Leo was exhausted as he 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8RyvMd9goV
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWHCOvRXkbN
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxvesqlEsNG
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRn5s07g0O
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6xBod1R7Nv
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm5WUsSmfAU
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSffhXYs7r7
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbiLPU7Zxlc
"Because that's what playboys like you do."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfkKjw24L9J
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKQnlP2w4zP
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJO9oU5QmA
"For what?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS2KIjmjxog
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOVuYC8tO97
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ7gJqdp1NW
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwWPe3QDOt3
Leo looked out of the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyZ98oHog9g
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxgbzHqQYRG
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1OSFZ0xIlB
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡci3ibgg3gE
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa64am1US9q
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcAeg0Ma3Q1
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWQBNtob7qL
Leo turned to look at 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1SgfFmvZd
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWP0KavHWMo
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXmA19aVSoB
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2uH8XXNWEo
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcd5ayqPnwH
the stars to pass time.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ56ZlRl8Zfx
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE48VNZF4u5
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3ShD4ufOf
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rV1ipkV55
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRC9bQwDbF
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFS9veqHz2
"I know you don't like 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYSjVBp4TL2
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6qIWZRjVd
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZH8d9IDbKb
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡELQIv3fSNx
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpkddwvn82v
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUejtjsgKfM
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvXrcuUnd6x
"I'm sorry I asked."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc5yYIZviW7
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEkgW7d3c5B
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxqXp5ImyMy
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0Ketb8GMNM
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCy9p8mbGIs
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa5noDZIIZY
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3g9kxHrohF
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztXuMszFqW
"I guess you are."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgIAkdggXUu
"And don't you feel the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLnUbLQbQ3v
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGCf0jotfp7
up your mind each and every time too."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ64fNyaOM
Leo thought of what his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgHSHmffbU
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS92h5NkZ94
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLVC5qA9uEa
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJESjcSRL0v
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQkw7NIBs7J
Carly all day long.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJJ6jUl5XTD
But things weren't that 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2aq2NWRFIZ
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvOZEsfoPs
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx1gdyCGj66
He groaned at the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo9vGHm7Nwu
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4bXFmVlmW
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbZmScN8sUb
only for him, but Carly too.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzZamaRl5HQ
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ54BuisDfLv
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT1z2GeKUQ1
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyLaIKX3vQR
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEmZIUlZsaS
"Yes, you were. That 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzu7DcBIC3B
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCzmatXndaw
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjHu8vN30uZ
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCGzjZ9H4V
"You know I'm right. You900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC8ve8gDMLi
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW1dR0Tab84
office down in flames in just a day."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbw9C3JXRLk
Leo gulped as he 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUocs775hAt
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZkS3lQcz1x
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLe383H1p0T
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnXwCBL1C8U
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs6AXjqTpc5
"I am so tired," said Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsGFMA5SoGb
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG91I4b3OES
"Don't mind me." The two900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiLis54RKij
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohA5v6p4Tp
"That shows I work way harder than you do."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPDTc6XrpO0
"Let's not compete. It's900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4dQE8dFlsm
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF5q0u8760a
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPkv2o3ospM
controls what's going on."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG38goFlM2c
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ21zwJTgp5R
As they arrived at the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8iUC4r5oEL
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbwXAZdGzEx
there behind the door was his mother.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX229kU9RXw
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuE3StNcZe5
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmkK5tEYQaH
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaONVvpI2n6
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIzXhvyKsZq
"Yes, so you all better 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt3Ugc3H0b1
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqTRnfDgg8
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncRXUPvOdF
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJkBYqBy88g
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVp2MYltyr
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeGmaCBXWl3
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt5oKWUit6c
Eric ran off to the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fP1MtD7IH
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCteJE9hvti
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYX1Rid8FqV
Just as he was about to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm0e8MyeJeq
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNGB7Gge5t3
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8gTxKVEi7C
"Wow," he said in awe.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrJASPCXAV4
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJColiqpatV
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJshMkxukoD
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUXk5VSgCGX
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ26HKX4izEd
"Thank you," said Carly 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBqbLUCpbWd
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhWCbZh6YfK
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKLKkdLQf7n
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD6rmIWhJgE
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKL2UWDNwF
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9sFctKJALZ
"Told me what?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUPFhA99KrH
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyAq24veZWa
Carly almost jumped by 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrZZS7qfFkh
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaNvVihn6nA
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt1OwT4SKaj
all.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnja39igwh4
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nYS6jb2TM
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIOtanUn9lZ
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeUyjosb10z
"Why should I?" Angel 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6xu30mg53
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEQJhm6tuG
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4G3sXmTsWN
other, don't you think?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyJiyPwWkpU
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzRarweKsk
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8AjQxXn4pO
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83DxMQsEKz
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBFYRH3n6tb
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5dQMFRhkO
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMT8MrRIIjv
"Thank you, Eric."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBLuQ0jr6qn
"I was just asking her 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvuImQg0Xrn
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJajh77yPqL
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSB0Z39JRsw
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ59hoKPq4hC
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwkE2SqGFX
"Leo," said Amanda as 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgkjIcW95l4
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXJE4oliDGg
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAOCDhQmulv
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mPkHZyLhm
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxyhzp4mKgT
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwqRCsZ3g25
"Yes, we are," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLIQ53gsS1L
"Good. Well, you two men900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCr9dfrAcvc
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcXLfSagP4
you don't since she's having a guest over."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnYTsB2OiSv
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAJZp1nYvN
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwZDqsMryP
Leo and Eric didn't say 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY2CyzDwx6M
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoAHmE3eZp
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp6wMyOOet
at Carly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxJYLpsd89S
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsL6Sk97xT6
Amanda gave her a smile.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs9ik210Xdm
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5Ts8NVo1M
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡohfpvdgJ1T
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj5gs13Jcew
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ79iWLhdjmB
"Me too," said Amanda.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCjQV5TLbEy
There was a knock at the door and Carly quickly dropped to the bottom of the stairs to open it. Mr McDonell soon stepped in.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxaamvPF7sQ
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAHVjgXLrTW
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhaPQD8nVRC
"Evening mother, evening Angel."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwtoHlGywf
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK6Jmrby4H7
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjwJWWYdPbo
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFakW4WUEjP
"Yes and it can't wait."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJTVljg8RIa
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2qFinFhwjM
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaMwDpw1Qrm
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBY1pOcuF9X
Angel looked at her 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7gvsviXSIg
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwjARayR2o6
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYWv6U9vW02
about.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3BLvXSFC2
In an hour's time, 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGf6WYB1NY4
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7XQ6d73qkR
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ91ronLN3x2
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK9KntzErBl
dining room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFRkdoogZ0U
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJIQrnoW2M
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWkr6anhGcY
"I'm not going to."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJZzm6joVhx
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ24EY3RCg1T
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvK53So8Wjx
Angel shook her head and smiled as she went on to stare at the TV. She hadn't messed around with Carly like that in a long time.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtiINCa5Mw7
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0nHFi1dGbW
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzfxLMN7X7U
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO020GBv3X7
"What's wrong with doing900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTmYa22SQuH
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8uMsAaOqGv
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcI4WqZgUGp
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOhRTmvGPA
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYBqYpvtdc0
"That, little man, is so900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm8TldYIjdS
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlI37LZ5ai1
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg87bJnapsN
for you on a Friday."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI67PjZJUF1
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqcxwoyVr4b
"Please don't take his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa4Rbhn2szY
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7nC1eSgJGD
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGxY865mnRX
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAf2Tw3NMMc
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd7ixLUTXVi
"Okay, okay, you two," 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPxBb0rCC9F
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT2qzkQW1xo
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrgJtg09Rqb
to struggle so much on Sunday."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz0toiNSE77
"Will you help me then?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoYLIRo7uYB
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9IKDwfRw6x
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLKYbqAqXgj
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaQWO2Xonng
"Ya," Oliver answered 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT2L0eZsIt
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfpRQd625Dq
Would you ladies like to join us?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs4PDnXIijt
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi2mLsZyNtn
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGaOBPn0n9e
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVXFWItUqt
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOxBQcbgRgB
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1SEwHupREr
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDna6iXWFzh
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡziwg3g7NRS
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUahzoNpL6
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhXeusWC25i
Mrs McDonald raised an 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQsnchdLML4
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0QiLZZibq
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSajD5zchLE
talking to her son about his wife.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBnVvLxH5A
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNFIzetjoqH
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9xqvJuw5jW
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2n0AjCxeNJ
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2o8ZCAWQ6l
Angel looked up at Eric 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeDZuNtjYS4
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW3wIHoAQ0b
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC5g93MAQAz
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjbwkWyTx7
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuRI2Jh1bRG
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxOBgsjpKR
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyhmlGNZ5Tl
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpQpAB9QCLY
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHsJj92ufBS
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnG6AmXrN8b
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNt5SBdLax
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEszaVK7uEp
"Eric, are you okay?" 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIYhAAgF52X
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF51xtmcExZ
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUcJXJrZNk
shocked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKqrUHklCj1
The two sisters knew the900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHOwUCKXZmx
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5lfwFZdw1M
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSqAfjMx7D
ever seen.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvfM4GB8gsN
Kim stepped in to the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6kl5S3Yr7H
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCQe3vNlqO0
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ3xgjIiqbj
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsE5lPTES0M
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKZxLwJTDwp
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGp2OfD59Z
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiOgbRXjg8n
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsBYdaXFiC
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX7PdLVznm0
"I'm fine, thanks," said900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleUb5ICltN
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzLmFvC5Om5
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdvCJnEXMH7
news.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSLlA6t13hh
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ3YX4YBF5C
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtFR4vJk9fH
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiSj1ohS167
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTi0Gsy3QTS
Angel and Eric couldn't help but look at each other when the two shook hands. Kim had no idea what she was in for.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4v9Bi82AOI
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkUQGflTka9
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIlHJWPW3R6
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRGfQ66h2YD
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIZcS6NiZDJ
"He's just freshening 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI8XBWRSIqV
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlwBpZ7S3JX
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpqdzrm6Wkb
"There's simply no need 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6rXwU0NF7V
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqNRQGAworq
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3GqyQZ2Qb3
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1p2b2CHKI
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGFvsmpUiRw
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ88k0gYJUQi
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ZJ0kT07HR
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5Vvjf4FqF9
"Never better."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlC5TkUAfte
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpB4JK4QBD
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyVU0e5Um5E
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDnKChbwE15
Mrs and Mr McDonell left900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0me33nNrv
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoPk1SLW1Hh
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcA1BeE36E
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdRqq3xA8zK
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ80UmQrrQpk
For a moment, there was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZh4wN4ZkCI
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbSZTDJYT5g
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMkuRtt9Nmi
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaGxLXOCKMz
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp1NV4cKWhB
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkwlrTYWSUO
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ2cFI8EhGo
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk5qLgYzsBp
"I know about the 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCY8Q9lvv4S
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVQ8DDR2jE7
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjtiJIUJsHU
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwW6MIKx7i6
Angel said, "all that 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPJxhO0dzSo
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCRUUva5Ak
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWfNBIoIGuY
Carly looked at her 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3cyPifudZI
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1VweZ8K5X
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZEu4JzrWE
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrlmXU1x0r
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNp9ixjKmvj
Eric, Angel and Carly 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBL2Pl7NKXn
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ69vfTH0UJp
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcvmMQJiTAR
engagement?900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsIvJVsxfEz
"I wonder why you and 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQfUXrBsL4E
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaW2kjkrxbm
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBbzvQjnetk
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy7meGMtub
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNosOE2s6P
"All that was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNMzNrnlvMc
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylZd1sVlM2
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSQiu01bzO
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ489yIl1PCl
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwh4Q2R3kBO
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXOfhk4Nov
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRxZ4RpwK4K
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhLcN527k8C
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBusz7bRgW
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcs7YCwAR0x
As soon as she said 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpjSEwU4qCS
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWvWZf6I0S
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJyDrrkgmsH
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLy6g4MFoB4
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxEpJmnbxbO
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCSOsGeGSB4
Amanda winced. Eric 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNurngnclrz
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGK4EBai2Nh
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3qq0PVX0tv
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCut1FFifGD
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgcf2WtUeHY
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhQs0JYPh3
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdWrMn67wxY
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpLCpXjIbEX
"Leo, calm down, 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6LViIjrZvQ
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUoz37uBDJ2
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQCHXKiBNUT
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy6Xr4c56KW
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡObOmyet7K8
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS9cuNR8K81
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6URHkTXR3c
Everyone had a puzzled 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBsNdPyWg5Y
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDDWhzhbNnA
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBh6BhPCVH
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwrVrTqAHAG
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvJjlLEHeqU
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7lg0YiPRYp
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCI2x8J7B5X
Amanda looked up at Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKvmuqJCCe
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRbYgsFvFb8
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTpHnOAZG3Q
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7q7ppwd3aV
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz6FdfgKdwQ
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsy52uh4lg
"I need her here right now."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhdSuF5zNTf
"Leo, I think you need to sit down," said Eric as he stood up from the chair and came to stand right next to his cousin.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcu5qrtmQhq
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcxu9Wiahat
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD68GRzXKi7
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2jsag0b6m3
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaqLftPyHFr
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxcmAedvlbB
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgX17xsnDZw
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83cJvDhqz3
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEhf2k8gC3Y
Leo nodded his head and 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1MaB20Hhed
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoXNVg6dPgK
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNNV08fMePR
the stairs and went in the living room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmuDAl0nZuY
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTrfyba2O8Y
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwXO6JGOywD
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGXAjkGKoL8
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr3eXqbE5tu
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5x17SqzELG
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXVT4Mfwswo
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE3qgCLRtD2
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCySqETkJZr
"Oh, no, please, stay," 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEPxXiuAHy4
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4uqMvgaZ7n
sounded like she was making fun of her.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5TAO7z12nS
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZwu53ESxtf
"No, don't leave yet," 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUYRcaQVj5S
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzYveSqCDgJ
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2YP2zuh5ga
"Yes, I guess so."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpdQ7U4fNba
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFJsVt5bZCi
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8tjK2XUBi3
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEYN81ra2W
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpsDcPdmOai
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpiUkXpHJCs
"I agree with you, 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMZTLgKlfv4
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUgL9IuRV7
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpHmZ9Rc5sQ
wrong."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP8dxapFnn4
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ43Ro67Ewn
"Leo has always been 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAUYKbLsDlG
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2SvzkmVNjh
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCHvRteX2Y
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUkM3KEtA4N
"I know. But Bertha also900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpF8DSwpRG
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbuR1UEazfA
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkLWzpSLtih
to get back together."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvZ9Hg6ZUMk
"There's no doubt about 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGA8Au7MXcx
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3kE4ymzb6R
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr5hk9bH4gD
been terrible."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoXLMhKI5L
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMDad50zwI3
"He's a gentleman when 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOExjQWfksQ
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx4rV1nl5tD
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPsx9OYPAuo
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9ZRqLY8hYR
"Maybe during their 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4aalLvg7OT
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKyhCAYjVyr
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD87nipO5Uk
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFxQGUqkJRf
"Why don't you get a 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvAHyE2se1F
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGlsXi0aMe7
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUMPy2jZ30X
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKucnMGwcDM
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtwrDKWYeal
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkOKUpQYD32
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXxmlwWltgl
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqyeiEm3HWu
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfn0ntXxHPf
"Sorry, mum. She irritates me and I want nothing to do with her. She tends to be clinging and that's not what I want."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzEdomxUcyC
"But you don't have to treat a lady like that, son," said Mr McDonell. "You need to talk things down with her like an adult."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAq647gdmt5
"I did talk to her face 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRT7C7NeUHT
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo78bYSEIC
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlYm3cimLaG
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgetvEHe5cq
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcSVNiKzSGz
"Well, that's not a 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRUiM20COC1
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOSzyEnOotX
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiCviewRpww
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSCZaIRTXvT
"But it still doesn't 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbK7E2kc0A0
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdubqslDbFr
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQuFqFTjv9U
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj2i1VLxtCB
on."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4F2S04eCSk
Leo felt cornered. His 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡimh6Pzwjjm
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtDmWANHCwm
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNr3JtGGmgH
someone else.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvnSVDBDDBA
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaoEY6Uvf80
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiX3gn1E59
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡipWfuldUQh
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkjR5jbljBH
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpW8PuorJhp
"I have always liked 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0JJU4GklQ
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6t9qbXAtUF
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyjPkQmXySC
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8XxJBpdTID
opened up old wounds."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCRovBN0cR8
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKdHyi8ybnB
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcLd0pET8p1
"Bertha, stop," Mr 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ90ORZ3LWjQ
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTzgvjRusfi
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvbaw8lG7t
Not when we have a guest in the house."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6piKZqLhN
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWReU0PsEOs
"That's because you 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw2qLFRET8e
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4TsrxwV60
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqIrRXml7Y
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAGerPla9BA
Leo looked at his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YgPuIbvDd
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQEVbbr8zNm
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAaj91UfqX
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwVCY9k1rqD
calm demeanour.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh5zmUFalnV
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡstGSe6g2Ed
Mr McDonell blew out a 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9it225uOJC
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8rJU8oAwoR
like a child around her from now on."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofuCnYhyKw
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGL2IM3rEeG
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzhZ7Y9QjYM
"You know, you've never 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiMupwVDWSd
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 900Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡecAWJZtwoj
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
