Seated in the bus as it rode through the familiar streets, Phidel couldn't help her anxiety– her mind just refused to stay calm. It was like the whole universe was suddenly coming down on her.
“Am I busted? Is this how it ends? Did I fail in bringing my sister’s murders to book? Did I fail her the justice she deserves?” This and more questions took turns in her mind as she remained restless. There was no way she was ready to give up, not when she had come this far. “....I need to do something, I’m easily not going to back out.” she said with some degree of certainty– thinking of a plan ‘B’ just in case her anticipation turned out to be right.
Phidelia on the other hand, just stayed by her side– casting glances at her at every passing minute. It felt as though she didn't know her sister anymore. If she could wish for something at that moment, it would’ve been for the ability to read her sister's mind just to know what’s running on in there.
Nevertheless, the former has also refused to say anything at all to her. Where she went, what the call was about, and her plans– all remained a mystery
“I just hope you’re not trying to do anything stupid,” Phidelia chime in– making Phidel cast a glance at her but then, return her gaze to the road ahead; refusing to say anything. “You know you can’t use violence to solve violence right?” she added.
Just the minute Phidelia ended her sentence, the bus pulled to a stop. Without a word, Phidel huddled her bag from her seat– throwing it over her shoulder. Wearing that same stern look– she scampered off towards the folding glass door. Instinctively, the former jolted to her full length and rushed after her sister.
Following closely, they both glided out of the bus and it sped off. The wind nipped Phidel’s cheeks as she scurried across the pavement but then, there was a lot going on her mind to pay attention to anything – especially with Phidelia nagging after her.
Having enough of her sister, she abruptly came to a halt; making the latter come to a stop as well.
“Can you quit this already?” Phidel gushes, irritated by Phidelia’s persistent talk on not fighting violence with violence. “Do you even know what you are saying?” she went on, her full gaze now on her sister– if people were passing at that moment, they might think was going nuts but she didn't give a sh*t. She had had it to the neck and wouldn't oblige by anyone telling her what to do especially not when she knew what Tina was up to. “...this was exactly how you were and now look at you? Do you think I’m happy seeing you like this?" anger seared through her as a shred of tear escaped her eye. “I’m not just going to sit back,” she said with some degree of certainty– sniffing back her tear as she briskly wiped her eyes and zoomed off.
Phidel’s words dawned on Phidelia as plainly as they were. For some seconds, she remained in her spot– perplexed. She felt the pain and bitters her sister harbor but then couldn't help in any way. She doesn't want to see her become cold just because of her~ no, that’s not what she wanted.
Finally getting a hold of herself, she rushed after her twin. By then, they had already gotten to the house.
********
Scampering into the porch, Phidel found the house surprisingly quieter than usual– especially for a time when she knew both Isla and Jade should be at home. Pushing the door open, she staggered in; followed by Phidelia who was as confused as her sister.
The former swivel her head and found the hall empty to her surprise; intuitively her heart junked as she shuddered to think of what to expect.
If not for anything, Auntie Emma should have been in the kitchen putting things together but she wasn't which only was nerve-wracking.
“I hope it's not what I’m thinking,” Phidel grumbled mentally to herself– staggering off towards the stairway as she cast a glance at the hall once again before gliding up with Phidelia tagging along.
Strolling into the corridor, she headed to her room despite the uneasiness of the atmosphere present at that time. Just when she was about to bypass Isla’s doorpost, a hand suddenly rounded its grip around her wrist– deftly dragging her along.
Phidelia’s eyes heightened with the unexpected event and quickly tagged along.
Successfully getting Phidel in unnoticed, Isla swiftly closed the door behind as quietly as possible.
“What was that?” a breathless Phidel asked on gaining her grounds. Isla cast a glance at her then let go of her hand as a sigh escaped her lips.
“Where have you been?” a familiar voice rasped her ear only to turn to see Jade sitting on Isla’s bed with his gaze buried in his phone as usual– playing a video game. “....mind telling us?” he lifted his gaze to Phidel as he laid the phone beside him.
“I choose not to say,” she snapped, walking into the room as she was standing at the doorpost. Isla who was by then standing beside the bed clicked her tongue; not too surprised.
“But why not?” Phidelia quickly chimed in– eager to know as well. At least what her sister had been up to the whole day in her absence; given her adventurous nature. Nothing within a man’s power was impossible for her– even when given the chance to ride on danger, she would gladly do~ that was how strong-willed she was.
“Not with you here,” Phidel blurted with knitted brows though she was not going to tell even if Phidelia wasn't around. Despite her answer, her sister knew her too well for that even though didn't spend much time together.
“Not with who here?” Isla inquired with a creased brow, bringing the reality of their presence and the fact of hearing she just said to mind.
“Well, um... the thing is~” she stuttered, not knowing how best she could cook up an excuse to save herself.