Keys and Strings

Chapter One

"Oh, what did I expect." I muttered under my breath, and I sunk deeply into my seat. Where are we living right now? In the mansion where Xandder and I grew up for six years, those years of hearing our parents yelling, until it all stopped and Papa took us to Paris, the mansion where for six years, we were still considered as a family. But we may be blessed with this luxurious lifestyle, problems are inevitable. Not all people are always blessed with goodness, life won't be called so without struggles.

"Hurry eating Al, we might be late." Xander said as he stabbed the last piece of waffle and used it to mop the syrup remaining on his plate and shoved it in his mouth. Then I began eating.

"Can you just go to your own car, I can drive by myself. I'm not a reckless driver like you, Xander.." I said as I continued to push him away as we were walking towards the garage.

"No, Al," he said. "Dad said I have to never take my eyes off you, who knows what kind of mischief you have in mind right now."

"Like what push you off the fountain like I did when we were kids?" I gave him a sarcastic smile then shot him a death glare.

"Bite me, brother" I said as I entered my white Innova and he quickly, but before I could lock the doors, he entered the passenger's side on time so I won't be able to push him away.

"Xander!" I yelled as I threw him a handful of Starbucks receipts from the cupholder.

As we finally arrived at school, I parked my car on its usual spot and walked out and locked it.

"You will use your own car tomorrow" I told Xander whole pointing the tip of my car key at him.

He let out a soft chuckle, "I would do that if you'll buy us pizza for dinner tonight." He said as he walked alongside with me as we entered the halls.

I scoffed. "Why would I be doing that? It was your idea anyway."

I said. "But you're the one who has a car." He countered.

"Hey it's not my fault that you wanted to ride my car to school" I said defensively. "And besides, if I would be the one who'll order the pizza, how will you go home tonight?" I asked, looking up eyeing him, it's hard to believe that we're twins when he's a lot taller than me, and his hair is a share darker than mine, plus his face isn't round like mine. Was he adopted?

"Important soccer meeting tonight, Greyson will bring me home." He said eyeing me back.

"How about I wait for you until you finished your meeting." I suggested.

Then he just let let out his signature soft chuckle and wrapped his arm around my shoulder and said. "No can do, here are three reasons: one, you'll get bored; two, the meeting might finish at 7; three, I wouldn't risk my sister waiting in the bleachers for me." He said as he pulled me closer and rubbed his fist against my hair, like guys do to boys younger than them. I don't know, I'm not a dude.

I pushed him away, "What the hell, Xander! It took me more than two hours doing my hair!" I exclaimed, them I finger-combed mi hair, making sure every strand's in place. It was a lie though, I barely did anything to my hair. He chuckled, pushing me playfully, I pushed him back.

I hate it when he does that to me. I remembered during sixth grade dance, we attended an English school in Paris, it literally took me an hour and a half in fixing my hair then he would just ruin my effort just like that.