This is getting boring. I mean really, how many time have I already watched “Moulin Rogue” in this freaking TV? I walked around the window of the count’s Victorian mansion and stared outside. Don’t get me wrong. I love La Rochelle. Since I moved to France with Mom’s husband during senior year, I did nothing but shop, walk and experience life in France’s posh little town. After mom and dad’s divorce back in middle school, Mom decided to move back to France to pursue her modeling career and met Victor LeVonne who was the count of La Rochelle. So technically, this was my second family and I had a pretty fun time here. But of course, things can get boring when you do the same thing every day of your life.

“Bon jour, Miss Amber, there’s a letter for you from U. S.” Alicia, the housekeeper, came in the living room. Oh good. I love letters. I smiled and held my hand out. The letter included a white envelope including a brown one labeled with East Campbell University. What could ECU want from me? I was supposed to go to college but then I got bored at East Campbell when I was in senior year so I begged Daddy to let me move in with Mom here in France. Of course, Dad thought my mom brainwashed me. Haha. I enrolled in modeling school here in France for the last two years and now that it was vacation I couldn’t help thinking if my life would be better in the States. Many people would have thought studying in France would be oh-so-glamorous but when you get tired of it you just wish you could have stayed with your American friends. Speaking of friends, I kind of missed Megan.

So anyway, back to the letter. I sat by the window seat and read it. Addressed to moi, Miss Amber D. Hampton, from Dean Albert Hamilton. Now what was that? Why was the dean writing to me? I read the letter saying that the Dean himself wants me to come back to EC and get a degree. But that was just the side agenda. The main point of it was the cheerleading squad of the university, The ECU Blue Phoenix, needs me to be their captain in preparation for the upcoming National Collegiate Cheerleading Championship. Their former captain Macy Easton had been expelled because of illegal drug use. Too bad. Hmm..but this was good. I actually smiled at the thought of cheerleading again. I’m really passionate about cheerleading and everyone in EC knows how good I was back in high school. I led the ECH to five straight cheerleading championships. And well, when I got to France, all my cheerleading vibes somehow just got lost. I mean, who would cheer in France? People here are all about poise and grand balls and all those Audrey Hepburn stuff.

There was an attached application form with the letter. Of course, I knew that was just formality. Filling out that form meant my acceptance of the position. So what now? Leave France? Leave my luxurious life as the count’s stepdaughter? Not that I didn’t have a wealthy life in East Campbell. My dad’s family is the most influential and wealthiest in town. Just say you’re a Hampton and everyone looks up to you. The perks of being politicians really do pay off for us Hamptons. And East Campbell is a beautiful town too. It’s the Paris and New York of San Francisco.

I looked at the tv screen again. East Campbell or La Rochelle? Daddy wouldn’t mind what I’d decide to do anyway. I’m not even sure if he knew the dean wrote to me.

“Tell Cassie I need the dress to be altered. There’s no way I’m wearing that short of a slit.” Mom’s voice echoed through the hallway. I guess she just came home from her photo shoot for the magazine. For her age of 42, mom was still the most beautiful woman I’ve ever seen with her long legs and perfect posture. Many people say I got my perfect features from her and of course my lovely brunette locks from Dad. Too bad it didn’t work out for her and dad. They could have beaten Brangelina.

Dad was still starting as a businessman when he met mom, who came to East Campbell as a tourist. Of course, who would not have fallen for the perfect Guinevere Durant? So they married but too bad my Grandma never liked Mom. She said mom was too much of a control freak. Well, that was my mom. She’s really independent and would never let some politically-obsessed in-laws to control her. That started to destroy their relationship when my grandma, Amelia Hampton, arranged some whore (I’m sorry for the term) to have an affair with Dad. So my mom decided to file divorce and moved back to La Rochelle where she married Victor and became his countess. I was in middle school when this happened. Of course, being the only daughter, I was torn between choosing to stay with dad or mom. I stayed with dad until senior year when I got bored of the town and the politics in the Hamptons so I decided to go with mom to France. I didn’t think Daddy even had time to convince me to stay as he was always busy with business. Daddy’s always swarmed with women after he got divorced by mom. Women who would try to make their way in our family for fame and money. Of course, daddy was the most eligible bachelor of the town as you would call it so I got used to seeing different women walk into the mansion every week.

Mom looked at me through her sunglasses. “Honey, were you here all day?”

“Yes?” I answered slowly. What’s wrong if I was watching Moulin Rogue all day? I was too lazy to go around the town anyway. I wanted a different routine. Could it be…I glanced at the envelope I was holding. It slipped out of my mind that I was supposed to hide it from her. Too late.

“What’s that?” Mom had already seen it. She swiped it from the window seat and checked the flap. “A letter from East Campbell University?”

I pretended as though I didn’t care. I shrugged. “Oh yeah. I think they’re out of prominent people back there so they’re asking me to come back.” I laughed.

Mom scrutinized the letter. Uh-oh. I hope she wasn’t thinking of asking Dad if he just made this up to make me come back. I’ve had enough of family drama in middle school. But to my surprise, Mom looked up and her lips curled up to smile.

“Honey, this is great! Head cheerleader? Do you know what that means? You’ll get to wear your cheerleading uniform again and get back into shape! Come to think of it I missed seeing you practicing your routines.”

Wow. So much for family drama. Yes it was good that mom still believes in my cheerleading skills but it was strange that she didn’t even protest with the idea of me going back to the States.

“You want me to take it?”

“Of course! Why not?” She waved the envelope as if it was a lottery ticket. “I mean, Amber, I know how much you love to cheer. We all know you’re the best cheerleader East Campbell had. And besides, you get to get a serious degree and finish college there.”

“But Mom that would mean dropping out of modeling school and leaving France. I didn’t think you’d be happy about that.” I pointed out.

Mom bit her lip hesitantly. “Of course I feel a bit bad that you’re leaving but this is your passion, Amber. This is about you and I know you’ll do great in East Campbell.”

“What? So you think I’m not good enough to be taking modeling courses?” What’s wrong with this picture?

Mom held my hand with her dainty fingers. “Of course not, honey. You’re perfect. It’s just that, honestly, I don’t think this is your life yet. Sure modeling is great, but Amber, what I want for you is to get a degree from a normal university. Be a normal student.” She sighed. “This isn’t the life I wanted for you darling. At least not yet. You ought to go out into the world. Get a college degree and do what you love. That’s what you do best. Not to be stuck in some modeling school. You can be a model anytime. I know in East Campbell, that’s where you should be.”

Now I really didn’t feel bad at all about what she said. Maybe because part of me knew she was right.

“Well, when you put it that way…”

“Victor was really happy you chose to stay with us and he really loves you. But I know your dad misses you too and it would really surprise him if you come back to the Hamptons.” Mom smiled.

And just then, my grandmother, Martina Durant, entered the room with her chauffeur Crisanto followed by Victor’s American Bulldog, Federico. Federico looked as fat and lazy as ever as if walking was too challenging for him. Poor dog.

“Who’s coming back to the Hamptons?” Her shrilly voice boomed. I swear my grandmother could have joined the Nazis.

Uh-oh. Here goes trouble. Granny hates the Hamptons as much as she hated Federico trotting behind her all the time. It was such a joy to her when Mom married Viktor. As she would say, “Elegant Frenchwomen don’t fit with dirty American politicians.”

Mom glanced at her and smiled. “Amber is going back to the States, Mother.”

“Mom!” I protested. I didn’t want Granny to start lecturing me again on why she detests American teenagers. “I didn’t say I was going back yet.”

“Oh you are.” She waved the envelope again.

Granny was shocked. She darted me one of her dirty looks. “What was that? Do you even know what you are doing Amber?”

“Look Granny, I’m so sorry. The letter just came in today…”

“I don’t care what that stupid letter says.” Granny cut me off. “You can’t go back there. You’ll ruin your life. Your life’s perfect here. You have me, your mother, Victor…”

“And Federico.” Crisanto chimed in. I couldn’t help but laugh. I’ve grown attached to the family pet.

“Oh shut up Crisanto.” Granny crossed her arms. “Is this Richard again?”

“Oh mother you are overreacting.” Mom stood up. “I just decided I want Amber to be a normal girl, that’s all.”

“Amber isn’t normal! She’s special and she’s the count’s stepdaughter!” Granny narrowed her eyes.

I decided I was going to have to choose for myself to stop their bickering. This was hard. Letting go of my perfect French lifestyle to go back to the posh Hamptons. But I knew I had to take the position for the squad. It was up to me and after the entire honor that East Campbell has given me in cheerleading, I ought to save the squad. I knew I had to go back. I’m still a Hampton after all. I took a deep breath.

‘I’m going back.” I said loudly to drown their voices. “I’m going back to the States.” I smiled at mom. She smiled back. Granny smirked. I knew she was going to hate me for this. But Granny loves me too much. She’ll understand.

“As you wish.” Granny said. “Don’t blame me if you hate it.”

“Don’t worry, Granny. I’ll live.” I smiled and hugged her. “I’ll call you everyday of course.”

Mom gave me a pat on the shoulder. “I’ll have my secretary book your ticket.”

Granny sighed. Oh how I’ll miss her constant lectures about proper behavior of French ladies and having scones and croissants with her during breakfast. “When are you leaving?”

I pulled away. “On Saturday.”

“Saturday is too soon!” She protested. “You haven’t even made your debut in modeling yet.”

“Modeling can wait, Granny.” I smiled and looked at Mom. “I’ll go and call Megan.” I grabbed the letter from her and climbed up the grand staircase that led to my room.

I was excited to be back. See you soon East Campbell. Look out, Amber Hampton’s back.

My head was aching like hell. How much vodka did I have? God I lost count. Good thing Mom sent the limo to get me home. I got up groggily from bed and went to the bathroom. School’s starting again in a few weeks. No more late night escapades, just boring professors.

“Hey,sis.” My twin brother, Aaron Hampton stopped by my room. And I forgot I was just wearing my undies. Aaron let out a whistle. I smacked him with a pillow and he laughed.

“You gotta stop doing that.” Aaron just laughed and walked away.

“Hey! Where are you going?” I asked with my toothbrush in my hand.

“I’m meeting Marcus at the golf course!” He shouted.

Great. Brother’s busy and I have nowhere to go again. I must have swept down all the bars and clubs in East Campbell already.

“Meg! Breakfast’s ready and I’ve got to go and meet with Clint Kameron today. He loves my designs. I can’t wait to get him.” Mom smiled.

I lay down on my bed and pretended to be sick. “Mom, I don’t really feel well. Why don’t you just cancel with Clint and go to Cambridge with me?” I smiled hopefully.

Cambridge is EC’s most prominent shopping centre. I really love going there with my best friend and cousin, Amber Hampton, before she moved to France. When Amber left, life just became dull for me. It was just different when she was here. We would just spend after school getting coffee in Starbucks and telling stories, chatting the night away then we’d go to Cambridge and check the latest styles. When Amber decided to go to France, I was left in East Campbell University with so many people wanting to be my friend but really just wanted to have fame. So most of the time, I would just keep to myself and go to different bars and drink to unwind.

I wasn’t really alcoholic. It was just a way to pass time and boredom. It started when my dad, the congressman Henry Hampton, died of cardiac arrest. The whole family was devastated. Dad was the one who continued the Hampton’s legacy in politics because his older brother, Richard Hampton. Who is also Amber’s dad, decided to choose a different path. So dad died and I got depressed. I was daddy’s little girl. So when he was gone, I started drinking until my grandma, Amelia, decided to threaten me to be sent to a rehab clinic in L.A. if I didn’t stop it. According to her, “I ruined the Hampton’s reputation.”

I got over Dad’s death pretty well or maybe I was just scared of going to the rehab. I don’t know which. I was always the rebellious one among the clan and well, Amber had always been the model Hampton. But that never came in between me and her. We were best friends since birth or maybe we were the only ones who truly understood each other.

I turned up the radio in my room and started humming with Lady Gaga’s “Just Dance”. Now, where will I be hanging out tonight? The Marigold Park? There are too many people there. The thing with East Campbell is that it was such a small town where everyone might as well have known each other and privacy wasn’t in. I was always thinking that being a Hampton, if ever Amber decided to return she’ll get the paparazzi treatment again. Gosh, people just can’t get enough of our lives.

Or maybe I could just head to the salon and get a spa or whatever. I grabbed a copy of Marie Clare magazine that was scattered on my bed when the phone rang. I looked at the screen. It was Amber.

“Hey,Amber!” I was so glad to hear from her again. It’s hard when you miss your bff sometimes. “I missed you!”

“Hey,Meg!” Amber sounded breathless as if she just couldn’t hold herself from excitement. I was expecting her to tell me she got a spot in France’s next Top Model. “Guess what? I have great news and I know this will totally blow you off.”

So yeah, I guess she really got one. “You got in the Next Top Model?”

Amber laughed. “I wish. Mom’s the only one who could pull that off, I guess. But this one’s just as great.”

“Hmm…Damon proposed to you?” Damon is Amber’s boyfriend in France. They’re dating each other for almost a year now and the guy is really hooked to Amber. I don’t blame him. Amber is everyone’s idea of perfection.

“That’s too far! And if he did, well you wouldn’t see me in U. S. again.” She joked.

I was getting impatient. “So why don’t you just tell me what it is?’ I studied my French-tipped nails.

“I’m coming back.” Her voice echoed as if it was music to my ears.

“What?!” I almost shrieked with joy. “You’re kidding me.” That was almost impossible. Amber loved France. And she loves her mom too much. That was why even though it was hard for me to know that she was leaving town in senior year, I knew France was her happiness. So something big must have come up that convinced her to return.

“No I’m not. I’m coming back on Saturday. Mom already booked my flight.”

“You mean you’re coming back, back for good?”

“Yes Meg. Amber’s back so you better get the town ready.”

I laughed. It was really great. No more solo flights and boring weekends. My bff’s back.

“But why? I mean I’m really glad and ecstatic that you’re coming back but it’s just intriguing. You love France, Amber. That’s your paradise.”

“Well let’s just say paradise could get a bit boring sometimes. I just want to go back and do things we used to do together. It’s not the same without you, Megan.”

“That’s sweet.” I laughed. “Well you better fill me in when you get back here. Have you decided what to major in?”

“I’m thinking of Dance. But of course I need to be practical. Political Economy maybe.”

“Well, Dad would have been happy to hear that if he was still alive.” I laughed. “I’m so excited to see you, Amber. So see you Saturday then?”

“Yup. Oh, but do keep it as a surprise for Daddy okay?” She said. “I want to see his face when I walk into the mansion.”

I laughed. Surely, Uncle Richard would be so glad to have his daughter back. “Right. I missed you, Amber. See you!”

“Me too, Meg. Bye!’ She hung up. I couldn’t help grinning. With me and Amber back together, we’re going to take East Campbell by storm.

I looked at my reflection on the mirror. Hmm…school’s starting next week. Better get a makeover and party ‘til I drop. My phone rang again.

‘Hey, Megan Hampton, speaking.”

“Hi Miss Hampton, I’d just want to invite you to the opening of our bar downtown at the Smith. This is Jules Harris of Frontline Club, by the way. It would be a pleasure if you get to try our new drinks. They’re going to be the best in town, I promise you that.”

Oh great! A new bar where I won’t be seeing the same people. And it was downtown in Smith which is the quietest place in town. A few drinks won’t be too bad I guess. And besides, with school coming up I better get a taste of the ‘best’ drinks as what Jules Harris was saying.

I walked into my closet and smiled. “Sure. I’ll be there.”

“Thanks a lot Miss Hampton. I’ll see you!”

I pulled out my black mini dress and killer stilettos. This would be my last night partying alone. Of course, when Amber gets back I knew she would always be there to nag me about barhopping. I threw the dress on my bed and stepped in the shower. In junior year, Megan Hampton the wild child will be gone. At least for a while.

I was walking down the alley of London streets carrying the clothes I’ve just picked up from the laundry shop. Two weeks to go and I was going back to East Campbell.

Home sweet home. My smile widened as I remembered the last time I had been there which was back in eighth grade. Now I was going back for college. Hopefully, EC will welcome me with open arms.

I snorted. Yeah right. Of course East Campbell doesn’t clearly recognize me with a flowery name unlike my prima donna cousin Amber. Everyone loves that girl and I just don’t know why. I mean, I WAS also a Hampton. “Was” is the right word. Because obviously, the prestigious Hamptons do not like and recognize me as one of their princesses as much as they treasure Megan and Amber.

Honestly, I would win over Megan if we were talking about proper Hampton behavior. How many local news papers had my dear cousin headed because of the scandals she made in EC’s bars? But then again, it wasn’t because my mom was the Hampton. In fact, Mom should have been their priceless jewel being the only girl among the three children. It was because Mom got married to a commoner from London. Those shallow Hamptons really knocked it off when they started telling the press that Margaret Hampton is not with the clan anymore since she chose to run off with a lame journalist who just happens to be the best father on earth.

I knocked on the door of our small flat at Mayshield Street. Dad was holding a bottle of Coors Light when he opened it.

“Tammy, what took you so long to get a bunch of clothes?” He put down his beer on the table and helped me carry the pile of clothes.

“Oh I just passed by the coffee shop to get some frappe.” I gave him a peck on the cheek. “You’re early today.”

“Oh yeah. I took time off to make sure you get your things ready for next Sunday. I fixed your papers at school. By the way, Mr. Fraser said you better consider that offer from King’s College.”

You might have thought I was out of my mind to choose to go back at a local town in U. S. when I got an offer from one of U.K.’s most renowned colleges.

I was an active student in our High school so our headmaster, Mr. Fraser, endorsed me to get a pre-law degree at King’s College. But I never had passion for those things. I’ve always wanted to take the Liberal Arts but in order to get to King’s, I couldn’t choose my degree. So I chose to decline the offer. Guess I won’t die without fame. Unlike my so-called clan.

It really irks me when I think how the Hamptons rely on fame and power for their wealth. I should be lucky I wasn’t known as a Hampton rather as an unknown, unnoticeable Tamara Sherwood. But as time, I thought to myself that I wanted to prove these shallow Hamptons that I deserved to be recognized as one of them. I can do what their Princess Amber can. In fact, I could even do better. Not just because I was a daughter of a commoner didn’t mean Amber was better just because she was the daughter of a business tycoon.

This was one of the reasons why I was so eager to go back to the States. Secretly, I wanted to show them what they had lost when they denied us. I’m Tamara Sherwood and I was going to prove Amber I was better than anything she could be.

“Wow. Thanks, Dad. I thought you’re not excited to move back?” I raised an eyebrow.

Dad put his arm around me. “As long as it makes you happy, there’s no problem.” He gave me a peck on the forehead. “Now why don’t you help me prepare dinner so your Mom could rest when she arrives?”

“Yeah, sure. I’ll just put these in my room.” I climbed up to my room which was an old attic converted to a little cozy room. I’ve got to give it to Dad. He really made it so comfortable. I’m going to miss this.

“Come on, baby! Help me with the pasta!” Dad makes this really cute British accent. He’s really a funny guy and no matter how the stupid Hamptons resent him, I would still choose my father over a bunch of power hungry people.

“Coming!” I shut my closet and rushed downstairs. Mom’s working overtime tonight. Guess she’s working hard to earn money for our move. She works as a florist in one of the flower shops downtown.

“I’m really excited to move back.” I smiled as I set the plates on the table.

Dad looked at me as if searching my face. “Hmm…I can see that.”

I frowned. “Something wrong with my face?”

Dad set down the pan on the stove. “Tammy, you know that I trust you right?”

“Y-yes?”

“So you know what I mean by that. I’m your dad, I set the rules. We go back to your hometown, we start clean and quiet. And most of all, PEACEFUL.”

I laughed and pretended I didn’t know what he was talking about. Of course I knew what he meant. My dad knew me too much to pretend he didn’t know what I may be up to.

“What are you talking about, Dad? It’s not like we’re going to a war or something.”

“Oh we’re not. I’m just reminding you.” He looked at me sternly. “No games, Tammy.”

“Right. No games.” Who was he kidding? I wasn’t one to go down without putting up a fight.

“I’m home!” Mom’s voice called through the front door. I smiled at my dad and rushed to help Mom with the groceries. “Gosh, it’s freezing outside.”

“Of course it is. When did London ever warm up?” I chimed in as if nothing happened back at the kitchen. “That’s why I missed the sun in EC.”

Mom rolled her eyes and removed her coat. “You just wanted a tan.”

“A tan’s not bad.” I smiled and arranged the groceries in the cupboard.

“Hey, beautiful.” Dad kissed mom. “How’s your day?”

Mom sighed. “Busy as usual. I’m glad to be leaving that hell of a shop.”

“Well I guess you better find a new career in the States.”

“Oh, I will.” Mom sat on the chair next to me.

“Why not try Public Relations?” I suggested.

Dad sat down. “Not bad. It’s a good thing I wouldn’t be staying in San Francisco or else we would be over exposed what with you in PR and me in journalism. Better stay in London Gazette.”

“You’re not staying?” I asked surprised. “What do you mean?”

“Oh, Tammy, your dad has decided he’ll have a hard time adjusting to a new job in the States. He doesn’t want to leave the paper.”

“Why not? I mean, what happened to the clean, quiet and PEACEFUL thing you were telling me awhile ago?”

“What was that?” Mom darted Dad a look as if saying, ‘you better didn’t’.

Dad took a sip of his apple juice. “of course I’ll still be there, baby. I’m going to be home for the holidays and whenever I’m allowed to take a leave. You know daddy’s got a promotion coming up and I just can’t take the risk.”

Dad’s an editor in the local events section of the London Gazette. He just told us last month that he’s been considered for the position of assistant editor-in-chief. Of course I understood he wanted that but why give me the talk when he wasn’t even staying with us?

“Oh.” I said flatly.

Mom gave me a pat on the shoulder. “Don’t feel bad, honey. You’re dad’s going to be with us for the first few weeks in EC.”

“Yup.” Dad chimed in as if a few weeks would make up for the disappointment. “I’m going to make sure you’ve fully adjusted before I leave.”

As if we needed that. Come on, we’re still Hamptons. We’re natives of the town. Why didn’t he just say he was worried I’d make a mess when I come back?

“Yeah,okay.” I poked on my pasta. If proving myself wasn’t so important to me, I might have already changed my mind about coming back to San Francisco. It’s going to be hard without Dad. But I had to do this or else no one would give me the respect I deserved as a Hampton.

“Anyway, I’ve found us a good and nice flat downtown the East Campbell. The owner knew your mom’s a Hampton so she didn’t need any guarantee that we’d be able to pay the rent.”

“It’s really big, honey. You’ll have a bigger room and you won’t have to squeeze in a small attic. It’s also beside the beach so you can be assured you can still enjoy the sun.” Mom was trying to cheer me up. Credit it to her to not remember how much I love the beach.

“That’s great.” I smiled. “Just don’t forget the holidays, Dad.”

“Of course.” Dad smiled back.

When dinner was over, Mom came up behind me while I was drying the dishes.

“You ready to go home?” She smiled.

“I’m ecstatic.” I grinned and dried my hands.

“Tamara, I wanted to talk to you about that.” She sat down. I knew where this was leading.

“Yep?”

“I just want to make it clear to you that we won’t be back there to claim anything, nor do anything to be talked and gossiped about.”

Before I could say anything, Mom put her hand up to silence me. “Tammy, I know you. You want to get into the clan.”

Of course not. Why would I want that? My mother didn’t understand at all. I never wanted to get into the Hamptons. I absolutely despised them. I just wanted to make them regret throwing us out.

“You don’t need to claim anything, baby. You are a Hampton. Everything about you is a Hampton. You don’t need them to recognize that and I know your grandparents will soon come around and accept you.”

Well who needed their acceptance?

“So…what are you exactly getting at, Mom?”

“What I’m getting at is don’t mess with the Hamptons. I’d rather have a quiet life than to spark any intrigues again. I gave you the chance to choose what you wanted. Your dad and I wanted you to choose King’s College but we knew you’re going to do great in your chosen degree. We are going to adjust with that no matter how hard it takes. But please, Tammy, promise us no schemes, no grudges and no revenge. They are still your family.”

Well, what a family they are then. I appreciate what Mom and Dad were doing so all I could do was to assure them. I will behave, at least in the meantime.

“You know what, Mom? I don’t know why you’re worrying about that. I want to start with a clean slate too so I promise no messing up with the Hamptons.” I crossed my fingers behind me.

Mom stood up. “That’s my girl.” She smiled and kissed my cheek. “I’ll help your dad in packing.”

Good luck with that. As far as I knew, East Campbell was mine to conquer.”