Welcome to Gaia! ::

((Sorry for not posting.. I had a HUGE history project and forgot all about Gaia... hehe.. ))

Cecelia grimaced as she realized it was now morning. So much for sleeping. Cecelia heaved a large sigh before standing up, streching her stiff limbs. Being cramped in a corner, avoiding the couch of all immaturity was stiffening, so Cecelia decided it would be best for her to get out of there.

Gathering her papers, and her now finished essay, she charged back to her room, twitching at her appearance. She had a blotch of pen on her cheek, smudged from the previous night's work. Cecelia practically threw herself in the shower, after stripping down, and came out refreshed. Being in college gave you that undying ability to not sleep for a few days. Remembering what day it was, Cecelia smirked, and gathered her sister's present. In between the essays and exams, Cecelia had found sometime to buy her dear sister a present! Cecelia added a few bracelets and a pair of very large gold hoops, to go along with her outfit for the day. She was dressed in camoflage jeans, and a black halter. She slipped on a pair of black converse, before heading out after brushing her hair, teeth, etc.

Cecelia then groaned, realizing she had to go to school today. Ah, the joys of being in college. She then grabbed her bookbag, and slinging it over her shoulder, and headed down the hallway, checking she had her essay and laptop. She did, Cecelia found out, before entering the kitchen and grabbing an apple. She paused, and turned to see everyone, and to her delight, Madeline was there. Saves me a long day of finding her.. Cecelia thought wearily.

She took a bite, then swallowed and rushed over to her sister. "Happy B-day, sis. Here." Cecelia said, with a slight grin, and handing her a small box. Her tired-ness was wearing down her body, disabling her from smiling fully. Cecelia shook her head, waking up a bit more, then kissed her younger sister lightly on the cheek. Though, she knew her sister wouldn't mind, once she saw the gift Cecelia had given her. No, it wasn't manga, or a video game, but it was a beautiful gold necklace, that Cecelia had caught Madeline eyeing before their mother got married. Cecelia had purchased it, and now Madeline finally had it. Cecelia tried smiling once more, before waving off to the others, and walking out of the room.

Cecelia took her time getting out the door, not bothering to check for her car. She decided she would walk, and did just that. Halfway there, Cecelia stopped and bought a coffee, and continued her way to school. Why did she have to have a morning class?

Markus smiled at his new sisters. "I didn't know it was your birthday, Madeline. I wish you a happy one. You can come on the tour with us now, if you want, or you can continue planning your torture of Dearest Dom." His smile widened. "Either one would make me happy." He turned his attention to Adrienne and Naomi. "Okay, girls. Inside or outside first?"

"I'll come with you guys." She smiled and stood up. She looked at her outfit, which didn't exactly go with her new necklace. She put her hands in her pockets and smiled at the boys.

Alyekzander glanced at the necklace for only a moment before it lost his interest. The girls all seemed suitably pleased and giddy, though. Madeline looked almost shocked by the gift and it took Alyekzander a moment to remember that a nice piece of jewelry from her sister probably meant some saving in advance was involved. A lot, judging by Madeline's reaction.

Father would have gladly paid for it though, Alyekzander thought. The man had no qualms with burning money to delight the right people. And as their mother was now his wife, they were the right people to delight. So why hadn't Cecelia taken advantage of that? He knew his father had no hand in this gift; there was no flashy presentation and overbearing magnanimity. Just a very tired and quick exchange.

Then again, what better time to burn through her own savings? She could easily acquire more. That explanation did not sit right with him, but he stuck with it. Because if they weren't just annoying, money grubbing spawn then he really had no reason for the aversion he felt toward them. Even when they were fairly pleasant, like now. He had sense enough to keep it to himself, but they made angry bile rise in his throat.

Especially Emily.

To hell with her. She wasn't here any way.

Alyekzander frowned, silently bristling. Did some higher power have it out for him? Honestly, he no more than thought on her and there she appeared. Speak of the devil, indeed. With a bit of effort, Alyekzander managed a neutral expression before speaking in a flat monotone. "Markus has offered the Grand Tour and your sisters have accepted. Would you like to join us?" She would be far too busy. She would disappear as Cecelia had. She would wander off to whimsy with a book or her trusty laptop. Alyekzander willed this to happen as he stoically watched Emily, waiting for her response.

Naomi watched as Emily wandered in (perfect timing!), and Madeline actually whipped out her camera. She couldn't help but notice Alyekzander acting more distant now, as if deeply thinking on something. But what? Was it the necklace?

Of course, THESE boys had no money worries at all; they probably found it pathetic! Just great; well, they can think what they want.

She grinned. "Be careful what you say; it might hit Youtube!" she joked.

"What the devil is a YouTube?" Alyekzander looks into the camera with a hint of curiosity, but still mostly his usual distant self. "I am afraid if you expecting a spectacle to video, Miss Beauvais, I will sorely disappoint you." Standing in front of a camera addressing some unknown audience certainly did not appeal to him. After all, Markus was the entertainer. Let him wow YouTube.