Crossing Borders

“Tag!” A boy shouts, “You're ‘it’ Astrid!”

A little girl around nine years of age ran after another boy, laughing, and tapped him by the shoulder.

“You're it, Derek!” She squeals, pride in her smile to catching up with the boy.

“Am not!” He runs away. “You caught my shirt!”

“Did not!” She stomps her foot. “Ash?”

“Just catch him again, Astrid.” A boy, who looks exactly like the girl only with short hair, says.

“But, he’s lying!” She crosses her arms over her chest and pouts. “I don’t want to play anymore.”

“C'mon Astrid. You just need to tag someone so we can continue.” Another boy says.

“No! I don't play with cheaters.”

The three boys shrugged, except for one boy who took Astrid's hand.

“I'm it.” He says.

“That's cheating, Damien!” Astrid whined.

“It isn't against the rules wanting to be it.” Damien argued, “Besides, Mrs. Jefferson will be calling you to meet the Matthews any minute.”

Astrid glanced at her twin. “Oh yeah, the Matthews.”

Ash forced a smile and walked up to her, “It's ok sis, I have a feeling this isn't it.”

“But what if it is?” She whined. “I don't want to leave you.”

“Why don't you ask if they want to have twins?” Jared asked.

“Yeah!” the boy named Derek says excitedly. “They can dress you up and make dolls out of you.”

“We're not dolls, Derek.” Ash rolled his eyes, tired of hearing this joke before looking back at Astrid, who is almost in tears. “Astrid…”

As if on cue,e the little girl began to cry, the boys exchanged looks before surrounding her.

"I think Jared is right." Damien nods in agreement, "You can tell them about Ash. Maybe they'll take you both."

"But-"

Damien reached for the end of her hair to stop her from arguing, "Don't be a cry baby, Astrid. If I were you, I'd be looking for Mrs. Jefferson and try to be cute."

Astrid pouted again and wiped away her tears with the back of her hands. "I am not a cry baby, and I'm always cute!"

With that, she ran off to the house.

"Man, we forgot about today." Jared shrugs.

"Astrid forgot it too." Derek pointed out, "But what if this is it for Astrid?"

They all turned to the girls’ male double.

"Well..." Ash forced a smile again, "I should be happy for her, right?"

The boys shrugged again.

"This isn't fair." Derek says, "Twins should be kept together."

"Yeah." Damien says, "But you know how hard it is to be adopted when you're almost ten, Astrid should take this chance."

"Besides, the Matthews can't be that bad," Jared says. "I'm sure they'll let her visit us, right?"

They exchanged look one more time before looking at the house they all knew too well, the Haven Orphanage.

Astrid was clean and dressed before the dreaded meeting with her possible adoptive parents; she stood in front of the mirror, staring at her reflection, remembering the past couples that she had met.

"I'm sorry we can't afford two kids."

"We prefer twin girls..."

"They look mischievous..."

"They're too quiet..."

"They're too young..."

"They're too old..."

Astrid shrugged, "I wonder what I'll be this time."

It will be the first time she'll meet a couple without Ash, and in an orphanage, the rejection was, in a way, compliments, and the twins and their friends had heard them all.

This time would be different, though.

Before Astrid can worry more about it, someone knocks.

"It’s open," Astrid answers, knowing that it was Mrs. Jefferson.

The boys hardly knock at all. They have their heavy running feet to warn her of their arrival.

Mrs. Jefferson peeked inside with a smile, "The Matthews is here, you ready, sweetie?"

"I guess." She turns to her guardian, who gave her a look.

"Astrid, honey..."

Here it goes, Astrid thought. It wasn't the first time that she heard Mrs. Jefferson's speech before seeing a couple.

"I know you are upset that you'll be interviewed alone, but this is the only way that we can find you and Ash a permanent home."

"I know..."

She reached for Astrid's chin and made her face her. “The Matthews are good people, give them a chance.” Astrid gave a weak nod, and Mrs. Jefferson smiles again, "Now, how about giving me that signature smile of yours to finish off your attire." Astrid does as told, half-heartedly, and it was all the woman could ask for. "Beautiful, let's go."

Mrs. Jefferson took her hand and led her to the receiving room, where they met the couple and were interviewed.

Astrid kept her smile on. She had been told many times, way too many times probably, that she has such a beautiful smile, that it was one of those things that couples like about her. But then again, a smile alone isn't enough to be adopted.

"Mrs. Jefferson?"

"Yes, sweetheart?"

"You think I'm cute, right?"

"No.," Mrs. Jefferson says sternly that it took Astrid by surprise and stopped on her tracks. Mrs. Jefferson faced her and knelt in front of her. "You are the prettiest nine years old, I know." Astrid beamed, and Mrs. Jefferson laughs. "Now go in there and knock their socks off with your imagination."

"Yes, ma'am." Astrid salutes, and Mrs. Jefferson opens the door.

"Mr. and Mrs. Matthews, good afternoon." She greets and enters the room with Astrid hiding behind her; this may not be the first time, but meet and greet still makes her nervous.

"Mrs. Jefferson, it's nice to see you again." The woman says.

Astrid peeked and saw the most beautiful woman she has ever seen; not that Mrs. Jefferson is ugly, but this woman's beauty was breathtaking.

"I'm sorry to keep you waiting." Mrs. Jefferson says.

"No worries, Mrs. Jefferson, I am a bit nervous anyway."

"Well, Astrid is a sweet girl, you'll like her, I'm sure."

"And is Astrid the little girl behind you?" the man asks, Astrid hides again.

"C'mon Astrid..." Mrs. Jefferson says, but Astrid refuses to move. "I'm sorry, she's really shy..."

"It's ok," the man moves toward them and kneels beside her. "Hi Astrid, how are you?" Astriddidn'tt answer and kept her face hidden behind Mrs. Jefferson. "You have a very nice name, can you tell me something about that?" she stays quiet.

"Ashton, don't force her." the woman says. The man sighed and was about to stand.

"You have the same name..." Astrid whispers.

The man looked back at her, "Who has the same name?"

"You and my twin brother..." she answers.

"You have a twin brother?" Astrid nods, "Wow, that's cool, is he here too?"

Astrid nods again, "Do you want to meet him? I promise he's nice too."

The man smiles, "Tell you what, princess, we'd get to know you first. Later on, maybe we can meet him, is that ok?"

"Ok..." was Astrid's silent reply, disappointed.

"Let's have a sit then." he lent out his hand.

Astrid stared at it for a second, then at him. Slowly, she took his hand. He smiled and led Astrid on a chair across his wife.

"Hello Astrid, I'm Julia Matthews."

"Hello..."

"And this is my husband, Ashton." the man sat beside her.

Astrid smiled, "Ash and I have never met someone with the same name as we do."

"You and your twin must be very close," Julia says.

“We are. He’s the only family I have.” The little girl answers without looking up at the couple. "Mrs. Jefferson said we were left here by some man who said a woman paid him to bring us here."

"That's a sad story," Julia says.

Astrid made a face and shook her head, "Not really, I don't want a mom who could give me away."

Mrs. Matthews laughed. "Mrs. Jefferson told us you have quite an imagination."

A small smile appeared on Astrid’s lips, "I like to write stories and tell them to the younger orphans."

"Really?" Mr. Matthews asks. "Can we hear one?"

Astrid frowned, "Mrs. Jefferson said not to do that, ‘cause I might scare you away." The Matthews laughs again, "What about you?"

"What about us, princess?" Mr. Matthews asked.

"What do you do?"

"Oh, well..." they exchanged looks, "we're archeologists."

Astrid stared at them, mouth open. "Really?"

"You know what archaeologists are?" Mrs. Matthews raised a brow.

“I've read about them." Astrid excitedly nods, "You study mummies."

The couple laughs again.

"That's true," Mr. Matthews says, "But we study other stuff too. Like old cities or hidden histories-"

"Like Atlantis?"

"Yes, like Atlantis?" Mr. Matthews nods, impressed.

"Wow," Astrid stared at them, amazed, with excitement gleaming in her eyes. "So you've seen Greece and Egypt?" the Matthews nodded, "Wow."

"Well, maybe we can bring you along with us sometimes." Mr. Matthews says.

"You would?" Astrid's eyes widened.

"Sure." Mr. Matthews says casually.

"Ash too?"

Mrs. Matthews gave an apologetic smile, not sure how to answer the little girl’s question. "We're not sure about that, but if we can, why not?"

"Oh, thank you, thanks to you, Mr. Matthews!" Astrid cheers, jumping on her seat.

Mr. Matthews stifles a laugh, "I wish you call me dad by then."

Astrid frowns, remembering where she was. Then she slouches and glances at the couple, not meeting their eyes. "Wouldn't you want twins for kids?"

The Matthews frowned and exchanged looks.

"Mrs. Jefferson already warned us that you wouldn't agree to leave without your brother, I'm sorry, princess, but we can't adopt you at the same time." Mr. Matthews explained as she takes his wife's hand, holding it with both of his hands.

Astrid stared at him. His apology was the sincerest one she had ever received, you can see it on his eyes, and also in Mrs. Matthews'.

"Why not?"

"There are some complications at home." Mrs. Matthews explains. "We'll work on your adoption first, and when all goes well, we'll come back for Ash."

"Do you promise that?" Astrid asked, doubtful. They may be good people, but a promise can easily be broken.

"If it would make you happy, princess." Mrs. Matthews says with a smile, extending her hand across the table, Astrid stared at her hand, somehow, wanting to take it but then again, not sure if she should.

Astrid looked up at the couple, studying them. She had met a lot of couples and single parents, but no one took time to listen to her about her likes and Ash as the Matthews did. So slowly, she took Mrs. Matthews' hand, which gave her a smile and her hand a squeeze.

"Does this mean you are agreeing that we adopt you?" Mr. Matthews asks.

"Isn't that supposed to be your decision?" Astrid gave them a look.

"We wouldn't want to force you, princess..." Mr. Matthews says, "If you can't stay away from your brother-"

"You promised that we'll come back for him." she says with a smile, "You were the only ones who listened to me about Ash. That's enough for me to know that you will keep your word."

The Matthews smiles, relieved to hear the little girl agreed to be adopted by them.

"We just want you to be happy, princess." Mr. Matthews says, beaming with pride.

Astrid smiled at them.

"You agreed to be adopted?" the boys, except Damien, asked in unison.

Astrid nodded, "They're really nice, plus, they promised to adopt Ash after they fix whatever it is at home."

"Are you sure about this, Astrid?"

"Yes. Besides, they agreed for me to visit you guys whenever I want."

"Wow, you got quite a catch," Jared says, recovering from the initial shock.

"No, they're luckier." Astrid says, "They get to have Ash and me as their kids."

"When are you leaving?" Ash asks.

"In a week." she says with a frown, "But don't worry, I'll be very near." She runs to the window, and the boys followed, "See that house, the one with the tall chimney? That's where I'll be."

"Big house," Derek says.

"Daddy said it's a friend's house."

"Daddy?" Jared asked.

"He told me to call him that." Astrid walks back to her bed. "Anyway, I'll just be around the neighborhood, so there's not much difference."

"Yes, there is," Derek argues. "For starters, you won't be sleeping here or eating with no more Mr. Carlton and us."

"Daddy said I'll be going to a real school, and if I miss you, I can come over after school."

The boys stayed quiet. There was nothing more to say.

"Let's go hiking," Astrid says, breaking the silence. "Daddy said there'll be a full moon tonight."

"But Mrs. Jefferson-"

"I'm sure she'll understand." Astrid jumped down her bed and ran out of her room.

Soon they were on top a hill, underneath an oak tree, lying on the ground staring at the moon.

"Wow, it looks so big," Jared says.

"Let's go up the treehouse," Ash says and runs toward the rope ladder with the other boys behind him. Astrid stood up to run after them when she noticed Damien staring at the orphanage.

"Damien?" Astrid calls out, "C'mon."

"You go."

Astrid frowned and walked toward him, "Damien, are you mad?"

"No."

"You've been really quiet."

"I got nothing to say."

"It’s not like I'll be disappearing on you guys," Astrid says.

"You'll still be leaving."

"But, I'll visit every day."

"Only until they adopt Ash, after that, you won’t..."

"That's just stupid." Astrid put her hand on her waist, "Of course I'll be visiting you guys, we're family."

Damien turns to her, surprised by her sudden outburst.

"If you think I'm that easy to get rid of, then you are wrong, Damien." Astrid pouted, disappointed at her best friend. Damien stifles a laugh then lends out a hand with his pinky up.

"Pinky promise?"

Astrid grins, wraps her pinky around Damien's, "Promise."

"Hey, I want to swear too!" Derek shouted and slid down a rope to join them along with the other two boys.

"Me too!" Jared says.

They formed a circle like they always do when keeping a group secret, but this time, it was different. It was a promise between all of them.

They all crossed their arms over their chest, raised their pinkies, and entwined it with the one beside them. They exchanged amused and excited looks.

"We promise to be friends forever." Ash starts.

"To be present at every occasion in our lives," Jared says.

"To always help each other when in trouble," Derek adds.

"To take care of ourselves and each other." Damien continues, and they all glanced at Astrid.

"And to forever love each other no matter where we are."' Astrid says with a smile because we are a family."

"A family." They say in unison, "We promise."

The whole week passed by like a blur, and the kids lived through it as of no one was leaving. But when the day came for the Matthews to pick up Astrid, they quietly stood by the window of the orphanage’s living room, Derek by the window waiting.

"Ok, Astrid, just remember everything I told you, ok?" Mrs. Jefferson says, Astrid nods; Mrs. Jefferson had tears in her eyes and beamed down at Astrid, "Oh, I'm so happy for you, sweetheart."

"Thank you, Mrs. Jefferson," Astrid mumbled glumly.

"They're here! They're here!" Derek shouts.

Astrid tightened her hold of Ash's hand, while Mrs. Jefferson met the Matthews at the front door.

"Well, this is it." Damien says, "You'd be ok, cry, baby?" Astrid forced a nod.

"And remember the promise," Jason says, Astrid nods again.

"We'll see you tomorrow?" Ash asked Astrid nods again.

"Astrid?" they all turned and saw Mrs. Jefferson and the Matthews join them in the living room. "Someone's looking for you."

"Hey, princess..." Mr. Matthews greets.

"Hello." Astrid mumbles.

"So, are you ready to go home?" Mrs. Matthews asks. Astrid turns to Ash, fear in her eyes. "But, of course, we won't be leaving without meeting Ash."

Astrid smiles, remembering the good time she had the last time she saw the Matthews.

"This is Ash..." Astrid pulls her twin brother beside her.

"Well, hello Ash," Mr. Matthews says, "Wow, you two look so much the same.”

The twins giggled, "That's because we're twins."

Mr. Matthews laughs, “Of course you are." he says, "Oh, by the way, we have something for you, boys."

"Really?" Derek says.

"Like a surprise?" Jared asked.

"Uhuh." Mr. Matthews says. "James?”

A man stepped inside, carrying four huge bags. Mr. Matthews took it and set the bags in front of the boys on the floor.

"Astrid told me you like to bike a lot," he said. "Among other things, so I bought you, boys, these. There is one for each of you." The boys exchanged looks and up at Mr. Matthews. "Go on..."

"The boys all ran and grabbed a bag, and opened it.

"Oh, wow! It’s the newest inline rollerblades! With full gears too!" Derek says.

"Astrid couldn't stop talking about you boys, so we thought you'd like these." Mr. Matthews says, "We even brought you these brand-new bikes, which are outside and had been tried and tested by yours truly."

Derek and Jared ran to the window and looked out.

"It's true." Jared excitedly nods, “There are bikes out in front!"

"My husband loves kids and practically is one himself." Mrs. Matthews explains to Mrs. Jefferson. "I hope these gifts are ok."

"Well, after seeing the boys' reaction, I don't think I am in any place to decline."

"Are these bribes?" Damien asks.

"Damien..." Mrs. Jefferson warns.

But Mr. Matthews laughed and shook his head. "It's alright, Mrs. Jefferson." He turns to Damien, "And no, they are not bribes, young man, I'm sure that these wouldn't be enough in exchanged of Astrid."

"We're pretty sure Astrid will be spending her time here during playtime, so we're gearing you boys up." Mrs. Matthews adds.

"Thank you, Mr. and Mrs. Matthews," Ash says, "I'm sure that my sister is in good hands.”

"No problem Ash." Mr. Matthews says, "Also, there's little something in there..."

The boys dug into the bag, except for Damien, who hasn’t opened his bag.

"Two-way radios!" Jared pulls out the two-way radios swinging it up in the air.

"And that is strong enough to reach Astrid at home." Mr. Matthews smiles, seeing the happy faces on the three boys.

"Seriously?" Derek asks, with mouth open.

"Seriously." Mr. Matthews answers and playfully putting a serious face on making the boys laugh, "You're still missing the best surprise in their though."

They all dug into their bags again, and at the same time, pulled out an envelope.

"What's in it?" Ash asked.

"Open it up." Mrs. Matthews says, the boys hurriedly did so and pulled out similar items, "It’s a map to our home, so you'll always know how near Astrid is."

Damien stared at the maps, "You draw that?" he asked, looking at the map Ash was holding.

Damien had always been a sucker for art stuff. This isn't any different, even if he is angry.

Mrs. Matthews, "And if you look at the back, you'll find our address and our phone numbers." Mrs. Matthews kneels in front of Ash, "And I promised Astrid that you boys can call her any time you miss her."

"But she leaves only a few blocks away. Who needs a phone?" Jared asked, making the grownups laugh. "What? We can visit her, right?"

"As long as you ask permission from Mrs. Jefferson," Mr. Matthews says, "If she agrees, just give Astrid a call, and we'll pick you up."

"You'll pick us up?" Derek and Jared asked in unison.

"Or James can pick you boys up." Mr. Matthews points to the man who carried in the bags who tipped his head toward the boys.

"It would be my pleasure, young masters."

"Well, we should get going, Astrid." Mrs. Matthews says, "There are people at home who are excited to meet you." Astrid nodded and turned to the boys.

"We'll wait for you at the door." Mr. Matthews says, and the grownups left.

"We'll see you tomorrow?" Jared asks again.

"And remember our promise," Derek says.

Astrid grinned, raising her pinky and wiggles it. "Promise." then she gave Ash a tight hug. "Good night, big brother."

"Good night, Lil sis," Ash whispered and hugged her back, pushing back his tears.

While the other kids were saying their goodnights to Astrid, Damien sneaked out of the living room and saw the Matthews down the hallways, waiting for Astrid.

"Mrs. Matthews?" Damien walks up to behind her.

Mrs. Matthews turned to him with a smile. "Yes?"

"Astrid gets cold easily, and she doesn't like the dark," he says, "So, if you can just sit beside her until she falls asleep, that would help. She also likes to sing herself to sleep, she isn't that bad, but she's no nightingale, so just bear with it."

The Matthews smiled and nodded, "That's very helpful, thank you."

"No problem. I'm just happy that she found a family, and I know that you will take care of her." he says, "Thank you." with that, he turns to leave.

"Wait." Mrs. Matthews calls out, "What's your name?"

"Damien," he said.

"Well, thank you, Damien," she said, and kissed him on the forehead, " I promise to take care of Astrid always, and until you boys have not found your family, consider us as one, I think Astrid would like that."

Damien smiled and nodded, "She would"

Suddenly the others stepped out of the living room.

"There you are!" Astrid says she ran up to Damien and threw her arms around his neck. "I can't leave without saying goodbye to my best friend."

Damien smiled and hugged her.

"Silly, you’d be back here tomorrow for sure," Damien says. Astrid pulled away and raised her pinky again. Damien grinned and wrapped his pinky around hers. "Promise."

"Promise." Astrid repeated and pulled away, "I'll see you tomorrow." she walks toward the Matthews, "Bye!"

Mr. Matthews picked her up as she continued to wave at the boys, "Bye, Mrs. Jefferson!" some of the other kids in the orphanage came to see her off.

"Bye, Astrid!"

They entered the car; the boys ran out of the house and watched the car turn into the corner and out of their sight.

Astrid stares out the window until the boys were out of sight. She frowns and sat down between her new parents.

"Astrid?" Mrs. Matthews calls.

"I don't think this is such a good idea." Astrid mutters, "I miss Ash and the boys..."

"Don't worry, princess." Mr. Matthews runs his hand through her hair, "You'll be seeing them tomorrow. And hopefully, Ash will be living with us too."

"But-"

"We promised, didn't we?" Mrs. Matthews reminded Astrid, who gave a weak nod, "Then give me a smile just so I know you believe me." Astrid did as she was told, then she hugged Mrs. Matthews.

"Thank you, mommy," she says.

"Anything for my princess." Mrs. Matthews said and hugged her new daughter close to her.

The car came to a stop in front of a mansion.

"We're here, princess." Mr. Matthews says before stepping out of the car and reached in for her, "C'mon."

"What if they don't like me?" Astrid asks.

"Well, that's their problem." Mr. Matthews grinned. "They don't know what they're missing."

Astrid grins, taking his hand before stepping out of the car.

"Looks like father hasn't arrived." Mrs. Matthews says, reaching for Astrid's hand, "Let's go, princess." She says, and they run up the front steps leaving her husband behind.

"Hey, wait for me!" Mr. Matthews called out with a laugh and ran after them.

When they were inside, they were welcomed by a man dressed in a suit.

"Good evening Master Ash, Mistress Julia." he greets with a bow, "May I take your coats?"

"Hello, Albert." Mr. Matthews greets as the man helped him out of his coat, putting it over his arm and moved to Mrs. Matthews, helping her out of her coat as well.

Mr. Matthews' eyes were still on Astrid, who stood in the middle of the main hall looking around.

“Thank you, Albert," Mrs. Matthews says, before kneeling beside Astrid, "What do you think?"

"You have a very big house," Astrid says, in awe.

"You mean, we have a very big home." Mr. Matthews corrected, Astrid grinned and turned to Albert.

“Hello." she greeted. "I'm Astrid."

"Good evening Miss Astrid, delighted to finally meet you." Albert says and bowed, "I am Albert, the butler."

"Hello, Albert the butler." Astrid giggles.

"Albert will do, young miss."

"And Astrid will do too," she says with a big smile.

"Well, I don't think that is proper, young miss."

Astrid gave him a questioned look, "Why not?"

Albert glanced at Mr. Matthews, who knelt in front of Astrid.

"It's a custom here," he explains. "Like back in the orphanage, you don't call Mrs. Jefferson by her first name, do you?"

"That's because she's older." Astrid pointed out, "Should I call him Mr. Butler?"

The Matthews and their butler laughs.

"Well, she'll surely pass as your child." Albert says, "Anyway, young miss, I have fixed your room and prepared your bath."

"A bath in the middle of the day?" she frowns.

"Yes." Albert nods, "Your guests will be arriving soon. You don't want to smell in your party, do you?"

Astrid's jaw dropped, "I'm having a party?"

"Of course, sweetheart," Mrs. Matthews says, "we'll be introducing you to the family."

"Now, come, Miss Astrid, let's get you ready." Albert reached out his hand.

"Go on, the princess." Mr. Matthews says. "After we clean up, we'll pick you up."

"Ok." Astrid took Albert's hand, and he led her up the stairs and into her room.

Ten minutes later, Astrid was splashing in the tub when Albert stood by her bathroom with a towel over his arm.

"Is the water warm enough, Miss Astrid?" he asked.

"Yes, it is, thank you, Mr. Butler."

Albert grins, "My name is Albert, young miss, a butler is a job title."

"I know," Astrid says with a grin of her own. "I'm just waiting for you to call me by my name."

"Oh, well, then we'll reach death before that happens." Albert says, "Your grandfather won't approve of that."

"Why not?"

“Cause for him, this reminds us who our master is," Albert says.

"That's silly." Astrid says, "Who's crazy enough to forget that?"

"None, so far." Albert says, "And I'm not planning to be the first."

"You mean no one has tried?” Astrid asks, surprised, "Even just calling daddy, Ash?"

"Especially that, your father is a very important man in the family." Albert points out, "That makes you equally important."

"Even if I'm adopted?"

"I don't care if you were raised by a pack of wolves, young miss." Albert says, "Seeing Master Ash happy is what matters."

"Why? Did something happen?"

Albert shook his head, "It’s nothing for you to worry your little head about." he says as he opens up a towel spreading it up the air, "Now, come, let's get you dried and ready."

Astrid stood up, and Albert covered her with the towel.

"I guess we should get you a nanny," Albert says, taking a bathrobe and putting it on, Astrid.

"Nah." Astrid says, "I'm used to boys. Besides, daddy trusts you, so do I."

"Thank you, young mistress," Albert says, his face turning a little pink.

"By the way, Albert?" Astrid says as clear as possible while Albert dries her hair.

"Yes, young miss?"

"You said daddy is an important member of the family, right?"

"Yes."

“And you'll do anything he asks?"

"Of course, that is my job to him, to your mother and, now, to you."

"Me too?" she asked, surprised.

"You too," Albert repeats.

With that, Astrid runs out of the bathroom, and Albert ran after her, "Young miss, you are still-"

Astrid faced him, beaming and with a mischievous look in her eyes, "Albert the butler, I am ordering you to call me by my name."

"Now young miss, really-"

"That's a command." She crosses her arms over her chest. "You need to do as you are told."

Albert stifles a laugh, seeing how much she is like Mrs. Matthews. 

"Very well, if it will get you into your dress and ready for the party, then I will address you as Astrid," Astrid cheers and claps, "But..." Astrid stopped and stared at Albert, a bit worried, "only in private."

Astrid beamed and giggled, relief, "That ok, I guess. I wouldn't want you to lose your job." then she stood in front of him, "I'll stay put now."

"Thank you," Albert says and starts fixing her up with the help of the maids.

A few minutes later, someone knocks while a maid was fixing Astrid’s hair.

"It’s open!" Astrid says.

“Now, now... There's no need to shout." Albert says as he walked to the door, but Mr. Matthews already stepped inside.

"Is my princess ready?" he calls out.

"Daddy!" Astrid squealed and ran to him.

"Miss Astrid your hair-" the maid says, but Albert raised his hand.

"Look how beautiful my dress is, daddy," Astrid says, swinging her bell-shaped dress.

"Isn't it beautiful?"

"Yes, it is, princess." Mr. Matthews says, "But you are more beautiful."

"I'll be the judge of that."

They look by the door and saw Mrs. Matthews in a red body-hugging gown, showing off all the right curves. Astrid ran up to her, awestruck.

“You look, beautiful mommy," she says.

Mrs. Matthews laughs, "Well, I am your mother, aren't I?" she says with a wink, "Now, something is missing, don't you agree love?"

“Hm, now that you mention it..." Mr. Matthews stands beside his wife.

Astrid frowned, "Missing?"

Then Mrs. Matthews pulled out a small tiara and put it on Astrid, "There, perfect."

Astrid smiled and ran to the mirror.

"So, are you ready to meet everyone?" Mr. Matthews asked.

"A bit, I guess."

"A bit?" Mr. Matthews asked, "But they're really excited to meet you."

“They are?"

"Yes, they want to see the spunky and smart daughter we have been luckily graced with."

"But what if they don't like me?" Astrid asks worriedly.

"They will, we know they will." Mrs. Matthews reassures her.

Then Astrid reached for her stomach, "I have the butterflies."

"Then, maybe this could help." Mr. Matthews pulled something out of his pocket and handed Astrid a two-way radio. She hears the boys talking and fooling around, then hears her name. "They've been looking for you.”

"I can take this to the party?" Astrid asks excitedly.

"If it can calm you down, why not?" Mrs. Matthews says, "But let's keep it in low volume, ok?"

"Thank you!" Astrid says, for, probably, the hundredth time that day alone, and she hugged her new parents. Then she puts the two-way radio in her purse.

"Don't you want to talk to the boys?" Mr. Matthews asks.

Astrid shook her head, "I'll do that when I'm really, really nervous. Though it would have helped if they were here, they would have loved to party.”

Albert, Mr., and Mrs. Matthews laugh.

"Ok, let's go, Matthews," Albert says, clapping her hands twice, saying chop-chop. "There is a party waiting."

"Albert is right." Mr. Matthews says, "Ladies?" he offered an arm for Mrs. Matthews and a hand to Astrid. Mrs. Matthews put an arm on the hook of his arm, and Astrid took his hand. “Let's go."

The maids opened the doors, and they made their way to the ballroom.

Half an hour into the party, the guests were still eyeing Astrid with curiosity from the moment they entered. Astrid tightened her hold unto Mr. Matthews' hand.

"Are you ok, princess?"

"They're staring at me," Astrid whispers.

"That's because you are the most beautiful little girl here," he whispers back.

She shook her head, "They look angry."

Mr. Matthews sighed, "You didn't do anything for them to be angry, princess."

Astrid looked around and nodded.

"She's catching on fast," he whispers to his wife as Astrid continued to look around, oblivious of the conversation around her.

"Better be prepared than sorry." His wife says, worried. "Albert, you will look after her for us, wouldn't you? I don't think it'll be safe for her to wander alone."

"Of course, mistress," Albert says.

"Thank you." she forces a smile. "Astrid, love, come, we'll introduce you to your cousins."

Astrid took her hand and followed her to a group of kids who were talking and laughing.

"Children?" Mrs. Matthews greets.

"Aunt Julia! Uncle Ash!" They greeted and crowd around them, trying to discreetly throw glances at Astrid.

"Hello, Aunt Julia," the boy, who seems to be the eldest in the group, says. "You look beautiful, as usual."

"Thank you, Alexander, and you are all looking quite handsome and beautiful tonight."

"Thank you." They all said in unison.

"By the way, Uncle, we received the presents you sent, and we are enjoying them very much." A girl says.

"That's good to know." Mr. Matthews says approvingly. "And I hope you are enjoying tonight as well; it is for our daughter after all."

"Daughter?" they all looked at Astrid.

"Children, this is our daughter, Astrid." Mr. Matthews introduces.

"We were hoping you can help her out." Mrs. Matthews says, "She's really shy and-"

"Say no more, Aunt Julia." Another boy says with a wave of a hand. "We'll take care of her for you."

"Thank you, Thomas, I knew I can count on you." Mrs. Matthews smiles.

"No problem Aunt Julia." Thomas smiled at Astrid, "Come join us, Miss Astrid."

Astrid looked at all of them and tightened her hold of Mr. Matthews' hand again. 

Mr. Matthews knelt and whispered to her, "Don't worry sweetheart, they are nice kids, just imagine you're with the Ash and the boys."

"But they look mean," she whispered back, worry sketched on her face.

Mr. Matthews grinned, "They do, don't they?" Astrid nods, "But give them a chance, ok? For me?"

Astrid glanced at the kids, sighs, and silently agree.

"That's my princess." Mr. Matthews says and gives Astrid a little push, "Play nice."

"Yes, uncle." the kids said in unison.

"We'll see you, children, for dinner." Mrs. Matthews says as they turn to leave, "Are you sure this is a good idea?"

"No.," Mr. Matthews says. "I'd just like to see how Astrid will handle them."

"But. -"

"Albert is watching over her."

"True, but I still can help but worry."

"I know, love, but I have a good feeling about this." Mr. Matthews taps her hand. "Anyway, I heard from Mr. Nakamura that the éclairs are good."

Mrs. Matthews smiled and shook her head. She glanced back and saw the kids talking, surrounding Astrid. She gave a silent prayer that the spunky orphan girl will be just as spunky as a Matthews.

Astrid watched her parents leave before facing the other kids.

"So, Astrid..." the older boy says her name like it was covered with filth, "What kind of stupid name is that?"

Astrid frowned.

"And you're wearing the Jacobson' family crest on your tiara, you are not beautiful enough." A girl says, and the others laughed.

"You may be introduced as Uncle Ashton's and Aunt Julia's daughter, but facts remain." A boy with a sinister smile says. "You are adopted."

"An epitome of Uncle Ashton's failure, that's what you are." another girl says and spill juice on top of Astrid’s head, "Spilling juice all over the place, how clumsy."

They all laughed again; Astrid felt tears fill her eyes.

"Oh, the little baby's crying."

"Try running off and telling an adult, and we'll do much worse." She chuckled and gave Astrid a once over, “Not that they’d believe the little orphan girl.”

Astrid looked at all of them straight in the eyes. "I'm sorry for the mess. Please excuse me, I need to clean up."

Astrid calmly walks away, trying her best to hold her tears back and not getting attention from the already judging eyes that had been on her since they arrived, but when she was out of their sight and could no longer hear them laughing at her, she ran across the garden. She ran through the trees, crying, not knowing where she was going. 

Only to stop at a clearing where a wide lake took her breath away, as the full moon hovered above. She knelt at the edge of the water and washed her arms and face. Then she took off her tiara from her now sticky and tangled hair and cleaned her hair.

Seeing her reflection on the water, teardrops on the water, creating ripples.

"A beautiful girl shouldn't cry..."

Astrid turns to the voice and sees an old man watching her.

"I'm not beautiful," Astrid said, wiping her tears away. "I don't belong here."

"Why do you say that?" he asks.

"Those kids said so..." she mumbles, "I'm adopted, and I have no right parading like I'm part of their family."

"What about you? What do you think?" the old man now stood beside her, "Should you be part of their family?"

"Well," she pauses to think, "I love the people who adopted me, and that's all I can offer right now, but if that isn't enough..."

"You know, those people inside there are filthy rich, more filthy than rich if you ask me." Astrid watches him closely as he kneels beside her, "But you have something they will never have."

“What's that?"

"This." he points over her heart." They could buy everything with their money, even their friends, but they can never find true love, trust, and even relationship. Because they have a weak heart, they probably don’t have one." Astrid thinks of what he had said, and hurriedly stood up. "Where are you going?"

"Back to my party." she says with conviction, "I can't embarrass my parents, can I?"

"Good luck then," he said. Astrid ran off with a plan in mind but had to stop and run back.

"I almost forgot." She kisses the old man on the cheek. "Thank you very much. I hope my grandfather is as kind as you."

"Well, I hope my granddaughter is as sweet as you are."

Astrid giggled, “I'll see you around! Bye!" 

A smile appears on his face as he watches her run back to the forest that would lead to her home. 

“A very interesting little girl, don’t you think, my boy?”

A boy appears behind him, picking up something on the ground before following his grandfather’s gaze, “Very interesting indeed.”

"There you are!"

"Albert!" Astrid runs up to him in an instant needing his help.

“What happened to you?" Albert asks.

Astrid sighs, "Can you just get me cleaned up again?"

"I'd like to help out on that." 

Astrid looks behind Albert and sees a girl about her age. Looking closely, you would see a mild resemblance of the two, their nose, their eyes, and, most of all, their smiles. It was almost like staring in a mirror.

"Hello Miss Astrid, I am Allana Emmyhreen Jacobson, your first cousin on your mother's side. Call me, Allana."

Astrid glanced at Albert, worried. But he smiles at her, "Don't worry, young miss, she's one of us."

Astrid looked at Allana and smiled, "Thank you."

Allana smiles as well, "C’mon!"

She grabbed Astrid’s hand and pulled her to a run until one of the older boys blocked their way.

“Typical, Allana, siding with the wrong people."

"Leave her alone, Alex." Allana frowns.

"This doesn't concern you, Allana, get out of here." he pushes Allana aside, making her fall on her knees.

"Allana!" Astrid knelt beside her, "Are you ok?"

"Yes, you should go with Albert."

"No.," Astrid says, "They've gone too far." 

She stood up and helped Allana on her feet, then faced the other kids.

"Ooh, the little girl is mad." the boy named Alex teases.

"Am so scared." a girl says, and they all laughed.

"You should be!" Astrid pushes the girl down before punching Alex on the face, they heard a crack, and soon, Alex's nose was bleeding. Then she pushes him on the floor and grabs his arm and twisting it.

"Aargh! Stop, let go!" Alex screams.

By this time, some of the adults were already looking their way.

"Not until you apologize to Allana!" Astrid snaps.

"Astrid, behind you!" Allana shouts.

Astrid turns around and saw a boy about to kick her, but she blocked his kicked, then she sweeps his leg, making the boy drop on the floor with a thud. When she turns back to Alex, she was caught off guard when he punched her on the cheek. 

Astrid moves back, while Alex took the opportunity to punch her again. But Astrid was quicker. He kicked him on the stomach and punched him again.

"I wrestle with boys," Astrid shouts at him, "You punch like a baby!" 

She glares at the other kids around her. "If you don't want me here, tell me. You didn't have to hurt Allana. Maybe I'm not a pure Jacobson or Matthews, but I love those who adopted me, I don't need to prove anything to you, I need no recognition from you! And maybe I'm not as beautiful as some of you, at least I have my heart to show, you can wear every jewel you own or the most beautiful clothes, but you'll still have a stinking personality!"

"Astrid?"

Astrid turned around and saw her parents, surprised. Astrid frowned and walked up to them. "I'm sorry, I don't think I fit here."

Everyone was watching her, disgusted, and judging. Suddenly someone among the crowd claps. The guests began to move and bow, then the man from the lake appeared, surprising Astrid.

"Spoken like a true Matthews," he says.

Astrid looks at him, questioning.

"Father." Mr. Matthews walks up to the old man.

"Father?" Astrid repeats.

"Ah, yes..." the old man chuckles, now standing in front of Astrid. "I might have forgotten to mention that."

“Well, it doesn't matter, no, does it?" Astrid was glancing at the crowd around them, "I'm sorry for causing trouble, sir."

"Trouble?" he laughs, "Little one, you just did me a big favor by saying those things." he looks around. "Sure sounds different coming from a little girl's mouth now, doesn't it?"

The guests looked away.

"Ash?"

"Yes, father?"

"I am very happy for you and Julia," he said, "I couldn't have a better granddaughter," Mr. and Mrs. Matthews beamed, and they turned to Astrid. "Welcome to our family Astrid."

Astrid smiled and ran to him, hugging him around the waist. "Grandpa..." she whispered.

"My granddaughter..." The old man hugged her back, then he pulled away, "By the way, you forgot something by the lake." Astrid gave him a questioned look. He signaled for someone, then Albert walked up carrying her tiara. "I think you are too beautiful to wear this, but it is a custom." He set it on her head, "See? I could hardly see the tiara."

Astrid smiles and hugs him again. He laughs and looks around.

"Now, I'm proud of the fact that you can beat up bigger kids, a boy too, but I'd rather you don't. Where is that cousin of yours?"

"I believe you are looking for me?" Astrid turns to where she left Alex bleeding and was surprised to see a boy with the same blue eyes as Ash's.

"There you are Collin!" Allana says.

"Ah, Collin, cleaning up already?"

"Yes, father Johan." Collin walks up to them, dropping a girl beside Alex. “This was the one who spilled juice on you, am I right, princess?" Astrid gave a weak nod. Collin chuckles when he sees Alex. "It looks like you took care of things here."

"Astrid, this is your first cousin on your father's side." Father Johan introduces.

"It is nice to meet you, princess." he said with a bow, "I am Collin Alfonso Matthews."

"Hello," Astrid says.

"He's a bit loud, but he is nice," Allana said. "Now, let's get you cleaned up."

Astrid nodded, "Oh, Uhm, Albert?"

"Yes, princess?"

"Can you help them with their bruises," she asks.

"Help them?"

"Yes," Astrid says, they were all looking at her confused. "They still are family." With that said, she took Allana's hand, and they left for her room.

"Well, you heard the girl." Father Johan glanced at Albert with an amused look.

"This would be the first time that I'll be doing something for a Matthews that is against my will." Albert says, "Get up, boy, c'mon, be thankful she didn't break any of your bones."

"Collin, stay with them." Father Johan says.

"Yes, father Johan." Collin tipped his head and ran after the girls.

"To all of you, on with the celebration!" Father Johan says, "For I have myself an heiress!"

Many cheered, but some did not.

"Father-"

"Let her be a child, for now, Ash," Father Johan says, "Her innocence and her heart will make her strong and wise. There is no rush to tell her."

"But, there is a problem, father." Mr. Matthews says.

"And what is that?"

"Ash, her twin brother," he says.

"She has a twin brother?" Father Johan glanced at Julia, who gave a weak nod.

"She wants him here." Mr. Matthews says.

"If he is anything like Astrid, I don't care if there are eight of them." Father Johan says the couple beams, "But are you sure you can handle this?"

Mrs. Matthews smiles, tears forming in her eyes, "I must learn to let go and accept reality."

Father Johan gave an approving nod, "Then I am glad to see that you happy again, my daughter, you deserve this."

"Thank you, father," Mrs. Matthews says.

"Well, we were remaining Matthews must stick together, shouldn't we?" Father Johan says, making the couple laugh.

"I don't' know why you have to be here," Allana says.

"Well, you and I have crazy cousins," Collin said, "I don't want you girls in trouble again."

"I think Astrid can take care of them." Allana grins.

"Allana, Father Johan asked me to guard Astrid," Collin said with a sigh. "An order's an order, you know that."

"Guard me?" Astrid asks from the bathroom.

"Yes, princess," Collin answers as he looks around the room, picking up random stuff. "Guard you against trouble, no doubt."

Astrid stifles a laugh, "That's a losing battle if I know one."

"Well, I think it’s nice that you can stand up to those idiots," Allana says.

“My brother and our friends promised that we'll take care of each other." she says, "I guess it worked out."

"You have a brother?" Allana asks.

“A twin brother." Astrid corrects her, "he's older than I am by three minutes.

"But you're orphans, how'd you know that?" Collin asked, doubtful.

"Collin!" Allana snaps.

"What? I am curious."

Then they heard Astrid stifle a laugh, "It was written in a letter."

“That was convenient," Collin says, receiving another glare from Allana.

"By the way," Astrid says, "why is everyone making a big deal out of me?"

"Well, cause Uncle and Aunty are important people," Allana says.

"So I've been told. But why are they important?" No one answered. "Guys?"

"I don't think we're-"

"Your parents are the sole heirs of their families," Collin says, bored.

"Collin!"

"She should know." Collin points out, "This isn't the easiest life, Allana, not for us, and especially not for her."

"But..."

"But what?" Astrid asks.

"Our family is part of an organization that knows all the secrets of the world's history."

"There are handful members of the said underworld organization," Collin continued, "and with the Matthews family almost gone, it could mean chaos for both the organization and the society."

"So. We’re all in danger?"

"Yes." Allana says, "You the most."

"Why?"

"You are the heir to the Jacobson- Matthews line." Collin says, "You are the richest and, most likely, the one who will be the next Master of the White Tiger and the organization."

Astrid stared at her reflection.

"Are you ok, princess?" Allana asks.

"Does that mean my presence is a danger to my brother?"

"Well, not really, as long as you stay away from him." Allana shrugs.

"Oh..."

Collin and Allana exchanged look, "Is there a problem with that?"

"Uhm, it’s just that..." Astrid can fill her eyes begin to sting with tears, "I asked mom and dad to adopt him as well."

"And they agreed?" Allana asks, surprised.

"Yeah." Astrid nods.

"But that still needs Father Johan’s approval, right?" Collin glanced at Allana.

"Yes," Allana says, "That is true, he might not agree, he barely agreed on this one-" there was a pause, "I'm sorry, Mistress..."

The tears now poured down her cheek.

"No," Astrid says, pushing back a sob. “I understand now why he doubts to take in an adopted heir. Your family has a lot to lose."

"You mean our family." Collin interjects, "With how Father Johan praised you earlier, you may have more of a Matthews' attitude in you, than any of us."

Astrid chuckles and wipes her tears away, "Thank you, guys."

"Collin's right." Allana smiles, "Now come out of there so we can go back to your party."

Astrid stared at her reflection, surprised. She was combing her hair the whole time they were talking, and she barely noticed that she was done.

She stepped out of the dressing room, "What do you think?"

Collin and Allana stared at her with awe.

"I hope mom and dad like it," Astrid says, walking in the mirror, checking her reflection.

Allana shook her head and walk up to her, "I'm sure they'll love it."

Astrid, "Thank you."

"Wait,” Collin joins them in from of the mirror, "Let's not forget this.” he sets the tiara on Astrid's head.

Astrid stared at her reflection again, satisfied. 

"Now, let's have a clean, dry night, shall we ladies?" Collin offers each girl an arm, which the girls took with a nod, and they went back to the party.

"Daddy!" Astrid ran toward Mr. Matthews.

He turns away from his friends, and a smile crept into his once worried face, "There's my princess." He caught Astrid and picked her up. "Are you ok?"

"Yeah," she reached to her chin and pouted, "my cheek hurts a bit, but I'm good."

"Well, after a punch like that-"

Astrid rolls her eyes, "That was a joke, daddy..." she says, dropping her arms on the side, "The orphanage wasn't that friendly."

Mr. Matthews frowned, "Is that why you know how to fight?"

"Fighting is different from self-defense, that's what Ash always says."

Mr. Matthews laughed and gave the nod, "Well, I'd prefer if you’d be more of a lady than a butt-kicking princess."

Astrid giggles, "Butt kicking princess, I like that."

Mr. Matthews laughs again, "I'm sure you do."

"ASTRID PICK UP!" They both look down at her purse.

Mr. Matthews raised a brow, and Astrid gave him a small sheepish smile.

"Looks like the boys miss you."

"Can I talk to them?"

"Sure thing, princess." he sets her down, "Go to the balcony, reception's clearer there." He says. 

She nodded and turned to leave. 

"By the way, Astrid?" She looks over her shoulder toward her adopted father. "Tell the boys to look out the window."

"Why?"

"I have a surprise for you, kids."

“Ok," she says with a curious smile and runs off.

"Astrid, wait!" Allana runs after her.

"Collin-"

"I'm on it, Uncle," Collin says as he runs after the girls.

Outside, Astrid pulls out the two-way radio and turn the volume up.

"Ash!" she calls over the radio.

"Finally! Where have you been?" Derek asks.

"Mom and Dad were introducing me to the family."

"Sounds like you're having fun," Jared says.

"I wouldn't say that." Astrid shrugs, "The first day, and I was already in a fight."

"You were?" Derek asks, Astrid grinned, imagining Derek's face whenever he was skeptical of a story.

"That's the Astrid we know," Jared says.

"Hey..." Astrid says, making the boys laugh.

"Are you ok?" Ash asked, worry obvious on his voice.

"Just a punch on the face, I’m fine. Seriously, these rich kids punch like a wuss."

"Hey..." Collin says from behind her.

Astrid smiles his way, "Ok, so not all of them." Collin grinned and gave her a satisfied nod.

"Who's that?" Damien asks.

"Oh, Uhm, my cousins." Astrid says, "Allana and Collin."

"Hello." Allana greets.

"Hm, she sounds like you, crybaby." Derek teases.

"Yeah, I'm the crybaby who punched you on the nose last week, dweeb," Astrid says, making the boys and Allana laughed. 

"Allana, Collin, these are the boys from the orphanage. Ash, my twin brother, Damien, my best friend. And the dweebs, Jared and Derek."

"Hey..." the two whined.

"Maybe, they can go along with me tomorrow when I visit you guys."

"That would be cool." Ash agrees.

"Yeah, they need to be warned of your craziness, crybaby," Jared says.

"Yeah, again, I'm not the one who was stuck up on the tree yesterday cause his pants were ripped." The boys laugh again, while Astrid caught Allana blushing and holding a laugh.

"Anyway, daddy said to tell you to look out the window, he says he has another surprise."

"Really?"

"Are you outside?"

"Are they taking you back?"

"No, idiot." Astrid shook her head, tired of the boys' stupid questions.

"Then what are we looking for?" Ash asked.

"I don't know." Astrid looks around as well, "He didn't say."

"Tell them to look up," Collin says.

"Look up?" Astrid asked. Collin gave a weak nod and looked up at the sky himself. And that was when Astrid heard a pop, and the sky was lit up by dozens of fireworks.

"Oh, wow..." Astrid runs down the stairs leading to the garden. She stood in the middle, watching the fireworks above the Matthews' house with Collin and Allana on her side. "Beautiful."

"Astrid?" Damien calls.

Astrid raises the talkie, not taking her eyes away from the fireworks. "Yeah?"

"Your dad's cool." He says, "Tell him, thanks."

"For the fireworks?" Astrid asks.

“That." he said, "And for giving you a chance."

Astrid stared at the toy in her hand, surprised. She had never heard Damien sound as satisfied as he did just now.

A smile slowly forms on her face, "Don't worry, I have a feeling all of us will."

She looked up at the fireworks again, admiring the lights, but not for long. The next second there was a loud explosion heard inside the house.

"Princess!" Collin grabs her hand, causing her to drop the talkie. She looked back and saw that Collin also got Allana's hand and ran off to the edge of the garden that leads to the forest "Where are we going, Collin?" Astrid shouts, looking back to the house that was burning now.

"Away from the mansion," Collin says, he seems to know where he was going, but also did Astrid.

"But mommy and daddy-"

"They wouldn't want you there."

"No!" Astrid stopped and pulled her arm away from Collin's hold, "You don't know that! They need me, I won't leave them!"

"Astrid!" Allana was about to follow her back when Collin stops her. "We have to go after her, Collin!"

Collin deliberated for a second before giving up to Allana’s pleading eyes and followed Astrid.

"Damn, she's fast," Collin says as he pushes himself more. 

But by the time they reach the edge of the forest, all they saw was the trail of Astrid's hair running into the burning mansion.

Then Collin can hear some other people calling Astrid. He sees the two-way radio and picked it up.

"ASTRID!!!"

"ASTRID WHAT’S GOING ON?!"

"ASTRID!"

"Damien, where are you going?"

"To get her home!"

Collin turns to Allana, who was crying.

"Looks like we'll be meeting them earlier than planned." then he reached for her hand again, holding it tightly. "We should go look for Father Johan, they wouldn't like the news, but I don't want to be the one to break it to the boys when they arrive."

Meanwhile, inside, Astrid was looking around for her parents. She was determined to find them, this was the only chance of a family for her, and she would do everything to keep that family alive, literally.

"Mommy! Daddy!" she calls out, "Are you here?"

She looks around and saw no one. The fire was coming from one side of the building and not near where she was, but the smoke had already spread throughout the mansion, making it hard to breathe.

"Mommy! Daddy!" she starts to cough, and she covered her mouth. "Mommy!" she shouts again, this time, she feels a bit dizzy. 

She pushes herself and walks deeper into the mansion. "Daddy!" then she hears people buzzing about. 

She looks around, still not seeing anyone. Then she saw a body lying on the floor. She ran to it, what she saw scared her out of her mind. The man was covered with blood and was holding a gun. She looked at him and did not recognize him.

"You..." he sneered.

She sucked up nausea from the blood and knelt beside him, "Are you alright, sir?"

"You..." he says again and grabbed her by the wrist, tightly.

"Please, sir, we should get out of here..." 

"No!" he snaps, "You will die here, princess..." he hears him say with a sinister smile. "You will be a nuisance to the family. I will die, and you are coming with me."

This scared her more, but she refused to show him.

"Don't act tough, kid, your street attitude isn't in the house of Matthews. You dead will be the downfall of the prime family, and with no heir..." he forces a chuckle, but it only caused him to cough up blood. "That's your father's failure... he should have never brought you back... they should have just kept you wherever he hid you..."

"W- what do-"

But he coughed up more blood, the smoke was thickening, and his eyes start to droop, but his hold never loosened. It was as if his arms had been dead for hours. No muscle moved at the now dead man in front of Astrid.

Astrid stared at him for a few seconds. What did he mean he should have never brought me back...?

Then she got the dizzy feeling again, this time, she cannot control it, she felt the hand loosen now, but then she starts to fall, then everything went black.

Meanwhile, outside, Allana and Collin reached the front of the house, where several guests gathered to watch the fire, guards and servants were trying to help put out the fire.

"Aunt Julia!" Allana shouts in tears. Shee ran to her and wrapped her arms around her waist.

"Allana, Collin..." Mrs. Matthews hugs her back, relieved. "Are you ok?"

"Yes, Aunt Julia," Collin said and glanced at Mr. Matthews, who was looking around. Collin knew this was his fault. He failed the family. He failed to protect the heiress.

"Collin, where is Astrid?" Mr. Matthews asks.

"Uncle Ashton..."

"She ran inside the house." Allana says, "We’re so sorry, Aunt Julia, we tried to stop her, but she wouldn't listen-"

"Ashton..." Mrs. Matthews looks at her husband with a devastating look. "Why would she..."

"She thinks you’re still inside; she's looking for you," Collin says, guilt all over his face.

"No, no..." Mr. Matthews began to run toward the house, but the guards stopped him. "Let me go! My daughter is in there!"

"Master Ashton, please calm down, I'll look for her," Albert says.

"She's my daughter, she needs me-"

"But, your family needs you as well." Albert pushes him back. "I will not let you break the Mistress' heart twice in a day, master." Albert takes off his coat and rushes toward the house, but a hand on his shoulder stopped him. "Master..."

"I think we should all look for her." Father Johan says, taking off her coat as well. "You!" he points to the guard, "Continue the scanning of the area, I want whoever started this dead! And I swear if my granddaughter dies, I will hunt down his family and kill them!"

He said this with so much authority that everyone shivered of fear.

When they were about to go inside, they hear shouting from the gates.

"OUT OF OUR WAY!"

They all turned around and saw a bunch of boys on their bikes.

"Mr. Matthews!"

"Ash, what are you doing here?" Mr. Matthews asks, surprised.

"We saw the fire from the orphanage," Jared says.

"Where's Astrid?" Damien asks.

The adults exchanged looks.

"Idiot!" Damien shouted and ran pass anyone who could stop him and straight to the house.

"Astrid!" Ash called out and followed Damien.

"No!" Mrs. Matthews caught him by the arm and wrapped her arms around him as he struggled out of her hold.

"Let me go!" he screams, "My sister needs me!"

"Please, Ash... please..."

"No! You said you’ll take care of her! You promised!" he shouted. "Let me go! Astrid needs me!"

"Ash, please, Astrid will never forgive me if anything happens to you." Mrs. Matthews begs, "Please..."

"Astrid..." Ash slowly stops moving and just cried and hid his face in Mrs. Matthews’ neck. 

"We should go..." Albert urgently says, "The fire may be at the back part of the mansion, but the smoke is everywhere, a young girl cannot survive that."

The men nodded and ran up to the house, when, surprisingly, they see someone on their way out.

"Damien!" Derek calls out.

"Astrid..." Mr. Matthews says, relieved. He ran up to Damien and took an unconscious Astrid.

They settled her on the ground where Mrs. Matthews knelt beside her, Ash by her head.

She checked her pulse and checked her eyes.

"We need to get her to the hospital, she inhaled too much smoke," she says, then she turns to Damien. "Are you ok, Damien?"

"Yes..." he said, still staring at Astrid, "Will she be?"

Mrs. Matthews smiles, "You know her well enough to know the answer to that." 

Damien gave the nod, his eyes never leaving Astrid.

"Thank you so much, Damien." Mr. Matthews says, "Thank you so much."

"We made a promise." Damien says, "We don't break promises."

"Promise..." they all turned, hearing Astrid whisper the same words, but she just went back to sleep.

"We should take her to the hospital." Father Johan says, "Come, Damien, we need to have those wounds checked as well."

"But Astrid-"

"Would probably get bored at the hospital." Mrs. Matthews cuts in.

"Besides knowing Astrid, she wouldn't shut up about getting you in trouble and how sorry she is," Ash says as he runs his hand through her hair.

"And I'd also like to personally thank the one who saved my granddaughter." Father Johan says, "Probably even mine. All of you may stay at my house until this is over." he looks up at the house. "We would be safer there."

Astrid stirred on her bed and looked around.

"About time you wake up."

Astrid sat up and saw Damien on a bed beside her, a book prop in front of him. Then she sees his wounds.

"Damien, are you ok?" she asked, a look of panic ran through her.

"I got it easy, compared to you." he says, facing her, worried, "How are you feeling?"

"Good, I think..." she says, "What happened?"

Damien rolls his eyes, step down from his bed, and went to get a glass of water which was on the table between their beds. He handed it to Astrid, who quickly took it and drank it up.

"You ran into a burning building, don't you remember?"

Astrid frowns, finally the memories of the night came back, ending with the dying man and his cryptic last words. She looked up to Damien, panicked.

"How's everyone?" she asks, her throat feeling better. "Mom and dad? Grandpa? Albert?"

"They're all fine. They got out in time, while you went in for nothing." Astrid shrugged, relieved. "Idiot.”

She frowns and avoided Damien's look.

"I just thought-"

"That's the thing, Astrid, you didn't think." Damien snapped, "You’re the kid, start acting like one."

"I'm sorry..." Astrid whispers, tears filling her eyes. Damien had never shouted at her before. He never did anything to hurt her.

"You promised to take care of yourself." Damien continues, calmer than before. “You never break a promise." Astrid looked up at him and saw that he was really worried, almost in pain. "You got everyone worried; I won't be surprised if they bring you back to the orphanage for bad behavior and exchange Derek for you."

Astrid stifles a laugh. "It’s an orphanage, Damien, not juvenile place or a library.”

"Astrid..."

Astrid sighed, "I understand your point, Damien, I really do, but try to understand." she says. "This can be my only chance to get a family who will accept Ash as well. Though I doubt after last night's mess they'll allow it, I still am hoping that they will. I don't want to lose the opportunity of having a family, you know?"

"Yeah, about that..." Damien looks away and scratches his nape. Astrid gave him a look, then slowly, her eyes widened, making Damien chuckled, "Don't worry, they didn't exchange you for Derek. Actually, they can't."

"What do you mean?"

"Your grandfather?" Damien points out, "He's a pretty powerful man."

"Yeah, and?"

"Well, he found all of a family to adopt us."

"He did?" Astrid's jaw dropped in surprise, "That's wonderful!"

"Yeah, though I did get a single dad, he's pretty cool," Damien says with a shrug and a grin formed on his face. "He's your dad's best friend; guess we're not that far from the mark.”

Astrid laughed, "No, we're not." she says, "What about Jared and Derek?"

Damien stifles a laugh, "Stuck together, the family that took them in, the Johnson’s, well they can't decide who to adopt, but since they liked them both and can afford, they took them both.”

Astrid laughs again, "Oh, man, who would have thought? I can just see the argument of who is older..." Damien stifles a laugh as well.

Then Astrid remembers the man from the night before, her smile slowly disappears, dreading to ask the question left. "And Ash?"

"With the Matthews, of course," he says, sitting back on his bed facing her. “They can't separate you two. Your mom had to plead Ash to go home and get some rest." 

Astrid remembers her conversation with Collin and Allana and what the man said.

You dead will be the downfall of the prime family... he should have never brought you back...

"Astrid? Astrid!" she looks up and saw Damien squeezing her hand, worried.

"Am sorry... I was... Uhm..."

"Are you ok?"

"Uhm..." she forces a smile, "Yes, yes, I am..."

Damien gave her a look, "Everything will be ok, Astrid."

Hearing that, she couldn't help but believe Damien's words, but then again, there are those questions that she had made in the duration of one night with the Matthews.

The door suddenly opens and in came running in Ash, Derek, and Jared.

"Astrid!" Ash ran to her side and hugged her, then he pushed away and looked her over, "How are you feeling? Does anything hurt? Can you remember me?"

Astrid stifles a laugh, "I'm fine, big brother."

Ash nods, "Good..." then he glares at her. With his arms on his hips, she starts to scream, "What were you thinking of running inside a burning building?! Are you crazy?! You could have died!"

Astrid rolls her eyes and glance at Damien, who gave her an encouraging smile. She then turned to Ash and covered his mouth with her hands.

"Calm down, Ash, I'm fine now." she says, "And I’m sorry for worrying you, but I had to do it. I couldn't leave behind the people who gave us a second chance to have a family."

Ash pulls her hand away and shrugs, "I said it once, I'd say it again, you are too nice for your good, really Astrid."

"Anyway, about time you woke up," Derek says and jumps on Damien's bed and sat. "You missed a lot while you were knocked out, sleeping beauty."

"Did I now?" Astrid raised a brow, glancing at Damien, who hid his smile.

Derek gave Astrid a look then Damien, then back at Astrid, "No fair! Damien told you?"

"Yup," Astrid says with a pop. "Congratulations."

"But you know the best part?" Jared says.

"What?"

"We'll still be together." He points out. "Same school, same neighborhood, and... blah blah..."

Astrid frowned and looked around seeing her brothers and friends, then by the door, she saw her parents staring at her with apologetic eyes.

She looks away, trying to clear her head.

"Isn't that great, Astrid?" Jared finally says.

Astrid looks back at them and nods, forcing a smile. "Yeah, it will be just like the old times."

"Hey, you’re turning pale." Ash says, he reached for her face, "You’re cold too."

"I'm ok big brother, just a bit..." she took a deep breath and breathed out again, "overwhelmed by all the news, I guess."

"Maybe we should leave you to rest..." Mrs. Matthews says.

"No, mom..." Astrid says, shaking her head, making her dizzy for a moment, "please stay."

Later that day, they took a walk around the hospital's garden with Astrid and Damien on wheelchairs.

"I feel lazy in this chair." Damien whines.

 "Let's race you and Astrid!" Derek says.

"No racing boys, "Doctors orders." Mrs. Matthews says, giving them a knowing smile since she was their doctor.

"Yes, Aunt Julia." the boys said in unison.

"Can we ride down the ramp?" Ash pleads. "Promise we'll be careful, mom."

Mrs. Matthews chuckles, "Ok, but only you boys, Astrid can't be stressed."

They all turned to Astrid, "Its ok, doctor’s orders, right mommy?"

"Right." she smiles and runs a hand through the little girl’s hair.

"Ok," Ash says. "You can watch." Astrid nods.

"Be careful." Mr. Matthews calls out.

"Yes sir!" they said in unison, and Derek even saluted, making the man laugh.

While the couple watched the boys run down the hall, Astrid sees five men follow them and staying near the boys.

"Astrid, princess, is everything ok?" Mrs. Matthews asked.

"Yes, mommy." She says.

"Princess." Mr. Matthews kneels in front of her, "Collin and Allana told me that they told you about the organization." Astrid frowns and looks away. "And your mother and I would like to apologize for putting you in this mess."

"You didn't," Astrid says, her gaze turns toward the boys. "I wanted to go with you, didn't I?"

"But we should have told you sooner-"

"I would still have said yes, I think." Astrid stares at her hands, "I would practically say yes to anyone who even cared to listen to me talk about my brother, but...”

"What is it, princess?" Mrs. Matthews asks.

"But I wish you broke your promise about Ash." She looks at where her twin brother was. "Making my mistake is bearable, but to pull in Ash too."

"I know I asked you to adopt him too, but I was being selfish." She continued as she watched the boys being chased by the guards on their wheelchairs. "I’m getting everyone in danger, and with him joining your family, that means he's also in danger, right?"

The couple exchanged look, "Well, not really." Mr. Matthews says, "You are your grandfather's heiress, Ash is the family heir."

"What does that mean?"

"You are the next Master of the Circle."

"The Circle?"

"Yes, the Archeological Circle. It is composed of other groups, the red dragons, blue phoenix, golden lion, and many others.”

"And we're what?"

"The White Tigers," Mrs. Matthews speaks up, "is the head of the Circle, which makes it the most powerful organization."

"And the only way to take that place is if Father Johan or you die."

"What about Ash?"

"Well," Mr. Matthews starts, "being your twin will endanger him. Aside from the usual kidnappers, he is a weakness… your weakness."

Astrid frowned, hearing the words struck a nerve.

"Isn't there a way that we'd be separated?"

"Astrid..."

"If it’s the only way to protect him, mom," Astrid says, "I will do anything, even it means to leave home."

Mrs. Matthews looks away, but Mr. Matthews took a deep breath and calmed himself.

"It would be better if it was you and your grandfather to speak."