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The Twins' Plan

"What should I do, Alex?" Alia was asking for her advice.

"I also don't know, Alia. I am shocked right now. I do not--- wait! Have you told him about Carlos yet?"

Alia started crying again.

I guess not.

"Tell him, Alia. I've told you this before. I thought you already informed Father. He doesn't know that you already have a boyfriend that's why he has made this decision, I'm sure."

"Do you really think so?" Alia said between her tears.

"Give it a try. Just tell him the truth. It’s about time."

Alia had been in a relationship with Carlos Garcia for more than two years already.  But since Carlos did not belong to the circle of elites in Centuria, Alia was worried that her father might not accept him. She was supposed to tell their father the truth two years ago but since their family was dealing with their mother's sickness leading to her death, it was deemed as not the proper time.

She met Carlos a week after Alia told her that she had said "yes" to him already. Carlos was a good man and it was evident that he was very much in love with her sister. It did not matter to her that Carlos was just an engineer with no powerful family behind his back. What mattered was that he was working hard to give her sister what she deserved.

*

“Ladies and gentlemen, Centuria Airlines welcomes you to Century City. The local time is 18:35. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle clear until we are parked at the gate."

She didn't plan on this to happen. She was not supposed to come back to Centuria. Not now. But she had to help her Alia.

Four days ago, Alia called her again, crying. Their father ordered her sister to break up with Carlos. He even threatened to use his connections just to make him lose his job.

She didn't understand what her father was doing. It was very unlike him.

Now, she was back in Centuria. She was supposed to love this place, but her past was still haunting her, making her fear the very place where she was born and raised.

*

"Thank you for coming, Alex!" Alia was hugging her so tight and she did the same.

She missed her twin so much. She felt sad when she saw her waiting for her at the airport. She looked a little thin. Alia's worries were evident on her face.

"We'll fix this problem together, Alia. Just like how we used to. Don't worry." She said while lovingly touching her sister's cheek.

Alia, with tears in her eyes, hugged her again.

"Thank you. You always know how to make me feel safe and okay. I missed you, sis. So much."

She controlled herself not to cry. She was supposed to be the strong twin. She was supposed to be the one who had to be in control of her emotions.

"Let's go. Carlos is waiting for us."

Alia helped her with her luggage and with joined hands, they left the airport.

*

"How are you, Father?" She asked after planting a kiss on her father's head.

They were at her father’s mansion where she and Alia grew up. Their father was very surprised when she arrived. She and Alia didn’t inform him that she was going to come home.

Her father gave her a wide smile. He took her right hand and lightly caressed it. "I'm more than happy, dear. My other beautiful daughter is finally back."

"Oh, you have another daughter except me and Alia?" she jokingly said.

Her father laughed and said, "Your mother would kill me in my dreams if that ever happened."

The night seemed light and happy, but she knew that everyone on the dining area was waiting for the "issue" to be brought out.

Alia was looking at her, as if telling her to start talking about it. Alex felt that it was not the right time. Maybe tomorrow.

She mouthed "tomorrow" and Alia slightly nodded.

For now, she just wanted to see the happy face of their father.

*

“Alex? May I come in?” She heard Alia’s voice.

“Yes.”

She was busy putting her clothes in the cabinet when Alia entered.

‘You should have asked the maid to do that.” Alia said as she made her way to her bed and sat on it.

“It’s okay. I only brought few clothes, anyway.” She said before closing her cabinet. She turned to her sister who was looking at her with worried eyes.

She sat beside Alia and took her right hand.

“I promise I’ll talk to Father first thing in the morning tomorrow. I’ll do my best to change his mind, Alia.” She was determined to help her sister in any way she could.

“What if he doesn’t? What should we do? Alex, I can’t live without Carlos. We’ve been through a lot. I can’t just let go of everything just for this …this damn marriage.”

“You’re not letting go of him, okay? I’ll talk to Father. If he doesn’t agree, I’ll talk to that man.”

Alia gasped. “Are you sure?” She nodded. “Oh, Alex.” Alia hugged her tight.

“I knew you’d never let me down. You’re the best big sister to your little sister!”

They both laughed.

Well, she was born 2 minutes earlier that was why Alia used to call her “big sister.”

She already thought about talking to Phoenix Gareth Brayden while she was on the plane. If worse comes to worst, she would persuade him not to push through with the wedding.

*

“When will you go back to Pavinia?” Her father asked.

They were in his study room. She asked Alia to stay in her room while she was talking to their father. Her sister agreed.

“I’ll be back next week, Father.” She sat on the sofa across her father’s table.

Her father was seated on his executive chair and was silent for a moment. He was looking intently at her which made her feel a bit uncomfortable. Her father knew her and Alia so much.

“What made you come back?”

She cleared her throat and said, “Father”

“I know why you’re here, Alex. No one can change my mind. The wedding will happen and that’s final.” He said with a finality in his voice that made her feel scared for her sister.