Double Exposure: Book 7 (Completed)

Chapter Four

I sort of stood there awkwardly as I processed the information. There were two of them. They looked the same! I inwardly berated myself for being so stupid. Of course they looked the same to me. They were twins.

Brittany had given Joshua and Jacob their pacifiers and they were happily sucking away. "If you guys will excuse me I better head back upstairs. A warm shower will make me feel human again. Izzy, please continue to make yourself at home. You know where everything is. Brandon. Why don't you do your song and dance again. The boys love it."

After she left I looked over at the boys who were looking at Brandon and I with mixed curiosity. They looked so angelic. Like two little peas in a pod. I just wanted to cuddle them up and breath in their innocence. They were so trusting. Like I had been once. Now I felt like I was being attacked from all angles.

"I have to apologise for my brusque behaviour before. It's just that you totally surprised me. I don't usually let anybody but these two little munchkins hear me sing."

"That's ok. I just thought you were Jordan. You can understand my confusion though. I know it sounds lame but I had never really met identical twins in my life before and now I've met two sets in such a short amount of time."

"Yes it must be something in the water here." Brandon chuckled. His manner had completely changed. He was now warm and friendly and I found myself feeling relaxed in his presence. "Talking about water, I'd like to take you around town one day. Make it up to you for being so rude. You know, show you the sights. We have a lovely park, a beautiful lake and of course the beach is always a great place to hang out. We could also grab a bite to eat as well. I know this place that does awesome pizzas. One bite and you'll be hooked. Promise."

I shifted my feet uncomfortably and looked down at the floor. I wasn't used to such attentiveness from a guy. That was part of the reason why I fell so hard for Daniel. He listened to me so attentively. Told me sweet things, loving things. However that had all been a big lie. This whole time he had probably been laughing behind my back. It was too painful to think about. I couldn't bear to open myself up now. Everything was still too raw.

As a way of distraction I focused my gaze over at the family photographs again. My eyes rested on one picture that I hadn't noticed before. It was Zac and another guy standing next to their surf boards on the beach. The other guy had a full arm sleeve of tattoos which reached up to his neck and I presume his back. Brandon followed my gaze and picked up the frame.

"This is Zac and my big brother Kai. He and Zac have been good mates for years now. Of course you know they run the garage together but the funny thing is years ago, Brittany and Kai were in a relationship. Of course Zac and Britt were broken up at the time and things worked out for the better in the long run. Kai and his wife Ronnie have a beautiful little girl of their own now and of course, Zac and Brittany. One look at them and you know they were made for each other. These two here are living proof of their love."

I studied the photo carefully. Zac and Brittany seemed so perfect together with their perfect little family. It seemed funny, almost absurd that once upon a time Brittany and Kai were in a serious relationship. It was then I started to notice the finer points of the photograph. Photography had always been a hobby of mine and while I was far from a professional I took pride in taking the perfect picture.

"I love the technique of this photo. The way the photographer has captured the light and the symmetry of it all." Brandon's eyes suddenly lit up. "Yes that was one of the first photographs I had taken. I was just messing around with cameras and stuff back then. In fact I've taken most of the pictures on the shelf here. Especially a lot of photos of the munchkins but then again, how could I take a bad photo of these two.

They were both staring at us. Except for the sound of their soft sucking, they were silent witnesses to our exchange. I started to feel a blush coming on. Damn it. Why did I act all shy and crazy around Brandon. Why was my heart beating so hard. I needed to get away from here.

"Umm. I better get back to moving my stuff in. Sing your song again. I think your audience is waiting." I quickly turned to leave but I felt his hand on my arm. "I'll sing my song again but only if you promise to let me take you out on Saturday night..." He hesitated when he saw my guarded expression.  "Just as friends of course. You need a friend to show you around a new town. Everybody can do with a new friend right?"

I looked over at Brandon's hopeful expression and smiled. It couldn't hurt. I know I needed to lose my distrustful feelings and learn to open up myself again. Besides. He seemed nice. I could do with nice right now. "Sure. Sounds like a plan. Work out the details and let me know. I'd love to get to know this town better."

Brandon flashed his winning smile before focusing his attention back on the twins who were watching on with curious, wide eyed expressions. "Ok boys. Help me out here. Joshua, Jacob, how did that song go again..."

I giggled to myself as I left the kitchen. It felt good to be happy again. I knew I had made the right choice in accepting this position. It felt good to laugh and feel actually feel it. I felt the hurt and sorrow I had been carrying around slowly slipping away.