Torn Between Twin Brothers

James didn't continue what he was saying. Instead, he let the young man in front of him imagine what Ava saw that made her scream.

He then turned around and went towards the living room to speak to Ava.

James asked Jeffrey to give him and Ava privacy so he could apologize to her. Jeffrey was hesitant when Ava held on to his arms, but he thought it better to let them clear the air. He doesn't know what happened, and he would only find out once everything was discussed. 

"Sis, I think you and big brother James should talk. I don't know what happened that got you screaming and shaking, so I'll let you talk to him. Alright?" He gently whispered to his twin sister.

Ava only nodded as a response; he then slowly released Ava so James could take her somewhere to talk privately. 

James kneeled in front of her and took hold of her hands, "Ava, can we talk for a moment... How about we go to the balcony? Do you want to go there?" His voice was low and sincere.

Ava didn't say anything; she let James pull her up and guide her towards the balcony, where everyone could still see them but not hear their conversation.

===

"Ava, let me apologize to you if you were shocked to see me wearing only a towel. Can't you take it as you saw your twin brother Jeffrey?" James said, trying to make Ava feel at ease.

Ava looked up, facing James, "Big brother, I'm sorry! It wasn't even that. I have seen men wearing trunks and such. I'm not that naive. I was just startled at first, which is why I shrieked. What I'm most upset about is how you felt about me walking in on you. I thought that you would think something else about me. But, since it seems that it didn't bother you, are we alright then?" She was more composed now that she could think clearly.

"Sure! Sure! If you're fine with seeing me half-naked, then I'm fine with that too." He said it with a half-smile plastered on his handsome young face. He then ruffled her hair as if she was a little child. 

"Everything is all good then? Let's go back there to think of what to do to celebrate finishing your exams." He then led the way back inside his apartment, where all the curious eyes were anxiously waiting for them.

===

Just when Ava and James were about to return inside, an oversized Olympic size swimming pool and a couple of jacuzzis below them caught Ava's attention. There was also a cabana surrounding the area and a huge barbeque area by the pool. Suddenly her eyes brightly shone with the idea of what they could do for enjoyment.

She jerked James's arm to stop him from going in. 

"Big brother! I have an idea, why don't we have a barbeque today by the pool and we could go swimming too? It's not too hot today, so it could be fun dipping in the pool. What do you think?" Ava was excited. During the last couple of times, they were by the beach, she never got to go into the water. She was afraid that she would get sunburn. But, with the weather not so hot, it would be perfect.

Seeing how excited she was, James didn't hesitate to agree, "That's a great idea! We can first go shopping for some food, do you want to go with me?" Just the thought of spending time alone with Ava made James giddy. He was smiling from ear to ear, which was not like his usual self.

===

When Prince Edmund heard that James and Ava would be going out to buy some food to cook, he wanted to come along. However, James quickly pointed out that he was a Royal, and it would create a sensation among the masses if he was seen in a public grocery store. So, there was nothing he could do but to stay in the apartment and wait.

Pisces and two secret bodyguards went with Ava and James. They went to a nearby grocery store and acted like normal children with their older sister shopping for groceries. James, with a baseball cap and a facemask, looked normal for a boy of his age. Ava, with her hair split into two ponytails, looked like a barbie doll. She was so cute that people turned their heads after passing them.

They picked a variety of meat, vegetables, fruits, and seafood for everyone to enjoy. They also grabbed some non-alcoholic beverages. Once they were finished, Pisces lined up o pay for their items. The two waited for her outside the store.

They were enjoying themselves and conversing when "Excuse me, can we please have your autograph?" Said two teenagers who seemed to be about 16 years of age.

Ava and James looked at each other. Both were confused as to why they would ask them for autographs. Then it hit both of them, they were probably fans of Ashton, and they thought James was Ashton. He was about to correct them when one of the teenagers continued to speak.

"Miss Ava, I have been a huge fan of yours. I've seen your movies and dramas back when I went on vacation to the Philippines." Said one of the teenagers that looked half Asian and half caucasian.

After hearing that, Ava could do nothing but go ahead and give her an autograph. After signing the autograph, it didn't end there. They also asked if they could have a picture with her. She couldn't decline since Pisces was still inside the grocery store.

"Sure, I don't mind. However, I do have to ask that you don't post the pictures on any social media. For a personal reason." Ava asked politely with a sweet smile. 

The two teenagers nodded their heads in agreement. They even went as far as raising their fingers making solemn promises. 

James even offered to take the picture of the three of them. The two teenagers were happy as larks as they waved goodbye to Ava.

As soon as they left, James started teasing Ava, "I told you so! You should have worn a facemask and not shown your face in public. You're too pretty to not be recognized." He then ruffled her head like a little girl while laughing out loud.

Ava was unsure how to take it, James's attitude towards her confused the heck out of her. He sometimes looked at her lovingly as if... then the next minute he would ruffle her hair like a little kid. Which one was real? She was still in deep thought when Pisces came out pushing a grocery cart.

===

Everyone was already at the swimming pool area relaxing when they arrived back at the apartment. However, since no one knew they would be swimming, no one brought swimsuits. So instead, they all just came down to relax and lounge by the pool.

Luckily, James and Ava had thought about it, and they stopped by one of the stores and purchased swimsuits and swimming trunks for everyone. To get everyone's right sizes, they had to call them while they were shopping. Once that was accomplished, they rushed back to the apartment to return before it was too late.

Pisces let James and Ava go ahead and join everyone at the pool while she cleaned and prepared the things they needed for the barbeque. Prince Edmund's assistant was kind enough to help Pisces, and to let her know that a couple of secret bodyguards were watching the children.

After less than an hour, the pool party was in full swing. Akira decided to tease Pearl, Arria, and Princess Rose. She Facetimed them to show what they were doing. When the three girls learned that they were having a barbeque by the pool, they hastened to go shopping for some cute bathing suits and hurried to James Apartment.

The security guard was careful this time. Once he learned that they were there to visit James, he didn't bother to ask any questions. Especially when he was faced with Chupsy and Mary, who had looks that could kill. 

Soon everyone was enjoying themselves. Pearl had thought about live streaming the party, but she decided not to since no one was wearing a mask. However, that didn't stop her from video calling Ashton.

"That's not fair!!! You guys are having so much fun together, while here I am working my arse off!" He complained while trying to see where Ava was from the screen of his cellphone. He wanted to ask Pearl to point the camera towards Ava, but he didn't want to be too obvious.

"Pearl, how about circling the camera so I can see what everyone is doing," Ashton asked, trying not to be obvious. His eyes were squinting, trying to see clearly. Slowly, Pearl walked around while zooming the camera of her phone to everyone. 

Wherever she pointed the camera towards someone, the person would wave at Ashton. When Princess Rose saw him, she was so excited that she followed Pearl around as she continued what Ashton asked her to do.

Then Pearl heard Ashton, "Stop!!! Stop right there. Let me talk to James for a moment." Pearl listened and stopped right in front of Ava and James, sitting next to each other on a lounge sofa...

"Hello, Ashton!" Ava greeted with a sweet smile plastered on her young beautiful face.

Ashton was speechless, if a moment ago he was so talkative while searching for Ava... Now, he couldn't utter a single word. Instead of greeting Ava back, he turned his attention to James. 

"Hey, brother! How about switching with me for a while. I could use a break.." He bantered for everyone to hear, but in reality, he was serious.