THE LOST TWINS

19 - I'm hooked

Alesa Romano
-----
(Edited)

I woke up, groggy and tired, with a lingering headache from last night's tears. The thought of attending school today felt daunting, but I knew I couldn't miss it, especially since it was only the second day.

Slowly getting out of bed, I shuffled to the window and opened it, letting the fresh air and warm sunlight flood my room.

For five minutes, I stood there, soaking in the tranquility. My stomach growled, reminding me of breakfast.

Downstairs, I entered the kitchen to find Noah, Alex, Dylan, and Colton gathered at the island.

I sat beside Colton.

"How are you feeling?" he asked, concern etched on his face.

"Just a lil headache," I replied. "Can I have a painkiller?"

"Have your breakfast first, and I'll give you one," Colton said.

I poured myself a bowl of cereal and ate quickly. After finishing, Colton handed me the painkiller.

"I'm going to get ready for school," I announced.

Alex spoke up. "You're not going to school today."

I turned to see Alexa walking into the kitchen.

"Why?" she asked.

"Because Lorenzo said so," Colton replied calmly.

Alexa frowned. "That's unfair. If she's not going, I'm not going either."

Dylan smirked. "Talk to Lorenzo then."

Noah stood up.

"Aren't we getting late, Noah? Let's leave," Alexa said hastily.

Her sudden change in attitude after hearing Lorenzo's name made everyone burst into laughter. Alexa rolled her eyes.

I thanked my brothers and returned to my room. Crawling back into bed, I snuggled under the covers, clutching my teddy.

Sleep claimed me once more.

I woke up at 12:30 pm feeling refreshed. Time for a shower.

In my closet, I picked out comfortable clothes. With a towel wrapped around me, I headed to the shower. The warm water washed away my remaining fatigue.

After dressing, I grabbed my phone and headed downstairs.

In the living room, Xander and Xavier noticed me and I approached them.

"How's your headache now?" Xavier asked, concern etched on his face.

"I'm fine now, thank you," I replied.

Xavier spotted the bruise on my hand.

"Xander, check her hand out. She has a bruise from yesterday," Xavier said.

Xander nodded. I looked shocked.

"Don't worry, he's a doctor," Xavier reassured me.

Xander gently took my hand. His touch sent shivers down my spine. I was still scared of him.

Xander examined my hand carefully.

Then, he met my gaze. He saw the fear in my eyes. Xander turned to Xavier.

"Don't worry, she's alright. I'll give her a cream tonight, and the bruise will be gone," Xander said.

Xavier and I nodded.

I thanked Xander. Suddenly, my phone rang. Lorenzo's name flashed on the screen.

Curious, I answered. "Hello?" I said.

"Hello, it's good you're awake. Hope your headache's better," Lorenzo said.

"Yes, it's fine now. Thank you," I replied.

"Good to hear. Are any of your brothers near you?" Lorenzo asked.

"Yes, Xander and Xavier," I replied.

"Give the phone to Xander," Lorenzo instructed. I handed Xander the phone.

"Hey, what's up?" Xander said.

Their conversation lasted three minutes. Xander hung up.

"Let's go," he said.

"Where?" I asked.

"To see Lorenzo," Xander replied.

He walked out of the house. I followed.

Xander drove, his eyes fixed on the road ahead, while I sat beside him in the passenger seat. A car of bodyguards followed closely, a constant reminder of my family's wealth and influence. We arrived at an imposing building, "ROMANO'S COLLECTION" emblazoned on the facade in bold letters. Another property of my brothers', I thought, no longer surprised by their extensive business empire.

We stepped out of the car, and everyone in the vicinity greeted Xander with respect. Some acknowledged me with smiles; others with nasty glances, their envy palpable. I'd grown accustomed to it.

As we entered the building, the receptionist welcomed us warmly. "Good morning, Mr. Xander. Good morning, Miss Alesa." I smiled back.

We ascended to the 16th floor, where Lorenzo's office awaited. Inside, Dylan and Lorenzo greeted us, their expressions serious.

Lorenzo sat behind his massive desk; Dylan worked on papers on the couch, his brow furrowed in concentration.

"Sit," Lorenzo said, gesturing to the couch beside Dylan.

I joined Dylan, who offered a warm smile and asked, "Are you fine now?"

"Yes, I'm. Thank you," I replied.

Lorenzo and Xander joined us on the couch, their presence comforting.

Lorenzo cleared his throat, commanding attention. "I want you to tell me what exactly happened yesterday," he said, his eyes on me.

I took deep breaths, calming myself before recounting the events.

"After I went to the washroom...that random guy showed up, grabbed my wrist...I tried to get out of his grip, but he was too strong. He pushed me toward the wall, and I tried to punch him, but I failed. Then he moved closer, kissing my neck...I tried to push him again, but failed. Just as I thought...Xander arrived and saved me."

Dylan's expression darkened. "That's it?"

I nodded.

Lorenzo's face remained stoic. "Thanks for letting us know."

"You're welcome," I replied.

Lorenzo stood, signaling the end of our conversation. "Now, I have some work to do. Dylan and Xander will help. Noah and Alexa will pick you up on their way back from school."

I nodded.

Lorenzo handed me his iPad. "Pass the time. Watch something."

I settled into the couch, navigating to YouTube. Alexa had recommended BTS, saying their music would help me love myself. I was skeptical but willing to try.

As I watched their videos, their music and charm captivated me. I smiled, feeling a sense of joy I hadn't experienced in a while.

I listened to "Spring Day" and "Magic Shop," mesmerized by their lyrics and harmony.

Jeon Jungkook, the youngest member, caught my eye. His talent, energy, and adorable smile made me blush.

An hour passed, and I awaited my brothers, eager to return home and continue my BTS marathon.

"Enjoying the videos?" Dylan asked, glancing over.

I nodded enthusiastically. "They're amazing."

Dylan chuckled. "Alexa's got you hooked, huh?"

I grinned. "Yeah."

"Thanks for taking care of me," I said to Xander.

He smiled. "Anytime."