It has been four days since their return from California. Ixora had almost fully recovered from her near-drowning experience, although she was still taking occasional prescribed medication to eliminate the edema completely."Just in case there is any fluid where it shouldn't be in her body," Dr. James had explained when he prescribed the medication, and they had expressed their gratitude.Despite Ixora's attempts to argue, Jerald had prohibited her from going to work during these four days. "I'm still on medication, Jay, but there's nothing wrong with me anymore," Ixora had pleaded with him. However, he remained adamant that she stayed at home to fully recuperate.Instead, Jerald took on the responsibilities of visiting others. He no longer treated Ixora as if she were a burden to be avoided, as he had done before their trip to California. Over the past four days, he had been visiting the twins' house, sometimes accompanied by Berezira and other times alone.Ixora had never felt so gr
Relieved, Jake responded, "Thanks, man. Mother would be so happy. I spoke with her yesterday, and she was asking when I'll be returning... when are we returning?""Tomorrow," Jerald answered matter-of-factly. He missed his parents dearly, especially his mother. After learning about the tragic fate of Ixora's mother, the longing to see his own mother had intensified.Silence settled between them, and they both understood its cause—the reason they had been putting off their departure. Jake never rushed Jerald to decide, and Jerald tried to postpone the inevitable. Yet, they both knew they couldn't live on borrowed time forever."Good morning, father. Good morning, Uncle Jake," Berezira's sleepy voice interrupted the silence as she shuffled out of her room.Jake and Jerald greeted her, watching as she disappeared outside through the back door. Jake looked at Jerald with an unspoken question.Jerald nodded in affirmation, answering the unasked question, "Of course, she's going with us. Th
They kicked off their day at the amusement park, diving into the thrill of the roller coaster, merry-go-round, and the ride in the dark.The Bella twins tossed maturity to the wind, joining Berezira in spirited screams during the intense rides, drawing curious glances from everyone in the park. The sight of two sets of twins so identical and stunning was a spectacle people had never witnessed before.On the roller coaster, they let out exhilarating screams, their eyes widening with each twist and turn. The merry-go-round brought smiles and laughter, even Cherry couldn't help but grin from ear to ear. In the dark ride, Cherry held Berezira's hand tightly while Ixora playfully tugged at her twin's clothes in the dimly lit room. Uncontainable screams escaped them when unexpected surprises popped up.After the amusement park, they headed for a beachside picnic. The men sported shorts and bare chests, while the women, overcoming initial embarrassment, embraced swimsuits with guidance from
Cherry leaned casually against the wall, a wicked smile playing on her lips as she observed her twin navigating the delicate task of explaining the onset of womanhood to a bewildered twelve-year-old.Ixora cleared her throat and made another attempt, "You haven't wet your panties, Zira. You are menstruating," she explained again to the girl, who had gone pale at the sight of blood in her underwear.Berezira turned fear-filled eyes toward Ixora, "What does that mean, Ma'am Ixora?" she asked again.Ixora sought help from her twin, but Cherry smirked, shaking her head in a 'you're-in-this-all-by-yourself' manner.Ixora sighed. She refocused on Zira, "It's called menstruation, Zira. It's absolutely nothing to be afraid of. Every woman experiences this once in a while, and it's perfectly normal."The girl shook her head sadly. "It's not normal, Ma'am Ixora."Biting her lips, she continued, "The only times I see blood come out of my body were back there... that awful place... whenever they
As Mostafa turned to look at his second-in-command, his smile vanished like the wind when he took in the expression on Armaadad's face."It's no good news now, is it, Armaadad?" He groaned, his impatience and anger evident.If Armaadad ever learned something from his master over the years, apart from wickedness and meanness, it's to go straight to the point."My lord, the assassins seem to have disappeared from the face of the world, but the truth is that they have been killed. All five of them."No expression crossed his Master's face except for the slight twitch of his jaw.Armaadad continued, "The message finally got in last night that it wasn't only the twin that was in California, My lord. The Captive and the Slave were there too."That was when Mostafa exploded. "So, my Captive and my Slave were found after months of searching but couldn't be captured!? Five assassins COULDN'T capture them!?" he raged.Armaadad scratched his ears. He too was angry, but it doesn't matter at the m
It was a beautiful night, just walking with the breeze caressing their bodies. Ixora couldn't help but gaze at the sky. "Wow, the night is so beautiful," she sighed. "It reminds me of those nights we used to stargaze with Mama on the roof of our house. Do you remember, Cher?"Cherry swallowed hard, feeling the pain that still came with thoughts of Mama. She nodded and even managed a small smile. "How can I forget? We would sit down and concentrate, trying to count the stars," she smiled at the memory. "And if that didn't work, we'd take turns wishing upon the stars."Ixora's lips curved at the memory, and then she turned to Jerald and Jake. "What was your mother like?" she asked, curious about the woman who raised these amazing men. Cherry nodded too.Jake and Jerald smiled as they walked through a quiet and secluded part. A narrow, long path separated by two pavements came into view, and they all sat down. Ixora and Cherry on one side, facing Jake and Jerald on the opposite pavement,
He glanced at Jake, and his brother just shrugged. Jerald sighed, "We're catching the first flight back to New York City tomorrow morning. Jake and I are going home with Berezira."A heavy silence fell over everything. Ixora looked at Cherry, and Cherry looked back at Ixora. Both lowered their eyes to the ground, trying to conceal the pain that flashed in their eyes simultaneously. Cherry succeeded; Ixora didn't."Well, it's not like it's a surprise or anything. I've been expecting it for a few days," Cherry shrugged, trying to keep her voice light and reluctant.It was true; she had anticipated this. She always knew they were living on borrowed time. But, it still hurt to hear that Jake would be leaving her. Days of preparing herself for the news didn't make the pain any easier."I should have known today was odd. All the fun, the laughter... God, I should have known it had a bombshell like this attached to it," Ixora said in a low tone as the news hit her repeatedly.Jerald is leavi
tunning Bella twins. They were identical in every way, and their choice of attire was absolutely captivating. "Holy motherfucking Christ!" Jerald exclaimed, his eyes wide with awe.Jerald knew his woman well, and he could see her cheeks turning a deep shade of crimson as she emerged from the room. He had never witnessed a more breathtaking sight in his entire life. Despite her shyness, she exuded an irresistible allure in that sexy outfit, and his attraction to her intensified with every passing moment. "Damn, she looks incredibly good," Jerald thought to himself, feeling his previously half-erect member now painfully stiffen.Jake, too, couldn't tear his gaze away from Cherry as she confidently strode towards the podium, her hips swaying seductively. She was a woman unafraid of her own sensuality, fully aware of its power, and she reveled in it. Jake couldn't have asked for a better partner; she was a perfect match for him in every way. His eyes openly admired her, even as his arouse