X Roads of Michelle R Sweeny & ZETAZEN

Avalon's mom, Karen, made no apologies for her extravagant lifestyle.  Karen was known for giving the best parties in the city.  Politicians from other jurisdictions were known to fly in for the weekend just to attend her soirees.  Even Karen's ex-husbands - including Avalon's father kept a close relationship with Karen just to get an invite.

Avalon never understood her mother's intentions with all her DC connections.  Avalon couldn't understand for the life of her why her father would even entertain her mother's craziness; why would he choose to keep in touch with Karen after their divorce.  Russell Wenn was known to be fixture at all her parties, it would seem nonpolitical to not have him there.

As Greg drove up the hill to the main house, Avalon remembered the day she arrived at the Wenn home in a long sleek black limo.  Karen and Russell Wenn didn't even pick her up from the adoption center.  Avalon's adoption was quiet kept secret.  One would have thought Karen would have made it into a political asset for Russell, but it was Russell who thought it was best that some things were better left unsaid to the public. He believed that not every aspect of his personal life was up for public scrutiny.

Karen never had any biological children. Throughout the years Avalon would ask.  But to no avail, Karen would never answer.  Karen's attitude would change, so Avalon stopped asking. Russell wouldn't even give her any reasons. 

The long drive up the hilly path to the main house seem to have taken forever in Avalon's young mind. At the top, there sat the largest house Avalon had ever seen in her life.  A mansion. Off to the left side was a huge car garage and in the center was a beautiful fountain.  As the limo stopped, Karen and Russell exited the mansion, perfectly dressed.  Karen wore a yellow silk blouse with a bumble bee pendent and black skirt as if she was about to head out to work.  She didn't seem to have a motherly bone in her body.  Russell...he was little more relaxed with this tan Dockers, white shirt and red cardigan.  Avalon paused as she looked at the oddly matched couple while the limo driver opened the door.  

"Well, is she coming out?" Karen asked impatiently.

Russell looked into the car with the softest and caring eyes.  Avalon remembered his first words to her... "It's going to be ok." 

"Is this it?" Greg asked.

Avalon snapped out of her brief memory flashback.

"Oh...oh yeah." 

Greg drove up the well manicured path to the main house.  There were valets parking cars as he drove in front of the beautifully lit fountain.

"I still love that fountain...still...after all these years." Avalon exclaimed.

"How long have your parents lived here?" Greg asked, as he marveled at the sight of the house. 

"Well....it's my mom's family home....so let's just say....many husbands have come and gone, but my mom has remained eternal."

Greg quickly exited the car, while Avalon waited.  Another party she thought.  She promised herself this time she'd stay away from the bar.  The last time wasn't a pretty sight - with her falling into the pool and many people jumping in thinking that was part of the party.  The last thing she needed was another parental lecture from Karen about the media and appearances.  Luckily, for Avalon it wasn't one of Karen's larger all out parties, but just a few trusted friends over.  But Avalon didn't need Greg to know everything about her at this moment in time...in due time she thought. 

Greg opened the door for Avalon.  

"Shall we?" He put his arm out.

Avalon sighed and paused like she usually did when she arrived home. 

"We shall." 

The night was destined to be interesting she thought.....it's always interesting when Karen Wenn Macon Finly is involved. 

To be continued......