Author's Note: Wow! Thank you so much to the many lovely reviews you left for the last chapter. Each and every one made me smile widely. I'm really glad you liked the second part of "Amity to Kin."

As for the third (and final) installment: it was a nightmare to write. My (barely recovered) muse and I had to deal with two sets of stubborn twins, an overly emotional Chloe, her mother being moodier than usual, Prime being extremely ineloquent, and another (this time thankfully only brief) writer's block on top of that. The more I'm glad I got the chapter knocked out in time for the holiday season. I had planned on putting it up before Christmas, but then I was bogged down by the flu which I seem to get annually around Christmas. *sighs* But here we go now; better late than never, right? xD

Thus said, I hope every one of you had a merry Christmas and is able to enjoy the remaining week of this year. I wish you all a very happy New Year 2012! :) Hope to see you again in January when the story starts to unfold its mysteries. *hinthint* ;)


– chapter eleven –

Amity to Kin (3)

To break the silence that then fell over the party, R.C. clapped her hands in a business-like fashion and exclaimed enthusiastically, "Now that all presents are exchanged and unpacked, it's time for the tradition of Christmas: kissing under the mistletoe." Her expression turned especially gleeful when she glanced at Mr. Hyde.

He narrowed his eyes at her. "Not a chance," he said darkly.

Mia got up and danced over to him. "Don't be a Grinch, lover-mine. No one is reluctant but you." She positioned herself directly in front of him, supporting her weight on his chair's armrests. "You aren't shy when it's just us," she literally purred into his face.

Annabelle deadpanned, "If you have to traumatize someone, take it to the beach. There's no one there."

Mia turned around and casually made herself comfortable on Mr. Hyde's lap, ignoring the glares she received from him. "Admit it, you're just jealous."

Annabelle snorted. "There's nothing to be jealous of," she retorted. "As much as I love Hyde, I'm glad he isn't my boyfriend or – even worse – mate." She shuddered.

R.C. snorted but hurried to hide it in a cough when both Mr. Hyde and Mia turned to glower at her. Then Mia looked back to Annabelle and calmly asked, "So you think my mate isn't worthy being jealous of?" But the underlying threat was clearly audible. The atmosphere of the party cooled down by several degrees. Everyone's attention was on the developing argument. From somewhere to my left there came sniggers, not at all sounding as if the person issuing them even tried suppressing them.

"That's not what I said," Annabelle defended herself.

"That's what I heard," Mia retorted.

"Stop it, guys," Mr. Lennox ordered but was ignored.

"All I said was that I'm glad he's not my partner," Annabelle returned.

Before Mia could say anything else, Mr. Prime said authoritatively, "Mia, stop it. And you too, Annabelle. Don't let this grow into an argument with hard feelings. You two are friends. And this is Christmas." He threw a pointed look in my direction for a moment before adding, toward Annabelle and Mia, "Now let's continue to enjoy the celebrations. I believe there are a few kisses due under the mistletoe." His expression was neutral to the point that it looked carefully masked to hide any and all emotions, but the smirk in the direction of a darkly glowering Mr. Hyde was nonetheless clearly palpable.

The latter promptly said, "You can't order me."

"Actually, he can. He is Prime," Mia reminded him softly, her fingers gently tapping along Mr. Hyde's neck.

"Come on, Hyde, don't be a Grinch," Mr. Lennox said. "Just give Mia the kiss and get it over with. You won't be able to leave the party otherwise."

Mr. Hyde actually growled. "I remember a day several years ago when you, Colonel William Lennox, put the fear of Primus in me for enjoying some quality time with my mate. And now you practically order me to kiss her in front of everyone? There is no logic in that."

Mrs. Lennox giggled. "Hyde, it's just a kiss. You're not getting intimate."

At the same time, Mr. Lennox said, "It's an old tradition. It's not supposed to be logical."

Mia stood and grabbed Mr. Hyde's hands, trying to pull him out of the chair. "Come on, warrior. It's just a kiss." But even though a few people started cheering to encourage him, Mr. Hyde was still reluctant to comply with everyone's wish.

Then one of the twins threw in, "Let's leave him be. That rusty tin can is getting too old for knowing how to make his mate happy."

There was a brief moment of absolute silence, then Mr. Hyde roared loudly, "Did you just call me old? Wait till that rusty tin can catches you and hangs you up by your aft!" He freed himself from Mia and made a beeline for the twin that had spoken – Mr. Sides if I wasn't mistaken. The twin cackled gleefully for a while, but then hurried to get out of Mr. Hyde's reach, running in the direction of the garage. Mr. Hyde followed, continuously demanding Mr. Sides to stop and take the insult back. The others laughed at the exchange – except Mr. Prowl who looked about ready to arrest the two. Mr. Prime put a hand on Mr. Prowl's lower arm, however, and silently shook his head at him. Mr. Prowl sighed and hid his face in his hands, mumbling something I didn't catch.

Ignorant to the exchange at the head of the banquet, Mr. Lennox said, "All right, if Hyde and Mia don't want to be first…" He grabbed his wife and – holding a mistletoe over their heads – kissed her passionately. Everyone applauded and-slash-or whistled. Only Annabelle groaned and rolled her eyes at the display of love. After having been released, Mrs. Lennox blushed but grinned goofily. "Now it's your turn, Epps," Mr. Lennox said and handed the mistletoe over to his colleague who quickly followed his superior officer's example.

When they ran past us, my attention got diverted from the mistletoe-kissings to Mr. Hyde still pursuing Mr. Sides all across the backyard. Watching their interaction, I realized the two weren't really chasing each other. Mr. Sides was too slow to let it look like he was running away from Mr. Hyde, and Mr. Hyde didn't put a lot of effort into catching Mr. Sides either. Apparently, they were just putting on a show, maybe even staged by Mr. Hyde to get around the mistletoe tradition. I chuckled.

When Mr. Hyde and Sides vanished behind the house – probably for another round of 'chase' across the front yard – peace returned at the table. Small conversations erupted here or there with the people making themselves comfortable in their chairs. The kids already played with their presents, under the watchful eyes of Mrs. Epps and Mrs. Lennox. Annabelle walked over to Mia, and after a little exchange, the two hugged and laughed again. I made myself rare, needing to use the lavatory.

Upon my return to the backyard, my eyes instantly fell on the younger set of twins huddled together, a little away from the banquet; I remembered that they'd been introduced as Skids and Mudflap to me, with the whispered warning to be careful around them as they were as talented in pranking people as the older set of twins. Currently, though, they were laughing and loosely pointing in the general direction of the front yard, obviously cracking up at their co-workers' antics. When they noticed me looking at them, they quickly strode over to me, their expressions changing from playful to determined.

Oh boy…

"Yo, Chloe, whassup?" one of them asked.

While I pondered what to answer, the other twin said, "She wan's a kiss from me o' course. Under da mistletoe." He threw a suggestive glance in my direction and wriggled his eyebrows.

I froze; maybe if I no longer moved, they'd lose interest and leave. That sort of tactic worked wonders for several species that were prey for other animals…

"Don't be ridiculous," Annabelle suddenly said and appeared next to me. In that moment I would have sworn the angels had sent her to my rescue.

The first twin addressed her. "You wan' a kiss from me too?"

She rolled her eyes. "Hardly. Now stop it. You're scaring Chloe."

"Weez not scarin' anyone," the second twin said solemnly while the first added, "Weez never hurtin' a fly, so weez not hurtin' Chloe."

"Hurting someone isn't the same as scaring someone," Annabelle pointed out.

"Dat's wha' you sez," the first twin countered and the second one, grabbing my hand, exclaimed in finest British English, "They may seize; On the white wonder of dear Juliet's hand; And steal immortal blessing from her lips; Who, even in pure and vestal modesty; Still blush, as thinking their own kisses sin."

Confused, I glanced at Annabelle.

"Guys, that's hardly the time to quote Shakespeare," she said. "Chloe doesn't want a kiss from any of you. And neither do I."

Ignoring us, both of the twins swiftly pulled out mistletoe from their pockets. "No escape," they sing-sang gleefully to which Annabelle only sighed.

I glanced around, frantically looking for a chance to get away from them, when I spied Mr. Sides and Mr. Sunny coming our way (apparently, the faked chase was already over). "Did I hear the magic word 'mistletoe'?" Mr. Sides asked.

"I heard it too," Mr. Sunny said, nodding. "Looks like we're about to get kissed."

Halting their pursuit, Mr. Skids or Mr. Mudflup turned in the direction of the newcomers and indignantly said, "Weez been here first."

"Yeah. Weez da ones dat get kisses," the other one added.

The older twins snorted. Mr. Sunny said, "Don't be stupid. The femmes aren't interested in you two," and Mr. Sides added, "Yeah, they're interested in us." As quick as lightning, they weaseled through to us, effectively outmaneuvering and holding off Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap who loudly complained and threatened bodily harm – which Mr. Sides and Mr. Sunny completely ignored (if anything, they found humor in the younger twins' threats). Mistletoe then appeared in their hands like out of nowhere. Glancing at Annabelle I noticed all she was doing was rolling her eyes, totally relaxed, while I myself fought the slowly rising panic. I didn't want to kiss or be kissed by any of these four. I carefully took a step backwards.

We were saved – for now – by one of the younger twins. "Yous stealin' our kisses," he complained loudly, balling his hands to fists, raising them to fight if need be. "We not allow dat." The tone didn't sound really dangerous, but there was determination audible in the words.

"Right, we not allow dat," the second twin said, imitating his brother in posture.

"And what are you going to do about it?" Mr. Sunny asked haughtily. Not waiting for a reply, he and his brother turned their attention back toward us, taking another step forward while I backed away again. Annabelle remained where she was, huffing in growing irritation.

Before she could say something, though, Mr. Sides suddenly looked down to where he held the mistletoe in his hands – before shaking it wildly in obvious disgust. I thought I detected something small and black moving within the green. But just when I was about to really see what the object was, it was flung off in a wide arc and disappeared beyond the veranda.

"What the—?" Mr. Sunny began but was interrupted by Mr. Sides who let loose a short but quite girlish scream before pointing at his brother's mistletoe. Mr. Sunny glanced down and then threw the branch away – accidentally smacking Mr. Side (who had come closer trying to help his brother get rid of whatever inhabited the mistletoe) right into the face. The siblings started arguing with each other, but when they noticed Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap sniggering, they focused on the younger twins.

My entire attention was drawn to the older set of twins now sort of stalking the younger ones who were not paying attention to the looming danger. The entire scene looked kind of funny, but I was worried that Mr. Sunny and Mr. Sides weren't just fooling around and going to hurt their younger co-workers – and all over some stupid kiss under the mistletoe. Without warning, they then got down to business quickly, lunging forward and thus catching Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap off-guard. To my surprise, the younger siblings were able to free themselves before being taken into a headlock and hurriedly fled the scene. Mr. Sunny screamed bloody murder and ran after them, Mr. Sides hot on his heels. Before they were out of hearing distance, I thought I heard Mr. Skids crying something along the line of "Weez 'bout ta get offlined!"

Annabelle sighed. "Knuckleheads, all four of them." Then she sprinted after them, shouting, "Sunny, Sides, don't kill them!"

Her shout caught the attention of everyone else. Mr. Lennox and his co-workers immediately went after them in an attempt to stop Mr. Sunny and Mr. Sides from getting their hands on Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap. But even with nine people they weren't really successful as both sets of twins seemed to have a talent for getting out of harm's reach before being cornered.

To the horror of Mrs. Epps, her boys found the chase to be fun. Probably believing it was time for a game of tag, they jumped up enthusiastically (without a second thought abandoning their newly received toys) and quickly went into pursuit of the twin brothers. As soon as Mrs. Epps noticed the absence of her sons, she handed Akeela over to Mrs. Lennox and followed the boys, trying to catch her offspring before harm befell them. But Daniel and Graham were too agile and slipped out of their mother's grasp several times, laughing excitedly at so much action. That running in-between adults who either didn't care about the kids' safety or simply didn't see them was dangerous didn't even seem to register with them. Not being able to watch Mrs. Epps struggle any longer, I decided to help her, but when making a direct beeline for Daniel, I had to hurriedly jump out of the way before I got knocked over by Mr. Sides who wasn't looking where he was going. Luck had it, though, that I could catch Graham not a moment later, so I quickly returned to the table, handing the boy over to Mrs. Lennox's care.

As soon as I had retreated to safety, the worst of the 'chase' seemed to be over. Mr. Prowl was giving a stern lecture to Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap – flanked by Jolt and Jack – while Mr. Hyde physically held the older twin brothers off with a glare that promised bodily harm if they moved so much as an inch. Mia stood to his side for a while, but when Annabelle signaled her, she went with my friend. They exchanged a few words and started roaring.

Once again the feeling of loneliness soared through me. Watching Annabelle and Mia showed how close they were; often they looked like they were sisters rather than just being friends. I wanted to have the same. Even though I'd get a little sister next spring, we would be fourteen years apart. She and I, we would never be close enough for me to feel like I could share all my secrets with her. I had always been alone – and I would always be.

Annabelle lifted an arm and waved to me, a grin on her face. I returned the gesture, but Annabelle was engaged again in her conversation with Mia. My arm sank back to my side. My friend was a lonely child, like I still was, but different to me she had great friends in her father's co-workers who seemed to dote on her very much; that much was obvious after today. Suddenly, I wished I could change places with Annabelle, be in her stead. And then I realized that I really was jealous of her. Was that a bad sign for our friendship? I liked her, I really did, but I also wanted to be her.

When someone suddenly said, "You're sitting all by yourself. What's wrong?" I nearly jumped out of the chair into which I'd just plopped in a minute ago.

Trying to hide what I'd been ruminating about, I blinked away the tears that had started to well up. "Nothing really," I mumbled. "I'm just… well, thinking you could say." I wasn't really lying, but I wasn't entirely truthful either. Needing to know who I was talking to, I glanced to my right. My heart stopped beating again: Optimus Prime himself had sat down in the chair next to me.

And he was looking at me. "What about if I may ask?" he politely inquired, still leaving me the chance to not say anything at all in response. I could remain silent and he wouldn't be disappointed about it.

I blushed and quickly had to look away. "Everything and nothing in particular," I said vaguely, but then added, "Well, I'm trying to figure out what exactly happened earlier, why Mr. Sunny and Mr. Sides suddenly seemed intent on killing their co-workers. It just… doesn't make sense to me."

He didn't answer for a while, so I glanced at him again. He smiled slightly. Only once he knew I was looking in his direction, he said, "Skids and Mudflap pranked them, hiding spiders in Sunny and Sides' mistletoe. The two have an aversion against all kinds of insects."

I involuntarily snorted. On his questioning look I said, "'Aversion' is putting it mildly. The way they tried to get rid of the mistletoe… I'd say they were scared." He tipped his head in acknowledgement, and then I realized he had only wanted to be nice when talking about his co-workers to a stranger. I could have slapped myself in that moment, but refrained. The embarrassment was still visible in my cheeks. I didn't dare meet his eyes again.

After some moments of silence, he asked, "Are you enjoying tonight?"

That was a safe topic to talk about. "I am indeed; it's a wonderful dinner." I smiled. "Though, I am also trying to sort of compare this year's Christmas to the celebrations of previous years." I paused, wondering if he even cared and really wanted to know. Often people just asked rhetorically to pretend they were interested in learning more about you. But when I risked another glance in his direction, I only saw curiosity in his expression. His blue eyes were calmly hefted on me, patiently waiting for me to continue, not speaking at all. So I said, "You know, I'm used to Christmases being different to… that." I gestured across the backyard where people milled and chatted. Annabelle now stood with R.C. and Mia, all three of them laughing. Mrs. Lennox and Mrs. Epps were amiably chatting over on the veranda whereas Mr. Lennox and Mr. Hatchett appeared to be deeply immersed in a heated discussion. On the other side of the backyard I spied Mr. Prowl now keeping a watchful eye on both sets of twins, the younger set watching with interest how Mr. Epps played airplane with Daniel and Graham while Mr. Sunny and Mr. Sides looked sullen.

"To what conclusion did you come?" Mr. Prime asked after a moment, diverting my attention back to him and our conversation.

Remembering my past Christmases, I explained, "Well, for one, there should be snow. Christmas without snow is like summer without sun. There used to be tons of snow one year. But here it's just… humidity. It's way too warm for snow." I sighed. "It doesn't feel like Christmas and…" I trailed off, blushed and looked at him. Well done, Chloe, I thought when I remembered who I had ranted to.

To my surprise, he didn't seem to mind my babbling. However, he wore a confused expression, all the while regarding me pensively. I thought he was a master at multitasking facial expressions. "You miss your former home," he eventually said. It sounded like it was supposed to be a question rather than just a statement.

Realizing he was right and that, deep down, I did miss being in D.C., I merely nodded, unable to verbally agree when threatening tears nearly choked me.

He sent me a comforting smile. "I can sympathize with that. I too miss mine."

"Really?" I asked, curious. But I also felt bad for him. Maybe I could distract him a bit… "Where did you come from? Before coming to Diego Garcia I mean?" His eyes met mine head on, making me blush again. I still dared to say, "My guess is Southwest."

That seemed to surprise him. He blinked. "Southwest?"

Shrugging, I replied, "Sure."

"Southwest of what?"

"The southwestern states of course." Duh! Everyone knew that – he, though, obviously not so I explained, "Well, I mean states like Texas, or Arizona, or Oklahoma… although, the latter is rather center, I suppose…"

"What makes you think I come from the Southwest?" he asked. Did I detect a hint of amusement in his voice?

Wondering if he only pretended not knowing or really had no idea, I pointed to his cowboy hat. "Your attire," I said. "You look like a cowboy – at least partly. I've never met another person dressed like you in everyday life if he isn't a cowboy for real." To make sure I had made the right assessment, I gave him a thorough glance over. Nodding to myself, I continued, "I don't think you're a real cowboy; if you were, you'd not be here. But you grew up knowing that one day you will be one, and that's people from the Southwest."

His lips twitched, like he tried to fight back the need to laugh. "Interesting reasoning."

Grinning at having succeeded distracting him from his dark thoughts, I asked, "I'm right, right?"

"No."

My face fell. How—? "Damn!"

He chuckled.

"So if not from the Southwest, where are you from?"

He sent me a mysterious smile. "That, I'm afraid, will have to be answered another time."

Mrs. Lennox suddenly called down the veranda, "Chloe, I just spoke to your parents. They're wondering when you'd come home."

Taken aback, I glanced at my watch – and received a surprise: it was just short of midnight. I hadn't even noticed when night fell. The day had passed way quicker than I had imagined. Time to go home, I thought, feeling a little sad that the Christmas dinner was coming to an end. "Goodnight then, I suppose," I said and turned back to Mr. Prime. He nodded briefly in acknowledgement, but didn't speak. Immediately afterward, he rose and walked over to Mr. Lennox and Mr. Hatchett. It was odd that he hadn't verbally reacted to my farewell, but I shrugged it off. After all, even after today, I was only a stranger to him.

Mr. Hyde appeared on the veranda. "Come on, I'll drive you home," he gruffly said. Grabbing the presents I had received – minus the pistol which I would leave with Mr. Lennox – I hurried over to him.

Annabelle was inside, in the kitchen. I said my goodbyes when we passed by. "It was a nice dinner. Thank you."

"No, no, thank you. It was nice having you here." She hugged me which I returned as good as I could without letting the presents fall down.

"See you in school if not earlier already," I said, feeling a little subdued. After today New Year's Eve would be boring, but I knew the Lennox's were having guests again to celebrate the change of year. "Have a nice party next week."

She grinned. "Actually, would you mind coming? Dad invited your parents when you arrived this afternoon and, well, your father wasn't averse to the idea. He wanted to talk to your mother first though."

That was a surprise! "Wow. That would be awesome."

"My thoughts exactly. Talk to your parents again and let me know. Just call."

"Will do. See you!"

Mr. Hyde's pick-up was parked in front of the Lennox's garage. He opened the door for me, then walked around to get in himself. Before I could climb into the monster truck, however, I heard someone call my name. Turning around, I saw Mr. Prime coming over.

When he was at my side, he reverently said, "I wanted to thank you."

To say I was baffled was the understatement of the year. "Thank me? For what? I didn't do anything."

He only sent me another mysterious smile. "You did more than you realize. I am looking forward to our next meeting. Goodnight, Chloe." And without another word he turned around and walked back into the house.

The drive home happened in silence. I was still pondering over what Mr. Prime could have meant with his farewell. Besides, it was just Mr. Hyde and me this time. I hardly knew him, so what was I supposed to talk to him about? It took him only about ten minutes to drive to my home anyway; there just wasn't enough time to start a conversation.

Mom and Dad sat on the living room couch, watching a romantic comedy, but both looked up when hearing me dispose of my presents on the cupboard in the hall. "Hey, darling. Did you have a nice dinner?" Mom asked.

I nodded. "Very nice. And look, I even got presents." I grabbed the box Annabelle had given me and walked over to my parents. Setting it on the couch table and taking off the lid, I showed them. Mom and Dad's expressions were at first curious, but became confused when they saw the 'toys.' "Nice," Dad commented, taking one out. He frowned while regarding it closely; it was a jeep. "Who gave them to you?"

"Annabelle. And they are nice indeed. Check this out." I took the blue motorcycle and bumped it on the table, letting the robot spring out.

Mom gasped and froze, shock clearly written all over her face. I threw Dad a worried glance, but before neither he nor I could say something, Mom's hands went to her tummy, stroking it lovingly. She relaxed again. "Sorry, she just kicked me." Dad threw Mom a funny look, but didn't comment.

Instead, he turned back to me. "And do you know why she would give you such nice… action figures?"

I shrugged, putting the robot back to motorcycle form and laying it back into the box. Dad handed me back the jeep. "It's Christmas, that's why. It was a gift." I shrugged again. Taking the box, I turned to go. "I probably won't play with them but put them as models on a shelf or in a cabinet. They're too fragile to be anything else but models." Dad slowly nodded, relief written over his face. His silent reaction confused me, but I was too happy after today to wonder about Dad or Mom. "I'm going to bed; if you'll excuse me…"

"'kay. Night, hon. Sleep well."

"Thanks, you too."

The next morning over breakfast Mom and Dad told me they'd accepted the invitation for the New Year's Eve party at the Lennox's place. I was ecstatic and flew on cloud nine. Having dinner on Christmas Day and celebrating New Year's Eve with awesome people was like a dream becoming reality. It was one of the best holiday seasons I have ever had.

The week until the party passed in a blur. R.C. came over twice for the tutor sessions. Normally I would have hated studying when school was out, but it was only thanks to her that my Spanish actually improved. Besides, there was lots of free time and fun activities during the rest of the week. One day for instance Annabelle and I went swimming, on another one my parents invited her to dinner, and a third day was spent at the Lennox's place with another round of shooting practice. I used my new pistol, and the sight really made it easier to actually hit the target. After a very successful afternoon I couldn't thank Mia and R.C. – and Mr. Hyde, who was absent today – enough for their wonderful gift.

"And you thought about not accepting it," R.C. said, brushing off what felt to be my one hundredth 'thank you' before it even left my mouth.

I blushed in embarrassment. "Yeah, well…"

Mia interrupted me by crushing me against her side in a hug. "That'll teach you to accept gifts without hesitation the next time, eh?"

I could only nod in agreement, but with a wide grin.

Well, and before I could fully realize it, the year came to a close, and we drove over to the Lennox's for the party.

Upon arrival, a couple of guests were already there. There was music coming from a stereo mounted on a table on the veranda, little groups of people milled about and chatted animatedly. Mr. Skids and Mr. Mudflap were twisting and turning around in an attempt to dance. I bit back a laugh; they looked hilarious. But they didn't seem to care, instead having fun.

When Mr. Hatchett caught sight of us, he came over. "Lieutenant, Private," he greeted my parents. "Chloe." I nodded at him and he turned back to Mom. "How are you doing?" His eyes fell on her growing baby belly.

Mom stroked it. "Quite well – all things considered. Thanks."

Mr. Hatchett continued staring at Mom's belly and I glanced at Mom, but she was relaxed. Eventually, he looked up again, meeting Mom's eyes. "Good to hear. Let me know if you need anything."

Mom's expression turned slightly flustered, but before she could say anything, Dad put a hand on her lower arm and said to his colleague, "Thanks, we will."

Mr. Hatchett left us alone then and Annabelle sauntered over. She chatted a bit with my parents before pulling me away for some girl time. Seeing that Mrs. Lennox approached my parents, I knew they were going to be taken care of and I could go with my friend without a second thought. We went to the beach and talked about anything and everything while cooling our feet in the surf.

Dinner was served not an hour later. There was steak and sausages, fish and chips, vegetables of all kinds, potatoes and rice… and lots more. I wondered how we were supposed to eat it all; it looked like an entire battalion could be fed with the amount of food Mrs. Lennox had prepared. Though, in the end we managed, leaving little to nothing at all. Night had fully set a while ago, but with lots of lanterns hung all over the veranda and backyard, we had enough light to see. In addition, the lampions created a celebrative atmosphere during dinner. Afterward, we relaxed with ice cream and festive music. When midnight neared, sparkling wine was served; even Annabelle and I were allowed some.

Once everyone had a glass in hand, Mr. Lennox caught our attention by clanging against his glass with a spoon. "It's time for a toast, I believe." He checked his watch before looking toward the head of the banquet. "Optimus, would you do the honor?"

Mr. Prime followed the invitation suit and raised his glass. "My dear friends," he began, smiling at everyone around the table. "Another year has passed, and everyone who was here in the last year still is. I am very glad about that." His gaze fell on Mr. Hyde who returned it with a shrug and expression that seemed to say 'Wasn't my fault.' Mr. Prime continued, "In addition, over the last couple of months, our family grew." He looked toward where I sat, raising his glass a little in acknowledgement.

I was floored. He believed me to be a part of the 'family'? That was tremendous! The thought of being kin to them was really heart-warming. Annabelle sitting on my right sent me a wide grin which I returned. Then an idea struck; being part of the family meant Annabelle was my quasi-sister. Awesome! With her as my sister I'd never again have to be jealous of her. I felt like I just won the largest jackpot ever.

Interrupting the train of thought before it could stray off too far, I turned my attention back to Mr. Prime's toast. However, it was my friend who spoke next. "Thank you, Optimus."

"No, I have to thank you, Annabelle—"

Time seemed to have stopped moving, and I felt like the ground had opened beneath my feet to swallow me whole. Mr. Prime had not meant me? But he had been looking in my direction… Glancing up toward the head of the banquet, I noticed that Mr. Prime was keeping eyes locked with Annabelle. Not with me. He only smiled at her. This would mean he didn't consider me being a part of the 'family.' I wasn't worth being considered kin.

Fighting against the tears that threatened to well up, I focused on the still on-going speech, trying to not think about the immense disappointment and the pain in my chest. "Sadly, not everyone of our family can be here today," he was just saying, "but they are with us in our thoughts – and I am certain we are in theirs. Let's toast on kinship and health."

"And that the next year will be as peaceful as this one," Mr. Lennox added. Mr. Prime acknowledged the note with a respectful nod.

For a long moment, solemn silence fell over the banquet, which was only interrupted by the sound of everyone clinking glasses with each other before sitting back and sipping of the sparkling wine.

When I fished for one of the biscuits plates, tempted to drown my sorrow in a sugar rush, Mr. Hatchett – who had been pensively eyeing Jack on his left-hand side – drily remarked, "It could be even more peaceful if a certain someone stopped blowing himself up every other week."

Jack grinned. "Now where would be the fun in that?" he asked rhetorically before nibbling on his cookie. Whilst Mr. Hatchett sent a glare toward his colleague, everyone else – except me; I was no longer in the mood to be happy – burst out laughing.

"Speaking of explosions," Mr. Prowl spoke up from next to Mr. Lennox with a demonstrative look at his watch. "In a few moments it's midnight so let's move over to the beach for the fireworks show."

The twins and Mia groaned. "You're always so pushy," Mr. Sides complained. "Will you just relax and chill?"

Mr. Sunny snorted. "Prowl and chill? Bro, Pit will rust over twice before that ever happens." The younger twins and Mia laughed at that, were wise enough, however, to quickly duck when Mr. Prowl aimed in their directions for a few clouts.

"Be glad it's Hyde doing the fireworks, and not Jack," he said in a huff when realizing he wouldn't catch them.

"Hey!" Jack cried out, much to the amusement of everyone assembled.

"And that would be my cue," Mr. Hyde remarked with an enthusiastic sparkle in his blue eyes and got up before vanishing behind the house.

I took my time with walking over to the beach. Sure, I was excited for the firework, curious to see what Mr. Hyde came up with, but there still was the miserable feeling from not being accepted in Mr. Prime's family. Annabelle was a few steps ahead but soon turned around, searching, and after having spotted me, she halted until I caught up with her. Linking her arm into mine, she said, "This is going to be great. Hyde is a pro at pyrotechnics." I mumbled some unintelligent response – at least I think I did. It prompted my friend to regard me with a worried expression. "You all right, Chloe?" she asked.

I heaved a sigh. "What must one do to become part of the family?" I inquired quietly.

She blinked in confusion. Before she could answer my question, however, my dad appeared at my other side. "Mia is looking for you, Annabelle," he told my friend. How loyal a friend Annabelle was proved when she didn't just leave, looking at me again. Her expression clearly said that she wouldn't leave while I was in this state. Dad noticed too; he said, "Don't worry about Chloe. I'll stay with her."

"I don't know, Mr. Roberts…" Annabelle began.

"No, really, you go ahead. Chloe's in best hands with me."

Annabelle squeezed my hand in reassurance before running off, still seeming a bit reluctant of leaving me behind, but also aware that I would be looked after when with my own father. Eventually, she stopped glancing back at us and vanished behind the rows of palm trees that lined the beach.

Dad had stopped walking and moved until he stood directly in front of me. "I noticed the black rain cloud hanging over your head," he said, attempting to lighten my mood with a joke. "Care to enlighten me?"

I snorted. "That's the worst analogy you ever came up with."

He grinned and linked his arm with mine just like Annabelle had done a moment ago, pulling me toward a trine of trees. He then sobered. "Seriously, what's up, hon? You were so outgoing before and during dinner, but when I looked next, you sat wrapped in silence. What happened?"

I sniffled, trying not to cry. "Remember the speech by Mr. Prime?" Not waiting for his answer, I continued, "Why did he welcome only Annabelle into his family?"

There was a moment of heavy silence. "You wish for a new family?" he asked, trying hard to keep his tone level, but I still heard the accusation behind his words.

"What?" I breathed in confusion. And then I realized how my questions must have sounded to my dad. Horror washed over me. "Oh God, I… um, well… Dad, I…" I stammered, ashamed at what I said, but I didn't know how to take it back or explain it properly.

Dad sighed, resigned. "I'm sorry, Chloe. We obviously failed you if you wish for another family."

Hearing my own father say something like that and sounding all miserable let the tears I had so far successfully held back fall freely. "That's not what I meant!" I cried out.

His expression softened. Gently, he said, "Then what did you mean, Chloe? Your statement was pretty clear if you ask me."

He was right, of course. I had been in my own bubble, chasing a dream that was unreachable, and when that bubble had turned to dust, I had drowned myself in my own gloom, no longer caring what I said and to whom I said it. And now I felt bad for having hurt Dad – and effectively Mom too, even though she didn't know about it. But no matter what I felt, I somehow couldn't find the right words to apologize to Dad and explain it all.

Despite having gotten insulted – you couldn't define it any other way, no matter how hard you tried – Dad gave me all the time I needed to gather my thoughts, and when he noticed I struggled with how to phrase things, he quietly, softly said, "Let me give you an advice: Always be honest to yourself before trying to be honest to someone else."

He was right, as usual. And I wanted to be honest. Hurting the people I loved most in my life was the last thing I wanted to do. But you already hurt them, a voice in the back of my mind reminded me. You wish for another family.

No. I didn't want another family. I loved my father, loved my mother. And I loved my still unborn little sister. I was of their flesh and blood, was a part of them all. I'd never – for anything in the world – want to change that.

What I wanted was to be accepted. How I was. Annabelle had sought me out, had talked to me when everyone else shunned me away. My peculiarities didn't matter to her. Nor did they matter to R.C. or Mia. Their co-workers, too, seemed to accept me as I was. They talked to me as if I was an equal, even though they were adults and I was only a teenager. They showed me the same respect they had for each other. I didn't know what they had experienced throughout their lives, but it had forged a bond between them all. Why else would they consider each other to be of kin?

"I know what I want," I told Dad, looking up to him. "Their combination of treating each other with respect and as equals is what I want for myself."

From his expression I thought he understood what I said, but he had trouble following the details. "Let's start at the beginning," he suggested.

Sniffling again, I launched into a report of how the Lennox's were not only friends with Mia, R.C. and Mr. Hyde, but how they considered each other as a big family which included their co-workers as well. "That feeling of kinship was especially palpable during the Christmas dinner, but since they included me so enthusiastically, even gave me presents when I didn't expect to receive them, I thought I already belonged to their family too. But then Mr. Prime addressed Annabelle during his speech when he said 'over the last months our family has grown.' He didn't mean me."

Dad's expression turned understanding. He wrapped his arms around me, hugging me to himself for comfort. It helped a bit. "What you have to understand is that the Lennox's have known Prime and his family for several years. We only moved here a couple of months ago. Certainly, you and Annabelle have become great friends, and you get along wonderfully with R.C. and Mia." He unwrapped me out of the hug and moved until he could look me directly into the eyes. "But, hon, it took time for you to reach this level of friendship with the three. To further friendship to a kinship of the like Prime and his co-workers have for each other, it will take even longer. It doesn't develop all of a sudden. To be kin to someone means to fully trust them, unconditionally. Would you trust someone else outside our family with your life?"

I thought about it for a while, and when I eventually opened my mouth for a reply, Dad was smiling. Rather than answering his – rhetorical, as I suddenly realized – question, I asked in return, "Why are you smiling?"

"Because you hesitated. You didn't reply my question immediately with a 'yes.' You had to think about it which means you do not yet trust them to protect you like your mother and I do."

"You tricked me," I accused him, grumbling, the tears forgotten.

Dad had the decency to look sheepish. "All right, I admit it, I tricked you. But it made my point, didn't it?"

I had to give him that. "It did." I hung my head.

A fizzling nearby caught our attentions, and then the first firework exploded in the sky above the beach. Sparks of red and green flew in every direction. Dad put an arm around my shoulder, and together, we proceeded to the beach. "Just give it time, Chloe. You'll see; eventually, you will achieve what you want. Just be patient."

As Dad was usually right about such things, I decided to trust him in this matter too. He had just asked me to wait. Everything else would come over time. So, maybe, one day, I would truly be part of the kinship I so envied. And Annabelle would be my sister. Until then I promised to be her friend.

The fireworks continued to light up the night sky above us. There were fountains of gold and silver, eruptions in red, green and blue, and so much more. The sparks danced over the sky in a seemingly own life before slowly fading away against the darkness. The sight was amazing; Mr. Hyde truly knew what he was doing to being able to paint such wonderful pictures into the sky. There were emotions behind what we saw, and I felt them resonate deep within me.

When the firework was over, people clapped, but no one spoke. There were no wishes for a happy new year. It wasn't necessary. We knew everyone wished the others a healthy and peaceful time to come, so why say it out loud and ruin the holy atmosphere the firework had created?

I didn't realize I was crying until Dad silently handed me a handkerchief. How had a firework like this been able to touch me this deeply? I didn't even feel embarrassed by it. A positive development?

Before I could continue this thought, Annabelle, Mia and R.C. came toward us. While the sisters kept standing, Annabelle crouched down in front of where I sat in the sand. "We want to go for a midnight swim. Care to join us, Chloe?"

Out of the corner of my eyes I could see Dad smiling. "I would love to."

Annabelle's face was split by a grin. She reached out and helped me stand up. "You can borrow a swimsuit from me," she said, already walking us over to the house.

"Thanks."

Mia and R.C. appeared next to my other side. "You're welcome, dearspark," R.C. said softly.

Maybe I wasn't considered their sister yet, but all three wanted me to be among them, wanted me to be their friend. And I would fulfill that position.

Gladly.