Chapter 6 Back to school

We are having a good time at the restaurant. The boys are thrilled when they receive their farewell present—a large round cake. At least, that’s what we all think. However, when Dad encourages them to remove the decoration from the top of the cake, we all realise it contains something special.

Their smiles widen when they discover two car keys hidden inside. Each of them has a car waiting for them at the airport in Connecticut.

Everyone enjoys the moment except for me. I can’t help but feel worried that if the twins like it there, they might not want to return home.

Once we’re back home, I undress sadly, put on my pyjamas, and slip into bed. Instead of sleeping, I lie there staring at the ceiling for a long time. I don’t want to think about tomorrow, but I can’t shake it from my mind. I keep my eyes closed in an attempt to sleep, but it doesn’t work.

Suddenly, I’m jolted awake by a quiet knock on my door. Frowning, I get out of bed and walk to the door. When I open it, my eyes widen in surprise to see Ethan and Spencer standing there.

They say nothing as they enter my room and pull me inside. They climb into my bed and start staring at me.

"Aren't you coming to bed?" one of them asks.

My heart races—I can’t imagine what’s happening. “Come on, Cora, we need to get up early tomorrow,” Ethan insists.

I can’t argue with that, so I do as they say. I lay between them, turning my back to Spencer as I push my butt against his lower abdomen. He says nothing but wraps his arms around my waist, and I can feel his face close to mine. That would be enough for me. However, Ethan snuggles up next to me as well, pulling me into his embrace and laying his head on the pillow above mine, kissing my forehead.

Even though Ethan’s closeness feels nice, my attention is focused on Spencer. His hand finds mine, and it feels terrific. The intoxicating scent of his favourite cologne fills the air, making me more aware of my feelings for him. I want to feel his body, but I can’t get a clear sense of it. I have to accept that it’s just me who is thinking this way about him.

Soon, I hear and feel their breathing steady, indicating that they are both asleep. I, on the other hand, am too excited to have Spencer so close to me. I don’t want to fall asleep; I want to savour this moment for as long as I can. Yet, my eyelids grow heavy. I fight to keep them open, but soon, I drift off to sleep.

In the morning, we wake up together and share a laugh when Ethan complains that his arm hurts because I lay on it during the night, and he doesn’t want to move for fear of waking me. As we talk, my attention stays on Spencer’s hand, which is still holding mine.

I’m in a better mood at breakfast, even though I know today is the day I have to let Spencer go. I will miss Ethan, too, but I’m not sure how I will manage without Spencer in my life.

"Take care, Cora. We’ll come for a visit as soon as possible," Spencer tells me as he hugs me tightly.

"Maybe you could visit us during the school holiday," Ethan adds, embracing me as well.

"Either way, we’ll see each other soon," Spencer reassures me before he and Ethan hug Mum and Dad.

I watch as they get into the car that will take them to the airport. I stay with Mum and Dad until the vehicle disappears from view. Then, Mum hugs me and gently caresses my back.

"Don't worry, honey. The school holiday is almost over, so you'll see each other soon," Mum said. I nodded at her, trying to smile.

"Come on inside," she added, and I followed her.

The week passed slowly. The house felt quiet without the boys, but Mum did her best to cheer me up by taking me shopping. School was starting again next week, and she wanted me to be ready. I picked out new clothes and plenty of supplies to help me feel more comfortable at school.

The day arrived quickly, and I found myself in the car headed to the place I dreaded. I felt anxious because Ethan and Spencer were always there to defend me, and now I'd have to face the bullies on my own.

I didn't have to wait long for it to begin. As soon as I entered the building, I felt the familiar stares.

"Hey Cora, what did you do during the holiday? You look great!" someone shouted, followed by laughter from the others.

"I can't believe a rich family like yours can’t afford surgery," one of them sneered.

"The Astor family has money, sure, but can you imagine how much it would cost to remove that fat from her?" another added.

I tried my best to ignore them as I walked to my locker. I opened it to put my things away, but found them surrounding me as soon as I locked it.

"What do you want? Get lost!" I said, but they just moved closer.

"You know, Cora, even though you're fat, you have a nice face. Maybe your breasts are nice, too. Can we have a look?" A boy stepped too close, so I pushed him away.

"Don’t you dare touch me!" I shouted, but that only seemed to make them angrier.

"You should think twice before you do something like that, Cora. Now that your brothers aren’t here to protect you," he said.

"No, they aren't here, but you know about my family’s status. If you touch me again, I'll make sure your mother doesn't get any more jobs in the film industry—except maybe in porn," I hissed, and he glared at me with hatred.

"You'll regret this, Cora," he warned, and they finally left me alone as school began. I leaned against the wall, taking a deep breath before heading to class.

To avoid further bullying, I stayed in class during each break. However, at lunchtime, I had to go to the cafeteria. I got my food on a plate and was walking to my table when someone stuck out their leg, causing me to trip and drop my tray.