Four years ago.
Erin came running down with the sound of the doorbell ringing. He knew who it made that sound. Only Lucas does that like a coded message or something.
And he was right. It's definitely Lucas standing there with a bouquet of fresh white Lilies on both hands. It had the warmest smile as he opened the door for him.
"Is Erineil home?"
His smile was the first to dissipate from thin air.
"Is, that for her?"
"Lucas?" his sister came down running, wearing a very beautiful white dress.
At first look, he would look just like her wearing a woman's clothing and a long wig.
They were identical twins. But sadly, they are born with different genders. Because as a boy, he too was born with the heart of a woman. And that heart has fallen for the same guy as his sister.
"You look very pretty," Lucas said handing the flowers to his sister.
"Are you two going somewhere?" he tried to hide his discomfort. Though he knew he would have regretted asking later.
"Lucas invited me to eat outside. Would you like to come with us?" Erineil offered. But he knew better than to accept it. Who would want to end up as a third wheel on a date? Especially, if it's with your sister and the man you love?
He smiled as genuinely as he could. Of course, he's happy for his sister and Lucas. But he can't lie to himself either, he is hurting badly inside. That he can't tell the difference between being happy or hurt.
"I'm fine. I'll just read some books here. You two have fun." he started persuading the two to leave. He can't tell for how long he can keep his act going. His eyes are barely holding his tears up. And he's almost close to bursting into his sadness at any moment.
As he let the two out of the door and began to close it. All his defenses began to crumble down to his feet. The tears that he kept on hold for so long, came rushing down like waterfalls.
That's when he decided that he can't stay there any longer. He can't bear to see them happy together, while his heart is breaking into pieces.
I'll come home when I'm ready." he stood up as though he was signaling his friends to follow his lead. He can't stand seeing Lucas's face as it only brought back hurtful memories.
He belongs to Erineil now. And you should know your boundaries as well Erin. You and he can never be friends at least. So, stop torturing yourself.
"I should go now, my boss is waiting for me."
"Boss?" it repeated. "I thought you'll be studying here instead?"
"Can I count on you not to tell my parents about this?"
"What really happened Erin?" it seemed really concerned that it even ought to follow him out.
Luckily, his phone rang just in time to make an excuse.
"Where are you?" it's Marc's somewhat irritated voice on the other line.
He could barely look at Lucas's eyes.
"Come home now, I have something to show you." the call ended just then.
"I really need to go."
"I'll be waiting for you- We- will be waiting for you," it said taking its word back as fast as it can grasp what it meant.
Don't kid yourself, Erin, he loves your sister and not you. Stop being delusional and accept the fact that you and him can never be.
Without uttering any word. He walked out of that place. Leaving Lucas to follow him with its eyes until he fades from its sight.
"If I could turn back time. I would want to bring that smile back into your face again."
"This will be your room." Andrei was the one showing him to it. One of Mark's trusted bodyguards. While the other named Dylan decided to tag along with them.
It was all in pink like someone intentionally made it into a girl's room.
"Isn't this a bit-"
"Girly?" Marc said it out loud.
"I heard most girls liked pink," Dylan added.
He thought of Lizzy's everyday wear. It's either in black, gray, or white most of the time.
"Not all of them," Andrei's eyebrow instantly raised while staring at him. "I meant us. Not all of us." he immediately claimed. Damn, he has to bear in mind that he's a girl from now on.
"So, you don't like it?" asked Andrei. Both bodyguards looked disappointed for a moment that he felt bad for them.
"Did you two make this for me?"
They both either looked the other way or started scratching their heads out of embarrassment.
"Well, it's really not that bad. I think it's actually cute." for a girl that is. He wanted to add. But for two straight guys going to all that trouble just to make him feel welcomed. He could at least show some gratitude. "Thank you."
"We prefer to eat anything as long as it's delicious," Andrei uttered.
Both his eyebrows lifted at the same time.