Later, as they cleared the table after breakfast, Alchemy glanced at Tansy.
"Why didn't you mention her to me?"
Alchemy shrugged. "You never asked. Besides, there's no need to worry, she's our cousin", Tansy replied.
"Oh," Alchemy said quietly. "I see."
Gisela later found Kwame and spoke firmly. "Was it really necessary to walk out like that?"
Kwame frowned. "What exactly did he tell you?"
"Everything," Gisela answered softly. "He told me everything."
"What exactly do you mean by 'everything'? Tell me," Kwame pressed.
Gisela took a breath. "Tansy was cheated on you with Marvel. And now, both of you have feelings for Alchemy."
Kwame frowned. "If that's the case, why did you come here without telling me?"
Gisela chuckled. "There's something called a surprise, you know!" "If you insist on an explanation, I'll leave," she added.
Kwame shook his head with a small smile. "We both know you won't." He pulled her into a hug.
"Alchemy is using the guest room," he said. "So where do you plan to sleep?"
"Right here," Gisela replied, lying down on the bed. "I spent years sleeping in this room with you."
"Let's hope you've stopped snoring," Kwame teased.
"I don't snore!" Gisela protested.
"Yes, you do," Kwame replied, laughing. "You snore quite loudly."
Gisela grabbed a pillow and tossed it at him. He quickly grabbed one in return and threw it back. Before long, they were engaged in a playful pillow fight, laughing the entire time.
Eventually, exhaustion caught up with them, and they fell asleep on the bed. Gisela's legs resting across Kwame's stomach.
"Wake up, sleepyhead. It's morning," Gisela said, gently tapping Kwame awake.
"Wait, what?" Kwame mumbled, still half asleep.
"I'm joking," Gisela replied with a grin. "It's afternoon. Come on, let's have lunch."
"Stop playing games with me," Kwame muttered as he sat up.
When he and Gisela arrived at the table, everyone else was already seated.
"Don't tell me you two slept," Tansy said, raising an eyebrow in surprise.
"Why does that surprise you?" Kwame asked casually.
"When will you two stop sleeping late after…" Tansy began, but Gisela cut her off.
"It's alright," Gisela said calmly.
"After what?" Alchemy demanded, looking confused.
"After nothing," Kwame replied, unfazed."Let's eat. I'm starving."
"Shrimp!" Gisela exclaimed happily when she noticed the dish on the table.
"Wonderful," Marvel muttered sarcastically.
After lunch, Gisela stayed behind to help Tansy clear the table. Alchemy arrived a short while later.
"I see you've found a replacement for me, Tansy," Alchemy said, her voice edged with annoyance.
"What are you implying?" Gisela asked, frowning.
"I wasn't speaking to you," Alchemy replied rudely.
"That's rude," Gisela said. "Kwame told me you're kind."
"Calm down, both of you. You need to relax," Tansy said, then turned and walked away.
"You told me she was friendly and kind," Gisela said to Kwame. "But the Alchemy I met was anything but polite."
Kwame opened his mouth to reply, but Alchemy walked into the room before he could speak.
"What are you doing here?" Kwame asked her, his tone sharp.
Alchemy ignored him and turned to Gisela. "And what is she doing here?" she demanded, pointing a finger.
"This is where I'll be sleeping," Gisela replied calmly.
"What? Why?" Alchemy said, shaking her head. "Kwame, I don't agree with this."
"I asked you a question," Kwame interrupted, raising his voice. "What are you doing here?"
"I came to see you, my boyfriend," Alchemy answered quietly.
"You can't be serious," Kwame said, anger flashing in his eyes. "You spent the night in bed with my brother, what makes you think we're still together?."
"Kwame, I'm sorry," Alchemy pleaded. "It wasn't intentional."
"Get out!" Kwame shouted.
"I'm sorry, I…" she began.
"Didn't you hear him?" Gisela cut in. "Leave."
"You'll regret this," Alchemy said angrily before turning and walking out.
The moment she left, Kwame sank to the floor, tears streaming down his face. "I never thought I'd say that to her," he whispered.
"How could she do this to me? I hate her… I hate her… I love her." His voice broke as he sobbed.
Gisela knelt beside him and pulled him into a hug, gently wiping his tears. "I'm sorry you're going through this," she said softly. "You're a good person, and you don't deserve any of this."
Once Kwame had fallen asleep, Gisela slipped out and made her way to Marvel's room, hoping to understand what was happening between him and his brother.
She opened the door without knocking and froze at the sight before her. Marvel and Alchemy lay on the bed, half-dressed and kissing.
"What is this?" Gisela demanded, her voice tight with anger.
"It was a mistake," Alchemy pleaded."Please don't tell Kwame."
"This wasn't a mistake, Alchemy," Marvel said. "You kissed me first."
Gisela turned and left without another word, still fuming. When she returned to the room, Kwame was still asleep.
After she had gone, Marvel looked at Alchemy and asked, "Do you love me?"
"I do," she replied quietly, "but I love your brother more."
"Then why do you keep kissing me?" Marvel asked, confusion in his voice. Alchemy had no answer and remained silent.
"Be my girlfriend," Marvel said, reaching for her hand. "Please."
"I need to speak with Kwame first," Alchemy replied, pulling away and leaving the room.