Chapter 8: Things Left Hidden

"MATTTTIIIIIEEEEE!"

Alfred darted to Matthew's direction. His arms wide open and about to tackle when Matthew dodged it, leaving Alfred landing on the floor. Alfred wasn't going to give up so he crawled on the floor and held to his brother's pants.

"Alfred, what the heck do you want?!" Matthew tried to slap his hands away.

"Help meeeee!" Alfred whined.

"Alfred, get off. People are staring," Matthew looked around, "And I have to get to class,"

"Nooooooo!" Alfred kept whining, "I'm failing, Mattie! FAILING."

"I told you last time to come to school but you kept refusing," Matthew sighed, "Not to mention you skipped classes after walking Arthur home last week,"

"But... But.." Alfred tried to reason but to no avail.

"But nothing. I'm not going to tutor you because I have to pull up my own grades, you know. You're grades are not the only ones that suffered after..." Matthew stopped and shook his head, "Anyway, find someone else,"

"Come on, Mattie! I just need to pass French class! That's all I need! I can handle Math and the other shit that comes along but it's FRENCH, Mattie! You're good at that, right?! You have the highest grades in French!" Alfred said as he stood up and gripped his brother's shoulders.

"Well, if it's French, I know someone who can teach you," Matthew said.

"WHO!?"

"Mr. Bonnefoy,"

Well, it took Alfred one or two minutes to let the name sink in.

"Alfred? Ugh. I really have to go to cla-"

Alfred pulled Matthew before his twin started leaving.

"You must never, I mean NEVER mention that name," Alfred said.

"Oh, why is that so?"

Uh oh. Not what Alfred needed that day.

"M-Mr. Bonnefoy!" Alfred lets go of Matthew's hand and stands at attention.

"Well, I have to go," Matthew said and left in a sprint.

Francis eyed Alfred as if he was that day's dinner.

"Wh-what? I kept my promise!" Alfred said in a defensive tone.

"I wasn't saying anything. Why so defensive?" Francis asked.

"But the way you looked at me,"

"Just drop it. Here,"

Francis handed Alfred an envelope.

"It's this week's lessons. Go give it to Arthur at his house and have him teach you French. He's a decent tutor," Francis informed.

"Wha- But his brother would just shove me out the door!" Alfred said.

"Allistor has always been hard but don't worry, I handled it. Just consider it as an equal exchange. You bring Arthur these notes and teach him what he doesn't know then you let him teach you French,"

Alfred took the envelope and stared at Francis. It doesn't seem like a bad idea, he could get in Arthur's house and well, investigate, as he would put it. In order to get back at what Arthur did to him, he needs to know his enemy.

"Fine, but make sure his brother won't make minced meat out of me," Alfred said.

"Deal,"

As soon as they both have reached to an agreement, Francis left to his next class. Alfred, hurried on to his last when his phone beeped.

"Oh, shit. I forgot to read the last one,"

Alfred hurried and opened the messages.

Sender: Unnamed dudette

Receiver: i'M tHe HeRo

Hey, I do hope you're not busy. I'll text back later if you are.

He's been texting this girl all week and Alfred kind of wanted a bit of a distraction so he played along.

Sender: i'M tHe HeRo

Receiver: Unnamed dudette

Mkay. how bout i call u l8er? g2g

With a click, the message was sent. Alfred always wondered how her voice must sound. They've been exchanging mails for a solid month, he deserves to hear her voice.

Alfred shoved his phone into his pocket after he took a glance at his watch. He's ten minutes late for Biology class and he couldn't afford to miss it. After all, he needs to pass these classes if he still plans to be a doctor someday.

XxXx

After the bell rang, everyone scurried off. Well, everyone except Alfred who was walking at a snail pace. Matthew was in a hurry so he taped his shoulder.

"Alfred, I'll be back home late. I'll be at Feliciano's place," Matthew said.

"Sure, I won't be home until 7 also. If you need me, I'll be at," Alfred paused, "I'll be at Arthur's,"

"Oh?" Matthew raised a brow.

"I'm letting him tutor me French, okay? And yes, I'm that desperate," Alfred said.

"Fine. No need to get your guard up. See you later," Matthew said and left immediately.

XxXx

After walking for a bit, Alfred found himself at the Kirkland's front door.

"Maybe, it's not too late,"

Alfred took a step back when the door suddenly opened.

"Oh, you must be Arthur's classmate. The one that Francis mentioned?" a young man with reddish-blond hair greeted.

Alfred stood up straight and held out his hand.

"I-I'm Alfred Jones. Nice to meet ya!"

"Oh stop being a stiff and come in. Don't worry, I'm not as mean as Allistor but I'm still mean," the man smirked, "I'm Dylan by the way,"

Alfred nodded and went in. Their place isn't as messy as he expected it to be. A bit of books on the floor but still neat.

"Arthur's room is upstairs. First room to the right, can't miss it," Dylan said as he got inside the kitchen.

"Thanks," Alfred said.

Alfred fidgeted, why does he feel so tense? He started climbing up the stairs and found a kid sleeping outside Arthur's room.

"I told him Arthur wouldn't let him sleep in his room," another man said, "Oh,"

It seems the man has noticed Alfred's presence and placed a hand on his hip.

"So you're the famous friend I've heard from Francis," he said, "Well, let me move Peter to his room and allow you some time with my brother,"

The man lifted Peter in his arms and just before he left he said something.

"The name's Connor. Do continue taking care of Arthur,"

Everything was so weird to Alfred. He expected everyone to be mean and scary like Allistor but judging from how Dylan greeted him and how Connor treated him, his little theory was crushed.

He noticed one thing though, every one of his older brothers (Alfred isn't sure if they are all older than Arthur) are very protective of Arthur. In their own little way although Allistor seemed a bit obsessed.

Not only that, their hair colors. Allistor is a red-head, Connor and Dylan are both reddish-blond while Arthur and Peter share that golden blond. That's pretty weird for siblings to have different hair color.

Alfred shook his head.

Focus.

He gently knocked on the door and heard Arthur's voice.

"Come in,"

Alfred twisted the knob and pushed the door open.

"Hi, Arthur," Alfred greeted.

"Hi," Arthur said, his voice a bit strained.

Arthur's room looked okay to Alfred. The walls are painted green and had pictures hung on. He has a small bookshelf that is positioned beside his study table.

Alfred knows why Arthur missed school the week after that whole basketball incident. He looks pale and fragile. Like at any moment, Arthur would break into pieces like how a glass would be after dropping it. Not to mention his voice. It must be painful to keep talking if he has that voice.

Arthur slowly sat up straight in his bed and invited Alfred to sit at the foot of the bed.

"You okay?" Alfred asked

"Yeah. I think I'll be able to attend school tomorrow,"

Alfred took out the envelope and gave it to Arthur.

"Mr Bonnefoy told me to give you this and..." Alfred scratched his head.

"Teach you French?" Arthur said, "Sure,"

"Thanks a lot man," Alfred smiled.

XxXx

"I think we're done for today. Since exams start next week, how about I teach you tomorrow, after school? I mean, at the classroom," Arthur offered.

"Sure, fine with me~" Alfred said.

As Alfred fixed his things, Dylan comes in the room.

"Alfred, if you want to live you better leave. Allistor's on his way," Dylan informed.

"Thanks man,"

Dylan nodded and closed the room.

"I better go," Alfred said as he slung his bag on his back, "Thanks again,"

As Alfred was about to leave, Arthur pulled Alfred's hand and held it tightly.

"Can I ask you something?" Arthur asked, looking away.

"Anything," Alfred turned around to face Arthur.

"Do you blame me?"

"Blame you for what?"

Well, Alfred wasn't expecting him to figure out what he's planning so of course he hid his panick under his skin. Not only that but Arthur's fingers were tingling his skin. He wanted to pull it away but God knows why he didn't.

"Well, after what happened to your family, you kind of changed. You're being too formal and..."

"Listen, whatever happened to me wasn't your fault," Alfred assured.

"But the curse-"

"Is not real, Arthur. I'm still adjusting to what happened so I may seem a bit off. Just give me another week and we'll hang like the last time,"

Arthur was silent as he released Alfred's hand.

"I better go. See you tomorrow, Artie," Alfred winked as he ruffled Arthur's hair.

"Oh. Take care, Alfred," Arthur smiled.

XxXx

Alfred took out his keys and unlocked the front door.

"Do you blame me?"

Alfred sighed. He's getting real tired of getting his feelings wavered around like that. He's not sure of how he thought of Arthur anymore. He's the man whose curse brought him to his terrible fate and the next minute he's just Alfred's sweet friend.

"Do you blame me?"

Honestly, he wanted to say yes but what good would it bring to either of them?

Alfred climbed upstairs and threw his stuff on his bed. He opened the windows to let air in. The stars that shined on the night blue sky was breathtaking. He started climbing out the window and unto the roof top and he decided to lie down there.

Does the curse really matter? No, wrong question. Should it really matter?

Alfred groaned. He doesn't really want to think more of it. Everything sounded so stupid in his head. The curse, Arthur, his family, everything. It all connects but he finds it impossible to believe everything.

His phone beeped.

A call? From an unknown number? With a click, Alfred brought the phone to his ear.

"Hello?"

"Um, Alfred? Is this you?"

That voice. It's so familiar that it boomed in Alfred's ears.

"Arthur? You have a phone?!"

"Actually, this is Dylan's. You kind of forgot your World History notebook here,"

"Oh shit, really?!" Alfred exclaimed.

"Don't worry, I'll bring it tomorrow. Good night Alfred,"

Alfred hesitated before saying good-bye. That one time, the way Arthur says his name is a bit different, as if Arthur was fond of it.

"Alfred?" Arthur asked.

"Oh, yeah. Sorry for the trouble. Thanks man," Alfred said in a hurried way, "Good night, Artie"

"Okay, see you tomorrow,"

Then there was a beep.

Alfred couldn't get it out of his head. The way he said his name.

"Good night, Alfred,"

Should he feel weird? But there's this bubbling delight rising in his stomach. That's weird, right?

Well, it should be.

XxXx

Next day, class did go on as always and Arthur did tutor him until six in the evening but as soon as Alfred stepped out the gate, he received a text.

Sender: Mattie~

Receiver: i'M tHe HeRo

Meet me at the convenient store. You know which store I'm talking about.

Alfred was confused. Why did his brother want to meet him when they would just be seeing each other at home? Nevertheless, he continued on walking to the said place.

Sender: i'M tHe HeRo

Receiver: Mattie~

Kk. B there in 5 mins.

He looks up and makes a turn to the right. The convenience store is actually where they used to hang out after school but after entering high school, they just stopped.

Nostalgia embraces Alfred as he walked through the familiar streets. Yes, that was the route they used to take when they want to go the long way home and that's the reason they don't use that route anymore. They're always busy, always tired.

Alfred stared at the sign that has the store's name. It has the most common name for a store but that was their haven when their parents would fight and that was very often.

Slowly, Alfred held the handle and pushed the glass door forward, making a bell chime. As he steps in, his eyes immediately searches for Matthew and found him standing at a corner, eating a sandwich.

"Hey, what did you want to talk about?" Alfred asked as soon as he approached his brother.

"Well, I just got a call from a nurse. She said something about being able to visit Dad. I was planning to go there tonight," Matthew said, "But can't do that without you so I waited for your tutor session with Arthur to be done,"

Alfred paused. His dad in a mental hospital. His brother waited for him. Their going to go there tonight.

"WHAT!? Why did you not just tell me earlier?! I would have-"

"Left Arthur and fail French? I don't think so," Matthew crushed the wrapper of his sandwich and hid it in his pocket, "Let's go. Visiting hours end at nine,"

Matthew pulled Alfred along to the bus stop. He was moving slow that Matthew have to flick him in the head three times just to wake him up. When did Alfred's grades mattered to Matthew? When did he gave so much concern for Alfred's studies? Matthew's hiding something and Alfred's sure of it.

XxXx

"We're here to see David Jones," Matthew said to the nurse behind the counter.

"Sure, let me call his nurse to escort you to his room," the nurse said.

"Thank you,"

After standing around the station, the nurse finally arrived.

"This way boys. We've finally managed to stabilize your father's condition. He even requested to see you, himself," the nurse said, "By the way, for introduction purposes, my name is Tori Johnson,"

"I'm Matthew and this is my twin, Alfred," Matthew pointed to Alfred who was looking at the wall as he walked.

"Something wrong with him?" Tori asked.

"Nothing, he's just been through much,"

"Oh, so here's your father's room. If you need anything I'll be on standby outside this door," Tori opened the door after Matthew nodded.

The room was well-lit and was simple. A bed beside a window and the walls with painted with calming shade of blue.

"Dad?" Alfred spoke.

"Alfred, Matthew!" David's voice boomed with delight.

"Dad," the twins said simultaneously with a big wide smile that plastered on their faces.

XxXx

"Well, that was different," Alfred said.

"Yeah, it was like nothing bad ever happened. The old Dad," Matthew said.

"So, boys. I need you to sign some papers but I still need them to be printed. Please wait by the waiting area. I'll be there in a bit," Tori said as she led them to the room.

"Sure," both said.

As soon as the boys took a seat, Alfred slumped down and stretched his arms.

"Well, look who's here," that voice sent shivers to Alfred's spine.

"Oh, Mr Bonnefoy. Why are you here?" Matthew asked as he sat properly, giving his full attention to the teacher.

Alfred looked at his brother with a look of disbelief. His brother's eyes are so wide you can imagine seeing sparkles in them.

"You here visiting your sister, aren't you?" Alfred casually slips in.

"Yeah, do you want to meet her?" Francis offered.

"No-"

"Sure~" Matthew answered.

Again, a shot of disbelief for Matthew. What is wrong with him? No, maybe he's just thinking too much.

"Then come on," Francis stood up.

"Fine but let's pass by the nurse's station to tell Tori where we're going," Alfred ruffled his own hair.

XxXx

"Big brother~" Michelle ran in and hugged her brother.

"How've you been, Shelly?" Francis pats her head.

"Absolutely fine! How about you?" Michelle tilted her head to the right, "Who are those boys behind you?"

Michelle looked different, not all that similar with Francis. She had long black hair that is tied into a pigtail. Her skin tone is considerably brown and she was petit.

"My students. Their father is admitted here. The one with the longer hair is Matthew and beside him is his twin, Alfred. Go on, shake their hands," Francis nudged his sister to approach them. A bit hesitant at first but she grabbed their hands and shook it.

"Nice to meet you~ I'm Michelle but you can call me Shelly!" she said.

"Hi there," Matthew said.

"Nice meetin' ya," Alfred said.

"Now that introductions are done, how about we sit and talk?" Francis took Michelle's hand to guide her to a seat.

XxXx

"Well, that was a fulfilling day," Matthew said as they walked on home.

"Yeah but something's weird," Alfred said tiredly.

"With what?"

"Michelle. There's something in her eyes, something not right," Alfred rubbed his arm.

Well they all had a terrific conversation but Michelle kept clinging to Francis. He might be wrong but he did catch her throwing in some glares every time Matthew and Francis talked. Not only that, she seems to be really uncomfortable when Arthur's name was casually brought up.

"Huh? What do you mean?" Matthew asked.

"Nevermind. It's nothing. Come on, let's hurry! It's getting really dark," Alfred's pace hastened.

Matthew's brows knitted in confusion. Alfred's hiding something and he'll get him to spit it out soon enough. For now, he just wants to end the day completely tired of it.