365 Days with the Celebrity

Chapter 48 - Meeting the Parents

"We've reached, everyone," Rico announced as he stopped the van and pulled up the handbrake.

The 4-hour trip to the picturesque rural area was an exhausting and sleepy ride. Andy rubbed his eyes and yawned while Ariel squinted her sleepy eyes. She was thankful once again that Leon invited Andy join them along with a few of his bodyguards except Evan.

Ariel and Andy came out of the van and stood amazed at the white-coloured mansion that resembled a modern colonial Spanish casa with brick-coloured slanting rooftops and cobbled walkways. It was beautifully set in the middle of a tranquil forested area with snow-capped mountains visible nearby. Ariel was glad that the paparazzi were nowhere in sight. The mansion had large circle-top, brown-framed windows and coloured flowers dangling from its balconies and window sills. A huge, circular double-tier water fountain under the shade of the towering purple jacaranda trees greeted them at the entry way. There was an encircling ivory staircase on either sides that lead towards the entrance double-doors.

"Mum! Look how huge this place is! And there's a swimming pool beyond with a slide!" Andy pointed. "Can I go swim there, mum?"

"Andy, we only just arrived and you're thinking of swimming before greeting our hosts?" reminded Ariel.

"Alright, guess I've to wait," Andy let out a huge sigh, hoping for his boredom to end quickly.

"You'll get to swim alright, Andy. Just wait," Leon laughed and gave the boy a quick, playful ruffle on his hair.

Just then, an excited golden retriever rushed out, wagging its tail and jumping all over Leon. "Woofy!" He cried, stroking and petting the dog. The dog went to Andy and gave a thorough sniff. Andy squealed and quickly cowered behind Leon.

"He won't bite, Andy. Woofy's real friendly. Come," he gently pulled Andy's hand towards the dog, which responded with a few licks on his hand. Andy screamed at first but slowly gave in after Leon encouraged him to stroke the dog on its head. Woofy wagged his tail and looked at Andy with its affectionate warm eyes. "See? He likes you already," smiled Leon.

"Leon, is that you? So glad you made it!" an older woman with short, wavy blonde and white hair adorned in a cream dress and pearl necklace raced down the ivory steps to hug him. She shared the same facial smile and blue eyes as Leon.

"So nice to see you again, Mum" Leon returned the embrace, a deep long one.

Ariel was surprised that she looked younger than her age to be his own mother. Maybe it was the wonder of Stellar Azure, who knows?

"Well, well," she placed her hands on his shoulders and observed him from top to toe. "I see you've been fed well. Must be your chef making some really good meals." Her smiling eyes landed on Ariel.

"Yup," Leon turned to Ariel. "Mum, this is Ariel Lee, my chef. And Ariel, this is my mother, Nina Waltz."

"Hello Mrs Waltz. It's an honour to meet you," Ariel shook her hand.

"Lovely to meet you, finally!" Mrs Waltz shook her hand.

"This is my son, Andy Lee," Ariel introduced.

"Nice meeting you, Mrs Waltz," Andy shook her hand. "Can I swim in your pool now?"

"Andy!" Ariel told him off, but Mrs Waltz laughed, "Sure you can! Nice to meet you, Andy."

"Hurray!" Andy dashed to pool area, much to Ariel's embarrassment on his lack of manners. "I-I'm so sorry about that. It's just that he-"

"No, no, no, it's alright! We're mothers so I understand," Mrs Waltz giggled. "He's had a long journey, so let him enjoy. He reminds me so much of Leon when he was a child. At least, he didn't dash into the pool naked like Leon did at his age."