Legacy Diaries: Book 2

City of Angels

I groaned as I heard the birds chirping. My eyes squinted as I raised my head up and looked around the room. My gaze settled on the vibrant blue ocean. The current was calm and the waves gently rolled onto the shore before retreating back. A yawn escaped me when I stretched my arms. My stomach rumbled which meant that it was time for breakfast, or at least I thought it was breakfast time. I looked over at the clock and saw that it read 5pm. How did I sleep that late?! Guess I was really tired. I shrugged and got ready for the rest of my day. I exited my room and attempted the maze to the kitchen. There were so many twists and turns in this mansion that I nearly gave up. I successfully found the stairs, but it appeared to lead into another section of the house. Ugh! I groaned out loud.

"Hope?" I turned around to see Blue behind me. His hands were clasped behind his back. "Are you lost?" His thick German accent rang aloud.

"Yeah." I looked away to hide my embarrassment.

"Apologies. Alec had requested I guide you through the house... to avoid you getting lost. It seems that I have failed at my one job." He smirked. Cool. It seems like he has a sense of humor. "Have you eaten?" I shook my head to which he smiled. "Come along then." He waved me over. We were walking in silence, so I decided to break it.

"Umm... where's Alec?"

"He's fulfilling his part of the deal." He smiled like there was an inside joke. He glanced at me and began to explain. "Alec had to conduct business today and that violated Nic's rule about not working on weekends. She likes for everyone to be free and spend quality time together. So, as his punishment, he has to accompany her to get her nails done. Like he really minds anyway. He adores spending time with her, so for them it's a win-win." I laughed at this newfound information. Following Blue, we ended up outside.

"I thought we were going to the kitchen? You know... since I didn't eat."

"Correct that you didn't eat. Incorrect that we'd be going to the kitchen. On sundays, we like to have an evening barbecue where we eat, chill in the pool, or do other stuff outside." Blue guided me to where the others were gathered. The tables were adorned with ribs, brisket, potato salad, cornbread, and every other bbq item one could think of. Taiga was slaving away at the grill while Jason and Mason were pestering him to grill something else. "Eat to your heart's content." Blue handed me a plate. I smiled at him before placing different items on my plate. I sat down opposite of Pierce. He scowled at me when he noticed that I was in his presence. He was about to say something rude, but Jason and Mason interrupted him.

"What's up, Hope?!" Mason gave me a bear hug from behind.

"We're stoked that you're spending the summer here!" Jason shouted. They sat on either side of me and started to rapid fire questions at me. It ranged from how's school to what do I think about Jason's new tattoo? I chuckled since they were so excited that they would stumble over their words. Taiga placed a plate of barbecue wings on the table before taking a seat next to Pierce. Blue came back with two bottles of beer. He yanked Taiga up and stole Taiga's seat. Taiga opened his mouth to complain, but Blue pulled the boy onto his lap. Taiga kissed his cheek before picking up the beer and sipping it. Jason and Mason grabbed the plate of wings and finished it in a matter of seconds. Damn! Those guys can eat. Jason looked at me and his eyes widened.

"Sorry! Did you want one?" He held up a wing bone.

"No. It's alright." I smiled.

"Probably should offer it before you finish it." Pierce smirked.

"Sor-"

"Hope!" Nicola cut Jason off. She ran towards me and gave me a tight squeeze. These people here are way too happy. "Look at my nails! Do you like them?! I just got them down." She showed me her lime green acrylics.

"Pretty."

"Thanks and... did you guys eat all the wings?!" Nicola glared at Jason and Mason. The duo quickly shook their heads. Nicola went on a rampage scolding the boys.

"How are you?" Alec asked me.

"Good."

"You didn't get lost did you?" He glanced at Blue who rolled his eyes.

"Not at all." I chuckled.

"Is the food to your liking? Also, don't hesitate to eat until you're full. That includes taking as many servings as you want-"

"The food's great, Alec. And thanks." I smiled at him. "Oh... did you enjoy your nail appointment." I joked.

"Yes, the pedicure was quite relaxing." He said it with such a straight face that I'm not sure if he was joking or not.

"Welp! Sun is setting, so you know what that means." Mason hit Jason on the chest. The two nodded before jumping up and running around the side of the house. They came back a few seconds later with logs. They then began to situate the logs in a circle formation.

"Pierce, if you would so kindly do the honors?" Mason jokingly bowed to him. Pierce chuckled before muttering a spell. The logs were suddenly engulfed in flames. Jason handed out sticks with marshmallows attached to them. He then sat down next to the fire and began roasting his marshmallow. When it was to his liking, Mason held out gram crackers and a piece of chocolate. Jason assembled the s'more and and ate it in one bite.

"Yum!" Jason shouted. "It's now time for the bonfire!"

"How do they have so much energy?" I whispered to Alec.

"We all ponder that very thought."