"You think so well of me, Zach. I know that, and that's enough to make me happy," she said, placing her hands in front of her and playing with her fingers.

Zach smirked. "Go on, I am waiting for the 'but.'"

Perry smiled. "Thank you, Zach, for reminding me. I almost forgot."

"You forgot nothing. Say what you have to already," he said, folding his arms across his chest.

"I just want to try, Zach. I do not want to give up. Maybe this time I can have all I hope for concerning my mother," she said. She walked to him and embraced him.

"I do not want to sound like I am discouraging you," he said.

"Thanks, Zach," she replied.

Zach gently loosened himself from her grip. "I have to warn you, dear. If your mom invades our privacy, I will not tolerate it."

"You are the boss," she said.

***

Juliet was pacing about in her room. She was super angry that Zach did not let her have her way. She wanted to make Perry a cook and a maid in this house, but Zach was overprotective. She knew she would not be able to achieve her aim if Zach continued standing in her way.

Juliet hurried to make a phone call. She grabbed her cellphone and dialed a number. The person answered on the first ring.

Juliet sat on the bed and tried to calm her nerves as she spoke. "I think it's time you return. Things are getting out of hand."

The person replied, "But I told you to handle things until I come. I want to set some things in order first."

Juliet replied, her words spewing quickly because of the pressure she felt in her chest. "Perry has Ralph wrapped around her finger. He does everything that will benefit her. If you don't return quickly, Darlene, you will lose everything."

There was a long pause. Darlene didn't respond.

"Are you still there?" Juliet asked.

Darlene answered, "Mother, I will do something."

***

By noon the next day, Perry was in the kitchen making some pancakes. She stirred the batter for the last time and considered if she should use the waffle maker or go the traditional way. She brought out a pan and began making the pancakes. The sweet aroma of freshly made pancakes danced in the air.

Soon, the doorbell rang. Perry couldn't wait for the maids to answer it. She turned down the stove and hurried to the door. She opened it. "Aunt Clara!" Perry cried as she wrapped her arms around her aunt.

Aunt Clara wrapped one arm around Perry. "I heard you were coming, and I brought you what you requested."

"Thank you so much. I sincerely appreciate it. Please, come in, Aunt," Perry said.

Aunt Clara entered, and Perry shut the door behind them.

"My dear, you are glowing with happiness. I don't have to ask how you are doing," Aunt Clara said.

"I made pancakes for you, Aunt," Perry said as she took the bag from Aunt Clara's hand.

"I can smell them already. Let us go to the kitchen together," Clara said.

They entered the kitchen. Clara sat on the chair in front of the large table in the middle of the kitchen.

Perry served some pancakes topped with honey and a cup of hot chocolate. As Clara ate, Perry discussed almost everything she could with her. She spoke so fast that Clara had to tell her to slow down sometimes.

They were so engrossed in their discussion that they did not realize that Juliet had entered the kitchen. To get their attention, Juliet had to throw a big iron spoon on the ground.

The clanging of the big spoon on the tiled floor startled Perry and Clara. They turned to see Juliet standing a short distance away from them.

"It is good the both of you know I exist," Juliet said as she placed a strand of hair behind her ear.

Clara rose to her feet and tried to smile. "Elder sister, you look marvelous today."

"Thank you. If Perry had taken care of me as much as she's taking care of you now, I would be looking better," Juliet said as she leaned on the table. "I bet she served you those pancakes, right?"

"Yes, Juliet," Clara said.

"Hmm, what a revelation. She refused to cook for me yesterday, but when she sees her aunt, she immediately throws her pride away," Juliet said as she tightened her jaw.

Clara turned to Perry, her eyes seeking a defense. She turned back to Juliet. "Sister, please don't take things so seriously."

"Why should I not?" Juliet asked.

At that moment, the doorbell rang. No one in the kitchen moved. Perry was thinking of the right words to say to solve this. Clara was also thinking the same thing.

The doorbell rang again.

"Perry, go answer the door now," Juliet ordered.

"Mother, the maids will soon," Perry said gently. She didn't want to sound rude.

"Don't argue with me and do as I say. I want to have a few words with your aunt," Juliet said.

Perry left the kitchen and hurried to the door. She wiped her hands on her sides and reached out to grab the doorknob. Perry opened the door slowly. The sun's rays came in first. Perry used one hand to cover her eyes as she blinked slowly.

Perry heard a familiar voice, "Hello, sister."

Perry's vision recovered immediately. She didn't believe who she was seeing. She dropped her hand to her side, and her body began to shake. Her eyes turned red. Perry went pale. Her eyes widened and one hand immediately went to her chest.

Blonde-haired Darlene was standing before her in a yellow and white dress. By her side was a little boy with blonde hair. He looked like he was just five years old.

There was a wild smile on Darlene's face. "Hello, sister. I have missed you." Darlene wrapped her arms around Perry. Perry was stiff and silent.

Darlene loosened her grip and walked straight into the house after grabbing the little boy's hand. "I have been gone for so long. Where is my husband? Where is Zach Ceader?"