Torn Between Twin Brothers

Ava was all smiles when she read the text message from James. However, it was only for a short second. After that, Akira nudged her and Jeffrey to inform her that they received a text message from James. That's when she realized that it was a group message and she was not the only receiver. After that, she lost her appetite and excused herself to find a place where no one could bother her.

While she was walking around and looking for a place to think, she suddenly remembered that there was a rooftop where you could see the surrounding area of the school. So she decided to go up there and check it out. Since it was lunchtime, Pisces was nowhere in sight. This is why Ava was able to go without her following her around. She slowly made her way towards the rooftop, unaware that a surprise was waiting for her.

James was standing on one of the corners at the far end of the rooftop, hidden away. He was so engrossed in his thoughts that he didn't realize that someone had joined him. So he was startled when he heard a voice from behind. He froze, realizing that it sounded just like Ava if he wasn't mistaken.

'It's no way! She would never come up here, so why do I hear her voice?' So he thought to himself as he shook his head, trying to clear his mind before turning around. Then he saw her, the very person he had been thinking of... She looked as pretty as he imagined her to be. 

"Hello, big brother! So, this is where you eat your lunch. I'm sorry if I'm intruding; I'll leave now." Said Ava with a half-smile but sadness in her eyes as she prepared to turn around to leave.

"Wait!" He quickly called out. "You don't have to leave; I could use some company." He added while ready to go after her in case she decided to leave anyway. 

Ava paused; she hesitated if she should continue to leave or to stay. Then she thought, why not stay. Maybe it was a good time for them to have a serious talk with James. She had some questions, and it was better to ask now to help her make her decision regarding taking the CEE. She turned around and walked closer to where he was standing.

Once she reached him, words suddenly wouldn't come out of her mouth. It felt as if a butterfly was circling in her stomach and her heart kept on thumping so fast. She stood there next to him silently while unable to stand still. 

"Congratulations, by the way!" James murmured, barely audible as he gazed towards the horizon and not looking at her at all. So, she barely heard him. 

"Did you say something?" She asked shyly, looking at her feet as she spoke.

James repeated himself; this time, he turned around to face her. When she heard what he said, she looked up and faced him to reply. Their eyes locked, and her heartbeat went haywire.

*Thud-thud-thud!* She put her right hand to her chest, trying to calm herself.

Still locked in the staring competition, "Thank you! I couldn't believe it myself, but yea! If I wanted to skip 3 grades and take the CEE, I could. Isn't it funny in a way?" A light laugh came out of her lips.

"Yes, it's unbelievable. Are you going to take the test?" He was holding his breath as he waited for her reply…

===

"I have to speak to my parents about it first. It's a big step for me to jump 3 grades. I think that I might not be suitable for a college life yet. But then, in the Philippines, if I studied high school in a public school, I could be going to college already next year. So, I guess it will be alright for me to take the test." Her response sounded like she was making a lame excuse for herself if she decided to take the test.

James knew it, but he knew better than to let it show on his face. So instead, he showed two indented dimples on both his cheeks with two rows of straight white teeth. "You're right; think about it first and talk it out with your parents. It's a big decision. Also, if you decide to skip grades, you will be on your own and separated from your friends." He meant Akira and Pearl, of course not him because he planned on attending the same college as her.

"Yes, that too! Akira could skip one grade, while Jeffrey could skip two grades. But at least they will still be in the same school together. Unlike me, if I go to college, I will have no one." He could hear the sadness in her voice, and he almost said out loud that he would be with her. He bit his lips so he wouldn't blurt it out.

It suddenly turned eerie and quiet. She wanted to ask him what his plan was for college, but she couldn't seem to find the words. She was afraid that he might think she was stalking him if she suddenly showed up and attended the same one.

===

A moment passed, and it was time to go back to class. However, both of them were hesitant to remind each other that they needed to leave already. Time was moving, but both of them just stood there staring at the vast land surrounding the Royal Academy. 

Then...

"Err, I think we should go back already before they send out a search party." James was the one to break the ice. 

"Oh, is that the time already? Yeah! I think we better go now." She shyly responded, still unable to look him straight in the eye. She then turned around, ready to leave ahead of him.

"Ava..." He held on to her arm to stop her from leaving, "I can be with you if you decide to attend college already. I can be your big brother, so no one would bully you. I can protect you. I promise, so think about it? Alright?" His face was serious while looking at her pretty face with wide eyes.

"O-okay! I promise I will think about it." She said with the sweetest smile she could provide.

After hearing that, James let go of her arm before taking her hand instead and usher her towards the stairs going down. She didn't pull her hand away. Instead, she happily followed James while grinning from ear to ear.

Ava was now determined to take the test and pass the CEE, so she could attend college with James. She didn't want to lose the chance to get closer to him, even if he only treated her as a little sister; for now, that was fine with her. However, it was a start, for all she knew that someday, she would be his wife anyway... 

At least that's what she thought...

~~~0~~~

Author's note:

The story will be moving forward to adulthood, characters have been introduced, and we will start with Ava's story first. So, bear with me, and I hope you enjoy reading.

Please, do cheer me up by commenting and letting me know what you think of the story so far? Of course, I listen and do my best to make all of you happy.