Chapter 22

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"I am never drinking again."

"You said that the last time."

"I mean it this time."

"You said that too last time."

"Shut up Ira, you aren't helping." Eva grumbled.

"I didn't tell you to drink this much." Ira retorted in a cherry tone.

"You said that the last time." Eva retorted back, clearly annoyed with the twin sister's tormenting.

Sighing I opened my eyes as I felt movement to my left, grunting and blinking as the light entered them for what seemed like after years.

"I feel like I'm dying." Simone groaned from somewhere around us.

I just wanted to close my eyes and kill the mental guy bursting crackers in my head. Yep, the tin man was definitely in there.

"I hate to think what Racheal's going through." Ira chuckled, her voice coming closer to mine.

Responding with an unimpressive grunt, I tried to close my eyes and sleep again. Instead was slapped on the shoulder. "No sleeping, your boyfriend's grumpy because he hasn't seen you for over 12 hours. Go calm your dog, bitch."

"Ira." I pleaded in a croaking and immensely sleepy voice. "Sleep."

"It's like 1 pm guys, seriously?"

"1?" Eva shouted, making me and Simone complain with loud vocals. "Damn!" She got up in a swift motion and instantly held her head to stop from fainting.

"Hey sis, want more drinks? Maybe some vodka?" Ira mocked.

Her twin sent her a flat look before heading into the bathroom and soon we heard the unmistakable sound of gagging and then a groan and then more gagging and the sound of food and alcohol thrusting up the throat. I wrinkled my nose, very well knowing I was going to take her place soon.

"Why are they in our bed?" Simone asked Ira, spreading her legs and arms over the place Eva had just been. She sighed in content at the increase in space for sleeping.

"Because I didn't trust the guys to change your clothes and sleep with them." Ira stated and then winced as she saw our faces. "Thank me for not letting the guys check up on you. You guys look disgusting."

I rolled my eyes, wiping the drool from my chin. "You need to get drunk Ira."

She held her hands up. "After watching you all getting drunk last night and then groaning at every single sound in this morning, I think not."

"Drew is going to love being with you." Simone mumbled sarcastically in a low voice.

Ira narrowed her eyes. "You said?"

"Where's Nicki?" Simone asked, promptly changing the subject.

Twisting her lips, Ira replied. "She woke up about two hours back, she's used to getting drunk."

"Great." I shifted on the bed, pushing Simone's arm away from touching my stomach. "Seriously Sim, you're occupying literally the whole bed. Move."

She smiled and didn't move an inch, instead pressed her lips to the sheets. "Bed, my love. Marry me? We can stay together forever."

Ira sighed while I rolled my eyes. This was Simone every time she woke up. She just refused to get away from 'her one true love'. Of course, that changed the second her eyes fell on Pizza or any junk food, then that became her one true love.

"I'll go and wash my face." I said, getting up and eagerly grabbing the drinking water Ira offered.

"Okay, wake me up after 10 years." Simone muttered and was soon asleep.

Ira let her sleep knowing if we woke her up now she'd be in a grumpy mood throughout the day and probably the remaining week. I banged on the bathroom door and after waiting for two minutes, an annoyed finally Eva exited. "Even my poop refuses to co-operate today." She grumbled crossly.

I bit my laugh but since my bladder called urgently I shut the door back and couldn't hear Ira's response. After peeing and vomiting my guts out, I washed my really unimpressive face as I mentally thanked Ira for not letting Colton see me in such a state. I was sure he would break off the deal and hide underwater for a decade. 'I saw an ugly demon' he would claim. I wasn't ready for that, whatever little time we had I wanted to enjoy it and have good memories to look back on.

"Simone's still sleeping?" I asked Eva who was struggling to get her high neck top through her head.

"Hmm mm." she mumbled, waving her hands and bobbing her head. After a second she simply threw the top on the bed and groaned loudly. She stomped over to her bag in just her blue shorts and white bra. "Stupid top won't cooperate too. This day already sucks!"

I rolled my eyes as I dried my hair from the bath I just had. "Eva, what's wrong? Are you going to have your periods? Or are you just cranky?"

She sent me a sour look and removed a loose pink V-neck top and it obviously went through her head in seconds. She grinned smugly. "This is what I call cooperation."

I didn't even care to reply as I wore my black half-pants and a simple green tee.

"I'm going down. Ira and Nicki are already there." Eva told as she smacked the sleeping Simone's butt and went downstairs.

I stared at Simone, for some response but she was dead asleep despite our loud voices. I mentally groaned. Nice friends, leaving me to awaken the Sleeping Beauty.

I tapped Simone's shoulder, hoping luck was in my favor and she would wake up.

Luck was definitely not in my favor.

"Simone!" I called out.

I closed my eyes and leaned my head back, pressing my fingers to my forehead. I was in no state to wake her up. It was a long tedious process and I was still reeling from the after-effects of drinking way too much. I couldn't remember anything after my fourth glass but the image of me holding a sponge and smiling at Colton was vivid. It scared me to think what I must have said or worse yet done in my drunken state.

Unconsciously my fingers crossed hoping I hadn't blurted out my feeling for him. Just two weeks, I didn't want any drama amidst that. After these two weeks, I would get over him, hopefully.

Eh whatever, it's his loss anyway!

"Simone!" I tried again but the only response was a grunt of protest and then a soft snore.

Rolling my eyes I left her in her sleepy state and went downstairs.

The sight was shocking, to say the least. I blinked, once, twice, thrice but the view was still intact. Nicki, Ira, and Eva were all on their toes trying to get a peek at the guy outside the door. Drew and Nathan were before them, standing with their chests out, all ready for a war. Colton was right ahead of them, his stance rigid and he seemed to be in a heated conversation. Adrian on the other hand was sitting on the couch with his feet on the table in front, arms over his head, and eyes on some movie, least interested in the tense commotion.

"Guys?" I called as I stepped further down the steps.

Instantly they all turned and I gasped as I saw the stranger, my jaw falling beneath the floor and my eyebrows reaching the sky. "Kevin!?"

And my ex-boyfriend just smiled sheepishly, waving awkwardly at me.

I blinked, wondering if this was some kind of a horror dream. "Wh-what are you doing here?"

He shifted on his feet, a sign he was nervous. "I uh- my aunt owns the house next door. She invited me, and when I saw Ira outside, I figured you'd be here too so I came to say hi. But uh- I didn't know these guys were here too."

I smiled, not knowing what to say. "Yeah, this is Drew's uncle's place." I shrugged, "So those two children are your cousins?"

His face instantly brightened at their mention. "Oh yeah Elsa and Jack, yep don't even get me started on my aunt's animation movie craze. Apparently, she wants to name the next one Dory."

I chuckled softly. "So you um are here for how many days?"

"Actually I am just leaving now -”

"Good." Colton interrupted, a flat expression on his face. I didn't even want to know what was going through his mind.

Instead, I sent me a glare. "Let me show you out." I said to Kevin, not wanting to witness another testosterone fight and possible murder.

"Whoa, where out?" Colton asked in his clipped voice as I moved to go outdoors. I could see his fingers twitching to hold onto me and I knew it was talking every sane fiber in him to not do so.

I pressed my lips together, finding his possessiveness now annoying, or maybe it was because my head was still feeling a bit hazy. "Colton, I am just going out and saying bye."

"Can't you do that from here?" Colton retorted. His fingers wrapped around my wrist, pulling me back.

Kevin eyed us warily, not knowing what to do.

I took a deep breath, considering my options, and then stepped closer to Colton, leaning near his ears. "Do you really want to do this here? Now? This is all fake, remember that." I whispered harshly.

His response was instant. His fingers fell back and hurt danced in his eyes before it was quickly replaced with a cold stare and then like a pissed-off child he stomped off upstairs, the bedroom door banging shut loudly behind him.

"You shouldn't have done that." Kevin muttered, his eyes now on the shut door with worry.

I took a breath, actually thinking Kevin was right. What was I thinking? Pulling the fake card, now Colton won't talk to me for ages. But I had made a haste decision and I had to face it so I gripped Kevin's forearm and pulled him out. "He's acting like a douche."

Kevin's eyebrows furrowed, his eyes scanning my face. "You are having a hangover, aren't you?"

"How did you know?" I asked in surprise. "Do I look that bad?"

He shook his head. "No no, you always look beautiful. But you always did stupid things when drunk or nursing a hangover."

I rolled my eyes, as I resisted blushing under his unintentional compliment. "I have no idea what you mean."

We walked along the beach, his step in sync with mine. "Like that time you were drunk and pretended you were Felicity Smoak, a great hacker, and instead of hacking into Google servers deleted your account. Or that time during my family reunion you drank the mixed punch too much and walked right up to my mom and said, I quote, 'your son is a great kisser, does it come from his father?'" Kevin chuckled fondly at the memory.

I pushed my face into my palms, embarrassed by those weak drunk moments. "Gosh, that was so humiliating."

"Yes it was, my mom still narrates the incident every thanksgiving and even though all my family members remember it, they still laugh whole-heartily."

"Great to know, I am an entertainer for your family." I snorted, shoving him with my shoulder.

He shoved me back playfully. "You'll always be a part of my family, Rach." His voice held so much honesty that I couldn't help but look into them.

"I know." I whispered back. "You too, my mom still remembers you and those amazing Nutella cupcakes you could make."

He put a finger to his lips, even glancing around the almost empty beach. "That's a secret, don't spoil my reputation."

I laughed genuinely. "Yea yea sure."

We didn't say anything, just walked for a good five minutes. Both lost in thoughts, reminiscing memories that should be buried.

The dates, the kisses, the awkward moments, the secret glances, the smiling seconds, the laughter-filled minutes, the stupid jokes, the intense talks, the long walks, the ever-lasting moments. Now just a fragment of the past.

"I miss this – us." he suddenly said.

I gulped, swallowing the ball of tear, or was it fear? "Me too."

He suddenly turned to me, taking my hands in his. "I am sorry you know, for everything. It might have started as a bet but it didn't end as one. I was serious about you, still am."

I smiled, a sad remorseful smile. "I know, you were my first everything, Kevin. I am sorry too. I didn't mean to say those harsh words the day I came to know. I called you all sorts of names and wound you deeply and I am honestly sorry for that. But things have changed now and although you'll still hold a piece of my heart forever I can't really say about the rest of my heart."

He smiled back, a pained smile. "I know, Colton Hastings has an effect on girls huh?" he paused, looking into the far sea. "I just can't imagine you dating him."

I sighed, not knowing what to say. It was all fake but he didn't know that and I couldn't bring myself to tell it either. So instead I just shrugged. "Things changed."

His hold on my hand tightened before leaving altogether. "I'll see you around?"

I nodded. "Definitely."

He leaned forward, hesitating for a bit but eventually coming to a decision, kissed my cheek lightly. "Goodbye Racheal Smith."

I kissed his cheek back, breathing in his familiar scent one last time. "Goodbye, Kevin Hall."

And as I watched my ex-boyfriend walked away, his stride steady yet flattering, his back hunched a bit, his hands still into his pockets, and his hair swiftly waving with the direction of the wind. The clouds opened up and the late afternoon sun shined brightly, lightening the sandy beach, bringing in the tide, making the flowers sway and birds chirp, giving hope to everything around.

Because for every ending, there's always a new beginning.

Believe me, those scars will fade. And so will that love.

~~~

Quick Important Note:

- Dead: Nick Mills, Partner.

- Accused: Rodrigo Barrett.

Suspects:

1. Rodrigo Barrett: Partner in the textile industry and wanted revenge for being cheated in business. Owns a .32 pistol. Alibi- Anita, his wife but she just heard the door open and close.

2. Jake Douglas: Ex-friend and competitor in business. Alibi- Victoria Ponte. They seemed to have spent the night together.

3. Abel McKenzie: High post and next owner/partner after Nick or Rodrigo's death. Right now he's in charge of the whole company. Alibi- his butler, Asher. He was away on business and returned back early morning. Owns a .32 pistol.

4. Layla Gordon: Ex-girlfriend. Nick cheated on her and embarrassed her in front of a huge crowd, she had told her best friend that she'd take revenge. Alibi: None, supposedly sleeping.

5. Liana Mills: Step-sister. Inheritor of Nick Mills $10 million-plus property. Alibi: Best friend, Gracia, they spent the night at Liana's place.

6. Raul Aita: Neighbor and wasn't good friends with Nick since they had spat over some money issue. Died on 26th September 2015, was electrocuted while fixing his light in the bathroom at 11 pm. Was found in the morning at 5 am by his maid.

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