Episode 2 : The brawl

Before Rex's eyes is Pearl, his beloved girlfriend of three years. He loves her. He did everything for her.

She is the first lady he would ever lay with and Rex has been her first lover as well.

The bond between them is unique and precious but weeks ago Rex has noticed her aloof mood.

He had never been suspicious of her but witnessing her in the arms of Khalil his heart dropped to his stomach.

With two shivering legs, Rex made his way to Pearl who was stunned as well. By the expression on her face, it is obvious she never expected to see him in Khalil's residence.

" What ...are you doing here Pearl? " The astonished Rex managed to ask. " You shouldn't be here "

Pearl couldn't speak. The reality of being caught red-handed in the act kept her tongue unmoving.

" What ... Are you doing here Rex? You are supposed to be at the hospital with your dad "

" What? " Rex asked in awe. " You haven't answered my damn question, Pearl. Why are you in this ..."

" Hello, errand boy " Khalil quickly cut in as he stood up. He had heard enough. " It's my girl you are questioning. You are here to do your job and..."

" Will you shut the fuck up! " Rex thundered angrily. He felt like going crazy. " I'm speaking with my girlfriend so you stay the hell away from it "

It's Pearl's turn to panic. She recognized the look on Rex's face.

She slowly turns to see Khalil gritting his jaw again in anger.

" What the hell is going on Pearl? I thought you broke up with this guy " He asked her, stunning Rex Louie so much.

Rex couldn't believe his ears. He turns slowly to Pearl for a reaction. For explanation.

" Tell me, Pearl..." He began softly as he march towards her. " Tell me... it's all lies. You have nothing going on with Khalil "

" Rex..."

" Damnit! " He exclaimed urgently. " Please Pearl, just say no. I saw some underwear back there and...you know, they are not... yours, right? "

His heart was thudding crazily against his chest. He has loved her with all his might.

He cares for her just like he did for his father, old Louie. Never in his wildest dream will he believes Pearl would cheat on him.

" They are mine " She replied and at that moment Rex's world was put to a pause.

He staggered backward in astonishment. His vision going to blur and his heart shattered.

He suddenly feels suffocated. He couldn't breathe or move.

" But why? Pearl, I love you " He mutters pitifully. His eyes sober. " I love you so much. How could you? "

" You are not...good enough for me Rex. I learned that just weeks ago. Khalil made me know that "

" He never loves your pearl. He has many girlfriends. Don't you know this? He is taking you away from me just to hurt me "

" No! " Pearl disagreed. Her eyes are distant. Hell, the deed has been done. No need to cower anymore. " I'm fed up with you "

" Pearl " He whispers in shock. " Did you ... sleep with him? "

Even before getting the response he had known already.

He shuddered slightly in grief but despite that, he still couldn't stop loving her.

" Pearl... Have you ever loved me? " He asked softly. " I had to know. Have you ever .."

" No! " She replied, cutting him off. " I have never loved you, Rex. You are just like my errand boy too. Goodbye "

Pearl couldn't bear the stunned expression on Rex's face anymore.

The atmosphere now become tensed, hanging up in the air, compelling her to find the nearest room to hide.

After Pearl's departure, Rex couldn't think straight. Reality just slammed into him and there is nothing he could do.

He turn around with his head bowed in sorrow. He is ready to leave when Khalil's chuckle came through.

" Rex will you please tell me ...why Pearl moans so much...in bed? "

That serves as the last straw for the distraught young man. In his fury, Rex turn around in a jiffy and launch his fist but he forgot Khalil's friends who were also present.

In no time they all descend on him cruelly. Stomping and kicking him savagely.

The noises finally brought Pearl out. She was stunned to see the brutality going on.

" Kahlil that's enough. You are killing him " She yelled out in fear but Khalil only pushed her to the couch.

Within some seconds Rex's ribs had been broken and blood was already seeping out from his lips.

When Khalil saw that Rex couldn't lift any finger he sighed in satisfaction.

" Stupid! Now he wouldn't be healthy enough to even make it to the nomination. Toss him outside. Let's see if he will survive till next tomorrow for the race "

Rex was thrown outside of Khalil's residence with his bag and Boots and he was left there for many minutes, gasping for air and fighting for his dear life.

His cell phone suddenly came ringing. He reached out, trying to answer it.

Rex Feels his Soul leaving him. His eyes fluttered close. Fatigue overwhelmed him physically and emotionally.

He withdraw his cell phone and saw the caller id. ' Doctor '. No, his father!

He tried to pick up this incoming call but he couldn't. His broken ribs took their toll and he passed out.

***

Rex's eyes fluttered open to see he is in the medical center. He tried to sit up but his rib cage hurts so he groan.

" Don't even try anything Rex " The Cold voice of Emilio came through.

" I can't believe you will be so stupid to brawl with Khalil Karson " Gael's voice came later. " Hell, that guy's Dad is a billionaire and his grandfather is a Quadrillionaire. Does your life mean nothing to you? "

Rex shut his eyes to get his thoughts together. He didn't bother to reply Gael or Emilio.

They are his roommates. Been friends since their first year. Both of them are so handsome but hail from humble backgrounds.

" How do I get here? " He asked Instead and Emilio frown angrily.

" The students call for help when you are about to die "

" That's enough Gael. He's still healing " Emilio scolded.

The word ' Healing ' brought Rex back to reality. He look around and his heart skipped a beat.

Swiftly he reached for his cell phone which was beside him and he saw the numerous missed calls.

Two hours ago the doctor has called him multiple times but he didn't pick up.

" Father! " He mutters as he pulled off the PEG tube in his wrist.

He put on his boots and dashed out while turning deaf ears to his friend's call.

He has been two hours late. What would be his father's fate?

With this thought, Rex ran out of the medical center of Rainbow Core College and nearly collided with an oncoming car.

" For the love of God! " Sheila snapped as she popped out her head from the car. " Screw you! "

Abruptly Rex stops running. He turns to Sheila and speaks urgently.

" Lend me your car pretty. I shall return it before the day end "

He didn't wait for her answer before he pushed her away from the driver's seat and forced her to seat in the other fluffy space.

The moment Rex settled in the car, Emilio and Gael dashed into the backseat as well.

" Oh, my God! What the hell is wrong with you Rex? " They asked in horror but the young man didn't bother to reply.

He only turns the key in the ignition and races out immediately, to the hospital where his poor father has been waiting for him.

" Please Father...wait for me... please, please "