Chapter 6

Entering the house Michael gave a nod of acknowledgement towards the Butler/castellan of the property. Arthur gave one of the trademark bows in his repertoire. It was the welcome bow, he also had a sarcastic bow, you’re an idiot bow, I’m going to tell your parents as soon as I leave this room bow and the rarest of all and one which filled Michaels heart with pride, the that’s a surprisingly good idea bow.

Leaving Arthur and his bows behind him he travelled up a flight of stairs and then followed the corridor to the very end. Opening this final door, he was greeted by:

A painting of himself with rabbit ears, a top hat while carrying a fancy china cup. “What the hell is that monstrosity?!”

His little sister’s eyes widened, tears literally started to form around her eyes. “You don’t *sniff* like it?” Michael could only stare in horror at the monster which he had a hand in creating.  

“It’s actually… really quite excellent. I was just err surprised that’s all” he answered swiftly. Trying to avoid eye contact.

His sister suddenly let out a snort of laughter. “You… *snort* should have seen your face! I should probably say that I was bored one day and I figured I’d give it to you as joke for your birthday.”

 “But… Rabbit ears? Really!?”

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“You looked kind of cute if I don’t say so myself.” Michael could only look upon her with horror. Trying to switch topics he asked:

“So what’s so important that we had to speak face to face?” His sister suddenly appeared shy. (Damn she’s a good actress.)

“Well it’s kind of embarrassing really…”, she said shyly. Michael just gave her the look. You know the ‘get to the fucking point Anna look’, he had perfected it over the years. Annabeth suddenly appeared serious. This was business.

“Well there’s a party on Thursday… but Mum-wants-you there.” That last part was spoken incredibly fast but it was lost upon Michael. He was stuck on the ‘party’. My cute little anti-social nerdy annoyingly unknowingly beautiful naïve sister is going to a party. He was frozen in horror with a tinge of pride that she was finally growing up. Just to reconfirm:

“Sorry I think I misheard did you say you are going to a party?”

“Well… yeah… but only if you come.”

Michael asked her quizzically, “Umm why do I have to be there.”

Annabeth snorted grumpily, “Mother said the only way I have permission to go is if you chaperone me. She believes that unsupervised I could get into trouble and or embarrass the family.” (I wonder if father will notice if one of his swords go missing) Nobody is getting near my sister! Hmm this is probably why mothers been calling. I’m not in trouble?

Smiling to himself at the image of him swinging his sword at anyone that approached his sister at the party.

“Michael you still there?”, Annabeth asked worriedly.

“Oh sorry was just pondering. I’ll speak to mother don’t you worry. We can talk after dinner, right now I have to go see father.” And with a last cheerful smile he walked out the room. Moments later:

“You don’t happen to know where he is do you?”

Annabeth grinned, “I’m pretty sure he’s at… the ‘Arena’”

Michaels eyes widened in horror.