I seriously can't believe Lorraine's trying to wrangle me back into doing Exposing MG! We discussed the blog's return before I left, which insinuates I still want to be part of it, but I don't. She can manage with Audrey and Sofia now that they're in on it. Just because I worked for Marquilla doesn't mean I was our only source. The girls have it covered. They can also continue using our nom de plum even if I'm no longer part of the blog and the girls' names don't start with the letter "L." It's not like anyone's going to know.

Okay, Skylar might since she knows our identities. She just doesn't know where we live...or how to track us down now that I'm in Europe and she knows absolutely nothing about my sister. Skylar only knows Lorraine's name. Unless she stalks her social media, which I highly doubt, then Skylar isn't a threat to the exposing team anymore. Sofia and Audrey don't seem that important for her to destroy, and she's probably too busy to care, anyways. They won't have to worry about her at all.

Yet Lorraine insists I join her for a "conference call," as she so aptly put it. I think I have enough on my plate as it is with the twins and my two classes. I don't need anything else in my life right now that can potentially drive me more insane. Goodness knows I wanted to gouge my eyes out at times because of that blog! But since Lorraine is family, I'll do her stupid conference call.

"Stupid little sister and her stupid cry for help," I mutter as I wait for the line to connect. "This better be worth it! Coraline only lasts for so long, and the movie's halfway through!"

I scan my room and sigh. This is mine until the summer, or longer if Monsieur Courtois is nice enough to let me extend my stay. I wouldn't mind staying a little bit longer. This room is twice the size as mine back home, and it's absolutely stunning! The crème walls, stylish white furniture, and this bookshelf! I'd take it back to LA with me if I could! I don't want all of this ruined by my sister worming me back into the blog. I said it before and I'll say it again: I'm through with Exposing MG!

I blink my eyes about five times to snap back to reality. The gorgeous Sofia Giante waves as I smile at the screen. She looks great, like she just returned from some fancy event. Seconds later, Lorraine pops into view. The girls are dressed similarly—hair up in the same intricate bun, nice white dresses on, and face painted to perfection. Maybe they did just come back from a formal event that they attended together.

"What's with the matchy-matchy?" I ask as I anxiously run a hand through my hair. I feel vastly unkempt compared to them in my knit sweater and polka dot pajama pants. My hair's even knotty!

"The label had some brunch thing and I thought I'd take your sister along," Sofia shrugs. "I thought I'd help a friend out, you know? Everyone thought she was my date, so we kinda went along with it. I didn't care. We were having a blast, anyways! Besides, Lorraine's such a talented graphic designer, and we could definitely use people for the job."

"The website looks shitty, and they don't know how to design a single thing!" Lorraine frustratingly adds.

"Sounds fun," I chuckle. In a more serious tone, I say, "So...what's up? Why do you want to talk to me? I'm kinda busy right now."

"You don't look busy," Lorraine counters. "Frankly, you look like you have time to talk. The twins are in bed, right? It's gotta be too late for them to be up! Isn't it like, 9:30 in Paris right now?"

"Yeah, but it's Saturday night and they're watching Coraline in the living room. The movie's like, halfway done. They've already seen it, so they might end it early if they're fussy. We're speaking against the clock here, guys! You should just get to the point so I can at least watch the end with them."

"Always the worry-wart, aren't you?" Lorraine teases. "Seriously, Linds, take a chill pill! You're too concerned about everything. Breathe every once in a while, why don't you?"

"I AM BREATHING!" I shout. "I'm jus—I can't do it, Lorri. You guys know I want to break away from that drama. That's why I quit, and that's why I took this job! I don't work for Marquilla anymore, so I can't be a source. You've got Audrey, guys. She's in the Model Squad and she's Marquilla's quote unquote friend. Even when she's not around Marquilla, Audrey can still obtain info on her since she's friends with people who are Marquilla's legit friends. You don't need me anymore. You can do it without me."

"You know, you sound a lot like Jason," Sofia mentions. "You have the same mentality as him about this blog."

"J-Jason? You guys finally persuaded him to talk to you?" I incredulously press.

"We manage to make him do more than talk," Lorraine hints with a little sparkle in her eyes. "He's still not doing music anytime soon. He calls this his 'hibernation period' because he's shutting himself away from the world and ti's winter. It's completely nuts, but he can call this whatever he wants. It doesn't make a difference.

"As he's hibernating, he's also staying at our place...in your room. He just doesn't want to be bothered by anyone. We thought it'd be safer if he stayed at ours until he gets back on his feet because nobody knows where we live."

"You're not mad, are you?" Sofia asks. "The only other person who knows where he's staying is Skeeter. I thought I'd let him in on Jason's hiding place since he's been dead sick over him. He was so relieved to learn we're keeping a watchful eye on him."

"I should be, but I'm not," I sigh. "You know I've been worried sick over Jason. He hasn't been on anything since Marquilla dumped him, and nobody's heard from him at all until now. You managed to do the impossible and convinced him to let you help. I'm so thankful for you girls! I don't have to wonder about his safety now that he has you. I'm kinda pissed you gave him my room, though. We do have a guest room, Lorraine."

"I know!" my sister guiltily cries. "But when we kidnapped him from his house, it was under construction, so your room was the only other option. I'm sorry I didn't ask you about it first. I didn't think you'd mind since it's Jason."

Again, I sigh. I should be grateful the girls managed to drag Jason out of solitude, and I am. It's jus—I feel like they purposefully did it to spite me. It's the same concept as Skylar writing songs about her exes and making them chart toppers. They're rubbing it in my face! They're giving me a reason to eat my own words by having Jason around; he's the main reason why we started the blog.

"Anyways, we want you back," Sofia digresses in an overtly chirpy tone. "You don't have to physically be here, but we want you back on the blog. You and Lorraine started it. It doesn't make sense for you to leave. We can't do this without you, Lindsay!"

"Yeah!" Lorraine chimes in. "We haven't posted anything since the hospital post, Linds. People are dying for our return! You even said it yourself that Skarquilla and the lupus story are too juicy to withhold from our readers. We agree, and there's more to tell...like the Marson breakup and Danlar officially being a thing. I've received so many questions about it! We have to come back, Lindsay. And we need you. We can't do this without you, sis. I can't do this without you. It just wouldn't be right!"

I hate how Lorraine always knows what to say to win me over. She's perfected this skill since we were kids; Mom and Dad rarely refused her requests. Now she's using those same tactics against me so i stay as a member of the exposing team. She's too old for this! If she were still a kid and not turning twenty next month, I'd probably fall for her trap. Not this time. I refuse to give in! I don't care what she says; I'm not working on the blog!

"Non," I firmly state. "Je refuse de faire le blog! N'importe quoi que vous disez, je ne le fais pas." (No! I refuse to do the blog! No matter what you say, I won't do it.)

"Oh, come on! Don't be such an asshole, Linds!" Lorraine reprimands. "All I'm asking is for you to edit this time. You don't even have to be a source now! We'll supply the information, and you can write the posts. It wouldn't be the same without your humor and wit, Linds. We can't write like you. The whole blog isn't going to rest on your shoulders—you're not Gossip Girl. You're not in this alone. It's a team effort."

"Yeah!" Sofia voices in agreement. "It's not just you two anymore. You have Audrey and me. We're just as willing to spread the truth as much as you are. Besides, you need to update people on Marquilla's relationship status. I'm sure your readers are dying to know about that. I'll even tell you how she's been treating me since I toured with Jason!"

My eyes light up from excitement. Sofia may be bribing me, but this is way too good to pass up. If anyone told me Sofia Giante would become one of my best friends and she'd be helping me expose the Vanilla Queens, I'd tell them to fuck off. Now that it's reality, I'm torn. Part of me wants to give in because Sofia's offering me one of the biggest stories we'll receive. The other part is begging me to stick to my guns and let the girls manage th blog without me. I don't know what to do.

"I don't know," I think aloud. "Sofia, your offer's tempting..."

"But what?" the singer asks. "What's stopping you?"

"My sensibility?" I unconvincingly reply. "Everything I've done to get where I am today would be for naught if I give in. I'd be betraying myself!"

"Just think about it, okay?" Sofia bargains. "You don't have to commit right now. You can give us an answer by the end of the weekend if you're still thinking about i—"

"Lindsay, le film est fini!" Geneviève's voice shrieks. "Où es-tu?" (The film's finished. Where are you?)

"Oh shit..." I breathe as I glance at the closed door.

Seconds later, the twins bust it open. They don't appear too happy. Guillume looks like he's about to throw a fit and Geneviève looks frightened. They've already seen Coraline. I don't know why they're this upset when the ending has always satisfied them.

"Qu-as tu fait?" Guillume asks, eyeing my laptop. (What are you doing?)

"Um...je parle à Lorraine," I respond. I swear a lump's forming in my throat because I'm so nervous about them sticking around. "Elle est ma sœur." (I'm talking to Lorraine. She's my sister.)

My fear immensely increases as the twins run over and join me. I'm chill with them seeing Lorraine because they've already spoken, but Sof—

A loud, piercing scream escapes Geneviève's mouth. I think I'm going to grow deaf because her scream is earsplitting and right beside me. I don't even know if she can contain herself!

"Oh my gosh, they're so cute!" Sofia exclaims. "Lins, are these the twins?"

"Yeah," I reply as I cup a hand over Geneviève's mouth to muffle her screams. "This is Guillume and Geneviève. Enfants, voici Sofia Giante. Je vous ai dit qu'elle est mon amie! Voici votre preuve." (Kids, this is Sofia Giante. I told you she's my friend! Here's your proof.)

Guillume just stares at the screen, speechless over who he's seeing. Geneviève has calmed down, but I can tell her inner fangirl is desperate to jump out again. Sofia smiles and waves at the kids, and they squeal. They're definitely dying on the inside. If this were Jason, thing would probably be much worse since he's such a massive superstar and they're both fans of him.

"Hi guys! How are you?" Sofia asks. "Lindsay said you guys were watching a movie. Was it good?"

The twins nod their heads. I see they're still too starstruck to speak. At least with them here, the girls can't continue pressuring me into re-joining the team. That's the only relief I have about them interrupting this call.

"I guess we should let you go," Lorraine voices. "We'll leave you with the kids. Text either of us your decision, okay sis?"

"Alright," I sigh. "I'll talk to you guys later. Enjoy the rest of your day!"

The screen goes home and I shut down my laptop. The twins are still in awe, and therefore can't vocalize their thoughts. I'm okay with this. Maybe I should just call Jason so they can stay this way and don't bombard me with questions about my former life.

"D'accord, enfants! Qui veut le chocolat chaud?" I announce in hopes of distracting the twins from what just happened. (Okay, kids. Who wants hot chocolate?)

"Moi! Moi!" they both happily reply.

"Allons-y! Allez à la cuisine!" I instruct. (Let's go! To the kitchen!)

***

The twins and I cozy around the fireplace after making our hot chocolates. I'm definitely spoiling them tonight. A box of graham crackers, bars of chocolate, and a bag of jumbo marshmallows are ready for whenever they want s'mores. It's bad enough that their drinks are piled high with whipped cream. I'm either the best or worst au pair they've ever had.

"Pourquoi as-tu parlé à Sophia?" Guillume asks. Some whipped cream on his nose, so he's now trying to lick it off. (Why were you talking to Sofia?)

"Parce qu'elle est mon amie," I casually answer. I take a large sip of my cocoa and shiver from the steamy liquid sliding down my throat. "Nous avons parlé de sa musique et les garçons." (Because she's my friend. We spoke about music and boys.)

It's terrible that I have to lie to them like this, but they're buying it. It's normal to talk about music and boys, which is why I told the twins we were discussing those topics. Geneviève shoots me a sly grin before taking another sip of her drink. That did not look like a nice thought was running through her mind. I'm mildly scared of the possibilities, and she's only six!

"Qu'est-ce que c'est, Geneviève?" I ask. "Parlez à moi." (What is it? Talk to me.)

"Vous avez parlé du garçons," she recalls. "Est-ce que tu aimes quelqu'un? Qui est-ce que?" (You talked about boys. Do you like someone? Who is it?)

I can't believe Geneviève is doing this to me! She's six! She shouldn't be interested in boys at her age; she should be hating them.

"Personne," I hastily answer. "Je n'aime personne." (Nobody. I don't like anyone.)

"Tu mens!" Guillume accuses. Dammit! Why do kids always know when you're lying? (You're lying!)

"C'est la verité!" I argue. "Je n'ai pas de béguin pour quelqu-un!" (It's the truth! I don't have a crush on anyone!)

"Mmhmm," Geneviève tuts. "Quoi que tu dises." (Whatever you say.)

The fact that a pair of six-year-olds are being this sassy to me is unnerving. I'm not exactly lying to them. I mean, i haven't like anyone since my last boyfriend; I haven't seen or spoken to him since we broke up. Okay, I have spoken to him once since we split, but that's only because he was in town for a bit. But our breakup was a mutual decision since he was moving out of California after he graduated. I don't know where he is now, but I hope he's doing alright.

Jason doesn't count simply because he's him. Sure he's kind, amazing, and has a heart of gold, but he's a global superstar. We get along really well, but it's not like anything is there besides a great friendship. He can have any girl he wants now that he's free from Marquilla. He's better off with a stunning model like Audrey or another singer like Sofia, not some random girl he met through his ex-girlfriend. Who am I compare to those girls? Nobody, that's who. Skylar was right about that. Marquilla would kill me if we dated, anyways. He'll always be out of reach for me simply because of her.

"Que faisons-nous demain?" Guillume asks. He eyes the marshmallows and grabs one of the skewers. "Pouvons-nous faire un tour de la ville?" (What are we doing tomorrow? Can we go sightseeing?)

"Pourquoi pas?" I shrug. "Nous pouvons aller au cinéma pour voir le nouveaux film de super-héros aussi. Alors dormez-vous après ça. D'accord?" (Why not? We can go to the movies and see the new superhero movie too. So go to bed after this. Okay?)

The twins happily nod in agreement. We plough through our hot chocolates, and I even allow them to have two s'mores each. As we munch on the chocolate and marshmallow sandwiches, we discuss ideas for tomorrow's tour. I clearly don't know where everything is since I haven't been here long enough to explore Paris, myself, but the twins know exactly what we should do. They want my Parisian experience to be one I'll never forget, so they throw out a massive list of places to see and things to do. We can't do everything they suggest in one day, but it's a nice bucket list for our time together.

An hour later, I tuck the twins into bed and call it a night for them. I'm not tired at all, yet it's nearly eleven. However, I am still hungry. Following my digestive system's wishes, I head to the lavish kitchen in search of a snack. While I peruse the fridge, I think about what Sofia and Lorraine said.

They need you, Lindsay. They can't do the blog without you, and they're right; people might know if someone else writes the posts. Lorraine's grammar is horrendous! She wouldn't be able to write out a nice post like you. The blog might look amazing, but the posts would be complete shit.

Sofia did say she'll tell you about her relationship with Marquilla. Maybe she has something on Skylar, too. Speaking of Sky, what about Danny? God, Lindsay! There's so much tea you're putting to waste if you don't hop to it ASAP! The girls needs you, the readers need you, and so does Hollywood. You know the truth, Linds. There's no way you can keep it to yourself. Even if you don't agree with it, you know what you have to do. It's for the greater good.

To Sofia: You guys win. I'll do it under one condition, which is that you guys have to respect my boundaries. No more calling unless it's something really important. You can just text me info, anyways.

Sofia: Read you loud and clear. I'll let the girls know. Audrey will talk to you later about what's been going on with the PR friendship later. The poor girl seems to be your replacement because Marquilla doesn't have a new PA yet.

Me: She must really be having a hard time letting me go if she hasn't found my replacement.

Sofia: Apparently she's trying to track you down. She keeps asking Audrey about you, but she won't say a word. All Marquilla knows is you're not in LA anymore. I don't think she wants anyone else but you.

Me: That's frightening. Well, I'll talk to you later.

I loudly sigh as I lace my phone on the counter. I turn it on silent and continue my search for food. Jackpot! I grab the loaf of pumpernickel bread and fish out four slices. Im that hungry despite the s'mores. While it toast, I slice up some bananas and strawberries, then fetch the jar of peanut butter in the top pantry shelf. Strawberries and peanut butter aren't normally paired together, but I'm up to finding out how the combination works. Can't be that bad.

After my two peanut butter and banana and strawberry sandwiches are made and I pour myself a tall glass of milk with ice, I mosey over to the little bar. It's kinda eerie, this silence, so I put on some music. Mika's "Elle me dit" softly plays through my phone's speakers, and I bop along to the beat as I take a large bite of sandwich number one. Absolutement délicieux! (Absolutely delicious!)

Once the chorus hits, I go ham and completely disregard my food and crank up the volume.

"POURQUOI TU GÂCHES TA VIE? POURQUOI TU GÂCHES TA VIE? POURQUOI TU GÂCHES TA VIE? DANSE, DANSE, DANSE. ELLE ME DIT DANSE!" I sing at the top of my lungs as I dance around the empty kitchen like a lunatic, sandwich in hand. (Why are you wasting your life? Dance, dance, dance. She tells me dance!)

The party doesn't stop once that song ends. Sofia's "The Feeling" plays immediately after, so of course my feet stay on the dancefloor—erm, kitchen floor. I'm having so much fun singing, dancing, and eating that I don't worry about potentially waking the twins up. It's not like the music's too loud even if the volume is louder than before, so I should have nothing to worry about!

A text momentarily silences the music, so I check to see who it could possibly be. My guess is either Audrey or Lorraine. A quick glance at the name suggests otherwise, and it concerns me because I don't know how this person obtained my number when I haven't spoken to them in months. It's an unknown number, but I know exactly who it is just by reading the text. I shouldn't comply to a meeting, but there's no harm in a quick chat with a college chum. I don't think the kids will mind.

***

I've always wanted to see Sacré Cœur since reading Paris: A Novel. As the twins and I stand at the base of the butte Montmartre with hot cocoas in hand to warm our bodies in this frigid weather, I'm utterly spellbound. Basilique du Sacré-Cœur is an immaculate Roman Catholic landmark. I can't believe I'm getting the best view of it! Geneviève has to tug on my coat to grab my attention because I can't take my eyes off of it!

"Que faisons-nous ici?" she questions. "Voici Basilique du Sacré Cœur. Pouvons-nous partir maintenant? J'ai froid!" (What are we doing here? There's Sacré Cœur basilica. Can we leave now? I'm cold!)

"Moi aussi!" Guillume whines in agreement with his sister. "Allons-y! Je veux aller au ciné." (Me too! Let's go! I want to go to the movies.)

"Nous ne pouvons pas partir," I say, standing my ground. "Soyez-patient, mes petits. Il devrait bientôt être là." (We can't leave. Be patient, my dears. He'll be here soon.)

"Mais QUI?" Guillume presses in an agitated tone. (But WHO?)

"Tu verras" I breathe. "Tu verras." (You'll see.)

For everyone's sanity, I really hope this person comes soon. They're the one who picked the time and place, not me. Yet they're the one who's ten minutes late! I should have known. They know I'm a highly punctual person when it comes to meetings, yet this person always arrives to things late! Leave it to them to stand me up like this when I don't have all day. Kids get cranky easily, and the twins are swiftly becoming just that. I can tell even when they're not talking.

It didn't snow at all this morning. Now the weather decides to grace us with a little snow while the wind is already harshly nipping our faces! Great. This is my first weekend out with the twins, and this has to be happening. My luck is totally running off the charts!

I glance around the area in hopes of finding this person, but all I see is the basilica and blinding snow. Frustrated, I grumble and whip out my phone. I'm just as fed up as the twins now. I can't stay here for another ten minutes when these kids are my top priority! They're absolutely miserable, and it'll grow worse if we stay.

Me: Where the hell are you? I'm at Sacré Cœur and you're late... as always. I can't stay here much longer. I have my au pair kids with me and they're getting cold and cranky. I'm seriously about to leave if you don't show up. I can see my breath! It's too cold to wait around for you!

Them: I'm almost there Linds. Don't leave so soon. I'll treat you and the kids to lunch if you haven't eaten yet. Just sit tight, kay? I'm coming.

I shove my phone back in my coat pocket and grumble. Visibility is swiftly diminishing because the snow is falling at increasing velocity and the wind, whirling around just as violently. My heart breaks upon seeing the twins shivering and downing their hot cocoas. The poor dears will probably get sick if we have to wait around for much longer! I feel terrible for dragging them all the way over here when I promised them we'd be seeing a movie. I definitely need to make this up to them big time since this is absolute torture for them.

"Après ça, nous allons au ciné," I finally vow. "Je vous promis." (After this, we're going to the movie. I promise.)

We just...have to wait for someone to show up so you can get this over with, I think as I wrap my arms around the twins for a cuddle. You could have easily declined, Linds. Did you? Noooo! You just had to agree, dammit Why do you have to give into your curiosity? Look where it's landed you! You're freezing cold and you can barely see! You also have the twins! Grégoire would kill you if he knew you were putting his kids through this just to see y—

My thoughts are interrupted by a tap on my shoulder. Thinking it's just the twins begging us to leave, I shrug it off and hold them tighter. I tightly shut my eyes so snow doesn't blind me, and assure Guillume and Geneviève that everything's going to be okay. I promise them we'll see a movie as soon as business is finished. Both of them chatter in response.

Someone taps my shoulder again. I sigh and open my lids. If this is someone's cruel joke of picking on me just for the time, then whoever keeps tapping my shoulder is in for quite the scolding. I release the twins from my embrace and stand up.

"Que voulez-vous?" I angrily spit as I turn around. (What do you want?)

Anger immediately washes away and shock replaces the former emotion. I breathe heavily as I stare at the person before me. Everything about them is so familiar, yet not at the same time. Without keeping my eyes off of the newcomer, I grab the twins' hands. I don't know if it's the weather affecting my mind or if it truly is me, but I feel faint. I don't know if I can handle this now.

"Sei solo bella come mi ricordo," they comment in flawless Italian. "Ciao, Lindsay." (You're just as beautiful as I remember.)

"C-ciao," I manage to say back. I can feel my cheeks flush because they spoke. Great!

"Qui est-ce que?" Geneviève wonders, looking up at me. "Est-ce que la personne que nous attendons?" (Who is this? Is it the person we've been waiting for?)

"Oui," I respond. "Geneviève. Guillume. Voici mon ex-petit ami Federico." (Yes. This is my ex-boyfriend.)

The twins' jaw drops as they stare at Federico. Mine would to if I were them. The question is, do I tell them he's Sofia's older brother or not?

A/N: You guys know I love a good plot twist! Thoughts? Predictions? See ya next time!