Torn Between Twin Brothers

Once they were back at the hotel, a discussion was started whether James and Prince Edward should live in the dorm to be around peers or off-campus for privacy and safety. The latter won, and it was decided that a house would be provided for them so they would be safe and have privacy.

Ashley, who grew up around her five older brothers, thought it would be great if Ava had two older brothers to protect her. Also, so that no guys could hang around her, and they would feel secure that Ava would not fall for other boys. So she decided to make a suggestion.

"Why doesn't Ava live with them instead of living in the dorm? This way, the two boys could keep her company and watch over her at the same time." Ashley suggested nonchalantly.

She didn't think anything would be wrong with Ava living with James and Prince Edward. Since James and her would-be married someday anyway. Ann looked at Jeff, while Tanaga looked at his wife, who made the suggestion. He only shook his head and didn't say a word.

King Alexander, Prince Edward, and James were looking at Ava, who was staring at Ashley with widened eyes and her hand covering her mouth as she gasped in terror.

She had her hand covering her mouth before she loudly exclaimed in protest. Here she was trying to stay as far as she could from James, and his mother now suddenly suggested that they live together. That was absurd! There was no way in hell she would subject herself to such torture. 

After she felt calm enough and found her voice, she spoke up loud enough for everyone to hear her protest, "It's alright, Aunty Ashley. I'd like to try living in the dorm so I can meet different people. Everything has already been arranged for me. My dorm room was already situated and decorated to my liking." She politely declined while showing straight white teeth and two indented dimples on both cheeks.

James and Prince Edward were both disheartened after hearing what Ava said. At first, they were excited to hear Ashley's suggestion, but they didn't say anything. They wanted the adults to make the decision for them without them pushing the issue. However, after hearing that Ava was declining, both were disappointed. Most especially James.

Ann and Jeff were thinking about agreeing to Ashley's suggestion, but then they decided to go along with what their daughter said. 

"Although they're close as brothers and sisters, I don't think it's a good idea for Ava to live with two young men. It will not look good for her reputation if anyone finds out." Explained Ann while looking at Ava, "Right, sweetheart?" She added.

Ava responded anxiously. Her head was bouncing up and down continuously. Without looking at James or Prince Edward's direction. She's afraid it would be too awkward.

Then it was settled, James and Prince Edward would be living off-campus while Ava stayed in the dormitory.

===

Once everything was settled, James and Prince Edward left with King Alexander to go back and settle everything at the Kingdom of Stonasia and fly back before school started.

Tanaga and Jeff had some business matters to discuss, so they opted to stay another night. Ava asked to be taken back to the dorm so she could get familiar with her new surroundings.

Meanwhile, Ashley decided to tag along with the mother and daughter so she could get a glimpse of what the dorms look like in one of the most prestigious universities. Although she attended college back in the Philippines, she never lived away from home. So she was very curious.

Gizelle Santos was in her dorm room when they arrived. However, as soon as Ava punched the number on the keypad on her door lock, she came out right away as if she'd been waiting all along.

"Your back!" She greeted Ava, then turned her attention to Ann and her companion. "Magandang gabi po!" [Good evening!] She said in Tagalog with respect. 

"Magandang gabi din sayo." [Good evening to you too.] Replied Ann before introducing Ashley.

"This is my friend Mrs. Jones. She came to check out Ava's dorm." Then she turned her attention to Ashley, "This Gizelle Santos, she will be accompanying Ava. She's also a student here." Explained Ann to Ashley to give her a better understanding.

"Nice to meet you! Please, take care of our Ava. Make sure that she eats properly." She said politely.

After the introductions, all three followed Ava, who already went inside ahead of them.

===

When Gizelle discovered that Ashley was interested in having a facility tour, she graciously obliged. Ann and Ava elected to come along since Ava wanted to familiarize herself anyway.

Gizelle showed them the recreation area, the lounge, the dining room, the utility room, and other parts of the dormitory. Then they went back to Ava's room. Once they were inside, Ann and Ashley slumped down to the sofa, trying to catch their breath.

"Jesus Christ, am I that old already that we only went around the building, and I'm so tired already?" Ashley said while panting. 

Ann was breathing in and out while doing her best to calm her heartbeat, which felt like running a marathon from all the walking they had done.

Ava and Gizelle each grabbed a bottle of cold water from the fridge and rushed back to hand it to the two older women. They gladly accepted it and swiftly opened it before taking a sip of the cold refreshing water to cool them down.

"Ahhh! I feel better. Thank you!" Ashley said to Ava and Gizelle, although it was Ava who handed her the water. 

Ava and Gizelle only looked at each other before grinning from ear to ear. Since there was only one sofa in the room, Ava sat on the top of her bed while Gizelle sat on the desk chair opposite Ava's computer desk.

No one spoke for a while. Finally, the two mothers laid their heads on the back of the sofa and closed their eyes. The room turned quiet, Ava and Gizelle just sat there playing with their phones...