Sleepover

Xavier

Wendy turned to me with a frown on her face, yanking her arm away from mine. "Eww, gross, Xavier! Why can't you quickly deny the statement that I'm your fiancée and tell her that I'm your little sister?" she asked, her voice laced with annoyance.

I frowned, taken aback by her outburst. Wasn't she the one who blurted that out senselessly? She should be the one to correct herself.

"Can you even speak up for yourself, Xavier?" she asked, clearly exasperated.

I finally found my voice, my tone firm but calm. "Can you leave? We'll talk later."

Wendy raised an eyebrow, a sly smile spreading across her face.

"Alright, bro," she said, her voice dripping with sarcasm.

Before I could even react, she smacked me squarely on the ass, laughing as she walked away. I watched her leave, my expression stern, emotions in turmoil. I was embarrassed, completely caught off guard by Wendy's unexpected behavior. She was out of her mind—no question about it.

As I turned back to face Alice, I could sense her eyes on me, questioning. I knew I needed to address the situation, to clear the air. But for now, I just stood there, trying to compose myself as that crazy witch has triggered this everlasting embarrassment.

I took a deep breath, trying to calm myself down. I couldn't believe Wendy had shown up like that, causing a scene. And in front of Alice, of all people.

"Who was that?" she asked, her voice soft, her eyes widened in curiosity. "Is she really your biological sister?"

I rubbed the back of my neck, feeling a mixture of embarrassment and annoyance. "Yes, that's my sister, Wendy," I explained. "I'm sorry about that. She can be...foolish sometimes."

Alice nodded quietly, her eyes still fixed on me.

Okay, this was getting awkward. I wasn’t sure what to say. Should I just leave? Why had I even come in here? Oh, right—I'd heard Alice's painful scream as I was walking up the stairs. I’d nearly tripped in my rush, desperate to understand what was happening. Gosh, I was so worried.

"Thanks for the food though," she said, changing the subject. "It was really good."

I nodded, feeling a small sense of relief. "I'm glad you liked it," I said. "You must have been really starving."

Alice nodded again, her eyes dropping to her lap. I could feel the awkward tension between us, and I knew I had to address the elephant in the room. But should I just leave? What was this 'elephant' anyway? Why was I thinking like I was crazy? Why was I feeling like this toward her... this woman? Probably because she was carrying my child.

I simply nodded and after a few seconds of silence…

"Well, I should go to my room now," I said, turning to leave.

But she quickly asked, freezing me on my tracks "So, when are we going to meet your parents?"

I hesitated for a moment before responding, "I called them today at the office, and they said they'll be available this weekend. They're still enjoying the anniversary in Hawaii."

"Oh wow," she chuckled. "It's sweet that your parents are still enjoying their anniversary, unaware that their son won't be able to celebrate his own in the future because he's married to something with an expiration date."

I turned to face her, my expression darkening. She grew nervous, shifting uncomfortably on the bed behind me.

Instead of saying anything, I turned to leave again, but Alice's voice stopped me once more. "Hey, are you angry? Did I do something wrong again?"

I turned back to face her, my expression neutral. "No, you didn't," I replied.

"But you look upset," she sighed, a pang of regret in her voice. "Should I have never said that?"

"I don't really care, Alice," I replied coldly.

"Then, why were you quiet when I said that?" she asked, blinking her eyes.

I sighed deeply, "Because I felt there was no need to continue this conversation."

Alice nodded quietly, looking a bit uncertain. "Oh, okay then...see you."

"See me?" I asked. "Well, see you whenever, dear future wife. We might not even see tomorrow."

"Why not?" she asked.

"We stay in different bedrooms, remember?"

"Ohh."

"However, Very soon, we'll set the wedding, and maybe then you can be seeing me every day… not only in the same bedroom but on the same bed."

She swallowed hard, her eyes flashing with annoyance, but I just smiled inwardly. I'd gotten under her skin.

"Yes, you already mentioned that," she said, rolling her eyes. "Once we get married, we'll be staying together."

"Yeah, maybe then you'll be seeing me as much as you want."

"What?" she scoffed, "I never said… Ugh! Never mind."

I nodded and bid her goodnight, turning to walk away. Shutting the door behind me, I headed to my room, shedding my outfit. A shower was just what I needed to clear my head.

After washing up, I slipped into my pajamas and walked over to the window. I lit a cigarette, taking a long drag as I gazed out at the city below. The lights twinkled like stars, and for a moment, I felt at peace.

But my tranquility was short-lived. My phone suddenly rang, shrill in the silence. I checked the screen and saw that it was my secretary calling. I answered, my voice firm. "Yes?"

"It's me, sir, Lumber," he replied.

"I know," I replied, taking a drag on my cigarette. "So, what's the report, Lumber?"

"Sir, are you smoking?" he asked, worriedly.

"How do you know that?" I replied, my tone cold.

Lumber explained nervously, "Your voice, sir... it changes. I mean it becomes deeper whenever you smoke."

"Yeah, so what?" I acknowledged curtly. "Do you have my report, Lumber?"

"Actually, We're still looking for the loan sharks. We got the house address, but it seems they've left the area."

My face darkened, anger simmering just below the surface. "You'd better find them, Lumber. Make sure you do. Or else... it will be really bad for you. I promise you that."

Lumber's voice trembled. "Y-yes, sir. I'll try my best. I'll do everything I can. The men are also trying to look for them."

I ended the call, my eyes still blazing with anger. I set my phone aside, gazing back out the window. Just then, a knock at the door broke the silence.

I assumed it was Wendy and called out, "Enter!" But when I turned to face the door, I was surprised to see Alice walking in instead.

I raised an eyebrow, surprised by her sudden appearance. "What are you doing here?" I asked, my voice firm.

"I...I couldn't sleep," she stuttered.

I tilted my head slightly, intrigued. "You couldn't sleep?" I repeated, a stream of smoke escaping my mouth.

Alice took a step closer, her eyes locked on mine. "Can I sleep with you?" she suddenly asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

My mouth fell open, my eyes widening in surprise as the cigarette fell from my hand.