Masked Facade

Chapter 5: Bad news

Alice's (Raelyn) POV

Six years ago...

Family. Everyone has one in one way or another. But only few have the real one. It's the ultimate place where you can seek the comfort you need that no one else out there can give you. But the only question that resolves in my head is that -  Do I deserve it?

Everytime the question pops into my head, I try hard to define the 'it' in it. And it has been years but I didn't get lucky with that. Everyone sees me as the lucky one and I did agree with them but... Did I believe the fact that I was lucky? I had zero explanation for that.

I flipped the pan cake when Emily approached me in her zombie form. She collapsed into my arms lazily and I ran my hands through her long hair. I let out a chuckle when she nuzzled into my shoulder further with comfort. With one hand draped around her, I kept an eye on the pan cake.

"You're going to be late, Emily." I reminded her but she didn't give any response but a groan.

"I didn't get good sleep last night." She whined while her voice was groggy from sleep.

"Do you wanna talk about it?" I asked her.

"Don't worry. It's just my homework."

"And..?"

"I need your help." I saw it coming my way. But she needed to understand that I won't be there forever with her. That she should figure out a way for every situation.

"Didn't I make myself clear the last time you asked for my help?"

"I tried, Alice. I really did. But I ain't good like you." I rolled my eyes at her excuse. I made up my mind and I wasn't going to help her out this time until it's too late.

"No one can be like Alice. Ever." Zach's voice came from the door. He took mom's place for me after she left us. Being a big brother, he always reached out for me. We were so close that he could sometimes read my mind while I struggled to get away from any situation or problems.

But my popularity in my school was not because I was his sister. It was because of who I was. He didn't invade my privacy unless I ask him to while I did the same with him. He is... well, though I didn't want to say it, he was a player who played with girls for his fun. But he had the courtesy to not bring any of his girlfriend into our home. He was a decent guy and I loved him for that.

"Good morning, Zach." I threw a smile in his direction while he approached us and started playing with Emily's hair. He clearly knew how much she hated when people touched her hair but still he didn't lose his attitude towards her. They used to quarrel like in 'Tom and Jerry'.

"Morning, Lucy." He greeted me with that illogical nickname and then Emily. "Wake up, sleepy head and get ready for your school."

"And what do you need, Zach?" I asked him, raising an eyebrow at him.

"What?! Am I not supposed to praise my baby sister?" He acted as if I offended him but believe me, I knew him.

"You can but you won't. Not if you are in your usual self." I retorted at him.

"Damn it. You really do know much about me than I give credit for." At that I grinned and silently nudged Emily while Zach tugged her hair rather forcefully.

"You don't want to make her all grumpy with your act, Zach." I warned him but he waved his hand in a dismissive manner.

"Like you guessed, I need to talk to you. There's this party tomorrow at -"