JEAN'S POV

I lay on my bed staring at the ceiling as thoughts run freely through my head.

Everyone thinks Colin is innocent; Laurel, even the officer is investigating with biased hindsight to what happened and they are trying to find a way to prove it – except Ivy. If they hadn't been in a romantic relationship, I would let it slide, but they had six months together, I'd assume she'd be a little more concerned. If I decide to question her, that will be the worse choice. I may be this young and short but I'm not stupid. Ivy definitely had something to do with what happened to uncle Benjamin because I'm not buying that silly excuse she said to me the other day.

I can't be the one who's in the dark. I need to know what the hell is going on. Inspector Henry said he'd be back but since then, he hasn't come to interrogate us, which only means that they know something.

I hop out of bed and rush through my wardrobe for something to wear. I must meet up with Laurel as soon as possible. If there is anybody who would know something about this, she would be the first to find out, plus, my sister trusts her like that. Just as I open the door to leave, Ivy all of a sudden blocks the exit.

She raises a suspicious eye. "Where are you going, young lady?"

Oh shit. The only thing separating me from the getting outside right now is this question I am not willing to answer. The more I delay, the intently she waits for my reply. Her grim-reaper expression couldn't be stricter but she manages just fine. "I... I want to see a friend." It's hard to think of a lie when my head is occupied with fear and doubts and the person I'm lying to is a genius at keeping me on tiptoes.

"Who is this friend you are talking about?"

"Um..."

"Are you going to see Colin again?"

How did she know I've visited him before? Though I might wish that is the case. I wonder just how she'd react if I tell her it's her best friend I want to meet up with or what the topic of our discussion is about. She wouldn't like that. I still act like I've been caught red-handed anyway. "He really needs our support, you know."

"I forbid you to ever see that boy again, do you hear me?!"

The warning comes at me like a shockwave. "But—"

"Go back to your room right now! And don't let me catch you sneaking out of this house." She only keeps painting herself guilty all the more. I can't believe these two told themselves 'I love you' just few weeks ago. To think of it. Why won't she let me visit Colin?

I think I know what to do to get out of here. After her caution, I hurry back to my room and shut the door. As I pick up my phone to call Laurel, I hear a knock outside.

"Jean, open the door!"

Ivy. What does she want? My teenage instincts for survival tell me to hide my phone behind my back first before opening the door. And as I do so, she nippily barges in as if she already knew what I had in mind.

"Where is your phone?" She asks.

My eyes widen with shock, many guesses swirling. Did Ivy just ask for my phone? What does she want to do with it? Why is she doing this? What is she protecting me from – what is she protecting herself from? I do hope she hasn't found out my intentions yet, that would be a disaster and I may never uncover the truth she's desperately trying to hide. "Why should I give you my phone?" I make the mistake to return her question.

"I didn't say I was going to take it but now that you've mentioned it, I think I should."

I shake my head. "N-no, no. You can't do this!"

"Oh yes I can and I will. Give it!" She stretches an unturned palm, gesturing that I provide my phone from where I hid it.

Before I can even attempt an escape, she grabs my arm and takes my phone from me with force.

"Who were you going to call?"

"That's none of your business!" I yell angrily, much to my surprise.

She stares me down then hesitates a bit before looking at the phone screen. I'd be lying if I say I'm not this tempted to snatch my phone and break out of the house. I have already crossed a line raising my voice at her and I'm sure she is thinking of ways to reprimand me. "I guess you won't be needing this any longer. From now on, you have no rights to access this phone. I bought it for you, I can also take it back from you."

"What is this, Ivy? You can't do that to me!" I try to reach for the phone in her hand but she quickly slides it into her back pocket.

"Some things are better off unsaid and unexplained. You don't need to know everything. Just focus on your studies and graduate, that's all you have to do."

"But—"

"Don't meddle in affairs that doesn't concern you. This is an adult matter, so do yourself a favour and stay out of it." With that said, she leaves me in my room.

I stand by the doorway, dumbfounded to the core. This is more than being an overprotective sister, this is selfishness, this is a crime. Pieces of details so far start to fall into place. No freaking way! Ivy... no she wouldn't. I can't bring myself to say it, I don't want to even think about it. Now I really want to speak to Laurel. If she can seize my phone without batting an eye, I'm pretty sure she'll so everything in her power to keep me locked in the house. Stopping me this time is only building my curiosity for more. There is something else to discover about Ivy, but how will I find out what it is if I am stuck at home?

Dang it! Just my luck all this is happening during spring break. I can't use classes as an excuse to get out of here. Hold on! Colin's phone! He must have left his phone in his room, but his room is locked. What do I do?

KELVIN'S POV

The door opens and Alex sticks his head out. "Hey man, come in," he welcomes me.

I give him a handshake and pull off my boots before entering his apartment. The floor is covered with an old reddish brown rug that takes up the sitting area. His space may not be that great but it still serves, kind of brings me back to the good old days when we shared a dorm in college.

But who am I to judge? I sleep in my car most of the time.

"What's up, man?"

"I'm good. You look better."

"You wish. Working from home is just as tasking as going to the office. Sorry for the mess." He goes to the table inside the kitchen where his laptop and work sheet are all over the surface. His apartment looks shabbier than usual. "So what are you doing here?"

"I thought I could stop by since I was just around the block. It's been a while, well, since the little tiff with your fiancée. How did it go by the way?"

"Yeah, we're okay now. You know, for a long time, it's been going smoothly between us. Honestly, it feels like we're starting to understand each other," he says smugly.

"Hm, must be nice."

"I must thank you though. You also tried to help me, too."

"Sure, I'm always happy to help." Without ado, I make my way to the fridge to grab a bottle of beer before he starts talking about how wonderful his life is going at the moment.

Damn! It's great to know my friend thinks about me when he gets his grocery. The door side of the mini-fridge is packed with bottles of Guinness and Irish stout, the finest of beers. Alex is not that much of a drinker, thank God, but I am and as a good friend of his, I should help him utilize his stock.

"Hey man, big congratulations to you. I heard you just got promoted."

"Yeah, thanks. It's not that big of a deal."

"Oh come on, Alexi, my friend. Don't be so modest. Between the two of us, you're the brainy one and I'm just a regular simple-minded deadbeat guy who happens to be your friend."

He chuckles lightly. His self-esteem must be scaling through the roof! "Don't you think it's early? You're only holding one bottle and you've already started talking nonsense."

"Don't be ridiculous. I'm not drunk, well, not yet," I wink.

He scoffs and continues on his laptop.

"Anyway, I'm pretty sure you are enjoying your new position, huh."

"Um, yeah... but it comes with its own difficulties."

"It certainly does, doesn't it? Things are working out well for you. You're a boss in your company, you're about to get married. You should be fulfilled," I say without trying to sound like I've got a pinch of envy in my voice.

How is it fair that Alex has everything he wants and I don't? A decent well-paying job, a woman by his side, and this is the kind of simple life he always talked about in college. My own ambitions were not too higher than his but I haven't even checked one from my list. He must be feeling on top of the world getting engaged to the most beautiful woman I have ever set my eyes on.

Don't get me wrong, I love my homeboy, Alex, like a brother and I mean it. We started off our friendship as normal colleagues for the first five seconds until we both realized we had so much in common – and of course I don't just mean the same facial features. Our old mates then would mistake us for blood brothers and we had to go with it to avoid being asked silly questions. Except that, he usually had the better opportunities. Back in college, whenever we walked together, he got all the praises from seniors and professors and what I got was dirty looks at the very slightest. Even when I tried flirting with girls at random, they would always choose him over me, assuming I'm the bad brother who only wants them for sex, but Alex would never flirt with any of them, yet, they'd swoon into his arms at any chance they get.

For a while, I was okay with it but there is a level of prejudgement a man can take. Sometimes I want to lash out, but I bury it inside because I don't want to be that guy. Now that we're both adults with adult responsibilities, the stigma of my youth refuses to fade away. His fiancée already distrusts me at first impression – I noticed from the moment she saw me at her apartment.

"Um, Kelvin, you don't mind if I'm not indulging you in conversations, right?"

"Nah, you should concentrate on your work while I concentrate on this beer. No worries, I don't mind."

"Thanks." He faces his laptop again and keeps up with his work. "I have a date with my fiancée later tonight so I have to get this out of the way first."

I'm sorry to disturb you from working or whatever but I didn't come here because of you, so you can come down from your high horse now and stop feeling self-important... wow! That was a lot. How much longer can I endure for the sake of friendship?

Laurel and I hadn't met in person until that morning at her apartment door but I already know everything about her – Alex is not the kind of person to trust with a secret. From the dialogues we had about his fiancée, I got to picture myself standing in front of her and doing all the things he does for her. The time we stood face to face established that intention in my heart and soul. No matter how much I tell myself this is wrong, I just couldn't stop fantasizing about her. Alex talks about her with such high regards and how lucky he is that he owns her heart. The way he becomes so puffed-up as if he won the gold medal of locking down the best woman in the universe. I have never treated any of my ex-lovers like a trophy but they leave me anyway.

He won't be this lofty by the time I stir some trouble.

Yes I love Alex like a brother, but even blood brothers have a right to covet, don't they? Especially to the one who is most deserving. I mean, shouldn't I be able to have what he has just to be fair? Besides, they are not married yet, so I still have a chance.

I take another guzzle from my beer. "By the way, is she coming over to see you?"

Before he can reply, we hear a knock on the door. He stands up to go to answer it while I take a spot on the couch, making myself comfortable.

"Hey, handsome," a female voice greets.

I turn around to look and I see the most beautiful woman God created hugging and kissing my friend on the cheek. Then I realize I have been clutching onto the armrest of the couch so firmly it forms a mark. In my mind I ask, why can't it be me?

They walk in together.

"Hi, Laurel." I figure how to smile in that instant.

She sure wasn't expecting to see me again. I notice she has this facial expression whenever our eyes meet, like I'm a threat. Now that is something I must work on fast; I can't have her be this apprehensive around me all the time.

"Hi, Kelvin," she decides to reply, though it seems like she fought through the urge to ignore me. Alex grins widely like an idiot standing beside her. I hope he isn't assuming we're starting to get along because we are very far from that. "Maybe I came at the wrong time."

"No, no, no. I'm happy you came by early. I was just finishing my work," Alex says. "You know I will always have time for you."

"Hm." Laurel rolls her eyes, unimpressed.

"I think I'm the one who came at the wrong time," I sheepishly say, gathering my things with my bottle in hand. "We can just talk later."

"Hey, it's alright," Alex calls me back. What a dense moron. He can't see the discomfort on her face, can he?

Laurel whispers something to Alex in his ear. I try to make out what it is. I believe it's something that has to do with sending me away. Really, she doesn't have to make me feel this unwanted.

"Um... Laurel," I feel a silly need to interrupt, "I'm truly sorry if I offended you the last time. I realize I shouldn't have interfered with your personal matters."

"That's okay, Kelvin," she says with contempt, lying through her perfect teeth. I know for a fact that she's still very much distrustful of me.

"Maybe someday I can treat you guys to brunch to show my sincere apologies."

"Sure!" Alex agrees

At the same time, "No!" Laurel declares.

Jeez! I didn't expect Laurel to be this blunt. Alex turns towards Laurel and Laurel returns the look. I swear these two are worlds apart.

"I think I should just leave," I say. I don't intend for things to get more awkward.

"But I'll see you later, right?" Alex asks me.

"Sure." Of course you'll be seeing more of me in the future, dumbass, more often than required because I'll be working on taking Laurel away from you. "I'm gonna go with this, too." I wave the half-empty bottle of beer in my hand on my way out.

Laurel gives me a scornful face but I just smile.

JEAN'S POV

I wait for Ivy to leave for work as the night falls but I had no idea that she'd set up security protocols. That doesn't faze me though. If she thinks she can get away from this by putting the blame on Colin, then she's got another thing coming. I'm more than determined to find out what she's hiding even if it means I have to sacrifice my night's sleep.

As I sneak out of my room down to the hall, I notice that there are only a few helpers left in the house, but none of them seem to care keeping an eye on me as instructed. Oh well, I guess Ivy didn't take the detention as seriously, the workers neither. I'm quite surprised she didn't.

Knowing that, I could've taken my sweet time to comb the entire mansion for evidence; Ivy's room, uncle Ben's antechamber, the kitchen and other spare rooms but I'm so anxious to even think rationally. I ask one of the guards if they know anything about what happened before the poisoning, but he is as clueless as I am. Another helper offered to help me search for whatever it is I'm looking for but I refuse her help on the assumption that she might send information to Ivy. There are a lot of things I'm on the lookout for; my phone, any phone, or at least the key to Colin's room.

Then I remember that we usually keep a bunch of spare keys of every room in the basement. Quickly, I trip down to the basement and take all the keys I find, hopefully a master key might be among the dozens. I hurry back and I stand in front of Colin's room, trying all the keys one by one. None of them seem to budge and it all amounts to increasing my fibrillating heartbeat. God, I wish I was good at hacking into locks with a hair pin.

This could be my only chance to know what is really happening and if I don't get a phone or any device to reach Laurel, I doubt I'll ever know.

What if Ivy come back and sees me here? I wonder to myself.

I decide to try all the keys again, buying my time with each one. Alas, one of the keys opens the door. I hastily enter and switch on the lights, taking in the view. His room is still the way it was when he left – kind of small, simple and boring. I think it'll be easy to find his phone here.

Boy was I wrong. I ransack every nook and cranny, leaving no stone unturned and still, there is nothing I could find. The dirt on my hands from the dust and cobwebs gathered on the furniture are not as repulsive because my mind is hard bent on finding that phone. Luckily, I look up and around and there it is, a small brown box at the top that I haven't searched yet. The box sits on a very high wardrobe that is practically reaching the ceiling. Curse my height but I hope his phone is in there.

From the wooden drawer to a bedside table to tomes I collected from the library, I stack everything up until I am able to reach the box. How can anyone even keep a box that high? I stretch my full body and finally, I hit the edge of the box. The carton falls to the ground with all the contents inside crashing to the floor. I jump down to pick up the contents of the box and as my luck would have it, Colin's phone is in it too. The sad news – the phone appears to be in a really bad shape from the fall.

Good God! Why am I so unfortunate today?

The phone isn't too damaged though but after I try to couple it together and fix it, it still won't turn on. "I think the battery is dead."

It's three in the morning and I only have a few hours to reach Laurel before Ivy comes back. It may give the impression that I'm impatient and unnecessarily straining at the leash, like why not wait for a better time when I'm not on house arrest to talk to Laurel? She's not running away, is she?

No! I can't wait that long. Where is the fun in being the last to know about my sister's shady deeds?

I go up to my room to charge the phone. Thankfully, it comes alive after an hour or so.

"Yes!" I squeal excitedly on the bed. Now that my restless mind is at ease and I have what I need to communicate with the outside world, can I call Laurel by this time of the day and would she pick up? Short answer, no. I think I should leave it till morning. I use the remaining time to put everything back in order, the way Ivy left it and trust that she won't suspect a thing.

KELVIN'S POV

My luck must be on my side this lovely morning.

I randomly catch sight of Laurel in a fine pastel-coloured dress as I drive through the city pass a coffee shop in my Skoda automobile. She sits alone outside in a table for two, most likely waiting to meet up with a friend. For a while, I watch her, my car parked at the side of the road to see who she might be waiting, apparently it seems, but she slugs down her cup of cappuccino as soon as she is served.

This may be my chance so here goes nothing. Alas, I come down from my car and across the street to join her at her table, anticipating a friendly welcome but she gives me that death stare. If 'looks could kill' was a person, she is sitting in front of me with her legs crossed and her patience waning.

"Hi, Laurel," I greet her first. "Can I sit?"

"You know you can do what you want, right?"

"Right?" At this moment, I realize I'm off to a bad start and so far, she isn't looking like she will be so easily swayed for a receptive chat. She averts her eyes, however, that won't stop me from making my move. I pull the seat across with that vile cue then face her squarely. "You can at least pretend to be nice for starters. I'm keeping you company while you wait."

"I didn't ask you to do that," she says. Her raw sarcasm is certainly plain obvious it's palpable. How do I even get through this impossible damsel?

I clear my throat. "I know our first encounter wasn't a pleasant one and I won't blame you if you don't trust me right now. Otherwise, I hope I get another chance to make a first impression."

She tips her head sideways. That's a positive reaction.

"So my name is Kelvin Witt, I'm twenty-eight years old, I'm single, I live down Mason Street and I'm a network marketer – not the best of jobs out there but I try."

She smiles just a bit. Nobody in their right mind would usually tell people details about themselves up front but I want to win her trust so bad, I have to be honest. She seems like the kind of person to perceive when someone is lying because she gives an appraising glare after the first few seconds of my introduction.

"My name is Laurel Polanski and I'm engaged to Alex Brennan who happens to be your friend," she replies. "We have been dating for more than four years now and we plan to be together forever."

The heck! What does she take me for? A pervert! Okay, maybe I am – or I was trying to be, but she shouldn't have to see through me like that. I'm almost convinced Laurel won't be like the other girls. Normally, we would've been in the secret romance stage by now, hiding in hotels or in each other's apartment, crafting lies to tell our significant other but here I am still failing at the flirting stage. "And I'm happy for you both. Alex sure is a lucky guy."

"He is."

"Of course. So, now that you're engaged to my very close friend, can we also be friends as well? You frequently refer to me as 'that stranger'. I believe my status should get an upgrade, don't you think?"

Her lips quiver like she is trying not to giggle. I wonder if it's starting to work. Phew! For a minute I considered I had lost my mojo.

"So what are you doing here?" I ask nicely. "Are you waiting up for someone?"

"No, no one really. I'm just here drinking my cup of cappuccino."

"Alone?"

"Yeah. I do come here every morning before I go to work."

"I see. If it's not too soon, I was going to ask if you want some company every morning while you have your drink. I can be here if you need a friend..." and that went off too quickly. "Well, because I'm looking for a nice coffee shop to visit and since you're a regular here, why not I join you – as friends, platonic friends," I add. The stiffness on her face when I said the former bit eases off. Even I felt awkward afterwards.

"That'll be cool but I'm okay, really. I've been living this way long before now, before I even started seeing Alex and I don't want that to change. But thank you for the offer."

It will change I'm telling you.

She continues, "even if Alex proposes this gesture, I'd still refuse."

Seriously? Is she just doing this on purpose, repeating Alex's name in every reply and talking about how she is so in love with him to spite me? How clever. It's going to take more than that to stop me though. Likewise, it will take more than being flirty to get her attention. Baby steps, Kelvin. Baby steps. At least she laughed today, maybe tomorrow that facial expression won't be exhibited on her face.

Just when we start to settle in comfortably around each other, just as I start to think of what to say next, she gulps the last of her drink, gets up and picks her things to leave. I stand up too. "Going so soon?" I ask like I should expect a contrary answer.

"I work, remember? Thanks for the company today," she says and walks out before I can think to offer her a ride.

I watch her leave in haste, hoping people around don't notice too much and speculate, especially with the embarrassed look on my face. Remember when I told myself I don't wanna be that guy, that there's no way I'd pick an interest in my friend's fiancée and it's not in my character to betray a person I have a close relationship with? Well, to hell with that.

The tables have turned and I will not deny my body its desires. The more Laurel resists, the more I want her. Alex has gotten enough of his accolades; it's time I get what's mine.

JEAN'S POV

Around ten in the morning, I figure, I hear someone in the house. I'm certain Ivy has returned from her night business, wherever the heck she goes at random nights.

I quickly get off the bed and rush into the bathroom to freshen up. Then Ivy enters my room and meets me brushing my hair delicately in front of the mirror as if it's another casual day in the mansion – a show that must convince her not to suspect a thing.

"Hey," she calls out softly.

The ample time spanning between yesterday and today is enough to help both of us actually ponder over our actions and decide on what to do about each other. I'm not quite sure about her but I know better than to give her another reason to lock me in.

"Jean."

"Why don't you come in already? I'm right here. It's your house after all. Everything I have belongs to you." I put up an act of resent so she feels awful about what she did yesterday, as she should. If she feels that way, then who knows I could be able to milk information from her.

Her image reflects on the mirror, showing me the exact response I require from her. "Look, Jean, I'm sorry," she pleads.

I remain silent, still working on my hair.

She steps in and closes the door behind her. "I'm doing this to protect you."

Protect me from what?! I want to yell those words at her so bad, I clutch onto my hairbrush for dear life. Is it so bad if I know the reason she allowed Colin to rot in prison like a criminal? I used to think she was his saviour. For now, I'll just have to pretend to be understanding. No matter what, I must know what's going on. "What are you protecting me from?" I ask as calmly as a millpond on a sunny afternoon in contrast to the raging sea in my thoughts.

"Colin. He's a murderer. If you start getting close to him, you might be his next victim. I don't want that to happen to you."

"Is that what you think?" She exhales in frustration. I turn to face her. "Do you really believe Colin killed uncle Ben?"

"Jean—"

"Colin has been living with us for a very long time and he never attacked uncle Ben physically. Why would he do that now?"

She scoffs. "Are you crazy?"

"I'm certain Colin is not as bad as you think, Ivy."

"You're still young. You won't be able to understand any of this." God! How I hate when she uses this line on me as if I don't have any right to interfere with her life. "It's my duty to protect you at all costs. Can't you see how I'm trying my best to keep your involvement in this out of the picture?"

I look down. "You're right. I'm sorry, Ivy. I won't see him again."

She clicks her tongue, convinced. "Oh Jean, my little sister, you do understand where I'm coming from and why I'm doing this, don't you?" Then she walks up close and gently strokes my hair.

I'm also sorry because I'll have to disobey you and break my promise.

She turns to leave. As soon as she leaves, I get up from my chair and peep through the door to see where she's off to. I think I have to wait till later before calling Laurel. By the way, I need her number because I doubt Colin will have it.

*

Two hours later, I call Laurel. "Hello, it's me, Jean."

"Oh Jean, how are you? You're calling from a different number?"

"Yes, that's what I want to talk to you about."

"Jean? Are you alright?"

"Right now, I'm far from alright. Laurel, I need you help and I need to see you as soon as possible."

"What's the problem?"

I narrate everything that happened within the last twenty-four hours, not forgetting to add my urgent craving to be updated on Colin's case.

"Ivy did all that?!"

"I'm actually using Colin's phone to call you now as a matter of fact."

"Colin's phone!" She exclaims.

Her exaggerated reply when I mention the phone kindles my interest, as if I'm holding onto a crucial piece of evidence. "Yeah, why?"

Then it goes quiet at the other end for a second. I assume at first it's perhaps the poor connection but soon realize she may be onto something. "Jean, can you do for me a tiny favour?"

"What is it? I'd do anything, anything at all to help Colin prove his innocence."

"I'm glad you also see that Colin is innocent but I need his phone to gather evidence. You haven't deleted anything on it, have you?"

"No. Just the way he left it. But first, you must tell me what you know before I give you the phone."

Another silence. "Jean, you don't have to do this."

"I do," I assert firmly. "I refuse to be told what to do. I'm not a child anymore."

"But Ivy is your sister. Why would you want to be part of something that'll implicate your sister in the future? Behind her back nonetheless."

"Ivy is your friend, isn't she? Look, we both want the same thing. Just like you, I can't sit back and watch as an innocent person takes the blame for a murder crime."

She surrenders with a sigh. "Jean, if I help you with all the information you need, will you hand over the phone to me?"

"Of course, but the problem is how will I do that?"

"Great question. I'll stop by the house later this evening. You just leave it where I tell you to, okay?"

"Alright, but please be careful. Ivy thinks that I know nothing and I promised her I'd behave."

"Don't worry, everything will be fine."

I end the call. I pray she's right and everything will actually be fine. I'm not sure what Laurel has to say but I must be strong to accept whatever it may be.