Dream drove into her parents mansion, and stopped the car in her favourite parking spot.
It was close to an alternative exit, so she could slip out unannounced whenever she pleased.
She stepped out of the car, and immediately, her phone rang.
"Dream Atticus!" Crystal screamed in annoyance.
"Please tell me you've seen the guy," she said in a desperate voice.
"I haven't even gotten into my car yet. I just changed into new clothes. Why did you order the twins gifts so close to their birthday?" She scolded her.
"Miss Dream?!" Some of the gate guys called her attention.
She waved at them, and pointed at the phone.
Taking a different route so she could easily walk into the house without having to answer a thousand questions from family members, she continued her conversation with Crystal.
"So what is it going to be?"
"I'll do my best to get to the airport. See you when I see you."
"Alright, thanks a lot. I love—!"
The call ended right in her ears, and she chuckled.
She continued through the corners, making sure no one saw her.
Music blasting from the party room reached her ears, and she could just tell it was about to be a really good party.
It wasn't just the music that reeled her in. The smell of food was also quite inviting.
Everything mixed together, reminded her that she was truly home.
"Look here, you filthy little pig. No one asked you not to be smart enough to get into college this year. That's why Mia and I are going to be checking out colleges next week, and you're probably going to be playing stupid video games."
There was a pause, and then a scream. "Why are you shaking your head at me?"
"I'm just sympathizing with the colleges dumb enough to accept you two."
"Lucas!"
"Lilly!"
Dream laughed, as she pushed the door open, and walked into the room.
"I'm going to tell— Dream!" Lilly Screamed, as she ran to hug her older sister.
"My darling," Dream called sweetly, and hugged her back.
"I missed you so much! Why didn't you tell anyone you were coming so we could come get you from the airport?" Lilly asked, as she pulled out of the hug so she could stare at her sister in awe.
"Then it wouldn't have been a surprise, would it?" She chuckled, and then turned to the other twin. "What? You're too cool and grown to give your sister a hug?"
"Never. I just didn't want to have to deal with her stench," Lucas said, directing his gaze to Lilly.
"Lucas!"
"Don't be mean," Dream scolded him, as they hugged.
"I can't believe you two are really seventeen today. Where did the time go?" She asked, looking between the two.
"I don't hear voices. Please tell me you've not killed each other," they heard their father's voice, and at the same time, turned to the door to see him walk in.
"Dream?!" Ace called, his eyes widening in surprise.
"Hello father," she smiled widely.
"You're really here? Why didn't you tell me you were coming so I could come pick you up?" He moved forward hastily, and stopped in front of her.
"Mum would have been dramatic about the whole thing. Didn't want that," she laughed.
"Look at my girls!" He said excitedly, as he dragged both of them in for a hug. "My sweet girls. I can't believe you two are actually here with me."
Lucas eyed the trio, as no one thought it best to invite him to join in.
"Daddy, we're your favourites, right?" Lilly asked in an instigating tone.
"Dad doesn't have favourites," Dream said.
"But we are. He's most proud of his girls," she insisted.
"Dad!" Tired of pretending he didn't care, Lucas screamed in frustration.
Ace laughed, as he beckoned on his son. "Come join in, Luk-Luk," he called his nickname.
"Awwwn, watch his head explode," Lilly teased
"Look at him," Dream joined in the playful jabs, as they all hugged.
Ace's chest swelled with pride. He couldn't be more grateful for the family he had been given.
"Your mum would tear up at this sight," he said dramatically.
"I kn—" Dream's phone began to ring, interrupting her. "Oops, sorry! I've got to take this," she wriggled her way out of the hug, and stepped out.
"Crystal? Please tell me you're at the airport."
"Horrible news, Dreamy. There's insane traffic going through the highway. I'm stuck," she said.
"Shit!" Dream cursed.
"I know, I know. I don't know what to do."
"Well, I'll have to go get in myself," she sighed with resignation.
"Don't follow the highway then. At this rate, I'm doubting I'll make it to the party."
"They'll kill you– but maybe you won't be alone. If I don't get them their gifts, I'm dead too. I have to go now. Talk to you later."
She ended the call, and with a sigh, returned to the room.
"Dreamy, Mia just told me Lan—" Lilly paused, remembering her father was still in the room, even though he was helping Lucas search for his shoes.
"Lan who?" Ace asked, and continued to search as if he wasn't anticipating a response.
Dream held back her laughter, whilst Lilly was staring at her with panicking eyes.
"I think she meant uncle Landon. Right, Lilly?" She helped her out.
"Yes, I totally did. I mean duh! He's her father!"
"Yes, and my best friend. Why wouldn't he be coming?" Ace stopped, and turned to his daughters.
"Dad, you overthink things a lot. I think there is too much testosterone in this room. Let's go to your room, Lilly."
"Yes, we're manly, and this is a manly room!" Lucas yelled at the top of his voice, as they walked away.
"Don't say that, I don't want them to leave. Girls!" Ace tried to call them back.
"Bye dad!" They both said at the same time, as they walked out of the room.
Dream quickly turned to Lilly. "I have to go pick up Crystal because her car is acting up again," she lied through her teeth.
"Why won't she just get a new one?"
"I know right? Anyway, could you do me a solid and go to your room?"
"But I wanted to show you my dress. The party starts in two hours," Lilly whined brattily.
"I'll be back before you know it, okay? Promise," she said.
"Fine."
Dream pinched her cheeks lovingly, before slipping out again.
On her way to her car, she heard her mother's voice and smiled.
She thought to steal a glance but knew if she was caught, she wouldn't be able to leave anymore.
Fighting off the urge, she went straight to the spot she parked her car, and soon she was on her way out.
On route to the airport, she decided to call the guy that was supposed to deliver the twins' gift.
"All this trouble because they're so damn picky," she muttered to herself, as she dialled the number.
"Hello, it's me, Dream," she said as soon as her call was answered.
"Maam, I'm waiting for you in front of the airport. You're running late."
"I know, and I'm so sorry. My friend was supposed to pick it up, but she is stuck in this crazy traffic. Anyway, I'm on my way to you now. Please just give me a few minutes," she pleaded.
"Fine, but please hurry up."
"Will do. Thank you so much!"
With excitement she ended the call, and lowered her head to drop the phone.
She didn't see that there was an intersection in front of her.
As she lifted her head, she saw a car that had just made a turn, run towards her direction..
She stepped on the brakes immediately, but not before the two cars collided a little.
"Oh shit!" She cursed in annoyance. "Who is this fool?!"
Taking off her seatbelt in annoyance, she opened the car door, and stepped out of it.
"Have you lost your mind?" She screamed at the top of her voice, as she moved towards the other victim's car.
With chest heaving, she used her hand to knock heavily on their window.
But just then, the driver's door opened, and a man stepped out of her car.
"Look here Mr. I got my driver's license through shady mea—" her words faltered, when she looked up, and saw closely the man standing in front of her.
Their eyes locked intensely, and her heart immediately skipped a beat.