4. Lakeland High. Meet the Richards.

They winced along with each stroke of the brushes that ran through their tangled mane as Sara Richards and Celia combed as gently as they could.

"Oh, it isn't that bad," Sara persuaded trying to reach for Lake's darker shade of chestnut hair when he swatted her hand away. "Just a few more strokes and you're all good to go."

"I think that's enough or we'll be late," Storm reminded before hauling himself into a standing position and checked the screen of his phone.

Celia hands reached upwards, standing on the tip of her toes to run the tip of her fingers through the thick strands,  "oh, I'm so proud of you two. Looking so gorgeous on your first day."

Lake eyed his sister's reflection before rising to his feet and stretching his arms out,  "who said you didn't look gorgeous too?"

"I mean you're the sister of the Richard twins," Storm added. "If we're gorgeous,  you're breathtaking." He threw a wink her way which resulted in a giggle from her.

"Omg guys,  let's take a selfie," she gushed before whipping out her phone. "Come on, bring those hot faces over here."

Lake and Storm exchanged amused glances over their mother's head before situating themselves on either sides of their sister and after countless clicks and poses, they were on their way to school,  belting out to the lyrics of a famous hip hop song.

Celia's bright eyes dimmed when their car stopped in front of the building which would be their school, "I don't like this place," she pouted on the verge of tears. "I loved our old school. Why did we have to move?"

Storm found a place to put their precious cargo in park before turning to give his sister who was now snuggled into his brothers side a soft look. "Celia, you'll do great," he said picking his words carefully. "Remember,  anyone who dare to lay a fucking finger on you will be she shredded to pieces by me."

She snorted, "language, Stormy."

His lips tipped upwards in a smile. He was glad their sister wouldn't break down at the last minute. "So who's ready to face this day yo?"

Celia exploded into a fit of delighted giggles at his questions while they exited the car together and soaked in the surroundings of the school. 

An open field leading up to a small flight of stairs where the entrance to the main hall was situated. Various curious students eyed the unfamiliar trio when they proceeded to make their way to the main entrance door.

The reception wasn't hard to find and they managed to find their classes before the first warning bell rang.

Now although they had shared the same birth day and nine months sharing a womb, Lake was approximately two minutes older than Storm yet acted like the child of the two. 

Storm was more literarily adept while Lake would be what could be termed a typical nerd. Unlike Lake who was more of an introvert,  Storm was more outgoing and easily made friends.

"Ah, you must be..." Mr. Morris trialed off after Lake stumbled through the door and attracted the few gazes of the students in the room who cared to be in class on time.

"Lake," he responded trying not to acknowledge the number of students in the room. Though a small number, his palms still turned moist when their eyes bore into him from every angle humanly possible. "Richards. Lake Richards."

A round of giggles erupted from most of the female occupants of the room. They already sized him up and figured he was still pretty innocent. Two months. Two months was all they would give him before all that changed. They would make sure of it.

"Well,  Mr. Richards,  take any vacant seat on the right wing of the classroom, " he said. "Feel free to ask any questions on your mind."

Lake gave him a stiff nod before walking to the front of the right side of the class and scanning for the best positioned chair. 

While he weighed his options,  the girls on that side of the class didn't mask their excitement with straightening their clothes and trying to get his attention but he ignored them deciding to sit at the chair closest to the window.

No longer than two minutes into the class, a deep and smooth feminine voice called from beside him,  "hey, handsome."

Lake's obscured eyes squinted in a frown before turning in his seat. "Yes,  how may I help you?"

"Oh so formal," she giggled. "You're cute and I like you."

Lake's eyes rolled in their sockets before he decided she wasn't worth his time and concentrated on the teacher.