A/N: Here's my new story! I hope that you all in enjoy it! If you want to know what part each character is playing just check on my profile.

"Ah! It's such a beautiful morning!" Karin had opened the windows to her tower room, breathing in the fresh air.

"Well, I better get a head start on breakfast and chores before Vivian wakes up."

Karin headed down the stairs while thinking to herself sadly; I can't believe it's been ten years today since Father died.

"Kariiin!!!"

Karin takes in a deep breath at the calling of her name from her stepsister Ami, who was in her room.

"Yes, Ami-Chan?"

"Where did you put my hair ribbons?"

"They should be in the top left drawer of your dresser." Karin puts down her Wisk, which she was using to stir the pancake batter to see if Ami needs help finding the ribbons.

Karin takes a step up the stair when Ami yelled, "Found them!"

Karin rolls her eyes. That Ami is always losing her place of things. She constantly gets lost in the supermarket. If it weren't for the kind people that she asks directions for, she would be on the other side of the world. Karin laughs to herself at the thought, while finishing the batter.

Knock. Knock.

"I'm coming in," Says Karin

Karin walks into her Stepmother's room carrying the tray of breakfast. Karin's mother had died giving birth to her and her father died of pneumonia when she was 7 years old. At age 4 Karin's father got married to Vivian Ivan adding a stepsister to Karin's life. He thought that Karin needed a mother figure. Vivian wasn't anything near a mother to Karin. As soon as her father died Vivian Hanazono inherited everything he owned, including Karin. Vivian turned Karin into their Household maid or other words her slave. Vivian never treated Karin as her daughter, so Karin never treated her as a mother. In public together was a whole different story. They were the perfect little family. Only those close to her in the town knew what she was really going on.

Vivian is a sophisticated, uptight woman. She always has her hair in a tight bun showing just a few gray hairs. She wore long sleeve shirts, long skirts, and high heels.

"Put the tray over there, Karin," Commanded Vivian.

"Yes, Vivian-Sama," Replied Karin.

Karin had learned over the years not to disobey her stepmother. The punishments could be anything from missing a meal to getting a whip lashing on her hands. The punishment that she hates the most is spending many nights in the dark basement, alone

"Is there anything else you want me to do?" Karin asked.

"No. That's all for now."

Karin turns to leave the room, but she stops, takes a deep breath, and faces her stepmother. Vivian notices Karin's action. She bookmarks the page to her book that she was reading before she closed it. Then she takes off her reading glasses and turns her attention to the girl standing in front of her with her head bowed. Karin eyes the rod by her side.

"What is it?" Vivian asked with a sharp, crisp tone.

Karin gulps to herself and says, "If it's alright with you, I was wondering if I could have the rest of the day off. I would still finish my chores and have dinner on the table tonight."

Karin waits for an answer. The silence causes her to hold her breath. Vivian knows that she only ask of this once a year. Karin has already learned over the years that she can't have holidays off. She hopes that Vivian is in a good mood. There has been years when Vivian would only let Karin have an hour to visit. The only time Karin goes to town was when she went shopping.

"Hm. It's already that day…How many years has it been?"

"It has been ten years."

"Ten years…that long I have had you in my custody and look at how you've grown…a fine, fine woman you are…. you may have your request, just make some tea before you leave."

"Yes and thank you."

Karin bows and turns around to leave the room. As soon as she closes the door Karin breathes a sigh of relief. I can't believe that she gave me all this time off. She never gives me this much time off! I wonder why...it's like she had something to do today that she didn't want me to bother her with...Ah Well! Karin hurries off to do chores while Ami enter her Mother's room after Karin left.

"Mom! Which ribbon would go better with my outfit?" Ami waits for an answer, but her Mother's back was turn away from her. "Mom?"

"Ami…Be a dear and go invite the Karasuma's to join me for tea. It's time to talk about the agreement."

"…...The agreement?"

"Yes. The agreement."

A/N: Bet ya'll can't wait to find out about the agreement! Please review! .

-Kountry101