"We saw you on the cover of that magazine, and we had to come over," Natalie said, as she walked towards her parents.
"But you know that new edition just released today, so how can you just see me on that cover and just fly here?" Arya asked curiously. She felt there was something that her family wasn't telling her, and she had a feeling that they knew about this long before it became official.
And they lived like four hours away and the plane tickets had to be booked in advance.
"Sis, you're thinking too much. Why don't we all just chill," Marcus said, smiling.
"Yes, his right... and I wanna know what's cooking," Natalie chimed in, as she hugged her parents.
"Well, your father and I are making tomato soup, with some grilled chicken and meshed potatoes... and some salad," Kimberly replied happily.
"What about dessert?"
"That's a surprise."
As Marcus and Natalie went to their rooms with their bags, Arya helped the hosts to set the table for lunch.
"How's your studies going?" Pete asked his children as they began eating.
"Well, the finals are over and my friends and I were planning a road trip after graduation," Marcus said, as he sipped his soup.
"Road trip? To where?"
"Still deciding that part."
"How about you, Nats?"
"It's doing great, just have to submit the last project about extinct animals that should be brought back to life and the reasons... final date is next week," Natalie said before stuffing her mouth with salad.
"How about you Arya? What are your plans now?" Marcus asked, as he took a gulp of water.
"Not so much! You shouldn't drink too many liquids during eating!" Kimberly said, raising her fork at her son.
"Sorry," Marcus mumbled before turning his attention back to Arya.
"After the discovery of the three headed rattle snake, our institute has become quite famous, so we're eyeing bigger projects now, like the possibility of a Sabre toothed cat, or the existence of a real dire wolf... about that, you guys remember Rebecca Wells, don't you?" Arya looked around the table.
"That blonde who always snorted when laughing?" Marcus asked.
"Oh yeah... the one who always brought the tastiest cheesecake to school!" Natalie added.
"Yeah, that's the one, she's on a field project to a remote village that boasts the existence of real dire wolves," Arya said excitedly.
"Didn't some scientists create the dire wolf in a lab or something?" Pete asked.
"Yes, and that's what makes this project so awesome. If we find real dire wolves out in the wild, we could compare DNA with the ones created in a lab, there could be so much to learn, even maybe get a totally new wolf species," Arya answered, barely able to contain her excitement.
"Anyway, have you applied to colleges yet?" Arya turned her attention to her brother
"Actually, I was thinking of going to the community College, since the fees would be much cheaper and I've applied to Oxford and Harvard, in case I get a scholarship."
Marcus had always wanted to be a lawyer, and his school work is great, he is very intelligent and the top student in his class, yet he always underestimates himself.
This would be his last year in high school, and he wants to pursue law.
"But son, I have the income where I can send you to your dream college," Pete said, feeling a little disappointed at his answer.
"Yes, and we have a seperate college fund for both you and your sister," Kimberly added.
"And I can help where you need emergency funds," Arya offered as well.
"As I said, I did apply to Oxford and Harvard... let's see."
"And Nats, what about you? What are your future plans?" The entire table sifted their attention to Natalie.
"I really don't think it's necessary for me to attend college... since all I want to become is a fashion blogger," she shifted in her seat uncomfortably.
Ever since she was twelve, Natalie wanted to become a you tube influencer. She had taken part in her schools fashion shows and wanted to pursue fashion, but not as a model, since they have to be on strict diet all the time. So she wanted her own you tube channel, where she could teach young girls all about trendy fashion. Pete had always warned his children that education comes before anything else, so they were allowed to use a phone, but not open any blogs on the internet.
Arya had somehow convinced him to let them have a Facebook account so that communication could be easier.
"Well, I think it's time for dessert," Kimberly said, getting up from her seat. She disappeared into the kitchen only to reappear with a baking tray... "I made some..."
"Apple pie? Oh my gosh, we love you so much," all three young adults burst out at the same time, as Kimberly set the tray in front of them.
They had always enjoyed the apple pie, as it sent them back to their childhood.
After they were done, there wasn't a single piece of pie left.
Arya spent the afternoon chatting with her siblings, making plans for Christmas and new year.
At five, Arya finally decided it was time to leave. "Ok, aunt Kim, uncle Pete, I had a lovely time with you guys, but I think it's getting late and I..." "You can't leave now! Not before having dinner!" Her aunt exclaimed before she could finish her sentence.
"Why don't you stay over tonight? After all, these two don't come too often!" Pete added.
Both Marcus and Natalie were studying at a boarding school four hours away from home.
"I have a better idea... why don't we go and stay at Arya's place tonight? It'll be fun and..." "You're both underage," Pete added.
"And we can see your new home!" Marcus continued, ignoring his father's comment.
"I know exactly why you want to go there, Mar. I was also your age, you know," Pete said, with a wink.
"Dad, you're getting me wrong..." "am I?" Pete stared at his son, who couldn't hold his gaze.
"Aarrrr, dad, I'm almost eighteen...!" "Yes son, almost!"
"It's OK, I'll stay for tonight, as I'm starting work at ten tomorrow morning," Arya smiled, patting Marcus shoulder.
"Ar, do something! You know I'm almost eighteen!" Marcus whispered begging Arya to let him drink wine.
"Your father is a police officer! Don't forget that. We'll have some hot chocolate instead, and I promise to get you the best wine there is on Christmas," Arya said, knowing he'll be turning eighteen on Christmas.