((Heyyo! Welcome to chapter 9- with a little twist! I may have derped a little (a lot) in here, what with all the whole character changes (And not knowing exactly how to write it out), but...Nyeh, I tried! OwO~ I hope you all enjoy this, because I loved writing it! :3 ))

Disclaimer: I do not own Hetalia, or any of it's characters! I also don't own The Parent Trap plot. Or anything else I missed.

-Arthur-

(In England)

Taking a hold of my luggage I moved away from the front door, towards the taxi taking us to the airport. I tried not to think about what I was going to be doing in the next few hours and looked over to find my brother knealing in front of Amelia. They both were smiling and I couldn't help but feel grateful that he had behaved while she was here, even though we didn't know it was actually her. If a war had started between us, I knew things wouldn't have ended up pretty...

"You're coming to Napa for Thanksgiving, right?" I heard her ask. Scott winked and poked her nose. "I wouldn't miss it for ta world, kiddo." She leaned up to kiss him on the cheek before hugging him and running over to me. "Say hello to ya father for me!" He called out as we climbed into the Taxi. I cursed faintly that he reminded me of what was yet to come. Amelia just grinned and waved good-bye as we left.

~Later~

(In America)

I was extremely grateful that they served drinks on the plane. It helped me very much to calm down. It even transported us to the limo to the Hotel! I looked out the window, smiling. "That was a great flight, wasn't it? So quick!" I commented as my door was opened. Ludwig gave me a strange look before helping me out, muttering along the way. "I never saw you so... thirsty, before, sir..."

I nodded before noticing that I should be shaking my head instead. Correcting myself I looked at him, raising an eyebrow. "You mean you never saw me drink so much vodka before! Guess what? I got news for you, Luddy ol' chap... I never tasted the stuff before." He frowned. "Could've fooled me, sir." I shook my head again." The man on the plane was very nice to let me have so much. He...he was...Russian you know." Ludwig nodded again before deciding to make me stand. I was met face to shoulder with someone and flinched in surprise.

"Oh...You scared me Doorman! I thought you were real for a moment..." I scrunched my eyes in confusion at the figure and barely heard Amelia talking to herself.

"I am in such major trouble..."

~A few minutes later~

After talking with the Doorman a while, we walked into the hotel. I could feel my head becoming just a bit clearer... but everything was still very fuzzy. Like I was inhaling too much helium from a balloon. I didn't think I would have drank that much on the plane... Oh well.

"Father, you gonna be okay?" Amelia questioned catching my attention. She looked a bit concerned. I just smiled at her, patting her head lightly. "Abso-bloody-lutely! Never felt better in my life." I looked around a bit before leaning down to her height. "But darling, can you tell me something... Have we landed yet?" I was positive that we were just at the hotel...

Amelia only face-palmed and grabbed my arm to lead me into an elevator with Ludwig. "We're almost there..." She answered. Just as the doors were closing, I cursed. I stopped the door with my hand and hopped out. "I forgot my purse!" I called out before going back to where the entrance was.

I found it easily and asked the person running it if they found my purse. It took a few moments of asking them again before they handed it to me. They also gave me a glass of water telling that if I lost my 'carry-on' again, to just return here. I thanked them before chugging the cool water and bumping into Amelia.

"Father!" She said in surprise, voice sounding similar to Alice's. I blinked a couple of times, feeling my head clear a bit more. "Honey, you didn't have to wait for me! I could've found the room by myself." I paused, feeling a wave of dizzy-ness come over me. Shaking it off, I leaned down to her height again. "Besides, I got to make a pit stop. Vodka makes you have to go like crazy... Go on thweetie, I'll meet you upstairs." I paused again, furrowing my eyebrows at the mistake of a word.

"I mean upthstairs... Uppth?...Uppthsst...! I'll meet you-" I pointed behind her. "-upthtairs!" Patting her head I moved off. After only taking a few steps away from Amelia, something clicked. I turned back around and looked at her appearance. "I like that jacket by the way." I said, smiling, and not really noticing the strange look she gave me. "Were you wearing that the whole time on the plane?" I didn't wait for her response, turning back and almost running into a person holding flowers. I ducked just in time and slurred an apology before carrying on.

Making my way back to the elevator, I briefly thought about the Alfred I used to know. I was going to be meeting with him soon! Oh, I hope he was doing swell... Probably still cursed with that annoying-yet-enthusiastic voice though. I smiled to myself and noticed I missed the elevators. Turning back I looked to the left and found one was open. Stopping, I cheered inwardly for my luck.

That is... until I realized who was in it.

Alfred F. Jones. My ex-husband. In the flesh, standing in the elevator right in front of me. I didn't fail to spot him, and he didn't fail to spot me. His brilliant blue eyes widened behind his glasses as he caught exactly who I was, mouth falling open in shock. I felt my heart beat faster in my chest at the sight, causing me to smile lightly.

Amelia wasn't lying when she said he was still a hunk. Wearing a casual suit, he looked just as he did when we were younger... Same sun-kissed skin. Same messy but neat golden wheat hair, and that one piece just always defying gravity. Same blue eyes and same happy looking personality... Same man I fell for years ago, all there.

...It took me a few seconds before I also noticed who was in there with him. A woman, just about my height, was hugging him tightly and obviously kissing his cheek and neck. Oh. The door then began closing. I kept my smile on, but now it was forced. Alfred was still looking at me in surprise, even moving when the door kept closing, disturbing the lady he was with. I waved lightly and that was it before the elevator closed fully, separating us once more.

I snapped out of my small trance when it did and felt my blood begin to boil. Someone had explaining to do.

~A few minutes later~

"Amelia Jones!" I called out angrily. I was now on the floor our room was in, looking for the small devil my ex raised. She had extreme explaining to do! I stopped in shock as two doors opened and the two twins came out of each door, looking at me. I smacked my head lightly, feeling a small migraine come up. "Oh! Don't do this to me, I'm already seeing double!" The twin on the right raised her hand, making me calm down slightly as I recognized her as Amelia.

"Okay, now-" I cut off when I focused on Alice. "Oh... hi sweetheart..." She smiled and gave a small wave. "Hi Father." I moved and pulled her in for a hug. I haven't seen her in such a long time. "You look so beautiful. Tan, and healthy..." I was going to go on before I snapped back to what happened earlier. "Okay you two... How could you do this to me?" Behind Alice, a man suddenly appeared and looked around a bit nervously. "Um, may I suggest we take this little pow-wow inside? People might notice..." As he ushered the twins in, he stopped briefly to talk with me. "Hi, you probably don't remember me-"

"Feliciano!" I greeted warmly, patting him on the shoulder before going inside the room. We could talk later. Right now the girls were in big trouble. "I knew I always liked you." He commented with a grin before shutting the door.

I moved more into the hotel room to find the twins standing next to each other, worried looks on their faces. I could feel my head swimming, but I needed to get through this before I did anything else. I started to pace, feeling a bit better as I did before starting.

"Alright. Now let me begin and make you understand this as easy as possible..." I said, pausing a moment to look out the window. A small flash of a surprised Alfred came to mind. Taking in a deep breath I started again. "You.-" I stopped once more as I pointed to one of the twins, confusing myself. Which one was Amelia again? I started to point to the other before tossing my hand up and going again. "-One. Of. you... One of you told me your Dad knew I was arriving here today. I honestly can't think to remember who, but I must tell you this.: The man I had just seen on the elevator today had no clue- no idea he and I were on the same planet!...Let alone the same hotel..." I paused seeing as the twin on the right winced.

"You saw Dad already?" I nodded sharply. "Yes. And it was completely and utterly humiliating!...Ugh, I have to lay down." Moving over to the couch I flopped on it and sighed heavily. "I hope you know he went completely ashen. Like I was the bloody ghost of Christmas past..." Rubbing my head, one of the girls went over and out of my sight and I looked at the ceiling, feeling small tears appear in my eyes.

"Don't you think I pondered what it was going to be like- seeing your Dad, again, after all these years?" The twin nearest to me glanced over and exchanged a look with someone at my question. I shook my head and groaned. "Well, let me tell you. Me waving like a mindless idiot while sir Alfred Jones is wrapped up in a woman's arms is not exactly the scenario I had in mind..."

The twin that had left, returned, with what looked like a wet cloth. "Here Father." She said quietly. I nodded and took it, feeling more relief as I set it on my head. "Thank you, dear." I waited a few moments before continuing again. "And furthermore to be much worse, is the fact that I've been lied to by my own children and I'd like to know why." There was only silence before slightly heavy footsteps sounded. I looked up to see Ludwig casually leaving the room, only wearing swimming trunks.

"Ludwig! What on earth are you doing?" I asked in surprise. He only blinked and shrugged. "Going for a swim. Do you mind?" I closed my eyes and put my head back down, waving him off. "No, no. That's perfectly perfect. By all means, yes, have fun. Someone ought to... Just put a shirt...dear goodness." I was silent and trying to think clearly, when something caught my attention.

"Oh...Hello." It was Feliciano, and for some reason he sounded pleasantly surprised. "Hello." Ludwig responded back. I snapped my eyes open and put my hand in the air, moving it randomly. Introductions...right. "Oh, Feliciano, this is our butler, Ludwig." I did my part.. Moving my hand back down, I put more pressure to the cloth.

"How do you do?" Feliciano carried on. "I'm a butler too, just for her." I assumed he was pointing to one of the twins. What I heard next kind of annoyed me. "Enchanted, sir." Ludwig said, voice charming. Feliciano laughed lightly and I hear the girls giggle next to me. "Ve~ The pleasure is all mine, Ludwig." While they continued to flirt with each other, I sat up, glaring at the two twins. "Girls! You were going to tell me why you lied and brought me here without telling your Dad!?"

Feliciano make a surprised noise before nodding. "Were they? O-kay, that's good." He slowly started to move towards the door. "Well, then why don't I slip back into my room and check out the mini bar..." Ludwig perked up and avoided looking at us. "Allow me to assist you." I then caught on to what was happening and straightened up.

"Wait! You mean everyone knows but me?! What's going on here?!" Everyone froze at the shout. I have had it with the stalling! I needed to know now what they were hiding. "Father..." The twin on the left started quietly, and I noted it must be Alice. "Father, Dad's getting married."

"Oh... I see... Getting married, hm...?" I slowly moved down to rest my head on the couch cushions, feeling a headache forming. "It's to Cruella de Ville, Father! She's awful... We can't let him go through with it." I let out a dry laugh, shaking my head. "Girls, your Dad is a grown man and is quite capable of deciding who he wants to marry..." Amelia frowned and shook her head too. "But she's all wrong for him! And the only way he won't marry her is..." She paused and nudged Alice. "You tell him, you know him better."

Alice scoffed before turning to me. "The only way he won't marry her is if he sees you again." They stopped talking after that, letting me piece together what they planned. It took a few minutes but I quickly got their point.

"You're trying to set me up with your Dad again." It wasn't a question, but a statement. Amelia nodded and smiled. "Why not? You're perfect for each other-" "-A match made in heaven..." Alice finished, a sweet look on her face. As I tried processing this just a little more, I noticed the two workers on break, right at the door. Wait a minute...

"Hold it!" I called out to them, watching as they froze. "You two knew about this?" What came in was a mix of words, just basically telling me that 'Not exactly, but what could we do? They made us do it. We're hired to help. Don't fire us!' was their excuse. I shook my head and stood, fed up. I gestured to everyone in the room and unsteadily started to fill them in on what they clearly didn't know.

"Okay...Let me say this loud and clear. Alfred F. Jones and I, have nothing in common... anymore. Plus, in case you haven't noticed, he's extremely content with that leggy, long haired, tight-skirted fiance." I cursed at myself for sounding so bitter at the last part and moved my gaze to look right at the twins. "I want the two of you to tell your Dad that I am here for one purpose, and one purpose only. That purpose is to switch you two back." I clapped my hands and gave a tight smile.

"Now, let's do what we have to do, to do that and be done with it. Understood?"

-Alfred-

~Minutes earlier~

As I was looking for Francine, I glanced down at Amelia, happy that she agreed to come here without a fuss. It would make things just a bit easier if I had less problems to think about. Like Francine's parents I had to meet... Plus I knew she would get used to Francine over time. Soon enough, they would be best friends, and everyone would be happy... I hope.

Francine suddenly came out of nowhere, kissing me on the cheek in a greeting. "Hi darling!" She said sweetly, then nodding to Feliciano and Amelia. "Amelia, Feliciano...and Aster...! What in the world are you doing here?" She turned to me and pouted a bit. "Dear, a dog to The Four Seasons?" I gave her a lopsided smile and shrugged. "Am's begged me to bring him." Nodding slowly, she seemed to quickly accept my answer and tried petting him. I didn't watch what happened next when Francine's parents appeared.

"Mom, Dad! Finally you all meet." As she linked her arm into mine, looking a bit frazzled, she started to cover introductions. "This is my fiance and the love of my life, Alfred Jones. And this is his adorable daughter Amelia, who we can all thank for bringing us together this weekend! The idea was all hers, I hope you know." I smiled as she gestured to her, happy that at least one side of their friendship was working. "Well, young man, and lady, I have heard nothing but wonderful things about you!" Mr. Bonnefoy exclaimed, making it hard for me not to beam in happiness.

~A few minutes later~

After a small conversation including Francine and her parents, we decided to split. "Since I've already checked us in, why don't we go up to the rooms, and freshen up a bit, then meet back for lunch?" Her father nodded. "Sounds good, I'm starved. Meet you back here in ten." She smiled and watched as he left before leaning into me. "Sweetie, want to check out the Honeymoon Suite while we're here? I bet it's to die for."

I had been keeping an eye on Amelia, so I didn't respond to her question. Yet, she assumed it was a yes and called out to the others that they can find their rooms while we went away. I felt a bit guilty that we were just leaving them like that, but Francine was persistent. We made it to the elevators in no time.

When the doors opened, she lightly pushed me inside before pressing a button. "Finally, alone at last." She murmured before putting her arms around my neck and starting to trail kisses down my jaw. Smiling at the affection, I looked ahead and was surprised to see...him.

...

There was no possible way that Arthur Kirkland, my ex-husband, was standing a few feet away from me! No way! I must be imagining that I am seeing those familiar beautiful green eyes made me go warm every time I saw them... Probably pretending I saw his pale, flawless skin and shaggy sandy-yellow hair. I had to be hallucinating about those perfect eyebrows he always fussed about, because there was no way, in any world, that he would be here now! Not dressed in a vest and slacks he wore all the time, looking so...amazing..!

Yet the longer I stared in shock, the more I started to believe that he was... That the one man who haunted me day in and day out in a good way, was back. I felt so dumbstruck as he showed a soft smile at seeing me, hoping that this wasn't a dream. My head spun and my stomach grew butterflies. I haven't seen in so long and yet he looked as if he never changed. I wanted to do something...anything... But I was trapped.

He seemed to notice it as well and I didn't miss the change in his eyes. They hardened when he noticed Francine was kissing all over my neck. Then the elevator door started to close. He stayed put, but I just couldn't remove my eyes from him. Moving so the door didn't block my view, while accidentally pushing Francine off, I was gaping in awe. Only until the door closed, did I regain my thoughts.

And boy, were they telling me something.

~Present~

"No. I don't understand."

Francine and I were in the suite, sitting on the bed. She looked very confused at my sudden need to leave the room, and I couldn't exactly fess to her why. I ran a hand through my hair, standing up and straightening my jacket before moving to the door.

"I just need to go downstairs for a few minutes to c-c-clear my head... Then I'll meet you for lunch."

I took in a small wavering breath as she folded her arms, looking upset. "Clear your head? What do you have to clear your head about? Is something wrong?"

"I hope not- I mean...No. What could be wrong? We're getting married in ten days, everything's perfect." I paused and kissed her on the cheek before opening the door. "I gotta go." Yet before I got a step out of the room, she called out. "We're still going ring shopping after lunch, right?" I stopped. What? "Ring shopping?" I asked, not really wanting listen. "Alfie!" She said, sounding hurt. I thought for a minute before smiling. "Of course! For the funeral- I mean, for the wedding!"

"Funeral?!"

"I'm kidding!" I forced a laugh before finally stepping out of the room. "Don't listen to me. I'll see you there. I-I mean, here. Downstairs?" I didn't even attempt to correct myself anymore before I shut the door and quickly ran towards the stairs.

After turning a sharp corner, I bumped into Amelia. She looked startled but smiled as she saw it was me. "Hey, Dad, what's up?" I looked passed her, already hoping I could see a glimpse of Arthur. I needed to know I wasn't imagining this. "Oh, just running down to the lobby. Hey Am's, do me a favor, keep Francine company, willya? Thanks!" I started to rush passed her and to the stairs again. Before I turned another corner, I turned back and called out to her. "Do I look alright? Like- presentable and everything? Not too old?"

"...You look fab, Dad. Young and Fabulous..." She responded with a thumbs up. I nodded and grinned before going passed the corner.

~A minute later~

A bit out of breath I was in the lobby, looking for Arthur. I turned around sharply and accidentally bumped into someone. "Dad!" I looked down and found Amelia again, looking surprised and happy. "I thought you were going to keep Francine company?" I asked, a bit unhappy she wasn't up there. "I wa- Uh, I am! Yeah. I was actually just looking for her." She paused before giving me a tight hug. "It's great to see you Dad" I furrow my eyebrows in confusion before nodding and patting her head. "Great to see you too, kiddo. Now hurry on up there." She nodded and left one direction while I went in another.

~A lot of minutes later~

After what felt like an hour minutes, my pace had slown down while I looked anywhere, and everywhere for Arthur. I was starting to feel my heart drop as I realized what I had seen probably really was only my imagination. Entering to where the pool was, I continued my search, accidentally mistaking a couple of strangers for him.

Along the way in my search, was I then stopped. It was Mr. Bonnefoy again. He greeted me and while I continued to look he asked a question. "Um... Is it alright if I-...get back to you...?" I had finally spotted him. Across the pool and on the phone, was Arthur. There was no mistaking it. He was blocking some of the sun from his eyes, frowning. Wow... I haven't seen that in a while...

A person carrying a bunch of towels suddenly passed him. I was on the move again, making sure I kept sight of him. The need to see if this was actually happening sparked through me, making my pace become faster, and less careful.

"Hey are you okay, boss?" Feliciano questioned to my right. I made the mistake of glancing at him instead of where I was going, causing my feet to get tangled up in Aster's leash. I tripped and started to fall, hearing Amelia cry a warning, before going headfirst into the pool.

Water went up my nose quickly and I spent no time in standing up from where I was at, coughing up water and wincing at a cut on my cheek I managed to get from the fall. Yet that didn't seem to matter much. I adjusted my glasses and breathed in the sweet air, landing my eyes back on Arthur, not missing a beat. He had his eyes on me again, looking a bit nervous and... scared. No doubt he saw the fall. I cracked my head before shaking it and starting to trudge from the water and towards him.

I didn't care as people stared at me, only worrying how far away I had to go before I was reunited with Arthur. He took a couple of steps back, looking cornered as I got up on the cement, taking sloppy wet steps to him. After wringing out my tie and taking in a deep breath, he finally spoke.

"Alfred, Hello... Long time no see..."

...His voice was still the same as I remembered. So firm and strong, yet soft and gentle at the same time. That sweet accent obviously still there... He started to back up again, a very nervous look on his face. "Please try not to go crazy..." I smiled and narrowed my eyes. Just what was he doing here? "A little late for that advice." I moved my arms up and down, the smile on my face fading. "What is going on? I haven't seen or heard from you in fourteen years, and suddenly you're popping up everywhere I look- And not to mention naturally on the day I'm-"

Amelia appeared on the right, cutting me off. "Dad, I can explain why he's here." I blinked, startled. "Amelia... You know who this is?" She nodded, before pulling out a pair of red glasses. "Actually yes. But actually I'm not Amelia." She put the glasses on calmly, looking ahead of her where a copy of her showed up. "Actually, I am." The other said, grinning.

I was frozen in place, looking between the two. Wait... the twins? Together? ...Was it true? I looked back at Arthur, watching as he nodded, confirming it. "Both of them... Alice...and Amelia..." I spoke quietly, trying to process this news and everything that was going on now. "I guess you and Father both think alike." Alice said, speaking as she usually did. I recognized it from when she talked to Gilbert... She really did sound like her Father. "-You both sent us to the same camp. We met and the whole thing just kind of spilled out..."

"They decided to switch places on us, Alfred." Arthur spoke next, instantly making me hold up a hand to stop him. Something important just clicked. "Wait a minute. You mean I've had Alice all this time?" Alice in turn nodded. "I wanted to know what you were like, and Amelia wanted to know Father... Are you angry?" She asked, looking slightly scared. Taking a moment for that to sink in I grabbed her in for a hug. After all this time... And I didn't even know! "Of course not... It's just... I can't believe it's you!" Shaking my head lightly I let her go. "The last time I saw you, you had diaper rash... Look at you..." I watched as Amelia snickered, making her sister punch her lightly. Alice stuck her nose up and smiled sadly. "Well, I'm quite grown up now...And quite without a Dad..-"

"-And I am going into some crazy mixed-up teenage years!" Amelia pitched in. "I am going to be the only girl without a Mother-like person to fight with." I couldn't help but let out a small laugh at Arthur's annoyed look. I stopped quickly after realizing that I haven't seen the kid I raised in over eight weeks!

"Am's, come here" I called, pulling her in for a tight hug. "You've been in London this entire time?" She nodded and hugged me a bit closer before letting go. "Father's amazing, Dad... I don't know how you ever let him go."

"Girls, why don't you let your Dad and I talk for a couple of minutes, alright?" Arthur cut in, a small smile on his face. The girls nodded and ran off, leaving me alone with him for the first time in what felt like forever. I sat down on a bench, grabbing a nearby towel and started to dry off.

"Oh man, I can't believe this." I said, still baffled at what just happened in the last ten minutes. "Seeing them together after all this time...-" I looked at him, locking eyes. "-And you...and- How are you, Artie? Or does everyone call you Arthur?" After a beat he smiled, sitting down with me. "Um, Artie is fine. Scott still calls me Art... I've been doing fantastic, how about you?" I shook my head, chuckling lightly. "Well, I've seen better days- Ah!" Moving the towel to my cheek, forgetting I had hit it, I felt spiking pain come in from the cut as I tried drying it.

"Oh. Let me help you with that?" Arthur asked, seeing the specks of blood on the towel, before stopping a towel boy. "Do you have a First-Aid kit?" The boy nodded before leaving quickly to retrieve it. "Lie down." Arthur instructed. I knew better than to argue and I did as told. Yet where he was sitting, the only place to rest my head...was his lap. I didn't bother asking if it was alright and quickly laid down. If he kicked up a fuss about it, it was his fault for telling me to lie down.

Luckily he didn't and when he got the kit, he started to work on my cut. Watching him for a bit, then moving my eyes to his face I smiled. "So, is your brother still sneaking those stogies?" Arthur scoffed. "Every day." He dabbed a bit of blood that started to drip before he met eyes with me. We exchanged a smile and I couldn't help but sigh softly.

"I can't believe it... You haven't changed at all..." He raised an eyebrow. "What, you thought maybe I'd be fat and grey?" I looked to the left and smirked. "Well, not grey...Ouch!" He put more pressure on my wound, making me regret the tease.

Then I realized... I missed talking with him like this.

True, we haven't talked in a while...- Make that a long while... but remembering those past conversations from when we were younger, made me feel happy. Since we were doing it now, like nothing bad had ever happened, I felt hope that things really haven't changed. We were still the same...

"Finally! There you are!" A voice said, interrupting my thoughts, making me sit up sharply and away from Arthur as if he burned me. I spotted Francine and watched as she carefully made her way over. Oh...I kinda forgot I left her in the suite... When she looked at us closely, then pointedly noticed Arthur, she seemed surprised.

"Oh. You've met Arthur. Good. Sweetie, Arthur is going to be making my wedding dress..." She informed me before tilting her head. "But I don't understand... How'd you two meet...And Alfie, why are you wet?" I knitted my eyebrows together in confusion. "I wasn't paying attention and I-" I stopped and turned to Arthur. "You're making my fiance's wedding dress?"

He looked confused too. Shaking his head he shrugged lightly. "Alfred, I didn't know she was your fiance..." I looked at Francine again, going back to her earlier question. "How did we meet? How did you two meet?" She looked taken back. "Am I missing something here?" There was a small pause around us. I brought up a smile and tried playing it off calmly as I pieced together what was happening. "Um, dear... You know what? This is one small world!" She frowned. "How small?"

"Hey, Franny!" Alice said, smiling innocently as she appeared to her right. Francine glanced at her and nodded. "Hello." Amelia then joined her sister, smiling just as innocent. "How ya doin'?" Francine let out a scream, looking at them both in shock. "Um, did I ever mention that Amelia had a twin?" I asked, a bit nervous at the reaction I was going to get. She calmed down quickly, before looking at me again. "No, as a matter of fact, you didn't! Two of them?!" She paused, narrowing her eyes and changing her behavior slightly. "How...great."

Amelia sighed, nudging her a bit. "Hey, don't feel too bad, Fran. He never mentioned it to me either. Imagine my surprise... By the way, I'm the real Amelia. This is Alice. She was just pretending to be me while I was in London, pretending to be her. And this is our Father, Arthur Kirkland." She pointed to each person she mentioned in turn, filling in Francine on what page we were now on. She widened her eyes at the girls, then between me and Arthur. "This is your Father?" They nodded. She fixed her eyes on Arthur pointedly again. "You're their Father? As in, once married to Alfred?" He bowed his head, looking a tad shy. "Guilty again..."

Francine smiled tightly before looking at me once more. "Wow, this really is a small world..." I nodded, feeling the new tension immediately. "And getting smaller." She shook her head as if to clear it before going on in a 'sweet' tone. "And what a coincidence that we're all here on the same. Exact. Weekend." Arthur put a finger up to stop her. "Actually, isn't that much of a coincidence. The children arranged this so their Dad and I can work out the custody situation." The girls smiled in turn as Francine seemed to blow a small bulb. "They arranged it? How sweet."

I smiled too, but felt that really isn't what she thought.

~An hour later~

"I'm sorry, I just don't see why you have to have dinner with your ex-husband and his little 'Mary Poppin's' accent. Why couldn't have you just met him and discuss the custody in the lobby, shake hand and say good-bye?- Let me tell you why, your daughters don't want me to marry you." Francine took in a deep breath after saying that mouthful while she examined another ring. We had gone to a jewelry store after Arthur and I arranged something with the kids for later, so the latest conversation was this.

Sighing, I ran a hand through my now dry hair. "That's not true..." I said while she talked to the sales-lady. Why is she accusing the twins of something so trivial sounding? Francine only shook her head and tossed a glare in my direction. "It's totally true. They see me as an evil step-mother. Trust me, I am not kidding. Those two have something up their sleeves. Their plotting against me." After saying that she talked more with the lady, making me want to have time go faster. So I can go to the dinner with Arthur... And the kids.

"Francine, calm down. The girls have never had a meal with both of their parents in their entire lives. How could I say no?" She sighed sharply and looked at the ring she just slipped on. "I told you to let me represent you on all your negotiations, didn't I?- This is incredible. What do you think?" She cut off the subject and showed the ring to me. I glanced at it before turning to leave. "I think I have to get dressed for dinner..."

((Welp, that's it for this chapter! I hope you enjoyed and will tune in for next time! Review! I love knowing your thoughts~!))

[6-9-17: I fixed a few things that bothered me.]

-RickyDew