To RandomFanAuthor- Jason's Official Naptime Ceremony. I quite like that. I'm going to finish the Christmas bit first, but for Jason's Official Naptime Ceremony... should I include spoilers? Am I feeling nice? I may even name it Jason's Official Naptime Ceremony if I do write it. Actually, I have an idea. ^_^

To Guest- (Chapter 1) I don't have an idea for that chapter, but I do have one for the title! The Hills are Alive with the Sound of Music! Hahaha, I'm a genius. I'll make a list of requests, and start on them after the Christmas bit!

Reyna had heard a little about Jessica's mother, Denise. Louisa did not have a kind word to say about her, but she was nothing like Reyna had expected.

A short woman, in her seventies, greying blonde hair pulled back in a bun. Her shoulders hunched beneath a black woollen cardigan over a dusty blue blouse, tucked into a grey pencil skirt without a single crease. Her black shoes were laced tightly and shone brighter than the Christmas lights. Her round face was wrinkled and scowling, blue eyes so similar in colour to Jessica's but so much colder and spiteful. She surveyed the gathering, her knobbly knuckles white with grip on her cane. Mr. Chase offered her his seat, to which she only scoffed.

Jessica dragged Louisa in, Reyna shoving her from behind, ignoring her protests. They decided it was best to leave the half-eaten trifle in one of the bedrooms. "Say nothing." Jessica advised. "We never saw a trifle, OK?" Reyna nodded agreement. Louisa told her where to stick the trifle.

"Ah. There you are." Denise remarked stiffly. "Who are these people?"

"Mom-" Jessica began. Denise's eyebrow shot up, eyes hardening. Jessica bit the inside of her cheek. "Mother," she corrected tightly, "let me make introductions." She smiled as if someone had shoved needles into her spine. Her hand hovered over her mother's back, to guide her on, but Denise had clocked Reyna. She eyed her up and down, coming to a sour conclusion. Jessica closed her eyes for the count of three. Louisa bristled beside Reyna. "Mother. This is Reyna. Lou's… friend." She winced apologetically.

"And where is she from?"

"Um…"

"Puerto Rico." Reyna answered.

"Mmph. Here for our jobs, I suppose." Denise scoffed. Reyna began to retort, Jessica cutting a hand across her throat, stopping her. She let the temper simmer in her chest, sensing Louisa's distaste rolling from her in waves.

"Reyna is a good friend of Louisa's, Mother. They… study together. And she keeps Lou out of trouble. Mostly." Jessica added quietly.

"And how did she get here?"

"By pirate ship." Reyna interjected. "My sister and I worked on an island for a powerful woman, but then Louisa's brother came along and caused havoc, setting free some rather undesirable men. My sister took charge of their vessel and we rebuilt our lives here."

"Smugglers."

"Sorceresses, spa therapists and guinea pigs, actually."

"You would believe anything on those kinds of substances. Louisa's wretched father, he smuggles too. Bet you were all some little gang."

"I don't even know if I want to respond to you."

"Don't." Louisa advised. Denise's gaze cut to her, narrowing her eyes. Louisa sighed. "What is it this time?"

"Your attitude remains unchanged. As does your clothing. When will you dress like a respectable young lady?" Louisa stared back at her, bored. "Respond when I am talking to you." Denise ordered briskly. Louisa pursed her lips, giving the slightest shake of her head.

Lizzie chose that moment to butt in, slinging her arm around Jessica's shoulders.

"What's all this then?" She smiled, inspecting them all warily. She regarded Denise, smile wilting. She looked to Jessica, who simply nodded, and then back to the elder, smile once again shining. "Ah. So you must be the one who put me up for adoption before my mom even met me. Nice to finally put a face to the cruelty." She held her hand out. Louisa tensed, entranced. "Now, I don't know how you Americans greet people, but in Australia we shake hands. Fun fact about me, after bouncing through foster home after foster home and working dead-end jobs where I was sworn at and spat on and hit and breaking up with my fiancé, I managed to get a visa to move to Australia. I've met venomous spiders more pleasant than you."

"Like that's hard." Louisa muttered, smirking. "Here, Nan, why don't ya go 'n' see if there's a trifle? Bet ya hungry after all ya judgin' 'n' racism 'n' tearin' kids away from their moms."

"I am not your grandmother." Denise spat.

"Yeah, well, you are mine." Lizzie waggled her hand. "My arm's getting tired, do I need to teach you basic manners?"

"You be quiet. You were a curse from the moment you were born."

"OK, boomer."