Disclaimer: I do not own anything doing with Vampire Diaries...Just the OC's in this story….Warning this will be AU story. I am starting the story at around Season 1. So please read and give comments. I want to thank my beta readers FlyingPigMonkey and Patch Cipriano's Angel for their help. This is also a story challenge from the Vampire Diaries Challenge Forum call the Bloodline. Comments and review. Thanks

The beginning of new beginning

Part b

Amalia P.O.V

I continue to drive in my father's silver '65 Aston Martin DB5 feeling like one those James Bond girls. In the distant, that is when I saw it. The Blackstone manor sitting on top of the hill as if it is guarding and watching the town, like Heimdall for Asgard. I saw the turn to the newly paved driveway that would lead up to the estate. I took the turn and made my ascent. I just could not help but wonder, what happened?

As I got closer to the renovated red and white brick Georgian Colonial mansion, it reminded me of the Buchanan mansion from the 1974 movie "The Great Gatsby" that I always watch with my grandparents in New Orléans. Carefully avoiding the parked moving trucks and people carrying furniture inside, I headed toward the newly added garage and parked next to my recently bought 09' Mercedes-Benz GL.

I look into the rear view mirror seeing reflection of my new home. Surrounded by the thick forests of Mystic Falls, the house itself sat on one of the largest property for Mystic Falls. It really did remind of the Gilded Age of America. Turning off the engine and climbing out the car. I straighten out my gray designer full skirt and Ennis Peplum blouse. Grabbing the large Jimmy Choo tote bag, I toss my keys inside and I lean in one more time to grab one of the Mystic Falls journals.

I started to make my way toward the house. As I got closer to the entrance, I could hear the booming voice of Rachel the interior designer, calling out over the flurry of people to directing them what rooms each boxes and items went. I smiled as I watched her run toward a pair of men and then scolding them for trying to squeeze an antique sofa through the wrong door. Thank god, I was able to hire someone else to worry about setting up the house, I thought.

Hearing the sound of an approaching car, I stop turned around and looked back down. I saw a Mercedes coming up. Stopping not far from me, I can see a beautiful slim older woman with short straight brown hair in the driver's seat and a handsome young man next to her. The woman quickly turned to the young man to speak to him as he took a picture of me with his phone. She then started scolding him, I assume. She then turned off the car and both got out of it.

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Carl P.O.V

As I drove my car into the massive estate, I cannot help and wonder. Why has a Blackstone returned to Mystic Falls?

When I could see the Blackstone manor looming closer, I could not help but feel inconsequential by the immense structure of the home. Countless people walked around with boxes in their hands, moving like a group of ants on an anthill. I looked over at my son Tyler, when I hear him stop typing on his phone. His eyes grew wide as he stared up at the large manor that was ahead of us.

"Whoa. Mom this place is huge. Where are we?" He asked in wonder.

"It's the Blackstone Manor. We're just a couple of miles outside of town."

"How come I have never been here before?"

"Its private property, no one has lived here for over hundred years. I think the last time anyone come up here is to renovate it for electrical upgrades and that was in the 1910." I responded

Tyler twisted his face slightly in confusion "So if this place sat empty for that long, why are we coming out here?"

"Well because Amalia Blackstone has decided to taken up residence of the home."

He twisted his head sharply toward me. "Wait, who is Amalia Blackstone? I've never heard of her."

"The history of Blackstone family symbolizes wealth and influence back then and from the current rumors that I've heard, nothing has changed. Many consider them one of the most powerful families in America back then and now. Not only had they helped found Mystic Falls, but they also had successful businesses in New York City, New Orléans, and San Francisco. They were also part the first group of families to move in New Orléans in early 1800's before moving to Mystic Falls." I answered.

"But who the hell is Amalia Blackstone, mom." Tyler demanded.

"Tyler, don't talk to me that way. As I was saying, the Blackstone are powerful to this day. The heiress Amalia Blackstone is the last of the Blackstone bloodline. Some even can say she is one of the most powerful women in the world."

"Okay, but how come they don't live in Mystic Falls?"

I looked back up at the house, trying to remember the stories I had heard over the years. "While the Blackstone were living here they had disagreement with many of the other founding families. They soon left the town shortly after Fells' Church burned down. But before they left, they legal made sure to keep their lands in the family."

"But why have I not heard of them?"

"They keep their private lives out of the public eye. They only come out for major events."

Tyler looked back at the house. "Are they that powerful, mom?" He asked.

"Yes. Anyone associates with the Blackstone name can get almost anything. Not only do they have a seemingly bottomless bank account, but the families have always had deep political and economic connections and are careful about maintaining them."

"Damn. I thought we were powerful in this town. I guess not anymore." He said returning to his phone.

His statement stunned me into silence. My mind was racing with thoughts of doubts on my social standing in Mystic Falls. What will happen to my family? Will we lose our standings in the community?

As I drove closer to the house and see how my family and I will be dethrone. That is when I saw her. A tall exotic Asian woman was walking toward the house with designer bag on one arm and thick old book in the other arm. She was quite young-looking with hourglass shape body. She then stopped, turned around, and she watched my car come up the driveway. I pulled into a stop and parked my car out-of-the-way from the many moving trucks surrounding the parking area. As she was standing in the middle of driveway, she held herself with regalness of aristocratic. She was looking at us now, I felt nervous for the first time in my life. That 's her. I have to keep close eye on her, I thought. As I continued to stare at the woman, my thoughts were then disrupted by Tyler's out of the blue with his statement.

"Whoa. That's what I call naughty librarian," said Tyler with smirk on his face. He was practically drooling over the young woman who was still looking at us. I looked over at him one more time, only to see him bring up his phone to take a picture of young woman.

"Tyler!" I snapped, about ready to snatch the phone out of his hands. "Put that away and don't be so vulgar."

He put the device down quickly and said "Sorry mom" with his smirk.

"Come on let's introduce ourselves" I said opening the car door and turning around one more time to face him, I ask him "Please don't embarrass me further."

"Okay mom, don't worry" he replied as he was getting out.

I climbed out of the car and we made our way over to the young woman. "Ms. Amalia Blackstone?" I asked.

"Yes?"

Stretching out my right hand, I greeted her with a large smile. "Welcome to Mystic Falls."

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Amalia P.O.V

I reached out to shake the older woman's hand in return. "My name is Carol Lockwood," she said.

"Hello, how are you?" I asked as we both lowered our hands.

"I'm fine thank you for asking."

"Lockwood. Are you in any way related to Richard Lockwood?" I asked.

"Well yes, I am his wife and this is our son Tyler Lockwood"

Tyler then extends his hand and said "Hi. Nice to meet you, I'm Tyler."

"Nice to meet you Tyler," I said taking his hand to shake it.

We both drop our hand back to our side. So he a Lockwood, does he know what his blood carries, I thought. I then turned back to Mrs. Lockwood and asked, "How can I help you both?"

"As members of the mayor's family, we wanted to welcome you on the behalf the town and my husband," She said smiling brightly at me.

"So Ms. Blackstone, how do you like Mystic Falls so far?"

"It's lovely place Mrs. Lockwood" I answered truthfully.

"Please call me Carol. I'm so glad it's to your liking. My family and I are so proud of little town. I hoped your stay in Mystic Falls will be long one," she said.

"I hope so too," I said and offered, "Would you both like to come in?"

"If you don't mind, Ms. Blackstone" said Carol.

"No. I don't mind and please both of you can call me Amalia," I said. I then lead them towards the house.

As we were walking under the porte-cochere of the house, the Tyler boy then asked me, "So Amalia, why did you move to Mystic Falls?"

"I wanted to learn more about my family history, Tyler" simply answering the question without giving them my other motive.

We continue to walk as I lead them into the grand foyer, trying to avoid the movers who were hard. "As you can see, things are bit crazy," I said placing my bag and book on the grand center table. When I turn around, I saw both Lockwoods with face of awe on them as they gaze at their surroundings.

"Oh my, I did not realize the Blackstone Manor was this large the inside, Amalia. Compare to the Lockwood home and yours looks like a palace." She complemented as her eyes drifted towards the grand staircase, up towards the high coffered ceiling, towards the custom de Gournay silk wallpaper, and white marble floors.

"Thank you." I replied, my own eyes admiring the architecture. I then lead them into the great room, where I heard Carol gasp for what she saw. I gesture for them to seat on the antique sofa.

"Who was the architect of the house, may I ask?" Carol asked, as she sat down. The Tyler boy walked up to the fireplace and to inspect the detailing.

"James Blackstone hired an English architect, who designed the manor in Georgian Colonial style. James also wanted to merge some material from the Blackstone Castle," I answered.

Tyler looked over at me in astonishment, "Your family has a castle?"

"Not anymore. James Andrew Blackstone tore it down and brought some of the materials here to Americas back then. That fireplace was one of the four great fireplaces of that castle." I told him.

"Are you a royal?" asked Carol.

"Yes and no. James Blackstone was the last Marques of the family," I answered.

"But I was under the impression that James Blackstone was born in America," said Carol.

"He was, but my family came from England and we did have royal ties there. James grandfather was the second son. So he immigrating to the United States and expand the Blackstone shipping business here."

"So then what happen to the English Blackstone bloodline to make James Blackstone the Marquis?" She asked with genuine curiosity.

"The last Marquis before James was Edward Francis James Andrew the 2nd. He died without having any legitimate children of his own."

"Oh" Carol said.

"He did have a lot of illegitimate daughters. However, in the Blackstone family the titles and properties can only be hand down to the men at that period. James was the only male left, so that made him the next Marquis."

"Wait. Illegitimate daughters, was this Edward Francis dude a player or something?" injected Tyler who was now looking at us.

"Really Tyler, you have to say that in front of our hostess. I'm sorry for his comment Amalia," said Carol

"It's okay Carol. I thought the same thing. It was hilarious part of the family history." I said giggling.

She smiled in return and said, "I had heard James Blackstone had three sons. What happened to them?"

"Yes he did. Out of the three sons only the youngest Francis Edward. The other two sons died in the civil war. My twice-great grandfather Andrew James was the only child born to Francis. Andrew also had only one son my great-grandfather Edward Francis, who also had one son. My grandfather Edward James Sr. also had only one son, my father Edward James II." I finished.

"What happen to your father Edward James II, if you don't mind my asking?" She asked

"My father and my brother died in-car crash in '97," I replied softly.

"I'm so sorry for your lost," she said.

"Thank you."

An awkward silence fell upon us. Tyler then sat down next to his mom and asked, "So how many rooms does this place have?"

"It has about twenty-four rooms in total, a large kitchen, traditional ball room, conservatory and wine cellar/ basement. There is old cottage in the forest as well." I answered and added, "Would you guys like a tour of the house, maybe something to drink? I think the kitchen has only tea" I gestured towards the renovated kitchen.

Carol then stand up, "I wish we could stay, Amalia, but I have some errands to run. I just wanted to welcome you on behalf of my husband but I will take a rain check for next time," She said. I stand up and lead both Lockwoods out.

"No problem Carol, please feel free to visit anytime," I said. I walked them to Carol car.

"Also before I forget, our town has Founder's Party every year held on September 24 at Lockwood Mansion to celebrate the founding of Mystic Falls. The historical society does heritage display of all the founding families' antique items of 1864. We ask all the founding families if they can donate something. I was wondering if you don't mind donating anything from our," she asked.

"Okay. Let me look through some of my things and see what I have. I will let you know if I found anything."

"The society would be so honored to have some of the Blackstone items in display for the party."

"Okay"

"Also don't forget the town council meeting is tonight," she said.

"Oh, I almost forgot about that. Thank you for reminding me." I said.

"Goodbye Amalia, see you tonight," said Carol. She and Tyler both got in the car. They both waved their goodbyes to me. I watch them as the drive off the estate.

I adjusted my black rimmed Chanel glasses and turned to head back inside the house. Walking up the small steps up to the front double doors, I notice a carving of an oak tree and a blackthorn tree on each the doors. Fascinating they have the family crest trees on these doors., I thought to myself as I entered.

The architect that I had hired had maintained the structure of the building using the original mahogany wood. I entered into the grand foyer of the manor. The white marble floors decorated with the Persian rugs that Rachel found in the family vault. The high arch ceiling of the foyer was home to the famous Blackstone chandelier that hung in the center of the room. The larger chandelier with its polish silver and crystal shined beautifully from the sunlight pouring from the high French windows. On the left side of the room stood the original handcrafted mahogany grand sweeping staircase to complete the look of aristocratic home. The family coat-of-arms tapestry hung proudly from the ceiling welcoming any guest to the Blackstone Manor. How did Rachel found that? I thought looking the tapestry.

I grab my purse and book from to the massive Regency Ormolu Mounted. The table decorated with a large vintage crystal vase full of pink Dogwood flowers and Star-gazer Lilies. Many of the movers were still entering and leaving the home, trying to put everything in their designated places.

I walked back into the formal living room located next to the spiral staircase. The first thing anyone to notice is the floor to ceiling massive hand carved white marble fireplace standing out against the dark mahogany wood walls. It was impossible to miss, as is the Blackstone family crest carved into the marble itself with the family motto carved into it in old Welsh. "Mae gwybodaeth yn bŵer. Power yw gwybodaeth. Cryfder y meddwl yn fwy nag unrhyw heddlu." On both side of the fireplace were the carved images of oak and blackthorn trees. The room itself was illuminate by the large bay windows of the house and some recent added recessed ceiling lights.

As I explored the room, I noticed just how well Rachel's team decorated it. The room was a hodgepodge of modern furniture, family heirlooms, artifacts, and my mother's collection of Filipino art and artifacts. The designers were able to set it all in a way there everything flowed easily together. Getting closer to the fireplace, I even noticed that my mother's hand carved wooden family chest from her homeland been placed in front of the fireplace as a coffee table. The chest carved with the star-shaped Sampaguita flowers and the old ancient Baybayin writings on it. Looking at it, I could remember what my mother told me about the flowers and how it was a symbol for the women born into her family.

I returned my attention toward the fireplace. Decorating the mantle where family photos, both current and past generations, in sterling-silver frames and a colorful collection of car toys that had once belonged to my younger brother. The walls of the room been decorated with the frame murals and tapestries of Blackstone through out the ages. Old swords of every kind and an old grandfather clock from my grandmother's side of the family, it all made the house more like a home.

The interior designer Rachel walked into the room and stood beside me. I hardly noticed, until her voice pulled me from my thoughts. "Everything just turned out beautifully, but this fireplace is by far the most stunning piece I ever seen."

I turned toward her and replied with a smile, "I think so too."

She moved farther into the room, studying the marble carvings. "I am afraid I just don't get the writings on this fireplace and that chest."

Looking back at the crest, I tried to explain. "The writing on the fireplace is an old Welsh it's the family's motto. It means 'Knowledge is power, power is knowledge, strength of the mind is stronger than any force'." Turning around to face the chest, her eyes followed my hand as I ran my fingers over the wood. "The chest is written in old ancient Filipino language called Baybayin. It says 'Nature ay darating pa. Kalikasan ay ipanganak sa liwanag. Ang liwanag ay nagbibigay ng kapanganakan sa isang line. Ang kakanyahan ng linya fights kamatayan.'" She looked at me with confusion. "It means 'Nature will come forth. Nature will give birth to the light. The light gives birth to a line. The essence of the line fights death.' These words were important for mom family."

She gave me an odd look before saying, "I will take your word for it." She turned back towards the door, "Shall I show you around the house?" she said. I nodded my head we continued to talk about how the moving was. We walk to the foyer, where Rachel then took me an across the room into the Ballroom.

The ballroom decorated with the custom design silk wallpaper in lavender colored. It had trees and humming birds painted on them in silver and gold. The floors made with same marble floor from the foyer, it made the room look as if it from gilded times of old.

I then followed her through the double doors on the other side of the ballroom. We entered large hallway, as we walk down the hall she lead me into the large two-storied great library. There was about twenty men and women putting the hundreds upon hundreds of books that my family had collected in the built-in mahogany selves.

Two handcrafted iron spiral staircases were parallel to each other on opposite sides of the room connected the first floor to the second floor balcony. The ten-foot dark wood moveable ladders from the second floor help the hired workers put away the hundreds of books that family collected over the years. The library made with the same mahogany wood material like rest of house. The room furnished in dark brown leather couches reminded me of my grandfather old study in New Orléans. Works of art from centuries past decorated the walls, and each corner of the room held a polished suit of armor with a sword in hand. On one of the walls was ten-foot high portrait of the first Marquess of the Blackstone family, Francis Edward Andrew James Blackstone and his wife the gypsy French beauty Mirela Isabella Blackstone. The floor to ceiling French windows brought in light into the room. An old nineteenth-century partner's desk was place in front of the large French windows, with its vintage leather desk chair. Old vintage lamps also decorated the room. The windows with its moron colored velvet curtains helped finish off great library. I could not believe how beautiful the room had turned out. This room will be my sanctuary from the crazy world. I thought to myself.

We then moved next on to the large kitchen in the back of the house. There was large circular table that seats up to ten people right by double French doors. The large pantry stood empty, as did the upgraded cabinets that lined all the walls waiting for the families' silverware. The counters made with gray quartz, there was also a large island with a built-in sink, and stainless steel appliances continued the overall look of modern-meets-classic. A side door led into a wine cellar/basement. The movers were filling it up with the families' collection of wine and champagne. The marble kitchen floors seamlessly matched taupe gray painted walls. The French windows line the back of the kitchen. Two double doors lead the way into the back of the estate, where you step into the large veranda.

Rachel then led me into formal dining room. My heels clicked on the hardwood floors as I admired the red silk wallpaper with painted gold birds on them. A large dinning room table with seats up for twenty people stood directly in the center of the room over a 290 sq foot oval Parisian rug. Off in a corner sat an antique liquor bar that were presently being fill with aged liquors. The ten recessed ceiling lights illuminate the room.

She then take me to the new home theater where I will be watching my classic movies. She then took me to adjacent game room. In the room were two large black sectional sofas and two matching club chairs surrounding a 82in LCD LG Flat screen TV mounted on one wall, with a mahogany entertainment console with blue-ray player, the new Xbox 360, and a Bose home theater system sitting beneath it. The walls had built-in shelving already filled with movies and video games. Maryann will be spending a lot of time in here. I thought to myself.

As we head upstairs, she will point out the art room and the music room. She then took me in the east wing of the house where stop in front of the double doors of my room. "I will have to leave you here, Amalia. I have to make sure everything is running smoothly downstairs. I just wanted to let you know that the upstairs bedrooms are all finished and ready. Also as per instruction we didn't put away your family journals."

"Rachel thanks again for doing all of this. I know I haven't been here to help, so I really appreciate all the work you've done."

"Amalia, it's quite alright. When Lulu asked me to help you, I just could not pass it up. With your families' furniture, art and staggering amount of money that put into this place, this house will be my best work yet," She said with air of poise.

I smiled at her and waved my good-bye. I entered my new two stories bedroom, the first thing I noticed was the made-up black and white bedding on the queen size canopy bed that was in center of the room. A spiral staircase led up into the second story loft area where mahogany built-in bookshelves were left empty. The windows decorated with white and black chiffon curtains. The walls decorated Cambridge blue silk wallpaper. The fireplace mantel other side of the room was decorated with some of my mothers ancestral hand carved wooden statues. An antique Victorian vanity took space next to the French double doors that leads into the balcony that would overlook the backyard. I place my purse and book on the vanity.

I explored my bedroom more and found the music box my mother had made for me on my 16th birthday. There was also old photos of my brother, father and mother back when things were much happier. A picture of me and my grandfather when I was 4 years old sat on my bedside table, as well wedding pictures of my parents and grandparents in freshly polished sterling silver frames. I sat on my bed and I grabbed my parent's wedding photo. Staring at the picture, I could not help but miss them all. Usually I am able to keep myself busy so I hardly think about how much life has changed since I had to get used to living alone, at that moment I wanted nothing more but to have my family with me. I did not even notice I was crying until a teardrop landed on the frame.

I must have lost track of time because suddenly I could hear a loud British voice coming from downstairs. Setting the frame back on the bedside table, I wiped my face and made my way downstairs.

At the bottom of the staircase stood my two best friends, awestruck at the house we were all to share. Maryann and Lulu, the dynamic duo, who had help me through all my awkward and difficult stages of my life. I could not picture my life without them.

Lulu, a beautiful caramel skin African-American woman was my first friend I made and been like a sister to me. Always artistic, for as far back as I can remember she has loved to sing and draw. She has always protected me from the cruelties of others when we young girls and as we got older, she always tried to get me out of my shell.

A very spirited young woman who always gives everything she has to the people she loves, Lulu comes from wealthy African-American family who could trace their lineage back to some of the first slaves that was brought to America's. Through out the generations of her family, the Smithson family over come their hardship and heartache to become one of the wealthiest family in New York City.

Her father is the C.E.O of one of the top financial firms of New Orléans and has recently expanded to New York City. Her mother is a popular socialite among the high society in New York City. Lulu took after her mother in beauty, grace, and style. However, they are two different women when it comes to how one should conduct oneself in the world. Lulu is just like her father trying to achieve her goals in life. She is extremely determined get what she wants, but they have every different feeling on how one should achieve their goal.

Then there is Maryann, a girl who never cared about how other people may see her. Maryann is a voluptuous British woman who comes from family of fighters. As the only daughter in a family of men, she was raised to be fighter to keep up with her brothers. As a result, she can best any man in drinking contest or fight. Nevertheless, she can give out kindness better than anyone I know and she loves to make others laugh with her antics. I met Maryann at pub in England one time. She just came up to me and gave me a shot of whiskey.

Reaching the bottom of the stairs, I pulled them each into a big hug.

"So what do you guys think?" I asked, genuinely curious of what they thought of the house.

Maryann spoke up first, still examining the room, "For one thing, this place bloody hell huge! Do David and Victoria Beckham live here or something? If that's the case I rooming with David." She joked before looking at me, "So this place our new home?" serious tone in her voice.

"Yes. If you want to, you can still fly back to England. I would understand."

"Nope, you're stuck with me," she replied, she was checking out a muscular mover who walked by us. "Yea, I'm staying for sure." Her eyes grew hungry as she tries to follow the man.

Lulu grabbed her before she could go any further. "Amalia, this place is beautiful and big. Do you really want us here?"

"Lulu, I want both of you here. You are my best friends and with the dreadful stuff that has happened in my life, I need this. You guys been always been there for the good and bad, and I wouldn't have it any other way."

"Okay then, but I don't think this town will be able to handle us." She said in her southern drawl, trying not to laugh.

"Yup, the three musketeers are back bitches!" Maryann pumped one fist into the air. "Watch out…..wait what the name of this place again?"

"Mystic Falls."

"Watch out, Mystic Falls! What the kind of name is that? Do twilight vampires live here or what?" Her eyes lit up as an idea popped into her mind. "Wait if they do? I call dibs on Edward!"

"What?" Lulu and I said in confusion, both of us trying to keep up with her train of thought.

"You know the cutie pale vampire." Maryann explained, rolling her eyes at us.

Lulu still looked confused. "Yeah we know that Maryann, but why?"

"Because he's hot," Maryann pulled away from us. To follow the mover she saw earlier. We just watched her wander off, knowing that she would snag him up by the end of the night. I wonder how she does that, I thought to myself. Lulu and I just looked at each other and shake our heads. Mystic Falls will not know what hit it.

"I prefer the werewolf myself," said Lulu. I gave Lulu weird look when she said that information. We both stare at each other until both of laugh at her comment.

"I'm myself preferred the Anne Rice vampire, rather than the sparkle in the light vampires." Putting my opinion on which creatures of the night, I prefer.

"So Lulu how was the flight?"

She sighed in response, "Long and dreadful."

"Why? I thought you guys had first class tickets."

"Yea we did, Maryann just drank a lot champagne and would not stop talking on the way here."

I chuckled, "Sorry, I forgot how Maryann is when she gets alcohol in her."

Lulu waved it off, "its fine sweetie. So did our stuff got here okay?"

"Yeah I think so. I haven't had time to check."

We continued to catch up, and soon Maryann came back to find us.

"Tonight we are going out!" She announced.

"Where did you have in mind?" Lulu asked.

"This place called the Mystic Grill. Hottie over there told me about it and invited us to go out with him and his friends."

"Sounds good to me" Lulu agreed.

"I don't think I can. I have a meeting with the town council tonight and I still need to get my lesson plan ready for my classes." I told her.

"It's our first night here, we need some fun!" Maryann pleaded.

Lulu cut Maryann off before she could say anymore. "Well, here's an idea Amalia. Maryann and I will leave you alone for couple of hours so you can do your lesson plan thing. That will give us a chance to explore this little charming town, get some info about some of the places to hang out and see if they have job openings here. After the town meeting tonight meet us at this Mystic Grill place."

"Amalia, please come out tonight for me, love?" added Maryann with puppy dog eyes.

Does she think that face works on me. I thought as I stare at both of them.

"Okay, you guys can take my car and I will take one of my dads," I agreed. Both women screamed with excitement and jumped on me. We all fell down to the floor in a laughing heap, earning some odd looks from the movers. Lulu and I both got up, pulling Maryann to her feet. "Okay girls. Let me show your rooms first."