The Curse - Book 1 (Completed)

Chapter 16: The Soldier's Game

​Victoria's eyes shoot to Christopher. What's going on?

​He keeps his eyes locked onto Vanessa. He's brooding on what to do. He knows they can't tell them the truth. But they also can't pretend Victoria is Sophie. Wade knows Victoria. And Vanessa knows Sophia. There is no way out.

​He turns to his sister and gives her a nod. She instantly knows what he means.

​"It's not Sophie," she says.

​Vanessa's blond eyebrows furrow with amusement, "What are you talking about, Soph?"

​Victoria shakes her head. "I told you I'm not Sophie."

​Vanessa scans Victoria from head to toes and suddenly exchanges amusement for confusion, looking at Jake for clarity. "What's going on, babe?"

​ Jake shrugs casually, "What's your name?" he asks Victoria.

​"I'm Victoria," she holds out her hand.

​"Jake," he shakes her hand, then looks at Vanessa. "What's wrong? Did you confuse her for somebody else?"

​Vanessa keeps her eyes locked on Victoria. "More than confused. Are you messing with me, Sophie? Is it April's fools today?"

​Jake frowns and looks at his brother, embarrassed, "It's winter, baby. December," he whispers.

​She ignores Wade's astonished stare and glances at Christopher. "I know you, don't I?"

​Jake laughs. "Excuse my girl, here. She thinks she knows everyone," he grabs her shoulders and stands behind her, resting his chin on her shoulder.

​"Of course," Vanessa shakes her head, "You're that guy Ian beat up the other day, aren't you?"

​Christopher twists his lips in annoyance. "Ian with a lot of help from his buddies," he retorts.

​Vanessa shakes her head. "Maaan, has anybody ever told you how much you two look alike?"

​Wade chuckles. "They're twins, Vanessa. So...I'm sure they've heard that one a lot."

​Vanessa's forehead creases. "You know them?"

​Wade raises his eyebrows, and shrugs. "Of course I know them. Do you think I let anybody inside the house?"

​Vanessa ignores his sarcasm. "How do you know them?"

​"They're in my class."

​Vanessa's lips part. "So, you're really not Sophie?" She is amazed.

​Victoria shakes her head, nervously biting on her lip.
​"Sophie...as in your best friend, Sophie?" Jake asks, confused.

​"You don't get it," Vanessa says annoyed, her eyes never leaving Victoria. "She's a spitted image of her." She walks towards her and slowly reaches her hand out, touching her, as if checking Victoria isn't a ghost. "Wow!" she exclaims. "This is unreal!"

​Victoria steps back to avoid her touch and glances at Chris, silently begging for help.

​He comes near her and puts a protective arm around her neck. "Stop before you make Jake, here, jealous," he says jokingly.

​"I'm sorry, I'm sorry," Vanessa is startled and looks away. "I just..." she locks her eyes onto Victoria again. "How's this possible?"

​"Show me her photo please," Wade says reassuringly, uncertain of their resemblance. "I'll be the judge of their similarity," he winks at Victoria.

​Vanessa is annoyed. She rolls her eyes. "You think you're so smart, don't you?" She goes for her phone and swiftly scans the photo album on it.

​"You'll have to excuse her," Jake whispers. "It's been a long night..."