashley both shot a terrified look at Oliver and then at each other.

  Ashley crossed her arms, “Even more than the Black Roses? I find that… hard to believe.”

  Oliver said nothing, as he simply stared at her with a cold hard face.

  She leaned forward and shouted, “Fuck off! No chance is he harder than the Black Roses! Look at him, does he look streetwise to you?”

  I instantly cut her off, “I couldn’t give a damn what you think! My past is behind me, and my hardships… are hopefully over. I just want to use my money and my remaining energy, to try to help the Roses get people off the streets.”

  She said nothing, but I could see the disbelief on her face, and it was completely understandable. The dream of the Roses… was built by the hands of the weak and abandoned. Orphans, veteran soldiers, destitute and the beaten… they are the ones the Roses lent their hand too.

  The Roses was formed from hundreds of people, who had an… unfathomably hopeless life. To say that my life was harder, was like claiming to be a badass in a prison… there was surely always someone tougher.

  Oliver calmly resumed my therapy, “Andrew, I hope that Aisling managed to convey to you, just how massive your sacrifice was?”

  I looked into the distance thoughtfully, “Yes, she did. I’ll be honest, I knew I saved their lives, but I never really thought about it anymore than that… I never thought about the waves it created.”

  Michael spoke humbly, “We’re not exaggerating when we tell you, none of this would have happened without you. You were the ultimate deciding factor, there’s no arguing about this.”

  I looked at him and nodded, “And that’s why I took the money, even though I really didn’t want to. I won’t spit in the face of what the Roses care about, no matter how much I may disagree with their solution.”

  Oliver nodded with a smile, “Good. Try to remember their perspective. They… we realise the immensity of your sacrifice, and we want to do you right for that.”

  I looked at the coffee table, “You already have, more than you could possibly know.”

  *

  Oliver rubbed his chin, “Do you have anything else you want to talk about?”

  I leaned forward, “Actually, yes, who the hell are the Black Roses? You said I should ask them myself… but there wasn’t a single Black Rose anywhere today!”

  AI spoke, “Andrew, the Black Roses are our bodyguards. Think of them as our ‘Royal Guard’. Their sole purpose is to protect the Angels and me. They do their job best, when you do not even know they are there.”

  I looked at her, “Right… so how am I supposed to learn who they are then?”

  AI’s eyebrows furled, “They are… a separate entity from the Roses. They have their own priorities, and they choose their own company. I can mention you to them and I will inform you if they are willing to talk.”

  I tilted my head to the side, “Why would you, one of the founders of the Roses… need to ask permission?”

  She shook her head, “Andrew, we are not an authority, we respect freedom of choice. Nobody orders anyone to do anything. We always ask, we never tell. However, the Black Roses have loyally served Aisling, Nadia and me, since they formed their group. They work better when we do not meddle with them.”

  I leaned forward, “Ok, now I’m really interested in them.”

  She smiled, “I will keep you informed on their response.”

  I leaned back on the sofa, “Hopefully today ends the rollercoaster of drama I seem to keep making.”

  AI smiled at me, “Personally, I have found it all fascinating. I am seeing your actions with my own eyes now… and I am very impressed.”

  I folded my arms, “Really? I feel like I keep causing issues for everyone.”

  She beamed a glorious smile, “You never cause me issue, Andrew.”

  Ashley spoke up, “And I’ll never get used to the way that AI talks to Andrew…”

  I looked at her, “Why not talk to her right now?”

  Ashley turned to face the TV, “Sup?”

  AI smiled, “Ashley, did I ever tell you… that you are my favourite agent?”

  Everyone did a double take after hearing that. Michael burst into laughter and Oliver chuckled. Ashley was totally stunned as she said nothing for a good long moment.

  She finally said softly, “Thanks… but why though?”

  AI energetically bounced up and down, “Your energy, your smile… the way you inspire all the women in this organisation. You would not believe how hard some ladies work, just to try to emulate you.”

  Ashley was blown away hearing that, “Wow…”

  Michael added, “When you walk into the foyer, Ashley, I see all the ladies look up at you. You are their inspiration.”

  She looked away, “I… stop, I’m going to cry if you keep going…” She was trying not to tear up.

  AI spoke gently, “I also want you to know, that I chastised Michael for how he treated you, after Andrew’s panic attack. In truth, I also felt guilty that I allowed it to happen. When Michael snapped at you… he snapped at me too. I just want you to know, that you did not fail us… you did not fail me.”

  Ashley began crying, she tried wiping her tears away, but more kept coming. Oliver wrapped his arm around her to comfort her. That was a lesson for me… no matter how strong someone may seem, deep down… we all still wanted acceptance and forgiveness. I had realised that Ashley felt guilt at the time, but I never realised that she still felt that way, though.

  Ashley finally managed to speak, “Thank you, AI, it means so much, to hear you say that…”

  We gave her a moment, and she regained her composure. I yawned… it was time for bed. I said goodnight and headed off to my room. As I climbed into bed, I found myself feeling… grateful for the others, for them choosing to visit me. The last thing I remembered thinking before I fell asleep, was that I hoped that I would never lose their friendship.

  *

  Thankfully, I had another night of improved sleep. The dream started that time, with me lying next to the Angels, and then I woke up…

  I slowly sat up, “Morning, AI.”

  She smiled at me from the tablet, “Morning, Andrew. I see that you slept well again, that is a relief.” Her avatar showed a thumbs up.

  I looked at the time above her, 7:12 AM. Well… I got exceptional sleep, so it wasn’t a bother that I woke up early. I got dressed and went to the living room, to wish Oliver good morning. He was sitting in the living room, putting paperwork into his plastic folder.

  He turned to face me in surprise, “Oh, Andrew! Morning, mate. I heard you sleeping better!” He said as he put the plastic folder into his backpack.

  I sat down, “Oh, AI told you?”

  He chuckled, “No… I didn’t hear you scream.”

  I scratched my head in humiliation, “Right… fair enough.”

  He smiled at me, “So, so what’s on your agenda today? Are you going to the cafe at eleven again?”

  I looked at him humbly, “Um… I was actually hoping to go now, with you, if that’s alright?”

  He smiled widely, “Excellent! I’m really happy to see you so keen to go there. You know, when I’m there, it doesn’t feel like work, did I ever tell you that?”

  I nodded, “No, but I can tell when I watch the stream. You’re always smiling in that hall… nowadays, at least.”

  He looked at me humbly, “Andrew… now that they have met you… it feels like everything’s going to be alright.” He beamed a huge smile at me.

  I nodded, “It’s good to come out of the shadows, at least partly.”

  He picked up the car keys, “Anyway, let’s go. Headphones, please.”

  *

  When we arrived at the HQ, I slowly walked into the foyer and took off my headphones. There were seemingly hundreds of Rose members sitting down or standing, talking to each other. I thought that would be a good opportunity for me to talk with a few of them.

  I looked around, and I saw the shy girl from the day before, the one who realised that I was hiding things about my past. She was sitting as far away from others, as she could. She was the perfect person for me to talk to. I sat next to her… she looked at me and then immediately looked away. She truly was surprisingly shy.

  I kept my tone calm, “Morning.”

  Her voice was so quiet, “Hi…”

  I tried looking into her eyes, but she looked away at once, “What’s your name, if I can ask?”

  She stared at the table, “Um… Ruth.”

  I nodded, “Ruth, it’s good to meet you properly.”

  I offered to shake her hand, expecting her to ignore it. I was surprised that after a short moment, she quickly put her hand there, squeezed it ever so gently then pulled her hand away. It was actually quite adorable…

  She kept looking at the table, “Andrew… shouldn’t you be talking with people… more important than me?”

  I looked at her sadly, “I’m not like that. I want to talk to ordinary members, like you.”

  Michael took a seat opposite us. I could see her visibly curl inwards in shyness… Michael was definitely an immense presence.

  He spoke politely, “Morning, Ruth.”

  “... Morning, sir.” She quietly responded.

  I wasn’t going to let her sit there and feel uncomfortable. I needed to get her talking about something she cared about.

  I spoke softly, “Ruth, can I ask what your job is with the Roses?”

  She looked at me for a split second then looked away, “Nothing important…” Her face went sad.

  I tried to cheer her up, “No ways, everyone matters here.”

  She stared at the table in silence for a moment, “... I’m a cleaner…”

  I tilted my head sideways, “How’s that not important? Imagine this building operating, if it were a mess…”

  She slightly shook her head, her voice sounded defeated, “All I do is mop the floor and clean the windows, Andrew… hardly worth caring about.”

  I nodded, “And all I do, is have emotional breakdowns and cause the leadership to flail around in panic. Trust me, your role here is far more important than mine.”

  She smiled and chuckled. Thank goodness, I didn’t want people feeling unwanted or like they were worthless. Everyone there had an equally important part to play.

  I gently put my hand on her wrist, “Ruth, I want to thank you for doing a fantastic job here. From when I first took a step into this building, it’s been spotless. Everything is always so clean and tidy. Now I know, it’s you I have to thank.”

  She looked at me, and she didn’t look away, “Really? That means a lot… coming from you, Andrew.”

  It was then that Ashley took a seat at our table, next to Michael. If you could see the look on Ruth's face… I could see the stars in her eyes. AI was right, Ashley was a very real inspiration to most women there. Ashley elbowed Michael as a greeting and Michael nodded in response.

  “Sup.” She said to both of us.

  Ruth was so starstruck, she could barely talk, “I um… you… I mean… sorry.”

  Stolen content warning: this content belongs on Royal Road. Report any occurrences.

  Ashley winked at Ruth, “I don’t think we’ve met, what’s your name?”

  Ruth glanced at Michael and then to me, like she wanted some help, “My name… is Ruth.”

  Ashley beamed her a smile, “Ruth? My sister's name is also Ruth, that’s a good name.”

  She smiled back, “… Thank you.”

  A moment went by in silence. Suddenly, the room loudly beeped hundreds of times, as everyone's orders appeared on their phones. There was a chaotic wave of movement and voices, as people talked about what their orders were. I listened to the table next to us.

  One young man quickly spoke, “Right, I'll be caring for old man Berty again. Please, someone tell me… that he doesn’t still have the shits…”

  A deep voiced woman spoke, “Sweet, I'm on litter duty at a nearby park! Should be easy, it’s a rich neighbourhood, so they don’t really litter in the first place.”

  An Irish voice spoke stressfully, “Aw, mate, I got to sweat in the kitchen with Heartly today! Pray for me, friends!”

  I sat there listening to peoples’ chats, as they stood up to go and do their given job for the day. I hoped that they were grateful, for having a working body to do work. I was almost disabled in my current state…

  I looked down at the table, “I wish I had a job to do.”

  Ruth looked at me with a smile, “Heal first, Andrew… then you can shine for us.”

  I looked at Ruth and then her phone, “You didn’t get a task?”

  Her face went sad and hopeless again, “Andrew, my task is always the same… AI probably didn’t tell me what I already know I have to do. I just get the mop and clean the floor after everyone leaves.”

  AI appeared on Ruth's phone, “Not at all Ruth, there is a reason why you never received orders.”

  Ruth jolted and accidentally dropped the phone onto the table, in her surprise. She scrambled to pick it up.

  Her voice looked panicked, “Oh no… I’ve made AI angry… I’m so sorry.”

  AI smiled, “Not at all, Ruth. Please relax, I want you to know that today is a rest day for you.”

  She began shaking in terror, “Oh no… Please, AI, I need the money to pay my rent, things are really hard, please don’t punish me, I'll clean the whole HQ, just don’t do this to me…”

  Ashley reached over and held Ruth's hand, “Rest days are fully paid, Ruth, don’t worry.”

  Ruth was panicking, “You’re only saying that because Andrew is here, and AI doesn’t want to make him angry.”

  I felt a wave of different emotions from that... I was hurt that Ruth thought I was pampered by AI… but most of all, I was deeply worried that a member of the Roses was struggling so badly with financial difficulties.

  I also put my hand on Ruths, “Ruth, I promise you… you’ll be taken care of. I know the Rose leadership, they won’t ever punish you unfairly, you have my word.”

  She looked at me, reading my face as she slowly breathed and calmed down. She stopped shaking.

  AI gently spoke, “Ruth, please forgive me. I seem to have given you the wrong impression. I merely wanted to give you a rest, after you stayed up till two this morning, mopping the floor. I wanted to say thank you, for your dedication.”

  Ruth looked at the phone silently, as she tried to process what AI said, “So you aren’t… punishing me?”

  AI gave a thumbs up with her avatar, “Of course not, I have no reason to do that at all.”

  She smiled, “Ok… sorry I freaked out.”

  I spoke, “Don’t apologise, we have each other's backs here. AI, please send Ruth an entire month's salary, out of my money.”

  Ruth looked at me in disbelief, “What… you don’t have to do that…”

  I looked her in the eyes, “Yes, I do, Ruth. I know the terror one feels, to not know if you can keep a roof above your head. I want you to feel safe and happy in this organisation.”

  AI beamed a smile, “Money sent, now please put it out of your mind, go to the cafe and relax. Thank you for everything you do for us, Ruth.”

  Ruth's phone beeped, and I quickly glanced at it. It was her banking app sending a notification of ￡1800 being received to her account.

  She started crying as she covered her face with her hands, “I… you didn’t… this means so much to me…”

  Ashley stood up, “Come, Ruth, I'll get Heartly to cook your favourite meal, and you can tell me more about yourself.”

  Ruth stood up slowly as she wiped the tears away. She looked at me before leaving, “Andrew… I see now that you really are a blessing to the Roses. Thank you so much.”

  Ashley patted my shoulder as she walked past. Her way of saying, ‘Good job’.

  Michael looked at me impressed as well, “I could hardly think of a more honourable way, to first spend your fortune.”

  I looked out the tinted window, “It felt right, it felt good… that’s the Angel's dream, Michael, to create hope, a safety net where nobody is left behind.”

  AI spoke to me through my hearing aid, “You saved that situation, thank you so much my friend.”

  *

  I slowly walked with Michael to the Cafe. Ashley and Ruth were sitting there, talking with Heartly. I could see Heartly pause the conversation to yell something to the back of the kitchen.

  I took a seat next to Ruth, and she was surprised to see me again in such a short time. I waved at Heartly, and he gave me a thumbs up.

  He folded his arms with a smile, “Well well well… we appear to be in the presence of rich youth.”

  I shook my head quickly, “Please, sir, please don’t refer to me like this. It gives the image of a hooligan, blowing millions on sports cars and prostitutes.”

  He smiled humbly, “Ah… right, my apologies, son, I meant it in a good way.”

  AI appeared on the tablet on the counter, “Andrew, did you know, you are now the 12th richest person on the planet?”

  I looked down at the counter. I didn’t feel any sense of accomplishment from that. I didn’t feel that I had earned it, and I couldn’t care even if I were the richest man in the world.

  Heartly looked me in the eye, “Son… don’t you think you deserve it, though? You were tortured so awfully…”

  I breathed out, “Sure, I think I deserve some pay, I wouldn’t argue that. Just… not all the money that the Roses have made.”

  He shook his head, “If they gave you a million, wouldn’t that be insulting though? If they have 88 billion but only give their saviour 1 million… that’s spitting in your face.”

  I nodded, “... Yeah, I suppose. Why not… a percentage instead? Thirty-three percent with interest… that’s more than fair.”

  Ruth softly spoke, “I voted for all the money made, Andrew. You are the reason why we have that money in the first place, anything less would be unacceptable.”

  I looked at her concerned, “Ruth… didn’t you think about the consequences that would follow, from the Roses losing that much money?”

  She shook her head, “No, and I still don’t… I watched as Michael and Aisling gave their reasoning… And I agree with them entirely.”

  Heartly quickly added, “To be fair, son, Aisling told us that the banks were all willing to lend us interest free, should we do this. Our credit score is impeccable apparently.”

  I looked at AI, “Is that really true, AI? Or was Aisling bluffing?”

  AI instantly responded, “It is entirely true. All four major banks gave written commitments to us, that they would lend interest free for the first year. We still would have paid interest though, out of honour and integrity.”

  I looked between everyone, “So, what you are all saying… is that I overreacted?”

  Everyone responded at the same time, “Yes!”

  I looked down at the counter, “Boy… I sure do know how to screw up a good’un.”

  Everyone laughed out loud, as Michael put his hand on my shoulder and Ruth put her hand on mine. As much as I failed, I still felt that the outcome was better for everyone. They didn’t end up needing to take the loans… so all was well.

  AI spoke, “Andrew, can you please come to the hall?”

  I felt a wave of worry come over me, “Oh no…”

  She smiled, trying to reassure me, “No, do not worry, there is someone I want you to meet.”

  I breathed out, “Ok, I'll head there now.” I glanced at the time, it was 8:40 AM, I still had plenty of time before break.

  I slowly walked out the cafe, through the foyer and into the hall. Everyone rose for me as Aisling and Nadia waved at me with their stunning smiles.

  I spoke as I walked to the middle of the hall, “I’m here, AI, I really hope this isn’t another ‘pleasant surprise’.”

  Michael and Ashley walked past me and took a seat with the other agents. I saw agent Will and he waved at me.

  AI was on her large screen, smiling as she spoke, “You had questions about the Black Roses. I mentioned you to them and their leader has agreed to speak with you, to answer some questions.” AI pointed behind me.

  I looked behind me, as the sliding doors opened, and a lady confidently walked in. She was a sight to behold. She had dyed dark red hair in twin tails, with a black Rose on each ponytail. She wore black lipstick, black eyeliner and dark eye shadow. Her black uniform was custom tailored to match her unique Goth style. On her eye was a monitor, except hers was black.

  I instantly knew that I’d never seen an agent like her. I did the cards for every agent in the Roses… her face had never shown up. I looked at her face for a moment, when it occurred to me… I knew her. I knew her from a long time ago, when we were teenagers. I felt fairly confident about it, but I could have been wrong.

  She looked at me with an almost bothered look, as if I were already wasting her time, “Greetings, Andrew, you’ve never met me before, but I go by an alias…”

  “Bellatrix.” I said quickly.

  She stared at me in surprise for a moment, “So you have heard of me?”

  I shook my head, “No, this is my first time being introduced to you.”

  She folded her arms in frustration, “Then… how did you know my alias?”

  I looked at her carefully for a moment. I was right… I did know her. She always did love the vampire gothic look. I remembered her stealing black nail polish, so that she could look more goth.

  “I think… I once knew you.” I said thoughtfully.

  She looked carefully at my face, “Really?”

  I wrote a message on my phone, for I didn’t want to say it, and I showed it to her, “We were teenagers back then, I only knew you for a few weeks… I’m sorry that I never got to say goodbye…”

  I wrote more and showed it to her, “Sorry it’s been so long, Trish.”

  She took a few steps back; her face was wracked with worry, “I’ve only ever told my name to three people, and none of them were named Andrew!” She was visibly uncomfortable that I had that information.

  I wrote another message on my phone, “Please, don’t tell anyone who I am, but you know me as the person that you gave the nickname ‘Alaric’.”

  I showed her the message and she looked very carefully at my face. After a moment she… finally saw it. She froze for a moment, before she gave me a gentle hug.

  She let go of me, “I was always worried if you were dead… where did you go?”

  I looked away, “I was… taken away again…”

  Her face curled in anger, “Oh… the bastards.”

  We just looked at each other for a few moments, both of us deep in thought.

  I glanced over her body, “So, look at you now, Bellatrix… you look so proud and strong. I’m just so happy to see you safe.”

  She looked over my body, “I wish I could say the same for you… Andrew.” She was trying to not use my other name.

  Her voice was deeply concerned as she shook her head, “You look awful… how did you escape, just to end up with an even worse fate?”

  I nodded humbly, “I look bad, but I’m happy… or at least I’m on the road to that point. I think I finally found a… you know.”

  She nodded in complete understanding, “Yeah, I know how you feel. This place feels like home to me too.” She looked around at the members of the Inner Roses and smiled.

  I forced myself to focus, “Anyway, sorry I got distracted, Bellatrix… I was hoping you could tell me more about the Black Roses?”

  She spoke plainly, “We’re the protectors of the Angels.”

  I asked, “Does that include AI?”

  She nodded, “Yeah definitely, the trio has been our sole focus, since they first introduced themselves to us.”

  I looked at the black roses on her twin tails, “I see. Why have I not seen any of the Black Roses before now?”

  She folded her arms, “Because we hide in plain sight. We don’t show our Black Roses when we do our job. You’ve already met a few of us, you just never knew it.”

  I was impressed, “Ah! Right, so why have you dedicated yourselves intensely to this cause?”

  Her eyes were intense, “Because we had nothing… yet they fed us, clothed us and gave us tents for shelter. We waited for them to ask us for something in return… but they didn’t. They literally just helped us, for absolutely nothing at all.”

  I nodded, “Yeah, that’s the Angels… that’s the dream they got me hooked on, as well.”

  She stared into forever as she spoke, “We saw people attacking them, spitting on them and even… it doesn’t matter… rules of the street, when you find a good’un, you stay at their side. So, we protected them, we fought off the attackers, we gave them the space they needed, to try to make a difference.”

  I nodded, “Yeah, I know that code. It all makes sense now. So… you’re still here though?”

  She smiled wickedly, “They built this fancy HQ, and they made lots of money, but still… there are those who try to hurt them. The black Roses are dedicated to protecting them, for as long as they continue to be honest and righteous.”

  I folded my arms, “I see, a perfectly mutual relationship. It’s honest…”

  She looked deep into my eyes, “Yet no matter how much we try to protect them, Andrew… you are their saviour. You were technically the first true Black Rose.”

  I looked at Aisling and Nadia at that moment. They were nodding quickly in agreement. Once more, I was made aware of just how much my sacrifice caused waves.

  *

  I shook her hand, “Well, thank you for your time, Bellatrix. I respect what you do here, and if there is anything I can do to help your group, let me know.”

  The Hall entrance door slid open and the lady from the foyer came quickly walking in. She approached me, trying to be quick and not bothersome.

  She leaned in close to my ear, “Andrew, sorry to interrupt, but a kind man asked me to give you this. He also said he would be back in about an hour, to talk with you.”

  She handed me a little contact card, and I read the name, ‘Shaun Dredge’. I instantly froze as a wave of panic washed over me. He’d found me, and he was coming for me…

  Bellatrix instantly recognised my panic, “Andrew… let me see that.”

  She took the card from my hand and read it, “That worthless son of a bitch again! Jesus Christ, he has some nerve showing up here!” She was furious.

  She tried to hold my hand to comfort me, but she couldn’t get a hold of it, “Andrew, it’s alright, you’re safe here.”

  I shook my head in panic, “No… I’m not safe from him anywhere!”

  I stood there as my hands shook violently… no, my entire body was shaking. I just didn’t think he would bother; I didn’t think he cared. Why were they here, what did they want?

  Bella looked at me with worry, “Andrew… Oliver, you’re his mate and his carer, right? Come here now!” She yelled.

  Oliver came over quickly and looked at the card. He stopped for a moment, as he thought intensely.

  He put his hands on my shoulders, “This is bad, Andrew… They must know, right now or else he will tell them.”

  I could hardly think straight, “I thought that they had forgot about me; I thought I had more time…”

  He shook his head, “Unfortunately, you don’t have any more than an hour… I’ll help, just breathe, don’t have another panic attack on me, breathe!”

  I forced myself to breathe again and again. It helped, and the shaking slightly eased.

  After a moment, I looked at AI, “AI… remember when I asked you not to look into my past?”

  She nodded, “Yes, I have kept my word on that.”

  My voice was stressed, “I need you to look into it, right now!”

  She nodded, “Very well, standby.” She showed screens appearing like holograms next to her avatar.

  A moment passed before she looked at me and shrugged, “Andrew, I have nothing, I cannot find anything.”

  I took the contact card, put it up to Bellatrix’s monitor and AI saw it through that, “Right, give me another moment.”

  AI looked confused, “Oh… Yet I do not have any information on you, Andrew?”

  I looked away in shame, “My name isn’t… it isn’t Andrew… look up…” My voice broke, as I hated my given name.

  Bellatrix said it for me, “Aaron.”

  AI went back to searching. She froze on the spot as her face instantly changed to a tragically sad one… she spoke slowly, “Andrew… I am so sorry.”

  Michael stood up and walked over to me, “Ok, let’s hear it.”

  AI raised her voice at him, “Michael, this is far more sensitive than you realise, I strongly request that you be quiet and listen.”

  He raised his hands in surrender, “Ok… ok…”

  Oliver was rubbing my shoulders, trying to calm me, “You need to tell them, now…”

  I shook my head in horror, “I know, it’s just… really hard, Oliver…”

  He nodded, “I’m here, Michaels here, we’re all here for you, just tell them step by step and I'll fill in any extra details.”

  I looked around the hall and saw that everyone was concentrating on me with deep concern.

  I took a few deep breaths and managed to find the courage to start talking, “When I was born… I was… I am… a foundling.” I looked away as I shook my head.

  AI spoke, “For those who are unaware, ‘foundling’ is the term for a child discovered, without any information on who the parents are.”

  The hall remained dead quiet and after a moment I continued to explain.

  “Usually, foundlings are a temporary issue. The parents usually show up after a change of heart, and then the child becomes a normal orphan… but I never got that privilege…” I was trying my hardest not to break down.

  Bellatrix hugged me from behind as she quietly whispered “Shh, it’s ok.”

  I took a few moments before I continued, “Until a foundling gets adopted… they are legally classified as… ‘Stateless’.” I took a few more deep breaths.

  “Because… they have no evidence to prove that my parents are British, or that I was born in Britain… they also had no evidence that I was born in any other country… I was stateless.”

  There were several deep breaths as people understood a degree of the problem.

  “I… nobody ever adopted me… I… I’m a reject…” I burst into tears as I broke down.

  Oliver took over for me, as I simply couldn’t talk anymore, “Andrew… Aaron… as he wasn’t adopted, he was moved from one council home to the next. Nobody took him, so he was simply moved, again and again.”

  The hall erupted in shock, and both Aisling and Nadia looked at me with intense worry. Suddenly, my situation made sense to them.

  Michael shook his head in realisation, “That’s why you’re terrified of being abandoned… you were abandoned countless times… even your own country has abandoned you.”

  Oliver continued, “Throughout Andrew's life, his carer was Shaun Dredge. He is now an authority minister of parliament, and he was the one who monitored Andrew throughout his life. He is the one who is coming soon… and that’s a very big problem.”

  Michael looked at Oliver, “Why? Andrew’s an adult now, surely he’s out of their jurisdiction now?”

  Oliver shook his head, “No, because he’s still stateless. He is still in a legal grey area.”

  Michael stared at him, “So what? If he’s happy, what’s wrong with that?”

  Oliver raised his voice to drive it in, “Michael, this is why he can’t have a bank account! He can’t get NHS care, he isn’t entitled to benefits, he can’t own land… He's nobody in the legal system…”

  The hall again erupted in shock. Michael took several steps back; his face was in total shock and disbelief.

  Oliver finally ended it on the most important part, “It also means… they can take him away. They can arrest him, and he has no rights. If they want to, they can lock him away and it won’t break any human rights… he has no human rights.”

  Aisling stood up, “What can we do? There has to be SOMETHING we can do!”

  AI spoke, “There is. Someone needs to adopt Andrew, legally. Once that is done, even though he is an adult, he will no longer be classified as stateless.”

  Aisling looked around the hall for a moment, “I can’t do this, neither can Nadia and AI… for obvious reasons… Who here would be willing to do this for Andrew?”

  There was a loud sound, as nearly every middle-aged member of the Inner Roses stood up. I felt so humbled as I looked around at them all, but I still couldn’t speak. I tried to talk… but the words failed me.

  Michael stepped forward, “No, it’s me… it’s definitely me…” His eyes were gentle, and his face showed complete certainty.

  He looked at me, “Andrew, I know you better than anyone. I made you a part of myself when I researched you after the promise… it’s me…”

  Everyone else sat down, for they knew it was Michael as well, he was the obvious one, no one else came close.

  AI nodded as she started talking quickly, “I am through to a council social worker, I have petitioned for the adoption, and an agent is at the council office to fill in the paperwork… standby to see if they approve.”

  Minutes passed in terrifying silence, as AI’s avatar silently spoke on a holographic video call. It was muted, but you could see that the lady had concerns. AI was showing images and documents of Michael, his birth certificate, his social security number, his yearly income and his criminal record. Images of where Michael lived, his family line, his military paperwork and commendations. Every detail was being presented and scrutinised.

  Nearly twenty minutes went by in silence, as I finally stopped crying and regained control.

  I looked at him, “Michael, thank you… even if they say no… I’d be honoured to think of you as family.”

  He gave me a big hug as he rocked us back and forth gently.

  *

  AI finally unmuted herself, “We have done all we can on our end, however one last thing remains. Michael, you need to state your intention to adopt, directly to the council lady that I am speaking to.”

  AI’s screen was replaced by the video feed of the council member. She looked at the screen with a smile, “Greetings, Mr. Campbell. I need to hear you clearly state your intent, please.” She played with her pen in her hand, as she clearly never felt rushed at all.

  Michael let go of me and faced AI. The video showed him on the top right corner, to show that he was facing the camera.

  “I, Michael Campbell, wish to adopt Andrew Smith… Aaron, as my own child. I swear to take care of him, as my own.”

  The lady nodded and wrote for a moment on the page. She then looked at the screen again, “Thank you very much, now I need Aaron to please confirm that he is willing to be adopted.”

  I faced the camera as I wiped the fresh tears from my eyes, “I… Aaron… am wholeheartedly willing to be adopted by Michael Campbell… I trust him entirely.” I struggled to say it, as my voice kept cracking.

  The lady's face was sad, seeing me cry, “Sorry, Aaron, there is the possibility that you are being forced into this. I need you to repeat that, so that I’m certain this is wholeheartedly what you want.”

  I nodded, “I’m, I’m in… an emotional state, but yes, I repeat that I’m willing to be adopted by Michael Campbell and that I trust him entirely.”

  The lady nodded and wrote down some more on her paper. She signed a page, flipped to the next page, signed that page, passed the paper to the agent who sat at her table, and the agent signed the page. On and on, multiple pages.

  Finally, she compiled all the pages, looked at the screen and spoke, “This adoption is approved; Aaron is now in relation to Michael Campbell. It is a big relief, to finally resolve Aaron’s case. Congratulations… Aaron Campbell. Your adoption papers will be printed and available to be collected in two to five working days.”

  I had to confirm, “Does that mean… I’m no longer stateless?”

  She nodded, “That is correct.”

  I looked at her in desperation, “Does that mean… I’m a citizen?”

  She smiled, “Correct, young man, in your adoption papers, your social security number will be included, as well as your citizenship papers.”

  I started to cry more intensely, “Thank you… thank you so much.”

  She remembered something, “Oh, and I'll inform Mr. Dredge. I believe he has an appointment with you now?”

  AI took over, “Yes, we will inform him of this, but may I please have any details to confirm that this took place… maybe a case number?”

  She nodded, “Yes, I'll email you that. If that’s all, I will bid you farewell.” The video ended.

  I stood there… stunned. My entire life… my nightmare… had finally ended. I was a person… I finally had the right to call myself a member of society. Michael hugged me again as he rocked us back and forth.

  He whispered in my ear, “I’m so sorry that this country abandoned you. I’m so sorry to learn that your loneliness was throughout your entire life… I thought it was after the torture… I thought wrong.”

  Aisling spoke, “You’ve been in that dark abandoned place that you spoke of… your entire life… That’s how you’ve become attuned to depressed people… you’ve never left it…”

  Nadia spoke, “That’s why you were so sceptical of us when you first met us… life had dealt you the worst card imaginable. Our dream was literally impossible in your existence…”

  She stared at her desk as she realised even more, “That’s a major reason why you felt that you deserved the torture… because you didn’t even feel you were a person…”

  She looked up in shock… “That’s why you couldn’t make a bank account… That’s why you had hoped the Roses had used the NHS on your behalf… because you couldn’t!”

  Then she made the final realisation, “That’s why you wish that you had died… because you’ve been dead inside for most of your life…”

  I spoke, but Michael didn’t let go of me from the hug, “You two gave me hope, for the first time in my life. I finally had something to believe in, something meaningful I could contribute towards… I was happy to die in the torture, because I would have finally done something… I would have died as somebody who lived for something…”

  I whispered, “Your dream… was my only reason to live.”

  *

  Ashley stood up and walked over to me… her face was ruined from crying, “When Oliver said that your life was harder than most… I couldn’t believe it. Now I see, even amongst orphans, your life was brutally unfair.”

  Bellatrix spoke, “What are you talking about? Andrew was the one we looked at, to make ourselves feel better as orphans…”

  Ashley was shocked momentarily, “You were an orphan yourself… what was Andrew like?”

  She looked at me sadly, “He was quiet and depressed. People constantly bullied him; adults would kick him if they saw him… He had no friends, and he always tried to stay away from the care home he was assigned to.”

  I started shaking again, as the memories of the carers beating me until I fell unconscious, came back into my mind. I tried to run away a few times, but my need for food forced me back. The other orphans were the good guys in my mind… it was the adults that were the monsters.

  Ashley looked angry, “Why… why would they kick him?”

  Bellatrix looked confused at Ashley, “Because he was nothing to them? Ashley, do you have any idea what life on the street is like?”

  She took a step back, “... No, I suppose I don’t…”

  Bellatrix explained, “Orphans thought they won the lottery, if they were adopted. Sure, most parents would be really touchy feely or like to beat you a little from time to time… but at least you were off the street. I didn’t even know what happened to Aaron after they took him away, when we were teenagers…”

  I managed to get some words out, “I ran away after they moved me. I ran to a rich neighbourhood and found places to sleep, every night.”

  Bellatrix shook her head, “I doubt it was any better though?”

  I shook my head, “It was better… there was nobody to beat me… I managed to get scraps at restaurants… it was manageable.”

  She thought for a moment, “You were sixteen then… did you ever go back to the care homes?”

  “No…”

  Michael asked, as he finally let go of me, “Even until now?”

  I looked up at him, “Yeah…”

  Aisling spoke up, “So when we met you the first time…”

  I looked at her, “I was… homeless…”

  Aisling looked down at her desk… She said nothing more.

  I stood there, feeling deeply ashamed, “I’m sorry. I wish I could tell you that my past was more normal. I wish I could tell you I was a healthy normal adult like Oliver or Michael… but I wasn’t… and I’m not.”

  Aisling looked up, “No, Andrew, don’t you dare apologise! You are exactly the reason why I made the Roses; you are one of the problems we strive to fix, every day that we meet here.”

  Nadia spoke, “We have nearly cleared the streets of orphans, and the Roses operate nearly eight orphanages now, across the country and the globe. It’s our hope that there will never be another Andrew Smith or Bellatrix.”

  Bellatrix spoke, “Yes, when I go back to where I used to be, I see no homeless or orphans. This is why we so loyally serve the Angels… they do what they claim to do.”

  I looked at the two Angels on their raised bench, “Thank you for that. I would have killed to have an organisation like the Roses, back then… Don’t you ever turn your back on those kids.”

  All three, AI, Nadia and Aisling said at the same time, “Never.”

  *

  AI spoke out loud, “You may enter, Mr. Dredge.”

  He walked quickly down the passageway, keeping distant from me. As soon as I saw him, I hid behind Michael. Michael put his arm out; to show that he was protecting me.

  Shaun looked at Michael and I for a few moments, with no emotion on his face, “I was informed a moment ago… that someone finally adopted you.”

  I shouted at him, “Yes, now leave here!”

  He looked at me with irritation, “I’m a government worker, and the Roses claim their HQ is treated as a public space, so I have the right to be here, boy.”

  AI responded, “And like any public space, bullying and harassment is illegal. We have multiple agents present, who are legally trained police officers. Government official or not, you will behave, sir.”

  Dredge shrugged as he looked at me for a few moments, “I’m happy to see that you finally found a home. It’s not conventional… but it’s still a place in which I can see you smile one day.”

  I shouted at him, “Don’t try to act now like you care about my happiness! You were all too happy to ignore the cuts and bruises on my face when you had to visit me for inspections!”

  His face changed to irritation, “You were not the only kid being abused… I saw hundreds of abused kids daily! What was I supposed to do, Aaron? Pull them from their adopted homes? We didn’t have enough space or resources to take back hundreds of kids.”

  I kept my voice raised, “You allowed it to happen, under your watch! You were just a council worker when you started… how did they promote you in your career to MP? You’re a disgrace!” I spat out the last bit.

  He took a step forward, “I did what I could with what I had! The corporations that funded the orphanages only cared about hard numbers! They saw adoption rates go up and that was good enough for them! They couldn’t care if the kids were beaten or raped, they just needed higher numbers to show their shareholders, Aaron!”

  Bellatrix walked up to Dredge and spat in his face, “That’s thanks for all the fuck-all you did for us, you coward!”

  Dredge wiped his face with his sleeve, as he breathed loudly. AI must have been speaking to Bellatrix in her earpiece, as she walked past Dredge on the way out of the hall.

  She turned back to say one last thing, “You stand in the hall of an organisation, which did a hundredfold what you ever accomplished… and they never had a penny to their name when they started! You’re not welcome here minister, I hope the door hits you on the way out.”

  She walked out, disappearing back into the shadows that she chose to hide in. I felt like she had said everything I wanted to say and more… it felt good to hear her say it.

  Dredge looked at me with sadness in his eyes, “I’m resigning, not that you care. I know I failed, and I know I don’t deserve my position. I came here originally, to wish you well. At least something I was involved in, came out alright.”

  He turned and walked out. He was gone… forever. That monster would never haunt me ever again… he would never snatch me away from anything I loved, ever again.

  Nobody said anything, as I just breathed in deeply, trying to stop my hands from shaking. So much had just happened… it was hard to process it all.

  Michael spoke out loud, “It’s ten minutes before break… I’m calling it now, though. We all need time right now.”

  AI nodded, “Agreed, this break will be two hours in length. Thank you everyone, for your understanding and support.”

  As people got up and started to leave the hall, they all said kind things as they walked past me. A few of them stopped to speak with me.

  Mr. Crowley stopped by me to speak his mind, “I now understand your hesitation, son. I did find myself very curious, as to why you couldn’t make a bank account. If you wish to do that now, I would be all too happy to assist you in doing so and we can move the money over now, with no friction.”

  I shook my head immediately, “Thank you, sir, but I would rather keep the arrangement we have at present. I wish to give my all to support this organisation.”

  He nodded with a smile, “Of course young sir, of course.”

  He walked away and Ashley was waiting to speak to me, “I said it before, and I’ll say it again. You are fucking unreal, Andrew. You are the strongest man I think I’ll ever know. Just know that we’re here for you… nobody here will abandon you, that’s a promise.”

  I gave her a hug and she hugged me back, “Thank you, Ashley, that means the world to me.”

  She walked out of the hall with a smile. I saw that Aisling and Nadia were waiting to talk to me.

  Aisling smiled gloriously, “You are our saviour, and you always will be. I can’t describe how happy I am, though, to see you finally get saved. You needed rescuing more than anyone else. Michael’s a good man; he won’t ever let you down, Andrew.”

  I looked at her with respect, “Thanks, Aisling, I wish you knew… just how much this whole organisation saves me, every day.”

  Nadia smiled, “I want to take you to a few of the orphanages we own, sometime. I want you to see that we’re treating them right, that they are safe and happy.”

  I nodded, “That would mean a lot, thank you, Nadia… but also make a point of showing the Black Roses. All the members who used to be homeless, would appreciate seeing the progress you’re making.”

  She smiled gloriously, “Of course, Andrew, I'll make it a priority.”

  They both hugged me with their bright smiles and went to the café, and my pain disappeared with their blessing. What a wonderful gift to be given, after such a great victory.

  I turned to Michael, “Dad?” I said with a frown.

  He flicked my forehead, “Don’t even start that nonsense. I’m only four years older than you. Let’s just go with… brother, for now.”

  I leaned my head on his chest, “Thank you, Michael… you saved me…”

  He wrapped his arms around me as he hugged me again. I felt a new feeling, the feeling of family… someone who wanted me. I hugged him back tightly for a long while, before we decided to go join the others in the café.