Than stared out the window of the car as they rode on in silence. He watched the scenery change from the slums, to the middle class homes, along with a few businesses. He spoke up suddenly, "We're heading for the city?"

"Yes," Chet replied. "Good 'ol NYC."

"I've never been there," Than looked down in his lap while Chet looked up, startled.

"Never?"

He shook his head, "not that I remember."

Chet stared at him a moment before facing forward again. Those guys at social services weren't kidding about this kid…

Than went back to staring out the window. His mouth dropped open when they came up to a huge set of gates, behind which sat the largest house he'd ever seen. It had a long porch with many windows, was painted a brilliant white, and had green garlands and red ribbons decorating its façade. The gates opened wide to let the car through.

"Than? I know it's a big house, but you don't need to drool as if you'll never see it again from this moment on."

Than turned to Chet, mouth still hanging open, "Huh?!"

"You have two weeks: two weeks to stay here," Chet smiled.

"Here? In that?!"

"No, we're going to make you sleep in the dumpster around back," Chet laughed sarcastically as the driver opened his door. He climbed out and Than followed. They made their way up the steps of the porch and a man in a tuxedo stepped out of the house.

"Good afternoon, Mr. Jorch," he addressed Chet.

"Hello Maxwell. Is Ms. Warbucks back yet?"

"No sir, she should be here in an hour or so."

Chet turned and said, "Than, this is Maxwell, the butler. Maxwell, this is Than Greene, the orphan that will be staying with us over the holidays."

"It is a pleasure to meet you, Mr. Greene," Maxwell bowed.

"Ehh…" Than was too shocked over everything to say anything.

Chet patted him on the back, "You'll have to excuse Mr. Greene, he's rather overwhelmed right now."

"I see. Will I be giving him the grand tour of the estate?" Maxwell inquired.

"That won't be necessary. I'll be glad to show him around myself."

"Very good, sir. If you require anything, Mr. Greene, feel free to ask."

"Er, uh, thank you, Maxwell," Than answered. He watched as Maxwell made a small bow before returning to the inside of the house. Chet lead Than into the large entry way adorned with the same greenery and ribbons as the exterior of the house. A large staircase in the middle of the room lead to the second floors, the room to the left was a parlor, the room to the right seemed to be a dining room, and two doors on either side of the staircase lead to other rooms—most likely a kitchen and possibly an office. Another "small" detail about the room was the glass chandelier hanging from the ceiling.

"So, what would you like to see first?" Chet asked, breaking Than's train of thought.

"Oh… uh… anything would be fine…" Than was too busy staring upward, taking in every detail.

Chet grinned. "Maybe some introductions to the staff are in order?"

Than looked at him. "I'm guessing it's about time for another song, then?"

"Yup."

"Cecille will pick out all your clothes."

"Blue, no, green is his best color I think."

"Your bath is drawn by Mrs. Greer."

"Soap...no, bubbles, I think."

"Annette comes in to make your bed."

"The silk, no the satin sheets, I think."

"I think I'm gonna like it here!"

"The swimming pool is to the left!"

"Inside the house? Duuude..."

"The tennis court is in the rear."

"I don't even like tennis..."

"Have an instructor here at noon--

Oh, and get that Don Budge fellow if he's available."

"I think I'm gonna like it here…"

"When you wake ring for Drake,

Drake will bring your tray.

When you're through Mrs. Pugh,

Comes and takes it away.

"No need to pick up any toys!"

"Uhh, that's okay, I haven't got any anyway."

"No finger will you lift, is that clear?

"We have but one request,

Please put us to the test!"

"I know I'm gonna like it here!

"Used to room in a tomb,

Where I'd sit and freeze.

Get me now, holy cow!

Could someone pinch me please? OUCH!"

"He didn't mean it!

We've never had a little girl..."

"We've never had a little... girl?"

"I guess I'll just have to do my best..."

"We hope you understand,

Your wish is our command!"

"I know I'm gonna like it here!"

"Welcome!"

After that weird song and dance sequence, the introduction of the staff, and a brief game of tennis, the staff began rushing around the house frantically as a car horn sounded from outside. Than stood in the entry way with a blank look on his face as Chet dashed to the front door. When he returned, he was busily taking down notes as a young red-headed woman rattled off various cheese recipes. She stopped abruptly when she noticed Than. Their eyes met, and blinked rapidly for a couple of moments.
"Who is this?" she asked.

"Uh, Ms. Warbucks, I'd like to introduce Than Greene, the foster child that will be staying with us over Christmas."

"… I thought we were getting a cat from the local animal shelter?"

"No, Kysha, that was for … something else," Chet said, slightly flustered. He stood off to the side as Ms. Warbucks waltzed around Than, taking him in from every angle. She looked into face and made an announcement.

"I need a pie!"

One of the servants quickly brought her a piece of lemon meringue pie. She nibbled at it thoughtfully, still watching Than with interest. Than felt like melting into a crack in the wall… if the wall had any cracks, that it.

"Well, Dan—"

"It's Than, Ms. Warbucks," Chet murmured, looking skyward.

"Than, sorry; anyway, I hope you'll enjoy your stay for the next week—"

"Two weeks."

"…two weeks. If you'll excuse me, I need to finish my pie and some paperwork. Chet, find him something to wear; he must be soaked through to the skin." Ms. Warbucks made a hasty exit to one of the doors beside the staircase.

Than stood, bewildered. Chet silently rubbed his forehead, a familiar migraine coming on. The servants all went back to their work. A leaf fell from the nearby plant. ARGH, SOMEONE SAY SOMETHING!!

"… She seemed nice," Than spoke finally. "A little eccentric, but nice."

"Yeah," Chet sighed, "she's like that all the time. So I hope you can stand it for the next few days."

"Hey, it's no problem," Than shrugged. "I've had enough excitement in today alone to last me the rest of my life."

"And we're just getting started. We have a whole other plot line to start up and about six other songs to get through."

"… oi."

*

End notes: Sorry about the out of characterness. ^_^; I've been wanting to finish this chapter for a while, and just got around to it today. Kysha comes off as a real snob, doesn't she? XD;