After quietly watching the exchange his two sisters A.J. asks, “So what do you want to do till she gets back Alex?”

“How about a movie?” Alexis asks

A.J. shrugs his shoulders and says, “Why not? Let’s go.”

Fifteen minutes later the loft was empty.

____________________

“Damn it A.J., where is she?” Alexis growls as she paces in the dimly lit living room. When A.J. and Alexis had returned from the movies they had decided to open a bottle of wine and start a fire.

“Chill out Alex. She’s only 15 minutes late.” A.J. points out calmly

Alexis just glared at her brother and continued pacing. After watching her sister for a few minutes A.J. whined, “Stop already. You’re making me dizzy.”

Alexis ignores her brother’s comment and snaps, “Call her again.”

“What for? I just called her 5 minutes ago and she’s not picking up.”

“I don’t care call her again.”

“Alex will you please….”A.J. starts but stops when he hears the front door open. “Speak of the devil.”

“About damn time!” Alexis snaps

Ashton walks in and flops down on the couch saying, “Hey guys.”

“You’re late.” Alexis says glaring at her sister

Ashton just rolls her eyes and says, “Sorry. It couldn’t be helped.”

“Why the hell not? You knew we were waiting for you. This is important too.” Alexis snaps glaring at her sister

“Look I said I was sorry. Carrie was a mess and I had to comfort her. She’s my best friend.” Ashton cries returning her sisters glare

“What about us?! Aren’t we more important?!” Alexis cries

Trying to calm his sisters down he says calmly, “Will you guys calm down? What does it matter if Ashey was a little late? She’s here now. Why don’t we just relax for a minute and begin reading the journals?”

Both of his sisters just continue to glare at each but they do nod their heads in agreement.

“Great,” A.J. says as he hands one of the journals to Alexis

They make themselves comfortable on the couches and Alexis finally begins reading.

What none of the kids knew was that their parents had come to pay them a visit. They were quietly standing in the shadows in a corner behind them just watching them.