FACADE

Chapter 39: Jingle Bells

“We brought snacks” a voice announced as soon as the door was opened and I couldn't help but roll my eyes before ushering them in.

  These days, I have gotten used to them appearing whenever and however so I was not as repulsive as I was towards them before. At least this time I would collect the basket of Snacks in their hands and politely say thank you, before leaving them with Junior.

  These days, junior has been acting weirdly, like he had taken the wrong medicine and I didn't know what they (Matt and Edward) said to him as he was always with them and never seems to get tired of it. Anyways I was sure his change in attitude has something to do with them and I didn't know if I should be happy or not.

   Just like right now, my brother who always treated me like air actually greeted me today and asked if she slept well. Like seriously?

....

    Christmas was finally here and the merriment and excitement was buzzing in the air. Even I that disliked festivity was in a good mood. My parents arrived late yesterday night for Christmas eve and we spent the entire night watching Christmas special, the same series we would watch every Christmas.

   My Feelings for the film had long gone and all I felt about it was that it was a family tradition that I couldn't flake on but even with that, I couldn't hide the look of boredom that always appeared on my face. Sometimes I would even bring out my phone to chat, but today was different, probably because I haven't seen them for a while now and I couldn't help but revel in the feeling of our family together. Just us.

   Our maids had all gone on Christmas leave yesterday to celebrate with their families, even Matt and Edward had flown back to New York yesterday so it was just us in the house without any distractions.

    I was the first to leave for bed with an excuse that I was tired and since my parents thought we had a long day ahead, they also went to bed early. I knew more than anyone that they have been so occupied these days, and even though they always put in much effort in their appearance, I could still notice the little eyebags under dads eyes, although mom's makeup concealed hers perfectly.

   Collapsing on the bed, I lied on my back as I stared at the ceiling. A thousand thoughts were going through my mind but I shut my eyes, trying to keep my calm.

    Edward's and Matt's company had given me different ideas, although Matt already confessed that he indeed came here because of me, I didn't know about Edward.

    I figured my feelings for him over the days was becoming complicated. From crush to infatuation, I knew better than anyone that I have started developing real feelings for him, but to say that I feel the same way about Marcus was confusing.

   The both of them were like fire and ice, different in many aspects, for example Marcus was childish, mysterious and made one feel a sense of danger while Edward was proud, doesn't say much, annoying and unpredictable.

  I told myself many times that I didn't want to involve myself with the both of them because I felt they had too much secrets. Like Edward, his eyes was as calm as the waves but if one looked closer, those eyes stared like a bottomless pit. At least that was my intuition.

   In knowing, I had decided to stay away from them both, but I keep seeing him everywhere, the only thing I had to thank God for was Marcus, who I haven't seen.

   My Feelings were a bit complicated and I sucked in a deep breath, as I reached for the switch to turn off the lamp before burying myself under the duvet. These matters could wait till tomorrow.

....

   With a loud yawn, I got off bed and stretched my arms. I could hear heavy and light footsteps from downstairs so I assumed it belonged to my mom and dad.