((And here we are with chapter 7~! OwO I hope you all enjoy this because I loved writing it!))
Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia, or any of it's characters! I also do not own The Parent Trap plot. Or anything else I missed.
-Alice-
It was nine hours later and I was in Amelia's room, standing near the door to get out and find a phone to call home. I had plenty of time to think things over and what I needed to say, so next thing was just finding the phone. Looking out to make sure Feli or Lovino weren't patrolling the house, I dashed into the halls quietly. During the course of the day, I explored the house multiple times, spotting a couple of phones while doing so. I just couldn't remember exactly where they were, so I was going to wing it.
Hiding behind a wall, I peeked out into the next hallway, quickly noticing that it was empty. I had put on my glasses so it was easy finding a phone right next to the bathroom as I walked down it. I cheered for my luck and started to dial the number for home. Glancing around, I remembered that I might get caught, so I scooped up the phone and went into the bathroom, closing the door behind me. Setting the phone down on the big bathtub I took a deep breath, waiting for someone to pick up.
"-Kirkland residence." It was Ludwig. It was so nice to hear his voice again. "Ludwig!" I greeted, accidentally going back to my usual voice. "..Alice?" He asked, and faintly I heard Amelia respond, sounding like me perfectly. "Yes?" There was a pause. Ludwig seemed to have moved the phone away to talk with her. "Oh.. It sounded like you were on the phone- I'm sorry, who did you wish to speak with?" He sounded louder, talking into the mouthpiece, and as I looked at the bathroom door, I kinda wished she would have picked up the phone. It would have spared a few seconds anyway.
"Alice. It's...Mildred Simmons calling." I said, trying to hush my voice as I did so. "Alice? One moment, please." Ludwig moved the phone away again to talk with Amelia. "It's a Mildred Simmons...Sounded like your twin- If you ever had one." He covered up quickly. There was a small muffled voice and I barely caught what Amelia responded with. "-Twin? Ahah, very funny. Mildred?" She was now speaking into the mouthpiece and I almost tossed the phone out of my hand at how loud she was.
"It's Alice you twit, now get somewhere alone!" She didn't reply for a few seconds, only more muffled noises and the sound of a door closing. "Okay, I'm here." Her voice was now hushed and back to her usual too. "Great. How is it going there?" I asked, still glancing at the door from time to time. "Omigosh! Father's incredible! I cannot believe I have lived my entire life without know him! He's pretty and smart and I love how he designs gowns! Oh, and I got him talking about how he and Dad met and what happened between them- and if you ask me..."
"Amelia, stop! I get that you are enjoying time with Father, but we have a major problem. You're going to need to bring Father out here immediately." I probably fell into the trap of asking how she was before getting to the problem, but I would have felt guilty if I didn't. It was nice to know she was getting along with him fine, but when she started on a topic, it was like having a conversation with Feli. Not one word in on my side...
"Immediately?! Are you nuts! I've had only one day with him. I'm just getting to know him too. I can't! I refuse." I rolled my eyes and sat down on the edge of the tub, near the phone. "But this is an emergency! Dad's in love!" There was a moments pause before she broke into laughter, making the frown on my face deepen. "Get out of here. Dad doesn't fall in love. I mean not seriously- Except for Father of course." Her tone was light and at ease and I felt a bit of panic rise in my stomach.
"Amelia, trust me. He's serious about this one. He's always holding her hand, kissing her neck, waiting on her hand and-"
"Wait...her?! There is no possible way he's in love if it's a her!"
I shook my head even if she couldn't have seen it and scoffed. "I'm just as confused as you are! But it's true, he's acting like a lovesick fool! I swear I'm telling the truth!" There was another pause before a sound of sliding was heard. "R-Really...?" I nodded in slight frustration before I realized I needed to answer out loud. "Yes, and to be honest, it's kind of gross."
"Well, you'll just have to break 'em up! Sabotage her. Do whatever you have to!" I was kind of surprised at how upset she sounded. Maybe it was the fact that out plan was failing and she might have to leave Father early. I was upset too, but when we first made our plan, we agreed that if there was a problem, we would help each other... Yet we probably assumed there wasn't going to be any problems and brushed it off. Big mistake.
Thinking back to the conversation I had with Francine earlier, I put a hand on my forehead, as if suffering from a headache. "Hey, I'm trying, but I am at a slight disadvantage. I only met Dad a few hours ago, and I want to get to know him too. And leaving a bad impression is not exactly my forte. You have to help me."
"Alice, I can't. I want more time with Father." I widened my eyes at her stubborn tone. "Amelia, I-" A loud crinkling noise cut me off and I furrowed my eyebrows in confusion. What was she doing? "-Alice, are you still there?! I can barely hear you...Ali...-" The dial tone then sounded and I narrowed my eyes. Playing the whole 'static-I-can't-hear-you-hang-up' deal! "Thanks a lot Amelia..." I said dryly, hanging up the phone. Well if she didn't want to help me... I guess I could try and do it on my own for a while longer.
But if I messed up, I wasn't the only one to blame.
~The next morning~
"Alright! The most important meal of the day... Eggs sunny side up, bacon and toast, orange juice and some fantastic pancakes Lovino made if your extra hungry!" Feli chirped as he set down the glass of orange juice, smiling. I offered a smile back, looking at the food, not really interested.
The call last night kinda just made a bit more stress appear on my shoulders. I knew I was fine doing this alone, but we made the plan together, so I felt a bit helpless. That and at home, I never really ate much.
"Not hungry again? Bambino, you hardly at your hamburger, your favorite food, and now your not even eating your breakfast! You're not sick are you?" I felt a little guilty that I wasn't doing a good job at acting like Amelia anymore, and that Feli was worrying over almost nothing as he placed a hand on my forehead. I smiled at the gesture. "I'm fine, I promise. Where's Dad?"
A small soured look was part of his response. "He and Miss 'I'll have half a grapefruit, thank you' left a while ago. Your Dad didn't want to wake you up when she arrived. He's back though. You were oversleeping." He paused a moment. "But, of course I'd oversleep too if I was up at midnight making mysterious phone calls from my bathroom." He gave me a sly look as I choked a bit on the orange juice. Swallowing and wiping my mouth a bit I nodded. "Oh, that. I was calling a friend from camp... Bessy. She lives in New York."
He hummed a bit, thinking. "Oh, I see. You wanted to call Bessy at a time that was convenient for her. Because of the time difference." I was really glad that he absentmindedly could help me cover up my story. "Exactly. Because of the time difference."
"Uh-huh..." He raised an eyebrow and leaned on the counter, resting his chin on his hand. "So you waited untill it was three in the morning her time? Makes perfect sense." I coughed a little, but without missing a split second, responded cooly. "Actually it was seven at night, her time. You see she lives in New York, but she was on vacation with her family in.. Bora Bora."
"Very smooth." He commented, rising up to stand again. "Your Dad want's you to go to his office when your done with breakfast." I perked up a little. "He does? Thanks." I scooped up a mouth full of eggs into my mouth and followed it by a gulp of orange juice. "I'm done." I got up from my seat and noticed Aster coming in. He noticed me too and didn't hesitate to start growling at me. I laughed a bit nervously and looked at Feli. "That dog has gotten so weird! Bye, Feli. Thanks again for breakfast. It was great!"
Turning passed a corner I waved at Feli and started to make my way down to the office. When I was there, I paused briefly at the door and almost forgot that I didn't have to knock. Opening the door, I found my dad sitting on his desk, on the phone. He spotted me quickly and held up a finger for me to wait. It seemed I was near the end of his phone call because when I sat down he hung up. I didn't get much of a chance to look at the room when he gestured for me to follow him down to the wine cellar.
"Star, I'm glad you're here." He said, putting an arm around me. I smiled, but didn't say anything because I knew he was going to continue. "There's something important I want to talk to you about." My smile didn't fade, and I felt shivers go up my spine. "That's funny, because there's something really important I wanted to talk to you about too." I said back. He nodded and locked eyes with me. "Okay, you go first."
"No, you." I replied.
"..Okay, I want to talk to you about Francine."
"And I want to talk to you about Father."
At my words he seemed very thrown. "W-What about your Father?" At this I dropped my smile and let my annoyance show. "Dad, I'm fourteen. How long are you planning to keep it from me?" He moved his head, thinking and we started to move again, towards the opening of the cellar and to the vineyards. "C'mon, Am's. We've talked about your Father before."
I shook my head. "No we haven't. Not really. A girl needs more in her life than an old crumpled photo. Dad, I'm a teenager. Face it, I need a mother-like figure." I inwardly winced at calling Father the more motherly one. But if I was really honest, he would play that role better than Dad.
Dad nodded, a small smile growing on his face. "You know what? You're right. You do. Which brings me to-" As we walked out to the opening of the cellar, a small golf kart appeared holding Francine and a pale haired, red eyed man. They slowed down to a quick stop and Dad's smile grew. "Francine!" She gave a flirtatious smile back and waved. "Hey Alfie." Then she noticed that I was right next to him. "Hi there, kiddo!"
Gesturing to the person next to her, she locked eyes with me. "Amelia, this is my assistant, Gilbert. Gil, this is Alfred's daughter. The one I have been telling you so much about." With her tone being sickenly sweet, she fixed her blue eyes up to Dad. "Alfred, Gilbert and I have been having competitions for who can do the best at another accent. I chose the American one and he is a British one. So far, no winner yet."
I almost wanted to scratch my eyes out at what she picked, when I registered what her friend had chosen. "What accent do you usually hold?" I asked, raising an eyebrow. Francine shot a look at Gilbert and he smirked. "I'm not aloud to break the game, but I am from the awesome Prussia. So I usually have a awesome Prussian accent, luv." The way he was talking was like nails on a chalkboard. Maybe it was because he wasn't talking normal...
I felt just a bit insulted on how snobby he sounded, and the pose he was choosing when he talked. I also wanted to correct him on the title. It was an English accent. Not a British one.
"Oh? Well, I love how well you are doing." I said sweetly, using my usual voice. Dad flinched and looked at me with surprise. "How'd you do that?" Gilbert looked surprised as well. "You do a very good accent, kid." I waved the comment off. "Thank you, old chap." He laughed. Smiling, I looked at Dad to see Francine whispering in his ear. He answered back and shrugged before pulling away to stand near me again.
"No problem, sweetie. I have plenty of work to do. I'm working on a new label design, Alfie... featuring Y-O-U. You're going to love it." Blowing a kiss she started the car and sped off, calling out. "See you for dinner darling! Bye, Amy." I assumed she had asked for some time with Dad, but he rejected it to spend the day with me instead. While I was happy about that, I noticed he was blushing again.
As Dad waved back at the retreating gold-kart, I couldn't help but glare at the ground.
~Later~
"So, are you excited about our camping trip?"
I looked to Dad for a moment then back to Mystery. We have been riding for a while all around the vineyards. It was peaceful and I couldn't wish for a better moment. So far we have been talking about a lot of things, letting me get to know him in the process."What camping trip?" I asked, making sure Mystery didn't bump into anything, then looking back at him."What camping trip? The one we go on every summer before you go back to school." He said, smirking. I nodded with a smile. "Oh! That camping trip. Yeah, sure... I can't wait." He grinned and it was silent for a few minutes. Only the sound of the horses walking on the dirt, and birds tweeting in the distance.
"So, Am's... What do you think of Francine?"
I sat up straighter and met his eyes, faking an innocent look. "As what, Dad? Your publicist? Your friend? Your..." I couldn't bear to finish that sentence. Dad thought for a bit before glancing back. "Just what do you think of her... As a person." I swallowed back the harsh comments and pretended to think hard.
"Well, she's cute. Has nice hair... Good teeth- Can spell the word 'You'." I stopped and looked at Mystery's hair like it was the most interesting thing in the world before throwing my hands up in the air. "I don't know. Honestly, Dad, the lady's a complete stranger to me... Why do you want my opinion anyway." The feeling in my stomach returned and grew as I knew what was coming next. "Well, I'll tell you why... Believe it or not, Star-"
"Race you back to the ranch, Dad!" I shouted out, suddenly making Mystery take off with me. I heard my Dad call out as I got farther away.
I didn't want him to say it... It was just too unbelievable. As I turned sharp corners, nothing could stop the small tears from falling while I raced on, hoping to get back to the house soon.
~A few minutes later~
I had stopped myself from crying anymore as I raced up the porch steps, ripping open the door and quickly trying to stop myself from panicking. "I'm way in over my head here!" I said, speaking usually in a hushed tone to myself. "I can't do this by myself- I can't! I'm only one kid...!"
"You got something to share with the class?" A voice said, making me flinch. I turned to find Lovino and Feli sitting on the couch, looking concerned. The two brothers got up from where they were sitting and walked up to me. "Oh, Lovino, you gave me a fright!" I spoke like Amelia, holding onto my locket tightly.
Feli frowned. "'I gave you a fright?'" Cursing myself for messing up again I nodded. "Y-You scared me. I didn't know you two were like, in here." Lovino folded his arms and Feli furrowed his eyebrows. "You sure there's nothing you want to talk about?" He asked. "Like maybe why Aster never comes near you anymore? Or why your appetite's suddenly changed? Or maybe why all of a sudden you're neat as a pin and using expressions like 'You gave me a fright'?"
I shook my head and shrugged, feeling really nervous and... alone. "Guys... I changed a lot over the summer... That's all." Lovino scoffed while Feli looked really confused. Lovino shook his head. "If I didn't know any better, I'd say it's as if you were-" Feli cut him off, shaking his head. "No, it's too impossible, Lovi."
"Almost as if I were who, Lovino?" I asked quietly, making a quick decision. "Nobody." Feli said, looking at his brother. He nodded in turn. "Nobody. Forget I even mentioned it, più giovane." I shook my head, sick of keeping it from them.
"Almost as if I were... Alice?"
They were both turning when they heard that. Time was frozen, and it was quiet. After what felt like minutes, Feli reacted first. "You know about Alice?" I smiled weakly, holding onto my locket. Here's now or never.
"I am...Alice."
Feli put a hand over his mouth in shock while Lovino's gaped. They now knew the truth... And now didn't feel too alone. We were all on the same page.
"Why'd you take off like that?" Dad's voice cut in, causing me to move my hand back down to the side, and causing the two brothers in front of me flinch. "I told I wanted to talk to you about something...?" He caught sight of them now. "Hey, why are you guys looking at her like that?" Lovino stopped staring in awe and snapped back into place. "Like what? We're not looking at her any way special." Feli nodded and started to tear up. "Si, we're just looking at her like we have for the passed fourteen years... Since the day she same from the hospital. Six pounds, eleven ounces, twenty-four inches long..." He was crying now, voice breaking while he continued to talk. "This is how we look at her... Can I hug her?" He didn't wait and pulled me into a tight hug.
Over his shoulder I saw Lovino, with tears starting to form in his eyes. I silently asked him to help keep my secret and he nodded. Once Feli let me go, he started to wipe his eyes, calming himself down. "I'm going to make you something special. What would you like-" He shook his head. "It doesn't matter. I'll whip up everything." He nodded to himself and quickly left the room. Dad was looking very confused as Lovino walked up to us. "Why is everyone acting so nutty around here?" He questioned. Lovino just gave a half-glare to him before giving me a quick hug. "Question is, why aren't you?" He asked, letting me go. After that he left the room to Feli.
I turned back to Dad, who was looking very puzzled and miffed. The moment I felt was over. He then blinked and pulled me more into the living room. Sitting down on the sofa he locked eyes. "Am's, we need to talk." I forced a small smile and sat down next to him. "Okay. Shoot." He nodded and looked around before taking a deep breath. "Star...Look. I want to know what you think about making Francine part of the family." I sucked in a sharp breath, the feeling in my stomach from earlier coming back.
"Part of our family?" I questioned. He nodded again. "Yes." I let a big grin show. "I think that's an awesome idea! Inspired. Brilliant, really." He seemed pleasently surprised at my answer. "You really think so?" I nodded. "Totally. It's like a dream come true. I've always wanted a big sister!"
This caught him. He tilted his head and furrowed his eyebrows. I looked back at him, an innocent smile still on my face. "Am's...I'm afraid you're kind of missing what I'm saying." I let the smile fade off while shaking my head. "No I'm not. You're going to adopt Francine. That's so sweet, Dad..."
He didn't look happy at what I was doing. "I'm not going to adopt her. I'm going to marry her." Something in me then snapped. I jumped up and glared at him. "Marry her?! That's insane! How can you marry a woman young enough to be my big sister?!" I was shouting now and beyond calm. I left the couch and started to pace, talking out loud at how stupid I thought this was. I didn't even notice I had slipped into French until Dad grabbed me and forced me to stand still. "Amelia, calm down." It wasn't a split second until he realized what I was doing in my rant. "Now you speak French?!"
I glared at him again and pouted. "I learned it at camp." Looking away, I realized we were probably not going to get anywhere like this. Taking in a deep breath I looked at him again. "Okay...I'm sorry. Let's discuss this calmly and rationally..." He nodded and raised an eyebrow. "And in English too, if you don't mind. Man, what has gotten into you?"
I shook my head as he let me go. "Nothing. It's nothing. Just...Just-" I took a step back and threw my arms up. "Dad, you can't get married! It'll totally ruin everything completely!" I ran passed him before he could do anything, barely hearing Lovino's words as I turned passed a corner.
"Don't look at me, I know nothing."
~Later~
I was up in a tree, silent, with many thoughts rushing through my mind. So far since the phone call with Amelia, I was making decisions on my own... And I wasn't doing too well. I moved my hand across the bark on the tree, wishing I was home. My sister was probably having the time of her life while I dealt with this mucky situation. I loved spending time with Dad, honest... But whenever I did, Francine was involved, making it just...awful.
There was a small knocking on the tree and my attention was caught to the person who did it. I looked over to see Francine looking up, a small smirk on her face. Great, now I had to deal with the problem herself. "Can I join you?" She asked, sitting down. I shrugged and looked away, preparing myself for another snippy war. "Sure..."
She didn't waste time starting a conversation. "Guess the news of the engagement came as a bit of a shock, hm?" I rolled my eyes and turned my face towards her. "Basically." She hummed and toyed with a frill on her dress. "You know, I remember what it was like being fourteen. I had my first beau there. It's a wonderful age... You're starting to feel like a woman- and believe it or not, soon you'll understand what it's like to be in love."
I scowled. "Me? I don't think so." She shrugged lightly. "Well, take it from someone who knows about it." She took in a deep breath. "Being in love is a fantastic mystery that takes a man and a woman on a very magical journey to a place-" I narrowed my eyes a bit and cut her off. "I don't mean to sound rude when you're trying to be all mushy and everything... but I think I know what mystery Dad sees in you." She raised her eyebrows, tilting her head. "You do?"
"Well, you're young, beautiful and sexy and hey, he is only human." Though I wonder why he would pick a girl this time... "But if you ask me, marriage is supposed to be based on something more than desire, right?" She shook her head lightly, annoyance clearly showing at what I was saying. "Boy, your Dad underestimates you." I smiled lightly. "But you won't, will you Francine?" This seemed to hit a nerve in her as we studied each other carefully.
"So what if I'm young and beautiful? It's not a crime you know. And for your information, I adore your Dad. He's exactly the kind of guy I always imagined marrying." She stood up, folding her arms, blue eyes piercing into mine. "This is the real-deal, star, and nothing you do is coming between us." She paused to flip her hair. "The reality is, angel, you are no longer the only girl in Alfred Jones's life. Get over it." The last three words held threat and I couldn't help but break my composure.
"If this is the real-deal, then my Dad's money has nothing to do with you wanting to marry him, right?" I placed venom in my words and she dramatically looked a bit taken back. "I hope you are not suggesting I am marrying him for his money." I held my hands up in surrender. She was now probably getting my point. "All I know is, I've seen Cinderella a few dozen times and I'd rather not end up scrubbing the floors and befriending all the birds in the neighborhood while you have breakfast in bed... If you catch my drift."
She opening her mouth and closed it, looking very pissed. "You are unbelievably out of line, young lady." I shrugged and looked the other way. "If the shoe fits...wear it." I heard her laugh darkly and watched as she pointed a finger at me. "Enough. Now you listen, and you listen good. I am marrying your Dad in two weeks whether you like it or not. So I suggest you do not try and tangle with me anymore. You're in way over your head. Is that clear?" I smirked and leaned down to her, knowing her game perfectly now. "Crystal."
((And that is the end of chapter 7! Sorry if it was a bit shorter then the others. I hope you enjoyed it! If you see any errors, feel free to ignore or comment on it. ^w^ Next chapter will be out soon.))
Leave a review! I love hearing from you! :3
[6-9-17: I fixed a few things that bothered me]
-RickyDew
