Chapter 474 - Four Hundred And Seventy-four: May The Best Twin Win
The third point of view:
Niklaus was in his bedroom typing away on his laptop when Allen came in. He had not gone into the office today, hence decided to work from home.
His son entered his room which made his brows raise in suspicion, first, it was Isabella, now him. Not that he was complaining, but on normal days, his kids would rather play than spend the whole day with him.
"What is it, son? Do you want to play games with me?" And that was another sport he and his son enjoyed.
Although Allen normally played with his sister, Ailee, lately she introduced Neon into the fun, who he claimed performed poorer than a tortoise - he would rather play against a computer than Neon.
Though Neon seemed to be picking up rather quickly, Allen doesn't exactly have the word "patience" in his dictionary. Hence, he played with his smart father, instead.
And yes, playing with Niklaus was a thrilling and challenging experience - the old man was quite better at it than he thought - but the downside to it? His father hardly had the time for it, he was busy.
"No father, this time, I would like to have an important discussion with you," Allen said, going over to sit beside him on the couch.
"Oh," Niklaus said, taking off his reading glasses as he put his laptop away. It seems his children had a lot to discuss with him today. Well, it was a good thing they could open up to him - a luxury he never had with his father, Adam. Moreover, it showed that they were growing up.
"What is it, son?" He turned to face Allen, giving him all of his attention.
"I've been observing, my sister and I, dad" he began, "And I've come to a startling realization that we don't share the same bodily growth,"
Niklaus dipped his head questioningly, "Urm, excuse me Allen, but I'm a bit lost here. What exactly are you trying to say?"
"Puberty," He hit the point.
"Oh boy," Niklaus gulped, he was not prepared to give sex education today, "And?"
"According to the National Institutes of Health, puberty usually begins in girls between eight and thirteen years of age, and in boys between nine and fourteen years of age. In one word, females start puberty sooner than males,"
"So...?" Niklaus still couldn't comprehend why he brought this up.
"Move Ailee to her own room. It's time girls get their space and men get theirs," and let's see how Neon would spend so much time with her now, he grinned evilly.
Niklaus rubbed his chin thoughtfully, the boy was right. It didn't cross his mind until now but the kids would be eight next year and Neon would be nine in the incoming month. They should be separated. The kids were not kids anymore, they were older kids now.
Niklaus patted his son on the back,
"You spoke well, Allen. But then, I'll have to speak to your mother about that. I can't make decisions without consulting - "
"Make a decision about what?" Reina, who was being talked about, stepped into the room. Father and son had been engrossed with their discussion, they didn't notice her come in.
"Hi honey," Niklaus stood to welcome his wife with a kiss on the cheeks, "How was it?"
"It was fine, you should know Emily never tires out," She chuckled, and then turned to the side saying, "And is that my favorite, Son, Allen?"
Allen rolled his eyes. His mother was such a sweet talker. Who is she deceiving - he knew Neon was her favorite.
Giddy, Reina walked over to him and brushed a peck on his cheeks, much to his embarrassment. She turned to her husband," Now, what were you both discussing behind my back?" she crossed her leg over the other, waiting for Niklaus' answer.
"Well, nothing much," Niklaus pulsed his lips, "Just that our son here..." he gestures to Allen, "Just reminded us that Ailee has come of age to have her private room, if you get what I mean," He hinted.
"Oh," Reina understood perfectly, "Well," She clapped her hands conclusively, "Call Ailee over so we can break the good news,"
"Yes!" Allen jubilated inwardly. He loved his mother so much.
The next minute, Ailee found herself in her parent's room with no clue why she was summoned - and as expected, Neon followed.
"Sit kids," Reina directed the girl who gazed at her suspiciously.
Immediately she did so, her mother began.
"Ailee, I know this is impromptu, but your brother Allen helped in reminding us of our duty as your parents,"
"Allen did? How kind of him," Ailee faked a smile at her parents. Who knew what that devil of a brother planned for her?
"So we've concluded that you need to move to a new room," they broke the news.
For a moment, Ailee didn't blink nor move until she said, "Allen, sure is intelligent,"
"Yes, he is," Reina and Niklaus concurred proudly without realizing the menace beneath her tone.
But when Ailee and Allen's gaze connected, electricity cackled in the air. She knew her brother did it on purpose to separate her from Neon - not for her benefit. Fine, it was game start, let the smart twin win. She would see this challenge to the end.
Allen smirked, he started a war he was more than capable of winning. Unlike his sister, he had nothing to lose, but she had Neon. The victory was definitely going to be his.
"Thank you, Allen, it was nice of you to think of your sister. I wouldn't forget your favor," there was a dark tone to her promise.
"You're welcome," Allen was smug.
"Wait a minute," It finally dawned on Neon, "Does this mean I won't be able to sleep with Ailee again?" he was troubled, having sensed the answer.
"Yes Neon, that's the whole point of her getting her own room. But you don't have to worry, it's not like she's moving out of the house," Reina comforted him.
And that was what Neon did- he didn't worry - because he had his plans already forming in his head.