A man’s enemy could be from his household

The next day, Western high school.
After the first period was over, and it was a short break, Zoey moved her chair to Tiffany and stared at her for a few minutes, and sighed.
The lady had not been saying anything since they had entered the classroom. Even when it was time for her to mark her attendance, she only stared blankly at the back of the head of the guy sitting in front of her. She had no choice but to help her friend with her attendance.
“Tiffy,” she poked her waist.
“Tiffany,” she called out again.
“Tiffany!” She hit the table in front of Tiffany and watched the lady jerk with a mischievous smile on her face.
“That startled me!” Tiffany exclaimed with a frown as she placed her hand on her chest.
“You’re the one scaring me, you have been out of it for almost an hour,” Zoey pouted.
“An hour has passed?” Tiffany widened her eyes.
“Of course, we are on a short break,” she replied sarcastically.
“Woah, I guess I was really out of it,” she sighed and removed the hair band that she used to pack her hair in a ponytail.
“I’m having a headache,” she ran her hand through her hair.
“What’s bothering you? This is not like you,” Zoey drew her brows together.
“Zoey… I don’t even know where to begin,” Tiffany groaned and dropped her head on the table.
“Are you alright?”
“Zoey,” Tiffany raised her head and then faced Zoey.
“Huh?”
“How would you react if you… No, let’s say that you’re an orphan like me. Then, one day, a man walked up to you and said that he was your father, backing his claim with a lot of explanation. How would you react?”
“I guess I will… Hold on, is he rich? I won’t want to move from frying pan to fire, or fire to frying. I would rather move from frying pan to cake,” Zoey grinned.
“This is not funny,” Tiffany frowned.
“And I’m serious,” Zoey blinked her eyes.
“Well… You could say that he’s rich,” Tiffany nods her head as she scratched the corner of her mouth.
“Then I’ll accept him. I’ve suffered for too long,” Zoey answered and Tiffany shook her head.
What was she hoping for from someone that had never tasted poverty?
“Why? Did someone claim that he is your dad?” Zoey asked.
“I met with Declan’s dad yesterday, and he confessed to being my father,” Tiffany bowed her head.
“What?!!!” Zoey screamed, hit the table, and then sprang from the chair.
“Chill,” Tiffany whispered as she turned to look at the attention that had been diverted at them.
“Senator Han is your father?” She asked in a whisper filled with an unheard scream, her eyes popped out.
“I won’t say anything if you keep being like this,” Tiffany frowned.
“Wait, you can’t blame me, I mean, you’re my sister-in-law,” she covered her mouth with her palm.
“What are you saying now?” Tiffany scratched her forehead.
“Woah, what a tiny world. I’m glad I was good to you. You would have stopped your brother from dating me,” she teased.
“Zoey,” Tiffany hissed.
“I’m sorry, I’m just too excited and shocked,” Zoey shook her head.
“Why?” Tiffany frowned.
“You don’t know?”
“Yeah, I don’t know why you’re all over the moon about it.”
“Forget it, bîtch. Your perfect boyfriend is here,” Zoey rolled her eyes and moved away from Tiffany.
Tiffany turned to look at the entrance and smiled as she saw Aiden smiling widely.
“Babe,” he mouthed as he entered fully.
¶¶
“Aiden is so cute today!”
“What an ideal boyfriend.”
“It would have been great if his girlfriend was someone else and not that bîtch.”
¶¶
“How are you?” He asked, kissed her cheek, and then sat on the table.
“I’m not fine. I think my head will split in half,” she shook her head and raised the corner of her lips.
“Still thinking about it?” Aiden asked.
“It feels so surreal,” she shrugged her shoulder.
“I understand,” Aiden patted her head.
“I came to give you this. I guess you might need something,” Aiden handed over polythene nylon to her.
“What is this?” She asked and peeked at the inside.
She smiled as she saw the cheese that she ate at his house a few days ago and a bottle of grape juice.
“You liked that cheese, right? I bought it on my way to school,” he smiled.
“Thank you,” Tiffany returned the smile.
“My pleasure.”
“Zoey,” he waved his hand at the lady.
“Always greeting me last,” she rolled her eyes.
“I’m sorry,” Aiden chuckled.
“Declan said he’s sorry for not coming to you. That dude is battling with a headache.”
“Really? Same with Tiffany,” Zoey tugged her lips in a smile.
“Hey,” Tiffany frowned.
“Did you tell her already?” Aiden asked and Tiffany nodded her head.
“No wonder,” he smiled.
“Will you go to the school clinic?” Aiden asked and the bell that indicated that the short break was over rang.
“No, I’m fine. Get going already,” Tiffany said.
“I don’t want to. I’ve missed you,” Aiden pouted.
“Just get going and keep your lovey-dovey for later!” Zoey snapped and they both laughed.
“Take care, babe,” he kissed her forehead and then turned to leave.
“Will you follow him?” Zoey leaned closer and whispered to Tiffany.
“Get lost,” Tiffany groaned.
“Let’s eat this first,” she snatched the polythene nylon, opened it, and grabbed the nylon of cheese while she gave the other to Tiffany.
“You sure have the most considerate boyfriend,” she winked as she removed the two bottles of grape juice from the nylon.
“But why do you think you and Declan have headache at the same time?” she teased.
“Come on, it’s just normal. A coincidence!” Tiffany snapped.
“I think it’s a family thing though,” Zoey shrugged her shoulder as she opened the nylon of the cheese, ignoring the dagger stares her friend was shooting at her.
“Gosh, I’m just kidding!” Zoey laughed and then pulled her chair away from Tiffany’s.
“I hàte you,” Tiffany hissed.
“Yeah, I love you too,” Zoey laughed loudly.
=
Lunch break.
Stepping out of the classroom, Tiffany and Zoey walked into Aiden and Declan.
“I can’t believe how devoted you are,” Zoey shook her head.
Declan took his lower lip in between his teeth and walked slowly towards Tiffany. He raised his two hands, pin them to the tip of his ears, and bowed his head slowly.
“I’m sorry for what I said yesterday,” he mumbled.
Zoey and Aiden glanced at each other and giggled.
“I think this is cute,” she whispered to Aiden.
“Same here,” Aiden nods his head.
“What did you say?” Tiffany raised her brows.
She heard him clearly, but it felt good hearing the rude punk apologize.
“I… I am so sorry for the shît I said to you yesterday. I thought it would be nice if someone had dad’s back. I’m sorry, I swear, I didn’t mean to say what I said,” he apologized.
“Huh, it’s nice to see you admit it so quickly but I’m not going to forgive you. You said I didn’t even worth being your maid,” Tiffany snorted and then brushed past him.
“Declan said that?” Zoey widened her eyes and Aiden nodded his head.
“That scumbag,” Zoey hissed.
“I didn’t mean that!” Declan hurried after her.
“You meant it. Have you forgotten what you said sometime back? ‘I mean what I said and I only say what I mean.’ Did you forget?” Tiffany rolled her eyes, still walking.
“That’s a lie. I don’t mean anything I say. I’m a very stupid person,” Declan shook his head.
“Yes, it’s nicer to see you admit that,” Tiffany’s lips tugged into a smile.
“I’m sorry, I…”
“I’ve heard you! It’s not nice hearing your voice,” Tiffany hissed.
“So, have you forgiven dad too?”
“No.”
“Don’t be like this,” Declan sighed.
“When will you see him again?”
“I don’t know. I’m a very busy person, you know,” Tiffany said as she descended the stairs.
“Please,” he pleaded again and Tiffany shook her head.
“I guess we’ll meet very soon, we need to be somewhere together,” she said with a menacing smile.
“Where?” Declan asked.
“Somewhere… To get to the root of everything, once and for all,” she looked at him when a smile.
Gosh, that smile was very scary.
Declan grabbed his chest.
“Well, you could use a hint. We’ll visit Aiden’s home. Together. With your dad.”
“Huh? Why?”
“To finish the story,” she smiled and then enter the cafeteria.
“What…” Declan stopped walking and run his hand through his hair.
“What is it?” Aiden dropped his hand on his left shoulder from behind while Zoey dropped hers on his right shoulder.
“I don’t seem to understand anything she is saying,” he sighed in frustration.
“Is it that you don’t understand or you’re dumb?” Zoey scoffed.
“Don’t be harsh on me, baby,” Declan pouted.
“I’m going in!” Aiden walked past him and entered the cafeteria.
“Tiffany told me what happened. Did you seriously say she didn’t worth being your maid?!” Zoey slapped Declan’s back which made the guy wring in pain.
“What was that for?” Declan tried to reach his hand on his back.
“For saying she was worthless,” Zoey shrug her shoulder.
“I didn’t say she was worthless,” Declan groaned.
“Then?”
“I said that… Gosh, you’re being so unromantic!” Declan sighed.
“That’s rich coming from you,” Zoey rolled her eyes and walked past him.
“Babe?” He shook his head.
“Gosh, my back is burning,” he jumped up, trying to shake off the slap.
“Okay, it’s not working,” he nods his head and entered the cafeteria.
==
After the lunch break, when everyone had returned to their classes, Aiden and Declan walked to the lounge.
Declan was about to push the door that was half-opened when Aiden stopped him and whispered to him to stay quiet.
“Delaying our plan is only making me tired of carrying out our revenge!” Xyler’s voice came out.
“Who could he be talking to?” Declan asked in a whisper.
“His brother,” Aiden tilted his head.
“Skyler, I know, I know it is best to serve when cold, but seeing those guys live freely as if nothing happened is eating me deeply!” Xyler retorted.
“I’m getting scared,” Declan shook his head.
“Shut the fûck up, Skyler. You have no idea how traumatic it was for me! I practically watched Luna bled to deãth. It was me who saw it, not you. Don’t act like a brother when you didn’t even attend her funeral!” Xyler snapped and then smashed his phone against the wall.
“This is… ”
Aiden was saying when Declan pushed the door open unconsciously and Xyler turned to look at them.
“Hi, Xyler,” Declan waved his hand at the guy awkwardly.
“Why did you have to be so clumsy,” Aiden gritted his teeth as he waved his hand at the guy.
“Were you eavesdropping?” Xyler frowned his face.
“No, why would we do that?” Declan shook his head.
“We eavesdropped on your conversation,” Aiden swept his hair to the back and walked closely towards Xyler
“This guy,” Declan gritted his teeth.
“Oh, I see,” Xyler nods his head.
“You see… We ain’t younger. In fact, you are the oldest amongst us, you know that, right?” Aiden dipped his hands in his pocket.
“I don’t know,” Xyler shook his head.
“You are twenty, I am nineteen, and Aiden will be nineteen in a few days,” Declan shipped in.
“Oh, I was trying to let you know that you’re older,” Declan scratched his forehead as Xyler’s eyes fell on him.
“Did we cause the deãth of Luna? My sincere condolences, but how is it our fault that she bled to deãth? Shouldn’t you let us know why you’re so bitter and mad at us? I think…” he was cut short by Xyler who punch him in the face.
He chuckled as he tasted the blood in his mouth.
“How dare you call her name? How dare you? How dare you?!” Xyler yelled.
“I dare do this because I believe that we have no hand in your sister’s death,” Aiden replied.
“Really?” Xyler smirked.
“That girl was so young to deserve that kind of thing you did to her. She was young to dîe! You should have taken responsibility… Declan!” Xyler bellowed.
“Me?” Declan creased his brows.
“Yes, you! You kîlled my sister,” he gritted his teeth.
“He did nothing of such,” Aiden defended after Declan had gone short of words.
“Will you keep defending that murderer?”
“Yes. If you won’t tell us what happened, then he is not one and never will be!” Aiden shouted.
“Woah, I’m so impressed by your duo spirit. But trust me, the last to laugh, laugh the best,” Xyler smirked.
“No, the one who laughed last is insane. Why the fûck did he not laugh when the rest were laughing only to laugh when everyone was quiet. What do we call that? Madness bro, M A D N E S S,” Aiden spelled out.
“What?” Xyler frowned.
“Think about it, two dogs were locked in a cage, and one dîed. The dog alive didn’t bark a bit as it watched the other dog laying déàd only to begin to bark and rage a few hours after it was separated from the déàd. What do we call that?” Aiden queried.
“Denial, àsshôlé! It was in denial and refused to believe the other dîed!” Xyler snapped.
“No, I call it hypocrisy. You showed up a few years after your sister die to avenge? Why the fûck did you not strike when the iron was still hot. Anyone would have wanted to kîll the kîller immediately, so why… Why did you show up now to call us a Kîller? Why?!” Aiden roared and Xyler staggered.
“I… I needed to strategize. I wanted to you guys to dîe painfully,” Xyler stuttered.
“Did your brother, Skyler tell you that? Did he say you should wait for a few years before you avenge her death?” Aiden raised his brows.
“H… How do you know?” Xyler frowned.
“Even the bible said a man’s enemy could be from his household,” Aiden scoffed.
“What do you mean?” Xyler snapped his brows together.
“Come clean to us. If we are at fault, I’ll make you have your revenge, on us, not on those innocent ladies. I swear on my father.”
“Why should I tell you everything?”
“Why do you think your brother wanted you to delay your revenge at all cost?” Aiden asked and Xyler went mute.
“Think it through,” Aiden turned to leave and curled his hand around Declan’s neck.
“Let’s go, dude,” he nudged him and they both walked out of the lounge.
*
“Why did you have to go solemn after he accused you? Are you insane?” Aiden pushed him away from him as they entered a vacant classroom.
“He called me a murdérer,” Declan closed his eyes.
“Even if it got to you, you should not have let it show that much!” He snapped.
“I’m not like you who always have the last word,” Declan hissed.
“But you are best when it comes to wearing fake smiles. No one beats you when it comes to faking facial expressions. So, why did you have to go mute there? You could have at least kept smiling!” Aiden snapped.
“Àsshôlé, what was funny?” Declan chuckled.
“Idiöt, you should have shown him your teeth, not me,” Aiden hit his chest.
“By the way, what was that you said to him? A man’s enemy shall be from his house? When did you start reading the Bible?” Declan giggled.
“Apart from psalm twenty-three, that word is the only word I remember from the bible. I’m not sure if I said it correctly, but I’m sure there’s something like that in the Bible, I’ve heard it before,” Aiden said and Declan laughed.
“So, what do you mean by that?” Declan asked.
“Huh,” Aiden sighed and dropped his hand on Declan’s shoulder.
“I think there’s foul play,” he bit his lower lips.
“Where?”
“In whatever is going on in Xyler’s head. What he thinks he knows might not be all for what that is dead might not be dead,” Aiden nods his head.
“What is dead that is not dead?” Declan frowned.
“It’s just a saying, punk. I wonder how you grow with that blank head of yours,” Aiden hissed.
“Fûck you. So, what do you think is wrong?” Declan asked.
“What if Skyler messed with his brother’s thinking? I mean, what if he made him believe something else?” Aiden raised a brow.
“No way, that can’t happen,” Declan shook his head.
“But what if?” Aiden smirked and Declan groaned.
“Fûck, I hàte your detective instinct so much!”
“You also admit I have great hunches,” Aiden laughed.
“Shut the fûck up!” Declan hissed.
“I know you do,” Aiden smiled mischievously.
“So, what are you planning on doing?” Declan yawned.
“Make him tell us what is going on,” Aiden answered.
“As if he will,” Declan rolled his eyes.
“I bet he will. I have this power in my mouth that everyone tends to fall for my words,” Aiden said and swept his hair back stylishly.
“See someone bluffing,” Declan rolled his eyes.
“You know that is true. Xyler will tell us everything. Have you forgotten the words I said to him? God, I need to cut down on Korean movies. I looked like a protagonist right there, right?”
“No, you do not,” Declan answered with a straight face.
“Okay. I thought I did,” Aiden nods his head.
“I’m hungry,” Declan pouted.
“Eat your dîck. Only a protagonist will be sympathetic with you being hungry,” Aiden pulled away.
“But you’re the protagonist. The bad-good boy male lead,” Declan gave him a thumb up.
“Really?” Aiden smiled.
“Yes.”
“But you said I wasn’t.”
“I was kidding,” Declan smiled.
“Let’s go eat,” Aiden winked at him.
“But, we just had lunch,” Aiden frowned.
“It doesn’t matter. I think my appendix will burst,” Declan frowned and grabbed his stomach.
“So you need to eat for it not to burst?” Aiden frowned.
“Yes.”
“But it is on the left side, you’re holding the right side,” Aiden said casually.
“Oh, thank you,” Declan moved his hand to the other side.
“Actually, it was on the right side, àsshôlé!”
“You’re insane!” Declan yelled.
“Yeah, insanely handsome,” Aiden winked and rushed out of the classroom.
“Let’s go eat, please!” Declan rushed after him.
“Protagonist!” Declan yelled, not minding he was along the hallway and could be distracting other students.
“Yeah, call my name,” Aiden laughed.
“Male lead!” Declan yelled and they both laughed.
*
TBC…