Iris Evangeline Breth's Story

"System rebuilding... checking for errors... system saving... Process can't be completed!" Several words and phrases flashed towards the screen and Kazuya fixed a critical eye towards it. He had been working for this particular troublesome error for almost half an hour and he still can't find what is the root of the repeatedly popping warning alert. He typed in another syntax code when he noticed the unusual part of the program and alternately stared at the two monitors in front of him. He was so absorbed in his work that he didn't notice the opening of the door in his room.

"Kazu!!!" A familiar chirpy voice surprisingly piped up behind him and Kazuya can't help but let out a groan when he actually saw his sister next to him. "Nee," he started and paused his fingers mid-air on the keyboard. It was still early in the morning and he knew how loud his sister talks, remembering the time when his mother declared that they can even still hear her voice from three rooms away. "I'd appreciate it if you tone down your voice. It's too early in the morning and Okaa-san--"

"Kazu-kun! Didn't you already forgotten? You're supposed to be at your car travelling to Lake Kenforth now," she immediately cut him off, tugging at the hem of his sleeves endlessly. Then she turned to his room and noted it, her eyes wandering. Kazuya reflexively stood up from the chair, keeping his hands on the pocket of his pants and followed her line of sight. The brunette continued to stared disapprovingly at the messily scattered books and manga on his bed, the still open portable play station left carelessly and the different clothes dumped on the floor. Letting out an irritated huff, she tried to glare at him only to see him shrugging in return.

"Was there a hurricane on your room again last night, Kei?" She made a clucking sound and casually picked up one of his shirt. "I thought you were invited to go to Katelynn Madison's house for this summer? Did you plan to ditch them?" One by one she started to pick up his clothes and tried to smooth out the wrinkles in it. Her younger brother just shrugged again and gazed wordlessly at the cabinet of books situated on the corner of his room. Silence permeated between them and the only sounds that can be heard was the rustling of his clothes as she went through the motions of folding it neatly.

"I was debating whether I should go or not," He finally answered, fixing his glasses not looking at her.

Anthea Kazumi Akashi-de Lacella stopped folding the particular blue polo-shirt and turned at the black-haired boy. "What do you mean?" She asked him, cocking her head to the side obviously confused. "I thought you finally decided to tell Rosemary-chan what you felt? Besides haven't we agreed? You'd go there this summer! After all the troubles Katelynn went to give you the invitation! You will go!" She passionately stated when Kazuya offered no answer to her questions.

Though instead of getting deterred from his uncaring expression, she then tugged him towards the bathroom and opened the door. "As a man of your words and since you already confirmed it to them, you will go there and introduce yourself to all those she invited. Wakarimasu?" She added, stressing the do you understand part and pushed him inside. "I'll be preparing your things and stuff just take a bath and prepare yourself, Kei!"

An hour and a half later Kazuya found himself in front of his car with his sister endlessly spouting out various reminders. "Just loosen up a little, try talking to others and I'm sure you'll be having a great time before you know it. And remember don't eat until someone takes the first bite you know that you should show them how Japa-"

"OK, OK, Nee-chan. Relax, I'm not going to attend a television reality show, OK? I'm just going over Madison's for a few weeks, that's all." He finally cut her off, placing a calming hand on her right shoulder and looked at her, his eyes dancing with amusement. "And yes, before you open your mouth and ask me again, I remember everything you've told me. Just relax, I'll be at my best behavior and I'll show them the Asian way of courtesy." Kazuya spoke when he saw her opening her mouth ready to dish out another comment. He lightly smiled and quirked an eyebrow inquiringly. Anthea immediately shut up and sheepishly smiled at him. He just nodded appreciatively walking away and checked his baggage.

"That's great to know. So see you after a few weeks?"

Kazuya made a small sound of approval at her question. He busily went through his things, making sure that his sister did not pack anything embarrassing. It had happened before and he certainly did not want to remake the experience. He was glad to see that she neatly brought his laptops and spare batteries. She also packed some books and mangas which arguably almost took the whole space of his luggage, and also a selected number clothes and toiletries.

"I'll be going now," he uttered while strapping in the seat-belt and warming up the engine. "Just tell Mom and Dad I left early."
"I will, take care Kei, bye bye!"

=--------------=

Kazu almost made a risky U-turn when he saw Iris' car parked near the cabin. 'She's early!' He thought despairingly. He had been wishing that he was the earliest person to arrive so that he can immediately take refuge at one of the cabin rooms but obviously he had no luck. He was ready to back out when unfortunately made an eye contact with the said girl. Seeing the traces of her glowing smile, he can't help but flush bright red. Knowing the he was already seen, he decided to park his Sedan next to a Volkswagen Kombi. Casually stepping out, he silently collected his things and waved to the owner of the house in greeting, "Hello Madison" "Vieira, Webster,... and Breth" He added turning to each of them.

(What a wall of text O_O)

Just around a few miles from the cabin, Philip noticed a car parked on the curb a few meters ahead. He was curious since this road only leads to one place which is the Madison’s Lake House. Since he doesn’t recognize the car and plate he thought that it must be a car of one of Kate’s friends. As he reached the car, he pulled behind and examined if there’s still someone there. It seems that the car is abandoned but there’s still a dent on the passenger seat. “Someone have walked all the way.” He thought.

---

It was almost twilight when he neared the garage, he already saw several cars parked along the driveway. He was thankful that he brought his Ducati instead of the coupe so he wouldn’t have hard a time looking for a spot. After settling his bike, he removed his helmet and savoring the sweetness of summer air. He carefully looked around; admiring the scenic view. Outdoor lights were already opened thus giving a certain glow on to the place. “Nothing has changed, has it?” He thought to himself. From his eyes somehow everything still looks the same except of the some parts of the house are worn due to age.

It has been 3 years since the last time he visited the cabin. He have had always liked this place. Somehow the atmosphere has always given him peace of mind. For him, the Madison’s Lake house has always been an escape. Every summer, when he was still living in Paris, his family would decide to fly to the country and stay at the Madison’s lake house. It was always a change of scenery, a change of thought; which he gladly appreciated.

As he followed the path towards the cabin, he caught the view of patio on the eastern side of the property. Memories of his childhood came rushing in. This is where Katelynn, Iris and him were first introduced. He remembers that they were making fun of him because of his thick French accent at that first Hello and he hardly can’t finish a complete a meaningful English sentence. He was always mixing up French words with basic English words. But in the end, they got along. He chuckled as he thought how silly they were. They would make use of body language or even draw in order to understand one another. But now he can proudly say that thick accent is now finally gone.

Suddenly, he heard his phone rang. It was a message from Kate. “Where are you? Are you even coming? We have booze! We’re gonna drink the whole week away!” He smiled as he thought how enthusiastic Kate was. “Kate never really fails me.” He thought to himself. As he was about to keep his phone, it was followed by another message. “Hi Baby! I’m on my way. See you in an hour. <3” It was from Tina, his current girlfriend. He replied with passive “ok” and “take care on the road.”

People were already gathered as he peered on the glass window. He silently entered the cabin without announcing his presence and headed quickly towards the kitchen. As he opened the fridge, nothing made him happier. “Kate has really planned this out. Beers from New Zealand.” He said gleefully. He grabbed a 8 Wired Batch 18 - Barrel Aged Imperial Stout bottle, and started drinking. “Nothing beats a cold thirstquencher.”

Kazuya just nodded at Izzie's deadpanned response and silently observed the other visitors after him. He was surprised to see Piper Keegan walking and apparently leaving her car on the road. He almost volunteered to call the car service when he figured that the the girl may not be need it that badly. After all he can't see Piper worrying about it. After Piper, it was Ray Liverstock who pulled up quite noisily. Seeing the familiar faces of his classmates, it did turned out that he knew most of the people Katelynn invited. But aside from Iris and Katelynn herself, he don't know much about them.

"Any one order a daily dose of nerd?" Ray shouted to every one and Kazuya noticed the four boxes of beers that he brought. The black-haired man didn't really care about alcoholic drinks. It isn't that he can't drink because he certainly can. He just can't see the merit of losing control of yourself. In reality, Kazuya Akashi is really a good drinker. It takes more than few glasses to get him drunk. And when he does Kazu not the noisy or annoying type that loses awareness of his sanity. In fact, he acts like someone who's sober and thinks very much normally like he usually does.

"Of course Ray...come on. I'll show you guys around...I am sure you can tell this place is huge." He heard Katelynn cheerfully reply to Ray's declaration. She then proceeded to tour them inside the cabin. He followed Katelynn as she opened the main door, bringing his luggage and backpack with him. Deciding to walk behind them, he looked at the black-haired spirited girl on the corner of his eyes. Smiling slightly when he saw Iris' expressions and gestures, he then continued to familiarize himself with the layout of the cabin, at the same time still staring at her.

As they went further inside he can see the surprise on the others faces when Katelynn showed them the room. She showed them the theater room, indoor pool and lake and bunch of other rooms that he honestly did not paid attention to. He was too busy gazing at Iris' bewildered expression, stifling the chuckle that threatened to come out when he saw her reaction. Though he can also say that even from someone like him, who was used to seeing such extravagance, that the furnishings of the house was amazing. It was astounding and interesting to say the least. Just from seeing the tables and chairs, one can easily assume that the Madison's are a wealthy bunch.

Her parent's wealth doesn't reflect that much to Katelynn Madison though. As far as Kazuya knew about her, she's one of those girls who doesn't flaunt their wealth to every person they meet. "You guys have free reign of the house. There are bedrooms on the east and west wing of the cabin." When he saw her pointing to their bedrooms, he immediately murmured a quick thanks before going to the farthest room on the west wing of the cabin. He didn't know if he can take another minute not solving the particular syntax error that he had been working on this morning.

After setting his backpack on the table, Kazuya carelessly dumped the other luggage on the bed before him. He deftly opened his bag and took out his laptop, pressing the Turn On button soon after.