Chapter hundred and thirty two

Dallas

“I’m just saying, after everything that has happened lately, you deserve a vacation. So why not come over here and let's enjoy ourselves? Our high school reunion is in a few weeks.” Lisa said from the other end.

I heard the sound of silverware clanging followed by a muffled curse. After I told her about my and Ron's conversation, to say Lisa was pissed would be an understatement.

She had wanted to come over to comfort me but I said no. We were on different continents and we lived different lives. I couldn't let her drop everything and come running to me just because she's my best friend. But Lisa wasn't listening to reasons. Now, she's trying to convince me to go on a vacation.

“For the last time, Lisa, I don't need a vacation. And we both know even if I come to Korea, neither of us is attending the reunion. We would just find ways to bail again.”

I dipped my hand into the bowl of chips sitting on my laps and grabbed a handful. I held the phone tightly to my ear with my free hand.

“You can't blame me for not wanting to spend hours listening to Nellie Rodriguez about the expensive vacation she just returned from.” She scoffed.

I let out a chuckle.
“Are you sure we're even invited to the reunion?”

“It's for our class. Of course, we're invited. Why wouldn't we be?”

“Maybe because of what happened at the last reunion we both went to.”

We'd both gotten drunk and Lisa had shoved one of our classmate's face in the cake. To say the reunion was ruined because of it would be an understatement.

“Let it go, I was drunk.” she scoffed.

I couldn't stop the laughter that erupted out of me. I was glad I called her. After my conversation with Oliver, I felt like a huge weight was lifted all my shoulders.

Talking to Heather and Lisa helped too. I felt lighter these past few days. Ethan and Xavier came around once and the three of us chatted.

I've realized I had people around me who will always support and want me. It doesn't matter whatever my supposed father said, I'm always wanted.

It still stung whenever I thought about it, but I've learned to live with it. And Ron had done his best to stay away, presumably giving me time to think about it.

“Not that I mind, but we've been talking for hours and I haven't heard Oliver groan about how much time you're spending with me and how little time you're spending with him.”

“Hey, don't talk about my boyfriend like that.” I snapped. I had no idea where the sense of protectiveness suddenly came from. It was just there, and I didn't fight it.

“Jeez, Dal. I didn't say anything yet. I was just about to say ‘best friend trumps boyfriend’.” She said in a very cute voice.

I chuckled softly. It's always funny to hear Lisa and Oliver bickering, mostly about me. It mostly ends with Lisa winning and Oliver complaining that my best friend talks too much. I love that they were getting along.

I still hadn't told Lisa about what Xavier told me yet. I'd kept my promise. It wasn't my story to tell. And since Lisa didn't remember him when she saw him, there was no use bringing it up.

“Well, he went out with his friends.”

I didn't tell Lisa that the guys were working on catching Lucien. Oliver had come home really late last night and left very early in the morning. I could feel the tension radiating off him before he left.

“Ah!” Lisa replied.

I was about to give her a response when I heard a knock on the door.

“Come in,” I said.

Heather walked in, her face twisted in an angry way. She tried to hide her expression but was doing a shitty job at it. I knew Ethan wasn't around. He's usually the only one that gets her this mad.

“Dallas, there's someone here to see you.” She said, her tone clipped.

“Lisa, I'll call you back later.” I ended the call and threw my phone on the bed.

“Who is that?” I headed towards the door immediately.

I don't know who it might be but if they made my friend this mad, then it can't be good.

“Someone very infuriating.” Heather muttered under her breath.

We walked out of the room and headed down the stairs. I made my way to the living room, my steps halting when I saw the person sitting on the couch. She was busy typing on her phone and didn't seem to notice me.

“What are you doing here?” I asked.

I felt annoyed just seeing her sitting there, looking as if she just stepped out of a Vogue magazine.

She lifted her head, a wide smile on her face as our gaze collided.

“Oh, hey, Dallas!” Jenna practically squealed as she stood up and walked towards me, her heels clicking on the porcelain tiles.

She carried herself with such impeccable grace that would have made any man fall at her feet. Well, my man excluded.

It felt really good to say that even if it was in my head.

I refrained from smiling and focused my attention on my evil half sister. Just thinking about that is making me mad again.

“I'll ask again, what are you doing in my home, Jenna?” I stared at her intently.

I expected to see her flare in anger at the mention of this place being my home, but the only thing I saw in her eyes was sadness and resignation.

“Can I talk to you for a minute?” She asked in a soft voice. I was very sure that simple act had gotten her many things in the past.

“Sure, let's talk.” I folded my arms and straightened.

“Not here, I meant outside. Maybe over a cup of coffee.”

“And why would I want to get coffee with you?” I scoffed.

A sad smile stretched on her lips.
“Because we're sisters.” She said.

I froze as those words left her mouth and the very soft expression on her face. She looked at me with what seem like sadness. I felt conflicted not knowing if this was an act or not.

Sisters.

No one has ever called me that. Not even the twins that I basically grew up with.

“Dad told me everything. And some other things I'm pretty sure he didn't tell you.” She chuckled almost nervously.

“And did he send you to talk to me? Try to win me over?” I snarled, finally snapping out of my shock.

“No, he didn't. He's still moping around and figuring out how to tell Mum.” She sighed. “You don't have any reasons to trust me. Our interactions in the past hadn't exactly been great and I'm really sorry for that. But things are different now that I know you're my…”

“Sister?” I cut in before she could finish. I heard her swallow but I didn't care.

“You think you'd just show up here with talks about sisterly bonding and I'd fall for your lies?” I fired.

“It doesn't have to be a bonding. We can just talk over coffee. I really need to talk to you about something. It will only take ten minutes of your time.” She said, her tone sounded pleading.

I knew she wasn't used to begging for things. But now she seem to almost be on the verge of tears. A part of me felt bad for being so harsh.

“One cup of coffee, and I'm taking my car.”

Her face lit up and she nodded.
“Thank you.” She said in an almost whisper.

“Are you sure about this? Do you want me to come with?” Heather asked.

I smiled and gave her a nod.
“I'll be fine. I'm taking my own car anyway.”

Heather nodded, her eyes still holding an hint of uncertainty. I walked away from her and grabbed my car keys from the rack. I walked out of the house to have coffee with my long lost sister.
.
.
.
“I'm so glad you agreed to meet with me. You have no idea how much this means to me.” Jenna said and grinned.

I kept my face neutral.
“Why?”

She sighed.
“I've never had a sibling before. When Dad told me about you, I was excited and I wanted to meet. I would have come earlier but I was nervous about your reaction.”

Our server brought our orders and set it on the table. I muttered a thanks at the older woman. I refrained from commenting that she doesn't look like a server at all. She would probably find that offensive.

“What do you want to talk to me about?” I asked when the server left.

“You should drink your coffee first before it gets cold. We have plenty of times to talk.” She said.

I wanted to argue with her but the weather was chilly today, and the smell of the coffee was inviting.

I sighed and decided to take a sip. I ended up finishing the cup. A wide grin spread on Jenna's face.

“You know, I wasn't lying when I said I was excited about finding out that I have a younger sibling. Well, until I learnt it was you.”

“What do you mean?” I asked. I felt a strange sense of weakness wash over me. I waved it off as my body acting up because of the weather.

She checked her watch and smiled.
“Time to go, little sister. We don't want to keep him waiting.”

My body felt extremely weak now that I couldn't even lift my hand. My eyelids fluttered but I forced them to remain open. The realization of what had happened dawned on me.

“Wh..o issss h..hi..m?” I sputtered, barely holding myself together.

Jenna's hideous laugh was the last thing I heard before everything went black.