The plane finally touched down in Paris. Matthew could only sigh, the busy streets of France's fine capitol held no interest to him. Yes, he was the son of a wealth businessman, but petty things like car or fashion were not him. At just a glance, he looked like any other person in his favorite maroon sweatshirt and baggy jeans, nothing like his brother and his designer jackets. I wonder how Alfred is doing now... He must hate it in England, he thought to himself. His younger brother was being sent away for the summer to rainy England for acting like an idiot and throwing a party in their parent's mansion.

Matthew was his father's first son, but for many years rumors spread like wildfire that he was an illegitimate heir to his father's company. Although in the end the rumors were proven untrue, but the damage was done to his reputation, he would never be as successful as his brother if he ever inherited their father's job. I'll never be as good as my brother... He already has me beat for father's love. He knew he wasn't the favorite son, but he would always try to be the perfect child in hope his father would notice him. He never was any trouble, but he would never be as good as Alfred in his father's eyes. Maybe Father will notice me now that Alfred has caused so much disgrace.

"You are now allowed to gather your things and exit the plan," the attendant's voice ripped him from his antagonizing thoughts.

I guess it's time... He sighed again and reluctantly got his carry-on bag from the bin above him.

He slowly left the plane and got his suitcase from the baggage lines. Gloom seemed to cling to him like a leech, sucking the life out of his body. Matthew slowly made his way out to the car that was waiting for him.

"Hello, sir. How was your flight?" The driver's accent was heavy, but understandable as he opened the door for Matthew and took his bags.

"It was fine," Matthew's voice was quiet and subdued, then he stepped into the car.

The driver put his bags in the trunk and slipped into the front seat. "That is good. The mistress has awaited your arrival for many days, she is very excited to see you."

"And I her... How is my dear aunt?" He stared glumly out the window.

"She stays mostly inside as the day of your mother's death draws near," the driver's voice was grave. "But I suppose she is fine."

"That's good..." He said quietly and clenched a fistful of the soft cloth of his sweatshirt.

Silence continue for the rest of the forty-two minute drive. Matthew watched the scenery slowly transform from expensive boutiques to houses and then to small farms every now and then, until there was nothing but rows of grapes passing him by. Or is it me passing them by... No, they grow much quicker than I do...Lucky them, they live such simple lives... Matthew shook his head. Stop that, you must be pleasant for Auntie.

"We are here." The driver pulled into the long driveway that was lined by tall trees. "Look, she's waiting for us."

Matthew looked up to see his aunt sitting in a chair on the large wrap around porch, golden light of the late afternoon painting the large house a warm amber. "She really is..." He was slightly surprised.

The driver pulled to a stop into the garage. "I'll get your bags, sir. Go visit the mistress, she will be very happy to see you."

He nodded. "Thank you for driving me." He swiftly stepped out of the car and nearly ran to meet his aunt.

"Mattie!" A familiar voice reached him before the small woman rounded the corner.

A wide smile spread across his face. "Auntie." He enveloped her into a hug, picking her up off the ground and spinning around.

She laughed, clinging to him tightly. "You've grown so big since I last saw you!"

He put her back down on her feet. "Well it was a long time ago when I last saw you."

"Yes, but now you're so much taller than me. I don't even reach your shoulder!" She pouted, her blue eyes sparkled with mischief.

The sharp blade of pain shot through his chest at how much she looked like his mother. "Yeah, you haven't changed one bit though."

She flipped her long blonde hair over her shoulder and stood tall, looking much like a queen. "I don't have to, perfection has already been achieved," she said playfully, an impish grin stretched across her delicate features.

Matthew snorted. "If you say so."

"Of course I say so!" She punched him in the shoulder lightly. "Oh, come on, you unruly child." She walked gracefully down the hallway.

He rolled his eyes and followed.

She led him to out to a small table filled with all kinds of cheeses and breads, a dark red wine already poured into glasses was set on the table by the butler. "Please sit and eat whatever you like."

He sat. "Thank you, Auntie." Matthew glanced around at the well-tended garden, the flowers in full bloom, showing off their bright colors. Butterflies wander from blossom to blossom, their fragile wings fluttering on the light breeze.

"Your mother would be proud to see how handsome you've become," His aunt said quietly.

"Would she really...?" Matthew swallowed around the lump in his throat.

"Yes. This is one thing I am sure of... Wasn't your brother suppose to be here with you?"

Matthew grimaced. "He was, but he cause some trouble... And that-" he paused, keeping himself from saying what he really thinking, "And our father's wife made sure he'd get sent away to England for the summer. Even though, she knew we had this trip to see our mother's grave planned for while now." He gripped the fabric of his pants, holding in the uncharacteristic anger bubbling in his chest.

Auntie frowned. "I never liked that woman. She's a witch that scooped up your father after your mother's death."

"Alfred never liked her... And if he didn't hate her before, he sure as hell hates her now," Matthew said, a resentful note finding its way into his voice.

She reached over and patted his hand. "Well let's not linger on her. The sunset is too beautiful for a witch like her."

He nodded and spread some cheese on a slice of bread, his gaze once again wandering to the gardens around him. A butterfly floated and lightly landed on his hand, slowly folding and unfolding its wings.

His aunt gasped softly. "How pretty," she whispered.

He watched, eyes wide with astonishment. "Wow," he breathed, mesmerized by the iridescent simmer of the sunlight off its wings. It flitted off, disappearing between the flowers and blades of grass. "That was amazing..."

Auntie shifted excitedly. "It's a sign! God has plans for you, boy, good ones." She grinned.

Matthew rolled his eyes. "Whatever say, Auntie, whatever you say."

"Don't whatever me, I know what I'm talking about!" She crossed her arms and huffed.

He just shook his head. "I'm going to get settled in my room, if you would excuse me."

She smiled. "Of course. It's getting late anyway."

"I'll see you in the morning," he said. The butler showed him to his quarters.

The room was large and the walls were painted a light shade of green. A grand bed was set in the middle of the room, the sheets were made of a fine silk that showed the wealth of his aunt. This is a little much... My own room is not even this...large. He unlatched the buckles on his suitcase and set his clothes into the extravagantly carved dresser, neatly folding each one. The light behind his curtains fade and he turned on a light as he opened the door to his bathroom. The gleaming white tiles blinded him with their brightness and he quickly closed the door. "Dang... That's bright..."

He went back to went back to his suitcase, still laying open on his bed. At the bottom of it laid his precious teddy bear, Kumajirou. "Hey Kuma, how was the ride?" He nodded. "That's good." Matthew hugged the well-loved bear and buried his face in the soft fur of Kuma. The old bear had been well taken care of in his long life, every tear was carefully sewed and left only ghosts of former large gaps in the fabric. He sighed and laid back on the bed, fully clothed. Matthew slowly drifted off to sleep, clutching the bear tightly to his chest.


I think I might start alittle angel series. I kinda like the idea, although this chapter is more than sucky. I don't like, but whatever. Review if you want.

-Windy