Tell Me Why You Love Me (TMWYLM) Page 19

  “Dominic?” Craig looked at me with shimmering eyes. “Like the baseball player, Dominic!?” He jumped up with his hands on the table as I nodded.

  “Yeah, since he’s a famous baseball player, it wouldn’t be hard to forget, PLUS it would make all the more sense to Melanie if she ever finds out I play baseball! At least I have a background story for my name.” I explained to them.

  The twins then looked at one another with concern. “But, what about your bedroom? Melanie’s got to have a place to sleep, right? And your room was previously a spare.” Josh explained, with Joe nodding behind him.

  “And it’s not like you could bunk with any of us, considering you’re a girl.” Joe added.

  I gave them all a smile and shrugged. “Well, I was thinking of bunking with Craig. I mean, he’s still a kid after all and it’s not like there’s anything wrong with an older ‘brother’ sleeping with his younger brother, right?” Well, I hope I was right.

  I noticed Miriam and Kyle exchanging worried looks and my eyes set on the two of them. “But don’t you have that photo in your room? Where are you going to put it so Melanie doesn’t see it?” Kyle asked me.

  “I’ve got that covered, too. Practically all my stuff I can fit in the backpack I brought here with me, so I can just put that in Craig’s room somewhere. I mean, the thing looks like it belongs to a guy anyway, so there shouldn’t be any problems. And I’ll put the ornament in there, too. I know it’s safe in there as long as I keep the backpack in the corner or somewhere out of the way.”

  Kyle gave me an impressed look and smiled. “Seems like you’ve thought through everything, haven’t you, kid.” He stated, more than asked.

  I struggled to stop myself from telling him it was his fault in the first place that I had to come up with almost all of that on the spot. Instead, I tried to keep on topic. “Look, I need all of you to play along with this, with no mistakes! If any of you slip out ‘Freesia’ unless if it’s a topic choice, then it’ll all be ruined! And I’m prepared for the skank to bitch about me in front of Dominic, so that won’t be a problem. And, if I do snap, I could always say that Freesia’s my ‘friend’ and that I dislike hearing insults about her!” Okay, I’m surprised by myself on how much I can come up with on the spot! It may seem like I’ve had a long think about this, but 1 full hour isn’t that long.

  “Hey, hold on there, brat.” I heard Jordan snap at me sternly. “Why can’t you set up with me instead of Craig?” he asked, folding his arms and that serious look on his face. The other faces in the room, however were a little surprised, to say the least. He noticed our looks and sighed. “Not in THAT way! I mean, if you were to bunk with me in my room, then Melanie would be less likely to rape me in my sleep.”

  I was the first one to change their looks and I smirked. “Well, look at you, Jordan! You’re almost as good as me with this ad-libbing!” I stated to him, folding my arms. “But I’d rather not.”

  All eyes were now on me, showing as shocked a face as they were at Jordan’s comment.

  I rolled my eyes at them. “Look, it’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just that I know Melanie. Another ‘guy’ in the room won’t stop her from sneaking in. And, besides, I can’t possibly wear a cap whilst I’m asleep so my hair will be exposed and she’ll recognise me right away!” I explained to the group and they all turned their attention back at Jordan.

  “Hey, hold on!” Jordan interrupted. “Why are me and the brat the only ones strategising here!” he asked the very same thing that was on my mind at that moment.

  The rest of the family looked at one another with blank faces and Craig answered for them. “Because you guys are like clockwork. You can brainstorm ideas that we could never even come up with.” The cute little boy spoke for all those older than him. Now that was cute on it’s own, but the fact he was acting so mature just wanted me to go hug him!

  Hold on… “Wait, so does that mean you’ll all cooperate!?” I asked, slamming my hands on the table.

  Kyle shrugged. “Well, I’m alright with it. It was my fault, anyway, so the least I could do is give you some freedom.” He started, being followed by the twins.

  “Well, as long as we can still hang around with you, we’re fine with it!” They said simultaneously.

  “I suppose if everybody else is fine with it, so am I. Although I’ll miss having a girl friend to speak to…” Miriam frowned a little, but it changed to a motherly smile. “As long as you don’t go overboard and do something you’ll regret or get you into trouble, I’m fine with it.” She added and I couldn’t help but smile at her approval.

  And Craig was too excited about calling me Dominic that he didn’t seem all that bothered, and Jordan was the one to suggest this, so no doubt he’d be cooperative.

  So that was everybody’s permission! “Thanks, guys. I promise I won’t screw this u-“

  “Hold up.” I heard Joe’s voice and he stepped forward. “Aren’t you the same age as us? How will that work?” He asked me straightforwardly.

  “Oh, that’s right…” I looked to the ceiling, thinking for a moment then looked back. “When were you born?” I asked the twins and they looked at one another.

  “June 4.” They replied together.

  I looked down to the floor, contemplating. “If you were in the beginning of the year, we could have had a chance… Wait.” I snapped my head up and looked to Kyle. “Does she know you’re my, uh… Are actually related to me?” I asked him, reluctant to say it but it shouldn’t be hidden any more.

  His eyes gave me a surprised look, but then they seemed to just brush my comment off knowing to not pry deeper into it. “Well, I told him I remarried when I already had a kid. But never actually mentioned you to him personally.”

  I knew to not take his words hurtfully, since this was touchy ground for me anyway and I was the one who brought it up. “So… You’re saying they don’t know if I’m a boy or girl?” I asked, receiving a confirming nod from Kyle. “So, if I said that I was that kid who’s… ‘visiting’ for a couple months, wouldn’t that be plausible?” I asked him. “I mean, Melanie knows… Well, she’s the one who started the rumours after finding out from the teachers that there was… ‘Complications’ in my family, but she doesn’t know your name or my mom’s, so it should be okay…”

  “So, you’re saying to keep the fact you’re Kyle’s kid still open?” I heard Jordan from behind me and I nodded, backing up his presumption. “Then that would make it easier instead of trying to figure out a fake back-story of why your eyes are the only blue ones in the family.”

  Oh, that’s right. Another point that could be dangerous. “What if she thinks that I’m not ‘Dominic’ after looking at my face? She knows I’m… Well, under-developed and she knows the gist of my past… But if she gathers all the pieces and sticks them together, I’m sure she’d-“

  “Freesia, stop before you insult yourself even more.” I snapped out of my minor panic by Jordan, looking at me through those sincere emerald eyes of his. “Melanie’s lacking a lot upstairs, you should know that. And besides-“ He made his way towards me and lifted off the cap from my head. “What we should be more concerned about, is if she falls for ‘Dominic’.” He added and gazing into my eyes before tapping my forehead with the baseball cap.

  I gave him a weak laugh. “Oh, come on, Jordan. You really think she’s going to fall for ‘Dominic’? There’s no way in hell a girl like her will fall for a guy like Dominic.” I explained to him, smiling insecurely.

  Jordan gave me a wry smile and leaned to my height. “She’s fallen for me, hasn’t she? And if it were me in her position, ‘Dominic’ would a much better candidate than myself.” He stated before placing the cap back on my head and walking out of the kitchen.

  “Really? Does that guy think so low of himself that he believes ‘Dominic’ is better than he is? Idiot.” I mumbled to myself.

  I heard a sudden sigh from Josh and looked up to see him shaking his head, a smile on his face. �
�Oblivious as ever, Free.” He stated before leaving the kitchen followed shortly by Joe.

  “Don’t take his words literally, Free. We can’t have you over-thinking again!” Joe yelled from the living area before following his twin upstairs.

  I gave them a confused look. “What? What the hell were they on about?” I asked myself, feeling something on my leg.

  I looked down to see Craig tugging the bottom of my shirt. “Can I call you Dominic now?” He asked me, those sweet eyes nobody could refuse.

  I gave him a sigh and ruffled up his brown hair. “I guess so.” I replied, seeing his childish grin plaster on his face.

  He gave me a hug before running out the kitchen. “I’ll go tidy my room!” He yelled back before singing ‘Freesia’s sleeping in my room’.

  “Hey!” I called back to him. “It’s Dominic, remember!?” I didn’t hear a reply, but I somehow knew he could hear me. I sighed and took the baseball cap off my head. “I hate lying… Even if it is to that skank, Melanie.” I moaned to myself.

  I felt a large hand set on my hair. “Hey, cheer up, kid. Just do what you need to in order for you to feel comfortable.” Kyle’s words sunk in with me this time.

  I gave him an unsure look. “Yeah. If I could do that, then I’d chase the bitch around the house with a stake, some garlic around my neck, a crucifix and the holy bible yelling ‘be gone, Demon!’. But I know how that will sit with everybody.” I heaved another sigh and tried to smile. “Don’t worry, I’ll still have fun, Kyle.” I reassured him, before leaving to my room to pack up my stuff. “In fact, perhaps Dominic could find out some interesting things…”

  Chapter 25

  The fated day had arrived. An ill omen of what could be the start of my worst week in the history of forever. A gift sent by hell itself, since even they couldn’t cope with it. A day I wished would never arrive.

  What’s happening today that’s so absolutely loathingly horrible and depressing? Melanie’s staying with us for 8 days starting today.

  Luckily, I was prepared before-hand and slept in Craig’s room last night after getting everything packed in my backpack and hidden in the corner of his room. If I hadn’t, it would have already been too late for me to hide my identity.

  “I mean, seriously, who in their right mind shows up someplace at 5 in the morning?” I asked Jordan, who had gone into hiding in Craig’s room after Melanie arrived.

  I looked at Jordan in the reflection of the mirror in Craig’s room. I was tying my hair up so there wouldn’t be any dangers of stray strands appearing from underneath the cap.

  He didn’t bother looking my way, he just leaned against the door with his eyes closed, trying to blot out the squealing voice of Melanie who was way too ecstatic to be staying with her ‘Jordy-pu’. “Why ask me? In my opinion, though, it’s because she is insane.” He mumbled, obviously already irritated by her.

  I couldn’t blame him, though. I was the same. “Looks like we can agree on that, then.” I told him as I put on the baseball cap, the bill at the back. “There. Dominic is in the building!” I announced as I swivelled around to face Jordan, shoving my hands in my pockets, standing with my legs slightly apart and slouching. “What d’you think? Convincing?” I asked the black-haired boy in front of me who gave me a wry smile.

  “Not bad, brat. And that shirt of mine suits you.” He teased, walking up to me and slapping a hand on my shoulder. “Well, looks like you’re ready to be acquainted with Melanie… Dominic.” He smirked at me as he spoke my ‘name’ and I couldn’t help but smile back.

  “Alright, then let’s go!” I stated, making my way to Craig’s door.

  Before I could hold the handle, I felt myself being quickly pulled back by my waist and it took it all in me to not squeal like a girl.

  “Hold on, just a minute.” I heard Jordan whisper to me, hugging me from behind. “I won’t be able to do this for over a week, so I’m doing it now, whether you like it or not.” He stated, drawing his face closer to my neck.

  “Wait, Jordan what are yo-” I suddenly felt that sensation again and this time I couldn’t hold back a tiny squeak as I felt Jordan’s tongue on my skin.

  There was a moment after her drew himself away where neither of us spoke or moved, until Jordan broke it with his wry smile and teasing eyes. “Yup, you still taste like freesias. Even if you are Dominic.” He stated with his lips nearly contacting my ear.

  When he removed his hands from my waist, I took the opportunity to kick him flat-out in the stomach, causing him to kneel and hunch over and curse a little. “And I won’t be able to do that… Oh wait, physical fights are what boys are famous for, so I guess I CAN do that for the next week!” I gave Jordan a champion smirk. “And I won’t have an excuse not to, either!” I added, leaning over to meet Jordan’s eye-level.

  He laughed a little, standing back on his feet. “Not like having an excuse or not has stopped you before!” He groaned, before giving me that smirk of his own. “So that means I don’t have to hold back doing this!” As he said those words, he grabbed my by the lower waist and hoisted me up onto his shoulder.

  “Hey! That’s not fair, put me down!” I cried at him, punching his back. I held my cap on with one hand. “Hey, this might not be a good idea to do, considering my cap could slide off!” I announced to him.

  He ended up setting me down with laughter, giving me his wry smile again. “What, don’t you like being picked up like that?” He asked me sarcastically.

  I threw another leg towards his stomach, but this time he blocked it and threw my leg back at me. “Not going to work a second time, Dominic.” He stated, before opening the door.

  “Ready to brace the bitch?” I asked him, making my way to his side and shoving my hands in my pockets.

  Jordan heaved a heavy sigh. “Let’s just get this over with.” He spoke under his breath and the two of us left Craig’s room and headed down the stairs.

  We could hear Melanie’s voice all the way upstairs, it didn’t take long for us to regret leaving the safety of Craig’s room.

  “Jordan!” Melanie ran to Jordan and pounced onto him, nestling her face in his chest. “Jordan, I missed you so much! I know it was just a day since I last saw you, but I missed you!”

  I couldn’t help but loathe her, even as Dominic. The damn bitch was so clingy! And missing somebody after such a short time? Please, I thought. If you really did miss them that much, you wouldn’t head-on pounce them! Hug them, yes. But pounce on them? Really?

  I stopped in my thoughts as Melanie’s eyes set on me. Crap.

  Please don’t see Freesia, please don’t see Freesia…

  “And who is this?” She asked in a less annoying voice as usual.

  Jordan glanced my way and smiled a little. “This is Dominic. My kid brother.” He introduced me.

  I swallowed a lump in my throat and found my voice. “Hey.” I spoke, nodding to her with a straight face.

  It didn’t take long for Melanie to release Jordan and stand as close to me as possible. Her eyes narrowed and her head tilted a little. “Don’t I know you from somewhere?” She asked, almost singing it.

  Crap. I can’t talk to her as if I don’t know her! Not after all she has said about me and to my face at that!

  I had to swallow another lump down and tried to focus. “Uh, I don’t think I recognise you… How old are you?” I asked her, not really interested at all.

  She gave me a seductive smile and wrapped her arm around mine. “Steady there, tiger! You don’t even know my name and you’re seeing if I’m within your age-range!”

  Crap, I’m exposing myself, fast. “Jordan’s mentioned you before… Oh, and before you jump to the wrong conclusion…” I leaned in to her face and whispered to her. “I’m gay.” I stated.

  Technically, that wasn’t a lie. I was pretending to be a guy, but the real me was a girl and I like guys… So it’s not a lie, really. And it could also get her off my back.

  “You’re gay!?” She exclaimed,
loud enough for people in the City to hear. I slapped my face with my hand and shook my head. “Oh my god, can we be, like. Best friends!? I’ve always wanted a gay best friend! Can we? Can we?” She jumped up to my face showing me those irritating eyes of hers.

  I quickly glanced over to see Jordan hunched over, holding his stomach in one hand and his mouth with the other, trying to not burst into a fit of laughter.

  Honestly, I can not make this any worse…

  “So your name’s Dominic, huh?” She caught my attention again. “You know, you really do remind me of someone… Someone I know. But I can’t place it.” She mumbled to herself.

  In a state of panic, I pushed her away and grabbed Jordan by the front of his shirt. “We need to talk. Now!” I whispered to him and glanced back at Melanie who was standing there checking her nails.

  When I began dragging Jordan by his shirt, I turned back to Melanie and smiled. “Uh, sorry but I need to speak with my brother about something. How about you take a seat outside? It’s a lovely day after all.” I tried to come up with an excuse and saw her nod with approval as I ran up the stairs and headed to Craig’s room.

  “Hey, Dominic! What the fuck’s wrong with you!?” I heard Jordan’s voice speak sarcastically as he struggled to not laugh.

  I threw him in Craig’s room and gave him a scornful look. I took the cap off my head and threw it to the floor. “You know damn well what’s wrong with me! I panicked!” I whispered loudly at him. “Why the fuck did I tell her I’m gay!?”

  I saw Jordan still trying to hold back his laughter. He was pissing me off, so I walked up to him and kneed his stomach, causing him to take back his sanity and return to reality. “Jordan, focus!” I stated to him, inches away from his face.

  “Okay, okay.” He gave me a serious look and took a deep breath to calm himself. “Look, it doesn’t matter how ludicrous you act, as long as it’s consistent then there should be no problem, right?” He placed a hand on my hair and leaned to my level. “Remember, you don’t have to act like Freesia anymore. You’re Dominic. Got it?” He whispered to me gently, holding a sweet smile.