Another update, it's getting kinda regular...can't believe it myself that I'm updating regularly
James had mixed feelings about the separation. It wasnt entirely that they were separated. Just the three of them couldn't be on their own unless they really needed a personal conversation but even then it meant being checked up on.
On one hand he didn't want Skye exposed to Alex's anger.
On the other hand he was terrified.
Alex was his brother, he wrapped his wounds up daily, he took alot of the abuse for him. He was their protector.
When Alex was out selling drugs, James was always on edge, he had no one to help him. He had to protect Skye. Suprisingly none of the men really bothered with them when Alex wasn't about. He always put away his fears though and made sure Skye was okay.
After visiting Marco, Skye headed to James room.
James was sat reading, he glanced up and smiled when he saw Skye.
Skye needing the comfort joined him and carefully got into bed and laid next to him.
"Marco thinks we should let Lorenzo tell Rafael but ask him not to go through our records and let us come to him" Skye mumbled as James put his book away.
"Suppose that way we are spinning it to our advantage" James said pulling Skye into a hug.
"When did you last sleep properly" he asked noticing how tired she looked. They both didn't sleep well if at all last night when they spent it in the same room.
"Few nights ago" she muttered as she cuddled into his chest.
"Okay. Do you want a story" he asked. It was something he often did when it was just the two of them. It took their minds of Alex not being with them in the basement.
Skye nodded resting her head and getting comfortable. James have her a minute before he started to gently run his fingers through her hair.
"Once upon a time there was an extremely tired princess...."
He always linked the stories back to them. And he always made her the Princess. If she was scared his stories often followed a plot about a princess being scared and overcoming her fear.
This time his story ended with the princess falling asleep with nothing but good dreams.
And one look at Skye after his story and she was fast asleep. He played with her hair a little longer, he was deep in thought, mostly about how much their lives had changed.
Just over a month ago he was in a basement. It was now heading into a month of being with his brothers and father. He was unsure whether he could trust them but they hadn't done anything yet.
Nico and Leo were his favourite. Nico had a personality which made it hard to ignore him. He likes science too so they had found something to talk about. Nico was sporty but he didn't go on about it too much so James didn't mind.
And Leo was extremely smart which James took any opportunity he could to learn from. He also offered comfort and was not like Lorenzo.
He didn't mind Lorenzo but Lorenzo was strict and had a dark demeanor. He knew Lorenzo could be caring but at the same time Leo was easy to get on with. You didn't have to break down any walls to see Leo be caring.
Marco. He didn't like Marco but he was civil. He was willing to hear him out but he still had anger directed at him however in a way he was slowly loosing that anger.
Rafael. He was their father, they hadn't spent much time together and James got the impression that Rafael wasnt affectionate but at the same time whenever Rafael expressed how proud he was, James secretly enjoyed it.
Perhaps deep down he always wanted parents.
Parents? What had happened to his mother?
It was like she didn't exist, no one mentioned her and there was no pictures of her. It was odd. He made a mental note to ask Leo if he found the opportunity. He didn't want to pry to much in case it was a sensative subject.
The next day came all too fast and James realised he must have fallen asleep thinking about his family.
Skye was still very much clung to him but it was getting late.Almost noon. Thankfully it was a weekend. He gently woke her up. She needed to eat.
Skye was up in seconds though so he didn't have to try so hard.
"Let's go get some food"Â he said.
Skye yawned "ok let me go get changed first" she muttered.
James nodded wanting to do the same. He was still getting used to warm showers and the feeling of being clean so he took every chance he could.
Once he was ready for the day he went and met Skye who had also just finished getting ready and had just left her room. The two of them walked hand in hand downstairs.
They weren't talking about anything in particular, in fact they were talking about food. Something they did from time to time. The three of them would often debate on what meal they could have if they could choose.
And now they could. It still shocked them.
When they reached the kitchen Rafael was in there drinking coffee. He smiled at his two youngest "what would you like to eat" he asked already standing up and abandoning his papers and coffee.
James and Skye looked to each other. Each thinking about the same memory.
"Anything is fine" James replied.
Rafael nodded and begun making them a late breakfast which basically consisted of toast, eggs and bacon.
Alex entered the kitchen more or less when Rafael was done making the food. For a moment James and Skye felt bad but Rafael smiled "take a seat Alex, I'm just finishing up" he said as he begun to plate up 3 meals.
Rafael had sent Lorenzo a message to send Alex downstairs knowing Lorenzo was with Alex at the moment.
He waited until the triplets were finished eating and whilst he began to wash up and dry the cooking stuff. He then went back to his papers letting them chat amongst themselves. He did hear Alex apologising for scaring them however a quick glance at Alex and he saw the anger remained. Once they were done he started a conversation with them.
"So kids I want to apologize again for not being around much when you first got back here. If it's okay with you three I'd like to spend some quality time with all of you seperately over the weekend"
It was obvious the three of them were similar in so many ways but they were gradually becoming their own person. He wanted to get to know them individually instead of knowing them as his triplets.
"Seperately? Why can't it be together?" James asked.
"Well I want to get to know the three of you better, not just as triplets but individual. For example James, you're into science much more than Skye and Alex. I was hoping I could spend the time doing something you all individually enjoy"
The triplets were all very hesitant.
"It's a bank holiday on Monday so we have three days" Rafael continued.
James saw his father was trying and he did appreciate it but he was struggling to be alone with the man.
"So anything we like" Alex asked.
James and Skye were surprised he had anwsered first and it wasn't a straight up no.
"Yes as long as it's age appropriate" Rafael said.
Alex smirked. James rolled his eyes already knowing Alex was thinking of something which would challenge Rafael.
"There is this science museum everyone in the science club was talking about the other day" James blurted out.
He instantly regretted it.
Rafael didn't lash out though "perfect. We can go in an hour or so" he instantly agreed.
"Skye?Alex? Anything you would like to do"Â Rafael asked.
"I don't really know" Skye mumbled.
"Why would I want to do anything with you" Alex snapped.
"Have a think about it Skye, we will do something Monday okay" he replied gently to Skye then turned to Alex with a smug expression. "I thought you'd protest so I went ahead and got tickets for a soccer game" he said which left Alex speechless.
Most of the school team always talked about their favourite player or any games that were on. Alex always felt left out.
"Next time the three of you can watch a game together, I don't want you both to feel your missing out" Rafael told Skye and James.
"Don't worry I'm not really into sports I think I'd find it boring" James replied with a smile on his face.
Alex talked alot about sports mostly soccer, James and Skye always listened but they weren't into sports. They didn't see the appeal.
They knew despite Alex bring defensive he would have a good time.
"Skye?" Rafael asked.
"I'm fine with it too. I don't see the appeal" she replied.
Rafael nodded. "Well then it's settled. Have a think about what you want to do on Monday Skye" he told her.
"James we will leave in a hour, if you need to get ready or do anything. You have a hour" and with that Rafael left the kitchen, a smile on his face.
Yes he was leaving the triplets alone but he wasn't going to far and they had agreed private conversations were allowed and he felt like this was one they probably needed.
"I can't believe he agreed" James said excitedly.
"You're going to have the best day" Skye said hugging James.
They then turned to Alex who had a faint smile on his face "you're smiling, even you're happy" Skye teased.
Alex playfully glared at her which James rolled his eyes "he's going to annoy us with all his sports stuff now" James muttered making Skye smile.
"Don't you just hate when he drones on" Skye said. Both hoping for a reaction from Alex.
"Definitely " James said.
Both looked to Alex who was watching with an amused expression.
"And this is exactly why I'm the oldest. You two are children"
"Technically we're all the same age" Skye said
"She's right, you're only 10 minutes older" James stated. The triplets had found this information out from Leo.
Skye was 30 minutes younger than Alex.
"Well you both act like 5 year olds. Typical really" he mocked.
"Shut up" James said pushing him in a joking manner lightly.
"See I'm stuck with you two" Alex shook his head in disapproval.
The three triplets smiled. They often tried to lighten each others moods on the basement however this time it was different. Even Alex had to admit there was less fear.
"Well I've got to go get ready" James said failing to hide his excitement. He stopped on his way out of the kitchen came back and hugged Alex quickly and then gave Skye a quick hug that lasted slightly long but still very quick.
Once he left Skye turned to Alex who had a faint smile on his face.
"I think this could be a new start for us" she whispered.
"Let's see how tommorow goes" Alex said a smirk on his face.
Skye nodded not wanting to question what Alex was planning.
"Well kids it looks like it's just us" Lorenzo said walking into the room.
Nico had gone out with friends, Leo was studying and Marco was on bed rest. Of course he wasn't completely alone, Leo was studying but had seen Marco earlier and then told him he would be back later on to watch TV with him.
Alex glared at Lorenzo, there conversation last night still in his mind. He used to be Lorenzo's favourite. It felt kind of nice. But he wasn't about to let that effect him.
Lorenzo had also taken Alex's complaints about Marco seriously and Rafael had told Marco to give the triplets a little space unless they came to him. Marco agreed knowing it was Skye he usually came to him. Alex had been told this morning and was suprised that Lorenzo mentioned it to Rafael but even more suprised that Rafael had done something.
So this chapter is quite long . It focuses more on James. Everyone wants to see more of James and more of the triplets bond so I want to start having them bond with each other and their brothers.
The next chapter will focus on bonding with their dad....any guesses on Skye's bonding moment. I'll be surprised if anyone figures it out.
Thoughts on Rafael?
Favourite character in the book?
Also random question but Rafael or Alesandro? Who does everyone prefer. No one can top Alesandro in my opinion...