Disclaimer: As much as I wish it did, the figures in this story are property to Monsieur Leroux.
Christine looked at her thin, feminine figure in the mirror. She huffed. What she saw didn't please her and she wasn't sure she'd ever approve of her looks. She didn't think she'd ever feel complete anymore, not with her looks, her emotions, her relationships. It was all just too confusing.
Tears swelled up in her eyes as they often did now, but she refused to let herself cry. She'd often have these mood swings and break down in tears. She blamed it on hormones; she knew it was because of her father. Moping around, crying every time something reminded her of her of him. She could tell it was beginning to unnerve her friends, and what family she had left.
Meg and her mother, Denise, took her in her time of need. They tried to make her happy to their best abilities. Christine appreciated them more then they would ever know. But she just didn't feel she had it in her to cope with her father's death, or at least she didn't think she did. Meg, being the cheerful and optimistic of the two always pointed out the wonderful things to live for in life. Christine couldn't help but smile when Meg pointed out the most random things to be happy for.
"You're the best friend a girl could ever ask for. You know that, right?" Christine smiled, wiping at her tears as she looked at the reflection of Meg in the mirror next to her. Meg placed a hand on Christine's shoulder and giggled,
"Of course I know that, Christine. Don't be silly," Meg winked at her. Receiving one smile or laugh from Christine a day was a major accomplishment. Christine had been very difficult to deal with the past few months, but she understood her pain. Meg had to cope with the sorrow when her father had also died, a piece of her had died with him and it had taken till only a few years ago for her to move on.
Meg reached over and handed Christine a handkerchief, Christine gladly taking it. Dabbing at her tear streaked cheeks; she turned around to face Meg, laughing at herself a little. "Look at me crying again."
Meg rolled her eyes, giving Christine's shoulder a tight squeeze of reassurance. "Honestly Christine. It's alright to cry, no one thinks less of you when you do. I know you're going through a tough time right now," Meg's eyes wandered past Christine. "I just wish there was more I could do to help."
Christine bit the inside of her cheek to keep herself from crying again. "You couldn't do anymore for me, Meg Giry. I'd really prefer you to stop trying to help me so much. I've dragged this on too long. I need to stand back up on my own two feet. I'm tired of taking advantage of you and your mum." Meg's eyes widened.
"Christine! You know how much we love you. You aren't taking advantage, just gaining more family. Mum just sees you as another daughter after all these years we've grown up with each other." Christine scoffed and turned back to her reflection, deciding to just pull it back in a French braid.
"I'm going to get a job, Meg. At least let me do that. Then I won't feel like I'm just another burden to take care of, please understand Meg," Christine said, her large brown eyes begging for acceptance.
Meg nodded slowly, wishing the decision didn't have to be up to her. "Just know that we aren't expecting this of you Christine. If you feel that you want to quit for any reason, do so. We just want you to be happy."
Christine smiled and hugged her friend. She didn't plan on wasting any time in trying to find a job. Hopefully a job she'd like. She grabbed Meg's hand, pulling her with her out of the room and down the stairs. "OK, I need today's paper and an omlette."
Meg rolled her eyes and pulled out a pan and eggs after they'd entered the kitchen, "What kind of job are you looking for?"
Christine grabbed the newspaper, flipping to the Classifieds. "I was hoping for something that might have to do with music. Wishful thinking I suppose."
"There has to be something that would suit you," Meg replied, looking over Christine's shoulder.
Denise walked in, struggling to carry the heavy grocery bags slung onto her arms. Setting the bags she had she huffed, turning to look at the two girls, their faces pressed close to the newspaper. "And when did you two take a sudden interest in what's happening in the world? Besides, of course, what the celebrities wore to the Grammies," Denise chuckled.
"Oh, very funny, mum. We're actually looking for a job for Christine. She insists that she gets one because she feels she's taking us for granted." Denise's eyes grew wide.
"My dear, how could you think such thoughts?" Christine's pale cheeks flushed with color as she looked away.
"Thank you, Meg," Christine mumbled. She looked back up at Denise, "Really, I must. It'll only make me feel better."
Denise stared into Christine's large brown eyes for a few moments before shrugging and giving Christine a little smile. "You can start by helping me get the rest of these groceries in, the both of you!" Denise chuckled, swatting at them playfully as they scattered off towards the door.
Author's Note: I'm terribly sorry that this chapter is so short but there isn't much to say yet. It'll get better, I promise.