7- Lies

Jake was easy to recognize anywhere we went. Even if staring at the back of his head was the only thing at the moment. I wormed through the tables and headed straight to him with a smile. He said it earlier, he wasn't a kid anymore, but how I wished I could turn back the clock to be with him those five years I missed.

The echo of cutlery faded in the background as I approached the table. Jake was fiddling with the button on his shirt, unbothered by anything in this world. I thanked God for not letting him possess any feature of the devil. It would have been harder to look at him if that should had been the case. 

"Hi!" I pulled out the chair and sat. "I thought I'd be here earlier than you. Sorry for making you wait."

He waved his hand. "Hey! No biggie. We went for a ride to waste time but turns out I was still early. I hope you don't mind."

"No. It's good you entertained yourself. I shouldn't have left you alone in the first place."

"I understand you have work. Or else, how would you sustain the family?" His humor made me nervous. You could never know what he was thinking or how he was truly feeling. It was easier to hide behind jokes. 

I grinned. "If you say so." We ordered a lot of food. No, let me rephrase that. Jake ordered a lot of food. I can understand that he is growing but I couldn't restrain myself from commenting that he was eating like a beast. He wasn't offended about it. 

We spoke a lot. Our conversation went from school options to girls he had crushes on back in San Fernando and then back to school. He was excited to start new, though he wasn't content with the school fee.

"So, it's okay if we go for a tour tomorrow? I don't want you to make haste decisions. If it's not what you expect, then we have other options."

He drank his ice water. "I don't mind the visit but know that I won't change my mind."

I nodded in comprehension. The movement of a familiar silhouette walking through the restaurant's door captured my attention. I focused my line of sight on her and groaned in exasperation. My day couldn't get worse. Having to sit near Sebastian for more than an hour and praying not to poke his eyes out was exhausting. 

Pollen waved at someone in the room before her eyes fell on me. She was wearing a black strapless dress and low heels. The clicking of her heels echoed as she made her way to us.

"Hurry, Jake! Let's get out of here." 

He choked on his water when I tried to drag him out. 

I expected her not to say anything, or I was about to push her down the stairs. 

"What's wrong with you," Jake asked, obviously annoyed by my sudden change of mood.

"Hello dear," Pollen smiled at me. She pushed her phone into her handbag before turning to Jake. He was oblivious of the entire situation happening before him. As she scanned him up and down, I was plotting ways to choke her in the bathroom without anyone knowing. Who was her to look at my little brother with hungry eyes as if I am not here? She had Sebastian, didn't she?

"Hello to you too, " she flirted. Wait! Did she just flirt with him? Nah-ah! Not Jake! "Amanda, you never said anything about liking younger boys."

Jake looked up at us, surprised to see her. His face changed from confusion to recognition. 

"It's always a pleasure to see you, Pollen. Please meet my little brother, Jackson. Jackson, this is Pollen. She is an old friend of mine." 

"We aren't old, honey. You never said you had a little brother."

I don't have to tell you everything, do I?

Jake was delighted to see her, that I could tell. I knew right then that he was about to embarrass me.

"Wait! Are you Pollen, the one from the magazines?"

Her smile widened. "That's me. I didn't know you are a fan. Did you hear that, Amanda? Jake here is a fan. Where were you hiding this handsome boy?"

He blushed when she brushed his shoulder lightly. I honestly had no idea he had a crush on the imposter here. 

"Hands off him," I whispered, pushing her hand away. 

Jake was hypnotized by the witch. "Can I get your autograph? It would make my friend so happy," he commented, taking the napkin and pushing it into her hand.

I rolled my eyes. Which friend was that, Jake?

Pollen was evidently taking advantage of the case. She pulled out her pen and signed what he asked for. I gave him a disappointed look which he shrugged.

"I am sorry Sebastian couldn't come to you the other day. Maybe he forgot. You must know him. He loves to make priorities." 

I curse the moment I came up with the idea of hiding my identity. When I married Sebastian, I couldn't show my real self to the world. I was terrified that Mike would find me and take me away again, but we had no time to change my name or do anything about my situation before the press knew that he was married. So instead of presenting me as his wife, I made Pollen take my place. It wasn't hard to convince her, and now I know why. Basically, she is the substitution in this equation. Little did I know that she was going to be the one to ruin the sparkle between us. 

"Sebastian?" Jake interjected, "The Sebastian?"

That same one, I thought. When I realized where this conversation was heading, I bit my tongue.

"Sebastian, my husband," Pollen added. "Why? Have you two met already?"

Jake's eyes were ready to pop. I kicked him under the table as a sign to keep it shut. He understood right away. 

"I am not sure if it's the same one," he commented. "Why don't we head out? I think it's getting late to pick up my suit. Thank you for the autograph."

"Of course. We got to go Pollen. Please know that it's always good to see you."

Her triumphant smile made my blood seethe. I cannot believe I fell into her trap. 

"See you at the party," the snake smiled.

I followed Jake out of the restaurant. He was frowning as we waited for the car. He looked everywhere but me. I know what he was thinking. He probably thought that I was a homewrecker. What a great example to show. I hit my head with the palm of my hand in hopelessness. I had to fix this, or my relationship with him was going down the train.

"Jake." I tapped his shoulder but couldn't get him to look at me. "Jake I am sorry. It's not what it looks like, alright?"

He stopped massaging his temple and turn to me. My heart sank as disappointment clouded his eyes. "I knew I'd seen him somewhere. Do you think that I am a child and that I wouldn't notice? Everything we do in this world is later discovered, Amanda."

"It's Jess for you, Jake. Don't be mad. Let me explain in the car." 

"I need no explanation. I understand what I see, and I am tired of your excuses and lies. What kind of woman gets in bed with a married man? Are you trying to make Mike proud? Because if that's the case, I feel sorry for you. Amanda is not the same Jessica I remember."

His words stung. Was he trying to say that I am a slut? "You have no right to judge me, Jake! I am not Mike, and I am not trying to be. I want to survive, that's all."

"What a great way to survive. Don't play with fire or you'll get burnt."

We locked eyes for a few seconds. He was tall and domineering, I was suddenly scared of his honest words. He broke our trance to get into the car. 

Tears threatened to roll down my cheeks but I sniffed them back as I fanned myself with my hand. I had to regain composure. He was mad and he meant none of it. 

I smiled at the lady that was outside of the flower shop. She was observing us from her seat. An idea came to me immediately. Pollen was not allowed to ruin my day. She had to pay back for the chaos she created.

The edges of the woman's lips mirrored mine as I approached her. "Good afternoon, ma'am. How's the business going?" 

"Hello, sweetheart. It's been slow since morning, thank you for asking. What can I do for you?"

"Valentine's around the corner. I bet your flowers will be sold like hot bread."

"I hope so," she agreed.

I searched for the flowers I wanted and smiled victoriously. It was too bad that she was allergic to roses. That way, she would never be able to receive one.

"If I buy you this entire bouquet, can you do the delivery?"

She arched a brow in confusion. Her eyes danced between the car a few steps away and to me.

"He's my little brother," I said. "We haven't seen each other for a very long time. He'll come around," I said, hoping that it was true. I was going to be persistent for his forgiveness. 

"We don't make deliveries."

"I'll pay you thrice the price."

The lady was hesitant at first but eventually agreed.

"I'll make my grandson take it, then."

I gave her the address after writing something on the note and left. Jake didn't look at me when we picked up his suit nor when we got home. I didn't press on the matter either. Both of us need space to think.

Since small, Jake and I had gotten along very well. We had opposite personalities, yet we managed to get along so well, that we became inseparable. He had a soft heart. He was easily hurt but good at hiding it. He was good at forgiving anything but lies. He will still speak to the person who hurt him but not be as open as before. Despite all of that, Jake was hard to read. He never showed what he truly felt. 

On the other side, I am reckless, explosive, problematic, and forthright. It is hard for me to separate emotions from any decision. If I am mad, I'd think of million ways to murder the cause of such emotion but try my best not to do it. I am overprotective and jealous. Probably that's why Sebastian doesn't want me in the first place. I am too much a package to handle. 

I wasn't in the mood for the party as we drove to the place. Again, Jake was still silent. I studied his peripheral side while he stared out the window. He wasn't frowning as before, but the look of disappointment was still there. 

When the gates of the mansion opened, he sat properly. He turned to me with a toothy smile and wiggled his brows. "Is this your boss's place? Awesome!" 

"You like it? We can probably get a place like this in the future," I assured him.

He shook his head. "I love the view from the building. The sunrise and sunsets are breathtaking."

I nodded. It was good that he loved the place. It gave me a sense of satisfaction to be able to provide things like those to him.

The never-ending trees turned into a fountain and then into a mansion. Lights illuminated from all corners of the building.

"Jake," I spoke.

The car came to a halt by the door. 

His smile didn't fade when he looked back at me. His leg was shaking in excitement, and he was rubbing his hands on them. I decided to not say anything, and let him enjoy the night. 

"Be careful with who you talk to. Don't give much information about your identity. You can never know who you are talking to."

He laughed. "Chill, I know what to do and what not to."

"Good."

My heart fluttered when he waited for me by the door and offered me his arm to hold. He was a gentleman. 

I presented him to friends as we headed deeper into the room. He was ecstatic to come with me. He promised he wasn't regretting it, especially the expensive food. Alex and his wife were standing by the cake with other guests. When they saw us, they met us halfway.

Elena was beaming. "I am glad you came, honey. I was dying to meet your brother."

Jake was surprised by the amiability. "I am Jackson," he extended his hand. 

Elena ignored his hand and took him into an embrace. I was sure she'd love him. When I married Sebastian, she was the first to agree with it. I was lucky to meet these people. They offered me food, a bed, and clothing to wear. They occupied a special place in my heart.

When they parted, Jake was smiling. "Hmm, I think you just became replaceable."

Elena took him by the arm and guided him away. I was left alone with Alex. It was good that they got along well.

"Happy birthday, Alex. It was hard to get you a gift," I blushed extending him the bag. 

He peeked at it and returned the action. "My favorite wine. I haven't seen this kind in ages."

"Well, surprise." I offered a hug which he returned. When he pulled away, he had a concerned face. 

"Thanks, Amanda. Did you tell your brother about Sebastian?"

I sighed. "I wish it was easy. I don't know where to begin."

"You must speak to him about it before he gets to know it from someone else."

He was right. But it was easier said than done. I didn't want him to think that I was living an extravagant life while he was beaten daily by Mike. "I promise I will," I assured him. 

My eyes searched the place for Sebastian. I didn't want to feel anxious about it, but my traitor heart was always winning. Instead, I found Elena and Jake walking back to us when my eyes flickered to the couple behind. Pollen was holding his arm, and they were both smiling.

I scanned her up and down thinking, what does Pollen have that I don't. 

Where did I go wrong?