Chapter 38 - Evading The Question...

He had to think for a moment what would be the correct response to her question. If he says he doesn't like playing, would she be disappointed? But then, if he says he does and asks her questions about games, how would he answer? His twin brother James was the one who loved playing video games and not him. So now, he was pondering how to respond and what was the reason behind her random question?

"Before I answer your question, would you mind telling me why?" Ashton asked out of curiosity and also to know how to respond.

Ava didn't hesitate to answer; she wanted to know more about big brother, and if she had to tell him why she asked the question, then so be it.

"The thing is, I love to play video games whenever I have time since I was this high." She motioned with her hand how tall.

"Nevertheless, I met this big brother while playing, and he has been a good older brother to me ever since. We have been playing together since I began playing video games." Ava went on to explain.

"Then before your concert, I mentioned to him that I'm going and he told me to check you out and tell him what I think of you. Which I did, and from then on, he never logged on again, and we haven't spoken since." She told him truthfully; for some reason, she felt comfortable speaking with Ashton.

"Also, he told me that you two are close, and he values my opinion of you. That's why I asked if you like playing video games. An Idea came to my mind that maybe... only maybe... that you could be my big brother. Are you?" Ava excitedly asked, her eyes shining brightly as she anticipated Asthon's response.

===

After hearing what she told him, Ashton knew precisely who she was talking about. It was none other than his twin brother James. He loved playing video games; of course, they were close since they were twins, and he probably wanted to know his future wife's reaction to his looks since they were identical twins.

He had to think for a moment. This was crucial, and he needed to be careful. His gut told him that she was talking about James, but he didn't want Ava to know since they were betrothed to one another.

'Hmmm, how I wish that I was your big brother. Unfortunately, it's my twin brother, James. Should I tell you what I think or not? Would it bother you that I'm the twin brother of your betrothed? Ahhh, how should I respond to your question without ruining our newfound friendship?' He was thinking to himself, and his mind was confused, not realizing that Ava was still waiting and staring at him simultaneously.

He came back to his senses when he heard Ava calling his name, "Ashton! Earth to Ashton! Are you there?" He saw her two palms right in front of his face moving from left to right.

Ashton is snapped back to reality after seeing two cute palms waving in front of his face...

"I'm sorry! I was miles away thinking of who could this big brother of yours be? I'm worried that he's one of those pedophiles that prey on young girls like you. You need to be careful, you know." Just like that, Ashton wanted to change the subject and not respond to the original questions. So instead, he came back with a question so Ava would forget her initial questions.

"What do you know about him besides his gender? And how do you know if he's male? I guess you chat when you're playing games, and you hear his voice." This time he was the one waiting for Ava to reply to his many questions.

Just as Ava was about to reply to Ashton's many questions, the sliding door from the inside opened, and Akira popped her head and hollered. "Hey, you two! It's time for dinner. You can continue your conversation over dinner. We will be dining together!" She had a twinkle in her eyes as she spoke.

Akira liked what she saw at that moment. She always dreamed of Ava being her sister-in-law, and the best way to do that is to set her up with one of her older brothers. Unknown to her that their parents had done that already before they were even born.

However, she would rather match her best friend to Ashton than to James, given the option of the two.

===

Ashton took the opportunity to evade having to answer her questions. He swiftly stood up and extended his hand to help Ava get up. "Well, how about we continue our conversation over dinner? We have plenty of time. Let's go before they send another search party to come and get us." He joked, trying to make Ava feel at ease.

He wanted her to see him as a friend since they were going to be a family someday. But, deep inside of him, he was fighting himself from falling for her. He didn't want to fight with his twin brother over a woman someday.

They were still young right now, and they still had many years to come before the betrothal would be announced to the whole world. He hoped that he would eventually lose the feeling that was slowly creeping its way inside his young heart. He hopes for it anyway, because if not… Ava would be torn between twin brothers when the time comes.

He was so deep in thought that he didn't realize that Ava already went ahead of him and was now out of sight.

===

Headmistress Ms. Williams and the other faculty members went out of their way to make sure that the idol group would have a wonderful time at the Royal Academy.

They arranged a separate dining room for EXODUS accompanied by the girls, Prince Edmund and Lady Crystal.. The other students had no idea that the group was staying for the night at the Royal Academy in order not to disturb them.