CHAPTER TWELVE
Sleepover
"Alright, let's try that first."
I dialed a number. It rang once before the call was picked up.
"Hello, Skylar."
"Sienna, are you on your way here already?"
"Yes, but I'd like to ask you for a favor."
"Go on. Why are you acting as though we're strangers? Just say whatever you want."
"It's like this. My parents are both at work today and won't be around to take care of my little sister, so I wanted to ask if it's okay for me to bring her along."
"That's not a problem at all. You can both come right away."
"Thank you. See you later."
After ending the call, I walked to Ava's room and packed her things. Soon, I came out carrying a pink suitcase and a red bag.
At the gate of the dance academy, I stood patiently waiting for Ava.
"Goodbye, Ava! Goodbye, Aunt Sienna!" her friends, Mia and Lyla, called out as they walked toward their ride.
"Sienna, are we going home now?" Ava asked.
"No. I'm having a sleepover at a friend's place. Would you like to come with me?"
"Hmm... yes, I will. I love sleepovers. But first, I need to check my schedule."
She blinked seriously, placing a hand on her chin like an adult thinking about important business matters. Her chubby cheeks puffed out adorably as she opened her school bag and pulled down the zipper.
Inside were piles of colorful envelopes.
Curious, I picked them up and looked through them.
Some were invitations to tea parties, arcade outings, amusement parks, sleepovers, and many other activities.
"Wow! You sure are popular."
I cleared my throat and mimicked the voice of a professional assistant.
"Boss, your schedule is free today. However, tomorrow you have a tea party after class at 4 p.m."
Ava burst into laughter.
"Haha!"
"Alright, social butterfly. Let's go. The taxi I booked is waiting on the next street."
Soon we were seated inside the car.
"Vroom! Vroom!"
The vehicle moved through the city until we arrived at the entrance of a luxurious estate. Unauthorized vehicles weren't allowed inside, so the taxi came to a stop.
We got out and proceeded through the security checkpoint.
"Wow, Sienna! These mansions are beautiful!"
Wide, tree-lined roads stretched neatly between magnificent mansions. Each home sat behind towering gates, trimmed hedges, and beautifully landscaped gardens. Luxury cars glided silently along spotless streets while uniformed security officers patrolled every corner.
Elegant street lamps cast a golden glow over exotic flowers and sparkling fountains. The entire estate radiated wealth and authority. Every home belonged to influential figures—government ministers, senators, judges, military generals, business tycoons, and diplomats.
Children rode expensive bicycles under the watchful eyes of nannies while chauffeurs waited beside sleek luxury vehicles. In the mornings, convoys of black SUVs departed one after another, carrying their distinguished owners to important meetings and government offices.
At the center of the estate stood an exclusive clubhouse featuring a golf course, swimming pools, tennis courts, and fine-dining restaurants.
It was more than just an estate—it was a symbol of power, prestige, and influence.
As we walked, it felt strangely peaceful. Nobody paid much attention to us or even to one another. There were no loud shouts, reckless running, or childish mischief.
Everything was elegant and composed.
The teenagers we passed greeted one another politely. Even their posture, walking style, and behavior reflected the high standards of their upbringing.
Finally, we arrived at Mansion Number Seven.
I pressed the doorbell.
A middle-aged man who appeared to be the butler came out and opened the gate.
Several luxury cars were parked neatly in the spacious parking area.
"You must be Sienna, and this should be your little sister."
"Good evening, sir," we greeted politely.
"Good evening, dear. Come in."
His eyes settled on Ava.
"What a cute little girl."
"Thank you, Big Uncle. You're handsome too."
The butler chuckled.
"What a sweet talker."
"This way, please."
He led us inside.
The grand double doors opened into a spacious foyer with polished marble floors that reflected the warm glow of a crystal chandelier hanging overhead. A curved staircase with dark wooden railings swept gracefully toward the second floor.
The walls were painted in soft cream tones and decorated with elegant artwork and family portraits.
The living room featured high ceilings and floor-to-ceiling windows draped with expensive curtains. Plush cream-colored sofas surrounded a modern fireplace, while glass coffee tables and decorative vases added touches of luxury.
The dining room contained a long wooden table that could comfortably seat ten people. Above it hung another elegant chandelier, while a nearby cabinet displayed fine china and crystal glasses.
"Sienna!"
Skylar called out as she hurried over and gave me a brief hug. Her curly hair bounced around her shoulders, and she wore a short red dress.
"Hi, Sienna," Ivy greeted.
"Hi, Skylar. Hi, Ivy."
"Good evening, beautiful sisters."
A tiny voice suddenly sounded from behind us.
Skylar and Ivy turned toward the source of the voice.
There stood Ava, still in the butler's arms, smiling sweetly.
"Miss, do you need anything else?" the butler asked.
"Please help them take their suitcase upstairs, and after that you may retire. Thank you, Uncle John," Skylar said with a smile.
The butler gently set Ava down.
"See you later, little friend."
After signaling to the maids, he excused himself.
"Wow, what a chubby little bun! Look at those adorable cheeks!" Ivy said excitedly.
I had never seen her this animated before. Usually, the only things that excited her were books and novels.
Wrong move.
I immediately began chanting those words in my head.
The little princess hated being called fat or chubby.
Ava's tiny face instantly frowned.
"You're the chubby one. I'm Mommy and Daddy's beautiful and slim little princess."
She stated the fact with complete confidence.
The room erupted into laughter.
"Alright, beautiful princess," Skylar said while crouching down to her level. "That aunty over there will take you out to have fun and eat lots of delicious food. Would you like to go with her?" :::