A sudden knocking on my door jolted me from my dreams.

I blearily opened my eyes, trying to hastily rub the sleep from them. I glanced at my phone to see that it was almost 5'oclock in the morning. Tony and I had stayed up until 3'oclock working on a new comic book, and I was definitely feeling the side effects of sleep deprivation. The knocking on my door became more prominent and shook me from my thoughts. I rolled my eyes in annoyance before making my way to the door.

The light from the hallway blinded me for a moment before I was able to see the two elderly innkeepers standing in front of me.

"Oh, oh good," the older woman began, "We were just making sure that you were sleeping like a normal girl should be."

That statement of hers made my brain short circuit for a moment.

"Wait, you woke me up to see if I was sleeping?" I questioned her in astonishment, trying to wrap my head around her logic.

"Uh…da?" The older man hesitantly answered. He seemed confused by their own reasoning for waking up their own guests at this time of night as well.

"Okay…Look, it's fine, just… don't wake my little brother," I stated in a firm matter, "He's a teenager and there have been studies in psychology proving that his age group needs about 10 to 13 hours of sleep to ensure a healthy growth both physically and mentally."

I was met with blank stares from the older couple.

My lungs let out a sigh of defeat before I just reiterated my main point of my statement.

"Just don't wake up my little brother, okay?"

"Oh, well, we already checked on the young Mr. Tony Thompson," the old man replied.

"You did what—You know what, never mind," I growled out in frustration at this imposing pair, "Just do not wake my family nor me in the future. Understood?"

They both jumped at my sudden outburst before quickly agreeing and running to the staircase in fear.

Great.

Way to be a rude jackarse, Lucy.

I would apologize to them later about my behavior. I would then explain to them in a calm manner that my family's sleep patterns are irregular and not to be disturbed.

Half the time my parents and I were usually up late working on important documents for the company or reassessing my personal stock portfolio. The other times we were up late with Tony telling scary stories or helping him with his personal art projects. Some of Tony's other hobbies included special effects makeup and drawing his own comic books. Both interests were supported by my parents, especially my dad. Back before he met my mom, my dad spent a lot of hours creating his own art and music. These fond creative memories gave them a special bond.

All in all, Tony was more like my dad while I was more like my mom.

But both our parents loved us equally and made sure we knew it.

The thought of my family's strong bond brought a smile to my face as I made my way to the connecting door through the bathroom. I needed to check on my little brother and make sure that he was still able to go back to sleep for a little while longer. The logic I spouted earlier wasn't a lie, I was being completely serious about how important sleep is for a 13-year-old boy.

"Tony," I called out while giving a small knock to the door before opening it.

My eyes fell on his frozen figure standing in front of the tall mirror by his bed. He looked guilty for some reason, but I just chalked it up to him being awake when he should be sleeping.

"Tony, you should be sleeping," I groaned out, walking further into his room. My body leaned against the bed post as I stared at him with tired eyes.

"Hey, I was!" Tony replied indignantly, "Those two kooky innkeepers woke me up and gave me a whole bunch of garlic."

"They gave you garlic?" I asked in exasperation, "Alright, just give me the garlic and I'll—"

"Oh, it's okay," Tony told me with a smirk on his face, "I threw it out the window."

I blinked once then twice at my little brother before laughing at his spiteful actions.

"You threw it out the window?"

"Yep."

"You know that is going to make an interesting conversation in the morning when they find it."

"Meh."

"Don't 'meh' me, young man."

"Meh."

"Oh, that is it!"

I jumped towards Tony as he tried to scramble across his bed to get away from me. He was quick, but I was faster and grabbed his left ankle before pulling him towards me. Tony shrieked and squirmed as I began mercilessly tickling him.

"Are you going to 'meh' me ever again?"

"N-n—NO! Come on, Lulu, I—stop!—I was just kidding!" He managed to wheeze in between peals of laughter.

I decided to take pity on him and stopped the onslaught of my ferocious tickles.

He laid there, out of breath, and chuckled at my childish behavior.

"Alright, enough goofing around," I told him while pulling back his covers, "You really need to get some sleep."

"Alright, alright," Tony conceded while getting under the covers.

"Night Tony, I love you," I told him placing a quick kiss to his forehead.

"I love you too, Lulu." Tony replied, scooching further into his covers.

With Tony safely tucked back into bed, I made my way back through my room. I should go back to sleep, but I really needed to send some important emails to our attorney, Paul Abrhams. Now would be a good a time as any since I'm already awake.

Grabbing my bookbag that was on the plush red chair next to the antique desk, I pulled out my tablet, my portable keyboard, and my headphones before reaching for my cell phone that was charging on the table next to the bed. I quickly set up my workstation and placed my headphones in my ears.

The faster I get this done, the faster I can enjoy my vacation.

I repeated this mantra in my head for motivation and started to feel energized.

I got this.

The long to-do list and emails quickly diminished into nothing by the time 9am rolled around. Mom and dad hate that I constantly focus on the business and make so many plans about future scenarios. But for me it was extremely therapeutic to plan ahead and be prepared. I know that planning every aspect of your day can give a lot of people anxiety, but I can't stand the feeling of not being in control.

However, I am trying to ease the need for constant control over everything in my life. Mostly because I know that it'll push the ones I love away if I continue my domineering ways. But, also because… I want to be normal.

The constant need to be in command and to make sure everyone is safe and happy, can put quite a damper on a person's social life. My only contact to the outside world, besides my family, are business associates. Anybody who tries to befriend me find me to be overbearing and tiresome.

And they're right.

It scares the hell out of me that they are right. If my current behavior continues then I know I will live a life of constant solitude and loneliness. Believe it or not, that's not the life I want. It's just so hard to leave everything up to fate and circumstance…

I rubbed my head in frustration.

Trying my best to get the depressing thoughts out of my head.

Right.

Let's just ignore this distressing subject for now, get ready, and enjoy the rest of the day. Life is way too short to wallow in self-pity and pick apart your flaws.

With my newfound determination, I grabbed some clean clothes, my bath toiletries, and my hairbrush.

Once I secured myself in the bathroom, I quickly showered, brushed my teeth, and dressed in a pair of jeans and a pale violet, long-sleeved shirt. My long, blonde hair was parted into two braided pigtails. I decided to do a minimal amount of makeup. Just some concealer under my eyes to hide the bags and some mascara on my eyelashes to give me a more wakeful appearance.

I had just finished putting my bath and makeup products away when I heard a knock on the door.

My fingers quickly unlatched the lock and opened it to Tony's smiling face.

"Good morning, Lulu."

"Good morning, Tony. Why are you in such a good mood?" I interrogated my younger brother with a suspicious smile on my face.

"What, can't I just be happy to see my beautiful big sister?" Tony asked with a feigned look of innocence on his face.

"Okay, now I really am suspicious. What are you up to?" I questioned, skipping to the point of the matter.

"Alright, alright," Tony conceded before whispering, "I think there is a boy my age that lives nearby. I'm going to go see if he wants to play after breakfast!"

I smiled widely at my brother's enthusiasm at finding a potential friend in the area.

"Tony that's wonderful!" I exclaimed in equal happiness, "Did you want me to get Abrhams to see if he can find a listing of occupied homes in the area—"

"No!" Tony suddenly shouted, cutting me off. "Uh…what I meant to say is, no thank you. Lulu, I want to make friends on my own…without your help…"

"O—oh, I…I see," I answered robotically, still a little shell-shocked that Tony didn't need me.

"Lulu, I will always need my big sister, but you always say that you want me to grow up to be a 'well-rounded individual', right?"

"Well…yes, but—"

"But nothing, Lulu. There are some things I'll need your help with and things that I need to figure out…well on my own. It doesn't mean that I won't ever need my big sister, but I'm not a little kid anymore," Tony told me honestly and earnestly.

It felt as though he was trying to make sure that my feelings weren't hurt from my dismissal.

My lips widened in an understanding smile, "I get it Tony and you're right. You're not a little kid anymore and I should let you do things at your own pace."

Tony let out a sigh of relief.

"Just promise me that you will remember that I am always here for you," I added on, taking a firm pleading grasp of his shoulders.

"I know you will be, Lulu. I can always count on you being in my corner," Tony confided.

"Good. Now do me another favor and take a shower," I joked with him, "You smell like you're starting to decay."

"Aww, come on Lulu, I took a shower last month," Tony joked back while moving back into his room for his own clothes.

I laughed at our banter before turning and making my way back into my bedroom.

"Oh, by the way, the other reason why I knocked is because mom told me to tell you to come down to breakfast once you're done," Tony called out.

"Alright, you get ready yourself and I'll meet you down there, okay?"

"'Kay!" He called out in agreement before closing the doors to the bathroom.

I slipped my pink sneakers onto my feet before shoving my phone and headphones into my back pocket. Once everything seemed in order, I left my bedroom in search of the two innkeepers so that I could apologize for my previous behavior that morning.

To say that breakfast had been interesting would be an understatement.

First, I apologized to the innkeepers about my outburst that morning. I then explained to them in a rational manner that our family's business sometimes had us awake at odd hours of the night and gave us an unusual sleep pattern that was not to be disturbed.

They seemed hesitant at first, but eventually agreed to not wake us during the night while we were here.

Then, the two innkeepers then proceeded to give us a whole platter of bratwurst for breakfast. No sides of hash browns, toast, eggs…just bratwurst.

Tony made the comment of what would happen if we were vegetarian to which dad replied we'd be grazing with the cows.

For some reason the concept of cows got Tony extremely excited and he rushed out of the dining room.

My parents had just shrugged their shoulders at each other, and I had to fight the urge to follow my little brother to make sure he didn't do anything stupid.

I really am trying to loosen the reins of control a little at a time. Besides, he's still on the castle grounds, I can check on him after I eat breakfast.

Which would not be this.

I'm not a vegetarian, but I'm not the biggest meat eater.

This is mostly because I maintain a strict moderate diet and try to avoid red meats and pasta when I can. I'm not athletic in the least bit and the only exercise I can manage is hiking and yoga. My weak body can't handle any other extraneous exercise regimen such as running and weightlifting.

Also, I am practically at a desk all day, so it is vital that I maintain a healthy intake of nutrition to not gain unnecessary weight that'll cause future health problems. I intend to keep an eye on my family for a long time and will not let poor health stand in my way.

Pushing myself away from the table and my thoughts, I made my way to the kitchen where I quickly found a toaster, some bread, and some jam. The innkeepers tried to bustle me out, but I told them that I just wanted some toast and coffee. Both of which I can make by myself without their assistance.

They decided not to test my patience and left me to my own devices.

Once I had my fill of my favorite caffeinated beverage and some toast, I went back upstairs to get my green fleece sweater and to take a peek into Tony's room.

Not that I'm trying to stop his fun or take over his day or anything…

I just want to check to see if he's okay.

Just one peek.

I repeated this thought in my head as I pulled my sweater over my head and slightly cracked open his door.

"Tony…" I whispered, not really wanting him to know that I was spying on him.

There was no answer.

As I made my way further into his room, I saw his heavy curtains were tightly drawn closed and his wardrobe was laying on the floor. But no little brother in sight.

What on earth was he up to?

Maybe he found that one village boy he was talking about this morning?

With more questions than answers coming to mind, I decided to take a quick walk around the castle grounds to see if I could spot Tony anywhere.

It didn't take long to stumble upon my little brother, especially after my mom called out his name and gained my attention.

There was another figure next to Tony who was wrapped head to toe in tin foil.

Is that his new friend?

Excitement bubbled in my chest at the prospect of my plan coming to fruition.

Tony quickly introduced Rudolph and told us they were playing astronauts. But he didn't give us any information on where Rudolph lived or how they met.

I remembered him saying that he wanted to do things at his own pace and held my tongue even though I wanted to ask a barrage of questions.

My little brother quickly pushed Rudolph towards the direction of the cowshed after suddenly ending our conversation. Our parents shrugged their shoulders and continued on their walk.

…I didn't want to leave it at that.

I couldn't leave it at that and followed the two boys to the cowshed.

Tony had just closed the door behind him when I walked into the dimly lit shack.

"Lucy!" Tony screeched out in surprise, trying to hide Rudolph from my eyes.

"H-hey, Tony," I lamely began, "Do you think that I could—"

"Lucy! Close the door!" Tony interrupted me before racing to the small wooden door behind me.

"Uh—what?"

"Eh…well," Tony began trying to explain his brash actions, "This is our base and you were letting all the oxygen out! Do you want our mission to fail?"

I let out a small laugh at his behavior before shaking my head, "Oh, no, I would never want the Moon Martians to win."

Tony was about to criticize my uncreative name for their play enemy when my eyes locked on the pale blue face of his friend.

"Tony…" I trailed off in shock as I looked at the younger boy in awe.

"Oh…oh no, Lulu, I can explain!"

"Tony this is incredible!" I said hastily making my way over to his new friend and slightly kneeling so that I could get a better look. "You did this?"

"Uh…what?" Tony asked with a confused look on his face.

"The vampire makeup," I quickly clarified, "You did this with the new special effects equipment we bought you in London, right?"

"Oh—oh yeah!" Tony readily agreed, "You like it?"

"Like it? I love it!" I stated pointing out my favorite parts, being careful not to touch the boy's face in case I smudged any of it, "The pale blue veins sticking out was a really nice touch!"

"You…you like vampires?" Rudolph hesitantly asked me.

I stared dumbly at him before blurting out, "Wait, are you British? Do you live in this area or are you just visiting?"

"Lulu…" Tony groaned out.

"Right, right, no questions, letting you do things at your own pace," I reconfirmed while standing back up and putting my hands up defensively. "Sorry for trying to answer your question with another question…that was rude of me. But yes, I think vampires are neat."

This seemed to bring a relieved smile to Rudolph's face.

"Um…Tony, can I talk to your friend for a quick second…alone?" I hesitantly asked my little brother.

"…Why?"

"I won't interrogate him or ask any personal questions, I swear!"

"Okay, but why?"

"Just…please…two minutes and then I'll leave you both alone for the rest of the day, deal?" I pleaded once again.

"Rudolph?" Tony quickly asked his friend's permission before giving his consent. The other boy hesitantly nodded his head that it was okay before shuffling himself further into the dark corners of the cowshed.

"Alright, two minutes, Lulu," Tony conceded before slipping out the door through a tiny opening. I guess he was still in play mode and didn't want to let out all the oxygen from their base.

Once the door was firmly closed, I turned my attention back to Rudolph. Said boy noticeably gulped in fear and made me laugh at his theatrics.

"I'm not going to have the shovel talk with you or anything—"

"Why would we talk about shovels?" He innocently asked me with a tilt of his head.

"Oh, right, well you'll understand what the shovel talk is when you are a couple of years older and don't think girls are gross," I told him waving off his concern.

"Um…okay…"

"I just…well…I guess what I wanted to ask is…do you like vampires?"

Lame question Lucy, great job. Rudolph noticed my irritation at my own stupid question and smirked before asking.

"Uh…couldn't you have asked that with Tony here?"

"Method to the madness, I promise. But… do you like vampires?"

"Well…of course! You might even say I'm a bit of an expert when it comes to vampires," He boasted to me, puffing up with pride at his statement.

My smile grew even larger as I put my hands to my chest in relief.

"Oh, thank God," I muttered under my breath, "You don't know how happy that makes me to hear you say that."

"Why is that?" Rudolph asked with genuine curiosity.

"Well…you've probably noticed…that Tony is… well—he's unique," I tentatively began, "He's had a hard time making friends and people often bully him because his hobbies and interests aren't considered normal."

Rudolph remained silent so I pressed on.

"Tony is the sweetest and most considerate person you will ever meet. And… I may be a bit biased, but he is the most loyal friend I have." I fidgeted with my hands, not able to make eye contact with the young boy. "Overall, what I'm trying to say is…thank you. You don't know how much it means to me, to us, for Tony to finally have a friend that shares the same interests as him."

With that final statement, I lifted my gaze to his and smiled warmly. I was hoping to convey as much of my gratitude as I could with my smile. Rudolph returned the smile, but something in his eyes seemed conflicted.

"Truth be told…Tony is also the first real friend that I've had… besides my family, of course," he disclosed to me, a happy smile gracing his lips at the thought of his loved ones.

"Do you have a big family?" I asked in curiosity.

"Ah, ah, ah! You said you wouldn't interrogate me, Miss Lulu," Rudolph cheekily replied.

I laughed at his taunting behavior, "Darn! And here I thought I could pull the wool over your eyes."

"Ha! You'd have to get up pretty early in the morning to pull a fast one on this teenager," Rudolph bantered back.

"I can see that…Thank you again, Rudolph…As promised, I'll let you and Tony have the whole day to yourselves without interference from me," I told him while making my way to the door.

"Miss Lulu," Rudolph called out to me, halting me in my steps.

I turned around to see a comforting smile on his face.

"Tony is really lucky to have you as his sister."

"Thank you, Rudolph," I whispered, needing to hear affirmation that I was doing the right thing.

Just as I had slightly opened the door a crack, Tony burst through, pushing me back into the cowshed.

"Finally! What were you two talking about in here anyway?" Tony griped at me before turning towards his friend to see if he was still intact. "You okay, Rudolph? She didn't threaten you with an inch of your life, did she?"

"Oh, stop it," I scolded Tony, pushing at his head in retaliation, "You make me sound like some kind of monster."

"I'm still waiting on the DNA tests that prove you're human," Tony jabbed back at me with a smile.

I rolled my eyes at his behavior, "Alright, you two have fun, but please stay out of trouble."

"We won't!"

You can guess who decided to chime in with that snarky response. I rolled my eyes once more before mimicking Tony's movements and exiting through a tiny crack in the door.

Who was I to ruin their imaginative adventure?

As long as they are on the castle grounds, they couldn't get into too much trouble right?

My body was starting to feel the fatigue from the lack of sleep as I walked away from the cowshed. I decided to have a bit of a picnic by myself and take an afternoon snooze in the sun.

This way, I get my nourishment for the day, a bit of exercise as I search for the perfect spot, and a lovely cat nap in the sun. The other positive aspect about my daytime nap in the sun is that I would get plenty of vitamin D.

I couldn't wait and became more excited about my day of relaxation once I finished gathering my supplies. My parents ran into me as I was making my way out of the castle with a basket and blanket in hand. They were happy to see me taking the day off and getting some well-deserved rest and relaxation.

I bid them goodbye and looked at the map of the hiking trail that was posted to a sign in front of the path. My eyes quickly scanned over it, committing the map to my memory. There seemed to be a perfect spot that was on a small cliff that overlooked the castle.

It didn't take anytime at all to get there.

I'd say about ten minutes.

And there was a small oak tree that provided just enough shade to keep the space cool without completely blocking the sun.

It was perfect.

I set the basket down before nimbly spreading out the large picnic blanket and placing a small pillow for my head in the middle. Once my sleeping space seemed nice and comfortable, I made my way over to the basket to grab my sandwich and baggie of fruit that I brought for lunch. Propping my back against the oak tree, I devoured my meal while gazing at the scenery.

It was absolutely perfect.

With a full stomach and heavy eyes, I set an alarm on my phone before sprawling out on my comfortable blanket with my pillow resting on my cheek.

Just perfect.