#rivervale_lodge

"That must have been difficult, such close quarters. And...yes, sometimes the fights have been glorious, but they've never felt that way in the moment. Very satisfying after the fact...and I think that has to do with the sense of being heard. Does that make sense?"

"yes" A brow knit "Actually it does. I.. with Lump, I'm the talker, you know? he listens... but even then at times I.. don't just want him to nod or even recite. I don't want him to fix it either. I want him to get it...to understand. I can't MAKE that happen, but it doesn't stop me from wanting it"

Kerri nods. "I think most of the time, when Olgar and I have fought, it's because one or the other doesn't feel heard, or understood...and sometimes the understanding doesn't happen during the fight, but comes later, after a bit of time to think."

"Oh that's tricky. I'm not always patient. And I need to be. things are too important for my usual off the cuff attitude" some self awarness there she wouldn't have had perhaps even a year ago

"It comes in time. It comes when you start recognizing which things are worth being patient for."

A long drink of her lemonade then "Yeah. I.. guess. That makes sense. Thanks, Aunt Kerri. It helps. Sorry, you've goty our own wilder to wrangle, and god, Gerd lately. She's gone goth.. kind of anyway."

A grin. "I remember that stage."

"You went Goth? Oh wow"

"Oh, no...I was more punk."

"Pictures or it didn't happen" A fun grin

"Spiky hair." She makes a splayed finger gesture to emphasize.

"Oh, well, I guess it didn't happen, then. Or at least, I don't have any of those pictures."

"Oh come on, there must be some evidence somewhere... Not that I don't believe you truly, but i SO want to see that" Siv grins "Hey, my hair got .." She gestures to her style

"Cool"

A smile and a shrug. "It was before my chrysalis."

"Still would love to see it. So... some costume party, will you punk out just to show us how it was done?"

"Welllllll....no promises. Maybe."

"Fair enough" she says

"So...is there anything I can do to help you and Bancroft figure out where you two stand? As much as I've enjoyed having you on a dishwashing spree, I don't want to see you hiding in here even after your grounding is done."

"You've helped a lot just hearing me out, even more giving good council" She says "Who knows, maybe ... mm would you be offended if I asked your help in arranging a picnic for two with he and I? I think that might be a good way to talk"

Kerri's eyes twinkle. "I'd be very happy to make that happen. Sandwiches? Or fried chicken? Or something a bit fancier?"

"Well, I don't wnat to make too much work for you when you're being so kind already..but if you're willing to guide me.. is there such a thing as fancy sandwiches?"

"Oh, absolutely! Let's see.... chicken and avocado in pita? Cucumber sandwiches? Ham, brie, and pear?"

"Okay, THAT sounds fancy" And she begins to explain what her lump lilkes. For a girl who worries she monopolizes the relationship, Kerri may note that she's got his preferences memorized

Kerri notices, indeed, but files that bit of information away for later use. "And for drinks...bottles of sparkling water?"

"Can we get plastic champagne glasses to complete the effect?" A smirk

"Oh, let's give you proper glasses, not plastic."

"Oh" her eyes widen then "Okay, getting the urge to hug you there"

Kerri grins and looks a bit smug. "I know. Go with it."

A laugh and wide arms lead to a hug for her aunt

The hug is returned. "There...you sound a bit better."

"And feel it, thanks. " A sigh "now .. all I have to do is hope mum and dad are going to end this grounding soon. I mean, I earned it. I get it... well, I get THAT.." She says

"I imagine you're almost done. That is, if all your school work is caught up?"

"Oh it is. I don't want to be held for summer school ...honestly, the school year will never eeeennnd"

"Well, keep up, or tell your parents when you need help. That should manage it."

"Thanks.. and.. I'm going to head upstairs and text my boyfriend. You're right, however this goes, I shouldn't let it..fade from cowardly neglect"

"Good for you. Take a cookie for courage."

"Cookies helped get me into this trouble" But she snatches one, and leaves

Kerri smiles at that, and quickly washes up the glasses they used before setting to work on planning the weekly shopping.

(End scene)