Chapter 1

I took a deep breath as I stepped out of my mom's car with my suitcase. My eyes traveled over the large house I would be confined in over the next week or so. It was a pretty nice place with a huge glass balcony door at the top part of it. Behind those doors of course…I spotted Mark and Sara arguing once again. Damn, I've only been here three seconds and the two of them were already at it.

"It looks like your cousin Steve is here." My mom said as she joined me on the other side of the car. I glanced at the big black pick-up truck that had some sleds in the back.

"Yeah and he brought his kid." I said with a smile. "How old is his son now?"

"Eight," she said. "And he's been asking to see you too."

I smiled thinking about my little cousin. The last time I saw him he was just turning 6. I babysat every time Steve was in town on business which was very often. Unfortunately he got a stable job working with Mark in WWF. I kind of wanted to be a diva there…but then again I didn't want to make Mark paranoid if you know what I mean ladies…

I dropped my gaze from the balcony and made my way up to the porch with my mom. I stayed behind her so I wouldn't have to see everyone first. It had been nearly a year since the last time I saw everyone.

"Lauren! It's so nice to see you!" My older cousin said when my mom stepped through the door.

"Hello Steve, how are you?" she asked him.

He sighed, "Oh I'm here and ready to start this drama-free weekend."

The two of them laughed before hearing Sara screaming at the top of her lungs.

"MARK! I WILL DO WHATEVER I WANT!" she yelled.

The two of them shook their heads, "Well…at least I'll try to keep it drama free."

My mom laughed before stepping out of the way. Steve smiled at me and then hugged me, "Damn look at who's getting all grown up."

I rolled my eyes, "Come on Steve I haven't grown that much."

He chuckled, "Who are you kidding? Look at you! You're hair is longer and your taller….and you've developed your mother's body…"

I giggled as my mom hit him on the shoulder. "Be quiet Steve. Anyways where is everyone else?"

"Oh Mickie actually changed her mind about coming." He said. "The storm is really bad in her area so she didn't want to risk getting into an accident."

I sighed deeply, "Great…there goes my other female friend."

"Awe don't worry, Austin will keep you busy." He said. "As for Shane, he's around here somewhere."

My mom nodded, "Oh alright then, I really didn't care to see him anyways."

"Aunt Lauren!"

We all looked up at the top of the steps and saw my tall blonde haired cousin, Sara, standing there. She smiled at us before running down the steps and into my mom's arms. I rolled my eyes at her, slightly turning away until she decided to tap me on the shoulder.

"Hey Serena…how are you?" she asked.

I glanced at her and then at the floor, trying to refrain from saying something mean. "Oh I'm fine. How are you?"

She shrugged, "Pretty good…uh, I'm glad you came."

I smiled and nodded, "I'm glad you invited me."

"Good…well let me show you to your room." She said as she grabbed my suitcase and walked up the steps. I glared at my mom before following her up the steps. How dare she bring me to this retreat? I could already tell that memories were surfacing through her mind when she saw me. Damn I hope she doesn't get under my skin, because nothing can stop me from knocking her teeth out right now.

I followed her silently until we reached the first room on the left. She opened the door and walked in, sitting my suitcase on my bed.

"Um you'll have this room to yourself. If you need anything else just let me know." She said.

I nodded and looked around the room loving the design of the house. Every part of it was nature like, and had its own special look that stood out to passing travelers. It was beautiful here…and somewhat relaxing.

"Hey…I wanted to talk to you before Mark does." She said as she walked over to the door and shut it. I sighed and sat down on the bed knowing what was coming next. I didn't want to be bothered with this shit…better yet; I didn't even want to be here.

"I'm sorry for how I reacted last summer. Mark and I have been having a lot of problems lately and…when he told me about the comment you made I wasn't mad at you…I was mad at him."

"But you sent me home." I jumped in. "How is that showing him any anger?"

She sighed, "We argued after you left. He told me he was showing off his body to you on purpose so I would know what it feels like when I do that to him. I hated that feeling so…I sent you home."

I sighed, "Well I apologize for the comment. I mean you are lucky to have a man like Mark."

She smiled, "Thanks…I just wish I felt that way."

"What do you mean?" I said. "Mark seems like a good guy."

"He is to people who don't have to see him every day. I mean he asks so much of me and I can't take it."

I nodded softly wondering what he could be asking of her that has her all bent out of shape. From what I can see, he just wants what any other married man would want…

"Well…I'm glad you talked to me. Hopefully we can become closer after this week." I said.

She smiled, "Yeah I would really like that."

We smiled at each other before she opened the door to leave. We both jumped upon seeing Mark standing on the other side of the door. He was still as tall as I remembered only this time his hair was cut really short and held back with a red bandana. He was wearing a black hoodie with some blue jeans that fit him rather nicely. I fought off my smile as his eyes went from Sara to me.

"Hey there Serena." He said. "How are you?"

"I don't know you tell me Mark." I snapped.

He chuckled and then moved out of the way so Sara could leave the room. Once she was gone he stepped in and shut the door, making me feel some type of way. He stared at me with amusement in his eyes.

"So…how have you been?" he asked.

I shrugged, "Like I said you tell me."

"Awe come on, don't tell me you're still mad at me." He asked as he stepped closer to me.

"Why shouldn't I be, you took what I said completely out of context." I said as I folded my arms.

He scratched his goatee and looked at me curiously, "Did I really? Or were you truly serious about my good looks?"

I rolled my eyes, "Mark...do you have something important to say because if you don't there's the door."

He stared at me for a moment and then sighed, "Alright I'm done messing with you. I wanted to apologize for that misunderstanding. I was just trying to piss Sara off honestly."

I sighed not sure whether or not if I should forgive him. I did want to have a nice weekend so…I gave in. "It's alright."

"Ok good. Now, I do own this place so, let me know if you need something." He said.

I smiled, "Actually I do need something…some hot chocolate."

He chuckled, "You got it."

I watched him leave with a smile on my face. Maybe this wasn't going to be a bad weekend after all.