Lying to Mrs Melbourne

I let them in.

'This might sound rude but can I get some cold beverage?' Jacob smiled. 'I suddenly got thirsty on the way.'

He's so cute when he's honest.

'It's in the fridge by the left.' I smile. Then my attention is stolen. Levi takes off his cap and sit on the love couch with his legs crossed. One arm is touching the sofa and the other is typing away at his iPhone. Look at him acting all high and mighty after sending me that cold email. I pray he gets carpal tunnel. I roll my eyes. Suddenly, there's this gentle breeze. Is that from the AC? or is this something that happens in Romcoms? It tug at Levi's bangs and I can see his ocean blue eyes. Now, he reminds me of George. O King George. I miss him. I hold my chin with left arm as it rests on the counter and I smile. A deep voice startle me out of dreamland.

'Do you want me to remove them?' Levi asked.

I'm confused. 'Remove what?'

He lifted his eyes from his phone. 'My clothes. You've been undressing me with your eyes.'

I scoff and avert my gaze. 'I did no such thing.' But holy moly, he's got toned skin underneath his shirt. How is he more attractive than his brother? They've got the same goddamn face.

Jacob interrupts the moment. Not like it was anything romantic. 'Thanks, Char. It tastes great. I haven't seen this one before. Did your dad get this from the company?'

I shrug. 'Yeah. It's new. Father says it'll hit the market next week.'

'Sick.' Jacob joins his brother on the couch. Now, I wonder why they're here. They're supposed to be in school.

'Don't mind me asking but aren't you both supposed to be in school?' I direct the question to Jacob. I'm sure people like Levi don't care about school.

Jacob reply casually. 'We're skipping school.'

'And your parents allow it?' I ask in disbelief.

'Pretty much. Yeah.' Jacob say it like it's not his first time being absent from school. What are his parents doing? I haven't missed a day of school in my life. I gasp. No, this is all wrong. Today's the first day I've ever missed school? I am a psycho. What have I been doing with my life? What are my parents doing to me?

'You look like this is your first time missing school?' asked Jacob.

I'm silent. My fingers are playing with each other and I look at him with a nod. He laughs and nudge Levi who shrug like it's none of his business. Which isn't.

Mum walk into the living room. 'Hello, boys. You're early.'

'Hi, Mrs Melbourne.' They returned respectfully. Levi even took off his mask and cap. I'm impressed.

Wait. She invited them? Why? Then it hit me. When I told her to ask them about the school, she took it SERIOUSLY??? MOTHER ! !

Doctor Mishael give me a pat on the head and heads out the door. Mum shuts the door behind her and turn to the twins. 'Can I get you both anything?'

Jacob smiles. 'I'll have cake.'

Mum lifts an eyebrow. 'Levi?'

Levi sits uncomfortably before replying shyly in a soft voice. 'I'll have what he's having.'

What did I just see and hear? Where's the deep husky voice he threatens me with? Is Levi sick or is it the AC? We, Melbourne's enjoy the cold.

'I'll be right back.' Mum hurries to the second kitchen upstairs.

Jacob begins to snicker. 'Levi.'

I got to one of the couches. 'You know something.'

'Don't tell her, Jacob. Shut up.' Levi warns his brother.

'Jacob, tell me.' I'm dying to hear what he has to say.

Levi still warns. His deep voice is back. 'Shut up, Jacob.'

Jacob scooch next to me and whisper. 'When Levi was little, he used to be a model for your mum's agency and I heard whenever she visited America, she always bought gifts for her favourite star - Levi.'

'Jacob.' Levi threw a pillow at his brother who began laughing.

I joined in the laughter too.

'One second, kids.' I hear mum call from upstairs.

'Okay.' I call back.

My hand cup my mouth as I laughed so hard. Picture badass shoplifter / Levi as a little kid. Not just any kid but a model. Face all caked in make up. In one of those skinny dresses and cat walking. I burst out laughing and then a pillow hit me.

'Levi, that's enough.' Jacob frowns.

'I told you not to tell her.' Levi glares at his brother.

'It's just a joke. Get over it.' Jacob rolls his eyes.

I notice these twins have a weird relationship. Its hard to tell who is the oldest.

Levi lifts his blue eyes to me and I almost held my breath. What's in those eyes of his? I can stare at them forever.

'We're telling your mum the game never happened.' he blurted out.

I'm wide awake. 'What?'

'We have to, Char. We can't let the parents know.' Jacob adds.

I scoff. 'What about me? Every month who's gonna protect me from those monsters? I need to leave that school.'

'I'll protect you.' Jacob said with a serious face.

Levi scoffs.

Mum enters with a tray of cake. 'Sorry for the delay. I almost burnt my freshly baked pies.'

Levi stood up to help mum with the tray. Someone's having more mood swings than me today.

Mum asked a bunch of questions about the kids in the neighbourhood and If I could be able to talk to any of them. I'm embarrassed and ashamed. It gets worse when mom begins to show them pictures of me when I was little. Jacob and Levi laughed their ass off. In almost every photo of little me, I had my thumb in my mouth. I'm surprised I still have one. Once all was said and laughed at, it was time to break the ice. Mum asked about the school.

'Alan is a highly regarded educational institution known for its excellence in academics, extracurricular activities, and overall educational experience. Our school is often chosen by students and parents seeking a top-quality education, as they have a long history of producing successful graduates who excel in various fields.'

'They are exceptional facilities and resources, including state-of-the-art classrooms, advanced technology, well-equipped laboratories, libraries, and sports facilities. Our school also offer a plethora of extracurricular activities, including athletics, arts, music, drama, debate, and community service.' Jacob explained.

Mum sit up and signalled them to lean closer. 'I know about those. What I want to know is about a game.'

'Game?' Levi sounds so confused. I almost applaud his acting. Robert Dowry Jnr the second.

Mum looks at me before turning to them. 'There's always an after school game - Hide and Seek. An RPG but more violent. Losers get bullied by the top players called the wolves. Apparently, its time of the month was yesterday. It was played yesterday and students got hurt including my daughter.'

I love the way mum explains everything. Like she believes me but I know she has her doubts. Still, trying to know more makes her an even wonderful mother.

Levi is the one to answer. 'Given how Almighty Jesus was, he even had enemies. The same applies to our school. Alan institute offers students exceptional education and access to valuable resources. Graduates of this school become part of a distinguished community that sets them on a path to success in their future. This Hide and Seek is just a rumour to tarnish her image. I assure you, Mrs Melbourne that no such thing exists in our school. If such thing did, don't you think parents, heck, the government would be aware? People just cooked up stories out of their jealousy. Alan institute is safe. Seeing we are second best in the city, just imagine the rumours about the best school.'

Damn. I almost clapped my hands. Levi's pretty good at convincing. I'm even convinced.

'If you say so. But how did Queen get her injuries?' Mum asked.

Jacob smiles. 'She's a newbie. She's vulnerable. I was with her when she got hurt. We were trying to find her way to Geometry class when some jerk hassled her. She tried pulling free and got hurt. I'm sorry I never told you the real truth, ma'am.'

Jacob looked at me. 'I'm sorry, Charlotte.'

Mum begins to sob. 'You were bullied? Charlotte, you should've said something. Is that why you ran off last night? I'm so sorry.'

'Don't say that, mum. I'm sorry for lying to you and yelling at father.' I stand up to give her a hug.

'Queen, I'm so sorry you went through all that. Tell me anything from now on, you hear?' Mum palms my back and I look at Jacob who gives me a thumbs up. Levi was less concerned.

- - - - -

Jacob somehow convinced mum that I should go sight seeing with them. Luckily, she agreed. I know. They're the new neighbours but apparently, this wasn't their first time in New York. Their family had moved here because of their dad's job. Same with me.

'Bring her back before 8.' Mum smiles.

'Yes, ma'am.' Jacob salutes playfully and leads me to a silver SUV. Cool. I wish dad will get me a car too.

'Get in.' Levi says it like it's an order. No. A command.

'Be a gentleman and say please, shoplifter.' I glare at him.

Jacob is confused. 'Shoplifter?'

Levi pushed the matter aside. 'It's nothing.' To me, he said through gritted teeth. 'Puh-lease, get your butt in the front seat.'

Jacob laughs. 'Ha.'

'Are you just gonna stand there? Get the door.' I tell Levi.

'Excuse me?' Levi looks at me like I just spoke Japanese.

'Pull out the door for me.' I say boldly.

Jacob keeps laughing. 'Be a gentleman and pull out the door for her, man. Her mama's watching from the window.'

Levi mutters a curse and pulls the door to the passenger seat for me.

'Now, hold my hand till I get in.' I say almost laughing.

Levi scoffs. 'Are you paralysed, lady?'

'Levi, that's etiquette and manners. Do as the lady says and hold her hand.' Jacob tells his brother.

Levi looks between me and Jacob and then the car. 'You know what? I'm not doing this.'

'Come on, man. Don't be like that.' Jacob shook his head.

'Is everything alright?' Mum leaves the house. Is she on her way to work?

Levi halts in his steps when he sees her. 'Nothing's wrong. I just thought I forgot something.'

'Oh.' Mum smiles. She's waiting for us to leave.

Levi walk briskly to where I stood, holds the door open, and takes my hand.

I snicker quietly as I get into my seat. He lets go off my hand and shuts the door politely.

'Such a gentleman. That's why you're my favorite, golden boy.' Mum walks to the garage.

Jacob gets into the car. 'Golden boy'

'Shut up.' Levi starts the car.

N/B : Thanks for the powerstones and reviews, guys. I love you all so much. I'll try my best to update chapters daily.