Chapter 43 - Ava, Misunderstood.

She was waiting anxiously, but nothing came out after the words 'you see...' Ashton couldn't seem to find the right word, and she could notice that he was perspiring furiously. She couldn't understand what was so hard about her question that he couldn't just say yes or no? So finally, she decided to just forget it.

She had a feeling that he was avoiding the question for a reason... Could it be that he was a big brother?

Ava's eyes got as big as a saucer with that thought.

"Big brother, forget it. You don't need to answer my question. I think I already know the answer." A sweet smile was plastered on her face as she spoke.

Ashton liked the way she had just called him big brother with that tone of endearment. He only smiled as a response to her.

"Let's change the subject; what is it that you wanted to talk to me about that you asked me to come out here and get some fresh air?" Ava's tone of voice was now more mature than before. In Ashton's eyes, she had grown in the last minute or so that they had been talking. In his eyes, she was no longer that teenager; she looked like a young lady that was blooming into a beautiful grown woman. And he couldn't wait to see who she would become when the time came.

Ava now understood why big brother hasn't been able to go online. He had been busy with the concert and hanging around with them. She didn't say it out loud, but she now had a face to go with the voice. She was so happy she could die right then and there. She had no idea that she actually got the wrong twin.

Ashton didn't know what was on Ava's mind. So he just let her think about what she wanted to and enjoyed the short time he had with her. They would be busy for a while, and he didn't know when they would meet in person again. So he wanted to savor every minute of their time together.

The two chatted for the duration of the EXODUS's stay at their villa. When Chupsy came looking for them to inform them that it was getting late and that it was time for the girls to go to bed, they stopped. Both Ava and Ashton had beautiful smiles plastered on their faces when they came back inside the villa.

Everyone happily bid each other goodbye, with the promise to keep in touch...

===

A week later, James and Jeffrey arrived at the Kingdom of Stonasia. James was to live outside the Royal Academy, while Jeffrey lived in the Royal Academy dorm. He wasn't too happy about the housing arrangement, but since he was given a single room in the male dormitory, he eventually came to terms with it.

This time, it was Tanaga and Jeff who flew to Stonasia to accompany the boys. Unfortunately, as much as the two mothers wanted to come, both of them had prior engagements, so they had to let the fathers do their duty and accompany their sons.

Tanaga and James used the THJ private plane, while Jeff and Jeffrey, flew from the Philippines with their own private plane. James insisted that they flew separately for his own personal reason. He doesn't want to meet Jeff and Jeffrey, still ashamed of what happened years ago.

Tanaga and James went straight to his new place, while Jeff and Jeffrey went straight to the Royal Academy to help get Jeffrey settled in his new dorm and to visit his daughter.

Jeff never mentioned James attending Royal Academy to Jeffrey, he knows how his son feels about him for his sister's sake.

===

Ava had no idea that Jeffrey was to attend the Royal Academy. She was so shocked when she was called to the headmistress's office in the middle of the class.

Akira and Pearl wanted to come with her, but the teacher didn't let them. They had no choice but to wait anxiously.

The father and son were sitting comfortably at Ms. Williams's office while enjoying delicious snacks and tea. Ms. Williams and Ms. Shannon were having a good conversation with Jeff, while Jeffrey was just quietly seated with headphones on both his ears.

"Daddy! Jeffrey!" Ava exclaimed as she ran to her father for a tight embrace.

Jeff lovingly embraced his daughter and kissed her both cheeks. "How is my baby girl doing? Is the internet working fine now? How are they treating you here?" He bombarded her with so many questions while still in an embrace.

Ava let her father release her for a moment so she could greet Ms. Williams and Ms. Shannon. Then she went to her twin brother, who had taken off his headphones and was standing, waiting for Ava to come and greet him.

He had his two arms spread wide, already waiting when Ava turned to greet him with a fat hug. He reciprocated by hugging her back with a dimpled face smiling happily to be reunited with his twin.

"You are mean, you know that? I'm mad at you right now. I was only gone for a while for my training camp, and when I came back, I found out that you already left. You didn't say anything before I left, and I was devastated. I missed you so much!" Jeffrey complained loud enough for Ms. Williams and Ms. Shannon to hear loud and clear. They liked that the siblings were very close.

"Well, what are you complaining about now? You're here now, aren't you?" Ava bantered back with puckered lips, teasing her twin brother.

Since Ava and Jeffrey weren't identical twins, they only had a few similarities, but if no one asked, they wouldn't be able to tell that they were twins. And with their closeness towards each other, others would think they were childhood sweethearts instead of brother and sister.

Ava was tasked to take Jeffrey to the classroom and introduce him to everyone. She was also to take him to get his uniform and show him around. She happily agreed. She couldn't wait to introduce Jeffrey to Pearl. She was sure that she would be shocked for sure once she saw how handsome he is now. They had met a few times when they were young, but that was a long time ago.

Akira knew Jeffrey, so it's no big deal. Unknown to Ava that it was one of the reasons why Jeffrey was adamant that he also attend Royal Academy. It was so he could be around his crush--Akira Jones...

Jeff excused himself, telling Ms. Williams and Ms.. Shannon that he still had a prior engagement. He then promised Ava and Jeffrey that he would be back to pick them up after school to have dinner…