The muffled voices belonged to the remaining siblings of Vine and Chauncey. They were the reason she rushed to the airport. Like Chauncey, they had come to the states to check on her welfare. Vine was afraid they carried other hidden agendas. As he walked closer to the door, their muffled voices became clearer. He was surprised because they weren't bound to arrive until the twenty-fifth. Come to think of it, what was today's date? He let himself into her apartment by using the card swipe which he was comfortable with. He was graced with the sight of an aggravated Vine, a curious lad surfing the internet, a lass munching on his biscuits and a gentleman who was making himself at home.
"Aren't you all supposed to come on the twenty-fifth?" Chauncey began.
"Hello to you too Alva." The lass replied after shoving a slightly burnt biscuit into her mouth. " We are doing great, thanks for asking and yes we are."
"Nage, I didn't see you there. How were you discharged so early?" Chauncey retorted. "Don't worry if it's one of your prison breaks , I won't rat you out."
"it seems what Nitz said is true. You still haven't ridden your self with that attitude. Anyways, can you pass me that fruit carton. It's delicious. Where d'ya buy it." Nagela ignored what he said.
"So where are we going to stay?" The curious lad questioned this time.
"Isn't it obvious, D-Norris? A hotel of course." Vine answered.
" No. We are not staying in any hotel when there is a house." The gentleman dismissed the hotel idea.
"Uh... okay. So where is the house?" Chauncey asked.
" You are under its roof so why still ask." The gentleman stated.
"What! No, no, no you are not thinking of that, Quique?" Vine spoke.
" Yes, He is . We are going to crush here." D-Norris confirmed.
"No, why crush here when you have got money to stay in a five star hotel." Vine was terrified.
"Sorry Nitz. Why spend money on a hotel when you've got a cosy home? It's called management and I know you know that." The gentleman, Quique, addressed Vine. " so it's final. We are staying here."
Vine was fine living alone till Chauncey dropped in the state. In her apartment, she barely tolerates Chauncey's cravings how much more that of the trio she was staring at. It didn't look like she had a choice. How can she say no to her 'loving' siblings.
" Whatever you want. Just know one thing my couches and my bedroom is off limits . No one shares or uses them. Goodnight and settle the sleeping arrangements between yourselves." Vine admitted defeat and left them to sleep.
This place is going to be cramped more than ever for the days ahead. Vine thought.
" Like she said, my bedroom is also off-limits. Figure this out yourselves." Chauncey also retired to his bed. Their sudden acts gained the attention of the three.
" So what now. I take Alva's room." The curious lad picked.
"I thought he said it's off-limits." Nagela asked.
"Has Alva ever said something for you to obey him? No. So good night." He retired to Chauncey's bedroom.
"I take the couch." Quique picked." Find some where to sleep."
"What a true gentleman!" Nagela exclaims sarcastically. " I am going to Vine's room maybe she has not locked her bedroom door. The night's young which is good for a long beauty sleep." Vine woke up on the Sunday to find drool on her pyjama shirt and a cuddling bear holding onto her body with her nose in the brink of her neck. She panicked for a while and recognised the redolence of a fruity shampoo. She caressed her little sister's hair. Who was she kidding? She would by all means sleep by her side.
Meanwhile, things weren't good for Chauncey. The dip on the side of his bed scared the life out of him. He reached for the broken down lamp stand on the side drawers of his left aiming for the head of the sleeper to knock him out. The glass shattering drew the attention of everyone in the apartment. They sprang out of bed to his room to find out what was happening. The smack rather caused the wakening of the sleeper. Too late for him to realise it was his second oldest brother. The scars on his skin were receding. D-Norris didn't expect his little brother to give him another one.
"What happened here?" Quique boomed. Anger and hurt in his eyes, D-Norris looked at the audience.
"How about you ask Mr. Calvin Klein here what he was thinking when he hit me with a lamp stand?" He snarled. Their gazes left D-Norris and went to Chauncey.
"I expect an answer ,Alva." Quique growled. After analysing the situation, Chauncey responded.
"I was serious when I said don't sleep near me. Besides, it's not my fault I wasn't given a headstart. Apply cold compress to the impertinent swelling to reduce it, right doc?" he turned to Vine who nodded in confirmation. He clapped D-Norris back and uttered 'Be brave, it's no big deal.' Quique made sure everything was alright before he went to take a shower leaving his sisters to check D-Norris up.
Today is a Sunday. He was going to use it to get to know what had been happening in each of them their lives. After checking him up , the two sisters sauntered to the bathroom to have a shower together as always. Each of them complimented that they had matured in wisdom and in physique. The thin looking Nagela of the lotus rehabilitation centre was full and plump in good way and the short Indian in the glasses had heightened up a bit and lustrous in bodily figure. Changing into two pairs of trousers and tank tops they made way to find a grinning Chauncey, a wincing D-Norris, and a calm as always Quique. Chauncey made breakfast as punishment imposed by his big brother to make it up to him. His food was salivating enough. During the meal, they planned their day.
"I want to know what each of you have been doing ever since we last met(which was two years ago). I mean everything if you do not want mum to know where you are" He ordered. This was mandatory for them in order to keep their whereabouts from their mother. " You begin Lester." He never used their middle names unless he was unleashing his authority.
I followed up a case to Albania about the illegal sale of opium. Currently, I'm working on its presentation. That's it for me. You do not want to know about what I've been through." D-Norris obeyed. Quique signalled Adelita to tell hers.
"I was under the mentorship of Dr. Bowie in Switzerland, then transferred to a Filipino prison called San Carlo Prisons. I have been there ever since. I'm on leave now. Sorry, patient confidentiality. Can't tell you their stories." Nagela co-operated. They just loved to test their brother. Irwin was next. Knowing he was going to elaborate further, he was told to cut to the chase.
" As you know my lifestyle already, I dated a few girls (he said that to piss both boys off) , crashed a gala in Paris then rested in Kiev. What a lovely country. You should visit Kiev and Odessa during their festivals. So colourful!..." Chauncey was interrupted.
"Enough with you. Nitzveh?" Quique signalled for her to begin.
"Nothing much. Going to the hospital and coming back here when I'm done. Tests upon tests. What kind of life do you think an intern should have?" Vine described.
" Well then, the same for me as yours Nitzveh. Work upon work..." Quique began.
"Upon work upon work. C'mon, can't you two just live a little." Chauncey continued and Quique glared at him.
"This matter is so depressing. Can we talk about something else?" Nagela whined. Thus, the topic stirred onto a different one to another. In between, they laughed, teased, whined and even acted tipsy due to the wine Quique brought along. He was the CEO of a famous wine producing industry(Elixir wines). His phone beeped. He brought out his phone to read the message he got. He sobered up.
"Guys, code Lavinia." He informed. Rarely was that used so when they digested his info, their hearts and smiles dropped.