A/N: Ok I'm hoping you like this chapter, I'm not too sure how it turned out. It may feel a bit rushed in some places if it does, I'm sorry!!! Also, I need help w/ something I can never come up w/ good chapter titles if you can think of a better one for any of the chapters I have up so far, e-mail me and I may change the title!

Disclaimer: Everything is pretty much mine but anything that's not belongs to whoever created it : )

Summary: Ok, in this chapter Maria and Amanda do something fun :)

***Thanks to EVERYONE who reviewed! I love reviews :) Also here are some little responses to reviews: Maria's Georg: Maybe I'll bring Carl back, ya never know; ) but there was a phone call w/ him in the last chapter!!! ~ PsYcHo-Me: Don't worry! The Senator is gonna get nicer, (just give him time)!

***Again please R/R ***

- ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~ - ~

In the back of my mind, I had known what types of clothes I had wanted to buy for the children. Something modern, in style, yet not too flashy, (as I knew most clothes were these days). In the end however, I was quite pleased with the clothes I did get.

I awoke early the next morning, perhaps too early considering how late I had been up the night before. After shopping I had brought the new clothes home and wrapped them in brown paper I figured the children would appreciate this more. I had wanted to make it a big deal for the children, as getting new clothes were something that I didn't think happened to them often. So as I had planed; I delivered the brown paper packages to the children first thing in the morning

"Why are you making us all sit in a circle with our eyes closed, Miss

Maria," little Audrey asked.

"I told you, Audrey, I have a surprise for you!" I responded, a faint smile creeping onto my face.

"Oh" Audrey replied knowingly.

"Now," I said, trying to build the suspense, "I am going to place something in front of each of you. When I say open, you may open your eyes, but not until thenclear?"

The response of seven anxious voices filled the room, and I began to lie out the packages, the correct one in front of each child.

"Alright," I said, eager to begin the count down, "on the count of three. One two three! OPEN!"

The sound of ripping paper and delighted squeals filled the room. Hilary was the first to devour the paper.

"OH MY GOD! It's gorgeous! Thank you so much!" She exclaimed and ran to me. She put her arms around my neck and embraced me tightly.

"Gosh," I began, correcting her language slip, "and you're quite welcome! I hope you all like your clothes. I tried my best to pick out stuff that you would like to be seen in--"

"I would love anyone to see me in this," Hillary continued on squealing, "but WAIT! What do you mean you picked out clothes you thought we would like to be seen in?"

"Oh I meant nothing by it," I said as a broad, mischievous, smile spread its way across my face.

"Oh, come on," Luke persisted impatiently.

"Yeah, you can't lead us on like that, then not tell us anything," Zach argued.

"I'm sorry, but I see no way in which I was leading you on. Besides, you know you're not allowed to leave this house and its grounds," I responded, the big smile not loosing its light on my face, "Now, as we would not want to find out later that these clothes don't fit, I think it would be a good idea if you went and tried them on don't you think, Julie?"

"Well, yes--"

"Good! It's lovely to know that someone agrees with me and doesn't feel like arguing. Now, off you all go! Be back in five minutes as I want to see how the clothes look," I said, cutting Julie off.

It was a priceless moment for me, watching all of their stunned, puzzled faces as they headed off for their rooms. I enjoyed having a secret that I knew they were just itching to find out.

Everyone was back in the room no later than five minutes later, just as eager as before to find out what my big smile was about.

"Oh do tell us, Miss Maria," they begged, pleading looks in their happy eyes.

"Alright, alright," I said, "I'll tell you one thing," the room silenced at my words, "The one thing is you'll find out what when I'm ready for you to know."

"Ha! So there is a what," Julie observed.

"Yes, Julie, there is a what," I said gleefully.

"But you're not going to tell us because" Amanda added in slyly.

"Because, you can't learn secrets until it's time for you to learn them," I blatantly said, "but one thing I can say, one of you will know the secret sooner than the rest."

The once silent room became loud again, as the children began to whisper amongst themselves. Little phrases such as "I hope I hear it first," or "Me too, but if you hear first, will you tell me?" bounced around in my head as I excitedly scanned the children's faces. It was quite a sight, as even the oldest looked excited.

"So," I said, breaking the commotion, "now that you are wide awake and enthusiastic it's time for work to begin!"

The room was filled with groans, but the children obeyed by heading over in the direction of their desks.

That Friday flew by for me, but I could feel the children's agony as they considered all the possibilities as to what my mystery could be.

At 8:45 p m, I sent them all off to get ready for bed.

"Alright everyone, time to log off your computers!" I said loudly, clapping my hands together.

Amazingly, they did as they were told. I suppose they had finally become accustom to me and liked me enough to do what I said.

As they were walking out of the room, I grabbed Amanda's arm to pull her aside. Unfortunately, it wasn't discreet enough.

"So Amanda's going to be the first one to know the secret," Audrey piped up, causing all the children to turn back curiously.

"No, no, no everyone I just have to talk to her about a paper she was working on for English. Go get ready for bed, I'll be in to say good night in five minutes-"

"You're just trying to get rid of us so you can tell her the secret privately!" Luke chimed in.

"Now I assure you that is most defiantly not what I'm doing," I responded, sternly.

"Then why do we have to leave," Hilary asked.

"Because," I said, beginning my response, "How would you like it if I talked about some of your work in front of your brothers or sisters, Mimi? Don't you think you'd feel a bit, well, embarrassed?"

"Oh did she do badly?" Audrey asked.

"I'm not going to tell any of you except for Amanda. Now, you must all go get ready for bed," I commanded strictly, not a hint of the usual lightness in my voice.

The six of them, finally giving in, turned and sulked away to their rooms. I quietly closed the doors behind them.

"So," Amanda began nervously, "did I do badly?"

"Of course not!" I said, turning to her, my face brightening into a wide smile. "In fact, you did so well on that essay, I'm going to reward you."

"You're, um, you're what," she asked, clearly confused.

"I'm going to reward you for a job well done," I repeated.

"Oh, are you going to tell me the secret or something?" She questioned.

"Actually yes. Although, it's not the secret that your brothers and sisters wanted to hear. Your secret is that I'm taking you out to a concert," I finished, studying her face.

"A c-concert? B-but I don't understand! How, when, why did my father let you-"

"Well," I said, cutting off the stunned girl, "That's the trick to go, you're going to break a few rules with me."

I looked at her, trying to figure out what her expression would be, how she felt about this.

"Well," she said, her state of shock easing a little, "I guess but when, and what if Dad catches-"

"He," I started, "won't catch us, and we would go tonight."

"Tonight!" She exclaimed.

I could see her emotions changing on her face, her mind wondering if it was right to go, or if she should follow her fathers orders.

"Yes Amanda, tonight. I have it all arranged, that is if you want to go"

"Well, I do! But what if-"

"That," I said, cutting her off again, "is a chance we will both have to take. I can assure you however, that we will have lots of fun going, and I hope you'll come with me," I paused which I hoped increased the effect, "Now, I am going to say good night to your little brothers and sisters. If you want to go, meet me back here in 15 minuets 100 percent ready. Okay?"

Her mouth was hanging open in utter disbelief. I sighed, trying to hide the smile that was just itching to form. I winked at her and exited the room.

Trying to calmly say good night to the children was no easy task. I was eager to see if Amanda was going to break her father's rule and do something for herself, or if she would do as she was told, like she had her entire life.

After spending five minutes with the children, I went to get ready myself.

I had actually bought myself a new shirt also, just for fun.

So I got ready, getting dressed, applying make-up, the works! I felt younger when I was done, and pretty too. I was also a bit nervous. What if Amanda didn't come? What if she did come, but the Senator caught us?

Turning the corner into the room, I was immensely happy to see a glamorous up

Amanda, waiting for me.

"So," I started, "I take this as a sign that you're coming?"

"Yes I guess. I figured it would be a shame to waste such a lovely Friday night." She then broke into a big grin.

"Well, I believe you made the right choice, Miss Easton. Now, shall we be on our way before your father decides to pay this room a visit?"

"Oh yes lets!"

As I look back, I'm not to sure how we made it out of the house that night, but luckily we did!

Once out on the street, Amanda and I began our first real conversation.

"So," I started off the conversation, "Do you think you'll find any cute guys tonight?"

Even in the dark, I could see her blush.

"Who knows" she gave a quick pause, "But I hope so!"

We both laughed at that as we made out way to the Metro Station. We had been forced to take the train, as my car had been valet parked and we would have DEFFENITLY been noticed had I chosen to drive it.

As I paid for the tickets, Amanda's facial expression was just glowing. It then clicked in my mind: she hadn't left her house in forever. This was probably the farthest she had been in years. These thoughts played in my mind over and over again as we found a bench next to the tracks where we sat and waited for the train.

"So, what's freedom like," I asked curiously.

We both had to laugh at that, but my question was a serious question.

"Wonderful!" She responded looking about the station at the people milling around, waiting for the train. "I had forgotten how many other people there are in the world! Miss Maria, what if I get nervous around people and I can't talk to them! I mean, I haven't really had to talk to anyone new-"

"Relax!" I said, smiling at the hysteric girl, "You could have talked to me when I came!"

She blushed a little at that, knowing she had not been the most pleasant person around me. Her red cheeks caused me to laugh.

"Trust me, it will be okay! I know you'll be fine"

We stood up as the screeching train came slowly around the corner.

"Oh" Amanda squealed, "this is SO exciting! I haven't ridden a train in years!"

I smiled at the girl as we boarded the train. Even during the long ride, she still remained excited. I tried to picture in my mind what it would feel like to be cooped up for years, never allowed to leave the house. It was unimaginable to me. I doubt I could live like that.

We arrived at our station. I could barley believe Amanda was still with me, as she seemed to be flying away with excitement.

We immediately walked to the Mall, as we were already late for the concert. The music became steadily louder as we neared the stage. Thousands of kids began to fill in the gaps around us, making it harder to maneuver our way to the stage. At that point, I was carried away by the music.

Amanda and I danced for ages. Finally, her energy began to die down.

"Miss Maria-"

"You know it will be really okay for you to just call me Maria," I said, cutting her off.

"Maria," she began again, in a somewhat uneasy tone, "Would you mind if I went to get a drink?"

"Of course not! In fact, I think I'll come with you I'm getting really thirsty from all this dancing!"

We walked over to the snack bar, where we got in line.

"So," I said, beginning a new conversation, "Seen any cute guys?"

Amanda blushed, but showed she didn't deny the comment.

"Look I really want to thank you for getting me out of the house-"

"Oh, it's no problem. Actually, I wanted to get out too. I honestly don't see how you could have been locked in there for years-" I was cut short, as it was our turn in line.

"Hey," the boy behind the counter said, "What can I get ya?"

We ordered our drinks, and the boy yelled them over his shoulder to another boy, who I presumed to be the waiter.

"So," I heard Amanda say.

I turned to face her, but realized immediately she wasn't talking to me she was talking to the boy behind the counter.

"Do you get any breaks to actually enjoy the music," Amanda asked the boy.

"Yeah, a few. But not too many," he responded smiling.

"Well that's cool a free concert, huh?"

"Yeah it's sweet. So, are you here from in town, or are you an out-of-towner?" He asked her.

I was in a state of shock. Here was the girl, who half an hour ago was asking me if she was socially impaired, and if she would have trouble talking to people. I was so surprised to see her talking to a completely strange boy and what's more, a rather cute one. She was doing it so coolly too. No stuttering, no airhead remarks, none of that silly stuff I saw in most girls her age.

My thoughts were broken as the two broke into laughter.

"Yeah, so anyway," the boy began to speak again, yet was quickly cut off by the other boy behind the counter.

"Hey Chris here are the two drinks!"

The strange boy, now given the name Chris, turned to receive the drinks, then handed them to us.

"So," he said, looking at Amanda, "I get off in 15, ya wanna meet me back here for my 15 minute break?"

Amanda smiled.

"Yeah, that would be cool."

With that, she gave a little wave, grabbed my hand and we were off.

"Whoa! What was that," I said excitedly, beginning to feel a bit giddy myself.

"I know!" She squealed, "Isn't he gorgeous!"

"Yes! But what happened to the shy, unsure girl that was here half an hour ago?" I asked, jokingly.

"Oh, she decided to go away" Amanda replied, winking at me.

"So what if I say you can't go back an meet with him?" I asked seriously, though just playing with her.

Her mouth began to drop, ready to protest, but I spoke up first.

"I'm just kidding with you! You know I would never spoil an opportunity like that."

We walked over to a near by tree and drank our sodas, talking quietly.

The time came for her to go meet Chris, and I didn't put up any protest.

When she finally came back, smiling the biggest smile I had ever seen on a person's face, I told her it would be a good idea if we probably left now.

She put up no protest as she had other things on her mind such as Chris.

As we rode the train home, she told me all about him. What his favorite music was, who his role model was, everything and anything you could learn about some one in a 15-minute time block.

At the time we reached the gate to the house, she was still talking.

"AND he likes to-"

"Amanda," I said, cutting her off in mid-sentence, "I've loved hearing about

Chris, but now you must be quite as we do not want to wake anyone up."

I smiled at her, and she smiled back, giving a quick nod.

The entrance into the house was painless, until we reached Amanda's room. We were rather surprised to see a bit of light streaming through her partially open door, but we were even more surprised to find all six of her younger brothers and sisters, wide and awake, sitting on her bed.

"Well," I began, breaking the awkward silence; "someone didn't follow the directions of going to bed."

"Yeah well someone lied to us!" Hillary said loudly.

"I never lied," I responded coolly.

"Um, yes, you did," Julie cut in.

"How?" I questioned.

"You said that you weren't gonna tell Amanda the secret, and you did and what's worse: YOU TOOK HER OUT OF THE HOUSE!" Hillary belted out.

"Shhh!" I said, rushing to her side.

"Yeah! WHY should I be quite!" she said sarcastically.

"Because, one you are, two I'm going to tell you the secret!" I said, almost as loudly as she had, "Now, are there any more statements, or complaints?"

No one spoke.

"Good," I said in a low whisper, "Then I ask you to be quite while I explain the deal. All right here's what's going on. I took Amanda out tonight, to see if it was possible to get out without anyone seeing us it is my current intention, if there are no complaints, to take all of you out tomorrow on a tour of Washington D.C. Now, are there any complaints with that?"

The room remained silent.

"Good, then I suggest you go to bed immediately, so I will not change my mind."

Six pairs of feet began to scamper, gone almost as soon as I finished the sentence. Soon, it was just Amanda and I.

"That was smooth," she said.

"Yes, well I have many years of practice," I responded, smiling, "Now, as we've both had a busy night, I'm going to go to bed now myself."

Smiling once more, I turned to exit the room.

"Miss Maria!" Amanda said, catching my attention.

I turned to face her.

"Um, I just wanted to say thanks I had an amazing night!"

"Well, your welcome," I responded with a smile.

With that, I left the room, eager for sleep.