House Of Welcomes
Inside of Anubis house the chandelier sparkles a majestic sliver. On the banner of the stairwell hangs a banner spelling the word W-E-L-C-O-M-E-B-A-C-K. The front door opens as Fabian, Amber, Mara, Patricia, and Joy enter with laughs. They enter the house with bags in hand as Trudy stands near the rail in front of Victor's office. She then shots a confetti gun celebrating their return. Smiles are among all their faces as the confetti falls. Trudy runs down the stairs embracing them all.
"Welcome back loves" she says hugging Amber last. She looks down at Amber's suitcase. "Just your shoes again I'm betting".
"No. This is only one of my makeup bags. There are three more outside" Amber smiled.
"Has Nina's plane landed yet? Fabian asked Trudy.
"It has, Nina and Eddie should be here within the hour".
"Great" Patricia says.
"Now come along, welcome back deserts are in the dinning room" Trudy says pushing them towards the food.
Down in the cellar Victor stands with chemicals in hand. He shakes a test tube and pours it into another. He looks up to the ceiling aware of the children's return from the multiple foot steps. "So it begins again". He makes his way out of the cellar up the stairs and to his office. He stokes his stuffed raven . "The time is almost upon us my friend."
Outside in the parking lot near the school a cab honks its farewells to Nina and Eddie.
"Back to House on Haunted Hill" Eddie says.
"I'm glad to be back" Nina smiles.
"Are you?" Eddie smiles and laughs back.
"Stop doing that" Nina smiles pushing Eddie's shoulder.
"I'm not doing anything" he laughs stepping back from the force of Nina's push.
"So do you promise not to go overbroad like you did this summer?" Nina asked Eddie.
"I promise" he says.
"No tagging along with me everywhere I go. No standing outside of the bathroom, no watching me sleep and no more surprises" Nina says.
Eddie holds up his right hand. "Scouts honor".
"OK so this term will be great" Nina says walking off.
Eddie lowers his hand and smiles. "Right like I'm a scout" he says before catching up with Nina.
The moment he catches up with Nina a panic Alfie darts pass them at full speed. Jerome isn't far behind. They never speak though Nina tried to say words to them, but it never reaches. They run like their lives were in danger.
"Those two just keep getting weirder and weirder" Eddie says to Nina.
Back at the house the residents of Anubis house sat in the living area plates in hand. They seem to enjoy each other's company though smiles weren't across Patricia's face. Joy noticed Patricia and asked her what was wrong.
"Nothing. It's nothing" she says.
"It's something alright" Amber yelled with excitement. Isn't there something you and Fabian want to tell us?"
"Yeah spill it I've been dying to know" Maya says.
Patricia and Fabian both smile and she beings to talk. "Well if you must know sweetie took me and Fabian to America to visit Eddie and Nina for part of the summer".
"So how was the land of the free" Amber asked. "Did they make you recite the pledge of allegiance when you arrived?"
"No. Though I had fun" Fabian said. "For a week we toured and the next week we stayed at Mr. Sweet's cabin."
"So romantic" Amber said.
"So why do you look like that Patricia" Joy asked.
"It's nothing like I said. I'm just wondering when the weasel will get here."
The front door opens.
"Honey I'm home" Eddie yells.
"Speak of the devil" Patricia says getting and walking to the entrance.
Eddie hugs Patricia tightly and swings her around. "Did you miss me?" he asks.
"You wish and didn't I see you a month ago" she answers.
"Nina" Amber yells as she runs to hug her. "Fabian was just telling us about the trip to America and seeing all 49 states".
"There are 50 states Amber" Nina says.
"Really so north and south Dakota isn't just one big Dakota, who knew".
"I missed you to Amber so where's Fabian?"
Fabian walks from the living area to the entrance where Nina awaits. They look into each other's eyes from across the room.
"That's our que everybody" Amber says leading everyone away.
"So how was your car ride" Nina asked.
"A car ride. How is…you know?"
"Great. Great never better."
Nina stepped closer towards Fabian leaning her head ever so closely for a kiss. Fabian leaned in as well awaiting Nina's soft lips. The door opened loudly as Alfie and Jerome burst through putting a stop to the kiss. Nina and Fabian turned around and saw the panic and fear on their faces. Alfie smiled and tried to play it off.
"Fabian. Nina. Nice seeing you again. Did we interrupt something?" he asked.
"Alfie" Amber yelled trying to hug him, but he ducked under her arms and faced her.
"Boo" he yelled. "You're looking well".
"I'm looking well?" she asked confused.
Jerome laughed and opened the door just a little to peak outside. His eyes widened from the sight that he saw and closed the door once again racing to his room with Alfie. Maya came from the living room with a bright smile when she saw Jerome.
"Ahh Jerome as your girlfriend I do believe I should at least get a kiss when I haven't seen you for some time" she said.
"Maya love I missed you too, but I have to go" he said running to his room.
"What was that all about?" Amber asked Maya.
"I don't know".
"Did they see us?" Alfie asked Jerome.
"No I think were in the clear."
Out in the hallway everyone is eager to learn about Nina's, Fabian's, Patricia's, and Eddie's trip, but is interrupted by Trudy.
"OK loves I want you all to go up and unpack. In each room we have a surprise for you waiting."
"A surprise" Amber says with excitement. "I love surprises".
"Well I hope you all enjoy it" Trudy says before leaving.
They all talk amongst themselves as they prepare to go to their rooms. Patricia grabs one of her bags and reaches for the other, but stops when she sees Eddie has grabbed it for her.
"I can get it" she smiles weakly.
"I can carry it for you" Eddie says.
"You don't have to carry my bags. I said I have it" she says grabbing the bag from him and storming up stairs.
Eddie stood at the stairwell with a confused look on his face. He turns to Joy who expression matches his. She quickly shakes it off and follows Patricia upstairs. Eddie then turns to Nina.
"Did I do something wrong?" he asked her.
"You know Patricia. Whatever it is she'll get over it right?" she asked Fabian.
"Right. Yes" Fabian says in his cute goofy state.
"Ok let's see what surprises Trudy was talking about" Amber says grabbing Nina's hand running to their room.