Prologue

Rivalry… that s how they describe each other, they are mortal enemies when it comes to their academic and non-academic matters, just like how vampires hate the sun and the crops hate pests but sometimes life can be so playful that the person you hate the most can be your knight shining armor and make you feel like the most precious gem in this cruel world. They both value education and extracurricular activities, they are both dedicated to everything they do, though they have huge personality differences.

But in able to achieve their goals, they have their own issues in life and consequences to conquer to reach what they want.

Will they be able to get through and succeed?

What our eyes can see and foresee may lie because everything in this world has its deep secrets, everyone lies… mortal or venial. It's just that sometimes it would leave shock in our minds because what would happen next might be the most UNEXPECTED one.

Alex Hera POV

I m just a simple girl, a little weird but sometimes jolly and noisy. I am nice and friendly but many people quite despise me. Well you know, when insecurity hits them it could start to something hateful. My name s Alex Hera Lee, an 18-year-old Grade 12 student. I am the current Student Council President, Editor in Chief of our Journalism team and member of various clubs and organizations within our school, I m also the top student of our class… however, I have an enemy, we tied as the top student and his name is Eros.

Drake Eros POV

"Prince Drake", that's how girls call me on our campus. Why? Because they say that I'm the perfect prince of this school. Tch, nonsense. My real name is Drake Eros Tan, an 18-year-old Grade 12 student. I don t really like interacting with so many people, I like being alone, most of the time I'm hot-headed and I don't care about others unless I am important to me. I'm the current captain of our school Basketball team and the Vice President of the Student Council and a member of various clubs and organizations inside our school. I'm also the top student of our class… however, I have an enemy, we are tied as the top student and her name is Hera.

CHAPTER 1 – WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

Alex Hera s POV

"Good morning Lexlex", I slowly opened my eyes when I heard a familiar voice coming from the side of my bed. I m still sleepy so I covered my ears by using my pillow and yes, it s peaceful again, no more noi--.

"GOOD MORNING LEXLEX", I suddenly jumped out of my bed because of that, oh geez my ear …and most important my heart, I thought it s going to explode.

Well, who wouldn t be startled if 12 children yelled in your tiny room? Yes, it is right… 12 children, they are all my lovely siblings.

Ever since our parents died because of the car accident, I am the one who took all the responsibility they left in this world; and the hardest part of it is being a mother and also a father to my siblings, of course, that includes taking good care of them, teaching them the right values and character and most importantly providing all their needs.

To be honest, nobody knows in our school that I have siblings; I always keep it private ever since.

For now, we live in our relative's house, where every weekday after class I accepted to tutor my cousin to have extra income. They are kind enough to take us in, they have a secret house beneath their fancy house and I found it really amazing, it is said to be their hidden place in case of emergencies.

"Lexlex, wake up. We prepared breakfast for you and all of us! Get up now, please. We're all starving!", Ikay said. And then…

"Arghhh.", I complained when they all jumped on my bed to hug me.

"C-can t breathe.", I simply said to give me some space. They just giggled and kissed me on my cheeks, after that they all rushed to the kitchen.

I clean my room before heading out to our table, and wow. My eyes widened because they truly prepared breakfast. I drink a glass of water first before sitting down to my sit.

"LET S EAT!!!", they all screamed when we re all dined.

I hurriedly tap their hands to avoid them getting the food.

"Hey, we need to pray first before eating. Don t forget that okay? Angel, will you please lead the prayer?", I sweetly asked my sister.

"Okay Lexlex", she answered sweetly and closed her eyes.

"We thank you God our Lord for giving us another day to live, we ask forgiveness for all the sins and shortcomings we made to you and our neighbors as well. Please continue to guide us and provide for our needs. Thank you so much for everything, we love you. Amen.", Angel prayed and ended it with a smile.

Aww, she s really is an angel.

After a little moment of silence, we all stared at each other and…

"LET S EAAAAAAT!!!", we all screamed and started to fill our empty stomachs.

YUUUUUM YUUUUUUM YUUUUUUUM, it s a promising breakfast, I swear.

They cooked it really well huh, I m proud of them. They're growing so fast. I washed the dishes first before preparing myself to work, I have another part-time job and I need to go there early.

"My lovely dears, please behave okay? You guys just stay here okay? Don t leave this place until it is needed. There s food out there so please don t starve yourself." I sincerely warned and lecture them.

"Mike, you re the eldest here, please attend to our brothers and sisters needs while I m on my work okay? Don t fight okay?", I pat his head and he nods with a smile.

I'm still fixing my stuff when Mike came towards me shyly. I know he needs something or he has something to say, he's the one who gives me updates and reminds me of the things I need to buy or attend to.

"U-uhmm, Lexlex.", he started.

I just stared at him and wait for him to finish his concerns.

"Lexlex, baby Ritchie and baby Rocco are almost out of milk.", Kyla finished what Mike needs to say.

I just nod to them and put the milk on my list.

"And Lexlex we need to pay something for our school matters and projects as well.", my other siblings said.

"Okay okay, I ll figure it out to provide all of it okay? Leave it all to me. I love you all!", I waved at them and they waved together with a flying kiss.

"WE LOVE YOU LEXLEX!! TAKE CARE.", they all screamed which make me laugh and give me more energy and strength.

This time they are my only inspiration, they are the reason why I m happy to wake up every day, and they give me strength and all the courage to face the reality of the cruel world. I love them so much that I m willing to do everything for them. I don't care if I get calluses on my hands or suffer from work, I'll do anything for them just to see their smiles and put them into a good situation where I can fulfil all their needs.

After that, I started walking to the coffee shop that I work in.

***

Drake Eros POV

"AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!", I jumped out of my bed when I heard my sister s freaking voice.

"Sh*t, Kanae why are you yelling?", I asked her.

Tch, she s so childish and immature as always.

"YOUUUUUUUUU CUPIDO, WHY ARE YOU YELLING TOO? YOU RE A MONSTER TOO AAAAAAAAAAAAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!

I HAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAATE YOUUUUUUUUUUU!!!", she yelled again that it almost ruin my ear drums.

"Tch, get out Kanae and tell Mom I ll go downstairs after taking shower. Now, leave spoiled brat.", I said with a bored tone.

"WHATEVER CUPIDO.", she rolled her eyes before saying that and slam the door.

I m still sleepy though but I need to take a shower, we have basketball practice today and I don't like being late.

After that, I tiredly went to our dining and I saw that my mom and dad are already there together with my sister, they are drinking their favorite morning drinks.

"Good morning Mom and Dad.", I greeted them and sit at my usual designated place every time we eat.

"Good morning son, so I guess you have basketball practice today?", my father asked even though it s obvious.

"Yep Dad, I have a meeting together with my teammates, you know interhigh s coming and we need to get ready.", I answered and take a sip from my coffee.

"Ohhh my dear, we should watch our baby boy play!", my Mom exclaimed with excitement.

BABY BOY???!

"Mom, please stop calling me that way, I m too old for that. I ll let you watch our game but I have one condition.", I said it with all respect to my Mom.

"Okay okay, what is it son?!", my Mom asked while clapping her hands.

"Stop calling me Baby Boy, okay? It s now a deal.", I saw my Mom pout when I said that.

"What is wrong with calling you like that, besides you are my baby boy always and forever, nobody can change that baby. Unless uhmm, baby boy… do you have a girlfriend?", my Mom asked with a baby face that almost made me choke.

"WHAT THE?! STOP IT MOM PLEASE!", I yelled and hurriedly get my things before my Mom starts to make a fuss and drama.

"Bye, I ll go ahead.", I said and rapidly ran to my car so the nonsense conversation will be done.

While driving, some thoughts came to my mind. As the Captain of the Basketball Team, I have to do my duties and responsibilities accordingly. I know that they're all good and hardworking but they always depend on me and my leadership skills, I need to train them to work on their own but at the same time maintaining teamwork. Though we have a coach, my team members' respect and trust me more than him, that's why I mustn't fail them, and also for the senior students this is our last chance to play and be the champions of the court, we must win.

"What the heck?", I whispered out of anger.

What a life, I don t want to be late but this traffic is killing me softly.

This. is. bullsh*t.

We also have a meeting before our practice start and here I am still stuck in this traffic. Tch, oh well what else can I do?

I sighed and closed my eyes to calm myself down when I opened it I look on the other side of the road and my eyes widened when I saw a very familiar face.

"H-hera? Is that Hera? But why is she wearing a waitress uniform?", I closed my eyes and rubbed them using my fingers to see it clearly.

"Oh, it's not her.", I exhaled when I saw a different woman. I must be crazy thinking it was Hera.

Good thing the flow of traffic start to become smooth and luckily after a minute I manage to arrive at school. And before I could step on the floor of our court the scream and laugh of my teammates filled the whole area, tch, what a bunch of kiddos.

"Hey Captain, you're too early today huh?!", my teammate named Kairo was the first one to greet me.

"I'm not in the mood Kairo, so please shut up or else…", I gave him my deadly look while saying that.

"Okay Captain, relax okay? Inhale exhale, calm down.", he nervously said but still trying to be funny.

"Tch, call the other members and let s start the meeting.", I formally said.

"AYE AYE CAPTAIN!", he said while saluting.

I just shook my head out of disappointment, yes I may be late today but that doesn t mean that they can fool and play around. I expect that they are all assembled already when I came. They re all great players but when no one is leading them ughhh, they are a complete mess.

"Good morning.", I greeted them.

"GOOD MORNING CAPTAIN!", they screamed.

"Okay Spartans, inter-high is already coming and this year we have a lot of enemies and of course our mortal enemy will be there as well, the "Trojans", we know that every year they are the hardest team to beat and they always say that we can t win against them. But this time it will be different, we won t let them win and crush us, not again. Remember this is the last chance for us seniors to play, that s why we must win and bring the throne to our home, is that clear?", I formally said with authority while keeping eye contact with them. "AYE AYE CAPTAIN!", they all responded and I can see the fire and determination in their eyes.

"We will have our practice every day after class and full or half-day practice every Saturday and Sunday, we will also try new strategies and tactics so that we can be prepared when they attack. WE MUST WIN EVERY GAME, IS THAT CLEAR?!", I shouted with all my authority.

"AYE AYE CAPTAIN!", they shouted too and stand up straight to salute.

"Tch, Good, let's start now idiots.", I said and leave to change my clothes.

"CAPTAIN WE'RE NOT IDIOTS!", they all screamed and laugh after that.

Tch, they are a bunch of kiddos though some of them are seniors too and the same of my age. They may be playful and a mess but I trust them, when it comes to practice they are all listening and dedicated they just need someone to lead them, and for that, I'll do my best and won t let them down. We re going to win team, I just know it.

I smiled at that thought.

***

Alex Hera POV

"Hey Alex, here s your salary for today.", Madame Irene called me and hand me the money I worked for today.

"Thank you so much Madame Irene!", I received the envelope with both of my hands and bow after that as a sign of respect and gratefulness.

Madame Irene is my boss, she s the owner of the coffee shop and I work here every Saturday and Sunday.

"You can go now Alex and by the way here's my children's old clothes you can give them to your siblings also bring this food home.", Madame Irene gave me two bags full of clothes and one plastic bag of bread and fruits.

"I know it s not much my dear, but it s the least I could help.", she said sincerely and I'm out of words.

This is too much for us Madame, this means a lot for us. I said to my mind.

"Thank you so much Madame.", I hugged her.

She hugged me back; we're not relatives or what. For some people, I'm just her employee and she's my employer, but for me, she's my dearest best friend, a family. She's the only one I could talk to when I have problems in life and my number one adviser when I need some deep advice. I'm thankful that she accepted me as one of her waitresses though I m just a student and I m just too lucky to have her beside me.

"I ll go ahead Madame Irene, thank you so much for everything. See you next Saturday.", I bid goodbye to her and leave the shop.

After leaving the shop, I checked the list of the things I need to buy for my siblings.

Okay here s the list:

1. Mike Perseus Lee – plain white shirt

2. Eris Ice Lee – paper and ball pen

3. Kyla Penelope Lee – black shoes

4. Ares Kyle Lee – pants

5. Althea Athena Lee – colored paper

6. Michael Zeus Lee – an umbrella

7. Paris Frank Lee – journal

8. Hastie Demeter Lee – graphing paper

9. Percy Jack Lee – coloring book

10. Angel Aphrodite Lee – candies

11. Rain Persephone Lee – milk and pampers

12. Rich Hades Less – pampers and milk

I sighed after reading the list and look up through the sky to clear my mind.

Where should I start huh? I m really tired but I know I can t give up because I have dreams not just for me, but also for my family…