They search for a weakness and aim there, never being able to face anyone themselves.
I forcefully push the thoughts about Robert and my baby sister away, grounding myself in the present and schooling my features, never wanting to show my parents the true emotions fueling my blood.
The idea of disappointing them doesn’t sit well with me.
Dad would have probably understood, but Mom…she deserves more than having a serial killer for a son. She’d question my entire childhood and wonder if she could have done something different when the answer is simple.
There was nothing she could have done to prevent it because revenge was carved into my blood when my biological mom died.
We enter the living room and see them right away, sitting on the couch. Mom flipping through a magazine, her legs thrown over Dad's while he plays with her hair, watching her with an intensity that always made us avert our gazes.
It felt almost too intimate, but now it makes me wonder if that’s how I look at Lavender, and if it is…how come no one figured out my obsession with her then?
“My babies are here!” Mom exclaims, jumping up from the couch and putting the magazine away as Dad lazily follows suit. She opens her arms wide and hugs us both, her scent washing over me and calming the tornado raging within.
Mom’s hugs are filled with warmth, acceptance, and love, and I’ve always been addicted to her kind of sunshine, which brings light to the torn pieces of my soul.
“Hi, Mom,” we both say in unison.
“You look stunning,” I say, grinning. “And congratulations on your student winning the competition.”
“Thank you, darling. She worked hard for it.” She cups our cheeks, her voice turning stern. “I haven’t seen you both in this house for over a month. You both skipped weekly family dinners.”
Mom never restricted our freedom in any way or tried to control us. However, she had certain rules we always had to abide by.
Like having weekly dinners so we could all catch up, and making sure to call at least twice a week to show we’re both alive and well.
I guess Dad decided not to tell her he tracks our moves, pretending he goes along with her “no control” thing.
No one in this mansion breathes without his knowledge, and the only reason I got to do what I do in secret was thanks to Uncle Arson, who helped me cover it up.
“I was busy with the wedding and upcoming exams. Plus, we needed to travel to Rush’s island to do some renovations. I called.” Aileen nudges me with her elbow. “He has no excuses, though.”
I click my tongue. “So much for sibling loyalty.”
“We’re under fire. Everyone fends for themselves.”
Mom crosses her arms and looks expectantly at me. “I won’t skip dinners again.” The reason I skipped them in the first place was because I assumed Aileen was attending them.
And lying to my parents and hiding my relationship is one thing, but a whole other thing to do it in their face.
I respect them too much to do shit like that.
So after tonight, I’m claiming Lavender officially before the next dinner, and I’ll be damned if I listen to another excuse from her.
“You do that. Hi, princess. Glad to see you without your fiancé for once.” Dad pulls Aileen in his arms, giving her a kiss on the cheek. “A nice change of events.”
I share a grin with him as she groans and rolls her eyes. “You’re worse than Levi, Dad. Rush has been nothing but nice.”
“I appreciate his niceness more when he isn’t around. His absence is what makes his presence bearable.”
Mom shakes her head at us. “Don’t listen to them.” She grabs a magazine from the couch. “I saw some beautiful wedding decorations. Let’s look at them on the terrace before everyone else arrives.” She points at us. “Away from these two who just like teasing you.”
“That’s a great idea. At least someone in this family loves my man.” She links their arms as Theodore joins us. “Could you please bring me some green tea with mint and more cookies to the terrace?”
“Of course.”
“Thank you.”
