CHAPTER TWENTY-THREE: AN OPEN SECRET (Draft 1)

Ashlynn ran her hand over the counter in the Greens’ apartment as she took a seat.
“How is our sweet Gio?”

“He’s fine.” Came Lilian’s usual, practiced answer.

Ashlynn raised a suspicious eyebrow.
“Oh really?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Gregory answered.

Ashlynn tapped her fingers on the counter rhythmically.
“Alright then. If you say so.”

“Ma’am,” Lilian coughed. “Have you heard about the break-in? Down at the police station?”

Ashlynn grinned wickedly.
“Who hasn’t, Mrs. Green?”

Gregory’s eyes widened.
“So, you know who it is?”

She ran a hand through her hair. 
“Maybe I do, maybe I don’t. But whoever they are could be good candidates for the Shadows.” 

 

The next morning, Scarlet headed home, Blaze and Chloe not far behind. She smiled as they arrived at the doorstep. “Thanks for the sleepover, girls, I had the time of my life last night!”

“No worries!” They chirped.

“Besides, we didn’t even get to the good parts,” Chloe crossed her arms.

“Yeah!” Blaze pouted. “If Flame and Gio had stayed, we would’ve pulled so many pranks!”

Chloe giggled, “Oh yes! Imagine what fun we’d have!”

“Uhm... okay...” Scarlet blinked. “Thanks for dropping me off. Would you like to come in?”

“Can we?” Blaze’s eyes lit up. “It’s been a while since I’ve seen Silver and Tim!”

“And we’d love to meet your other sisters!” Chloe added. “I’ve never met quadruplets before.”

Scarlet laughed nervously, “It’s strange, isn’t it? James and Cherry are twins, and the Gems and I are quadruplets.”

Blaze and Chloe chuckled as they followed her in.

“I’m home!” She called, making her way upstairs and into her room.

 

Blue was lying down on the bottom bunk, listening to music while Sage was peacefully reading a book on her own bed. Violet – who was looking out the window, petting Prince as Fluff watched curiously – snapped her head towards the door as it opened.

“Scarlet!” Her smile widened. “You’re finally back!”

Prince barked, sprinting towards Scarlet as Violet got up from her seat and ran to hug her as well. Fluff remained still like a statue in a museum before running towards Blue.

Blue picked Fluff up, removing her headphones and sitting up on her bed, turning her head towards the door. She saw her sister’s guests and grinned.
“You know, Red. Richard and Lucinda aren’t home.”

Scarlet frowned.
“Why are you smiling?”

Sage sighed and answered without looking up from her book,
“Ignore her, Scarlet, she’s trying to get into your head.”

Scarlet raised an eyebrow. Sage was the one who usually played silly mind games. Why was she the one giving her advice?

Suddenly–

“RUBY GAL–” James paused at the sight of Blaze and Chloe, quickly changing his tone and wearing a warm smile, “Hello there, who do we have here?”

Scarlet’s eyes widened. She was in so much trouble.

Blaze returned his friendly smile, “Good morning! I’m Blaze, and this is Chloe. You must be Red’s older brother, James. We’ve heard so much about you, Cherry and the Gemstones – it’s so nice to finally meet you!”

James chuckled, “Aren’t you sweet?”

He turned to Scarlet, his eyes failing to hide his glare.
“I hope you had fun at your sleepover, lil sis! I’m about to head to the bakery to drop something off, but is it alright if I talk to you and the Gems later?”

Scarlet gulped, gracefully wearing an artificial smile.
“No worries...”

As if on cue, Blaze’s phone began ringing. She picked it up and sighed.
“It’s my mom. I think she wants me home.”

Chloe placed a hand on her shoulder, “I’ll come with you then.”

Scarlet held her breath as they went downstairs and disappeared.

James waited patiently until he heard the front door close. Then, he turned to all four girls,
“In the room, close the windows, and absolutely NO TALKING!”

Scarlet and Blue sank into Blue’s bunk as Violet and Sage settled on Sage’s bunk. They all sat up straight, avoiding eye contact with James.

He gently pushed Prince out the door and shut the door behind him, slowly turning towards his sisters.
“I have never been more disappointed in you...”