xp_logs | Monet and Hope: Monet's Departure (Backdated to the late afternoon)

"Monet sat in one of the mansion's cushiest armchairs. She found herself in this chair most days, and she often wondered just when she'd switched from party animal and social butterfly to chair hogging recluse. Still, she was hardly just staring off into space. Instead, she was building what she hoped would be a good portfolio for her first day of college. She'd decided that she'd major in fashion design and, though money was hardly an issue for her, her father still expected her to continue her education. A massive sketchpad had found its home in her super strong hands and she was busy sketching away.

"Hey Monet." Hope greeted as she entered the room, dropping her tote and coat on a nearby chair before dropping down in a chair of her own. She pulled out her phone, tapping quickly and finally a satisfied smile rose on her face before she tucked the phone away again. "So... that is finally finished."

Glancing over she eyes the sketches curiously. "May I ask what you are working on?"

"Hello, Hope. You're looking lovely." Monet offered before she gestured to the pad. "Just sketching out some dress ideas. I start my fashion design classes in a few days." She explained.

"Thank you." Hope replied, glancing quickly at her simple emerald green sheath dress and black blazer. "I did not know you were going to major in fashion design. Where were you going to college again?"

"No one really did. It was, admittedly, a last minute decision on my part. I'm afraid I've been a bit lazy of late." Monet answered. "I plan on attending the Art Institute of New York City. My father is pleased and I believe that I will be reasonably happy also." She answered. "What have you been up to lately? For one such as myself, I've been frightfully out of touch." The coffee skinned young woman finished.

"Mr. Keller has been keeping me busy at work. Since I started full time, I have been getting more involved in the event planning of the various charity events." Hope explained. "And training of course." .."That's wonderful. Perhaps you can drop me an invited sometime. My family is more than happy to give to worthy causes." Monet offered politely. "And your training its going well? If we had drinks right now, I would certainly toast to us both progressing." She added with a soft smile.

"That's wonderful. Perhaps you can drop me an invited sometime. My family is more than happy to give to worthy causes." Monet offered politely. "And your training its going well? If we had drinks right now, I would certainly toast to us both progressing." She added with a soft smile.

"I can probably do that. Are there any particularly kind of causes you family prefers to support?" Hope pulled out her phone again so she could make a note.

"We like to give directly to researching being done on incurable, terminal diseases, as well as to organizations attempting to help those with mental illnesses and their families." She answered succinctly.

"Alright." Hope made a note on her phone before putting it away again. "I will see what charity events are organized the coming few months and if there is one that matches your families interest." And if not something directly, October would bring one most likely.

"Lovely. Perhaps it's time that the St. Croix clan reunites..." Monet trailed off. She gave Hope a smile. "I must say that I appreciate your efforts, Hope." She added.

"It's simply my job, Monet." Hope replied modestly. "Nothing more, nothing less. For how many people should I put you when I send out the invites?"

Monet thought about that for a moment. "I'll request five. My father, mother, sisters and, of course, myself." She answered.

"And noted as well." Hope tucked her phone away and was just about to say anything when a phone that was not hers rang.

Monet looked down at her phone after fishing it from her pocket. She quickly hit the green button before placing it near her ear. "Hello?" She asked. "Oh, hello daddy! I'm doing well and how are you? I trust business is going well?" She asked. She "mhmmmed" and "Uh-huhed" for a few minutes, all while giving Hope a small smile. Her father spoke then, and Monet's jaw fell open. "W-what was that? You and mother want me to come home? What about my powers training?" She asked. Her father spoke once more, and Monet's eyes welled up with tears. "Thank you, daddy. I miss you and mother terribly. And the twins, I couldn't forget about them." She muttered, voice thick with emotion. The two St. Croix's spoke a few more hushed words before Monet hung up. Her arm fell limply down into her lap and she stared down at her phone. Seconds later, she let out a cry and flew up and out of her chair. Careful of the ceiling, she did a few loops before smiling down at Hope. In the few seconds that passed, Monet seemed to compose herself and landed on the ground. "Oh my, I apologize. I don't know what came over me." She stated, a faint smile on her face.

"No worries, Monet. I take it that was good news?" Hope asked, a smile around her lips.

"My father is allowing me to return home. He and my mother miss me terribly, and they believe that I have come far enough along in my training. It's going to be wonderful, seeing Australia again." She stated, hugging herself in glee. "However, I'd still like for you to keep us on that list. It's just a hop onto my father's jet to get back here." She finished.

"I'll do that. And good luck with your trip back home! I'll leave you to go arrange things." Hope tucked her things away and rose from her chair. "First to find some coffee and then back to work..."

"Cheers!" Monet cried as she jogged from the room, smile threatening to crack her face.