AN: Sorry that this chapter is so short. I hadn't updated in a bit, and figured that it was only a little bit shorter than some of my other ones.

"You mean what's-his-name isn't going to pay? That you'll spend money that you don't have on a ball that he's making you attend?"

"No, Erik isn't going to pay. Even if he offered I wouldn't let him. And I have more than enough money to pay for both of us. I think. I mean, I have been saving for years now, you know! And he's not forcing me to go! We made a bet, and I lost, so I'm going. And I would have gone (if he'd invited me) even if we hadn't made the bet. So just drop it ok?"

"Fine, fine. You know, you fail as a gold digger."

I whirled and glared at Meg when she said this, "Who the hell are you calling a gold digger? Are you comparing me to that bitch that married my father?"

"No Kris! Never! I'm sorry! I forgot about her! I didn't mean it. I was just joking. I'm really sorry."

I sighed, "I know Meg. Sorry, I didn't mean to snap at you. I just hate that woman."

"I know. I'm so sorry Kris."

I nodded. "I'm going to go get the money now," I said as I walked into the bedroom of the suite.

I know Meg didn't mean anything by it, but anything that makes me think of that women sends me over the edge. I can't stand her. My father got married to the most selfish person on the world a little over three years ago. I haven't seen him since. But perhaps it is best not to dwell on that, I thought as I grabbed my suitcase.

As I opened the case to grab the wallet I heard someone knock on the door and Meg go to open it.

"Bonjour Mademoiselle," a voice floated through the wall, "Er, I mean, Good Evening Miss. My name is Antonio DeMark. I am here to pick up Ms. Kristina on behalf of Erik Claudin. May I assume that you are her?"

"You can assume whatever you want," I heard Meg laughingly respond, "But you'd be wrong. I'm Megara, Meg for short. Kris is in the bedroom grabbing some cash for the costumes."

At this Antonio laughed, "Does she really believe that monsieur wouldn't pay for her costume to a ball he's forcing her to attend?"

"He isn't forcing me!" I half yelled as I returned to the front room, "What is wrong with you people? I can't be forced to do something!"

Antonio took a step backward as if afraid I would hit him "Excuse me mademoiselle. I meant no harm. It's just that Er-Monsieur told me to inform you that price was of no importance. And I am certain that he would be…less than pleased with me if I were to allow you to pay."

"Well that doesn't matter. I'm not some helpless little girl, I can take care of myself."

At this Meg laughed, "You? Able to take care of yourself? Puh-lease. You can't even kill a spider!"

"Meg! Shut up! And spiders are just plain icky."

Meg just laughed harder, and Antonio looked as if he was barely containing his laughter. I was thoroughly embarrassed.

"Excuse me, Mister Antonio-"

"Tony, mademoiselle."

"Fine, Tony you can just tell Erik that I wouldn't allow you to pay."

Tony glanced at Meg, and asked "She's not going to give up on this, is she?"

"I wouldn't count on it. When I told her I wouldn't come to France with her she sang I'm 'Henry the Eighth I Am' over and over until I agreed."

"Meg!"

Tony replied laughingly, "Oh yes. I can tell that you both shall be very interesting. Well, I suppose there's nothing I can say to dissuade you from buying your own costume?"

"She's the one who wants to pay for her costume," Meg quickly answered, "I, however, have no qualms about allowing Erik to pay for me."

"Oh! I am sorry Mlle. Megara, I didn't realize you would be attending the ball as well. Erik didn't inform me."

"Well, that's because he didn't know. But I have to go along to protect my little Kris. And, it's Meg, not Megara. And there is no 'mademoiselle' in my name."

Tony genuinely smiled in reply to this, "Of course Meg. Forgive my mistake. I am sure Erik will be delighted you could attend. I know I will be."

Don't get any ideas mister," I said while glaring at Meg, "This one's a lesbian. You don't have a snowball's chance in hell with her."

"Really? What a shame," he replied with a smile, "However, I didn't mean that in a sexual way at all. I am involved with someone who takes too much of my time to even consider pursuing another relationship. I merely meant that she would be entertaining company. Well, if you ladies are ready, shall we be on our way?"