Post by mac on Dec 21, 2021 0:12:33 GMT
Arthur nodded along, even though the idea of a trip with the baby was hard to imagine. He’d seen it; families on vacations, moms and dads and their sweet little kids. And he’d always wanted to have a family like that. He’d always wanted to be the organized father, exasperated and tired but looking at his partner and kids fondly while complaining only for the sake of lighthearted complaining. But he couldn’t picture Chardonnay doing that. All he could picture was her getting mad at the whole situation. Is she ever really going to be happy with a life like that, he thought. And he truly didn’t know the answer.
He forced a laugh, though. ”She’s been this way since we were teenagers,” he said, shaking his head, though the exasperation was in jest by this point. When he was younger it did truly bother him, how materialistic she was, but now he was just used to it. ”Did you ever know about the time she wore high heels on a hike my sister held for extra credit? There’s probably fifty pairs of shoes in here alone. I doubt she needs it all. But,” he shrugged and carried as many bags as he could – not wanting Thomas to take too much.
When they stepped into the foyer, Arthur almost dropped the bags. He looked at the giant tree, at the glistening home he was in, and let his eyes drink the sight in. God, it was so… he knew his sister was in love with the place without even being near her.
”This place is – “ Arthur’s voice came out higher than it was before he hit puberty, so he stopped, and cleared his throat. ”This place is… impressive, Mr. Nicholas.”
Adelaide flushed at the mention of Annabelle, twirling her hair between her fingers with a pout. ”I don’t know if we’d build a house,” she mumbled, but Susan just smiled and put a hand on her daughter’s shoulder.
When Chardonnay popped out and gave Olivia a hug, Adelaide tried to peer behind her into Chardonnay’s room while Susan just beamed. ”Oh I’m glad you got to the bathroom in time! Oh, speaking of – I should find a restroom too! That was quite the car ride, and I drank a lot of water on the way down! Karaoke really does a number on your throat.”
Down the stairs by the bags, Arthur was still in awe of the place. Susan looked around the corner and laughed. ”Look at Artie! Oh, he looks like a fish out of water! I should have mentioned before how minimalist my brother is! Which is part of the reason I was so surprised when I found out he and Chardonnay were together! Well! Opposites attract, I suppose!”
Adelaide made a face. ”Uncle Artie just doesn’t appreciate the finer things in life. Like me. I appreciate them. And this big mansion you live in!”