Jackie’s p.o.v

“I just can’t believe how good that movie was.”

We were walking home and I was so excited about the whole thing I didn’t stop bothering Ethan about it.

“When the projection started I was so excited because I was close it seemed like I was part of it.”

As Ethan was about to say something I noticed my sister in front of our house, maybe a little further making out with a boy.

“Ugh..Um..I’m..chh..we..” I started mumbling everything I didn’t have to say because I tried to process what was going on in front of my house.

I finally recognized the boy as one of her friends. At least that’s how she introduced me to him two months ago. I grabbed the bags Ethan was holding and I hid my face behind them.

“Let’s go.” Ethan nudged me but I couldn’t just show up in front of them and talk or walk by like I am not noticing them.

“No, let’s go this way.” I headed back but Ethan didn’t follow so I came back and grabbed his hand to follow me.

Ethan’s p.o.v

She grabbed my hand and pulled me back until we were few houses away.

“You could have just gone by and say hi.”

“I am not very sociable. Not to a person who was kiss…kissing my sister.”

“Sometimes I find you adorable Plush.” I smiled looking at her anxious expression. She glared angry at me. “This is not the time for you to be teasing me Ethan.” She turned around and peeked at the direction of her house.

I looked at her and then noticed she was still holding my hand. I smiled and leaned closer whispering in her ear.

“This is exactly the time to be teasing you.”

“I told you not to do that.” She jumped embarrassed and tried to cool down.

“I can’t believe she was doing that in front of our house.”

I wondered how she could be so revolted by something so simple but her moral principles and lack of experiences did their thing. I wondered if she was going to stop being so awkward about it after we kissed but she still remained normal. Well, her kind of normal.

I looked again at our synced hands. I wondered if she was doing it unintentionally or giving me signals to do something. I decided to test the theory.

“Plush don’t you think we should think before judging her. I mean we did kiss before her.”

She suddenly froze in place and I felt her hand flinch.

“I…we…it’s not the same..” She said not even turning to look at me. I turned her face towards me.

“How is it not the same? It’s a kiss right?”

“Yeah but..but..she amm.they are dating and..amm..well their kiss looks different.”

Ouch. I guess I really gave her a misconception of kissing.

 “It’s just too messy. And it looks like he was eating her face.” She added and it kind of made me feel better.

“So I guess that means you liked our kiss more.” I smirked and she blushed but then leaned her head confused.

“I actually can’t tell. It was more of a peck on the lips.”

Ugh. I felt like my ego and self confidence just died.

“That’s because we were interrupted. I can do it again.”

She was suddenly in shock.

“Why would I want that?”

“Aren’t you holding my hand Plush?” I brought our synced hands before her face.

“Whaa?! I’m sorry.” She let go of my hand immediately and turned around.

“I think they are gone, we should go back.”

With that she hurried towards her house. I followed her back smiling.

As we entered her house her dad was in the kitchen with the documents he brought from work. We joined him on the table  and he looked at us surprised.

“I thought you will be back later. You’re mother said you two went out and you were going to be gone probably for a while.”

I noticed Jackie blush but answered immediately. “Ethan needed clothes. We went shopping.”

She didn’t mention the projection movie. That means she finds it embarrassing to say it.Hmm, could It be that...

“Oh and we went to see this projection movie.”

So much for my theory.

“Well however. You’re mother is out with a friend and your sister left somewhere some time go.”

Jackie didn’t mention anything about her sister or her boyfriend.

“I brought some documents about Ethan’s organization but It’s all bits and pieces and we have not one solid clue.”

“Leave it to the professionals, dad.” She grinned and pulled the documents to her side. I didn’t miss the excitement in her eyes as she started reading the papers. Her interest in solving cases looked so much like mine; I wondered how we didn’t come to work together before.

“Then I will leave you too alone to do your thing.” He stood up and then turned towards Jackie.

“Oh and I saw detective Dylan Mason today.”

Suddenly Jackie raised her look from the papers with interest in her father. “You saw Dylan today?” She asked with excitement.

Who the hell is Dylan?

“Yes and he sends his regards. He also told me to tell you that he looks forward to working with you again.”

“He did?” She practically drooled.

“Who is Dylan?” I asked trying to sound calm.

“He is one of the FBI detectives. Mostly works on the field than in the office.” Her father smiled and then looked amused. “She met him when she was only ten. He was only starting then but Jackie looked very fond of him. I think she mentioned something about marrying him when she grows up.”

Whaaat? Marriage?? When did this happen? But Jackie…She has never been in a relationship?!Or kissed before me! And then it hit me. She never said anything about not being in love.

I suddenly felt like I was going to be sick.

“Did he wear his leather jacket?” She asked grinning.

“Yes he did.”

“I knew it. He looks so good in it.”

I wanted to say something but I just didn’t know what to ask.

Her father leaned on the door smiling… “You didn’t tell me if you still are hoping on marrying him.”

I felt my breath going short. He was giving me glares yesterday and he Is smiling while talking about this guy. I feel so…betrayed.

“I don’t think it’s possible. He sees me as a child dad. But I can dream, can I?”

Her dad laughed and then walked out the kitchen leaving us alone. I turned towards her with a serious look on my face.

“I thought you were against relationships and now I hear you talking about marriage!”

She smiled. “Dylan is an exception to everything. He can marry me any day he wants to.”

I felt my blood boil. “How old is he anyways? You can’t marry an old man, can you?”

Please be old and have saggy skin.

“He turns thirty this year. Now when I think about it, I’m going to convince the biro to throw him a birthday party.”

“Isn’t thirty like old for you?”

“The age doesn’t matter. He is so charming and sweet. And he is so handsome.”

Is she deliberately trying to make me jealous? I thought we had a moment before.

“He is the best detective in the biro.”

I smirked. “Pshh. I am the number one detective in the world, remember?”

“But he is a field agent. He wears guns and fights the bad guys.”

I was going to argue when she gave me a weird look.

“Why are you acting so hostile towards him anyways, you never met him.”

I clenched my teeth not able to say anything to that.

“Why do you like him so much?” I sighed

She looked aside thinking about it.

“Well for one thing he was always nice to me.”

“I’m nice to you.” I blurted out.

She just kept going. “I think he always reminded me of someone from a novel. Strong, intelligent and brave. Someone I would like my husband to be like.”

“You’re still in high school Plush. Don’t rush to marriage.”

“Ethan, are you jealous?”

I froze in place. She looked at me and smiled.

“You are jealous because he is older and has field experience. You hate detectives like that because you like to feel like number one.”

I know she’s smart but at moments like this her idiocy never fails to impress me. She thought I was jealous because of that. I sighed disappointed. Ugh, Plush, what am I going to do with you?

“Do you really think he is that wonderful?”

“Yeah.” She let out a long breath and then smiled. “He is going to make some girl really happy one day.”

I looked at her confused. “But you just said you…”

“Oh Ethan don’t be stupid. I can’t really marry him. He is just an idol, really.”

I felt like air was available again.

“Plus I will probably end up marrying someone more like me. Intellectual perhaps. Definitely not smarter than me but close.”

I grinned and looked at her. You scared me there for a moment Plush.

“Why are you smiling like that, it’s weird.” She added and went back to the papers. I kept on smiling and joined her.

Her father was right. We couldn’t find anything relevant in the case that could help me. Jackie looked very determent and hopeful but eventually she gave up too.

“I can’t believe this. Hopeless.” She added nervously and closed the documents going with her hands through her hair.

“I’m going to take a shower.” She stood up.

“Can I join?”

She smacked the back of my head and I smiled as she walked away.

I decided to work a little longer but once I heard the front door I closed the documents and put them aside. Few moments after that Jackie’s mom came in the kitchen.

“Hey Mrs. Summers.”

“Hey Ethan.” She was carrying some bags so I got up to help her.

“Thank you sweetie. I decided since I am out I should buy something for dinner. What would you like, I have…”

“You don’t have to prepare anything special. Everything you cook it’s delicious.”

She turned towards me with a smile. “You are such a well raised boy. I am so glad you are staying with us.”

“No please. I am thankful and honored.”

“You know Ethan, I would really like to see you more often even when you go back home. You and Jackie make such a good…” She turned towards me and I just stared confused at her.

“Hmm..But she is troublesome right? Don’t worry I’ll help you.”

I felt insecure the same moment. “Mrs. Summers I have no idea…”

“Yeah yeah…I know boys like to do things their own way. But I have your back.” She winked and then started going through her bags. I decided to change the subject.

“Want me to help you cook?”

She stopped in her spot. “You can cook?”

I smiled at her and then choose my words carefully. “Well my parents are often out of town and I am left alone at home so I had to learn to cook for myself. I am pretty good at it though.”

“Must be hard having your parents gone all the time. Especially your father who is an FBI agent.”

I felt bad lying to her because I really liked Mrs. Summers. But I couldn’t really tell her the truth could I.

“Yes it is.”

“Well then I insist you do the cooking.”

I smiled and helped her in the kitchen.

“What is this?”

Everyone starred at the table that had every kind of food on it. I decided it wasn’t good to brag so I just tried to hold in my smile.

“Mom did you make all of this?” Jackie asked.

“No, Ethan did. You have to try it. It’s delicious.”

Jackie didn’t waste any time while the others still glared at the table.

“Ethan this is so good.” She practically moaned while chewing. I sat down looking at her, smiling.

“I’m glad you like it.”

“Like it? I love it. I’m sorry mom but I have a new favorite chef now.”

I looked at Mrs.Summers who then looked at me and winked. I have a feeling she will do a lot more then just winking in the future.

After everyone sat down and started eating I had received all kinds of compliments. But the sweetest one was when Plush said I was her new favorite chef.

“Oh mom I almost forgot. Don’t you think it’s bad that Ethan has to still sleep on the couch?” Jackie turned towards her mother.

“But the only extra bed we have it’s in your room.”

I almost chocked when I heard that, but I managed to stay cool about it.

“Yeah. So I was thinking Erika could move to my room and he can stay in her’s.”

Damn it. So much for hoping we sleep in a same room.

“My ass.” Erika added and her father warned her about the language.

“I want my privacy.” She added angry after that.

“You have to be considerate Erika. Ethan has been sleeping on the couch for few days now. It’s uncomfortable and he can’t even sleep longer because everyone sits in the living room.”

“I am not moving anywhere.” She added angry and I saw Jackie getting really mad.

“He is staying in your bedroom.”

“No way.”

“Girls.” Their mother just said calmly and they stopped talking in the same moment.

“I’m sorry Erika but Jackie is right. We cannot allow Ethan to sleep on a couch any longer.”

“Then why doesn’t he just sleep in her room?” Erika asked nervously.

Yeah, why can’t I sleep in the same room?

“As much as we all trust Ethan it’s very uncomfortable sharing a room with a boy that you aren’t dating or related to. That’s why he will stay in your room and you with Jackie.”

“Fine. But I hate you all.” She stood up and stomped angry out of the kitchen.

“I really don’t want to cause fighting. The couch doesn’t bother me, really. I never even asked for a room.” I finally opened my mouth to say something.

“It’s settled. You are sleeping in her room.” Jackie said determent, and for a moment I saw a lot of similarities in her and her mother’s look.

Four days after the weekend we went to school as usual but something about Plush seemed different. Like she was in a different world from reality.

Jackie’s p.o.v

I could tell something was wrong. It started happening during our first class when I noticed something outside the window of the classroom. I wasn’t sure what I saw so I ignored it. Then on our lunch break I noticed someone watching me and then the second minute vanished. When it kept on happening during the whole day I started panicking.

I was pretty sure someone was watching me and considering I had Ethan to worry about, who was a target because of his organization, panicking was inevitable.

 I came up with few theories that seemed plausible but I had hard time believing in them. The most plausible one was that it was a stalker or one of Ethan’s fans that seemed to keep on confessing their love for him, asking him out or trying to talk to him. Considering he was always following me and bothering me while studying I had suspicion this person was interested in me.  However another theory was that Ethan’s cover might have been blown and the ones that broke into his organization had found him. That meant he was in danger.

I decided I was going to find out which theory was correct because If I was going to become a detective, field job was going to be vital.

“Plushy.” He whispered into my ear and I elbowed him turning around angry.

“I told you not to do that.”

He lifted himself up rubbing his tummy.

“I know but I can’t help it.” Then he smiled and put one lock of hair behind my ear. I tried not to flinch.

“I have an extra class today. Will you wait up for me?” He asked sweetly.

But I wanted to do some investigating, so I came up with a lie.

I wasn’t fond of lying, but I didn’t want him in danger.

“I actually have a headache and want to go home earlier.”

“Oh.” His face expression changed. “Do you want me to call Tazia or Dom to walk you home?”

“I’m not going to pass out Ethan.” I was really glad he didn’t mind my friends. He never complained about Tazia and her talking or Dom that kept on hitting on him. He never even complained once and I was so grateful. He looked like he liked hanging out with them.

“I hope you get better.” He patted my head gently and smiled. I gently took his hand of and smiled back.

He walked inside and I instantly turned around when I noticed the person watching me.

I turned around like I didn’t see them but after five minutes I walked in that direction hoping they don’t see me.

I peeked behind the corner and saw a person with a hoodie walking away. I followed him carefully pulling out my phone so I can take a picture and find him in the database later.

I had to admit I found it exciting. Thinking about this as a first field job really made me feel better. Once the person I followed turned around the corner I lost sight of him.

“Damn it.”

“Looking for someone?”

I turned around to see this guy my age starring at me smiling.

“I ..I..”

“Probably me.” I heard another voice behind me. When I turned around I saw…the same guy??

I kept on looking back and forth, back and forth, until I was sure I wasn’t hallucinating. Two guys, looking exactly alike had me cornered.

“Twins?” I asked and they started laughing.

“I love when we have this affect on people.”

“Me too.”

I started laughing along and then run away. They suddenly start running after me.

“Wait, stop. We won’t hurt you.”

“That’s what every criminal says.” I kept on running behind the school looking for a place to hide. Unfortunately I made the wrong turn. When I tried to open the back door, it was locked. The evil twins caught up with me.

“Fine, I’ll fight you.” I raised my sleeves and stood in some kind of position. I should have been more open-minded to the offer dad mentioned. Learning to fight would have been helpful.

“Damn it she’s fast.” One of them started breathing hard.

“She’s feisty.” The other one followed.

“Come on.” I raised my fists.

“Wait, wait. We are Ethan’s friends. You got this all wrong.”

I stared at them confused. “Why should I trust you?”

“Just ask us anything about him.” They both said.

I just glared thinking if I should trust him. I had to ask them something that only they would know. As his friends. Not as a profile to be learned about.

“What does he do when he’s nervous?” I asked them with my fists still in the air.

They both looked at each other like they were thinking and then they smiled.

The first one smiled widely. “He loosens his necktie first. He hates uniforms.”

“And then he plays with his wristband.” The other one finished.

I put down my fists and smiled.

“Okay, I believe you.”

“I can’t believe he never mentioned us. I am insulted.” One of them complained.

“He is such an asshole sometimes.”

I observed them carefully, completely the same, yet I sensed some kind of difference between the brothers.

“To be honest he never told me anything about himself. I don’t even know his favorite color.” I smiled reassuring them.

“He doesn’t have a favorite color. He likes to keep his option opened. That’s what he always says.” One of the twins smiled and came closer pulling out his hand.

“I’m Logan.”

“Jackie.”

“Amd I’m Landon.” The other one came and shook my hand tighter. Hmm, I began to see the differences now.

“Please excuse us for scaring you like that but we shouldn’t have been here in the first place.”

So they told me the whole story of how Ethan sent them away but they couldn’t just walk away when their friend was in danger so they stayed with their grandma. They told their parents they were sending them on a second honeymoon. The school thought they were traveling with their parents and they were searching for me all this time.

“But if you guys found me that could mean that the criminals can find me too.”

They smiled. “Ethan doesn’t tell anyone about his job. We were the first ones to know about it. Because of that he told us about you and we were the ones that told him to find you and ask you for help.”

“Since we were the only ones to know about you we knew where to look.”

“We knew you were smart.”

“Probably at the top of the class.”

“Probably the best in the city.”

“So we looked and looked…”

“Until we found the best and then we came to this school to check our theory.”

“Hanging out with Ethan, we had to learn something.”

I smiled at their clever move. “Let’s go to talk somewhere.”

After finding a small cafe we sat there and I got to know Logan and Landon. I quickly came to the conclusion who was Logan and who Landon.

Logan was funny, always smiling, with positive attitude while Landon was doing the same but he was somehow slightly more observant, careful, and he had a very short temper. It was hard telling them apart since they looked exactly the same and I had a feeling they intentionally made it hard for people to tell them apart.

“So you were following me this whole morning?” I asked them and they looked at each other pulling out their phones. Soon enough I was starring at bunch of photos that had me and Ethan in it. I was reading in one and Ethan was starring at me. Another one was when he smiled as I was telling him something. I remembered talking about the first case I solved with the FBI. Then on another photo I yelled at him, on another one I kicked him…the last one though was taken right before we said goodbye. He was putting the lock of hair behind my ear.

“Why do you have these photos?” I tried not to blush.

“We wanted something that could be a great reminder of Ethan.”

“That he’s still a human being.”

“With a heart.”

“Not just a brain.”

“He’s like a robot.” They both said and I frowned.

“Ethan is definitely not a robot.”

“Well obviously with you not.”

“I wonder what’s so special about you.”

They both leaned on the table and glared at me.

I gave them both a finger hit on the head. They bounced back in their seats.

“He is calm and collected. There is a difference.”

“Hmm.” The broth crossed their arms and then looked at each other like they were talking telepathically.

“Hello?” I snapped fingers in front of them. “I take it, Ethan doesn’t know about this. You two being here.”

“No.” They both answered. “And don’t tell him.”

“I don’t like lying to him.”

They both smirked and I had a feeling they took it the wrong way.

“I can’t keep a secret. If I do that, I can’t talk. He will know I am hiding something.” He is the number one detective but I’ll never say it out loud.

“For such a short time they sure sound like they know each other pretty well.” Logan looked at Landon.

“I agree. Makes me think how they got to know each other.” Landon raised his brows smiling.

I hit their heads angry. “Idiots.”

After we paid and left the café I noticed Ethan’s class was already done and once he notices I am not home…

“Oh no, no, no.”

“What?”

“He’ll notice I’m not home after I told him that’s exactly where I’m going.”

“Just call him.”

“He doesn’t own a cell phone.”

“Right.” Their both nodded their heads like they understood.

“What am I supposed to do now?”

They both turned towards me smiling.

Oh-oh.

 Yes...yes....yes!!! The twins are back. I love them so much it's impossible to write the story without those two. How did you like the chapter? Was it funny or sweet, you pick ;)

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