Chapter 11

Zoe's POV

"He does that to everybody". A voice behind me said calmly.

I turned.

Behold, it was Madison, standing just by her door, holding her rabbit teddy. She glared at me like I had something of hers.

Do I? I couldn't help but wonder.

She must have seen Brandon close his door in my face, but how does that explain her talking to me?

I tried to act normal not to seem too startled. Yet I felt she had a piece of information that I wanted

"But why…?" I asked; whatever the reason, it would not change how his rudeness made me feel. But I was curious.

She swayed her hands from side to side indicating her uncertainty. Well, maybe he just wants to avoid getting distracted, I guess". She reluctantly said.

"Yeah, maybe," I nodded, pretending to agree. I turned back almost immediately to head back to my room. Trying to avoid any more awkward conversations that may pop up. But she called out.

"Hey"

Her voice halted me to a stop.

I looked back at her with questioning eyes.

"I'm bored," she said. Her eyes lit up in expectation

Unsure of where the conversation was heading, I bit my lips, at a loss for words. I stared at her in confusion.

I was convinced she didn't like me, call it an assumption, but I've seen the way she looks at me most of the time, especially when talking with her mum.

So I honestly didn't understand why she was saying this to me of all people.

In my confused state, she continued, "I get lonely sometimes you know. My brothers, well I guess they are always busy. They don't spend time with me anymore."

"Why are you telling me this?" I stammered. "I thought you didn't like me," I said, gesturing with my hands for an explanation, just to ensure I wasn't imagining things.

She rolled her eyes and exhaled rather softly."Well I don't entirely dislike you, but I can't say that I like you either." The sarcasm in her tone was clear. "Mum is the only one who usually spends some time with me in this house. But ever since you arrived, you've taken whatever little time she has left. So, it's only fair that you keep me company."

I felt for her; she's young and doesn't have a sister to look up to or spend time with. I wanted to understand her better. I had my own issues, but I realized that coming into their lives must have brought significant changes for them. They must have made a lot of adjustments and she had to get used to my presence as well.

Would you like to hang out with me? I asked and her face suddenly grew a beautiful smile. She looked so cute. Yes! She screamed even before I could complete the sentence.

I was skeptical about my offer; I didn't want anyone snooping around my room. They may find something I didn't want found, but I didn't think it through; too late. She'd poker-faced me to seal the deal.

Excited, she walked hastily past me. Her hair swung like a sleek dark curtain behind her shoulders. I opened the door and she walked right in, glancing around, her eyes on every corner.

I noticed her eyes fixed on the family picture sitting in a frame on the table. It included my younger self in a swimsuit, a tiny trophy in hand, and Chloe standing by my side with my mum and dad. The picture was taken during one of our fun moments. I had won a swimming contest nine years ago.

She gazed at it for a moment. "You're a twin?" Before I could respond, she continued, "Amazing! You're so lucky! You not only have a sister, but a twin, too." I realized right away that she didn't fully know my story, but I decided not to correct her and let her express herself.

She covered her face with both hands and let out a deep sigh. I am so fed up with all this masculinity flying around here, she lamented.

"I've always wanted a sister." She lies on her back, stretched out on my bed, gazing at the ceiling with her legs curved, standing on her feet.

I used to imagine what it's like to share boy gossip with a sister, do each other's makeup, and share matching outfits… You know… everything that sisters do.

She turns abruptly facing me, "Tell me, what is it like having a sister? Do you guys like braiding each other's hair?

I couldn't help but travel through memory lane. Indeed it was fun having a sister. Chloe was like my soulmate. She left a deep void that no one or nothing could ever fill.

I wanted to think that Madison must have had lots of fantasies, but she wasn't wrong; Chloe and I usually used to braid each other's hair every once in a while.

"Yes" I answered crisply, "can you braid my hair?" she pleaded. My mouth barely formed the word No, when she quickly climbed out of bed, pulled a stool from the corner of the room, and sat on it.

"Please, please, please, she pleaded. Those damned eyeballs–I got hypnotized again.

Before I knew it my hands were in her hair, it was silky and clean. She had deep brown hair just like me. I definitely had no idea what I was doing. However, I didn't stop.

Then, with a playful glint in her eyes, she shifted the mood completely. "Let's talk about boys!" she said, marveling at her own bluntness. She giggled. I was at a loss for words. She quickly glanced at me and then she asked, "Do you have a boyfriend?"

That was so random. I thought. I was totally caught off guard. Unsure of how to respond. I cringed. My stomach tightened as my mind scrambled for answers.

I have never had a boyfriend, not because I didn't desire one, but because I never really tried. My introversion always held me back, wrapping me in an invisible cloak that kept me from being noticed. The closest I'd come to having a man in my life is Garrett, my best friend. He has been all I needed; he was always there for me, and I could tell him anything.

Spill! She pushed on. Her eyes sparkingly with mischief. Madison! I blurted out her name impulsively hoping to tame her curiosity, but she wouldn't bulge. She really must be enjoying this.

"I'm single," I finally confessed, my voice barely above a whisper.

My face flushed with embarrassment. I felt like I had just revealed something unbelievably shocking.

Even though she was only fourteen, at that moment, it felt as though I stood before a stern, middle-aged judge in a courtroom, anxiously awaiting the verdict of my truth. She radiated so much energy.

In an instant, she pushed my hand away from her hair. It was as if an urgent idea just popped up from her head. However, I didn't brace myself enough for what was about to follow.

What if you date one of my brothers?

Wait!—What!?

Her eyes twitched with excitement.

What in the world! I screamed. My expression completely dulled

She totally lost it

I brushed it off, my mind steady but my head nursing the thought. Even as I try to silence the words in my head, she kicks in Which… "which of them do you like?

Seth's single, I'm pretty sure about that–he had never brought a girl home. Mum thinks he's gay.

One part of me wanted to shush her, another wanted to hear more gossip. What if, truly he's Gay! What about Ashley…. My senses were all obviated. But she didn't take notice of my inner battle, she just continued….

Brandon,…. Hmmmm sheesh. Let's just say Brandon is the direct opposite of Seth; my heart stopped in an instant, something flickered through me, a Momentary disgust, perhaps but it was more like a bothersome feeling. Why did it matter to me that much? I shouldn't care if he's a ladies' man, I should have no interest in such. I have never liked rude guys and will never fall for one.

She stared at me hesitantly… Now is the time you choose. She rolled her eyes in frustration. So, who would it be? Let's make this work. "Look," you've got it all wrong, I went on… Brandon is in a relationship and Seth…. I hesitated a moment… Well Seth is off limits."

She arched her brows; she must be displeased, but what I said is true.

How is he off limits? she questioned in a rather unsettled tone.

By the way, Brandon has never introduced any girl he brings home as a girlfriend, so technically he is also single.

I managed a smile. It didn't sound funny, so Casey is just wasting her time. So if they ain't steady, what exactly are they doing then? I focused on the yearning look coming from Madison. Stop being silly, I requested with a firm voice, my eyes suggesting surrender.

I didn't have the liberty to spare any time for relationship talks, let alone actually letting someone into my heart. It will practically distract me from my purpose.

But Madison didn't relent, she kept poking. "Why? why do you say Seth is off limits?"

I can't tell her that my friend has a crush on him.

Why is she hellbent on this topic… but come to think of it, I've never really thought about any of the guys that way. I think I should try to avoid falling. Don't want any drama, especially not with anyone in this house.