PRISCILLA's POV
It was the evening of my second day in America, and I had wrapped up everything I came here to do. The meetings were done, and relief washed over me as I stepped out of the building. Still, I wasn't ready to head back to my hotel room just yet. I needed some company, someone familiar.
I tried calling Daniel first, but it went to voicemail. A small pang of disappointment hit me; I really wanted to hear his voice. Then I called David, and he picked up right away. Within minutes, we agreed to meet at a McDonald's nearby.
The place buzzed with chatter when I walked in. I found a spot and distracted myself with my phone until I spotted him. David strolled in with that confident, easy energy he always carried. I stood, and before I could say anything, he pulled me into a tight hug.
"Hey, pretty," he said, ruffling my hair.
I laughed, swatting at his hand. "Hey, quickie. How have you been?"
"Fine, but busy. Have you ordered?"
I shook my head, and he immediately flagged the waiter. "Fries with a beer, thanks."
"I'll have a burger and orange juice," I added.
As soon as the waiter left, David leaned back in his chair. "So, what's up?"
"Nothing much. I finished work early today, and I thought, why not meet the only friends I have in America?" I teased.
He laughed. "I've missed you and your sweet words."
I chuckled, then couldn't help asking, "How's Daniel?"
His smile shifted slightly. "Busy. He's been swamped with surgeries since we got here. Honestly, it feels like he's distracted by something, and I don't know what it is."
"You're worried," I said softly.
"Of course. He's my twin. I should be worried."
The waiter returned with our food, and we dug in. Between bites, I pressed gently, "Why don't you talk to him?"
"Priscilla, you don't know Daniel. He doesn't open up easily. It's always hard to get him to share what's wrong. He hides in his room unless I or Maxwell forces him out. This started again after we came back from Nigeria, and I can't figure out what triggered it."
I took a thoughtful bite of my burger. "Maybe that's just him."
David shook his head. "No, it's not. Daniel may be reserved, but he's social too. Now it feels heavy around him. Dull. Sorry, I'm dumping this on you."
"Hey," I said gently, "it's fine. We're friends. That's what friends are for."
He smiled at me with gratitude, then quickly changed the subject. "So, how are you spending your last day in America?"
I grinned. "No idea yet. But I'm determined to have fun. Speaking of fun, how many women did you ask out today?"
He smirked, making me laugh before he even answered. "Pretty, you don't need to be jealous. You know it's always you."
I rolled my eyes. "Shut up, big ego. Can't you just love someone?"
"Love is overrated. I haven't met the woman who could make me fall. You're a good woman, Priscilla, but you don't love quickies."
I laughed, shaking my head. "You have no idea what you're missing."
He leaned in with that mischievous grin. "Trust me, you're the one missing out. Every woman who's had a quickie with me has something to brag about."
"Yeah, but they're not your friends. I get to be your friend."
"Touché," he said with a smile, lifting his glass.
I clinked mine against his, and then found myself asking the question I'd always wondered. "No offence quickie, but why does it seem like Daniel is God fearing but you aren't because these quickies you keep having with different women, it seems your brother isn't in support of it. What are you really looking for?"
His expression turned serious. "We're friends, right?"
"Of course."
"You won't tell this to anyone?" he asked, leaning in and lowering his voice.
I shook my head and leaned in as well.
"Then let me tell you something. When Daniel and I were younger, back in Nigeria, we promised each other we'd get married untouched."
I raised my brows, surprised. "So… what or who made you break that promise?"
A sly smile tugged at his lips as he sat up. "Who said I did?"
I almost choked on my drink. "Wait what?"
"I have never slept with a woman," he said simply.
I stared at him. "Then what do you mean by 'quickie'?"
"I just make out with women."
"Wow. But what if they want more?"
"That's the point, pretty. I leave them satisfied, and I never make out with the same woman twice."
I blinked at him, still stunned. "Unbelievable."
He smiled. "See, Daniel believes in God. He'd be furious if I actually crossed that line. I know he prays for my soul to be saved" He shrugged, "Maybe I will later but for now, I want to enjoy my youth"
I shook my head, amused despite myself. "I will also pray for your soul to be saved. With the two of us pleading God on your behalf, it should be soon"
He grinned wider, "Include my mama"
I chuckled, "Included. I must say, I like the bond you and your brother have. It's remarkable"
He laughed and said with a wink "Thank you pretty. I hope to establish a nice bond with you as well"
I laughed, shaking my head. Then, we casually chatted about work. After our meal, we left McDonald's together. He waited with me until my Uber arrived, then waved I goodbye as I got in.
On the ride back to my hotel, my thoughts drifted, not to David and his "quickies," but to Daniel. Busy, distant Daniel. The one who haunted my thoughts far more than I cared to admit.
DAVID's POV – Questioning Daniel about his depressed mood
I walked into our apartment after meeting with Pretty and found Daniel in the kitchen, stirring something on the stove. The smell of food filled the air, warm and homely.
"Hey," I said, grabbing an apple from the counter.
"Hey," he replied without looking up. "How was today?"
"Fine." I bit back a smile.
"Guess who I met with today."
"Who?" he asked, distracted.
I rinsed the apple under the tap, watching the water run over it. "Pretty."
That got his attention. He turned his head, eyes sharp. "You saw her?"
"Yeah, she called me," I said, sinking my teeth into the apple.
The kitchen grew quiet. Too quiet. When I glanced up, I caught him staring at the table, his jaw tight, shoulders heavy as if he was carrying something invisible.
"You okay, brother?" I asked softly.
He looked at me briefly, gave a small nod, then turned back to the stove. "Yeah. How is she?"
"She's fine." I paused, studying him the way he avoided my gaze, the way his hands moved too quickly, too forcefully with the pan. "But I need to speak to you, Daniel."
"Okay. I'm listening." His voice was clipped, like he was bracing himself.
"What's going on?"
He shrugged, eyes fixed on the food. "Nothing. I'm fine."
I sighed, frustration rising. "Daniel, you and I both know you're not fine. This started the moment we came back from Nigeria. What's going on with you?"
"Nothing, I told you already. I've just been busy. I'm tired."
I slammed the apple down on the counter, my voice sharper than I intended. "Don't give me that bullshit. I'm your twin. If you won't talk to anyone else, can't you at least talk to me?"
His shoulders stiffened. "You're reacting for no reason. I told you, I'm fine."
I shook my head, heart pounding. "Daniel, I don't know why you always shut me out, but can you just talk to me for God's sake?"
His reply was cold, cutting. "I told you I'm fine. And don't bring God into this."
The wall between us felt thicker than ever. I swallowed hard, anger and hurt tangled inside me. "Fine. Have it your way. You're so damn stubborn," I muttered, my voice breaking with frustration.
And before he could answer, I turned and walked away, the apple forgotten on the counter, my chest heavy with the ache of watching my brother slip further into himself.