#scarsdale

"For calling yourself names, more likely." Aaron interjects calmly.

"Just being honest. It's the truth. He thinks maybe he could protect me from that, too...."

Aaron and Hannah exchange a look.

After several attempts and false starts, Zara shakes her head. "I love you very much, and you don't... don't deserve my drama. You deserve better, and I'm sorry. "

"Zara, we have a teenaged daughter. We ... a) are used to it and b) expect it." Aaron explains.

"Zara, honey... please, stay here tonight, hm? Stay here, in the morning you help me around the house, we make breakfast.... see if you feel better after a night's good sleep."

"I'll be better. No drama."

"Zara, psychological texts are clear that a certain amount of stress and pressure to confirm are normal in an adolescent.... it's ok to have drama. "

"Ssshhh.... Aaron, let her get some sleep. Zara, you want I should come up with you?"

"No, it's okay Mama..."

@roocifer has joined the channel

"Ok, well, I'll be up later then." Hannah kisses her.

Aaron rises and gives her a kiss too. "Zara.... I can't pretend to understand but I'm assured that this will pass. Be patient with yourself, and with us. This is our first time too."

"Okay. Okay. Goodnight."

"Good night, Princess....."

(Scene)

(scene!)

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Earl knocks on the door, hoping folks forgive him for arriving so late. He is dressed in a nice jacket and takes a moment to smooth his hair.

Zara, not the folks, opens the door. "Earl? What are.... coat?"

"Hey, how are you?" He asks. And takes off his coat

She makes a noncommittal noise as she closes the door behind him.

OOC: Hopefully once he's in? Or is he stuck outside 🙂

((Yes! 😛 ))

BIC: "Hope I'm not intruding? I was kind of out of pocket for a bit... learning Wayfare."

"Not intruding. Hey. Want something to drink? Is everything okay?"

"Well, I got flicker flashed to the Congo.. as part of my jedi training," He says quite seriously, "Have you ever been to the Congo? They have leopards. I know because one tried to eat me."

"The... Congo." she blinks, and shakes her head. "No, I have not been there. Avoid the leopards, good to know."

"yeah, " He says a bit unsure where to go from there, "I lived... and learned how to run through a tree. "

"I'm... sorry, about Hirim. But it sounds like it worked out?" She glances up at him, then indicates the kitchen door across the room with a little flick of her eyes. She starts walking, letting it be implied he follow.

He follows, "Yeah, and I can't say I wasn't inspired, I... meant to bring you a gift, but it's not quite done yet," Apologetic, "I just know you worry if folks are gone too long and I didn't want to do that to you. Also.." An admission, "I missed you."

He can see the back of her neck turn pink, as she goes to the fridge. "I.. well... well, I'm glad you checked in. We've got iced tea, and soda, and grapefruit juice..."

"Iced Tea is great, thanks," and he asks, "So how is everyone here?"

Shoulders tense, then shrug. She takes out the pitcher and closes the fridge with a gentle kick.

"Busy, mostly."

He notices the tensing, "Not too busy for you, I hope?"

She pours two glasses. "Just... you know... busy."

Turns, holding out one to the troll.

He tilts his head, trying to give her an opening to say more, but takes the glass, "mmm hmmm" A nod, "Thank you." Sip, and wait.

"Kinda... uh." she hesitates, frowning.

"I'm sorry, nothing exciting like the Congo."

"Trust me, a little less exciting than Congo is good. Love to hear it," A sip again

She leans against the counter, holding but not drinking her tea. "Just, you know, the usual. Miriam. Talking about when she'd be ready to wake up."

"...probably best if I'm not around, you know. So."

"Why? I thought you and she had connected a little?"

"Well. She doesn't remember having a kid."

"Hirim and Ratchet, they said they'd take her somewhere and do it. Tell me about it later. After." A scowl.

"Well, they mean well, but that's got to be frustrating," He frowns, "Pardon, stating the obvious aren't I?"

"Well, I made a big stupid scene. Proving, again, you know, why they think I'm just a kid."

"we're wilders... if we didn't make scenes grumps would just collect moss until they fell over from the weight of how boring they get," Earl suggests.