Adeline's Ροv
"Do you have corn?" I ask the head chef as he was lazily waiting for me to speak.
"Unfortunately, we're out of them, Miss Storm. It was used in the soup you drank three bowls of for lunch and an additional two as a snack." He smiles bitterly. "You can check the overhead cabinet, if it's not there then it's recommended you wait till tomorrow."
I want to snap so bad but I fail to think of a good comeback so I narrow my eyes in an obvious glare before walking back to the cupboard he mentioned.
It's the usual behavior for this guy —whatever his name is. At first I was surprised that he's being rude to me for no reason but then I heard him talking to a butler about "the bastard in the mansion".
I then realized that the staff here thinks I'm Lucius' illegitimate child and that's why the brothers don't like me. The employees don't know we siblings had the same parents.
Because no one gives a damn about me —according to the head chef— so he treats me as he deems fit.
I want to snitch on him but I'm scared that it might result in more than him just losing his job.
I open the cupboard but there's only cans of tuna, chickpeas and tomatoes. I sigh in resignation and make my way down the hall for dinner.
As I cross the room to get to my seat, a strong scent of perfume reaches me. And damn it's overwhelming.
I bend towards the seat not realizing what I'm doing and sniff. Why does this smell so good and disgusting at the same time?
I sniff again and the horrid smell goes directly through my nostrils to my lungs and I suddenly wanna throw up.
I put a hand on my mouth scrunching my face and try to think of anything that would distract me from the sudden nausea.
"What the hell's your problem, Adeline?" Altas' irritated voice reach me and I realize he's the one I just sniffed. "Why the fuck are you even sniffing me?" He turn his head to his shoulder and sniffs to confirm he doesn't actually stink.
"It's not that- I'm sorry. I'm just not feeling good right now-" I try to calm the situation but Ewan decides to interject and worsen it.
"Ever consider the problem might be you, stinky ass?" He snaps like he's been personally attacked.
Somebody has to tell him that some things can be sorted out without verbal abuse.
Now that I know he has anger management issues, I can understand that he loses his temper time to time but I don't want my brothers to argue because of me.
Altas looks at him weirdly like he didn't expect him to jump in the conversation. "Chill out dude! And fyi I just took a shower."
"Whatever." Ewan mutters and straighten back in his seat.
I take that as a cue and settle down. The moment I turn to the table set with everything Mexican —one of my favorite cuisines— I knew I was about to throw up tonight for sure.
"No, don't..." I push Rhyett's hand away as he was about to put some rice on my plate.
"You don't want rice? How about a taco?" He asks patiently waiting for me to speak.
"Idontwanttoeatthis." I rush out the words in the smallest whisper.
"Repeat it."
He kept looking at me but I was far too embarrassed to ask for something else when there was tons of food —more than the six people present here could eat— already on the table.
"I'll have the chile verde." I look up again when he doesn't move to fill up my plate.
"What did you say, hun?" He tries more politely this time. "I didn't catch that. Can you repeat it for me, please?”
I love how he's being sweet to me because I'm feeling hella awkward right now. And I'm not gonna lie but that nickname is so adorable.
I lean towards his ear and whisper. "I don't want to eat this. I feel like throwing up." I grind my teeth in embarrassment.
"Should I call Valerie?" Oh God!
"No, Rhyett. It's normal. I just... I think I'm a bit sensitive to smell today and Altas' perfume was horribly strong. And now I feel like I can't eat anything."
He nods and turn to Altas but before he could say anything I hold this arm stopping him." Don't tell him not to use it again."
"But he shouldn't if it bothers you." He argues.
I knew he was about to say something that would sound so messed up to anyone who doesn't know I'm pregnant.
Even if Altas knew, I doubt he'd like any type of alternation in his lifestyle to accommodate my mood swings.
"It's embarrassing. You can't just say that. He already thinks I'm a brat."
"Fine. I won't say anything for now." He tells me. "Do you want something else instead?"
The last bit reaches the other end of the table and my brother Altas decide to butt in.
"The baby needs more options?" How does he know- Oh, he's calling me the baby!
"I'm not a baby!" I get so offended by the tease that I hit my fist on the table.
"Ouch!" I hold my hand and administer it. It seems fine but it hurts like hell.
"That's how babies are, tigress. They hurt themselves and start crying like dumb fucks." Altas comments with an ugly laugh.
Rhyett scolds him for his language as Lucius takes my hand massaging it to ease out the pain.
"What do want to eat, sweetheart?" Lucius asks when I finally take my hand away as it feels better now.
"Corn."
"Just corn?"
"Yes."
"But you should eat something else too."
"I don't want to. I just want corn."
"How about we order something? Maybe fried chicken or a burger?" I like how he's giving me options. It means a lot that he doesn't want me to go to bed on an empty stomach.
"I don't feel like eating a lot so I'll just have something light." I race the wheels in my head trying to think of anything that won't make me puke my guts out.
"4 pieces chicken wings, a small pizza and something sweet.... A slice of strawberry shortcake- actually can you get me the whole cake so I can eat the rest tomorrow?"
"That's sure how a person on diet eats." I hear Altas muttering but I ignore him.
"Sure, I'll order that." He tells me and pulls out his phone.
"Didn't we have the 'no take out unless it's weekend' rule until we were sixteen." Adam purposely speaks loud enough for everyone to hear.
"I smell hypocrisy." His twin responds.
"I can't smell anything over your stink." Ewan rolls his eyes.
I hold back a giggle as Altas let Ewan's comment slide again. No one seems to wanna argue with the bully brother. It feels good to have him at my side.
———
"Don't you wanna wait for Cyrus with us? He'll be here in about thirty minutes." Adam asked as I got up to leave.
"You don't have to." Ewan spoke as I was about to agree. "You should rest."
I guess now I have another person trying to dictate me and caring for me and my baby —more than I do myself.
"No actually, I don't feel like sleeping." I say with an awkward smile.
It's barely nine and besides, I want to meet Cyrus, it's been days since I last saw him. And my brother didn't even bother calling me.
Ewan nods and I could tell Rhyett wants to interject but he doesn't this time. We all move to the living room and Adam drags me to sit next to him in front of the TV.
He puts on the show 'lock n key' and Rhyett comes to sit on the other side of me as Altas walks in with snacks followed by a maid carrying drinks.
"This is my spot, Rhyett." Altas scowls. "Now don't start with the bullshit that you suddenly wanna watch shows with us. We all know you don't like that."
He folds his arms and narrows his eyes at Rhyett who gets up taking the seat next to Lucius muttering "such a crybaby".
Altas hands me a bucket of popcorn and I look at him shocked that he's given me food. But his eyes are already glued to the episode playing so I turn to the screen as well.
We're half way through the episode when Adam gets overexcited and shoves my arm saying, "I told ya! They're all idiots."
He definitely doesn't realize that I'm not one of his brother and this enthusiastic gesture of his did actually hurt.
"Do you wanna switch seats?" Altas whispers to me.
"Yes please."
I couldn't help but giggle as Adam failed to realize that we've changed seats and continued his torture on Altas who seems to be used to it.
———
"Shut up! Adeline's deciding!" Altas groans and shoves his phone in my hand.
The twins have been arguing on who styled the same outfit better and I don't know why're they dragging me into this.
Altas shows me the photos and they both wait for my answer.
They're both wearing the same black hoodie but Adam chose black leather boots with ripped navy blue jeans as Altas went for sage green cargo pants, black sneakers and a matching cap.
"Hurry up!" Adam taps his shoes impatiently.
"Um... You both look good. I can't-" He cuts me off throwing his hands up.
"You have to pick one!"
For some reason a wave of anger goes through me and I feel like punching Adam in the face.
But I didn't.
"Altas. He looks dapper." I state glaring at Adam.
Altas immediately starts laughing while his twin looks back at me as if they both know I'm incredibly pissed but they're still not taking me seriously.
"She's saying you look like shit, Adam." Altas laughs harder and even Ewan chuckles to that.
"That's my hoodie! Be grateful I let you wear it. You never share your clothes." Adam scoffs.
"But I still won." Altas dusts off drool from his clothes. "And our sister clearly thinks you're the ugly twin."
"I said no such thing. You're putting words in my mouth." I tilt my chin up and fold my arms throwing a glare at my irritating brother.
"Hi guys." Cyrus says eyeing the three of us as he enters the living room.
Julian followed right behind. This is the first time I'm seeing him after he passed out in my room last night. From what I know, he woke up late afternoon and left to pick up Cyrus right after.
As he comes in, he takes a quick scan of the room stopping his gaze at me and looking me up and down once before deciding to ignoring me altogether.
He seems to be embarrassed of what happened. I want to go tell him it's not a big deal but I decide to give him some space for now.
"How was your flight?" I ask Cyrus as my mood immediately lits up seeing him.
I didn't even know I missed him. I barely got time to spend with him when he left to meet his girlfriend.
I guess it's different when you actually live with your family and they aren't just a thought in a ‘what if’ situation. You miss them when you know them.
Before Cyrus could answer, Adam spoke. "Did you get my headset?"
Cyrus rolls his eyes. "You could've very well got it from here but yes, I did."
As if on cue the guards walk in with four suitcases and when Cyrus opened them, it was packed with gifts.
I was about to excuse myself to not intrude on their private moment when Cyrus stopped me. "This is for you."
He handed me a cute purse in baby blue color. I was about to thank him when he started pulling out more stuff.
I was given three earrings, one necklace set, a pack of a dozen nail polishes, two handbags, a brown hoodie, a pair of workout shoes —that I don't think I'll be using, navy blue headphones and chocolates.
Tears started gathering in my eyes when I saw how many chocolates he had bought me. I've been craving a lot of sweet lately and this was perfect.
"Thank you. I love chocolates. You're the best brother ever." I said as I pulled him into a hug.
"Ofcourse she's gonna decide her favorite over some bloody chocolates."
I heard Altas muttering followed by an unmistakable sound of a smack to the head that I'm sure he got from Ewan. He's one of those people who doesn't like to solve problem with a civilized conversation.
But it doesn't hurt when you aren't the victim of it. Call me cruel but I enjoyed Altas getting hit by our brother.
Cyrus brings his arms to my back and responds to the hug kindly. I pulled away after some time and blinked to not let the tears fall.
"I was confused on what to get for you. Sasha helped me pick these out. I'm glad you liked them." Cyrus smiled politely.
Unlike our eldest brother, Cyrus does smile from time to time. However the twins and dad are more laid back and do smirk and laugh like normal people.
And well Julian and Ewan... I think I'm slowly understanding the two and with time, they might be more relaxed around me.
But I don't want them to change for me. I want them to stay true to themselves but if there's room to improve I'll encourage them for it and be by their side to help.
I want them to be good to me for my pregnancy so later when the baby comes, it'll be easier for everyone to accept and adjust with my little life if they accept me first.
"Tell her I loved everything." I said with a huge smile.
Cyrus nods. "She also asked if you'd like to talk to her sometime. She's quite excited to meet you but she can't skip school so she'll official meet you later. But if you're ok with it, she'd like to facetime you tomorrow. How's that sound?"
"Sure, why not. I'd love to talk to her. After all she's gonna live here soon, I better get to know her." I chuckle.
"You're gonna hate her. She's not like Valerie." Altas scoffed. "Sasha's irritating. She thinks she owns everything-" He gets cut off by his twin who seems to have a lot to add.
"And dude you remember the time she was talking about pulling out the rat's intestines during lunch. I was feeling sick to my stomach hearing the details. I don't think even we are such sadists as she is."
Should I be scared of her?
"Exactly! I'm sure she got Cyrus into his knives obsession. And the time she threw the wine glass at the waitress just cause she was baiting her lashes at Cyrus like fuck! That's some obsessive psychopathic shit-"
"Go on you two. What else do you have to say?" Cyrus glares at them looking deadly.
I won't be surprised if he shoots them now. I've never seen him so pissed before and I'm thanking the heavens that I'm not at the receiving end of his anger.
"Dude you're mistaken... I was just warning Adeline to not piss your fiance off. I don't want her head to be banged against the table like yours was." Altas chuckles nervously trying to cut through the tense air.
"My sister doesn't have anything to worry about, since she isn't an asshole like you two are." Nobody tells Cyrus to mind his language and I know dad and Rhyett heard him clear.
"How's Knight?" Dad decided to take over.
"I didn't get to meet him, he'd left a few days before I went. But Sasha said he's been in a relatively pleasant mood recently."
"Who's Knight?" I whisper to Adam.
"Sasha's father. Ever since these two started dating, we got on good terms with him. He loves his daughter but isn't really a fond of her choice." He tells me as Cyrus hands over gifts to everyone.
Rhyett got some boring nonfiction books while dad got perfumes and ties. Ewan was given a pair of hammers —that got him way more excited than a regular handy man— along with some cufflinks. Julian was content with the knitted beanie and leather boots along with a bag of coffee and another of dried fruits.
Altas got the most amount of gifts all being completely different from each other —from jackets to a drone. He sure is the spoiled brat of the house and not me.
Adam was hyped about the headset that he had specially asked for and had completely shut everyone off as he connected it to his phone.
"Leave it, I'll do that." Julian takes the box of nail polish that I was struggling to open.
"Eat this." He said handing me his bag of dry fruits and took out each bottle of polish one by one.
"Thank you." I smiled at him and started munching.
I like that he cares. With Rhyett and Ewan, I know they started giving me attention after they found out I was pregnant but Julian has been making me food without any reason.
I've noticed he isn't looking me in the eyes but I've felt him side eye me almost five times now.
I can guess he must be feeling pretty awkward and I really want to let him know how much I appreciated him opening up to me. But if he wants then we can forget it ever happened.
"You didn't get the shades I asked for?" Rhyett asks going through some book on plagues in the eighteenth century.
"One second." Cyrus replied grabbing another suitcase and looking through it.
I didn't know Rhyett was one of those to ask for things. I thought he must prefer to just order for himself.
For the first time my family looked like a normal one.
The calm air, relaxed atmosphere and seeing everyone in a healthy mood made me happy.
I enjoyed their company. The show I watched with the twins, the chocolates from Cyrus, the hug from Ewan, the food Julian made me and how Rhyett and dad cared for me, felt good.
I can imagine a life for me and my baby here.
This can be my family.
"Here." Cyrus handed Rhyett a fancy box which held the most stylish pair of sunglasses I had ever seen.
These people had class. And although I constantly felt like I didn't fit in with them, it felt right being around them. By each passing day I was feeling less and less out of place at my own home.
"Can we have the meeting tomorrow? I'm horribly jetlagged." Cyrus asks dad.
"Sure." Lucius replies. "Tomorrow. Before breakfast."
Everyone nodded to him —except Adam who's still busy reviewing his new headphones. They all seem to know about the meeting.
I had a bad feeling about whatever it was. And it didn't help that I was hurt they didn't include me in their family meeting when I was just starting to feel like a part of them.
I pushed the unsettling thought away and decided to get some much needed sleep. I was horribly tired now.