Alice

You wake up feeling you head still spinning, and can barely keep your eyes open. Someone slaps your face.

" Listen up, Champ, because I'm going to say it only once. You scared the fish, and now own me. I get it, you refused the pill for your personal reasons. I don't care about that, but that action put yourself in a lot of trouble. I have your new papers here, and even provided you a roommate, so play along, or they will find you. " Says a voice that you think is the Blonde Amazon.

" What ? " You say unsure if this is a dream, because what you are listening sounds like a bad script from a second rate movie.

" Pay attention, your name is Alice, 18-year-old girl. You have a stepbrother named Lukas, who is two years older than you. Your stepfather was an alcoholic who yelled at your mother, Lukas, and you. Those were the worst moments of your life. Lukas took care of you and made sure you continued your education. So you own him a lot, need to go to university, and be very nice. Any questions ? "

" Alice ? " You say trying to understand what is happening.

" Correct, I knew you were a smart cookie. When you were 15 years old your mother passed away, leaving you and your stepbrother alone with your stepfather. From that point on, Lukas took care of you, protecting you from the drunken episodes of an old man that just wanted to dance. Tired of the situation, Luka spent the last three years saving every penny working as a construction helper to escape that house with you. Now that you're 18, Lukas told you that it's time to leave, and you both left. And here we are. Play your cards right, do what a girl normally does with a stepbrother, and you will not call any attention. Now go meet the landlord, I need to go." She says walking away, leaving you even more concerned. A young man comes closer, and pulls gently your hand. Both walk to the door in front to meet a middle-aged man.

" You must be Lukas." Says the Landlord looking at him for a second.

" Yes. I'm Lukas, and this is my stepsister Alice. " He says with pride.

" Nice to meet both of you. I'm Paul. This is the apartment you asked. Kitchen, living room, bathroom, and two bedrooms. Roof upstairs is perfect to get some fresh air. I usually go there to smoke after midday. I live at the last door in this corridor. Let's go there to finalise the deal and hand you the keys. Remember, it's $100 every Monday. "

" Don't worry, Mr. Paul. You'll get your payments in time without fail. "

" I'm sure of it. " Says the landlord giving you a glance.

" He wants you, play along. " Whispers Lukas hugging you, before you two leave.

" What's happening ? " You say to Lukas while you were walking.

" I told you to play along, Alice. We are not sure if Paul is part of them. $1000 each Monday is a lot of money, so you need to find a job to help pay the bills. This operation has no extra funds, and your documents were very expensive. " Says Lukas looking at you while he closes the door.

" Are you a secret agent ? " You ask trying to to make some sense out of this situation.

" I'm a rat, like you. This house is for rats, if you decide to move solo they will find you. "

" But ... I don't know nothing. "

" And you think they will believe that ? We are talking about an international network, not a group of late teens at a frat party. So you are Alice, I'm your Lukas, and we don't talk about other things. I bet that Paul will find a way to spy on us, now that he knows what apartment we picked. And one more thing, I get the big room. This one is yours " He says pointing to an open door. Your enter your new room and see a small bed in one corner, a large mirror next to it, and nothing more.

" Be happy with this, Alice. You have no alternative for now. Go to introduce yourself at the university. " Lukas says giving you a light tap on your ass.

" Hey. " You yell turning your head, and getting ready to punch him.

" Don't even try it, cutie. You're a hot girl, and I'm helping you to get used to your new role. The wolves at the university will try worse things, and you need to keep your head cool, flirt would be even better. "

" But we are ... family. "

" Stepsister, and that's on paper. After so many years being protected by Lukas, Alice feels the need to be nice to him. Don't make questions, our people studied this a lot. This is all part of the story that you need to know, and play along. Did you saw the way Paul looked at you ? Use it. You were not supposed to be here, so play your role on this damage control that you caused. As long Paul thinks that you're thanking me, he will not push the limit. "

" Makes sense ... That old creep looks like a pervert. "

Lukas explained to you where is the university, and you go out.