Leo was exhausted as he 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXtaFPEL9o
climbed down the stairs of the office building and went in to the car 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHFBvs158by
that the chauffeur had held the door open for him. He sat beside his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4jbwrSlhPB
cousin, Eric, who was busy looking at his phone.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJ9MBgb8zQ
"I am so beat," said Leo as he unbuttoned the first button at his neck just to let the air in.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoiJUAVBEpc
"Ya, today was exhausting," said Eric, who didn't seem to be paying much attention to his cousin.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiyy72b6GYR
"I hope you aren't looking at women on that phone of yours," said Leo as he looked at Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFcnuCqFrVW
Eric turned to look at Leo. "And why would I be looking at other women?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgI75d0jK3t
"Because that's what playboys like you do."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4xfrWV6KC
Eric rolled his eyes as the chauffeur was now in the driver's seat and started the car.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiC6HdgVas4
"I'm not looking at women on my phone, dear cousin," said Eric. "I'm simply trying to look for something."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFS6zCLbPB
"For what?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtvrRTMNLJP
"Why do you care? If I tell you, you will get angry."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAdzsFP0vHZ
Leo shook his head. "Okay, don't tell me. I don't want to know anyway."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhp3ZLJtXvI
Eric smiled without looking at his cousin. He really liked to trouble Leo for no apparent reason.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgfB1roJidx
Leo looked out of the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAeHuQsJDhX
car window and into the dark evening sky. It was hard to notice the sky 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRJzwkobPvf
at night nowadays. Not when you're in a car and the streets you're 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrmxwavqwKh
driving through are filled with magnificent tall buildings and 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡazVHbFcigQ
skyscrapers. The place wasn't lit up with lights from the stars but 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4W0u7hYODd
rather the lights from the street lamps and buildings. But this was New 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDRerpDWJWa
York after all. Why wouldn't the place be lit up by bright lights?830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOABCLnqJ6G
Leo turned to look at 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡneJKlyPoDv
Eric after realising that staring out in the street was boring. He 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZPCb8K3kD
passed through the same street everyday and obviously saw the same 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLSINwmqGG5
people walking down the street, not like he knew everyone's faces. He 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvKjxYPFXY2
couldn't wait to get home and sit at the balcony where he could stare up830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj7Jp6lqoon
the stars to pass time.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnuOazwPuz
"What are you looking at?" Leo asked. He had no choice but to ask.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5gYAdtHaH3
Eric looked at him with an eyebrow raised. "Oh, now you're interested."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv3rYEZJvJq
"I don't like it when you're quiet. You're usually the one who talks a lot."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpim8R44mj
"And you love it." Eric gave Leo a mocking smile. "You simply can't live without me."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBuLDiZsd9
Leo rolled his eyes feeling irritated. "Do I have to repeat myself or what?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVOacLe3Ach
"I know you don't like 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXn8QbG0Lki
repeating yourself so I'll tell you to spare your head that looks like 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ93zZsCN0cE
it's about to blow up. I'm looking for a gift."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbnsaWSyNQh
"For your mum? But her birthday isn't anytime soon, is it?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVwelYhlQR6
"Don't worry. I'm looking for a gift for someone special."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp5xuYHQ1JW
Leo rolled his eyes. "Don't tell me it's for the Lady Supreme."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrNU05nsmSE
"Who else could I be referring to?" Eric gave Leo a smile.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJnnCs6I0TE
"I'm sorry I asked."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4oRDIQMAqC
"Don't be. Maybe you can help me with picking out something for her."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoJL1MjlkMz
"No freaking way. Why should I? I would rather get a gift for Carly instead."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBJTtYjQcqt
"Ya, we all know why." Eric went back to looking at his phone.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmXzO9Oua5c
Leo went back to looking at the window. "She seems to be taking up much of your mind these days. That's not good."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTgo32ZcuZg
Eric turned to look at Leo with his eyebrow raised. "Why do you say that?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ55SE0mRCXF
"I've noticed. You aren't yourself is all I'm saying."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzPOfQNruux
"It's called love, bro......well, I think. I'm not too sure."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2IQtdGp6i
"I guess you are."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgsZbHzsDbe
"And don't you feel the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5pz78NDxR
same way for Carly? Lovestruck, I mean. She's also supposed to be taking830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkWDTlVDjjg
up your mind each and every time too."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1CSRqgmwxO
Leo thought of what his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5mAETOgog
cousin said and didn't know whether to answer him or not. He's been 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpliFytM8n
pretty busy this past week, trying to settle on a deal with some 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy3AqbXAFMq
important clients. So his mind was pretty much busy. It's not that Carly830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ68P9Fx5WKF
didn't occupy his mind. When he had free time, he would think about 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEiSrkfiiXK
Carly all day long.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7NPfTCUKq
But things weren't that 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeTSrE73jo6
way now. Not when he knew that from now onwards he would be heading back830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXfQvDDG6Z8
home everyday not only to find Carly, but Angel as well.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0MEeadZvtO
He groaned at the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4Bugcun0MK
thought of that. If he wasn't irritated of the thought of Angel, then he830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7PhlHgIeL0
didn't know what he was feeling. She was going to cause problems. Not 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFdClNYQsXa
only for him, but Carly too.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHdVeXR9bmB
"You know, you've to be careful about who you think about," said Eric, bringing Leo back down to earth.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaLdJtwEMy
"Why do you say that?" Leo asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLZ41YCQlnv
"I could tell you were thinking about Angel just now." Eric chuckled.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrnDBqNx6n8
"No, I wasn't." Leo shook his head.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRNFH66POZZ
"Yes, you were. That 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUSMWyOGxq2
look on your face says it all. You look irritated. Still thinking about 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaUVNkRN1iK
how Angel took the upper hand on you today?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfqSgtfweqE
"You're just saying things. Now I preferred you kept quiet while looking for a gift for her."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0zyYGmB9rD
"You know I'm right. You830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmVBvApXJvf
should be lucky she and you aren't workmates. You could bring the whole830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuZbsQvTtI3
office down in flames in just a day."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGVJHdgtMc9
Leo gulped as he 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEdOZTLYwRs
remembered what his grandmother said about Angel coming to work for 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9GdhhcPKI9
them. He had to try and convince her much more than he had to.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5ZrmODXm8B
"It's good we aren't," said Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnsd9QsASXR
The car soon arrived at it's destination parking in front of the mansion. Leo and Eric walked out of the car.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdBmJoMyHQs
"I am so tired," said Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjnirm5t1Vi
"You're tired like you're a child coming back from school," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0XTZA74Jr5
"Don't mind me." The two830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwiUrhIeoEd
cousins walked down the stone footpath that led to the front door. 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFVfXM619mf
"That shows I work way harder than you do."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzO8vxwmUXJ
"Let's not compete. It's830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNPiWuHElQ7
not like you're a construction worker or something though you happen to830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmBe49ARPFz
run the business. You're just simply the man behind the chair who 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOleIIvCRbh
controls what's going on."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0v72VlK3Dh
Leo rolled his eyes at Eric and almost burst out laughing. You can never be bored with him.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxrI7erUlCi
As they arrived at the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3ixvux0Te2
doorstep, Leo was about to ring the doorbell when the door flew open and830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvlMHjoZMSE
there behind the door was his mother.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD5ASUXCKhh
"Hello," said Mrs McDonell. "I'm glad you're here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXaDw04eDpC
"Hi, aunt," said Eric when he realised that Leo wasn't going to greet her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbe8p9h2aO
"Why don't you two freshen up and we will have supper ready. We're having a guest over."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy0DgMhfPTg
"That's nice," said Eric as Leo passed his mother and entered the foyer.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHCGlwX0kP0
"Yes, so you all better 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOMixyv9YwS
get ready." Mrs McDonell sounded excited as she closed the door behind 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8oFYWLE5nY
Eric and soon left for the kitchen.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLhnFLHfloc
"She sounds so excited, have you noticed?" Leo asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJRjIRt6DPA
"Isn't she always excited?" Eric asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTP5wlkXsk
Leo chuckled. "You should rather be sarcastic than funny."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvQZzwslYC6
"I know. Before I go up to my room, let me go say hi to grandma. And Angel."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmfzssNZRVE
Eric ran off to the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5tk9ZJPFFo
other side of the foyer leading to the hall where Angel and Amanda's 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNkSroZ2wNh
room were. Leo couldn't help but think Eric was acting childish.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ83evWvGgjx
Just as he was about to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRqR29LJW3D
walk up to his room, there was Carly, at the top of the stairs looking 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBcdagZXOBh
down at him. He paused for a minute as he looked at her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWpaO7EsqvK
"Wow," he said in awe.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx0lWmCwOqe
Carly smiled. "You like?" she asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6kAVLi4Ms
Leo bit his lip. "Definitely. Why wouldn't I?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGoIXKKi3kr
Carly wore a lovely black flared sleeveless dress that reached almost way above her knees. She also wore matching high heels.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZA1jiN61Pe
"Are you going somewhere?" Leo asked as she slowly made her way down the stairs. "I've to say, you look lovely."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeGS27znQL
"Thank you," said Carly 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrintrNHJtL
with her lovely red painted lips raised up into a smile. "I'm not going 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVcncVQS4jG
anywhere." She slowly continued her way down the stairs.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDrg0mlpLRw
"Then what's the occasion?" Leo couldn't take his eyes off of her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN3SsgYUPSY
Carly stood on the last step, close to Leo. The two looked at each other with so much intent.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzS2VdEs9qm
"Hasn't your mother told you?" Carly asked. This time she gave him a questioning look.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7ZCUQum1qf
"Told me what?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaSMmXuWMJF
"Well, you two have no shame," said Angel who appeared in the foyer.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz1XHi5enHD
Carly almost jumped by 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡj9GWUND6mj
her voice, thinking that it was Leo's mother. She relaxed when she 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOfm2Lj9eaY
realised that it was only Angel. Leo, however, didn't seem frightened at830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGy3Pda8Qwg
all.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGzooaPsvLF
"You almost scared me to death," said Carly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbRrbhKzIwH
"I should be doing that more often," said Angel. She had come in from the living room in her wheelchair.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdpigHLqymg
"You know this is also my house, right?" Leo asked as he looked at Angel. "So you better take back what you said."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvBVK7v89Ac
"Why should I?" Angel 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRdF9cqvmhO
shrugged her shoulders. "If you two don't want anyone else finding out 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNJZlVMif7i
about your relationship, then you shouldn't be seen so close to each 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡy43IZXcQHg
other, don't you think?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmTeaI3bIZn
The two lovebirds didn't know what to say, and they didn't have to because Eric soon appeared into the foyer.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUBGQqjNRG4
"Angel, I was looking for you," said Eric excitedly as he ran to hug her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1KMcOraPe3
"Hi, Eric," said Angel giving him a smile.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa7lORoewtL
"Wow, Carly, you look really nice," said Eric as he looked at her. "Did you go shopping today?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡothvslQvYB
"I went shopping with your mum," Carly replied as she blushed.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNH6ZNGeULB
"You look really pretty." Eric smiled at her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3K2XKtZCai
"Thank you, Eric."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKjHmLyDD47
"I was just asking her 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYFl2ybXnbU
what the special occasion is for her to be dressed like this," said Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ862aHD0kPV
"And she told me that we will be having a guest over."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMjeSbzd7gF
"Oh, really?" Eric asked. "Aunt wasn't joking then? Who is it?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR5TuiYjHTw
"Well, you won't believe this if we tell you but..." Carly was soon interrupted.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡez1lJfIa2U
"Leo," said Amanda as 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡygRykxNIPn
she came into the foyer. "I was wondering why you didn't come to see me 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7tK6G3GGe4
like your cousin did. Well, now I see why."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyD7O1Pgp5V
Leo turned to look at his grandma and went over to hug her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡniVnOrOPtw
"How are you, granny?" Leo asked after hugging her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡReACJu7ohm
"Never better," Amanda replied with a smile. "I see you four are all trying to get along. That's nice."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSRHhKe6pzP
"Yes, we are," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiKgNOwslf
"Good. Well, you two men830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡI32gLWX5WQ
better get yourself ready for supper. Your mother will be furious if 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsPm1w0NPps
you don't since she's having a guest over."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTjzg7lcAmK
"Who could it be, granny?" Eric asked. "Carly was just about to tell us when you came in."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8Qxn3aKQR
"Let's not ruin the surprise. Go, go now. You've to get ready."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiGMHmNJaAK
Leo and Eric didn't say 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIpcTc0hOeJ
anything as they quickly obliged to their grandmother's request and went830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuyuQWDLU0I
up the stairs. When the two were out of earshot, Amanda turned to look 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfHdhmq96d
at Carly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSlj2miiIdu
"I know what you're thinking," said Carly as she looked at Amanda. "I wasn't going to say anything about Kim."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzeOF6XELyj
Amanda gave her a smile.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDFz7kmWDwz
"I know. But you had to be careful. If you did tell Leo Kim was coming 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCExytrHQm
over, he was going to walk straight out that door."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡErxUYb8dVk
"I know." Carly couldn't help but blush.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXdXEAvGXy
"I hope all goes well tonight," said Angel. "I've a feeling this isn't going to end pretty."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhkeylibGQ
"Me too," said Amanda.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrpmuGo5BQI
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.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDcRkAJykMl
"Evening, Carly," said Mr McDonell. "May I say, you look lovely tonight."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWMdEjMxATh
"Thank you," said Carly as she closed the door behind him.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ98AK0OU9LS
"Evening mother, evening Angel."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5H1iRBzogQ
Both Amanda and Angel greeted him at the same time.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBx3yYQYKgT
"May I have a word with you in the study?" Amanda asked her son.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRFTiAfIOMK
"Right now? Is it really that urgent?" Mr McDonell asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSufQItYTqe
"Yes and it can't wait."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkppxrvUznB
Amanda already started her way back down the hall she came from but 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcB1vJH4F6Y
this time heading to the study. Mr McDonell had no choice but to follow.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKUOtbvim9i
"Could it be that she wants to talk about his wife bringing Kim here?" Carly asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtSswbrZMVf
Angel looked at her 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi4OViwlHqa
sister. "I wouldn't dwell on that thought if I were you," she replied. 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGTqWLqE4kJ
Angel didn't have to think twice about what the two would be talking 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMcoLHKgfKl
about.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLU9ck0O2CW
In an hour's time, 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWstBJfDRSg
dinner was close to being set on the table. Carly and Angel were in the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT5G0pzXsay
living room watching the 8 o'clock news. The house help soon started 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡR7pOHlFXbI
bringing out dishes of different cuisines from the kitchen and into the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEc9zTCjGaT
dining room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVCkgPYg9Va
"To be honest, Angel, I feel really nervous," said Carly feeling uncomfortable on the couch.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiroRQWHkFv
"If you're worried about Kim, please don't show it," said Angel.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcQTa4j5p6P
"I'm not going to."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWZRxQMs4nS
"Well, you better change that facial expression. Because it completely shows."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtXfCNdI9kB
"Really?" Carly asked as she touched her face thinking that it would help change her expression.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4idWgDwz9z
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.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoWNVpYcOjp
Oliver soon appeared in the living room and came to sit right next to Carly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGAVobHisP4
"Hey, Oliver," said Angel. "Are you done with your homework?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuxDXo5KDxU
"Homework, seriously, on a Friday?" Oliver looked at Angel with a surprised look on his face.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiAFt4bdqAk
"What's wrong with doing830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhBPMzZsMqT
your homework on a Friday? You might have the whole weekend, but you 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ05r4eZTlk0
won't do your homework because you will be out having fun. And then you 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXHTmSfSMn
will end up doing your homework on a Sunday evening."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡREoyEH6ho1
"I know what you mean. But it's so hard to do my homework on a Friday because everyone is so busy."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7qnqaAJoSd
"That, little man, is so830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcbxHTll9zP
not true," said Eric as he came into the living room. He had taken a 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaddiQa6sua
shower and changed his clothes for the evening. "I always have free time830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwv9tmMOwqq
for you on a Friday."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf2WMkZcfqf
"Come on, Eric," said Angel. "Let the little man, speak. He might be telling the truth."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE4ZCe9UkgE
"Please don't take his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH2YTR8f700
side, Angel." Eric came to stand right behind Angel on her wheelchair. 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVPj6Nb8Ezv
"The guy isn't as innocent as you think."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKp0Wlt5M8
"Okay, let me finish talking to him about his homework first. Then you can air out all your views about him."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEbgIqUUNkj
"Don't listen to a word he says about me," said Oliver, pointing at his brother.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgvfddOZmTS
"Okay, okay, you two," 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxdjkUEGMgo
said Angel trying to calm the two brothers down. "Now, Oliver, I think 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxOdRNXkier
it's best you work on your homework on a Friday so that you don't have 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYraqKehom0
to struggle so much on Sunday."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡko03z8OBiT
"Will you help me then?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsbLsHPCNS
Angel gave him a smile. "After dinner."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡn8hNqXo63K
"Then we can watch a Friday night movie in the home movie theatre. How does that sound?" Eric asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKXBZ0xUXbB
"You guys have your own home movie theatre?" Carly asked looking at Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZckfACRerH
"Ya," Oliver answered 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFz5yHxeUI8
excitedly. "My brother, Leo and I usually have a movie night on Fridays.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgMN3X7gKAF
Would you ladies like to join us?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxI30O8OoYY
"Oooh, charming," said Carly. "Of course we would, wouldn't we, Angel?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0z9FQ7f24t
"Definitely," Angel replied. "But after he does his homework."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJfMR3HfUah
"Deal," said Oliver as he gave Angel a smile.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK8byCrNa0t
"Is everyone here?" Mrs McDonell called out as she appeared into the living room, coming in from the foyer.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdPvdh6A5xf
"What do you mean, aunt?" Eric asked. "Everyone is around."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjmY5UZNvv
"And what about your uncle, has he arrived?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFU9uO0w0fM
"Yes, he arrived some minutes ago," Angel replied.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzDZjoXQA6b
"And where is he?" Mrs McDonell asked giving Angel a glare.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6JIJJuwHQB
"He went to the study with Amanda. She insisted that they go and have a talk."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6h8lVJfYY
Mrs McDonald raised an 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisPEUJiHwe
eyebrow thinking over what Angel had just said. Angel could tell that 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ129IM2abKV
Mrs McDonell was thinking twice , obviously wondering if Amanda was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSNmEwZN24C
talking to her son about his wife.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwj5J5738z
"Are we going to have supper now?" came Eric's mother coming from behind Mrs McDonell. "I'm starving here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoaR8fifE2L
"Same here, mum," said Oliver. "And the food smells delicious from here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi37WDRrs5z
"Don't worry, our guest will be here soon and then we can have our supper," said Mrs McDonell.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlmuvRhYmMo
"I wonder who it is," said Eric. "Because the way I see it, it must be someone important."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaEukOmFv1o
Angel looked up at Eric 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BssNbGONp
and she was glad that he wasn't looking down at her. She had that 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡe0PumQSekX
worried look on her face because she knew that their guest was someone 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsQLY2kNiun
Eric and especially Leo weren't in good terms with at the moment.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmmEaEcmFfY
They soon heard a sound of a vehicle and the sound of tires on the asphalt outside. Could that be their visitor?830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtQWXDs8ash
"Ah, she's here," said Mrs McDonell excitedly as she went for the front door. Diana quickly went to join her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzs2ESvQTat
"It's a she?" Eric asked. "I hope it's not one of those old famous ladies."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl9l2A1t7QI
Angel rolled her eyes. "You wouldn't like it if was anyone younger," she thought to herself.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo0ICZgCP8
"I wonder why aunt is so excited," said Oliver. "This must be one very important person."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSUlvAnwsP4
"Maybe in her life, yes," said Carly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxIAQxXkqCM
"I have to see this for myself," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX0FAXUyksc
Before he could even head out of the living room, he stopped as he looked into the foyer. He was shocked for words.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD43Dxk31fs
"Eric, are you okay?" 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaLzydZPZk8
Oliver asked as he noticed his brother stand still like a statue. He 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgpUlcXql4S
soon turned towards what his brother was looking at and he too remained 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK5IB7VHG2C
shocked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtsoojq9wSe
The two sisters knew the830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4C3UOSRJf9
worst had finally come. They both turned to the foyer and there in 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo7y1W5uQ81
lovely short purple dress was the most beautiful looking lady they had 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKCHVUqI3X
ever seen.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ66oVt7Ro4q
Kim stepped in to the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8ByD8mseb
living room with Mrs McDonell who had a huge grin on her face. It was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5fJsDQX15J
obvious that her plan of getting Kim into the house with Leo still 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB3KlrJ7GEZ
around, worked. Diana remained behind in the foyer with a scared and yet830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7c81hq1px9
surprised look on her face. She soon left the foyer, heading upstairs.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUwJCoSrRps
"Look who is here to see us after such a long time," said Mrs McDonell. She couldn't be any more happier.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLsE0opEIIR
"Hi, Eric," said Kim as she gave him a dreamy look and a charming smile. "How have you been?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWnOxNIz7I6
Eric cleared his throat then said, "I'm great. It's been a long time, Kim."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡey6FyceOCF
"It really has. It's good to be back here. Hey, Oliver, how are you?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYPHM5GaeF9
"I'm fine, thanks," said830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DUBVAqR55
Oliver and he quickly went to looking at the TV screen as though 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2hQ9w4ruWK
something had captured his eye when it was only just the eight o'clock 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡElDKdtnLVi
news.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYQ4VIpe4P
"Before I forget my manners, let me introduce to the Barclay sisters, Angel and Carly," said Mrs McDonell.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW2bscIz5Ai
Carly stood up from her seat and walked over to Kim with a smile on her face.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnv7lNhaXyS
"I'm Carly," she said as she stuck out her hand. "Nice to meet you."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS6rBoflSlg
"The pleasure is mine," said Kim as she shook Carly's hand.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM93noSR4uU
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.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhOq9uzUYgX
"And this is my older sister, Angel," said Carly introducing her sister to Kim.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVtEGs7WDYO
"Nice to meet you, Angel," said Kim giving Angel a smile.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ07jOeEWi6x
"Nice to meet you too," Angel replied.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp6cetywQQA
"Where is Leo?" Kim asked as she turned to look at Mrs McDonell.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeyQw3onU57
"He's just freshening 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡh7ii36VJaf
up," said Mrs McDonell. "He will be down here shortly. Why don't you 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs1d1SRnXmT
take a seat while I go and tell the rest that you're here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0strrjsCV4
"There's simply no need 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ424TvOXZ7i
for that, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he came into the foyer with 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeVKruCLEl
Amanda, pushing her wheelchair. "We are already here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA6lpW5Sm3h
"Aren't you excited that Kim is here?" Mrs McDonell smiled at her husband.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnCa2sR0v9J
Mr McDonell looked caught in between answering her or not. He quickly turned to look at Kim to greet her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡu6iydOqUd5
"How are you, Kim?" he asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡctrgIin1pO
"I'm good. It's really nice to see you again. Hi, Amanda, how are you?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB5HiSeRXWt
Amanda put up the kindest smile. "I'm great and how are you?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYCWHtCGM5o
"Never better."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrkvRiGD5Bj
"You take a seat. I'll go and call Leo," said Mrs McDonell.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUaeWPIbySI
"Let me freshen up real quick," said Mr McDonell and he quickly turned around to leave.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZUSBXXs7Vi
Kim went over to the couch and took a seat. She sat on the couch close to where Angel sat on her wheelchair.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7OQ0Tp6e4O
Mrs and Mr McDonell left830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQQyjHvJ1uX
the living room. For a moment, everything felt a little awkward, now 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY6mSeWvYCI
that Kim was here. Eric scratched the back of his head as he came to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnbVg4PEwmq
settle down on the couch with his little brother. Carly came to join the830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRCxlKnsxCu
two and Amanda rolled herself over and settled right next to Angel.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNHEcqGI1w
For a moment, there was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcoKXRGQWDt
silence as most people in the living room fixed their eyes on the TV 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡawh2QYO0W7
screen, except for Kim who kept looking at each and everyone of them 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFSByGlW6oB
present, trying to see who she could start a conversation with.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNufhDJTck
"I haven't seen you in a while, Eric," said Kim. Eric looked at her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JIvoCxZgN
"Ya, we kind of fell out after all that had happened," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh8ZWZe9Ev
"I know. It's pretty much normal on your part. I was a little surprised with Leo though."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkAyjXGNqkv
Everyone all turned their heads at Kim, including little Oliver. They all waited for her to continue with what she had to say.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtuPYDmfUcf
"I know about the 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHmZeh64OZj
accident, Angel," Kim continued. "And on behalf of Leo, I apologise 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG4HaZzivuf
since I didn't get the chance to when it all happened. I didn't even 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW0Bdtzyn9Q
know you were staying with the McDonells until I was told by Leo's mum."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7Pz8w3Ws5u
Angel said, "all that 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCvfEA0d9d8
was nothing but an accident. I've moved on. If I really wanted to, I 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS4BQMzSsQW
would have sued Leo, but I know how pointless all that would have been."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhy1zHtuwqi
Carly looked at her 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNUTtCsZMFD
sister, wondering why she said that last bit of suing Leo. All this 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1zOZwHjce
looked really confusing to her. It felt like someone was trying to play 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9VRXpGd1R5
the other here, or was Carly simply imagining things?830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ933cWEU2YE
"But I still can't seem to put one thing together though," said Kim as she looked up at the ceiling.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAkbx5F38ou
Eric, Angel and Carly 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLAUvQPzcek
all held their breaths. What was she going to say now? Was she going to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnKsKkqfuuh
link the Barclay sisters to Leo's decision of calling off their 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoLMgqn5tS0
engagement?830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPoBnVittv6
"I wonder why you and 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAyJURm8CWT
Leo went out that day, Eric," said Kim as she went back to looking at 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSQKnV1eFBQ
him. "What were you possibly doing anyway?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocCQRTRVM4
Oliver gave his brother a funny look.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeeMSPdX9ho
"He wanted to go out for fresh air and we did," Eric replied. "We didn't know the accident would happen."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxFidWkwvlw
"All that was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRR2hiY3V7a
unpredictable, dear," said Amanda. "I don't know why you're bringing all830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuUX4ldX2Af
this up again when it has gone and passed. If you're trying to figure 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQl5DeX5iB
out why Leo left you, it's best you ask him yourself."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJDTdtxdVnO
"You know I tried that, Amanda," said Kim. "And just like always, he never gave me a straight up answer."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCwuQRtDn1q
Amanda gave Kim a mocking smile. "Well, that's definitely like Leo, alright."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgi8tiOC2s8
Kim could tell that Amanda was just making fun of her. So she went back to looking at Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVFVV7YBRfp
"So, how is work?" Kim asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡc1cKaYe4zy
"Work is fine and tiring as usual," Eric answered.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡB7wweB8kmB
"That's good to hear." Kim went on to look at the stairs. "I wonder what's keeping the others so long."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtKChix5Gq
As soon as she said 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdEO33IFgp
those words, footsteps were heard coming down the stairs. And just by 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNLmHrzt3dp
the sound, you could tell that they weren't happy steps.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ22HLRtpdlK
"Leo, wait a minute," Diana called out to him by the stairs.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2kUj8N2uFT
Leo had already reached the bottom stair and went straight to the living room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDsiMOkPKL8
"What's going on here?" Leo asked as soon as he appeared in the living room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPzoaTjWP21
Amanda winced. Eric 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKllU0Mk1te
couldn't help but scratch his head. Carly looked the other way as she 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlzzssdi6Vh
played with her hair. Oliver didn't face Leo's direction, as though he 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQExH3kAUOm
was avoiding watching a bad scene of a horror movie. Angel however, 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVGomBrmeIj
looked on waiting to see how all this would play out.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzKDNqW507U
Kim slowly stood up from the couch. "Leo, how are you?" she greeted.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7jfsgNWpVP
There was silence in the room except from Diana's footsteps as she came down the stairs and in to the living room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUc1izgqNQM
"I was fine the time I came home," he answered. "And now I'm not."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnqcHQ0Jga
"Leo, calm down, 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGV6L97hBLR
please," Diana strongly insisted as she held his shoulder. "Your mum 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoFNIfceYKz
isn't going to like the way you're talking to her."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqDihmnkbZA
"She invited her here, did she?" Leo turned to look at his aunt.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYkdZpMMdz
Diana shrugged her shoulders. "She never told me anything. But I'm guessing by her happy mood, she obviously did."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5AXBg67CkW
Leo turned to look at Kim. "Did mum ask you to come here?" he asked her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpyCgx5I6bR
"She did," Kim answered. "But all this was only so that I could see the family after such a long time."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ879kZT93D6
Everyone had a puzzled 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYJMaZxMelN
look on their face as they turned to look at Kim, except Leo. It was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAnAcsOLs2M
clear with the way she spoke to them before Leo came in that she was 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL7aweJyOIt
here just to get a chance to see and talk to Leo. No one objected to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQiXjqcH8Q
what she said. She and Leo were having a conversation and no one felt 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJ2TBrRphs
like butting in because you were only going to get burnt.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5egswpSXNi
"I don't believe you," said Leo. "Grandma, did you know she was coming here?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgA2lbW0cPC
Amanda looked up at Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL0JDMIRkyK
"I knew, she answered. "But your mum told me not to tell you because 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC2lGkvuW9W
you would freak out the way you're doing right now."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg1v8WnEIA4
"She knew you would run, that's why," said Diana. "That's definitely what your mother would do."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq3C3JRv7Yc
Leo rolled his eyes and looked irritated. "Where is she?" he asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfl2pemNMTB
"She will be down shortly," said Amanda, who had a worried look on his face.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbgNIwlUMj
"I need her here right now."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL3oRu0IhOr
"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.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf6HY4FpPtu
"There's no need." Leo looked calm and cool, but you could tell from his voice that he was really on edge.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOqIyiDcSCK
Mr McDonell soon came down the stairs and when he came in the living room, he felt the tension in the air.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXsogSBIyDy
"Did I miss something here?" Mr McDonell asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJVbKzHnHNW
"You came just in time," said Amanda. "Leo is not happy."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzrk8uZyivw
Mr McDonell only shook his head and approached his son from behind.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtols8rbtgQ
"Leo, can we talk?" Mr McDonell asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡplqiqkXWWs
"Why should we?" Leo asked as he looked at his father.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbtxgKKbQyu
"Let's go," Mr McDonell insisted. "It will do you some good. Before your mother comes here."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDZw7veM9xu
Leo nodded his head and 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUeyFgu9xQr
followed his father out of the living room heading to the study. Just as830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQk1C7GPKup
they disappeared down the other end of the hall, Mrs McDonell came down830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbWOlOkEcFf
the stairs and went in the living room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9L3lIxrvkP
"No sign of Leo yet?" Mrs McDonell asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTB3ay9kV75
"If you looked around the room more carefully, you would see the burning imprint of where he stood on the carpet," said Amanda.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU997KZXWnp
Mrs McDonell sighed. "Amanda, please stop talking in riddles," she said. "Was he here or not?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvi2zOpuAJ2
"He was and he wasn't happy," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDBOv8BxdDw
"Did he leave?" Mrs McDonell looked worried.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡONJilHs23H
"If you mean the house, no," said Diana. "He followed his father to the study."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIrMTCEBvNe
Mrs McDonell turned around heading for the study.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0wT31GLMmX
"I think I should leave," said Kim. "It really shows that Leo isn't happy to see me."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmqMlgRyn9y
"Oh, no, please, stay," 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiaYYforuCN
said Amanda, yet she didn't sound sympathetic about it. It almost 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcv29n5OTLh
sounded like she was making fun of her.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFQvRy25Bsm
"Oh, no, I'm good. I shouldn't have agreed to come here in the first place."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuzChX2zwE4
"No, don't leave yet," 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHidEVW1v41
said Diana. "You're Bertha's guest and she isn't going to be happy if 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFgAvcC2Rx1
you leave. Come with me to the patio, you need a little bit of air."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV8IMDbVKTr
"Yes, I guess so."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNU6NpoBo1r
Kim joined Diana and the two left for the patio.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo8mBmfQL7G
"I knew this was going to happen," said Amanda.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFt3eAA0VF2
"I would blame Leo for this," said Angel. "He's supposed to act mature. Not like a child."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZorSEBnv9d
"I behave more maturely than he does," said Oliver.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0INlCL9W1z
"I know you do." Angel smiled at the young boy.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFqW53QbqMJ
"I agree with you, 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUHt9nxjAmP
Angel," said Eric. "I know he broke up their engagement, but it doesn't 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKP4ipOsy2N
mean he has to treat her that way as though she has done something 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrSzLGhvNHf
wrong."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlaksYmuhkV
"I kind of feel bad for her," said Carly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkvbNxI9m3u
"Leo has always been 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK0RXAPbtVb
like a child," said Amanda. "And I hate to admit, though I don't like 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeSXSEinByf
Kim very much, what Leo is doing to her is awful."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU3FSK4OqGO
"It's not anything new that you don't like her, granny," said Eric.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8TRbvWF5nl
"I know. But Bertha also830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7IOsQJq5NY
did the wrong thing here. She knows Leo's actions towards Kim would be 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1P9nsnkQT
brutal but she still wanted Kim to come here. She obviously wants them 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5KOYax6tcp
to get back together."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjUjEXFaHF3
"There's no doubt about 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmMp1ZtMjsj
that," said Angel. "But Leo should be more of a gentleman. He shouldn't 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8cQsIsrFZ6
treat her that way. Now I wonder how he broke up with her. Must have 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbfi6EaHXB
been terrible."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ15XiHlLeFo
"You should tell him that," said Eric as he smiled at Angel. "Maybe he will listen to you."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHTLTxd3qdc
"He's a gentleman when 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuOz136ZR2A
he wants to be. But towards Kim, I don't know why he acts like that. He 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPCOt3MS6oo
loved her once, you know," said Amanda.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡivDixW6RAL
"Like madly in love with her?" Carly asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡP05QCnr0Cl
"Maybe during their 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf9DOuGRabx
first years of their relationship. But I never approved of her then, and830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBVzT2NigG2
if they were ever to get back, I still wouldn't."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSVRUSAaLJ6
"Are they going to get back soon?" Oliver asked as he looked down the hall. "I'm hungry."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCbIuhRjG1c
"Why don't you get a 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhMhjtcULSv
little snack from the kitchen?" Amanda suggested. "You wouldn't want to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2R6NTgFliV
die in this ugly war full of big people problems." 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡADarElBeer
While the others waited in the living room, there was a serious talk in the study room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjsx2EKoPkd
"I'm begging you, Leo, can you at least act mature for once?" Mr McDonell asked Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMVkmpHFLfF
"Why should I?" Leo asked as he folded his arms.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVP4JDmH4wd
"Because she is my guest," Mrs McDonell answered. "That's why."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzVz0mNUvVT
"I wonder why you even bought her here when you know she and I aren't on good terms with each other."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2BHjrZWzM5
"Why do you treat her like she did something wrong to you? This isn't the Leo I know."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5FYPySyck7
"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."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3Cyhm8SfQg
"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."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx5r0vNveJ4
"I did talk to her face 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSjU10mlSRr
to face to break off our engagement, but she still kept on calling and 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKsd7UUlPxm
calling afterwards," said Leo. "You see, that's being too clinging."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡG7qqcmGi6e
"And did you ever give a reasonable explanation as to why you wanted to break up?" Mr McDonell gave Leo a look. "Did you?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3aEol2HKkW
"I told her that it didn't feel right anymore to be together and that we had to break off our engagement."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1AKdjiGMof
"Well, that's not a 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLCMjdwFh4l
clearcut answer to me," said Mrs McDonell. "There has to be a simple 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6NxVUax47h
reason or else she wouldn't be calling you all the time."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJguURy7un
"Mum, I have my reasons," said Leo sternly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHhNTpEdMfF
"But it still doesn't 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBtSqXBFqHK
add up and your mother is right," said Mr McDonell. "I never wanted to 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ1jZf4IV2f
ask you why you broke up with Kim because I know you don't like to talk 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6PvLW15Vw
about such things. But now I'm starting to wonder what's really going 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrOyLKjwyQO
on."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz3MRvIf1xL
Leo felt cornered. His 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpH4VtBHPeH
parents were good at making him spit out the truth whenever they wanted 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAa2tMzd8Ar
it. And he didn't feel ready to tell them that he fell in love with 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡERgA1eKywk
someone else.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1vwaK5Rubt
"It's nothing," said Leo. "I just fell out and it didn't feel right any more."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡt7uyl7w7iY
"Well, you fell out of it too quickly," said Mrs McDonell.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw0XAnR0ffT
"Is that why you brought her here? To change my mind?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRuq2hAvmrS
"Leo, calm down," said Mr McDonell. "And you, Bertha, why didn't you tell me that you were inviting Kim over?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXvp9m88F8d
"Don't tell me that you don't like her too," said Mrs McDonell almost looking disappointed.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnnptbL0pZC
"I have always liked 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjlGTrcofIn
Kim. But why you didn't tell me about this is what I want to know. You 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUUWW8cPxC0
knew that your son broke up with her and it hasn't even passed a good 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb55pfnwCwz
period of time for them to try and ease off the pain. And now, you just 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4TXJGsVtru
opened up old wounds."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4iHuj34Y9R
"I'm sorry, I should have told you but I wanted it to be a surprise."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp7dqj1vZLR
"A surprise or a way of getting her and I back together?" Leo asked.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ48BhA820mV
"Bertha, stop," Mr 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH5RLFMREvf
McDonell raised his hand beside his wife could even speak. "You two are 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCK83N3UJuP
just going to argue like you always do and I'm not going to allow that. 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCUgxXMFHin
Not when we have a guest in the house."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFuMMTRXpwf
"I'm glad you consider Kim our guest, hon," said Mrs McDonell sweetly.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS0Ktj3viQh
"That's because you 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWToH2eHFtK
bought her here and you left me no choice. Leo, I'm begging you, just 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFL0xOmxUns
for this one night, let go of your anger or whatever it is you have 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0qnUEL0vdJ
against Kim and have our dinner in peace. Can you do that for me?"830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSc9APP7AKP
Leo looked at his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRMimcy6mXL
father, then at his mother who gave him a look to go ahead with his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtIrjHUveyq
father's suggestion. He furrowed his eyebrows at her showing how angry 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAup1Y9Z8aI
he was. When he went back to looking at his father, he brought up his 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRaevFbmYL
calm demeanour.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJxZmfm3NbT
"For you, dad, I will," said Leo.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfDYkVc4Igw
Mr McDonell blew out a 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAljW2lAa01
sigh of relief. "Thank you, Leo. Though I do suggest you stop acting 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhxGVT2SaOO
like a child around her from now on."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiIDz7I1MxY
"I'll. In fact, I'll apologise to her right away."830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoQg6d3Zrer
"That's so sweet of you, dear," said Mrs McDonell but Leo ignored her as he quickly left the room.830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUAeirwYCvm
"You know, you've never 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfnLtji6aaW
been so good with surprises, Bertha," said Mr McDonell as he looked at 830Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpOvW3qj08s
his wife and slowly made his way out of the study.
