Chapter 5 Don't get hurt

Esmeralda slammed the door as she walked into the house. She walked towards her room but stopped when she heard a noise coming from the yard. This property was the only thing her parents left them after their death. If they hadn't had this property, God knows what would have become of them. She passed through the back door and found an empty yard.

" Maybe I'm hearing things. " She murmured as she walked back inside.

" Good evening Esmeralda. " She heard a female voice behind her.

" Gretchen. " She said with a wide smile. " What are you doing here ?"

" Since you can't come to me, I'll come to you. I've missed you so much. " She said and hugged her.

" Me too, Gretchen. I can't wait to tell you about Mayline. "

" I can't wait to hear all about it either. " They giggled as they walked to the room.

Rowan entered the cabin immediately they left with Ryan. " Are you sure Esmeralda's nor in school?" Ryan asked. The house seemed quiet.

" I'm sure. She'll be in the room with Gretchen. " He said as he took off his jacket.

" You speak like you're in her mind. " Ryan chuckled.

" She's my sister. I know her every move. " Rowan winked.

They began hearing laughter from the room and Rowan tilted his head forward. " Told ya. "

" Rowan I'm sorry. I didn't want you to find out that way. " Ryan said and he sighed.

" It's okay. You only wanted what's best for me. I can't believe I was blinded. She knew I wasn't in good terms with Vick , she just used it to hurt. I just regret spending everything I have on her. " He said softly.

" You could stop paying the fees. "

" I already did two weeks ago. "

" You haven't paid for this semester?"

" Yeah. "

" No wonder she was mad at you. You did the right thing buddy. You learnt how to be strong on your own without me. " He said and Rowan chuckled.

" When have I ever needed you to be strong?"

" You will. Right this minute. You'll need a shoulder to cry on. " He said and Rowan laughed.

" You wish. " He smiled bug his smile fell after some seconds and he hugged him.

" It's okay buddy. My shoulder's yours to cry on. " He said and patted his hair. His sobs increased and Ryan hugged him tighter. They heard footsteps and Rowan disengaged from the hug while wiping his tears. He wouldn't want his sister to see him in tears.

" Ryan, it's a pleasure to see you here. I thougt you've forgotten about your poor bug sister. " Esmeralda teased.

" I can never forget about you Es. " He said and walked to her.

" I missed your humor. " She said and hugged him. " What's up with Rowan? " She whispered.

" Had the most awkward heart break. " Ryan whispered.

" By who? Jessica?" She asked a bit louder.

" Shhh. He can handle himself. " He winked and she laughed.

" I'll have a little chat with him." She smiled.

" What are you two murmuring? " Rowan asked suspiciously.

" Ryan's offered to spend the night here. " Esmeralda said and she couldn't help but laugh at the expression on Rowan's face. " What's wrong? Don't you want your best friend here? " She chuckled.

" Now I know that you seriously hate me. " Rowan said and they all laughed.

" I love you baby brother. " Esmeralda said and Gretchen coughed behind them.

" Seems I'm invisible now?" She said and they turned to her. They hadn't noticed her presence in the living room until now.

" We're so sorry. How are you Gretchen?" Ryan asked with a wide smile while Rowan kept a straight face. He had never liked Gretchen and he doesn't know the reason behind it.

" It's okay. I was about leaving anyways. " She said and walked out the door.

" Rowan...." Esmeralda called.

" What? Must I always say hi to someone I don't like?" He said and walked away and she sighed.

" He'll come around ." Ryan said and ran after him.

..

" Alex, Alex open the darn door. " Alexa yelled as she banged on the door. It was almost time for dinner and she couldn't find the gown she had kept aside for the dinner. It wasn't just any ordinary family dinner, Aiden was gonna be there and she needs to look sexy. Maybe that'll bring his attention to her.

" Stop banging on my door. " Alex said as he opened the door.

" Where is my gown? " She asked and he scoffed.

" Do I look like a girl?" He asked and she frowned.

" I know you have it. I need that gown for tonight. " She said pushing her way in. " Hmmph! Even your room posseses a cold aura. "

" That's how you'll know it's mine. Why do you need it? It's not like you have a show or something. It's just dinner. "

" I love that gown. I want to look good tonight. " She pouted.

" Yeah, right. So you can seduce Aiden into falling for you ?" He said and she gasped.

" Why would I do such a thing? I have no feelings for Aiden. He's like a brother to me. " She said and he sighed.

" Alexa I'm only trying to protect you. I love you too much to see you hurt. " His eyes turned soft, the way it is when he's with his mother and sister.

" Alex, I'm not gonna get hurt. I don't have any feelings for Aiden. " She said and he sighed.

" If you say so. Your gown's in the top drawer. " He said and she nodded before the leaving the room. " Please don't have feelings for Aiden, little sister. " He murmured as she closed his eyes. Aiden was the kind of guy who toys with the heart of men. They were almost the same in that manner, but he doesn't toy with their heart. He breaks them before they feel something for him. He sticks with one girl. Aiden wasn't like that when they were in highschool. He was reserved but everything changed the first year of college.

Alexa checked the top drawer and there her gown was neatly folded. Alex had added a necklace to it. It was his favorite necklace. She had pleaded with him a week ago to let her just have a feel of it and he didn't agree seems like he had a change of heart. She sighed when she saw remembered his face. He was only trying to protect her from his best friend but she had fallen too deep for him and there was no way she could be pulled out. She was ready to face what comes with having feelings for Aiden. She was ready to strong and brave. She found a paper underneath the dress. It was a letter from Alex telling her to return his necklace when she's done with it. " What a loving brother!" She scoffed. " He couldn't just get himself another one. " She sighed as she changed into the gown.

She was about putting on the gown when her door opened and Aiden came in. " What the...... Aiden!" She screamed and he rushed out the way he came in.