"Are you ready?"
"Yes."
"Are you sure? We can always turn back."
"Weren't you the one who said I should agree?!"
"All I did was shake my head and mouth the words. Technically I didn't say you should say yes."
Esmeralda tilted her head to look at her brother who avoided her gaze. He was right. He didn't tell her to say yes, instead she was the one who agreed. Walking past him she entered the car and the driver closed the door after her.
Kyle realised she was going to leave him so he ran towards the other side and entered before the car drove away. His sister was really heartless.
"I can't believe we're attending a kid's birthday party."
Kyle couldn't help but mutter. He never imagined his sister attending an event like this, not in a million years. She was the closed off type, keeping to herself and showing the world what she wanted them to see. Nothing could penetrate through her walls and that's what made her strong and independent.
"We are, so get over it."
He heard her say with a voice filled with boredom. Her expression gave nothing away as usual and he wondered what was going through that head of hers. She might be in a serious dilemma but you'll never know.
" Nana"
"What?"
"Is everything alright?"
Silence infiltrated the air. Kyle wanted to know what was running through her mind. He knew she was keeping her emotions locked up within her and didn't want anyone to notice. But, he wasn't anyone and he could tell something was wrong just by looking at her.
"I don't know."
Her answer proved his suspicion. She was indeed troubled.
"If you need to talk about it, know that I'll always be here when you need me."
He assured her with a smile. He watched her nod her head and turn to look out the window.
Esmeralda watched the row of trees pass by at a fast pace and her thoughts wandered off. She was anxiously waiting to know what the future holds for her. She wondered if it would be anything pleasant for a change or deadly like the past. A sigh escaped her lips and her eyes darted towards the birds in the sky. She wished she could be free and do anything she wanted without a care of the world. She wished she could spread her arms wide and scream ontop of her voice and tell the world she was free. Freedom was something that wasn't in her possession. A priceless treasure she couldn't obtain.
"When is Anastasia coming back?"
Her voice cut through the silence like a knife.
"She didn't say."
Kyle answered to the best of his ability. His other sister was a free spirit and cared less about what others think. Her life was quite different from theirs and she didn't like to be tied down.
"You'll see. She'll be back before you know it and then leave before you know it. It's like I'll order a customised chain for her."
Kyle chuckled at his sister's words. If she was given a chance she would lock their elder sister and throw away the key.
"You do realise she'll find a way to break the lock?"
"Then I'll just tie her up before chaining her, that way she can't get out. Except if she learnt some survival and escape tricks from that crazy show she loves."
Esmeralda shook her head at the memory of her sister forcing her to watch a survival show. Let's say things ended up with Esmeralda being chased away by a mad Anastasia after declaring the show was nonsense.
"Honestly, that show makes no sense. I wonder what she likes about it."
Kyle commented with a frown on his handsome face.
"It is what she likes about HIM."
She emphasized.
"The survival guy?"
Esmeralda nodded her head and rubbed her temples before saying
"She likes the guy because he's handsome and talented. That's how she puts it."
"I can't believe this. Your sister needs help."
Suddenly, Kyle felt a vibration in his pocket and brought out his phone. He stared at the screen and his lips curved into a smirk.
"Speak of the angel."
He answered the call and put the phone on loudspeaker.
"Hello Asia."
"Kiki, how are you?"
He rolled his eyes at the nickname and felt a stinging sensation at the back of his head and winced
"Ouch!"
"What happened?"
Anastasia asked with worry.
"He rolled his eyes at the nickname. And he also said you need help."
Esmeralda's calm voice said and Kyle stared at her, wide eyed. He couldn't believe she sold him out! She really is unfathomable.
"Lulu is that you?"
"The one and only."
"I can't believe you guys were talking about me in that manner. I'll deal with both of you when I get back."
They could hear their elder sister huff. She was always the drama queen of the house.
"Sorry Asia, we didn't mean it. By the way, when are you coming back?"
Kyle asked. He successfully changed the topic to avoid unwanted threats. Esmeralda shook her head at her brother and his ways.
"Next week perhaps. Is there anything you want?"
"Nope, just asking."
"Alright, I just called to say hi and know how you guys are doing. Make sure to keep safe and avoid danger. Do you hear me?"
Anastasia's strict tone made the duo answer simultaneously.
"Yes mum."
"I'm hanging up now. Love you."
And then the line went dead. Kyle sighed and closed his eyes, he was considering telling the driver to turn back home but knowing his sister, she would never let him go until she's ready to leave the place.
"I'm tired."
Kyle opened his eyes and stared at his sister who had a bored expression on her face.
"Should I tell the driver to turn back?"
He asked in a hopeful voice.
"I promised to be there and I'll be there. Don't think you'll get away so easily."