The dark-haired woman hummed to herself as she walked up the driveway. She checked the address on the house against that which she had written down, located after months of careful searching. She nodded, confirming that she was in the right place. The woman reached into her pocket and plucked out a compact mirror. She dabbed a fine layer of powder over her nose and peered carefully at her eyes, making sure that the eye drops hadn’t worn off yet. Good, they’re not bloodshot. That would make a bad impression, she thought.

She took a deep breath, carefully rehearsing in her mind what she wanted to say. After all, what could she say? These weren’t normal circumstances.

“I deserve it,” she muttered to herself, trying to sound certain. “After all, it’s my money, too. Not my fault I was in rehab… ah, who am I kidding? It’ll be a miracle if I can get a penny. Never mind that my brother apparently has all the money he could use. Never mind that I deserve my share. Things never go my way anyway. Life’s a real b***h.”

She sighed, spat her wad of gum out into the grass, and approached the door.


“So, my cousin and a friend of his are going to come to visit soon,” Graham said. “Seems my little cousin’s getting something of a following for his solo work, which is getting all kinds of attention for his band.”

“I still can’t believe I didn’t realize that Steve McDullen is your cousin,” Valo mused. “I mean… the accent… and the musical talent… and you guys even kind of look similar.”

Graham shrugged. “I don’t think we look so much alike,” he replied. “But, he’s a nice enough guy, so we’re letting him stay with us for a week or so while he takes care of things here in the States.”

“Well, I’m looking forward to meeting him,” S remarked. “I’ve seen some of his work and heard some of his songs. He’s quite talented.”

“Mm… yes, he is,” Graham replied slowly. “But I’m not so fond of his friend.”

“Oh, yeah?” Charise asked. “Why’s that?”

Graham made a face. “I get the feeling his friend is just riding on Steve’s coattails. You know, trying to become famous by association,” he responded.

“What makes you think that?” Charise asked.

“Wait, by his friend, you don’t mean Chad Phelps?” Valo asked. She rolled her eyes. “That no-talent hack?”

“The same,” Graham replied. To the others, he explained, “Chad wants to be an actor, but he has slightly more acting range than a brick wall. In everything I’ve seen him in, he’s acted the same. What makes matters worse is… well… I hear Chad’s going to appear in Steve’s band’s music video. Publicity for someone who just doesn’t deserve it.”


“Well, maybe Steve will come to his senses. It does happen sometimes,” Charise said. “I just wouldn’t want something good to happen to someone who doesn’t deserve it.”

Just then, the doorbell rang. “I’ll get it,” S said, rising and hurrying over to the door. He opened the door and stared at the woman standing on the doorstep. His mouth dropped open, and he said, astonished, “It’s… it’s you.”

“I’m surprised that you remember me after all these years… little brother,” the woman replied.