Dearest

Thou Shalt Not Betray Thy Emotions

We finished dinner exactly as I had planned. The smiles, the hugs, the fake warmth everything was falling perfectly into place.

I slipped away to my room and dropped onto the bed, exhaustion finally hitting me. For a few minutes I just stared at the ceiling, replaying Silas confused eyes and Kassie's overly eager laugh in my head. Phase one: complete.

A soft knock pulled me out of my thoughts.

Sayntelle? Can I come in?

I sighed and pushed myself up. Yeah, come in.

Yeah... thanks a lot for the surprise. I really wasn't expecting Silas to be at the dinner.

​She stepped closer to my bed. I appreciate you, honestly. And... I heard about what Mom did, and I promise I'll make it up to you.

​Before I could even respond, she wrapped her arms around me, hugging me tightly. I froze. To be completely honest, I was shocked. A sudden, sharp wave of guilt hit my chest, and my conscience finally started to claw its way in.

​But I knew this feeling. I knew exactly what she was doing, and I wasn't about to let my guard down. She was the queen of being sweet one minute and completely brutal the next. I hugged her back anyway, forcing a warm expression onto my face.

​You deserve the best, I said, keeping the smile steady.

​She squeezed me tighter, and this time, actual tears escaped her eyes. I honestly thought Silas wasn't going to come, she sniffled. You know, rumors were all around that you guys were dating... and you know very well how much I like him. That's why sometimes I'm exceptionally rude to you."

​It's fine. I'm not offended, I replied smoothly. We're twins, and what's a bond without forgiveness?

​I managed another soft smile, holding her close, and let a few of my own tears fall. It was all part of the script. Every single emotion matters.

​First rule: Thou shalt not betray thy emotions.

​Thanks for forgiving me, she whispered.

​Honestly, I was starting to feel completely fed up. This was getting way too emotional, way too touchy, and I needed her out of my room.

​You're welcome, I said, pulling back gently. I really need to get some sleep, though. You should too.

​Yeah... Good night, she said.

​I smiled as she finally made her way out. The moment she stepped into the hallway and the lock clicked shut behind her, the smile vanished.

​I rolled my eyes, trying to silence every lingering whisper of a guilty conscience. I couldn't afford to feel guilty yet. I knew this was going to happen, but I couldn't let myself drown in it. The movie had just started, and the real emotions were already pouring in.

​I looked back at the photograph of the two of us sitting on my nightstand, a brief, cold smile touching my lips.

(The Next Morning)

​I woke up to Andrea screaming my name from the hallway. I wasn't surprised; this was her usual routine. I rolled over and pretended not to hear her until she furiously barged straight into my room.

​What is the meaning of what you did last night?! she demanded, glaring at me with pure rage.

​Good morning to you, too, I said, offering a slow smile.

​Good morning?! Andrea hissed. You still haven't learned your lesson, have you? You need me to teach you the hard way."

​When did you ever teach me the right way?I replied nonchalantly. I was completely numb to her daily dose of nonsense.

​Why did you bring Silas to that dinner?" She stepped closer, looking like she wanted to hit me but of course, she wouldn't dare.

​I felt like it, I said, shrugging. You told me to be a good twin, so I'm listening to you now. I let my smile widen. Aren't you happy for her?

​You're just as cunning as your mother, Andrea spat, her eyes narrowing. "You know exactly what game you're playing.

​You never get bored of saying the same things every day, do you? For some reason, you're obsessed with my mother. God knows why... I paused, locking eyes with her. And maybe I do, too.

​Yo—you know what? Why would I be obsessed with that poverty-stricken, wretched woman? she stammered, desperately trying to rebuild her tough facade.

​And yet, you feel intimidated by this supposed poverty-stricken, wretched woman? I stood up, the indifference vanishing from my voice. That woman you think is worthy of such despicable insults is my mother. You can't hurl stupid words at her and expect me to just take it. Take this as a warning: never speak of my mother in that manner again, or you won't like the 'compliments' I'll give you in return. I promise they'll make you very emotional.

​I held back the tears threatening to burn my eyes, keeping my gaze unshaken.

​Andrea went dead silent. Completely silent. It was the first time she had ever backed down without talking back, or maybe she just realized she had crossed a line she couldn't uncross. Either way, I didn't care. She could say whatever she wanted to me, but she would never talk about my mother.

​She turned and stormed out of my room, slamming the door.

​As the echo faded, the heat in my chest began to cool. I sank back onto the edge of my bed and sighed.

​Honestly, I think I need to get my own apartment, I muttered to the empty room.

Kass? Are you in there? I asked, peeping through the crack in her bedroom door.

​Yes... Come in! she said, a bold smile on her face.

​Good morning, I smiled back, walking in and sitting on the edge of her bed.

​How was your night? she asked, her smile warming up.

​Fruitful, I said, holding her gaze with a light, steady stare.

​Fruitful? she repeated, looking slightly confused.

​Yeah. Very fruitful. I brushed it off smoothly. That aside, I came to ask you if you'd want to come with me to a dinner tonight at Ravena's.

​Uhm... Erm... I don't know, she said, trailing off as she tried to gather her thoughts.

​Silas will be there, I added, offering a sweet smile. I already knew her answer before the words even left my mouth.

​I'll come with you! she giggled instantly. Then, her smile faltered just a bit, a hint of suspicion clouding her eyes. But... how come he doesn't tell me these things?

He just loves to surprise you i said trying to perish every thought of suspicion

The dinner is 7:00 pm

I said as I made my way out of the room and slightly shut the door, Then I got a call on my phone it was from Silas of course

Why didn't u call since yesterday he said like I owed him every bit of my life.

Nothing i said and hurried down to my room to get my car keys

Nothing?