IMPORTANT! - Lead-in. This is a lead-in. Please bear that in mind.
Love
"Chelsea," father calls out, smiling widely.
"Father," I say obediently.
He pats my head proudly. "Only a few days now,"
"I know, father," I say lovingly, obediently.
Father puts on his hat and leaves. Father went through the door I did a few days ago; when Vaughn, no, the trader, was here. He is so cruel, and I was so stupid.
A book lands in front of me, and I jerk back. Looking up, I see Claire with her back to me, washing the dishes. I don't understand her behaviour lately, and it worries me. Claire and I have never argued before. If she isn't happy about me, then I don't know what I'll do.
"Claire?" I ask, tentatively. "Is everything alright?"
A loud smashing sound reaches me, and I jump up, worried. She instantly waves me off, and sighs tiredly. As upset as I am, I can see how she wants to be alone. I can't leave her though. I have to find out why she's like this. My sister is all I have, because father is always away.
I move to speak to her, but stop dead in my tracks. Wide-eyed and surprised, I stare out the window. I push my chair away, tripping over my feet as I run out.
I cannot believe he's so foolish.
A hand darts out and grabs Chelsea's wrist. She stops, and reluctantly turns to look at Vaughn. The sadness in her eyes surprises him, and she uses it to her benefit. With a huff, she slaps him away and flees. Unable to stop her, Vaughn watches her disappear in the crowd. A wave of defeat sweeps over him. He decides to leave her be.
"I'm sorry,"
Surprised, Vaughn turns to look behind him. His eyes are wide and incredulous, and he hadn't expected to be approached by this person.
"Julia, why are you looking at me like that?" Chelsea asks, upset.
Hands on her hips, Julia frowns. "Well, Chelsea, what do you think?"
"I don't know," she whispers quietly.
"There's no easy way to tell you this," Julia sighs. "You're a mess. You haven't slept well, have you? Chelsea, I'm worried, I really am."
"I'm fine, I promise," Chelsea smiles. "You don't have to worry."
"Of course I have to worry Chelsea!" Julia exclaims. "Dad's not doing too well at the saloon. Besides, after what I went through to reserve him, you could at least speak to Vaughn."
"The trader is no concern of mine," Chelsea replies, haughtily.
"'The trader', really Chelsea? Do you despise him that much?" Julia asks. "Please Chelsea, you can't hate him. You've never hated anyone, don't let him get to you like this."
"He lied, Julia," Chelsea replies. "He's a disgusting liar."
Julia sighs and wraps her arm around Chelsea. "Yes, he's a liar, but you're the one that's hurt. You trusted him, didn't you? That's why you're upset."
"Only a little bit," Chelsea says, quietly.
"See, it's good to talk about disgusting liars! It makes you feel all nice inside," Julia grins. "Oh, looks like I need to go now. Take care, Chelsea!"
Chelsea frowns with a speculative, deep in thought expression.
Author's Note: Sorry it's so late. Sorry about the quality. Next chapter is really quite good. This is an important chapter all the same.