"And from there...?" I asked with the same annoyed tone as always. "well... home ." Arthur said not breaking his gaze from the view before him. " I hope she's dead when we get back." I smugged at the thought of never seeing that witch again. "That is still not a very nice thing to say, Asia," Arthur spoke out, his voice as soft as ever. I stood up, walking toward the cellarette to serve myself a glass of wine. "Oh I'm hurt, I didn't mean it like that." Sarcastic as ever. I took a sip of the delicious alcohol and continued," you make my words sound so picayune." That tint of ironic tease was clear in my voice as Arthur noticed. "Art, when we go back I need you to understand that everything I do is not selfish, but what is best for all." Saying this I was Back to my normal composed self. I am the type to be easily amused. This trip has been one of the best. I didn't want it to end, but like all good things, it must end for others to start. Going to Newyork was also not something I was very much pleased with. I was ready to show my discontent any day. Getting up from my seat, I climbed down the airstair. I was more than pleased to be here. The thought of moving quickly came to me, it pissed me off all the more. That old wretched woman. I'll never forgive her for this. I walked to Arthur who left the plane much earlier to check on stuff. Seeing me he left the flight attendant. "They're getting the things out. let's go, Paul will bring your stuff later." Arthur said knowing how tired I was after the flight. He also knew I didn't want to go home. A black Porsche 911 stopped right in front of us. A man probably in his thirties got out and handed the keys to Art. Greeting us afterward, then left. Arthur opened the passenger seat for me and I got in. Walking to the driver's seat he sped off. We didn't talk much on the ride home. I just closed my eyes and relaxed in my seat. Now talk of Art. It's Arthur but I call him Art, and he's rich. Richer than me. He has the best of the best. He comes from a rich Conservative family type who kept their net 1worth and life from the media. They're people you would see as 'ok' rich but will be holding unreleased Dior and priceless Cartier.

The gates to the estate opened and Arthur drove through. he stopped in front of the garage. I got out of the car and Art jumped out too. I took off my sunglasses and strode to the huge doors. I entered and looked around the room. It's changed a lot. They changed the decor and brought new paintings. It did look nice. At least she has good taste. I plopped herself on the comfortable-looking couch and immediately sunk into it. And it felt comfortable as it looked. "OK, I'm here, get down and let's get this done and over with." I yelled hoping she would hear. "why the rush? let's have lunch together." I looked up and saw her, Freya. Standing there, clutching the railings with those perfectly manicured hands of hers. she was beautiful and that annoyed me the more cause I couldn't insult her with that. And damn her, I hated that stupid little voice of hers. "I'd rather repeat last year's Christmas with the Archibalds." I said disgustedly." yeah it was really bad...I still remember Helen's furious annoyed face." she chuckled and continued."It was classic." I immediately sighed and asked "whatever, so when are you leaving Freya?" "next week." She replied. Well, she won't get to be around dad I thought to myself. that was great. "And dad knows I'm coming?" I asked to confirm. "Well, he's not there yet. His schedule is tight, so you'll see him on the weekend." I get to see him, which is great. work takes a lot of his time, and I understand that. "OK, I'm gonna go rest a little and get packing." I stood up from my seat and walked past Freya. Tearing my eyes away from her as the mere sight of her made me sick. "Asia, why did you come here? I mean why did you not fly straight to Newyork?" I stopped in my tracks and turned to her "Freya why do you always pry into my business?" her question annoyed me. "Because I care." That stupid voice made her sound so sincere, but I could see through her schemes. "These acts of yours are old Freya, find a new talent." I turn back to leave only to hear her say, "I want to go with you. She was my friend too." I grinned at her words. "Well that's the plain difference, you were her friend, I'm her f*cking daughter." "And Freya, please don't talk about her." After I said those words, I felt the tears threatening to fall. the real reason I came back to Washington is to see my mom's grave. Say goodbye to her, Argh like that's possible. I hated that Freya could talk about her like she didn't try to get with her husband moments after her death. I feel anger surging up every time Freya tries to act as concerned as my ever-loving guardian fairy. I took a deep breath and walked to Art he was standing at the door resting his back on the wall. Guess he's been there a while. "Good Afternoon Freya." Art greeted her. she replied with a quick 'Good afternoon 'and went upstairs." how long?" I asked Arthur once Freya was out of sight. "long enough to know last Christmas tops all the gatherings !"He chuckled and I couldn't help but join in. Art was the person I didn't have to explain things to. He just gets it. Arthur walked me to my room and left for his place. Guess we both needed the rest. He was extra on the trip which makes me feel kind of guilty. He's the best friend a girl could ask for. With these thoughts, I drifted to sleep.

I woke up in the dark. I quickly found the remote and switched on the light. The sudden brightness hurt my eyes and I winced a little. Checking my phone it was 8:52. I slept for almost five hours. 'school timetable' notification of a file with that tile was on the phone screen. I ignored it. Oh, Christ, I missed four calls from dad. Well, he sent a text. ' Hey Luv, you're probably exhausted. I just wanted you to know that everything is ready for you in Newyork. And sorry I have to cancel our plans but I'll see you during the weekend. also, your flight is at 3 pm. love you. take care.' "Argh" school. I dreaded it. I was going to be the new girl at a new place with people I probably won't like. Gosh, I hate this. My stomach started rumbling and that was my queue for food. I changed putting on a tank top and leggings then went downstairs. Everyone must be asleep because the place was quiet. I headed straight to the kitchen and found Martha taking something out of the oven. She was baking and it smelled amazing. She looked up and had this big smile on her face." My girl, they told me you're back I missed you so much." Was it me or were her eyes tearing up? She opened her arms and I couldn't resist, Martha gave the warmest hugs. "You might squash me one day," I said jokingly while smiling. "Then let it be now 'cause I missed you so much." we finally let go of each other. I missed her. "I went out to get some stuff, that's when you got home. when I got back Freya said you were resting." Martha said as she tucked back the strands of hair falling on my face. I scrunched up my face at the mention of that witch. "Don't spoil your pretty face, you stupid child." Martha smacked me on the head. I was about to whine but my stomach had a completely different plan as it rumbled again. Martha and I stayed silent for a while and then we both burst out laughing. "Sit down let me serve you, they starved you on that trip." She took the oven gloves off and I took a seat at the counter table. Martha brought out a plastic-covered bowl and put it in the microwave. she pressed a few buttons and said, "It's lasagna." "You knew I was coming," I said with a wide grin. Lasagna was my favorite and Martha made the best Lasagna. "The best for my perfect girl." And I couldn't help but smile all the more. "That's the million-dollar smile. And oh, Paul brought your things I'll take care of them tomorrow." She continued "I'll miss you, Martha." I let out a sob. "No nos arruinemos con lágrimas niña estúpida," Martha said scolding. She patted my head and continued "and I baked cookies to take with you. half of them is for Arthur." "He's leaving tomorrow," I said. "That boy must be really tired, college must be taking a toll on him." Martha's words made my mind drift off to the past few days. Even vacation felt like he was taking care of me. He would make sure I ate well and got enough sleep. He didn't have much of a vacation huh?"He wanted this too" I said nonchalantly. "Asia?" I looked up at Martha when she called my name. "Has Arthur said anything?" "like?" I replied to her question with a confused one of my own. "OK, I think Arthur likes you." I went deaf silent for a few seconds then burst out laughing. I think everyone heard it cause it was really loud. Martha just stared not surprised at my behavior and my deranged despised laughter. "It doesn't matter what you do mi Amor, that boy likes you." She said shrugging. "Martha you're fifty-one, how it was in your time and now is different." "estimate, I see the signs, how he looks at you." she continued. "Martha people are sleeping, don't make me laugh." I stared. "And if Art did really like me, I'd probably kill him," I stated annoyed. "Well me encantaria verté case." She said without care, humming as she went to take out the cookie jars. "Martha por favor suficiente." Right then the microwave beeped. "The food I'm starving." She took out the lasagna and dished it. I immediately reached for the plate and thanked her. I took a big bite and started chewing. "And please can we stop now? You know my Spanish sucks." We both laughed uncontrollably. And at that moment I didn't care who heard or was disturbed. Cause that was the breath of fresh air I needed.