The cap driver dropped us right in front of my house and left, saying that we looked like we came from the army to spend our holiday with our families, so he didn't take any money from us even after we insisted countless times.
" he sure respects the army "
I said as I swung my bag over my shoulders.
" the way you spoke of your house is totally different to what I'm seeing right now"
" what's that supposed to mean?"
I asked as I raised my lips in an amused smile
" well, you said it was small so I pictured it as small as a one room apartment"
I scoffed
" seriously? I never said it was that small, it was your imaginations that was running wild"
He shrugged his shoulders then said
"you can't blame me for that! I never Sawa picture of your house "
He defended
" so....are you ready to meet your family?"
He asked as he looked at me. I smiled then nodded. Holding my free hand in his', we walked to the door and knocked.
" coming!"
I heard a boy's voice from inside. That must be Adrian if I'm not mistaken. After a minute or two, the door was opened and right in front of us were the twins, Adrian and Adriana. As soon as they saw me at the door with Ace, they instantly shouted
" mum! Dad! They're here!"
And without wasting time, they both jumped on me, crushing me in a bear hug then they pulled away and composed themselves before looking at Ace. Adrian then offered his hand to Ace for a handshake, acting like a grown business man which made me stifle a laugh. Ace released my hand then shifted his bag to his left hand before using his right to shake Adrian's hand
" thank you for taking care of my sister and keeping her safe for six years. Please come in "
That did it. I began to laugh loudly and said with a big grin
" I didn't know my little brother has grown into a very handsome gentleman "
Adriana pouted and pointed to herself
" what about me sis?"
" how can I forget you? You are looking so cute and more beautiful than me. Now no one will want me because I'm ugly "
Adrian shook her head
" no, big sis is more beautiful, right?"
She said as she looked at her twin. Adrian nodded and said
" sis is so beautiful that I would want to marry her in the future "
I patted both their heads with a smile but before I could praise them, someone cleared his/ her throat
" now that you have seen your little brother and sister, your parents have become insignificant "
I looked up and saw my mum folding her hands while feigning to be mad. Smiling at her childish behaviour, I walked to her and hugged her tightly
" you are always my number 1! I missed you so much mum"
She pulled away and kissed my forehead
" I missed my baby too, so, so much. Your dad is in his study "
She then glared at Ace and said
" don't I deserve a hug too?"
He smiled then hugged her. Mum always asked of Ace in her letters to the extent that Ace became part of the family.
" of course you do, mum"
Satisfied with that, she told everyone to come in. Ace helped me carry my bag and asked the twins to show him to my room while I hurried to the study room. I knocked twice before pushing the door open
" anyone in?"
I asked as I strolled in slowly. The room was dark as it was hard to see but I could hear noise coming from the balcony. I tiptoed to the balcony to give my dad a surprise
" dad?"
I said as I got closer. He froze before turning around and as soon as he saw me, he said
" Bella? Is...is that you sweetheart?"
Coming into view, I said
" yes dad, its me . I'm back"
He immediately hugged me so tightly that I couldn't breathe and when he saw that he was suffocating me, he pulled away and said
" sorry, I was just so happy! Is Ace with you?
I nodded but before I could say another word, someone spoke behind me
" seems like I have become the rejected statue, well invisible statue since I cannot be seen"
That voice. Is that...could it be... Turning around, I came face to face with my elder brother, Neon. I was dazzed for a minute before I hugged him with all my might, tears in my eyes. The last time I saw him was when I was nine or ten , so seeing him made me really, really happy. As I pulled away, I spoke
" when did you come back?"
" I got here four days ago"
I turned to look at my dad
" dad, why am I not aware of this?"
" well, he wanted to surprise you so I had to keep it a secret "
He answered as he rubbed his neck awkwardly. I then looked at Neon who opened his arms wide and said
" surprise?"
I chuckled at his childish action. At that moment, a knock was heard
" uncle Peterson? Are you in?
My father immediately smiled and said
" yes, come in Ace "
Ace walked in and said
" sorry to interrupt your time with Bella. I just wanted to say hi to you in person "
My dad laughed and shooked his head
" you really are an energetic guy. And a handsome one at that, right Bella?"
I looked at Ace then squinted my eyes before I replied
" yep! He is both handsome and funny too. I mean, my twin has to look astounding as I do, you know "
Ace rolled his eyes
" keep telling yourself that and it will eventually come true"
" hey!"
I puched his shoulder lightly. He chuckled and said
" that was a joke. We're the gorgeous twins remember?"
As I wanted to affirm what he said, we heard someone cough, making us look in the person's direction
" can someone tell me who this young 'handsome' man is? I'm kinda lost"
I completely forgot that Neon was knowing Ace for the first time. Clearing my throat softly so as to hide the fact that I forgot his presence, I then introduced them
" Ace, this is my elder brother, Neon. Big brother, this is Ace, my partner "
As soon as the word partner came out from my mouth, Neon gave Ace a sharp glare