Jason stormed away down the hall, hearing his sister's door slam shut behind him. He scowled and rubbed the place on his arm where her projectile had hit. It didn't really hurt, but he wasn't too happy about being assaulted this early in the day. He pulled up his sleeve slightly and checked his watch... 11:16. Their parents would be back soon. Undoubtedly, by then Claurice would have freshened up, put on a phony smile, and be chipper and ready to greet them. They would be none the wiser.
Jason paused in front of one of the glass cases in the hall. Inside, there were some chipped stone figures and tools--part of Father's collection--but his gaze was on his faint reflection in the glass. He ran a hand nervously through his light brown hair, noticing that he needed to get it highlighted again. Everything seemed in order.
Order... that was something he never seemed to have. Father and Mother traveled constantly, trusting him to keep the house running while they were gone for God knows how long. Claurice had been kicked out of two academies earlier in her life, and now the sixteen-year-old was tutored each week day by a series of hired professors. Her habits hadn't changed, however... nearly every night she snuck out of the house to drive to clubs and parties, driving her red sports car at breakneck speeds, no doubt. If their parents were ever home more than a few days a month, they might have noticed. As it was, they were oblivious. It was only in an effort to keep the peace that Jason covered for Claurice. Some peace and quiet... an uneventful day... that was all he would ask for. The day had barely started, and Jason was already stressed.
Suddenly, there was a scurrying of the servants and a commotion a few floors down. Jason peered over the marble railing along the other side of the hall and saw below him a stream of luggage and boxes being carried. Then, his parents appeared, Mother in a dress, shawl and sun hat and Father in a neatly pressed ensemble.
"Hello!" His mother called. "Jason! Claurice!"
"Mother, you're back!" Claurice's falsely gay voice echoed down the hall. She jogged past Jason, giving him a shove as she went. Grinning ear to ear, she began trotting down the stairs to greet their parents. Jason sighed and followed.
Background from Absolute Background Textures Archive. Storyline and characters created by and copyright © Rachel "Indyana" Gratis, 2001-2004. Dragon from Veniam Mactare.