https://i.postimg.cc/N0qBKdTs/12-14-23-7-40-04-AM.png"It really stinks when your parents fight in front of you," said Mia.
"Leave me alone," said Greta, and fiddled with her phone.
Just then there was a knock at the door.
It was a vampire.
https://i.postimg.cc/KcqbPGLs/12-14-23-8-59-12-AM.pngMia greeted him.
He left.
Oh well. At least Greta knows Mia is there if she ever wants a listening ear.
The next day was Winterfest. Mia and Sarah were both battling exhaustion from sleeping on the lounge chairs, but they had things they wanted to do.
Sarah went to the library in nearby Windenburg. Despite being exhausted, she was excited to do some research about the patterns on stone walls of various ages. She met the librarian, Orlando Stuart. Male and about her age. Ugh, was he going to be one of those annoying men who tries to "be her friend" while really trying to maneuver into a position to get flirty with her?
No, he just wanted to read a book at a safe distance.
This could be the beginning of a beautiful friendship, Sarah-style.
https://i.postimg.cc/Kjzy6wXN/12-14-23-9-32-04-AM.pngMia took Hilary Laurent out for coffee to talk over the fight.
https://i.postimg.cc/mrYRC7NQ/12-14-23-9-22-12-AM.png"I've had it up to here with that man, he is just useless!" fumed Hilary. "He just wants to joke and socialize, he works as a vendor essentially to entertain himself and 'meet new people'. He is meeting way too many new people if you know what I mean."
"It was fun in the beginning but not anymore?" asked Mia.
"I mean, if he had any interest in stepping up and taking on some of the business affairs, that would be different," said Hilary. "I could look the other way regarding whatever else he wanted to do, that's normal enough in Tartosa, but he isn't contributing to the household at all and it's making me crazy. He is just mooching off my mother for as long as he can."
"How is he with the kids?" asked Mia. "Is he contributing there?"
Hilary huffed, "They just think of him as their fun dad! They have so much fun together. He won't put his foot down, not even with Greta when she gets in trouble, which is more and more often these days."
"Do you have any interest in the business?" Mia asked.
"Well, maybe, but I shouldn't have to!" Hilary roared. "I should be hosting philanthropic events and looking after our elegant home. That should be my job. Hector needs to step up and be the man of the house."
Mia decided to stop trying to fix it, and asked simply, "What do you want, Hilary?"
Hilary dropped her head down to the table. "I don't know. I still love Hector but I don't know if he was the right person to build a life with. I think... I think I need some space from him for a little while to figure it out. Could you tell him that for me?"
"No, but I'll be there with you when you tell him."
https://i.postimg.cc/4dXG5nBj/12-14-23-8-52-50-AM.pngThey decided that Hector would stay on with Mia and Sarah for a little while and Hilary's side of the family would take the children to stay with a relative in Windenburg for the rest of the week while their estate was unavailable.
Sarah came home from the library and demanded to know how many extra people were in their house now.
https://i.postimg.cc/rmgkYcHs/12-14-23-9-42-55-AM.pngMia pleaded to be allowed to make a grand meal for everyone, before Arnessa, Hilary and the children left.
"It's Winterfest, after all."
Sarah relented.
During dinner, Father Winter arrived with presents. Mia got a Slablet and Sarah got a digital camera.
"These gifts are pretty cool, but I can think of things we need more," said Sarah later that night.
"Let's sell these gifts and buy what we really need!" said Mia enthusiastically.
"You can do that?" said Sarah. "It seems disrespectful somehow."
"Who cares!" said Mia happily.
Sarah had to admit, she had a point.
Mia found people who were interested in buying the Slablet and camera, and she and Sarah quickly bought a decent desktop computer for Sarah, plus an outdoor bathtub to bathe Brook in. There wasn't enough room in their bathroom to install a tub, but they were able to have the plumbing extended above the bathroom to the roof.
https://i.postimg.cc/J02WMxMW/12-14-23-10-13-34-AM.png"Are you going to take baths on the roof when I'm not looking?" Sarah asked Mia with distaste.
"Most likely," said Mia happily.
There was just enough left to get a tennis ball for Brook. Who is finally old enough to get in and out of the house on her own!
https://i.postimg.cc/RCDr3P5k/12-14-23-11-22-43-AM.png 
