STRINGS ATTACHED

CHAPTER SEVEN

XANDER PAIGE

I was startled by the sound of footsteps coming down the stairs.

The footsteps belonged to the kids, very typical.

Elle ran towards me, lifted my laptop from my thighs and made herself comfortable.

Her brother Ethan sat beside me on the couch.

Their faces were red and they looked like they were gonna burst sooner or later. I sensed excitement and a bit of a feeling they wanted something.

"Daddie?" Elle stressed.

"Yes, pumpkin."

"Ethan and I wanna ask you something really important."

"Sure, anything."

"CAN WE GO WATCH THE WORLD CUP FINALS IN NEW JERSEY?!?" They asked simultaneously.

They stared and stared and stared.

I rolled my eyes inwardly. I'm gonna disappoint them.

"No." I replied flatly.

Their once red faces turned pale.

"You're kidding, right Dad?" Ethan asked.

"I'm not kidding, bud." I replied.

"I've got tons of work and I'll be leaving for Seoul during the weekend."

"Of all days! Of all finales! It had to be now!" Elle whined.

"Everyone's gonna be talking about it in school!" Han whined too.

"Tell you what, we watch a rematch when I return from my trip. We'll wear matching jerseys and paint our faces. How's that sound?"

"Terrible!! That's gonna be days after everyone one else has cheered and the scores might've spread throughout the entire school!!" Han held his head in his hands.

"Okay, okay. It may sound terrible now, but when I return, I promise you won't know what hit you. In the meantime..." I smirked.

"WE'RE HOME!!"

"I know those voices!!" Elle's face lit up.

"Yeah, they kinda sound like..."

"Come to Mama, my little pumpkins." My Mum, Jennifer appeared in the living room with her arms wide open. My Dad, Lionton came in with their luggage.

My parents, very typical.

They're the best ever, and they really like to travel. It's a shock that they don't have actual careers. They're great at everything, really. After Miley left me bankrupt, my parents showed me the best kind of support. I swear I'm never letting them down.

"Did Daddie call you guys over 'cause he knew he was gonna disappoint us..?" Elle asked as she gave me parents a suspicious look.

I quickly gave them a hand signal, silently slitting my throat.

"Of course not, mi amor. Your grandma and I wanted to visit on our own terms." My Dad replied.

I told you they're the best.

"Oh, Lion, we almost forgot. You know how your Dad and I like to pick stuff. We brought a few things for the twins."

"You guys have gotta be joking!!" Ethan exclaimed.

Believe me, when they say "a few things ", they really mean so much more.

"Why don't you go see for yourselves?!" My Mum said as she let go of Elle.

They ran out as fast as I had ever imagined.

Come on, what could my parents possibly gift them?

"Over to my baby boy..." My Mum held my shoulder as we walked towards the living room, the second one of course.

A steward walked over and retrieved their luggage.

"How's the company?" Dad asked as he poured himself a glass of Chardonnay.

Apple's his favourite.

"All smooth. You know, the park's also getting better. I went in there days ago and I was marvelled at the crowd. I think I should make a reconstruction." I thought.

"A reconstruction? Whatever for, honey?" My Mum asked as she grabbed Dad's glass, took a sip and returned it.

He shook his head and chuckled.

"I was thinking of an auditorium at a far end of the park. You know, for hosting concerts, film festivals and other live performances." I suggested.

This really sounded way better in my head. It sounds good now, though.

"That's a splendid idea, baby. How very innovative of you." My Mum commended. She grabbed Dad's glass for the second time and repeated the same act.

"You know, I could just get your own glass." My Dad had an annoyed look.

"That won't be necessary, sweetie." My Mum objected as she gave him a smile.

I've said this before, haven't I ? "Very typical".

"And you wonder how I'm alive again?" My Dad said.

"How soon are you working on it?" My Mum asked.

"I'll be holding meetings with the park's staff by next week. Learning their opinions and knowing where to start." I replied.

"You've always made us so proud, Xandie." My Mum said.

I bet she's on the verge of tears.

...then...it all poured down.

She grabbed the collar of her blouse and brushed it against her cheek.

"I will be taking her upstairs now. I don't want her to build you a pool." My Dad said as he placed his glass on the table nearby. He lifted her gently and exited the living room.

MINUTES LATER

"I haven't done this before." I heard my Dad say as he walked into the balcony and stood beside me.

It's getting dark and the stars are already out.

"You mean stare at the sky at 6:45?" I asked as I let out a chuckle.

"No. I've done that a lotta times. I mean standing on the balcony absent mindedly." My Dad said.

"Is this about Miley?" He asked.

I was suddenly boiling hotter than an inferno.

"Dad, she's the least person I wanna talk about." I said.

"I completely understand." He sighed.

"You're not getting younger, son."

"I know that, Dad. I don't wanna rush into things. You know what I experienced." I sighed.

"I get it, Xander. It's just that, the children, they need a lead female. You're not making that possible by being blind to figures."

"Dad, come on. Are you still mad 'cause of the blind date? I already knew who she was before you and Mum set us up. You guys called it a "blind date" for crying out loud!"

"It was your Mum's idea, I swear." Dad said as he raised his hands in surrender.

We laughed.

"Look, kiddo. I just want you and the children to be happy. I also want you to get a mate. Come on, you're an Alpha." He smirked as he said the last part.

"Yeah yeah, Dad." I rolled my eyes and let out a chuckle. Suddenly, my mind drifted to Phoenix. I wonder how she's coping with work.

"Now I remember why I'm really here. There's so many beverage options in the fridge and I have no idea which one would contain lower caffeine. I can't choose between decaf coffee or half-caf coffee." He said as he held his waist and shook his head.

I face-palmed myself.

"Let's go, Dad. I really don't get the things your doctors prescribe for you."

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