Eden's Children

by Sandy Johnson

  Eli came downstairs and asked for my cell phone. When I gave it to him he put his number in it. He looked into my eyes. “Please keep in contact Evelyn. I’m going to miss you a lot.”

  “Ew Eli stop it she doesn’t like you.” Caitlin shouted at him.

  He didn’t look at her. He stayed looking at me, with a cheeky grin he said. “Yes, she does.”

  I laughed nervously. I was going to miss him, and I didn’t know when I was going to see him again, so I wrapped my arms around him and hugged him tight.

  “Evelyn you don’t have to do that he doesn’t deserve your hugs.” Caitlin said punching Eli in the arm.

  She always got a little jealous when I’d talk to Eli. I wasn’t sure if she was jealous her brother was paying attention to me or that I was paying attention to him, but it didn’t matter as it didn’t happen often.

  I said my goodbyes and hugged Mr and Mrs Montgomery to their surprise. Then it was Caitlin’s turn. I could feel the tears coming now. I put my arms out to Caitlin and she came to me. We hugged for about 5 minutes until the social woman told me I had to leave. I told her how much I loved her, and I’d see her soon. Then I was in the car heading to my new life.

  I was so glad when the plane finally landed. I grabbed my bag and practically ran for the door. She quickly caught up and put her hand on my shoulder.

  “Hey, wait up your walking to fast.”

  I flinched away from her and she apologised again. I wanted to explain to her that if she kept doing something she was asked not to do, she can’t be sorry. And I that was walking fast on purpose to get away from her. I got to the baggage claim and waited for my bag. She stood next to me.

  “Are you looking forward to meeting your new family?” She asked. I knew that she was an idiot and being rude to her would be pointless.

  “They’re not my family. I don’t know them.” I said picking up my bag and walking through the gate.

  I spotted my name written on a big piece of paper, like you’d expect a car service to do. The lady holding it looked very pleased to see me. She was a bit taller than me and very slim. She was wearing jeans and a yellow sweater and had strawberry blonde hair. The man next to her was much taller and stockier. He had short dark greying hair and a short stubbly beard. He was also smiling at me in a nervous sort of way. They must have known who I was straight away as I was standing in the door way just staring at them in shock. Then I saw a hand waving at me. It was a boy with dark blonde hair about my age. He was wearing an Abercrombie shirt and jeans. At least he dressed well unlike me. He must be my brother. I was surprised he didn’t look much like me. I know we couldn’t be identical twins, but I thought we’d resemble each other at least a little bit.

  He started walking towards me. I could feel my heart racing as I was so nervous. I looked for the chaperone, but she had already left. Fat lot of good she was I thought. He picked me up and started spinning around with me.

  “Nice to meet u sis.” He said excitedly.

  “PUT HER DOWN!” I heard the lady shouting at him. He laughed and carried me over to them plonking me down.

  “Err hi.” I waved at them.

  “Hi Evelyn, it’s so nice to meet you. I’m Sarah, this is Pete, and you’ve already met Jake. Sorry he’s a little excited.” She glared at him.

  Wait… Jake? I looked at him in confusion.

  “I thought your name was Aiden?” I said pointing at him. I must have looked like such an idiot in that moment.

  “No, I’m not Aiden. I’m Jake. Sarah and Pete adopted me before Aiden. So now you have two brothers I guess and trust me I’m the fun one. Aiden’s very dull. I thought I’d come and meet you instead, as I’m far more pleasant.” He said grinning at me. Huh, right. OK then. Here’s my new family for a while.

  “So, you had no idea you had a twin?” Jake asked me.

  “Jake that’s none of your business.” Sarah snapped at him.

  “Its fine. No, I had no idea. I only knew my mom. There was no mention of family members that I can remember.” I told him.

  “Wow that’s weird. Kind of like the parent trap film.”

  “Not as weird as I was just here yesterday.” I said.

  “Why were you here yesterday?” He asked as we got into the 4x4 and started the drive to their house.

  “It was just a trip. I had only come that day and left that evening. Now I’m back again.” I said as I looked at all the cars driving past.

  I had to admit I felt comfortable around him, almost safe. Until he touched my arm again that is. I didn’t want to come across rude, but I had to make it clear if we were going to be living in the same house.

  “Jake I’m sorry but I really don’t like being touched. I nearly cut off my friend’s ear three days ago when he did it.” I said as the car went dead silent. Oh shit, I’ve already fucked up. They’re going to think I’m crazy.

  “That’s fucking weird, that is.” He said.

  “Jake stop swearing!” Sarah shouted at him.

  “I know I’ve always be-”

  “No, I mean Aiden is the exact same. He doesn’t let anyone touch him either. Like he becomes angry if they do and he’s quite scary, so it doesn’t happen often.” Jake was looking at me now with delight and surprise. “I swear you two are going to be my next project.” He was rubbing his hands together.

  I’ll admit it was odd for us to both have the same problem. Must be a family thing as mom never liked people doing it to her either. I wonder if our dad was the same.

  About 20 minutes later Pete said that were nearly there. I was pleasantly surprised to see that they lived further out of town and were surrounded by forests. If anything, I was happy about that. As we turned into a long road I started to feel tingles up my legs, working their way up my thighs and I could feel a pulse. I felt my body start to heat up. I looked out the window, so they couldn’t see but it was too late.

  “Hey you ok? You’ve very red and err your eyes look brighter than before. Wow their gorgeous.” Jake was staring into my eyes now leaning in closer.

  “Jake what the hell she’s only just met us and you’re already starting. She’s your sister so you stop that now. You know Aiden will go mad at you.” Sarah shrieked while hitting him with the atlas.

  “Ow stop hitting me. I’m sorry I thought she was feeling unwell. I was just going to check her temperature.” He argued back.

  Pete stopped the car outside a massive house, which led right into the forest.

  “Yeah like we’d believe that again Jake.” Pete grumbled.

  The burning in my body was hotter now than ever. I jumped out the car quickly trying to cool myself down. Whatever was doing this to me was in that house, and it felt like I was being dragged in. As soon as I stepped inside the pulse happened again even stronger. He was here. I didn’t remember the police or social worker mentioning anything about Jake living here, so I’m guessed there must be someone else.

  “Sarah how many other people live here?”

  “Oh, it’s just us dear. We stopped fostering a few years ago. Aiden is the only one you haven’t met, and of course the most important. I’m going to let him know you’re here.”

  She walked up the stairs and shouted for him, but he didn’t respond. I could hear her walking across the landing, and a discussion happening followed by a door shutting. She came downstairs with a fake smile on her face.

  “Right well I’m afraid Aiden isn’t feeling too good now. I think maybe nerves and all that.” She started rubbing her hands on her thighs.

  She looked uncomfortable and walked over to the fridge offering me a drink. I declined. I was trying to stop whatever was happening to my body.

  Jake came up behind me. “What’s wrong with Aiden? He was really excited early he couldn’t wait.”

  Was it me I wondered? Could he feel what I was feeling? No, there must be something else going on. It was a nightmare being aroused now in front of everyone. I felt sick.

  “I don’t know.” Sarah
replied. “When I went up he was locked in the bathroom. He opened the door and said he felt unwell and to be fair he looked awful. I think he’s coming down with something, but never mind that I’m sure Evelyn would like to unpack and settle in. Jake can you take her to her room please.” she said. She could tell I was feeling uncomfortable. She probably thought it was down to Aiden not coming to meet me, but I was glad he didn’t. Not while I was feeling like this.

  “Sure, mom the one next to Aiden’s yeah?”

  “Yes, and I want you back down in 3 minutes.” She pointed at him with a stern look.

  He just grinned back at her and led me upstairs. I knew as soon as I stepped onto the landing which door was the bathroom. I could feel the sexual tension pulling me to it. I held myself together and used all my strength to walk past the door. Jake led me to my room and said he wanted to go see how Aiden’s was doing. He turned around and went back to the bathroom. When he knocked on the door and I heard Aiden’s voice I nearly buckled. I went into the room and shut the door.

  To my surprise the room was quite large. There was a double bed and a dressing table. Even a couch! Wow with a nice plasma TV. I could see myself more out in those woods though. As I looked at the window my blood turned cold. It wasn’t possible. There was a ghost orchard sitting on the windowsill. It was huge and beautiful and alive. I turned and flew onto the bed sobbing quietly. I didn’t want anyone to hear me and come in. I needed to be alone with my misery. As I lay there I spotted a little white rabbit on the pillow. I hadn’t seen it earlier as the bedding was pure white. I reached out and stroked his soft fur. It felt like silk under my finger. As I brought it closer I breathed in its scent. It smelled like earth, like rosewood. It calmed me instantly and I just stared at the ceiling.

  Aiden

  I could hear Sarah coming up the stairs calling my name. She looked in my room, then came back to the bathroom and knocked on the door.

  “Aiden are you ok?” She shouted out to me.

  I got up and tried to wipe away the sweat on my head. I felt so hot. I opened the door and she looked at me with worry.

  “Aiden what’s wrong?” She asked.

  “I’m just feeling a little unwell. I’m going to stay in here for a while. Who is with you downstairs?”

  “Erm your sister Evelyn, Jake and Pete. Are you ok?” She asked me with a concerned expression.

  “There’s no one else here?” I was dreading the answer.

  “No honey it’s just Evelyn. She’s very nice and you do look similar. She thought Jake was you at first, He picked her up and twirled her.” As she said that I could feel myself getting jealous. “Why don’t you come down and meet her.”

  I felt ashamed and disgusted with myself, but it didn’t stop the pleasure I was feeling when I thought of her body against mine. I tried to focus on Sarah, but it was hard to concentrate.

  “You know I think I’m coming down with something. I wouldn’t want to give her anything her first day here.”

  Sarah looked at me confused, then turned and left.

  I locked the door and fell to the floor. It must be the same girl from the hotel. That was when all this started. Maybe that girl is somewhere near, and this is a coincidence. Then I felt her getting closer and I could hear Jake talking to her. Oh, fuck they were coming up the stairs. I made sure the lock was on and waited as quietly as I could, but all I wanted was to look at her. I hoped somehow that this had been a massive mistake. I jumped as little as someone banged on the door.

  “Aiden you alright bud? Mom said you’re not well.” I unlocked the door and faced Jake. “Holy shit dude you look awful.”

  “Thanks, I feel it. I’m going to jump into a shower and go to bed. I should be better tomorrow.”

  I closed the door and turned the shower onto cold, but I still felt hot. I could see how she was making me feel and I was disgusted with myself. She needed me after what she had been through. I could help her. I couldn’t let her deal with this alone, but if she knew how she made me feel she wouldn’t look at me again and I can’t lose the only person left in my life that was family.

  I dried off and pulled a robe out of the closet. In all the chaos I forgot to get clean clothes. I was starting to feel less on edge after the shower. The feelings were still there, but I was getting a bit more control of it. I walked to my room and saw her door was open. I wanted to look at her to see if it was really her from that day. I went into my room and got dressed into shorts and a top. I sat on my bed and looked at the door between us, separating our rooms. If I could just see her then I would know, but I didn’t want her seeing me yet. If she does this to me just by being in the same house as me, I couldn’t be face to face with her. I decided I had to see but opening the adjoining door would be suspicious and creepy. I got up and walked into the hallway when I heard my name, but it was a whisper. I looked down the hallway, no one was there, Then I heard it again coming from her room. She was calling my name. It sent shivers down my spine. Was she dreaming of me? I dreamt of her. I got to her open door and braced myself. I had to know if it was her. I slowly peeked around the door frame and she was laying on the bed. The duvet had collected by her feet. She was wearing jeans and a grey top. Her hair cascaded over the pillows and she looked so beautiful.

  I’m not sure how long I was standing there when I noticed she was shivering. I walked in and picked up the duvet. As I lay it over her, her scent filled my airways. She smelled like roses. I must have been there too long as she grabbed my arm, held on and said my name. It was like ecstasy. I tried to retreat, but then she opened her eyes and looked at me. They were mesmerising. Green diamonds staring into me. I started to panic. I smiled really wide at her. I probably looked terrifying.

  “Hi Evelyn. Sorry I saw you were cold, so I was just putting your duvet on.”

  She just stared at me then closed her eyes and fell back to sleep. I realised she hadn’t let go of my arm. I tried to pull away, but she pulled me closer, my heart was racing. This was wrong, and I needed to leave.

  “Please stay with me I’m scared.” She muttered sleepily.

  I knew she was still dreaming, but I swore I’d be a good brother and if this is what she needs. It’s my duty to give it to her. I knew I was lying to myself. I’d take any excuse to hold her. She had her back turned so I laid next to her. She still had hold of my arm. She wrapped my other arm around her waist and pulled me up against her, so we were spooning. I moved my pelvis away, so she wouldn’t know how this was making me feel. I just hoped nobody came in and saw us. I knew then that I still wanted her even if I was her brother. This was going to be torture.

  Chapter 6

  Evelyn

  When I woke up the sun was shining through the window it took me a few minutes to adjust to where I was and everything that had happened. I slumped back down into my pillow and suddenly I felt empty. I looked to the door and it was closed. I didn’t remember closing it. I could still feel the humming in my soul, the magnetic pull, but it seemed easier today. I didn’t dream of my burning garden of Eden and didn’t dream about my mom. I only dreamt of sitting next to a beautiful lake surrounded by trees where I felt whole and safe, for a moment I thought I saw beautiful black eyes looking down at me and felt him holding me tight. Feeling the most refreshed I had ever felt I headed for the bathroom for a shower.

  “Hey sis.” Jake smiled at me.

  “Hey, err bro?”

  He laughed. “Not sure I like the sound of bro, but I’ll take it.”

  “Is it OK if I take a shower?”

  “Yes of course that bathroom is for yours and Aiden’s rooms, so you’ll have to share. He was up early this morning and he’s feeling better, so when you’re ready come down and meet him.” He turned and walked downstairs.

  My stomach flipped. I was so nervous about meeting him.

  After my shower I got dressed into black leggings and a sweater that hangs down my right shoulder, which was probably the most skin I would ever show. As I started down t
he stairs I heard his voice. It sounded so familiar. I kept walking very slowly.

  “Evelyn, good morning how was your night?” Sarah asked as I walked into the kitchen. I smiled at her.

  “Good thank you. Actually, probably the best night’s sleep I’ve had in a long time.” I could feel his eyes on me, and it was making me jittery. I started fiddling with the hem of my sweater.

  “Hi.” I heard him say, but I couldn’t bring my eyes up meet his.

  I glanced at his shirt. It was black with buttons across the front. What is it with buttons being a fashion accessory? If they don’t do up anything what’s the point? I realised then that everyone was looking at me and waiting for my response to Aiden. I was starting to shake a little.

  Aiden came over to me and put his hand on my arm.

  “Dude don’t touch her. She’s freaky like you. She almost took a guy’s ear off last week.” Jake was almost panicked that I was going to kill him.

  I could feel pride coming off Aiden like he approved of my violence. He lifted my chin with his other hand. I felt a spark through him when our eyes met. Looking at him was making my legs feel weak. He had such a beautiful smile and his eyes were as black as night. They were so deep I felt I could swim in them forever. His hair was messy with a couple of curls that fell onto his forehead.

  “Hi I’m Aiden. I believe were twins?” He smiled softly to me.

  “I guess so.” I said nervously.

  He still hadn’t moved his finger from my chin, and I could feel the heat spreading down my neck. I pulled my face away, so he couldn’t see me blushing. This felt way more intimate than it should have been.