Adeline's Ροv
“I saw Rhyett's car outside, he’s home early today?” I ask, taking a seat next to Adam.
He hummed, his full attention on the video game. “He’s in his room. Oh and Valerie-” He abruptly stopped talking as he aggressively clicked different buttons on the controller.
“He’s trying to say she's also here. Actually she was looking for you but you weren't home yet so she went to see if her boyfriend is still alive.” Altas said, chuckling.
Everyone knows that they’re together and Altas hasn't stopped teasing Rhyett about his indecisiveness —that caused so much drama— or how they're gonna be like an old married couple who goes to Wendy's on a Saturday night.
“Fuck, this guy is cheating.” Adam threw the controller in full rage.
I picked the controller and saw three cracks in it. “Why does Lucius keep buying you new ones?” I gave him a weird look and he just shrugged.
“What's that?” He got up and took the container in my hands.
“Shortbread cookies. I made them.” I told him with a proud smile.
Suddenly Altas was by my other side too as Adam took off the lid, throwing it on the ground. They both took one cookie each and taste tested it like we were playing MasterChef.
“Could use a bit more sugar.” Altas said and his twin came up with his own suggestion.
“The edges are too hard, almost like it's overcooked or slightly burnt.”
“It's not my fault your teeth have fallen off and now you can only eat baby formula.” I said glaring at him.
“What even is this shape?” Altas asks inspecting another cookie. “It looks like circle and square had a love child but since they were cousins, the kid’s distorted.”
I snatch the cookie and the container from him. “You can't even make cup noodles.”
“If we aren't bakers, doesn’t mean we can't judge other people's creations.”
Adam tried taking a second cookie but I moved it away from his reach. “Aren’t these too burnt for your taste.”
“It's okay my dear sister, I'll do it for you. Somebody has to finish these.” Adam sighed like he was making a sacrifice.
“Don't worry, I have people who would love to eat this.”
“C'mon, I was kidding. This is really go-” He tried again and I slapped his hand away.
“I only had six and you've already eaten two. I’ll have to divide the rest between five people but now Valerie’s also here, I don't even know how to do this complex math and you want another?” I sighed in frustration.
I should've given Reign only two, he didn't make them and he didn't even need more than that. I doubt he’s gonna share it with anyone but his father.
“That’s the simplest math, Adeline. Just cut two of the cookies in half.”
I thought about it and it was really a kindergarten level math problem. I have really started overreacting lately and every problem seems so huge. I stress myself for no reason.
“Wait, I have an idea.” Altas said. “If we decide these among ourselves, no one will ever know you brought anything home.”
“Brilliant idea. Let's eat the evidence.” Adam agreed.
“You're such horrible people.” I place a hand on my chest for dramatics. “You’re teaching your little sister to lie.”
“Well it sounds bad if you put it like that.” He makes a cringe face. “But think about this way,” He gestures me to come closer like he's gonna tell me a secret. “We're soldiers in the Mafia and we're making sure our boss doesn't get a sugar overdose.”
I moved back and gave him a bored look. “And how old are we exactly? Cause this sounds like something Josh and I did when we were in kindergarten.” I grab the lid off the floor, securing my delicious cookies in.
“Sure, you did all of it with him and now everything's boring to you and you're just not interested in making any new memories with us.”
I turned to look at him but he went to grab another controller to play. I was so bothered by what he said. It was so off topic and it felt like he wanted to say it for a long time.
“Adam-” Even Altas tried to stop him but he sat down getting ready to play.
“What’re you saying?” I asked furrowing my brows.
“Nothing. Just leave it.” Adam said, fixing his eyes on the screen. I went towards him and sat in front of him. “My match is gonna start.” He tried to see the TV but I didn't let him.
“I wanna talk, can you give me two minutes? No actually… atleast five.”
He put down the controller, sighing. “Alright, go on.”
“Why did you say that?”
“I just said what came to my mind. I didn't think too much of what I was saying.” He shrugged.
“I’ve seen you do that before.” I muttered.
“Is that why?” I looked at him confused. “You like Josh more cause he doesn't do the shit we did to you.”
“Chill man, she wasn't even talking about that.” Altas interjects.
“I know…” Adam said refusing to make eye contact with anyone. “I don't know why I said that. What I said was childish, she doesn't have to play into my stupid games.”
“Adam, I like your childish side. It's my favorite.” I tried telling him.
I didn't know why we were having this conversation but I knew he needed my reassurance.
“But I could never be your favorite. It will always be Josh.”
“Adam,” I squeezed his hand to bring his attention to me. “It’s not a competition. He’s my brother and so are you.”
“You're not denying that he's your favorite.”
“Dude just let it go.” Altas tried to finish the topic but I didn't want to end without solving it.
“I don't have favorites.” I lied.
“Don't lie. Everyone has a favorite sibling.”
“Who's yours?” I asked because I wanted to know.
“You.” He said without a thought.
A warmth spread in my chest by a single word. I always loved to be George, Josh and mum's favorite and being the same for another person made me feel so special.
“I never compare any one of you with him.” I brought back the topic.
“But you're always saying how awesome Josh is, how you used to play with him, everything you did for him or he did for you. It's like you're with us but he's the only one on your mind. And the only person you will ever make real memories with.” He averted his eyes back to the floor, like he knew his complaint was irrational.
“I was sharing a happy part of my life. I love talking about him. I didn't say it to hurt anyone.” I mumble.
“It’s just…” He starts playing with the ring on my hand that he's holding. “I feel like no matter what I do, it would never be enough.”
“What you're doing is more than enough. You love me, you love my babies, you take care of us and even put up with my mood swings. I can't ask for more. This is perfect.”
He shook his head. “But I hurt you.”
He did hurt me and there was no denying that but the sadness in his voice was like wires encircling my heart.
“You don't anymore.” I whisper.
“Tell me something honestly.” His expressions became serious as he even took off his headphones before speaking again. “Why do you think I love you?”
The question took me by surprise. “Because I… because you know I need you…”
Altas sighed audibly and I turned to look at him as he spoke. “You think we only have a soft spot for you because you're pregnant?” I wanted to refuse but that would’ve been a lie so I gave a nod. “But that's not true. You're our sister, we love you regardless of anything. It doesn't take a tragic event or a good news to make us love you.”
I couldn't help but ask. “Then why didn't you love me when I first came here?”
“We were mad at dad and… we took it out on you.” Altas said and quickly added, “But we know it's not a valid reason.”
“Addy, we…” Adam bit his lip and finally looked up at me. “I know what we did was so fucking wrong.” My heartbeat picked up when I realized where this was going. “About your pregnancy… we shouldn't have ever assumed anything and… even if your babies were… you know… if you did have a boyfriend and he was a nice guy and he was your age and he didn't trick you into it and…” He realized his words were getting all over the place so he took a brief pause.
“Trust me we wouldn't have had a problem even if you did it by choice. But we just… we couldn't ever draw it as a conclusion that you did it by choice… You know in Altas and my eyes you're… you're like a little baby yourself.” His eyes softened as his hand came up to stroke my cheek with his thumb.
Altas joined the conversation again. “We just kept thinking that someone… that you didn't know and… I swear we didn't blame you for it, we just… I thought you lied that you didn't have a boyfriend and that you're gonna have to live your whole life with a stupid mistake…”
I inhaled a deep breath and Altas took it as a cue to change the subject. “What I'm trying to say is that, what we said isn't justified but we're truly really really sorry for the bullshit that came out of our mouth.”
“I swear we’ll never ever repeat it again. No matter what happens we'll always hear from you and even if you make a mistake we won't judge you, we’ll make it right together.” Adam said it like he meant each word.
Hearing them say that made me think if I do have to worry about everyone finding out the truth about Jordan. Maybe they will be understanding. Maybe they won't make my stupid mistake a big deal.
“So…?” Altas said, awkwardly playing with his fingers. “You forgive us?”
I smiled. “Yes.”
They both jumped at me for a hug and then pulled back immediately. “Shit sorry, you okay?”
They were looking at me like I'm delicate glass that'll break with a simple push. “I’m fine. Pregnancy didn't make me so fragile.” I chuckled.
“Take two then.”
They both hugged me again but this time with much care. I reciprocated and even kissed their cheeks as they both took turns pecking my forehead.
“Thanks for forgiving us, tigress.” Altas said as his eyes watered.
“Woah you can't cry!” I immediately wiped the tear that slid down his cheek. “It's okay, everything's good now. You apologized and I forgive you.” He kept looking at me with adoration. “We're happy siblings now.”
That got a chuckle out of him and he hugged me again lingering a moment too long but I didn't mind. I knew he needed it and I simply loved hugs especially when it came with the genuine feeling my brothers have expressed.
“I love you guys.” I mumbled.
“We love you too, Addy.” They replied.
“Altas cried like a wuss.” Adam made a show of writing on his hand with an imaginary pen like he was journaling it for future use.
Altas rolled his eyes and helped me up from the floor. “Give me Rhyett's, he won't mind.” He asked, tipping his chin to the container I’ve picked up again.
“He will.” I disagreed.
“Trust me he won't. He doesn't like anything sweet.”
“But he could eat half of it… Or atleast taste a little bit…” I said unsure whether he would do it and if I should pressurize him by offering him some.
“You should give the cookies to someone who’ll truly appreciate it and I think there's no one better than us for that.” Adam beamed at me.
“Well I’m gonna go find out myself how much he appreciates it.” I decided to atleast try.
“Careful tigress, he’s sort of in a bad mood.” Altas chuckled.
“Why?”
“Um… I kept knocking on his door while he was trying to get something done so he got pissed.” He replied now full-on laughing as he shared a look with Adam who was shook his head with clear amusement.
I know how much Rhyett loves his work so it's obvious he would get mad if Altas kept deliberately disturbing him. And he thinks it's funny to annoy our eldest brother.
“He likes me more than he likes you, he won't get mad at me. And Adam,” I turned to him. “Don't throw tupperware on the floor again.” I said glaring at him.
“Chill, it gets mopped everyday. There's definitely no germs there.” He defended.
“There must be. Don't do it again.”
He rolled his eyes. “Fine.”
“Don't go in. Knock and let him open the door.” Altas shouted after me as I left the living room.
Does he think I don't even have the basic manners of not entering someone's room before they let me? Ofcourse I'm gonna knock and wait for him to come out.
As I got closer my anxiety started to rise up a notch. I knew Rhyett was too kind to deny me anything but I didn't want him to eat the cookie just so I feel good. But at the same time I wanted him to eat it just so I feel good.
Suddenly I remembered that Valerie was also with him and it kinda relaxed me. I could offer her first and then Rhyett might want one. It would be subtle and he won't feel pressured.
And I’ve been meaning to talk to Valerie for days. I developed a new problem: my bras have started to feel either too suffocating or uncomfortable. I'm pretty sure my size hasn't changed but the current ones make me uneasy now.
I really wanted her to go shopping with me. I couldn't get those online because I wasn't even sure what I wanted. And I would rather die than go with one of my brothers to buy undergarments. I was thinking of asking Ella but I’m still not comfortable enough with my truth to tell her I'm pregnant.
So Valerie is my last hope. If she declines… I haven't thought of another plan but I guess Lucius won't decline helping me.
I wish mom was here. I wouldn't be in such an embarrassing situation right now.
A smile made its way on my lips as I knocked on his bedroom door. Valerie is nice, she will most possibly agree. And Rhyett would love the cookie if he just tried it once. But I have to remember to not let them have more than their dividend or I'll have problems with the rest of our family. I think I should make another batch at home so I could store-
My thoughts cut off when the door finally opened up and I swear to all my ancestors buying underwear with my brothers would be less embarrassing than this.