12-in-1

~24~ Paranoid

*Alexa*

"Alexa?" Jasper whispered to me and jolted me out of my constant watch over that guy.

"Yes?"

"They just asked you a question." he muttered.

It was then I noticed all eyes were on me and I blushed crimson with embarrassment.

"Pardon me. It takes a little to get used to all this attention. The question was what?"

"Perfectly understandable Miss Cole. I was just asking what you think about all this."

"One moment I'm cooking spaghetti for eight, the next my parents are dead, next I'm transported to live with the coolest royal family ever with my siblings so I'll have to say I've not done much thinking." I said to laughter.

"Will you change this? I mean coming here."

"Losing our parents was definitely hard and I have to admit, I'm probably the only one stagnant in the healing journey but no. I won't change coming here. I've learnt that it's ok to love and I'm loved. It's where I'll want to be if this happened again."

They then moved on to questioning Alex and Michelle gave me a watery smile and then I unconsciously looked back to the guy but he wasn't there.

"Where is he?" I ask out loud and have to cover my mouth when Alex stops talking.

"Who?" Jasper asks worriedly and I can see the guards stand up even straighter and surreptitiously take a look around the room

"Never mind, there was a guy from the press who must have just left." I say.

He nods and Alex resumes talking.

I sneakily glance behind me just to be on the safe side but he isn't there and as I glance back, I notice Andrew's eyes are fixed on me.

"A short break please." Andrew said and we all stood up and walked out.

Everyone's chatting in undertones and Andrew takes my arm and leads me a way off from the others.

"Alexa honey are you ok?"

"Fine. Perfectly fine." I say reassuring him hurriedly.

"Cos if there's anyone looking suspicious I NEED you to tell me."

"Sus- what? No! I'm just a bit overwhelmed is all. I promise."

"You're sure?"

"Yes Andrew. Stop being a worry wart and bask in the glory." I say teasingly but can't help but not want to laugh this time.

"Come on then. Let's go bask in the glory." he says, leading me back to the group after kissing me on the forehead.

*Andrew*

Once Alexa was occupied by Mia, Michelle walked up to me, "is there a problem?"

"I'm still trying to figure it out." I muttered. Someone suspicious could have come in under the pretext of being a press member and there are opinionated people against the sudden increase in family members.

"Maybe this is all too fast." Michelle said interrupting my train of thoughts.

"Everything's under control Michelle. Ok?"

She nodded and then wrapped her hand around my waist.

"I miss you."

"What?"

"Nothing." she said with a smile.

"Break's over guys!" I called out and they began filing in while I remained at the back.