4:20 P.M.

Oliver Davis Mansion

I let my feet dangle in the cool spring water and began to close my eyes as I let the sounds of nature sink in.

Today had been a disaster, no lie.

I probably ruined an opportunity of befriending Lucy, and managed to uninvited myself to her house.

Groaning, I brought my knees up to my chest and hugged them. The first thing I did as soon as I snuck inside my room was change into something comfortable, and left on a walk behind the mansion.

I spotted a black fur ball slink up next to me and rubbed against my hip as she began to purr. It was the kitten from last night. I smiled and picked her up to pet her. She meowed at me and closed her eyes as I ran my fingers through her thick coat.

And the phone began to vibrate.

The two of us broke out of our tranquility as I reached forward for my phone and checked the ID. I took a deep breath in.

Dad.

"'Ello?"

"You know, ignoring me will only go so far."

"Oh." I was surprised. "Hello Gavyn."

"Quit blocking me out twin. It's really irritating. And it's especially rude to ignore my phone calls and text."

"Why whatever do you mean dearest brother?" I asked as innocently as I could.

"Don't lie to me Jean. What's to stop me from going to the spring? You have the cat with you and you are wallowing in self pity for God's sake!"

I glared at the grass as if it ratted me out to my brother.

"And who said I was wallowing in self pity?" I argued back. "I'm just collecting my thoughts."

"Lucy called."

"Ah." Every rebuttal I had thought of was instantly gone. "And what did she say?"

"She told me what happened."

"Well good for her."

"Jean." His voice was hard and demanding, much like father's when he was angry. "The least you can do is call her and let her know you aren't angry at her."

"… You know I hate it when you make more sense."

"Someone has to think things through when it deals with you dummy."

"Hey! I will not take your insults now."

"Well whatever it is that you're doing now, I suggest you head back up to the house. Mom and dad called in favors for the case. We'll be having guests from Japan."

"What?" I stopped and started biting my lower lip.

"You'll be fine you worry wart. Just don't try to be too much of a blubbering idiot."

"Why are you so mean? I bet you don't treat those little girls you run with like that."

"We're not going into this conversation. Just come back to the house."

"Yes sir!" I saluted him, even though I knew he couldn't see it. "I'll be up there in a bit."

"Don't dawdle."

"You got it!"

Slamming my cell phone shut, I jumped to my feet and bent over to gather my shoes and my kitten.

"Come now Darby dearest, let's return to the adobe."

She squeaked in protest as I picked her up, but ignored it. I wasn't going to leave her out here by herself.

I had set the final tray of tea down in front of the guests and took a step back so they could serve themselves. In total, five had arrived from Japan. The first one to the house and caught my interest instantly, Yasuhara Omasu. He had really never stopped talking and scheming with my mother ever since he arrived. Even though he was pleasant to me, I could tell he was already trying his luck with my father. He even insisted that I called him Yasu.

"An old nickname your mother called me a while ago." He explained without glancing away from his file. "So, Lancaster Castle, eh?"

My dad made a scowl and crossed his arms.

"Much to my dismay." He grumbled darkly as Uncle Lin suddenly appeared at his elbow with a huge folder.

"Why is that?"

"Media coverage." I spoke quickly, knowing how much dad hated the press.

I was on the receiving end of one of dad's glares before he pressed on.

"It's too big. There's too much history to shift through, and not to mention, the office and the dungeon is still in use."

"It might be overwhelming even." Mom added in as she entered the room with a tray full of tea paraphernalia.

"Still making tea eh?" Yasu chuckled and covered his face. "Some things never change.

The door bell ringing caused everyone to perk up.

"That must be the others." Aunt Madoka spoke quickly and shared a look with my mother and me.

Without another hesitation, the three of us jumped and ran for the door. Although I knew my struggle and fight to the door was hopeless as mom and Madoka tripped me. I found the floor very quickly and laid there for a second, gathering myself together before I decided to try to get back up. By then, the door had already been answered and I heard the voices of Aunt Ayako and Uncle Takigawa, of whom I haven't seen since in a couple of years. Then I was suddenly inspired to rush to the door and greet the couple. However, I stopped short when I spotted two figures standing in the doorway, hand in hand, taking in the scene. The woman was a beautiful woman with her long black hair and dark colored eyes. She wore a traditional Japanese kimono and hid her smile behind her sleeve. She had the familiar face of Hara Masako. And holding her hand was a taller man with blonde hair and lovely blue eyes. He also held one of the strangest accents I've ever heard, but I was quick to recognize it. Mom and Madoka were fawning over the guests that they failed to even introduce me. I opened my mouth to introduce myself when I was intercepted by a pair of strong arms.

"Oh Jean! It's so good to see you again!" Uncle Takigawa lifted me up off the ground and twirled me around in happiness. I giggled and let him do what he please. Had he been someone else though, they would be on the ground crying.

"I'm glad to see you too Uncle. And you too Auntie." I called out to the beautiful Miko. She waved a hand in my general direction as she turned back to my mom and continued the conversation. When I was returned on solid ground, I turned to the unusual pair. I held a hand out to the man first.

"Hello, I'm Jeanine Davis."

His blue eyes were lit up with delight.

"It's nice to meet you finally Jeanine. I'm John Brown, and this is my wife, Hara Masako."

"Not Brown?" Madoka asked over my shoulder.

Ms. Hara shook her head.

"No, I decided to keep my maiden name. We're bound by the American customs of a couple that lives together for more than five years." She explained quickly before bowing politely to me. I was quick to return the gesture, only to be pushed out of the way again as mom almost mugged Ms. Hara.

"It's been too long Masako! I'm so excited that you two could make this trip. We really need help on this."

"Right." Uncle stepped in. "Let's get settled in, then we can talk case."

A/N: I'm so sorry it took so long to update. I had back to back stuff happening, and especially with graduation in a couple of weeks, I've been studying to not screw myself over. I know this chapter is a little boring and junk, but it must be done. I love the small encouragement I've been getting, and I'm always looking for more! :D Until next time dearies!

Love,

Jazzy