Stimulate

Veil

Everyone wants a smart child. It's even better if the child is a genius. But what they won't tell you apart from how great the awards and achievements are is the fact that the child is developing at such a fast rate that the child is almost like a mini-adult.

That may be cute to some, but for Kelly, it's her worst nightmare. Kelly gave birth to twins three years ago. A boy named Adrian and a girl named Adelaide.

The two children were exceptionally gifted. They both had an eidetic memory. Giant among their peers, the twins were placed in a school for naturally gifted children.

For the most part, Kelly was proud of her children. But there was just something wrong with the way the twins interacted with her.

Compared to her husband, Mitchell, the twins didn't show her any extra emotion. Mitchell told her she was being silly, but she could tell the difference. It was plain as day to her.

In all honesty, Kelly admitted she was biased when it came to the twins. She had a favorite, and that was Adrian. But even if he was her favored child, she didn't try to show it. Or so she thought.

Here lies the problem with mature children. They observe the adults in their lives and can tell you a lot from their observations.

Whenever Kelly gave the twins snacks or fruits, she gave Adrian a larger amount or the best snacks.

Kelly never touches, hugs, or kisses Adelaide more than necessary. Meanwhile, she showers Adrian with affection.

While Mitchell treated them equally, Kelly was biased till she didn't even notice. Things began to change after the twins celebrated their third birthdays.

A few months after their birthday, when the family of four sat down for dinner that evening. It changed.

Kelly fed Adrian like she usually did, but tonight, Adelaide was fidgeting in her seat, barely eating what her father fed her.

Frowning, Mitchell put down the spoon he used to feed Adelaide and rubbed her little head.

Adelaide raised her eyes to meet her father's gentle green eyes. She could sense his care, his love from his gaze. Adelaide couldn't help but glance at her mother.

She had the same loving gaze, but that was always directed at Adrian and not her. She couldn't help but feel sad. Was she not good as her brother?

She tried really hard to be just like Adrian, but her mother would always look at her with that weird gaze.

"Would you like it if mom feed you Ade?" Mitchell saw her looking at Kelly and couldn't help but ask.

"Mom always feeds Adri," Adelaide dropped her gaze into her lap and played with her chubby little fingers.

"Mom can feed you, right honey?" Mitchell glanced at Kelly, who nodded in agreement. "Go change seats with Adri, and Mom will feed you."

Adelaide perked up and looked towards her twin, who smiled at her. Mitchell helped her down, and she went to her mother's side, waiting to be placed on the chair.

Kelly picked Adelaide up and placed her on the chair, where she proceeded to feed the child. Kelly did it half-heartedly, the attention she would normally give to Adrian. She didn't give half to Adelaide.

"I don't like green peas, Mom," Adelaide turned her head to the side and refused to eat green peas. Mitchell turned his attention to Adelaide and frowned.

He clearly understood the likes and dislikes of his children. While Adelaide didn't like green peas, she loved carrots. Adrian hated carrots but loved green peas.

As Mitchell was going to open his mouth, Kelly spoke in a stern tone.

"You will eat the peas. It's good for you. Be good and eat your food." Kelly sternly told Adelaide.

"I don't like it. It tastes weird. Can't I just have carrots?" Adelaide argued.

"You will eat what I tell you to eat, Adelaide." Kelly gave Adelaide a disappointed look, making the child freeze.

"Then if I eat it, would you love me like you love Adrian?" Adelaide's innocent little question turned the adults into statues.

"Adelaide!" Mitchell raised his voice and shouted at the little girl, making her freeze. Adelaide realized she had said the wrong thing, and her entire body sagged.

"I'm sorry," She apologized in an aggrieved manner.

"How could you say such a thing to your mother? Apologize immediately to her." Mitchell told Adelaide sternly. Adelaide pouted and glanced at Adrian, who nodded.

His meaning was for Adelaide to apologize. But Adelaide felt aggrieved. She didn't lie. Her mom didn't love her like she loved Adrian.

She wanted to defend herself, but she knew that even if she did. She would be in the wrong. That's how adults were. They tell children not to lie, but they lie all the time.

"I'm sorry, mom," Adelaide apologized, and without asking to be placed down, she jumped off the seat and rushed upstairs.

Adrian gave his father what he thought was a fierce glare, but in actuality, he looked like a puppy with ruffled fur.

"Ade didn't lie. " He spat out before following his sister upstairs in the same manner. Leaving their parents sitting there staring at each other in disbelief.

"Mitch..." Kelly frowned with a sigh, "Should I talk to them? I love Ade just as much as I love Adri."

Mitchell looked at his wife and shook his head. "Maybe they had a misunderstanding. Don't think too hard about it. I'll check on them."

Mitchell stood and went to Adelaide's bedroom. The door was slightly ajar so he could hear the soft sniffles and talking in the room.

"Why'd you stop me? I wasn't lying," Adelaide said to Adrian.

"I know, but do you think he'd believe us?" Adrian sighed like a little adult. "She has been subtle about her dislike."

"Subtle? She doesn't know I hate green peas. How is that subtle? Stop using words you don't know the meaning of." Adelaide lectured her twin.

"Ha, as if," Adrian scoffed. "Look, Ade, there's no need to shed pretense with mother."

"Adri, shh! Don't you know we must be careful? Talking like that with the door open, aren't you asking for a beating?" Adelaide warned Adrian.

"Whatever," Adrian rolled his eyes. "Anyways, I think it is time we eat for ourselves and have baths too. It's so awkward having a bath with you." Adrian went on to talk about this and that with Adelaide, while Mitchell, who stood at the side of the door, was completely flabbergasted.

He knew they were smart, but not to this extent. Just listening to them have a conversation sent shivers down his spine.

Just as he was going to call out to them, he heard Adelaide talking again but about something different.

"It's getting worse," Adelaide told her brother.

"The nightmares?" Adrian asked, and she nodded her head.

"I think something's wrong with me. Maybe that's why mom doesn't like me. Maybe that is why I have nightmares," Adelaide said sadly.

"Don't worry, I'll sleep with you tonight and kick away all the nightmares." Adrian vowed. Mitchell frowned a bit before he took a breath and called out to them.

"Kids!" He called out and pushed open the door.As if a switch was flipped, the two children who were having an adult-like conversation looked at him and called out,"Daddy," to him.

Unbeknownst to them, the veil had already been lifted.