#elsewhere

Linnea pulls up outside of the Smyth household in Watertown. Janice had started to offer directions, only to be told, "We know where you live." Perhaps Linnea didn't mean it to sound so... matter of fact. Janice responds with a simple, "Oh."

"Trolls kind of seem like that?" Thistle offers.

Janice nods, and Frankie asks, "Can we keep that car?" Linnea cannot help but smile at the boy. "I do not think so, child. It will be taken away for safekeeping."

"Shouldn't be too bad to fix, I just pulled the sparkplugs."

Janice shakes her head at Frankie. "We do not need another car." She ruffles his hair.

Linnea steps forward and leans into the car, then pulls back with a disgusted look.

"It will need to be cleaned. Thoroughly. Then, Danica will run the plates, determine if it was even legally owned to begin with, and we'll handle disposition of it from there."

"Yeah, it stinks."

Several Nevers flutter around and make "Peeee-ew!" sounds, holding tiny noses.

"Trina? Show me where the receiver is. If needs be, we can affix it to a decorative element so I don't accidentally tidy it away in the future." Janice suggests.

"Sure.. uh, it's in Frankie's room."

"Wise." She trails behind Thistle as Linnea continues checking out the car, and then to scout around the house.

"Do you think anyone else is likely to come after him?" Janice asks, worriedly.

"I hope not. I think the Spriggan's a goner."

"And you're sure you're okay? He didn't hurt you, or... " Janice pauses, and timidly suggests, "This autumn person. I feel terrible. I did not know that you were.. suffering."

"He didn't hurt me. I scratch."

She does not respond to the comment about the autumn person.

"Please, Trina. Thistle. Tell me how I can help you." Janice pleads.

"Would I be a better family member to you... if I remain awake?" She quietly offers. "I do not have to forget. If I can help you, I will remain... myself, and not simply 'Janice'."

"But that would hurt you." Guilt.

Her lips press together. "It is the duty of a parent to help their children. YOU saved my son. Your brother. You may not be mine by blood, but how can I do any less then help you in return?"

"That doesn't seem right, though." She frowns. "I don't know what's best, but.."

"But I don't want you hurt."

Janice offers her hands out to Thistle. "Then let us say this. If you need me, I will be here. I may not remember, but with a touch of glamour, I will. Promise me that if you are in need, you will come to me?"

She chews on her lip, but nods and gives Janice's hands a squeeze.

"I'll try to be less of a jerk."

She is pulled into a quick hug. "If you cannot be a 'jerk' to your stepmother, then who else? Be yourself." She lets go.

Thistle's mouth is twisted into a smile, oddly vulnerable.

Janice also looks vulnerable at the moment - the two may have nothing in common as far as looks go, but there is a similarity shared for a moment.

Linnea clears her throat, uncomfortable with breaking up the moment.

"Right, car!"

"Do you have your permit for driving, or simply for the scooter?" Linnea asks. "If you do not, we'll just make an extra trip to take it away."

"I know HOW to drive..."

Linnea coughs. "I'll call a tow truck. I don't think anyone wants to sit behind that driver's seat anyways, not until it's cleaned. Well, Thistle? Coming back with me? I can drop you at home, or School, or the Manor. Else there's another place you need to be."

"Janice... you're okay?"

She nods. "I am. Yes. Frankie and I will be fine, thanks to you."

"I... I think I'll head home?"

"Text me when you get there?" Normally Janice lets Dad be the one to worry, but today, it's her.

"Sure."

Linnea nods, and heads out to the car. When Thistle joins her, she finds Linnea in the passenger seat.

"Driving lesson." The Thane says. "Buckle up - Danica can get us out of most any trouble with the law, but if you are ticketed for not being buckled, she will not stir a finger."

"What? Cool!"

Thistle bounces a little as she buckles up, and fusses with the mirrors.

"I will appreciate if you do NOT change anything in this car, except the Radio station." Linnea says, anticipating itchy nocker fingers.

"Right, right, I'll be good!"

"Check your blind spot, then foot on the brake as you shift into reverse." The Thane is patient as she explains, and they are on their way home!

---scene!---