Sunday was an easier day for her. She had one stop, the Santa Monica beach. It’s the last day and everything was perfect until the phone rang.

“Angel’s bed n breakfast, where your stay in West Hollywood is a heavenly one.”

“What? Annie?”

“Mom?!”

“Annie I almost hung up, why are you answering the phone like that?”

“Oh no reason mom, we were getting some weird calls so I was just playing.”

“Oh ok. Anyway the reason I called is the workshop ended earlier so we took an earlier flight back, so we should be home by seven, seven thirty or so.”

“What? Why?”

“What do you mean why? What are you all up to?”

“Oh, nothing. Great.  We’ll see you guys soon then. Love you bye.” I hung up before she could respond.

In Sacramento

***Tina***

“That’s strange.”

“What’s strange hon?”

“Hmm, I think our children are up to something. And I smell Aiden all over it.”

Back in West Hollywood.

***Angelica***

“*****, *****, *****. Aiden!”

“What?!”

“When is check out time again?”

“Seven, why?”

“Because mom just called. That’s when they’re coming home.”

“But I thought their flight was nine.”

“Apparently the workshop ended earlier.”

“Damn.”

“We’re dead.”

“Don’t panic. We could get them out and have the place clean by then.”

“Aiden, if I get into trouble again I could be grounded for the rest of my life. I’m still grounded from the last time. Why do I listen to you?” I was pacing back and forth.

“Hey, take a chill pill. I got it under control.”

We had a few hours still before the parents got back. We gave Renee the heads up and decided to cut their day at the beach a bit shorter than expected. Aiden, the girls and I had the place cleaned by the time the guests got back. We had an early dinner and everyone was checked out on time. Renee used the rental to carry them to the airport.

***Renee***

When Angelica called and told me that Tina’s workshop finished earlier and that they were coming home sooner than expected, I was sure we were going to get busted. Luckily for us we had our guests checked out on time and we were on our way to the airport. Although it doesn’t give us much time I figured if I drive really quickly back I could send the rental back and Angelica could pick me up before they got home.

I got to the airport rather quickly. Traffic was easy. Which means getting back shouldn’t be too bad. While on the highway on my way back I saw Bette’s car closely followed by Shane’s jeep a few cars in front of me. Dana and Alice were with Bette and Tina. “Shoot. I have to switch lanes.” I said out loud to myself. I was too close and I had no other choice but to swerve quickly from behind them, drive really quickly on the lane next to theirs with my head ducked below the window, then swerve back in front Bette’s car. “Phew, that was close. Hopefully they didn’t see it was me.”

When I got to the rental company Angelica was already waiting for me and we hurried home. “Great, they’re not here yet.” I said.

“Come on let’s get inside.” Angelica practically dragged me out of the car. “Aiden, where are you?” She yelled as she opened the door.

“I’m right here. Just making sure everything is the way they left it.”

“And the girls?”

“With me.”

“Ok great so we.”

“They’re here.” I interrupted when I heard a car pull up.

“Ok, ok act normal.”

The door opened at that point and we all swung around together and said in unison, “Hey.”

“Hey.” Bette’s face had that I know you were up to something look. “What are you guys up to.”

“Oh nothing.” “Nada.” “Chillin.” We all said again in unison.

“Hmmm. Well the place looks normal.”

“Come, let me help with the bags.” Aiden volunteered, closely followed by Shawn and Cyanne.

“So mom.” Angelica took Bette’s arm and guided her to the living room. “How was the workshop?” We both listened to Bette tell us about the workshop. While Bette talked Tina put her five cents worth as well. It was interesting considering.

“But then on our way from the airport some maniac nearly run us off the highway. I can’t believe who they let out on the streets these days.” Tina fumed.