Joe was seething on the walk home from school. For the first time in weeks neither Sam or Fred had to stay after school so they were able to walk home together, but right now Joe was too pissed off at Fred to enjoy the company.
"I'm telling you I didn't cheat on her." Fred said for the fifth time.
"You went on a date with another girl, Fred." Joe said through gritted teeth. "Or was Jodie just lying about that?"
"Well...no," Fred pulled his hat lower on his head. "But it wasn't a date date. I told you guys and her that I was just helping out a guy from my team. He likes this girl, but she wouldn't go out with him unless he found her a date for her cousin."
Sam raised an eyebrow. "Oh yeah? Then what about you and San-Li? You guys flirt like non-stop."
"Are you serious?" Joe turned to look at him. "Fred, she's a psychopath!"
"She's not a psychopath." Fred and Sam said at the same time.
There was an awkward pause and Joe just looked at the both of them like they were nuts. Fred was one thing, but he thought Sam was smart enough to stay away from San-Li. But then again they had that weird bond contract thing that forced Sam to assist her whenever she commanded.
"Anyways," Fred mumbled. "San-Li and I are definitely just friends. She's like a dude with boobs to me."
"Can we please get back to the fact that you're cheating on my great grand daughter?" Joe huffed unlocking his front door. "Cause I'm still pretty mad about-"
Joe stopped short when he opened the door and was greeted with beautiful and intricate piano music. A slow smile spread across his face. He knew that it couldn't be anyone else but Fina playing something so amazing. He signaled the others to be quiet and they made their way through the house and into the sitting room. The music smoothly dissolved into a more upbeat jazzy tune. When they went inside though he saw that Fina was in her cat form and was sitting on Anna's lap and they were both listening contently. It was San-Li who was playing.
Anna noticed them and went to Joe's side.
"I came home from school and she was already here." She explained in a whisper.
"Wow," Sam said breathlessly with a small smile on his face. "I didn't know she could play piano."
The music stopped suddenly as San-Li disappeared and reappeared directly behind Sam.
"There's a lot you don't know about me." She whispered seductively making him jump.
He looked away blushing and she laughed at his embarrassment.
"What I want to know," Joe said irritably. "Is how you got into my house in the first place?"
"Oh relax," San-Li said going into his kitchen. "I was waiting for Sammy to get out of school. He still won't tell me where he lives."
"For good reason." Sam mumbled still blushing. "School is the one place I can get away from you."
They followed her into the kitchen and Joe started pulling out chips and soda while Sam set up his textbooks and homework binder. San-Li sat next to him eating out of a jar of Nutella and he made a show of not looking at her. As usual Fred went straight into the fridge and pulled out a cheese stick for himself.
"Are you serious, Fred?" Joe said angrily. "You cheat on my great grand daughter and you still think you get to eat my cheese sticks?"
"San-Li," Fred groaned. "will you please tell Joe that simply sitting next to someone in a movie theaters does not mean I'm cheating on my girlfriend?"
"It was a double date." Sam mumbled to San-Li. "He claims it was to help out a friend."
"Did you ask her permission before hand?" San-Li asked with her mouth full.
Fred rolled his eyes. "Pfft, like she would have said yes."
San-Li burst out laughing. "Fred, you're an idiot! That should have been your first clue."
Fred mumbled something under his breath and took a large bite out of his cheese stick. Joe looked over and watched Fina and Anna cut the brownies into little designs. He smiled to himself. It had taken a little while to get used to but he enjoyed having this many people in his house. Heck, he was didn't even mind having San-Li around sometimes.
The doorbell rang and Joe got up to answer it. He opened the door and his heart nearly stopped. Standing on his doorstep was honestly the most beautiful girl that Joe had ever seen. She had smooth chocolate brown skin and dark brown eyes. Her long hair hung down her back in elegant waves with a section pulled back in a tight bun to keep it out of her face. Joe noticed that she was also dressed pretty formally though, with a high waisted skirt, elegant blouse and a blazer, all in different shades of pink and purple. The girl gave him a small, confused smile and his heart melted.
" 'ello?" She said in a lilting French accent. "I am looking for Anna Arthur?"
"That's me, that's me!" Anna came up behind him and pushed him out of the way excitedly. "I'm Anna Arthur."
" 'ello Anna," The girl gave a small nod and held out her hand. "My name is Joleena and I shall be your magic tutor."
Anna clasped her hand and shook it eagerly. "Oh my gosh this so awesome. Um, please come in."
She pulled Joleena inside and Joe could smell her perfume as she went by him. He opened his mouth to say something but she walked passed him without a glance. They walked into the living room together and Fina walked up to him.
"Joe?" she asked touching his arm. "Did you want any brownies before Fred eats them all?"
"Huh?" Joe blinked. "Um no, that's okay."
Fina shrugged and went back into the kitchen while he went into the living room. Anna was practically bouncing in her seat as Joleena snapped her fingers and a note book and ink pen appeared in a puff of glittery, purple smoke.
"Now Anna," Joleena said turning to a fresh page. "Before we begin may I have a glass of water please?"
"I'll get it!" Joe said eagerly before Anna could answer.
"Is that Jodie?" Fred asked nervously when he went into the kicten.
"What?" Joe had forgotten they were here. "Um, no. It's someone who says she's a magic tutor or something."
He quickly filled a glass of water, dropped a few ice cubes in it, and hurried back into the living room.
"Um, here's your water." Joe smiled.
"Merci." She said politely but barely glanced at him.
"Um, I'm Joe." He said holding his hand out a bit awkwardly. "I'm Anna's older brother."
Anna shot him a glare, but this time Joleena offered him a small smile. She touched his hand lightly and he felt a small spark go through him.
"Nice to meet you, Joseph." She nodded.
His smile grew and he gripped her hand a little more firmly. "Call me, Joe."
"Maybe we should move upstairs to my room." Anna said tightly glaring at Joe. "Maybe we'll get some privacy that way."
"I think Joleena would probably prefer to stay down here." Joe said returning her glare.
"Don't you mean you would prefer it if she stayed down here?"
"I'm just trying to be polite, Anna."
"Actually Joesph," Joleena said taking her hand out of his. "I think it is best if we move upstairs to Anna's room. We have a lot of work to do and I would hate to keep you from your guests."
"Guests?" Joe followed her gaze and saw everyone watching them from the kitchen door way.
They gave a small snicker before ducking back inside. Joe felt his face heat up from embarrassment, but Joleena gave a small giggle. Joe turned back to her and felt his stomach flip flop.
"Come on," Anna rolled her eyes and stood up. "Let's get out of here before my brother starts drooling."
"Yes." Joleena stood up but then gave Joe one last small, polite smile. "Until we meet again Joseph."
"Bye." Joe sighed staring after her as she disappeared up the stairs.
Anna followed behind her and stuck her tongue out at Joe.