12-in-1

~5~ Play House? No Thanks.

LISTEN TO THE SONG BY THE SIDE; NEVER FORGET YOU BY LUPE FIASCO

*Alexa*

"Any questions?" Mr Lawson repeated when everyone stared at him dumbfounded.

"What the hell?! Were they crazy when they wrote this?! I am not selling the house, and moving to ENGLAND cos my parents had a bit of a mental issue when they wrote their will!" I yelled tears welling up in my eyes at the thought of leaving the place I had known as home for most of my life.

"Do not speak of the dead in such manner Alexa." Alex said, his voice void of any emotion.

"EXACTLY! They're dead! Why do they get to ruin my life? They're dead! Gone! They shouldn't have any say in how we live anymore."

Michelle reached out to touch me but I jerked my hand away from her.

"Don't touch me! You have your perfect little family in England but you're not my Mother! You don't get to play house with us!" I spat at her and at that point, Alex slammed his hands on the table before shouting at me, "SHUT UP ALEXA! JUST SHUT UP!" and he stormed out of the house.

April and the twins just stared at me and I could see their lips trembling and tears welling up in their eyes.

I composed myself as best as I could and wiped the tears that had escaped from my eyes.

"Do you guys have any questions?" I asked.

They all shook their head in unison and in disgust, April stood up and said, "actually I do. When will you stop being selfish and look around?! We aren't the same Alexa! Dad and Mum are gone and YOU want to play house. It'll be fun eh?" and she walked off to her room, putting in her earphones.

I swallowed and looked at the boys refusing to let the tears out anymore.

"None." Derek said and they both walked off solemnly.

"Alexa I'll be back tomorrow to check on you. And the house doesn't have to be sold. It can be managed. Till all this is resolved, I'm sorry but they can't be moved anywhere Mrs Winston." Mr Lawson said and gave me a side hug before leaving the house.

"Do you need me to talk to them?" Michelle asked quietly.

"I don't need you. I don't need anyone who isn't mum or dad so please, leave."

She nodded and carried her bag before exiting the house also.

I put on a fake smile as I walked into the boys' room.

"Everything ok?" I asked, the fake smile still plastered on my face.

"Fine." Daniel said already climbing into his bed, "is Auntie Michelle sleeping over?" he asked and I shook my head.

"Lights out then." I said and tucked Daniel in like I used to when I was eight with mum watching me with a smile.

"G'night Lexie. I love you." he said and I replied, "I love you too Danny."

I walked over to Derek's bed and did the same.

He wasn't smiling but looking at me worriedly, "you ok?" I asked.

"Good. Are YOU ok Lexie? You know I love you too right?"

"I'm fine Derek. And I know. I love you too."

I stood up after kissing their foreheads and at the door, I said, "sleep tight guys. We're gonna visit Mia tomorrow." and turned off their light.

I knocked on April's door and she shouted, "GO AWAY!"

"Good night." I said softly.

I walked into my parents room and could smell Mum's Chanel No. 7.

I walked out and left a note for Alex and went to bed.