The One

Casual Night

Their unexpected and enjoyable lunch wrapped up, the family made their way to their new home, slightly outskirts from the city, nestled within a gated community. The property, surrounded by open fields, only secured at the front, welcomed them with row after row of double-storey modern houses. What caught their eyes was when they entered the private property area, greeted by a small front security, and a mansion that could easily be mistaken for a castle.

It was a stunning mix of modern style with Victorian touches. As they parked next to the guard house, Karol chimed in, "Hi, erm, we're the new tenants for this week. Here's the paperwork and the keys to our house," showcasing all the details with a flourish.

"Oh, yes! Mr Lex did inform us about your arrival. Just follow my colleague, and he'll show you your place," said the handsome security guard, gesturing to his mate riding a bike nearby.

"He's handsome," Karol whispered to her sister, whose smirk widened.

"I know," Sharon replied, trying not to laugh.

They passed a series of houses until they reached the side of the enormous mansion beside their rental—a double-storey luxury home, brimming with modern technology, larger than their previous one.

"Alright, guys! Let's go and settle in!" Sharon called out, flinging her car door open with determination.

As was their usual routine, they unpacked their belongings before freshening up and heading back down for dinner.

"Girls, come down for a sec!" called William as he strolled into the kitchen area.

Karol and Sharon chimed in unison, "Yes, Dad!"

"Do you want to eat out or take out?" Anna asked, glancing between her daughters.

"Can we like, have take-out food? I'm too lazy to go out for dinner," Sharon replied with a lazy grin.

Karol nodded enthusiastically, "Me too! Plus, having take-out is easier and super convenient."

"Okay then! We'll call for take-out. What do you girls fancy?" William asked, glancing hopefully at his family.

"I want some Chinese food!" Karol declared instantly.

"Me too!" Anna echoed, clearly on board.

"Me three!" chimed in Sharon, laughing at their shared enthusiasm.

"Okay, me four!" William exclaimed, hopping onto the number train with enthusiasm.

Sharon produced her iPad with the flair of a magician revealing a trick. "Let's order online!" she declared, tapping away as she conjured a feast from the digital ether.

Thirty minutes later, the food arrived, and the family settled around the dining table, forks at the ready, as they devoured their dinner and plotted their itinerary for tomorrow.

"So, about Sunday," Karol began, her voice cheerful, "can we hit the scenic spots first? Then, during the weekdays, you two can shop to your heart's content! Just make sure to drag Dad along because I'll be procrastinating like a pro!"

Her smile was met with a swift rebuttal from Sharon. "Nope, no can do, sissy! We have more important matters at hand!"

Karol's face dropped, the shock etched into her features. "Betrayed by my own sister!"

William, sensing the dramatic tension, jumped in with the authority of a travel planner. "Tomorrow, your mummy and I will be out on a date all day, which means sisterly bonding time for you two!" He pointed at Sharon, marking her as the mastermind.

"Ahem! Since we're all busy working lately, why not have a double date? Daddy and Mummy can go out, and I can take you along, little munchkin!" Sharon winked at Karol, who, mid-bite, nodded eagerly.

"Count me in!" Anna chimed, shovelling fried rice into her mouth, eyes twinkling with excitement.

After dinner, they lounged in the TV room, sinking into the sofa like a pile of overstuffed cushions while an action film played in the background. Karol, unable to contain her excitement, piped up, "So... where are we going tomorrow?"

Sharon smirked, her eyes glued to the screen. "Not gonna tell you! It's a secret."

Karol crossed her arms dramatically. "Hmph! Not gonna tell or have no clue where we're off to?"

"Just wait and see! If I spill the beans now, it won't be a surprise anymore," Sharon replied, raising an eyebrow at her sister.

"Fine~," Karol huffed, drawing out the vowel like a true drama queen. She then pivoted her gaze towards her parents. "So, Mummy and Daddy, where are you two planning to venture?"

"Honestly? I'll just follow your daddy. He's got all the plans... or so he claims," Anna said, shooting a playful glance at William.

"Daddy, where are—" Karol started, but William interrupted, a cheeky grin on his face.

"Not gonna tell you!" he replied, mirroring Sharon's earlier defiance.

"Hmph! Like father, like daughter, I see! No secrets over here, eh?" Karol shot back, high-fiving her dad as they both erupted in laughter. "I bet Daddy's grasp on plans is as loose as my homework schedule!"

"I do!" Both William and Sharon exclaimed in unison, each flustered but determined to save face.

Karol burst out laughing. "Oh, I know you do! Just messing with you!" She rose, her laughter infectious. "I'm off to bed, my fabulous family! Goodnight!"

"Wait, Karol, sit down first!" Sharon urged, lowering the TV volume as she pulled out tickets and flyers from her bag. "So about tomorrow, Mummy and Daddy are off to Loup Island for a romantic two-day getaway. It's fully paid for—accommodation, transport, the whole shebang! Just need you two to wake up early for your 8 am flight!"

Anna's eyebrows shot up, curiosity piqued. "Whoa! What's with this surprise trip within our trip?"

"It's our little escape because we've been hogging all your time with work. Mummy with you, and me and Daddy with our cases... we all deserve a bit of R&R, right?" Sharon explained, her eyes shimmering with love.

"Oh, my sweet daughters!" Anna said, pulling both girls into a heartfelt hug, gratitude evident in her embrace. William simply nodded, a silent 'thank you' emanating from him.

"Not me, though! It was all her genius idea, so don't shower me with thanks!" Karol insisted.

"Same difference, you cheeky minx!" Sharon laughed, only to be met with Anna's stern gaze. "Language, Sharon, language!"

"Sorry!" she muttered, a playful grin slipping through her mischief.

Without missing a beat, Karol stood up, swaggering towards her bedroom. "Anyway, have fun on your getaway! And don't forget to pack those... rubber things! You two are definitely too old for any surprises!" She cackled, disappearing around the corner, her laughter echoing in the hallway.

As she plopped down on her bed, she chuckled to herself, "Honestly, those two are a riot! So obvious!" She grabbed her iPad, intending to search for fun activities for herself and Sharon, but soon found herself lost in a sea of stand-up comedy videos instead.