Waves at once

Chapter 1

The way things are around here

"Well, I think you just have to be quite matter of fact about it" I answered frankly, Edmund stopped to stare at me as I rolled my eyes simply huffing and pulling my  jacket closer to myself. The morning air was sharp and icy , stabbing at my cheeks as the tip of my nose began going a soft pink color.

Seeing as we're back home in London, we decided it would be fun to take a morning stroll.

"How can one be matter of fact about such a delicate and sensitive topic" he snapped back at me.

"Are you proposing to her?" I stop in my tracks and turn to him raising an eyebrow as I folded my arms.My tone had been sharp and sarcastic as I waited for him to respond. 

"What? No, you know I'm doing quite the opposite actually" he's face twisted into confusion and distress.

"Exactly , so say something along the lines of: Hey Lila, we need to talk... things just haven't been working out between us and I think we should call things off, it's healthier for the both of us" he contemplated my statement for a moment.

"Perhaps" he mutters as we begin walking again. Turning down into our street, mansions and perfectly trimmed grass ,guarded securely by big black iron fences and gate accompanied by security on patrol for each plot filled our neighborhood. "What about you and Oliver" he questions

"Same old , same old"

" I suppose you never have to worry about breaking up with him" he comments and I can't help but roll my eyes

" not necessarily"

"Yes, not necessarily,but you know if you ever did father and mother would be on your case"he comments, I could his eye linger on me as he waited for a reaction. A reaction knew he wouldn't receive. 

"Whatever" are my last words before we reach our house. I smile at the little security house and Roger opens the gates for us as we began the journey down the driveway. I could hear the horses neighing and the land mowers buzzing as the days schedule begins to unfold.

"Bonjour,Bonjour children" mothers voice sang happily as we entered the house.White marbled tile greeted us as we walked past the two dramatic staircases and into the dinning area where a long chestnut wooden table stood accompanied by multiple white cushioned chairs. This part of the room was covered in Persian carpet had white walls with black accents while a chandelier dangled in the middle lighting up the space. 

My mother sat at the table with her brunette hair pinned up in a neat and pristine bun while she wore her favorite cream Gucci's dress that was lined with blue and red and was very prep styled. Her green eyes landed on us the smile faded from her face "The Lexington's will be joining us for breakfast, so I'd imagineyou'd like to... um,prepare yourselves" her eyes fell down on our attire clearly unimpressed and disgusted.

It wasn't that bad, I wore leggings and my silver metallic puffer jacket with Nikes. The maids had began setting up the table thus without another word we left not wanting to interfere with their duties.

As I entered my room, I immediately headed toward my beside table to put my phone on charge as I began to prepare for breakfast. While wrapping a towel around myself I hear a knock on the door

"Ms.Valentine, you're mother would like to know whether you'd prefer cheese or jam croissants" Lucille's voice sang

"Chocolate please,Lucille" and without another word I continue towards my bathroom where the steam is slowly filling it up.

"Much better" my mother's chirped as walked back into the dinning room, my brunette hair was neatly pushed back by my white hair band that matched with my white Jeans. I wore a collared red jumper with white horizontal stripes representing that of a rugby jersey.

"Hello Father" I smile noticing my dark haired father sitting in his usual seat at the head of the table.

"Morning my lovely" he smiles while returning his attention to the newspaper that spread out in front of him. I took my usual seat at the table as the doorbell rang , mother jumped up to get it. Voices echoed through the house followed by footsteps.

"Morning Mr Valentine" Oliver greeted my father who stood up immediately and warmly hugged him. Father loved Oliver as if he were his own son. It was quiet annoying at times.

"Olly, my boy" he smiled and commenced greeting everyone

"Monica" I smiled hugging Oliver's mom who pressed her lips on my cheek

"Oh Juliet , beautiful as per usual" she smiles

"Julie"Tim, Oliver's dad smiles pulling me in for a hug. I loved the Lexington's, they had always been in my life and treated me as the daughter they never had. Tim constantly took me out to sports games with him, he knew how much I adored watching rugby and how Polo would begin to bore me after a certain point. Monica gave me lavish gifts and that motherly advice my mom just never knew to give.She taught me how to deal with boys, well more Oliver and told me the  inside secrets of our social circle.

Once we had finished greeting , we all sat down at our usual seats , and that's when the conversation started. Oliver rested his hand on top of mine allowing me to kiss the back of his.

"Have you heard?" Monica says as she reaches out to hold Mothers hand

"What?" My mom ask eagerly.Her green eye slit up with curiosity as the corners of her lips begin to twitch upwards. 

As classy as they liked to act, Monica and my mother loved a good gossip sessions together, I mean they had been best friends for years.

"I was talking to Lisa ... you now the Carmichaels?" And my mom nods her head eagerly "Well, she tells me that a new family moved into some big ,flashy house in our neighborhood, but the thing is - they're Americans" and my mother gasp as the whole table is struck by this news.

"Really?" My mother says in shock, her green eyes were filled with disdain and horror.

"Yes and they have two children , both who will be attending Charter House"

"How did they get in" Father errupts seeming more shocked than any of us by this news

"Probably paid off the headmaster" Tim mutters

"Wouldn't be surprised" Edmund adds, he was old enough to be part of the adult conversation and , although I was too, I still wasn't old enough to make comments like those.I knew my place.

"What are the children's names?" I ask softly,curiosity filled within me.

"Oh ,my darling I don't know that much , but apparently the mother is joining the country club , Sarah saw her registering for our group tennis" I raised my eyebrow somewhat entertained as she glanced at my mom who didn't seem impressed that she and her friends would be playing tennis with an american "and the eldest Son is joining Juliet and Oliver's year" now that sparked my interest. 

"American at Charter house , that's a first" I look to Oliver who too seemed engrossed in the conversation.

"I know, Ellie's gonna love that" he comments quietly and I can't help but chuckle.

The conversation eventually drifted and breakfast was served.