I was very antsy during classes as I eagerly anticipated lunch time. Fortunately, it didn't show and for that, I was truly grateful to my stars.

Once the bell went for lunch time, I bolted out of the door of the Chemistry lab but Xavier Lockwood, my best friend since all times caught up to me and trailing behind him was his twin sister, the gorgeous Alvina Lockwood. She has always been like a sister to me anyway even though there was a time in our growing up years that things had been awkward particularly because everyone thought we had something other than friendship but that phase passed by easily.

"Hey bud, slow down. Why are you in such a hurry?" Xavier asked as he fell in step beside me.

"Am hungry, didn't eat this morning." I said and it was not a lie.

We stopped by our lockers which were coincidentally side by side, to return and retrieve whatever we needed. Some of Alvina's friends whom I thought were on the wild side, came up to her to take her to lunch as usual but she declined.

"I think I just want to hang out with my brother today" She said and they were utterly stunned but went on their way.

"Really Alvy, why today all of a sudden?" Xavier teased and Alvina rolled her eyes.

"Don't push your luck Xavy, only yesterday you were whining about how I never hang out with you at school." Alvina said and Xavier gasped dramatically

"I wasn't whining, I was just saying. I don't whine" Xavier defended

"Yeah, sure. Whatever helps you through your day." Alvina replied flipping her natural black wavy hair over her shoulder.

The three of us soon bounded for the cafeteria. On entering I spotted Elaine and Phoebe at a table with Michaela. I started towards them but noticed Xavier wasn't following.

"Why aren't you coming?" I asked Xavier

He grimaced. "Thing is, it just might not be a good idea if we go there."

My eyes widened "And may I know why?"

"Its your sister and her friends, she may not appreciate it."

"Elaine and I agreed to have lunch together. There is always room for more anyway." I said

"That's nice. Its a double sibling date." Alvina chipped in "Come on guys, am famished." Alvina marched on forward not minding if we were following or not.

Xavier sighed and trudged on, I knew there was sth but I had to bound it out of him. I started to follow but was taken aback when all of a sudden, my head was lowered and familiar lips were on pressed onto mine. Involuntarily, the kiss deepened and before I knew it, we were the center of attention.

We both had to eventually come up for air and my eyes met with familiar hazel eyes filled with desire.

"Denise? When did you get back?" I asked quietly.

She pressed her forehead against mine. "Last night. Miss me? I have going crazy trying to find you."

"You could have just called" I murmured

"Nah, I wanted to surprise you. So, surprise." she said in a low tone while staring at my lips. She bit on her lower lip.

"You know what, lets get out of here." I suggested after I side-glanced at my sister's table and saw Xavier talking to Phoebe who was trying so hard not to look in my direction but my eyes briefly met her emerald green eyes.

"Sure. Thought you'd never ask." Denise replied huskily. I nearly forgot how frisky she could be. I cussed silently as we both stepped out.

"Denise, we have an arrangement. One that you are clearly not sticking to," I started the moment we were out in the open.

Denise sighed. "I know. Is that why you are upset? Look, I love what we have despite we could stop anytime but I just don't want it to stop. You say we can't be anything more than what we are and I respect that, really I do but let me enjoy it while I can." her tone was pleading and looking into those amazing eyes of hers was getting me mesmerized. I had to look away.

"Its alright." I replied looking back at her. "Just try to be less conspicuous in public. I don't want attention especially on my private life."

"Understood. So, where did we stop?" You couldn't miss the huskiness in her tone as she seductively advanced towards me, put her arms around my neck before slowly lowering my head and crashing her lips onto mine. I don't know how long that lasted but I just didn't want to continue at that moment. I raised my head.

"What's wrong?" Denise asked, her eyes clouded with disappointment.

"Lets leave this for another day." I said lowering her hands away from me.

"Zach, why? I have been away for two weeks. Usually, you are the one who seeks me out but..." she paused as her eyes widened "Is there someone else?"

I stared at her in disbelief. "We have a deal. We stay faithful to each other until one of us decides when its over." I reminded

"So there's none other, what then?" she inquired

In truth, Denise Demaray is irresistible, with the body of a goddess and allure of one, you just can't have enough of her but I suddenly was resisting. Something I have never done.

"Denise, am hungry. Its lunch time. You just got back and I want you to settle in properly. What other reason could there be?" I asked.

She took in a sharp breath. "I'll understand for now. But you owe me." she placed a quick kiss on my cheek before gliding away. I was relieved, I just had to deal with her later. For now, I had to go eat lunch.

Elaine's eyes met mine as I approached the table, I smiled at her while I took a seat beside her and opposite Phoebe. Phoebe avoided meeting my gaze, I could see she was uncomfortable. Two tables had been brought together to accommodate the six of us. I ordered on my tablet nevertheless.

"That was much shorter than I anticipated," Elaine started referring to I and Denise, "I've just told Phoebe here that you wouldn't be joining us for lunch." I cringed at the statement. So much for making a good impression.

"You seem close. Do you know each each other?" I asked Xavier referring to himself and Phoebe and opting to change the topic.

"Ah yes. We met about two weeks ago at a carnival and in school on her first day. We are... acquaintances." Xavier explained.

"Are you forgetting something Xavy?" Alvina asked lifting an eyebrow.

"What do you mean?" Xavier asked somewhat befuddled

"Oh my," Alvina muttered exasperatedly slapping her forehead. "Since you wouldn't say, Xavy didn't tell the poor girl his identity and put her on the spot just now."

"Oh." I said in realization. Explained Xavier's reluctance to join the table.

"Its not quite like that." Phoebe defended in a low tone. I could tell she felt somewhat intimidated surrounded by Royals but then, who wouldn't be? "He uh kinda told me last night but it didn't register until now." Phoebe said.

"Awww! The sweet girl. Xavy you are lucky am not her." Alvina said

"He is not quite off the hook though." Phoebe muttered under her breath, though it was loud enough for all to hear. Alvina and Elaine started to laugh. I couldn't help but smile.

"How is your stomach upset?" I asked Phoebe. She met my eyes briefly before lowering them.

"Fine." She replied but judging by the blush that crept onto her cheeks, she was embarrassed.

My order was brought about then and I started eating but I lost interest soon enough. I wanted to talk more. Everyone else were engaged in lively chit-chat except Phoebe.

"So, I heard you love literature. Which books fascinate you the most?" I directed at Phoebe.

" I love a variety of books but in all, I often search for essence and the essence of a particular book is what piques me. I particularly love Jane Austen's 'Emma' for a lot of reasons." As Phoebe spoke, all of her earlier insecurities and nervousness fled.

"Emma believed herself to be the perfect matchmaker and often meddled in love affairs that she shouldn't have and often, they ended up in mishaps. The essence that book captures is marvelous. No one has the right to involve herself or himself in certain affairs of other people even with the noblest of intentions. Emma believed herself to be perfect, without blemish and this perception of herself led her astray." Phoebe said.

What Phoebe said got me thinking and so I asked the particular question that bugged me the most.

"What if you had the power over others' fate, what would you do?" Instead of laughing as I expected, at the question, Phoebe was actually silent for a while.

"I'd make sure not to use that power ever. If I had it of course." Phoebe's tone was serious and that hinted at something. If I didn't know better, I'd think she knew.

"What is up with the questions, Zach?" Xavier asked. "You have suddenly thickened the atmosphere."

I relaxed and shrugged. I had not realized that they'd all be listening. " Just attempting a conversation." I said.

"That sounded like an interesting one. I might just join in" Alvina said. "So, Phoebe tell me something. I for one have the ability to manipulate circumstances. Something as trivial as my mood could cause mayhem. What do you think of it? Am I messing with fate?"

"No." Phoebe replied in a heart-beat but went on to explain when she noticed everyone else's eyes on her. "To me, fate is something that has been put down. It cannot be changed and like destiny, can only be delayed. Alvina, your ability is your ability. If it disrupts or makes something, its not your fault. Its fate. You are just an instrument used to fulfill it." Phoebe said.

"Mmmh,"Alvina grinned. "You are wise beyond your years. I admire that."

Phoebe lowered her head in embarrassment despite all of us felt proud to have her there with us.

So, people, please comment. Let me know what you think and if possible I'd like predictions on what is to come next. Happy reading. Thank you for reading. Vote too! :)