Chapter 9

• *******
• Writer's POV:
• Time flew by and soon the twins passed their final exams and made it. They were sure to graduate in a week's time.
• **
• The principal stared at the twins that sat opposite him in his office. He didn't even know what to think of them anymore.
• Lorenzo tried to look as remorseful as ever, though he wasn't, while his brother on the other hand could barely hide his smile.
• Mr Andrè and Mr Lopez stood in a corner of the office, staring at them like eyes could kill.
• This time, the twins had done worse than the usual. Two nights ago, after their results were out, they went to each teacher's house and peed on their car windows.
• "I'm tired of you two." The principal stated with a frown.
• "And so, this time I'm going to let the teachers decide your punishment."
• The twins panicked immediately. They'd not expected their principal to take such a decision. Now they were sure to be cooked.
• The two teachers literally hated them and could decide that they had to repeat their year. Oh no.
• "So Mr Lopez, Andrè..., what do you decide?" The principal asked.
• The teachers looked at each other and Mr Lopez decided to to do the talking.
• "Nothing."
• "What????" The twins along with their principal asked in a chorus.
• "Yes. Nothing." Mr Andrè continued "We want them to graduate and leave this school as fast as possible. We want them far away from here."
• "Yes. Under one condition." Mr Lopez looked at them "Do nothing stupid till you graduate. And if you do try anything stupid, you will not only not graduate, you'll be locked up in jail because the next time we're calling the police. After all your acts of juvenile delinquency, I wonder if your wealthy parents would be able to bail you out. If you have the chance to be on bail of course."
• The twins found themselves swallowing.
• "We promise." Both replied sincerely.
• "And?"
• "And we're sorry." They replied less sincerely, though it did look sincere.
• "Now that that's said..." The principal took over "Get the hell out of here."
• Didn't have to say that twice. The twins were gone in a jiffy.
• ***
• Graduation was a joyful day of course. Everyone looked good. Parents, friends, enemies and all types of relations were present.
• And when Lorenzo got on stage and took his diploma, followed by his brother, their family screamed happily. Yes they were all present. From their grandmother to their cousin.
• It was one of the best days of the twins lives.
• *
• After the ceremony, a huge party in their honor along with Dino's was organised at their house. Almost half of the school was present.
• This party was even bigger than their sixteenth birthday party or Noemi's fifteenth birthday. Every one of them had made it after all. Noemi's request for a transfer had been accepted and plus, she'd made it into the next class. There were several reasons to celebrate.
• ***
• The boys walked about their rooms, packing all their necessary belongings. They were left with twenty four more hours before taking a plane for Chicago. They were all excited about their upcoming college life.
• "You thinking of joining a fraternity?" Lorenzo asked his twin "Dino says he'll definitely be joining one."
• "No doubt. I'm joining one too. Mom said it's necessary because being part of one helps you in future. Just like being part of a community. In some cases, it secures a good job in future."
• "Hmm. That's cool."
• ********
• Kloe's POV:
• I kissed my husband goodbye before hugging Lodovica and Anthonio. The twins, Noemi and Donnica did same.
• Donnie and I were going along with the kids to make sure they settled well. Dino's parents being close and trusted family friends made sure he travelled along with us and made it safely to his aunt's place.
• "I wish you a safe journey darlings." Lodovica said.
• "Thank you mom."
• The kids hugged their grandmother and fathers goodbye one last time.
• Just then, Dino entered the house.
• "Hello fam." He greeted and we smiled at him.
• "Hello Dino how are you."
• "I'm fine thank you."
• Just then his father appeared behind him.
• "Good afternoon everyone." He smiled, shaking our hands.
• "Came to drop this guy off. His things are in my car."
• "Oh don't worry, the guards will put them in the limo."
• "Okay. Guess I can leave now. See you buddy."
• "Bye dad."
• Mr Mendes then wished us a safe journey before leaving.
• "Okay. Now that we're set, let's go."
• *
• Noemi's POV:
• When the plane took off, I had mixed feelings. I was very excited yet I was already nostalgic, thinking of all I was leaving behind. Family and friends. I just hoped I would blend in without issues in my new school.
• And what consoled me was the fact that we'd be flying back to Rome for holidays and, our parents were sure to visit us often.
• Everything was going to be just fine.
• I turned looked at the twins and Dino behind us, I was sitting in between my mom and aunt. Lorenzo already had earphones on, listening to music while looking out the window while Alejandro watched a movie on the little screen behind mom's seat. Dino was already asleep...he was so cute.
• "Aren't you guys nervous? Like thinking about if you're gonna blend in or not at college?" I asked Alejandro.
• "Nope." He replied casually.
• Typical. They blended everywhere. So did I but this time I was a little unsure about myself.
• Writer's POV:
• They made it to Chicago safely. Dino's aunt was already at the airport and she welcomed them. The twins told their friend a temporal goodbye as he left with his Aunt.
• Donnie and Kloe then separated with their kids, each to their own parents house only to meet the next day. Everything was fine so far.
• *
• The twins and their mother were welcomed wholeheartedly by Mr and Mrs Smith.
• "Ooh my goodness look at how grown my babies are!!!! Almost men!!" Mrs Smith laughed happily, hugging her grandchildren.
• "Not almost grandma. We are!" Alejandro corrected and they all laughed.
• "This is great!"
• They turned to their grandfather and hugged him.
• "We Missed you pops!"
• The elderly man chuckled.
• "I missed you too. You are grown."
• "Luckily." They laughed.
• "Where's Kloe and little Noemi? I bet she's grown too."
• "Yes she is." Donnica replied "Kloe's fine. They'll be here tomorrow."
• "Hmm And her husband? She's still with him?" Her mother asked with a little scowl.
• With time she'd discovered who Leandro really was. That is, Anthonio's brother. So did Kloe's dad who didn't take the 'horrible news' quite well. His daughter was already married. He had a hard time at first but Devon and Kloe herself had successfully convinced him that Leandro was a good person on the inside. Mr Bakari had no choice but to take it in and plus, there was proof that Leandro was a good person inside. The way he took care of his wife and daughter were enough to calm Mr Bakari's demons.
• Both Donnica's parents and Mr Bakari hid the true identity of their daughters spouses to their environment and relations for the safety of their children and grandchildren. Because if the world came to know the truth about whom Donnica had truly married, and Kloe too, there would be a lot of hate, media, misunderstanding, sympathy and a lot of other mixed feelings. But one thing was for sure, there would be more of hatred and misunderstanding, being threats to the families involved.
• And so it was a well kept family secret. All employees working at the Smith and Bakari houses had signed a secrecy pact on contract; promising never to repeat the information, else they would go down for it. Bitterly.
• Kloe was known to have married Leandro Enrique, successful business man but unknown in the United States ( this because his businesses were led by symbolic managers, like Luis for example. Who were there simply to act like the bosses all the while giving reports to Leandro).
• And Donnica was known to have married a wealthy Italian man and close friend to Leandro who went by the name, Tony Carrera Enrique, having the same family name with Leandro though not related in any way.
• And no one could've suspected they were brothers at Kloe's wedding using resemblance because Anthonio's disguise was simply perfect. He'd even put eye contacts to hide his real eye color.
• --
• "Oh my babies. Your rooms have been arranged. You can go upstairs and freshen up. Dinner would be ready anytime soon." Mrs Smith told her grandsons happily.
• "Thank you grandma."
• "You're welcome. We have a lot of time to catch up in just a week before you go to college."
• The boys smiled at their grandparents. They just loved coming over!
• **
• Seven days passed finally.
• The twins and Noemi on her own side climbed into bed all excited. The next day, they'd all be going to school. A whole new environment filled with adventures.