EIGHTY FIVE

' Thank you so much kids." Mr Smith says and pulls them tight in an embrace. ' We haven't done anything yet, Mr Smith. We only got her Ladyness to give you some freedom. We still have to gather more evidence and prove your innocence." Arianna says, relieved to finally see a smile on Paul's face. ' All the same I am proud of you kids. Thank you so much for helping." Mr Smith replies. ' It's fine, Mr Smith. Our Friend's Dad is our Dad too." Ian chirps in. ' Yes Mr Smith." Aurora responds. ' I'm exceptionally glad that I am out for your birthday. My next hearing is in seven days and your birthday is in five days." Mr Smith says. ' My birthday isn't as important as finding evidences to finally get you out." Paul replies. ' It is, Son. It's a reminder that I have you." Mr Smith says softly and cups up his chin to stare into Paul's eyes with so much love that Arianna realizes what the council would have snatched from him. It makes her wonder how he would have ended up after that. ' We should go Dad. Mom must be waiting outside." Paul says, holding onto his Father's left arm then turn around to face his friends. ' Thank you so much guys. Thank you." He thanks and they walk away. ' Arianna Melville!." Aunt Fiona calls out from behind as she storms towards her angrily. ' You guys go on ahead, I will catch up." Arianna tells the others. ' No, we aren't leaving you to deal with this." Aurora replies. Yes, she is not in support of this newly found fight with Aunt Fiona but never is she going to leave her friend to get roasted alone. ' I got this guys. I'm fine." Arianna assures. ' Okay. We will be outside." Ian replies and they exit. ' Okay guys." She responds and watches them walk away. ' What the hell was that all about!!." Aunt Fiona yells. ' Hi, Aunt Fiona." Arianna greets in a fake voice with a fake smile plastered on her face. ' That doesn't answer my question." She snaps. ' Oh! Dear sweet Aunt. You seem so angry about something. Might I ask what that might be?." Arianna says sweetly. ' Oh yes! Just fake ignorance. Like you didn't just accuse me of murder hours ago." Aunt Fiona replies. ' Oh! Did I?." She gasps, pretending to forget. ' Would you do me a favor of telling me what my exact words were?." Arianna says in pretense. ' You little br…." Aunt Fiona pauses and heaved a sigh. ' I didn't kill anyone." She adds. ' I never asked you." Arianna shrugs and replies. ' You need to stop doing this. Coming to an absurd conclusion based on half baked evidences." She says. ' It all makes sense to me, Aunt Fiona. What I don't understand is why you had to kill her too. What ever harm did the poor innocent soul do to you?." Arianna says, the image of it still fresh in her mind. ' I killed no one!." She roars. ' Get that straight, little niece. I killed no one. Whoever killed them must be the one doing this but why is what I do not understand." She adds. ' Lady Penelope said someone had the case re-registered. Do you have any idea on who that might be?." Arianna asks. ' How would I know that!." Aunt Fiona snaps. ' Because you did it. You must have done that to avoid being suspected but what Paul's Dad had to do this all this is mysterious and only you can clear up the air." Arianna accuses. She desperately wants to get words out from her mouth. ' What are you talking about?." She asks innocently. ' Did you have any sort of affair with Mr Smith?. Because I know better than to expect any more from you." Arianna replies. ' You little…" She withholds cussing out in anger and points a finger to her. ' Mind what you say." She threatens. ' I will, Aunt. Only that this is true. Tell me how long is has been? How long were you guys dating for? Did he know of……" A slap lands on her left cheek before she can finish the statement. ' What guts you have young woman to accuse me of all that?." She snarls. ' I trained up, I bathed you. I took care of you when no one else wanted to and what did I get in return. Huh!. This!. This disrespect." She pauses to take in some fresh air. ' This is to inform you young woman that you are henceforth banned from coming to my house." She commands. ' That house belongs to my Father." Arianna snaps. ' Belonged and it's mine now!." She roars and stomps away before Arianna can give her a response. Ian runs over to Arianna the minute she drags her legs out of the door. ' What's wrong?." Ian asks worriedly. ' I'm homeless. I'm not just an orphan but now I am an homeless one. I…I.." She stammers, tears running down her cheeks. ' My Aunt banned me from coming back home." She explains and breaks down. ' What else were you expecting, Ari?. You called her a murderer in front of the council. That is a grievous offense." Aurora chirps in. They had not noticed her come closer. ' But I just thought..I thought she did." Arianna continues while crying. ' I did tell you guys to gather more evidence first and be sure but since the deal is done now. You are free to stay at my place." Aurora volunteers. She knows well enough that her family will definitely accept her plus she hates seeing her friends in ang miserable state. ' Really?." She asks. ' Of course, Ari. You are my best friend." Aurora responds. ' Thank you Aurora." Arianna thanks and gets up to pull Aurora in a hug.