Christmas Proposal

Chapter 20: Thanksgiving and mystries

"Happy Thanksgiving Em!"
"Thank you! Same to you Alex! I'm just glad your flight planes canceled and you can be home."

"I'm sure Jürgen and Rosalie are enjoying their honeymoon."

They get a knock on the door and Alex's sister is shivering cold.

"Claire? What are you doing here?"

"Hey, Alex! Dad kicked me out and I'm not that old enough to be on my own so I was wondering if I could stay with you?"

"Of course! I am so sorry about that. Please come in and sit down. Claire this is Emery and she is my beautiful girlfriend."

"Hello!"

"Hi."

"It's so cold outside."

"I can't believe your okay Alex! You see my boyfriend Kalen manipulated me and dad kicked me out because I dated a thief."

Emery spits her water.

"Hold up my brother was your boyfriend?! Who is like 17 and he manipulated you?"

"I didn't know he was your brother."

"Yeah and I don't recommend telling him any of this. If he gets in trouble our mother is going to flip out and ship him to bordering school."

"Wow sounds more strict than my family."

"Yeah it is and I ran away because I don't want to live under those rules."

"I see."

Claire eats a lot and feasts hard with Emery and Alex and they show her where to rest.

"Claire can take my room Alex and I'll just sleep on the couch. I plan to leave early in the morning to get to Shawnee."

"No, you don't have to Emery we have plenty of guest rooms here one for both of you."

"I'll just be leaving anyways."

"Just be careful when you fly tomorrow."

"I promise."

Claire goes to bed early and Alex and Emery dance together like the moment was always there.

"Why do you have to move away Em? My hospital can hire you here."

"I was having a high offer and felt I should take it."

"No I understand."

"I promise to come and visit and if we get married then this can be temporary."

"I know I'll need your help with Claire."

"You know dad will try to marry me off."

"Yeah so does my mom too."

"I just miss mom."

"Well Claire we will let you love whoever you want. With a point of protection too. I care about you sis."

"Why did you leave me with dad? Why didn't you take me when you took Jürgen with you?"

"I was so young and selfish and I am sorry."

"I'm sorry too."

Emery went to her room.

"I had to suffer so much hurt! He abused me Alex my boyfriend and Dad! For what only to use me?!"

"I'm sorry I wasn't there for you! I at least am here for you now! Aren't I?! I gave you shelter and warmth and is this the thanks I get?! I have your mouth to feed before my own. My girlfriend is moving and you decide to blame me for everything when I have only been trying to listen to you?!"

Claire went silent and she slammed the door.

Alex sighs and cries overwhelmed.

*What am I getting into?*

Maybe they can make this family mess work? Just maybe they can be together?