CHAPTER 2:
After school, Valerie swung by the mall to talk to Jade at the glow-in-the-dark mini-golf place.
"Hey, Jade," Valerie said, catching Jade's attention.
"What's up?" Jade asked her.
"Leah and Trixie are out shopping, and I insisted on coming along," Valerie explained.
"Why?" Jade asked.
"Because I wanted to see if you were spending Christmas with Mom," Valerie told Jade.
"Only if she doesn't bring up my wedding," Jade said.
"Jade, I thought Mom was okay with it," Valerie said, confused.
"She is; I just don't want her to give me second thoughts. This wedding is happening," Jade said, determined.
"That's the spirit, sis!" Valerie said.
"Val, have our dads ever been in the same room together?" Jade asked.
"I think so?" Valerie said, trying to remember. "They weren't like…'friendly,' but they didn't argue or anything," Valerie said.
"Well – as long as we're pretty sure they can get along, how about you invite your dad over to my place for Christmas?" Jade said.
"Yeah – we can do that," Valerie said. "I think it'll be okay."
At the mall, the next day, Valerie and Clayton were gone clothes shopping at the Khaki House.
"So, Clayton, what are you doing for Christmas?" Valerie asked as she browsed a few blouses from the nearby rack.
"Well, Christmas is kind of difficult for me," Clayton admitted.
"What do you mean?" Valerie asked.
"You see; Michael and I have the same dad, but not the same mom," Clayton explained.
"Oh, wow, I didn't know that," Valerie said, surprised.
"It's true; Michael and I are half-brothers. He just doesn't like to talk about it," Clayton added.
"Clayton, I know what it's like to have half-siblings. Jade and I are half-sisters. We have the same mom, but not the same dad," Valerie said, trying to relate.
"Really? You're related to the Jade West? Wow. Was it hard for you at first?" Clayton asked.
"When I first heard that Jade was my half-sister, I wasn't very hopeful. But we slowly began to bond, and it was a lot better than I expected," Valerie recalled.
"It's different with me and Michael. His goth lifestyle kind of weirded me out at first. But, I had to get used to it, since he's family," Clayton explained.
"So do you two get along or…" Valerie's voice trailed off.
"Nah, not exactly," Clayton responded.
"Well…I can see why Christmas would be difficult for you," Valerie replied. "I hope it goes well though."
"Thanks," Clayton said.
Valerie updated her status on TheSlap which read: "Family problems are the worst :( - MOOD = Upset".
On the night of December 22nd, the New Six came over to the Vega House.
Leah was adding some ornaments to the Christmas Tree. "And there we go," she said with delight.
"Nice pictures!" Trixie responded in awe.
"This bone-shaped ornament reminds me of Rocky. He's helped me get through the many difficult times in my life. This picture ornament next to it is the first picture I ever took with Tori. And the next picture ornament next to that is a picture of all the new friends I made since coming to Hollywood Arts, Especially my girlfriend," Leah explained.
Trixie took a closer look, "That is a good picture," she thought aloud, smiling.
"Wait – " Michael asked stiffly, overhearing Leah's remarks. "I'm in the picture. So we're actually friends now?"
"Michael, if we weren't, I never would've invited you over in the first place," Leah clarified. "Even though we got off on the wrong foot."
"She's got a point, dude," Sean chimed in.
Yeah, I'm just grateful I have a group of such good friends," Clayton added. "Sometimes it's hard to make friends with my autism and all."
"Of course! We like you just the way you are, Clayton. I know things can be hard for you at times, but we all have those moments," Valerie said quickly.
"Yeah. Christmas is one of those days of the year that always brings me joy. No matter how old I get, I'll always look forward to coming down the stairs on Christmas morning and opening my presents," Clayton said.
"Awh, come here," Leah said as they all (except Michael) gave him a group hug.
