To Be, or Not To Be...

Chapter Two

Ann almost broke my eardrums the second I sat in the car.

       "OH MY GOD OH MY GOD OH MY GOD! DID HE ASK YOU OUT?! ARE YOU TWO A THING?! IS HE INTO ANIME?! DOES HE LIKE OVERWATCH?! DOES HE PLAY PC OR CONSOLE?! OH MY GOD, IF HE PLAYS PS4 IMMA KILL MYSELF-"

       "RED! Oh my fuck, chill out." I finally interrupted. I love Ann but she's way more excitable than I am, could be her ADHD meds wearing off though.

      "I'm sorry, I'm sorry. I'm just super excited for you," She didn't need to say that, she was bouncing in her seat almost shaking the car. "So, you two a thing yet?" She asked more calmly, still bouncing.

       "No," She awed at my response. "But I do have a date with him." She squealed, a noise that sounded louder in the small car.

       "Oh my fucking god I'm so happy for youuuu." She wrapped her arms around my neck. "We gotta celebrate with some anime and picking out a cute outfit. Omg you have got to tell me everything on the ride to your house, pah-LEASE!"

       I giggled at her enthusiasm as I pulled out of the school parking lot. As we drove the familiar path to my house, I recounted Zack and I's whole conversation, from jokes to asking me to a date. I pulled into my driveway as I finished, Ann resumed her seat bouncing.

       "Oh my goodness I have got to pick out a really sexy outfit for you, no, wait, modesty is key, can do a simple sweater and skinny jeans. Oh! Better yet-" I held a hand to her mouth, stopping her ramble.

       "Red, Annie, I love you, but oh my god girl we need some caffeine in you to chill you out. Coke? Rockstar? You're meds are wearing off dear and you're getting really overexcited. See if you can spend the night, you can help me pick out my outfit tomorrow." She nodded at my statements, giving an apologetic smile. We grabbed our bags and got out of the car, beginning our way to the front door.

       I'm not going to lie, my family is on the richer side. We have lots of money from my Mother's jewelry making and more from my Father running a business firm. We've had several generations of money making and I wanted to be no different, though I wanted to see the world as an interpreter rather than run a business or make jewels and silver for others.

      My house looked like a mansion, only smaller. The exterior of my house was less elegant compared to the inside, a plain white with some beige accents, it could use more color colors in my opinion. The house only had three floors but the top was basically a studio apartment rather than split into rooms. This was actually my room, I wanted to have a way to live away from my parents while still under there care and although they first disagreed, their increasing work let me have basically my own apartment.

       When we approached the beige door, it was flung open and I was smothered by a hug.

       "Oh darling we missed you so much!" My mother exclaimed, a faded french accent hugging her words.

       "Mother! I didn't know you and Father were back. When did you get here?" I questioned, a smile on my face. Because of my Father's business, he travels a lot, and since my mother's work is portable, she follows him.

      "Oh dear we got home only 20 minutes ago. I so missed you dear." She looked behind me. "Oh Ann darling I almost didn't recognize you dear, changed your hair again? A new costume perhaps?"

      "You know it Mrs. Samson," Ann moved in front of me and my Mother placed a kiss on her cheek. Ann was basically another daughter to her, and always treated her as such.

       "My dear, call me Caroline, remember? You're important to this family, no need for formalities." She stood, and I took the time to look at her attire. She wore a skin tight dress that was a beautiful deep red, it gave off a velvet look despite being a smooth silk. Though Mother usually wears more revealing clothing, the neckline came to the edge of her neck, completely covering her *cough* assets *cough*.

       "My darlings come inside, it is chilly out and you shouldn't risk getting sick." My mother stepped aside and ushered us in, taking our backpacks and setting them by the door once it closed. "Would either of like tea? Coffee perhaps?"

       "I'll take a lemon tea Mother," I looked to Ann, who was already pulling out her energy drink from her bag.

       "I'm all good, thank you though Caroline," Her smile warm as she tucked the drink into her sweatshirt hoodie.

       "Of course dears," My mother gave me a kiss on the head. "Feel free to go up to your room dear, I'll bring it up when it's done."

       "Thank you Mother, where's Father at, by the way?" Her face fell at the question.

       "In his study as soon as he arrived. You know how he is darling, work, work, work.." Her voiced faded as she spoke. Just as quickly as it fell, she perked up again. "It's no matter dear, we'll see him at dinner. I'm sure you're staying Annie dearest?"

       "You know it Mrs.- I mean, Caroline. I love spending time with you guys, you know that," Ann smiled at her, giving Mother a hug before practically yanking me away. "Please excuse us though, I have to get Kassie here ready for a date!"

       "Oh, well you'll have to tell me all about him at dinner Kassandra! I'll bring your tea in a few minutes." My mother smiled as she sauntered towards the kitchen, to start my tea and perhaps have someone prepare dinner.

      Because of the size of the house, we had a personal elevator to reach every floor. Once I was pushed inside, and the destination was chosen for the top room, Ann hugged me.

      "I didn't know they were fighting again," She consoled me.

      "I didn't either. It doesn't surprise me though, they might just be jet lagged.. You know how they are," I gave a clearly worried smile.

       "Well you know, if it ever gets bad again, my house isn't exactly a big ol' fancy shmancy house," I chuckled a bit at her spiel, knowing she was doing her best to make me feel better. "But you're welcome over any time, your family to my parents as well."

      "Thanks Red- Or, should I preemptively call you Pink?" I smiled, hugging my friend back.

       "Hmm, I'm thinking I might go blue instead."

      I jokingly groaned, and we both laughed and embraced eachother as the sounds echoed in the small space.