Chapter Two
/Please Come Home for Christmas
Friends and relations send salutations
Sure as the stars shine above
But this is Christmas, yes, Christmas, my dear
Some time of year to be with the one you love
So won't you tell me you'll never more roam?
Christmas and New Year's will find you home
There'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain
And I'll be happy, happy once again
Ooh, there'll be no more sorrow, no grief and pain
And I'll be happy, Christmas once again
PLEASE COME HOME FOR CHRISTMAS
Eagles / Unknown Album
Released in approx. 1978
Sean arrived at home after he went to work. He didn't have any intentions of hanging out by the house, he was going to change or grab a water but when he came in the house was clean. He could smell the cleaning products, a candle was lit that smelled good. He saw Ellie was awake toiling away on the computer like always.
What he saw was a different kind of Ellie at the desk. Much to his surprise the house was clean. The pile of dishes was put away clean. It smelled like bacon, even though it was after 4:00 in the afternoon. She heard him come in and she spun around on the swivel chair in a good mood. She was showered, wearing make-up, and had something nice on like a black blazer and some professional business casual slacks. "Hi Sean, glad you're back. I had a meeting today at the Tribune."
Sean by this time had bypassed her and had the fridge open grabbing himself bottled water, she looked like she made some food on the stove beside him but just like the living room the kitchen too, looked immaculate. He couldn't believe what he was seeing. Before he could open his mouth to thank her for cleaning up their home, she got up from her desk excitedly and upbeat, quickly sauntered on over, and planted a rather passionate kiss on his lips. When she pulled away sweetly and softly smiled, "I missed you."
For the first time in forever, he enjoyed her around him, and she was so pretty when she smiled and didn't smell like booze or ashtrays or even marijuana she even had some spritz of Sweet Pea from Bath and Body Works. Emma was a warm vanilla sugar or whatever, but Ellie was pulling out all the stops, making a real effort and that's all Sean ever really wanted from her. He hoped prematurely that perhaps she'd turn a new leaf like he always hoped she would, she's living proof she can do this if she put it aside and tried her best to get out of her stupor and work on sobriety again. The best victory of the day was Ellie wasn't under the influence. She had fresh breath, she brushed her teeth, and outwardly seemed upbeat. She resembled the girl he always loved and stood by in good times but mostly bad, but just grown up. She had understated makeup, she had a little bit of mascara, and some darker brown lipstick, and her long straight red hair was down-brushed with a thick black headband for an extra little touch of flair.
Sean felt like she was back and ready to take over the world like she was capable of. He always wanted for her and for them. He'd waited over a decade for a moment just like this. He also felt like this moment could fleet or go either way, tomorrow she could be down again back on the wagon. He wanted to believe in her so he caved and returned her affection he kissed her back softly, didn't hold back, and went for it. They lingered in the kiss and when they pulled away they were both smiling back at each other like a mirror. She announced to him, "I made some food, I like fried up some bacon for some BLTs there's some guacamole in the fridge if you want to add some to your sandwich. I cleaned all the crumbs out of the toaster and wiped it down, so we'd be able to toast the bread. I have rye, white, and wheat multigrain. Which one? I like rye."
Sean was so touched that he couldn't say no, even if he had a big lunch. She took a piece of bacon off the tray on the stove she had taken out split it in half and gave it to Sean. With his free hand, he took out the guacamole in the container and they made the sandwiches after the toast popped out, "Crispy just like you like it." He wasn't sure of her intentions. She didn't want to delve into the negative and neither did he, they both wanted to bask in this. "I guess we should celebrate. You look beautiful, El." She asked him the question and he never provided an answer, "I'll have wheat."
"Thanks, sweetheart." She quickly yet carefully prepared a sandwich for each of them and cut them in half, put them on paper plates, still preoccupied and focused on making this a nice afternoon for the two of them she added, "I stopped at Novak's for some groceries like the bread, and of course chips, they didn't have barbeque so I got salt and vinegar and ketchup chips."
"I'll take ketchup chips, please. Thanks, Ellie for helping me do the dishes." Ellie took them out of the brown grocery bag from Novaks and with their plates they retreated to the little bar that separated their kitchen from their living room and sat on the little stools. 'Thanks."
"Anytime, I didn't forget they were your favorite."
"They're red just like your hair." He comically teased, opened up the box poured some on his dish and passed them to Ellie who did the same. He teased, "So what's up? What happened at the interview tell me all about it."
She excitedly told him the story. She got this e-mail when she woke up that the tribune is opening the offices again for employees this week right before the holidays. She'd been working from home for them since 2020. She managed to keep this job and do pieces remotely. She stuck to her deadlines and she remained in touch and stuck with them in her time away from the office now her time home is over and she's able to come back to the office, establish a routine, and get back on track.
She smiled, "So there you have it, I'll be on a normal schedule next week. We got back pay so we can go to the mall if you want later this afternoon if you'd like. How does that sound?" This job is huge for her means a lot to her, and she was doing good with them and they kept her on despite her truancy and issues with alcohol and negligence.
He wasn't sure if she was telling the truth but he wanted to be peaceful with her and believe her because for once he thought this wasn't a game to her. Her career is and always was important to her, and if she could kick the habit permanently she'd be golden and Ellie has limitless potential. She's a great writer and has been published and was prolific before alcohol destroyed her ambition and aspirations, messed with her mental health, and stole both of their peace but maybe she's ready to do it again and give sobriety a try. She seems so good, optimistic even. He didn't want to address the elephant in the room. He hoped she would down the line, but for now, he kept things light and it worked out well for them. As they finished their food they put the dishes in the trash put the clip on the folded chip bag and put them away in the cabinets. Not one plate was lying around and Sean gave her a hand and foiled the bacon up in a paper dish and into the fridge for another meal or possible midnight or late-night snack.
"How was work?" She asked, genuinely interested.
"Ugh, can I vent?" Sean, grimaced and groaned as they plopped onto their loveseat in front of the box television that still worked, desperately needing an update.
Fortunately, they were able to hook up Roku and put on something mindnumbing to watch he tossed the remote to Ellie and suggested she pick something for them. She gave him the floor somewhat afraid he was going to be bringing up the negative but instead, "Jay and a new hire are having some friction."
"Like they're fighting at work?"
"Nah, just not working as a team. Jay's been acting you know."
"Like Jay" less than enthused in unison.
"Is he still salty Tony gave you the keys to the garage?" Ellie asked as she turned on the television and put on Netflix by clicking the icon.
Sean shook his head no, but then thought that maybe it's part of the reason for his recent shift in personality and tensions with the new guy. Sean had already promised Jay, on more than one occasion, that eventually within the year maybe by the next holidays if all goes well, he'll be in the office, that is until he doesn't fight Tommy at work. "I don't know, but like I'm hoping after the holidays in the new year, I can put Jay in the office with me so he's not destroying everything we built, what Tony's legacy, and all. Like we built and keep up Tony's legacy even with the rebrand, we honor him and his sacrifices and direction to the best it can be, and still, he seems like he's being screwed and I favor Tommy over him. Just in case you didn't know, at least Tommy doesn't have a temper, much. He's a nice guy. He's a novice, he needs nurturing and Jay isn't the guy for him and I'm trying to fight the inevitable with them, it's a rough situation. We're doing great business and I don't want a fight or an outburst destroying all the things we have going on right now that are good. I don't want to fire or let go anyone, but Jay's on thin ice and as long as I'd keep 'em separated I can ensure you know, that there won't be an issue. Keep your fingers crossed." He reclined back and glanced at the screen and saw the little images of all the shows available to them.
"You still in touch with the girls and guys in creative? We need to get the signage set, and your people would know more about it."
"Oh like for graphic design stuff and advertising? Yeah of course. I can talk to Felicia and Justina the creative directors and art directors. They got a full staff of designers and web developers who can turn your brand around, I can give them your information and they can reach out to you."
"You'd do that?" Sean asked pretty happily willing to agree with bringing them on, she'd never suggested anything like this before perhaps this is her turning over a new leaf and making a conscious effort. "Thanks, El."
"Anytime. I mean it though, I think the garage is going to be successful. I don't know if anyone has told you this before, you're doing great, sweetie. I mean that."
Sean had been at the bank and he pulled a wad out of his pocket and changed the subject after a bout a first for them, a comfortable silence, happy silence. "I stopped at the bank, so if you want to maybe after we hit the mall we get some food together? It's payday for me, and we got the bonus. Well, I get an early payday because I do payroll but the guys get theirs tomorrow."
"Of course." She beamed as she answered, "I'd love to."
The two of them turned their attention back to the TV, scrolled the itemized categories and he couldn't help but notice one of those silly romance novel plot comedies had a familiar face on the cover image. She stopped on it and she saw it was Emma their former classmate, and he didn't even try to hide his attraction and then he instantly diverted his eyes to Ellie hoping she wouldn't notice. She sighed but pretended it didn't bother her, "She looks more and more like a supermodel by the day. Look at her!"
"Good or bad?"
"I heard from Facerange and such that this is like 95 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, which is good. I was told by one of my girlfriends to watch it. Would you want to give it a try? I know she and you go way back, and maybe it's not your cup of tea but eh it's only an hour or so," Ellie asked genuinely making sure it didn't bother Sean, it deep down was bothering Ellie though but she was trying to make it up to Sean how she'd been behaving these last few months. She seemed desperate to rekindle their romance which had cooled for a long time.
Sean was deep inside afraid of what would happen if he said no to her for anything, even this small request, because in a snap she could fall right back apart or unravel her neat facade. She's simply newly stitched together and he doesn't want to ruffle feathers or make waves to rock the boat and kept it all so light but also happy. He wasn't sure if he was going to be able to sit through a movie with the leading lady being his former flame, and the owner of half of his heart, at times a little more than half. The two E theory seems to be a thing that comes up, a man of two hearts.
He was somewhat unfocused thinking and overthinking about things and the way they were and the way he hoped they'd be. Expectations rarely make reality, but he just was tired of fighting with Ellie. Seeing this change in her was good.
She decided to overtalk to compensate feeling like he was unimpressed by her efforts to try. It couldn't be further from the truth but she's feeling guilty. She knew Emma would sweeten the deal through watching this, and she's kind of a masochist. She had good intentions, she wanted it to work between Sean and her and she isn't naive to the fact she's not the only one.
She knew there was a looming possibility confirmed by Craig's Facerange that Emma was coming into town for the first time since she left twenty years ago. She was afraid he was going to confront her, she knew something was up. She'd give anything to know, but also not know what was going on in Sean's pretty little head. A girl's intuition is hard to ignore. She changed the subject, "You're not going out right, or do you have plans with Craig?" Then felt stupid because Sean mentioned they might go to dinner, "Nevermind forget what I said, like yeah we should go shopping tonight I still got to get stuff. I got a lot of stuff on Cyber Monday I hid them in the office and the closet, no peeking." She ended her sentence with a nervous laugh before adding one last thought," How are you shopping for Christmas? We don't have a lot of time."
She had verbal diarrhea in the highest degree, and he couldn't really place that ever being a problem for her. That was more Emma, dubbed by the school as a girl with a big mouth and an even bigger heart. Ellie had heart she tucked it away most of the time but it was rewarding to peel back her layers and find out who the real Ellie was. He fell in love with her. They initially built themselves an amazing life together that was later chipped away from its former glory. They've got this new lease to rebuild and such and he's willing if she is. She has to stop this though, but for now, he doesn't want to talk about the real things, the problems he just wants to spend time with her the way she is right now in the moment. No future, no past, just this.
She was usually a girl of few words like him. Smart as all get out, she was, but a nervous talker no, not ever. She wasn't herself, he thinks she was overcompensating or maybe he feels guilty for the times he avoided her and the hole in their once happy dynamic through alcoholism and now she's trying to make up for it, for lost time and the holidays. He felt like he was home again and he'd be lying if he wanted to leave her out of his life or behind. He answered softly, "Yeah we'll watch it and then go shopping and dinner. We'll make a night out of it."
He saw on the coffee table there were no drinks out, not even a cup. He offered her the water he took out but didn't drink and she took that. It was as if it was an olive branch, an extension as if to say, "Okay, we'll do this once again. Everything's gonna be alright."
The film opened in a small town street, much like every holiday movie with a song playing, it was a mid-tempo rock song by a band called The Eagles, better known for Hotel California. Tracker and Sean on long road trips used to listen to classic rock a lot, and their songs were in their rotation. in the CD visor of Tracker's little outdated Camaro when he wasn't riding a motorcycle, they had a greatest hits compilation that they listened to often and at home in their stereo with the big speakers, they would listen to music regularly since they didn't have money for cable. They'd get second-hand everything, they got the Eagles Greatest Hits compilation for a steal, not a five-finger discount, but more than half price off, in total 4 bucks, 2-disc . Emma was named under her stage name as the executive producer, head writer, and assistant co-director.
They got Sofia Coppola to direct it, she is a prolific female director and she assisted her. He didn't mind the tune it was played often on the radio or in some stores around this time of year. He felt like it was one of the few Christmas or holiday songs that got to him emotionally for a lot of reasons both lyrically, sound, and familiarity. He's not a holiday guy, so he knew this was a total chick flick but he was okay with it because he wanted to make Ellie happy, even though he was trying hard to hide from being honest that he peeped on Emma. The last thing he wanted to talk about was Emma or Lucky. Seeing her is only a reminder and a reflection of how badly he fucked up his relationship with Emma, how he overreacted, how his temper got the best of him, how Jay was such an influence on him bad and good, and lastly how Emma disappeared that December. He goes back to that day in his head a lot, and lives in that memory like it's he's being haunted subconsciously. He never tells people this, they'd think he's crazy or pathetic.
Emma simply was cast aside when things got tough, but now he knew what was like to be on the receiving end when she packed up and moved on miles from him. He didn't think she deserved someone like him, he was so insecure and thought he'd hold her back. He did admittedly put her on a pedestal and for a time stayed with Ellie for convenience, companionship, and because he didn't want to be alone. There were a myriad of other reasons, but Ellie being the way she was allowed him to be comfortable, but sometimes to grow as a person he needs to be alone, or do things apart yet together, or to at the very least, worry about his self and let Ellie figure it out and fail too before she could succeed to grow too. Now things are coming together so it seemed, and it could all unravel too simultaneously. Sean questioned her motives more than once in the past twenty minutes as if she'd been abducted by aliens and replaced with a doppelganger but didn't want to bring it up, he didn't want to ruin a good thing. He has abandonment issues, he's traumatized by that and she's still alive and well but unreachable, unattainable, and even more out of his league. It will only be a matter of time before Ellie sees if she hadn't already how far over they are, and playing house isn't working anymore they need to talk but he still wants to procrastinate having that conversation. Even if her heart was in the right place, with pure intentions, cleaned up, and making efforts, it sadly came too little too late.
He wasn't going to make waves. He wasn't even sure what would come next. At least they were together and in a good place. At this point given their past, it was a gift.
As they watched the hour and change film, she'd look over at him watching intensely. He was into it, but not for the plot but for her, the girl who got away, in a Hallmark-esque love story about former flames igniting and he wanted it so badly to be his reality.
He was at a crossroads, like Robert Frost, it'd make all the difference if he chose and blazed the new path to Emma, though it'd be challenging, though the other road to Ellie, standing by her, making no real decisions, being one-sided, emotionally bankrupt when she's doing bad, but fine and domestic otherwise. He knew it wasn't something to simply decide at this very moment but he couldn't simply leave Ellie, he had to talk to her, he just didn't know how to say the words on the tip of his tongue. He knew she was still newly put together like a puzzle with a few pieces missing, still just as broken but with optimism and a little gutsy, she was finally doing what he'd always wanted her to do with herself, and he didn't even want it anymore and that makes him feel conflicted and guilty. He knew he couldn't simply boot her out, but he also couldn't simply possibly break up with her right away either, even if she was doing good presently, what if she got sick, or worse and he was negligent or not paying attention, it was the fine line he'd walked upon layers of eggshells never-ending and infinite. He'd never be able to be happy he believed to himself, deep down if that catastrophe-level disaster, even if he won Emma's affections and heart. It's still a big if, who is to say she's moved on and then what? At least he wasn't alone. What happened to them is simple. It doesn't necessarily matter how long he and Ellie have been with one another, if the relationship causes grief and sadness like this, it probably isn't worth holding onto. Sometimes people grow apart so others can grow together, perhaps in adulthood he and Emma can do just that, and he could move on because in this dead end of a relationship, even if there is a silverly shimmering light on the horizon it all came too late, a shame in vain, all the effort.
He'd never be unfaithful physically, even if he was in the heat of the moment, he couldn't remember the last time they'd been romantic, he could see it by the way she watched him and was flirty that she wanted to be close to him. Her heart was sinking deep in the pit of her stomach as she begrudgingly finished the film, she cried a little because there was that typical, predictable period where things got sad when she moved back to her old life and the lumberjack-looking hot guy in the small town was sad again, hardened even and it just clicked to her. She'd been aware for a long while he hadn't stopped loving her, missing her, pining pathetically or romantically for her. He hides that stuff from her, why? He hides from guilt. He hides to protect her feelings. He hides because he's ashamed of her, and what would happen if he found out. He hides most of all because it's more than just a fondness, he hurts, and he wonders what he'd do differently if they crossed paths again, it would be his dream come true not in a cheesy way, but meeting her changed his world, he doesn't want to let her slip away this time if he got that chance he'd been secretly wishing for, on shooting stars and twilight meteor showers.
He's not that way about Ellie, he figured it was because they are regular. Emma was always dramatic or had a flair for that, so in some ways she ate up that kind of stuff, being misunderstood and such but not as a flex. Ellie was very misunderstood in youth, an old soul, a sad yet mixed-up girl who turned into a woman, but didn't change a bit, the same, did not evolve, didn't grow, no longer youthful and optimistic.
As the credits rolled she got up off the couch to put her plate in the garbage and looked glum, he stood up and did the same meeting her in the kitchen. She beamed, "I want you to know how sorry I am for how I've been acting."
With a serious expression on her face, she looked him in the eye, "I want to propose like a fresh, clean, slate. If you trust me, I can trust you. It doesn't have to be this -"
He cut her off before she could answer and then in unison they both uttered, "Strained."
"I know," He sighed with a furrowed brow he had been feeling neglected emotionally for a while with Ellie. It was odd and ironic that despite living together, they weren't spending much time together as if they were geographically distant.
"What I can do is I can stop drinking, or try hard to stop. I'll try to see if something is going on at the rec center. I can try to see if I can get back into the gym, maybe we can walk around the park sometimes, like we used to."
He softly smiled, he wanted to say no way, but instead, he softly took her hands into his and kissed her atop the head, there was still love there, even if he was no longer enamored or transfixed by her, she was a shell of that girl even now with this sudden burst of her smile and way about her. He didn't want to say anything, or lie to her but he did softly tell her, "Promise me, you'll get help for your drinking. If this doesn't work, I-"
"Sean . ." She softly sighed out loud, "I want to try it on my own."
"I don't want to argue, what are we doing though? I mean, how many times have you tried to quit on your own? I think it's bigger than you, bigger than me, it has to do with your, your mom. I hate drinking, you know what it does to people, your mom is dying and my dad isn't doing so well according to Tracker Mom's a wreck and goes on and off like you. I don't want you to end up that way. You're too cool to end up that way."
"So you're comparing me to your mother? My mother?" She spat enraged and hurt letting go of the soft touch of his hand, "No. I want to get sober for you, that's what I'm trying to get across."
"El, you're not understanding me. I want that more than anything for you, to get better!"
"You know, I was trying." Ellie exclaimed her voice breaking nearing tears, "I know, okay? I know I messed up a lot of things. I don't want to mess us up too! I've been trying for you too."
Ellie dug in the large utility or junk drawer which had their cartons and packs of cigarettes and lighters, and stormed outside determined to get a break with her nerves shot. Inside she saw the old haunt, a picture of Emma she narrowed her eyes as she slammed it shut, Sean didn't want to follow her but wondered why she was so moody. She started smoking her cigarette when he cooled off and saw her typing out a text, She said before he could open his mouth to say anything, "Maybe it's because your head is somewhere else, but any normal boyfriend would be like a way to go, you got this baby. You never wanted me at all."
"Ellie answer me this, I stayed with you all this time."
"You don't love me." She yelled out loud, she almost couldn't believe herself as she dropped her head down low, "Not really."
"That isn't true, why else did I stand by you? We are a team, we live together. You weren't doing well. Now you think everything goes back to what you believe is normal?"
"Look me in the eye Sean, and tell me, really tell me how you feel, love, do you love me?"
He tried his best to say the words, "You know I love you."
She didn't believe him but put on a smile. "You know how cranky I get when I'm not smoking." She inhaled a drag and took her pack out of her pocket to offer him one, he took it and they shared that moment, the rest of the time in silence just taking that moment in. For her it was a new start, for Sean it was nearing the end, whether he wanted to admit it or not, he was filled with fear and discomfort, she was filled with hope and love. That was the first time he ever lied to Ellie, bold-faced not a white lie to save her confidence, but a complete lie by omission.
She doesn't believe him, not really, hence the silence. In silence she's racking her brain, she's trying internally to find a way to win him away from his feelings of dread that she can feel, instinctively on him. She muttered softly, "I'm sorry about that, jumping to conclusions."
"You know, you're not alone." Sean sighed his thoughts were temporarily interrupted, "I don't like fighting."
She sighed exhaling a drag and throwing it into the rainwater bucket they use for their butts and ashes, "I don't know how much longer we can do this, but can we make it through December? New year, fresh start."
He didn't say anything but nodded his head yes in acknowledgment before agreeing, "We can, we've been through worse."
"If we can't work, we'll start the new year apart." She told him reluctantly with her lips pursed but his downcast eyes didn't see how much this hurt her, partly why he avoided her gaze facing the fence that surrounded them as opposed to the back steps where she'd been standing.
Sean forgot about their plans for the evening, the night was ruined by the screaming match. After a long pause, seeing her soothing herself afraid to go in the house because he had shut down, like he does after a long fight between them, days not speaking silent treatments, and this was something she wanted to fix, but she was smart enough to know old habits die hard.
"Hey," He turned to face her after a few moments seeing her dark eyeshadow, eyeliner, mascara combination lining her eyes and tearing up.
It reminded him of the very first time he saw her, a long time ago.
He'd seen Ellie around.
He knew she used to date Marco the year before he really saw her, and hung out with the kids he didn't like hanging out with, the populars affectionately known as Paige and Company. Ashley was the furthest girl from Paige, if she only could unwind herself, the stick up her ass she could throw down, and that's precisely what she did once she was ousted, but he caught a glimmer of her dissolution with the shedding of that popular girl, cloned, image. He was friendly with Ashley, he'd see her around and she'd avoid him awkwardly. Rumor was she was trying to win her friendships back, but he was wondering if there was more than just ecstasy between them, a rebound from Emma, for her a rebound for Jimmy, but now it appeared as soon as the high faded, so seemingly did her feelings for him. He felt he'd been used, had, and thrown away. That fall he asked her to the movies, she seemed initially perplexed and excited, looking forward to the date as did he.
He and Ashley became friends by proxy once she befriended Ellie and later Craig before they dated. He was one of the people who thought Craig would do well with Ashley, even if he he knew about their past he asked for his 'blessing' but it wasn't like they had that much history in the first place. It'd be a different story entirely if Craig wanted to date Emma, Sean's ex, and that would be a betrayal to Sean. Besides Craig fortunately only saw her as a friend, but did set his sights initially on Ashley, and also Manny, but mostly Ashley.
He didn't speak to her directly besides the occasionally excuse me out of being casually polite, knew of her but didn't know her officially. Before she could open her mouth he knew though that there was much more to her than met the eye. She had a secret or two. She had wisdom beyond her years. She might've been a grade older than her, but they were maybe a few months apart in age, he was born in late October, and she was born in August.
He saw that she was lonely, with grape juice all over her white shirt walking away from Paige's table. He thought she was sad but cute, and pretty, as in attractive initially. He didn't say anything to her, not even for comfort, because he was too much of a chickenshit coward as usual, and cared too much about what his friends thought. Initially, Amy and Alex didn't like Ellie at first and would call her a vampire behind her back, later Alex grew friendly with and less weary of Ellie, and they struck a friendship over time, that is alive and well to this day.
That seemed like a lifetime ago.
THE AIRPORT
The Present / 2023
Manny and Craig had made a sign for Emma with tacky glue and glitter on a piece of 11x17 poster board for when she got off the plane. Manny coordinated with work, Craig was out early because Degrassi Community School had a half-day spirit week, so they were dismissed early the teachers got out earlier than usual so they went as a couple. After they could simply load up the car of Emma's luggage and maybe do a quick lunch before heading home giving the girls time to clean up a bit beforehand.
Emma with her carry on met them and gleefully hugged them both tight. She still had those sunglasses on and they got a whiff of the wine. She giggled excitedly, either way, not being all dinks she was happy to see her friends. "So we got some surprises for you. Let's go help with your luggage." Manny announced.
"I can't wait. How is Kitty?"
Craig grimaced uncomfortably and Emma's smile faded and felt some worrisome apprehension as he replied, "It's a trying time these days."
"You'll see when we get back to the house." Manny added subtly cushioning the blow and changed the subject, "Are you hungry?"
Emma replied, "Starved. I drank on an empty stomach, and by the time the airplane served lunch I was too trashed to eat."
They all laugh together and Manny beamed softly, "It's great having you back, I could use a drink, we are parched." Manny excitedly replied, "Give Craig your carry-on."
"Thanks, honey," Craig mumbled sarcastically. Emma reluctantly gave him the bag and as she did, he struggled with it, "What do you carry in this thing?"
"The essentials."
"I would say no, probably rocks." He struggled to lift it but Manny assisted him by grabbing one of the lighter rolling items of luggage as he did the heavy lifting.
"Well, the car is parked pretty close." Manny softly reminded Craig as the women who were once girls linked arm and arm to the car as Craig trailed behind. "I guess we can park it at the bar and just pick it up in the morning, right Craig?" She called over as he popped open the trunk with the driver-side door open and Manny took a seat on the driver's side even though she had no intention of really driving.
Emma decided to sit in the back because she figured Craig wanted to drive and by default, Manny wanted to be shotgun. She wordlessly bucked up in the back feeling like she always does a passenger as a chauffeur, cabby, or driver whisks her away. She doesn't remember the last time she drove, she has her license but she only gets to drive abroad because it's hard when everybody knows your name and what kind of car you drive.
"Ooh, God it's cold," Emma commented in the slowly thawing car as they got inside and Emma shut the door.
"Welcome back, you're home now." Craig excitedly rubbed his hands together in his black knit mittens preparing to turn on the car and defrost it so it's warmer.
Emma's eyes widened and took notice of his gloves, "Aw Craig. You're wearing them?"
"They come in handy this time of year." Craig smiled toward Emma in the rearview, "You should hook up with companies who do glove collaborations because you're good at knitting. We love it." She also noticed from the backseat that Manny was wearing the scarf she made her last Christmas as well.
"We need knitwear especially how cold it gets this time of year. I heard it might snow this week."
"Maybe it'll be a white Christmas? How festive." Emma beamed happily the cordial conversation was distracting her from the cold.
"Yeah, Emma we're so glad you can join us this holiday. It's going to be a lot of fun. Oh, the best part of cold weather is those game and movie nights where Joey gets the fireplace set up in the living room."
"It was cute though like when Kitty was little she would play with her dolls on the floor and build herself a fort or a castle with Angela always with her, helping her dress her dollies because like it or not Barbie were often found all over the house sometimes clothes and mostly naked, missing chunks of their hair sometimes and their heads off and stuff, but she grew up so fast. She hates that stuff now. When I talk about an old memory she just shuts down. It was cute when she and Ang would do things together. Ang would always be like redressing the Barbies because their outfits are skin tight and hard to put on with kiddie hands, or playing with the dolls with her even though she was like a teenager at that point and not interested in that in the slightest but they had each other those girls. I love them." Emma beamed, "they remind me of when we were little when they'd do that stuff."
"I'll have to stock up on hot cocoa," Craig stated changing the subject as they got closer to the little pub for lunch at this point which wasn't far from the airport. "I'll add it to the list. We usually watch movies one night of the week like a family night. We play board games like Clue drink hot cocoa and after we pick a random movie from the shelf. Joey loves showing the video his friends did in their weird band but it's so done to death."
"The Zit Remedy," Emma answered rolling her eyes and laughing. She started to sing the song, "Everybody wants -"
"Noooo! it's always in my head!" Manny whined, cutting Emma off while giggling her dimples more and more evident. "Joey singing it during things around the house is enough. I once walked by the shower and was having a concert. He seriously needs an intervention. You'll see what I mean."
"Can concur, it's an everyday thing. If not that then it's random generic or one-hit wonders of the 1980's kind of music like George Michael, Wham!, Culture Club, or Prince. He grew up in the best time for music and he listens to that stuff. I was more a Bowie, Queen, The Clash, Sex Pistols, and such if we're talking 80's."
"Weird memory but guys, remember when we crashed that 80's dance when we were in like grade 8?" Emma asked Manny excitedly did this cute little dance with her hands excitedly and turned back to Emma from the passenger side. "You helped us get in there. We almost got caught by Raditch, but it was so worth it and a lot of fun."
"Key word almost got caught and oh yeah!" She giggled, and turned to her left all cutesy and flirty at Craig, and reminisced gleefully adding, "And you asked me to dance."
Emma once again chimed in, "I remember being all, he's about to ask me and he asked you instead, and now look at you love birds." She teased, "So how long have you been together now? When's the wedding?"
"Oh stop it." Craig beamed softly bashfully, as Emma quietly observed Manny's face downcast taking the whole conversation down about 200 notches, the laughter died down and she may hit a nerve. Craig babbled on unaware of how sad she looked, as she stared outside the foggy window. "I do want to do it, but I want to do it right, give her the wedding, ring, cute photos, and everything she deserves. We are still living with Joey. The struggle is real. A word of warning, do not have kids they will bleed you dry. I promise you."
If Emma were to have a child, she knew she probably wouldn't struggle financially, but she's not ignorant and can observe they live different lives, they have other people in their home to consider, financially and otherwise, different circumstances. She'd rather a child grow up in their home as opposed to hers, full of nurture, warmth, and love which is something that Emma feels she lacks the warmth of being a mother, and finds it hard to even utter the words love. She hardly has a real relationship with people for once she's around people she always felt a family connection with, even if they're friends. She feels guilty even never getting over it when it crosses her mind.
She truthfully couldn't believe she had a crush on Craig of all people back then, she couldn't get over how happy she was to see them together and how chummy and close Craig and Manny are even now, even with everything they've been through. It was beautiful to her, to see them come together and be so happy and become some big happy family like the Tanners you see on TV that simply do not exist or aren't a reality for her at this time. The price of fame she figures internalizing those feelings to keep the peace, her composure, and her sanity. It seems like everything she doesn't have is a consequence of running off years ago, and coming back home for the holidays where this stuff typically comes up is a sad reminder of could've, should've, and, would'ves from the past biting her at every turn. He couldn't be more disconnected from Manny at this time. She loves him, wants him happy, and takes things as is, but she is longing for some spark in their relationship. It's a little complicated, they'd been living together since they were both almost 16 after a surprise baby.
As far as family, they're doing pretty good, a few years older, and wiser. Snake and Spike do their best, they are different from each other so sometimes they butt heads with the honeymoon over but they work on their relationship and never give up on each other, and here and there take their vacation times for leisure and try to keep things fun for them. Snake would always joke, "Never stop dating."
They visit her up in her house and they spend time together during slow periods at Spike's job and Snake's holiday breaks which doesn't happen a lot but once in a while the stars align and they're able to have a good week in Los Angeles or some other area she'll fly them in or they get the tickets and they spend a few weeks out of the year as a family. This year they went on a romantic getaway in Hawaii during Thanksgiving and after that, they planned a two-week cruise to some random tropical place for most of December. The way Emma sees it, work hard they've earned it and she knows Jack can be man of the house and likes his solitude now that Connor has since moved in with his fiance Jenna. She's a beautiful girl from what she saw of her and remembered seeing her more than ten years ago on a reality show during a layover flight while on tour. She loved seeing her get interviewed at her school, which was her school once upon a time. It was eerie and surreal to see that, she also thanked the music industry for never making a documentary of her life back then. He figured it'd be dreadfully boring and would dredge up old wounds she'd rather bandage up than pick at. Initially before the cancelation of her bnb, Emma ended up coming to Toronto, figuring they wouldn't be home for another day or two. She's looking forward to what her time in the area, although still apprehensive will hold.
As for her little brother, Jack he is alot older now, about a foot taller than her because he's a spitting image of a young Snake, about a year older than Kitty now, started his freshmen year at TU and he decided to commute. He drives and parks there. Emma got him a charger for his 18th birthday, just in time for university.
He's saving up for his apartment for the next school year and still lives with Spike and Snake. The way he sees it, he takes his education seriously, and the dorm life is chaotic, he wants to do good first and then live elsewhere when he feels ready financially and emotionally. He's single, a bit nerdy, shy but sweet too. He loves playing video games and watching Marvel films. He's involved in trips and games a lot. He plays games online with his friends, sometimes on weekends they have LAN parties and write lore for Dungeons and Dragons characters they create and roll for stats. One of those people he plays with is Connor Delaurier, Snake's godson. Jack and him are close, and he still visits him to give him pointers on videogames which is something they're both into they spend a lot of time together and Connor shows him around college too because Connor is a new adjunct for TU, he is not a student of his, but he is fascinated with his knowledge.
Jack is studying to be a writer or an author, so he's into creative writing as a minor with a Journalism concentrated major. It's intense but he loves it, he did good in high school and is adjusting to college which there is a learning curve and he feels like that Degrassi Community prepared him. He wasn't a popular guy, even if he was the son of the principal, he kept to himself and his small group of friends and was focused on academics and less on girls, parties, and trouble.
For a time when they were younger when Jack was in elementary and into his freshman year of high school at Degrassi, Connor lived at their house to go to Degrassi school with the gifted program. His parents The Delaurier were on sabbatical, they went together to Greece and Italy, and couldn't take him with them. They didn't want to uproot him, and Snake welcomed him with open arms. They eventually returned near the time Connor graduated high school and moved to be closer to where he attended college, he stays in touch.
According to what Emma knew, he had a difficult time at first fitting in at the school, he was excelling over some of his peers academically but he had high standards, battled a lot of perfectionism, and could be temperamental if things didn't go to plan. There were some trying times with him when Snake would have to be the bad cop with his temper and his lack of awareness in certain situations due to his learning disability which later led to a diagnosis with Aspergers. Emma's met him a handful of times, his head was often found in a book or playing on a Game Boy Color, not very social, but nice and their family knew each other well. When she was younger she saw a great deal of The Delauriers at family parties and barbeques at their house before and after her mom and Snake got married. She doesn't remember seeing them around, but apparently, they were in attendance at her parent's wedding back in 2002.
The story was, that Connor's mom and dad met at university when Snake was going for his master's degree in teaching, they were getting their masters in teaching, weren't yet a couple, and were interested in higher education goals, and wanted to teach at the collegiate level. They came from money and were previously friends, rivals at their high school, advanced, preparatory charter variety, small classes by comparison, and Snake had a scholarship.
After he graduated, thought it would be fun to teach older children and teenagers. A thought that crossed his mind as he questioned himself, often. After all, the things he went through as a teacher at his alma mater long after his heyday. He doesn't have many regrets but he wishes he were more prepared. He was essentially thrown to the wolves as a substitute teacher at first. $200 a day in 1997.
In that time in 1997, he was living in an apartment with his then-long-term girlfriend Michelle Accette. They mutually split up in the winter of 2000, when she got a promotion at her job and relocated to Vienna. He missed her still, and didn't want her to go, but supported her decision and he ultimately was forced to move on. Come January 1st coupled with the Y2K craze, she was gone.
When he got the job at Degrassi he filled in as a long-term sub for a teacher who was older than his grandmother who unfortunately during lunchtime slipped in the cafeteria on a banana peel and broke her hip, needless to say, whisked off and was the longterm sub turned teacher.
When NAK partnered up with Degrassi through Raditch's time as principal, the computer lab was brought on and he had been interested in the position to switch from doing English to something more in his wheelhouse, so Media Immersion became a course at Degrassi and he had a huge hand in the curriculum. A lot of people dislike Dan's ways, but ultimately he does the best with what he has, and Snake wishes he wasn't so hard on him and stopped fighting him as much as he did. A lot of decisions he made were good, such as implementing and getting rid of the godawful daylight dances and approving more nighttime dances for the students through the student council. When the budget cuts happened, NAK/the program that provided the computers stayed intact.
He struggled initially with being too lenient or too hard at other times, all in all, it was rewarding for him and he loved it. It's harder for him as principal because he mostly has to be a bad cop perpetually. He always hated going to the principal's office, or when he was in trouble once or twice for something silly during his time in school and got chastised.
Joey unlike him, was a permanent fixture in the principal's office, or may as well have been between his schemes and such. Still, Snake disliked and also other times somewhat enjoyed putting the 'bad kids' in detention, or finding surprises and changes among the students and of people along the way, who 'grew up' through the years.
For instance, Sean was causing Raditch grief, he didn't get along with this student and he was often a visitor to the office, and he'd have to take a few minutes afterward because he was one temperamental teen, Snake knew because he taught him in most of his time at the school, but slowly Snake stopped sending him there, and Raditch started seeing him and some other students less in his office and more around the halls staying out of trouble or getting involved in other ways by way of extracurriculars. Snake took a particular liking to Sean because he saw a lot of Wheels in him, his ill-fated former friend and original member of the oft-storied trio known as The Zit Remedy sometimes known as The Zits. They lost touch in the mid-1990s, he was eventually released and they met up one night with Joey who kept in touch, and only got together less than occasionally before he died from brain cancer in 2010, he had it in his bones but it spread quickly and was only days before his birthday. Snake still feels guilty and complicated feelings regarding Wheels, because he did love him like he was one of his brothers, and after losing him it's too late to come up with what they lost over the years. He also was dealt a shitty hand, and luck seemed to miss him, and there was a perpetual dark cloud so it seemed in their life, he wanted to be a haven to talk, he understood Sean's reservations, as well as Wheels, it's not so simple their reality is complicated, but he wasn't and he appreciates that every day even deep into adulthood like Snake.
Emma couldn't help but realize how different she and Manny's lives were, they weren't kids that's a given, but having kids is an entirely different thing. When she'd speak of her daughter and Joey's sister being like best friends as opposed to nieces and cousins, family. In Emma's experience, family was different, for starters, she had maybe two or three cousins, a grandmother, her mom, Manny was her best friend and that didn't change and she had a few cousins from her grandmother. She didn't speak to Shane, her biological father's parents and she has a little bit of communication with Snake's family, they've been to some of her concerts and are very nice people she just doesn't know them all that well because they're geographically distant.
-x-
Emma, Manny, and Craig arrived back at the house, by then it was immaculate, there was usual clutter but today it was gone. Manny called out, "We're home, Kat!"
She came down the stairs and saw that Emma was there. Emma excitedly walked over to her niece and pulled her into a big old hug, and Kat just instinctively hugged her back despite her reservations for now. Manny excused herself to check out the kitchen and see what they could do later on for dinner. Craig stuck by in the room and complimented Kat and Angela for their efforts. Angela was in the shower at the time but knew she'd be back in a few minutes. Craig knew better than to leave Kat alone with the new guest, knowing the story full well that Kat wasn't very fond of Emma and he hoped she wouldn't start anything while she was staying there.
When Emma released Kat from the hug she admired her, "Oh Kitty, you're so beautiful, so grown up. How long has it been? I believe it's been about six months and you're already getting to be taller than your mom and your dad, look at you!"
"A lot can happen when you're not here." Kat quipped with her brow sarcastically flatly she asked Emma, "How have you been?"
"What she means is a lot can happen in six months, right Kat?"
"Right." She begrudgingly confirmed what Craig reinterpreted. "Oh and Aunt Emma, it's Kat now."
Emma got the message, she knew Kat was a teenager now, almost a woman, and was a challenge and a handful at that age, they all were to some extent, even though she went through rebellious phases before and after she was famous. She regrets some of the things she'd done and said, she's sure that Kat could just be having transitional issues from school and friends and is taking it out on others. Manny and Craig gave her some updated rundowns of what is going on, she's a menace but she's a teenager and it's not uncommon, they're trying their best and Kat seems to be squashing and sneering at all of their efforts to help her and she doesn't seem to care either.
Emma internally vowed to get to the bottom of what ails her, if anything even if she shuts her out like she does pretty much everyone. She's optimistic she just needs some time with family and herself to kind of talk candidly without sounding like a psychiatrist but that is a big if she can open her heart, mind, and just generally open up to her. There are some scars there between Emma and Kat and she's willing to try, however, it might make things worse, but that remains to be seen.
"I'm happy to see you, I hope we have fun." Emma beamed softly at Kat. Craig picked up Emma's luggage and excused them from the conversation, "Craig where is the guest room, I have to get changed if I'm helping with dinner."
"Right this way, Em." Kat was left behind in the room and sighed glad to be temporarily rid of her. When they got up the steps she walked by Joey's room, the washroom, Kat and Angela's bedroom, and finally the guest room which inside had closet access from above to the attic. With the adults distracted, she saw her mom's crossbody purse hanging on the hook with her jacket beside the entryway where she'd been standing, saw her cigarettes and lighter took one of them, and walked outside.
She was only gone enough time for the cigarette to be gone and didn't want to be around Emma or her mom and dad at that moment. She was still trying to process things. She knows she'd been difficult, she knows she had been mean to everyone and she can't help it because she is hurting inside and she doesn't know exactly what to pinpoint reasoning, has a vague idea of the event or such, but she doesn't know it all, and she's angry about it because when she thinks she's ready to open up she gives up or lashes out, fights everyone on it. It's part of the reason she connects and falls for Paul Sheilds her boyfriend.
He's a sweet guy, he dotes on her, everyone can see it, he's transparent, he's always where he says he'll be, he doesn't really badger her about talking about her feelings unless she wants to, or feels it could be a good thing to get to know her he's respectful of her and her boundaries, he's the kind of guy who would open the door for her, pull out the chair if they're at the caf or at dinner, kisses on the cheek in public with held hands and no wandering away from her eyes.
He loves her so much and has since the day they started dating in September on the very first day of school. They didn't make it official until October. They also have lots in common, he's understanding but he has strong beliefs and convictions, he's involved in clubs at school such as the art club, debate club, and student council. He sometimes thinks his opinion is right and doesn't back down no matter how many people debate him he doesn't have many negative qualities, mostly good. He's one of the brightest kids at Degrassi, he's a really nice guy though everyone likes him, and if they don't it doesn't matter much to him. He loves getting involved and he's in scouts, and volunteers at summer church programs to get good resume action for his future.
Outside, he called up Paul who was working on some homework but willing to blow it off to see her before heading out of town but hoped he'd see her too beyond before the new year.
So they met up on the street with all the stores for some window shopping and browsing. "I know they're gonna call me to come back, but I just wanted to see you before it becomes house arrest, you know?"
"I get it, when the family would come around, sometimes things get a little complicated or out of sorts."
"I just don't understand, my whole life she's been away from home. Her whole life has been since I was born never here. I'd beg her to come over to see my room when I was little and she'd always say another time. My whole life she's been there, being this glamorous mirage of a person at first glance, who has seemingly got it all, and she's kickin' it, and staying with us under the radar, and it's awkward. I only see her once in a while, when I was a kid, it was all of the time. As she got more famous she became less and less a part of my life. Now I can survive without her, she taught me how because she was distant for so long. I can't help but feel some type of way about her. She loves me, I can see that, everyone loves to remind me not to make her feel bad, and she says the nicest things and I just, I don't believe her, I think she's kind of phony. If she really gave a flying fuck she'd be here more than just, I don't know now."
"Maybe she's trying."
"Everyone says that." She muttered flatly unenthused, "For all we know, she isn't. Maybe it's just her original plans fell through. A spa weekend in some weird European country because she has no want to spend any time with family for years, and now all of a sudden we gotta throw out the red carpet for her."
"Doesn't matter, she's here now. What are you going to do?"
"Avoid her? Run away?" She sighed, "I don't know, I have no idea. I know there's a reason why she avoids town like its a plague and she hasn't opened up about it."
"That might be it. What was she like in high school?"
"You do stil have access to the student records right?"
"Maybe." He answered flirtatiously, "Are we scheming Miss. Manning?"
"Why yes, Mr. Shields." She giggled, "I'm so glad we met."
"Maybe you can find that out for yourself, maybe she might surprise you and you guys can get along? Why don't you let it come up naturally between you guys? If not I'll work with what I got with the Xerox in the office, even if Christmas break starts pretty much tomorrow."
"You could sneak it and they wouldn't bat an eye, you're still in the running for the valedictorian ranking?"
"Sure but I want to be able to walk and do the whole cap and gown kind of thing at graduation!"
"You think Simpson would be weird about it?"
"I would lose my part-time job at the principal's office."
She shrugged, "Well, that's plan B. I don't know it's a big maybe, a friggin' Christmas miracle." She marveled sarcastically before returning to her stoic expression and melancholy state,
"I don't know. I just, she likes abandoned people here, and then picks and chooses when she wants to talk or have us come out there, inconveniences everyone, and throws money to make up for plans or gifts which in my defense, are beautiful and awesome and all, but it doesn't replace her coming around. I mean to me, it's just giving too little too late. I never knew her to be around, I only know the Emma from the stories wouldn't dream of doing this kind of thing, she loved her friends and family, and would do anything to protect the little guy.."
Paul changed the subject, he caressed her cheek, "It'll be okay, sweetheart, just take it day by day. Is that what's been bothering you? You missed your aunt?"
"I guess. She's not even my real aunt, my mother has no family, she's my mom's best friend from high school. She sees her so differently because she loves her and they're good to each other despite her living out there and stuff and would jump to go see her when it's like, why can't you guys just invite her here and she comes here and now it's happening and I hate it because I do not know how to hold back my resentment. As a kid, I idolized her. What was I thinking?"
"Wow, that's a lot. You're growing up though, seeing things without rose-colored or tinted glasses, the way that the world wants you to see, but you're eyes are open and you're seeing things for what they truly are. It's a beautiful thing."
"I suppose."
"You want my advice?"
"Sure, I don't know, I guess, because, I don't know what to do."
"Just do you, don't worry about her, or them for the time. If you feel like you could interact by all means, do that, but if not don't add yourself more trouble, or burn any more bridges. I still think you should be nice to her, keep the peace, I think she's trying. The last you can do is try to hold back unloading all the crap from your grudge with her. Please don't bite my head off, I just don't want to see you in trouble, because then I don't get to see you."
"You're so cute, I'm not always mad just, annoyed about this. I don't even think she knows I'm kind of mad at her and by kind of I mean furious. She doesn't see it, or she's killing me with kindness."
"I think you just contradicted yourself." She made a face and then he added, "I honestly doubt that's the case. I think she loves you genuinely, like me but maybe I love you more than her."
"Her love language is emotional distance."
"Kitty! I think she had a guy here, that's why she avoids this place."
"My auntie Em was fourteen when she left town, it's doubtful she AND my mom had boyfriends. Who was the single cute friend who like didn't have a man?"
"Well does your mom still have her yearbook for 2003-2004?" He asked.
"She can't know I'm snooping." She giggled. "The library does."
They headed to the library.
"Slim Shady called, he wants his clothes back." He sifted through seeing a picture of Sean Cameron in the Autoshop collage for Mr. Elh's class and clubs related to mechanics.
"That's my mom and dad's friend Sean." She pointed at his picture, "Clearly he went through a phase."
She turned the page and that's where she saw it, it was unmistakable, Sean and Emma hand in hand in a hallway, smiling at one another, looking into one another's eyes in the background of a photo of a random student, who was JT Yorke and Toby Issac's goofing off, "I guess they dated."
"Who are the guys?"
"No, my Uncle Sean and Auntie Em. Look." She pointed.
"Could've been for the photos."
"No. No way." She closed the book and quickly, got up out of her seat, "I should get back home my mom and dad are going to kill me for leaving the house, I'm still grounded for skipping the other day." I love you, listen to me, you can't tell anyone about that, what you say about my uncle and aunt, capeesh?"
He nodded. "I'll see you later." She kissed him on the cheek initially, and he migrated to her lips, where they stayed and lingered there on the sidewalk by a bench, for a few moments longer before disengaging and releasing themselves from the kiss.
She hated being grounded because that meant she didn't get to see Paul. He got her, she felt like he was one of the few people who did 'get her'. School is a lonely place because her best friends since kindergarten think she's some sort of tramp because of how she acts and dresses. They joke how she should be on Maury, the wild teen boot camp stories. She takes it in stride like Olive on Easy A, and often plays along. The truth is stranger than fiction, smoke and mirrors a facade an act she's become all too good at this year.
When she arrived home, immediately she heard her mother,, "MISS. KATRINA MAUDE MANNING, GET YOUR GROUNDED, TUSH IN HERE."
She slapped down the box of cigarettes, "Why is there one less than I had in here, and I can't find my lighter, missy?"
"Maybe you lost it." She shrugged sarcastically.
"Where did you go?"
"Out."
"So what you're smoking now, that's what you're doing now?"
"Like you care."
Emma was awkwardly standing in the kitchen Manny was just laying into her and Kat wasn't exactly backing down. She tried to interject at first but it was too late, Kat remained in the kitchen and Emma and she were finally alone when Manny stormed out angry, she was still holding back her fury but left yelling, "You're grounded, no Paul, no phone. After a second or two with an angry Kat sitting alone on the table, she decided to talk to her, in her way, but she didn't expect Kat to be so downright nasty and stormy. The way Emma sees it, it's surely to be a rough week or two.
"I know you have a secret. At first, I thought you know, you perhaps have a record, but I found out you were kind of a smarty pants, goodie two shoes, like Vice Principal Van Zandt. Hm, and then I thought you just don't like us because you've got money, power, and influence. So don't do me any favors."
"What? What are you talking about? I've just been busy, sweetie, with work. You don't know how emotionally and physically demanding my job is, not that I have to justify that to you, you're a child."
"And you're selfish."
"Okay, how am I selfish?" She crossed her arms, "tell me."
"I loved you, idolized you, wanted to be your best friend, Auntie Em when I was a little girl. I'm not this little girl anymore, I'm not KITTY, I'm not Katrina either, I'm Kat!" She whipped her head around as Emma got up from the table. "Why did you even show up this year? You're only gonna leave, and never come back, and I'd be happy because at least I know my parents will know the real you."
"They know me quite well, and my reasons, not that they're your business. What is this angle?" Emma asked her upset but keeping her bravery, though fraudulent. "You're so off base."
"What if I asked my uncle Sean about you two?"
Her eyes narrowed, feigning ignorance, "I don't know what you mean or where you're getting at. I'm not going to confirm or deny anything."
"I know you two have a past."
"You are not old enough to hear about this."
"I am sixteen, I think I know a thing or two about things."
"You're a kid! You just don't get it, and I'm glad you don't understand because it's, not worth it, explaining it or in general. Can we talk about something else?"
"So were you when you left, and now you know that I know, that you and him have a past. Perhaps initially it was a love match, holding hands, became something more, I don't know You fill in those blanks for me, maybe I won't be as bitchy toward you."
"You can be so melodramatic. Your true calling is for the theatre."
"Don't you dare patronize me, I figured it out!"
"Kitty, I mean, Kat, stop you sound paranoid!." She laughed nervously to throw her off but she was feeling had and confused, "I can't with you right now. I need some air."
"Because you know I'm right for once." Emma ran out of the kitchen and the house without her jacket and she did't come back for them. She shrugged and resumed sulking, sitting back down in the kitchen and eating whatever was around in terms of snacks. "It's Kat, by the way."
Her mom returned feeling a bit more relaxed, she took a shot of something in the liquor cabinet to deal with her teenage daughter's drama, and had her old yearbook, "Darn, Kat, where did she go? I was just about to show Auntie Em something."
"Who?"
Manny sternly questioned, "Don't be funny. Who do you think?"
She looked out the kitchen window and shrugged, and she spoke a sheer careless tone in which she spoke as if she could care less, "Oh, she left."