Thin

Vinorca Jona POV

"Sure," they both said in unison before leaving me alone.

"What's this all about? I'm friends with both of you. There's no need to fight like this," I chuckled and asked.

"But this idiot doesn't get it. She always makes me feel like I'm not your friend. Like you're only her friend," Lewis complained, looking like a child.

"He's right. You only got to meet and be friends with Vinorca because of me. So be grateful," Amanda cursed, rolling her eyes.

She had a point. I used to feel awkward around them, but in the three years since, things have improved. We went through high school together and are now in university.

Their possessiveness was flattering, but the name-calling to each other was unnecessary.

"So what? She's closer to me now. And watch your tongue. I'm still older than you. No way you can talk to your big bro like this."

"Hahah! Hahah!" I burst out laughing.

Whenever Lewis mentioned he was older, I couldn't help but laugh. He didn't act his age; at eighteen, he behaved like an eight-year-old.

"See, even Vinorca can't believe it," Amanda joined in the laughter.

"Vin, this isn't right at all." He pinched my cheeks.

I kept laughing.

He was the only person besides my father who called me by that name.

I felt emotional the first time he called me Vin, but now it made me feel close to him, like I had a family. So, I cherished the nickname.

"Awww." I giggled as Lewis's face turned red while pinching my cheeks. He was blushing like crazy.

"Your cheeks are so soft, Vin."

Now it was my turn to blush. He knew how to compliment.

His smooth talk made me blush, though I knew it was wrong. But it felt nice to be pampered.

He was the only guy I was close to, and the only one I felt comfortable with.

Even though I've known Dante since birth, I didn't feel close to him.

But with Lewis, even in just three years, I felt warmth.

"Look at how much you're blushing, Vin cutie," he teased.

I knew I must be as red as a tomato.

"Don't tease my friend," Amanda defended me, playing the protector.

I surely needed it!

"Yeah, whatever." Lewis brushed off her words and then asked, "So, what are you both doing today? How about we all eat together?"

"I asked Vinorca, but she said she can't. She has a part-time job," Amanda replied sadly.

I knew she wanted to spend time with me, but earning money was more important. I couldn't afford to miss work; missing days meant missing meals.

Dante was back, which meant I had to be careful with my job, or else he would make sure I lost it.

He wanted to see me weak, to see me beg so he could control me.

"Why are you always like this, Vin? Not even a day for your friends? You're getting thinner every day. That's not good at all," Lewis joined in Amanda's concern.

"No way I am thin. I am just trying to maintain my figure," I lied. I didn't even care how my body looked.

But I couldn't let them know; they already felt bad seeing my condition that I tried to hide, but it slipped out a lot.

"Ridiculous! Who told you this? I'm going to beat them. You don't need to diet; you already look like your bones are going to show," Lewis said, annoyed, as he lifted my hand like it was paper, proving his point.

"Yeah, the first time I agree with Lewis. Who told you this? You don't even need to diet. You're already so beautiful. Look at me, I look fat next to you, even though I'm healthy," Amanda pouted, nodding in agreement with her brother.

"But it makes me feel secure," I confessed.

I was insecure about my body. Even though I couldn't afford proper meals, I sometimes felt like I couldn't eat even the ones I did buy; it sucked.

My appetite had decreased, and I often felt nauseous or like vomiting if I ate two meals a day.

I couldn't believe I used to be such a foodie. Everything changed, and now I just felt ugly inside my body. Insecurities consumed me.

"Now it's decided, we're going out for dinner, and I'm not taking 'no' as an answer. You better make time. We can go after your job, so there won't be any issues," Lewis declared in his firm voice.

"Yes, we're doing it." Amanda agreed, unusual for her, but both brother and sister were doing it for me.

I clenched my fist in anxiety and dug my nails into my palm.

There was no way I could go out with them; Dante would kill me.

Having a part-time job was already crazy enough. If I got home later than usual, it would only cause more chaos.

He didn't know about my part-time job; I kept it hidden because it was best for me.

He wasn't dumb, but I had told the head maid that I would give tuition at the university.

That was enough to hide my job as a librarian. But this dinner would expose me.

What if he found out I had friends now? He would make Amanda and Lewis suffer. I couldn't let that happen.

Shit! I cursed mentally.

I couldn't make any more excuses; they were fine with going out after my part-time job. How was I going to escape this?

"My brother will never agree. He hates it when I'm out late," I said, anxious.

This lame excuse slipped out of my mouth. Of course, it didn't fill the gap.

I wasn't a child who needed permission from her brother, or maybe this could help?

"What brother? I never knew you had a brother?" Lewis asked.

I facepalmed in my head. How could I forget? I had just told Amanda, but Lewis wasn't aware.

"She does have a brother. He's her guardian; she's an orphan," Amanda explained, for which I was grateful.

She always helped me out when I didn't know how to answer. She took it upon herself to help me.

"How could you hide this from me? That's not how you treat people you claim to be close to," Lewis expressed his shock and disappointment.