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DESPITE EVERYTHING THAT'S happened, Darcie still finds the Christmas cheer as she wears a Santa hat with a matching Christmas jumper. Though Darcie can't quite enjoy the holidays (Thanksgiving was dreadful), but she's trying.
By trying means sitting mutely at the table, staring glumly at the sight of Sam's mother sitting where their mother once had. Maybe it's not fair to be bitter towards the woman, but her son has pretty much ruined Darcie's life. Her eyes fall on Sam, where the two share a mutual glare towards each other.
"Dad, you should see the house," Rochelle is gushing, radiating with happiness as she ignores the tense atmosphere. "Sam and I have been decorating the living room recently—"
"With what money?" Darcie asks, smiling, but it seems fake.
Rochelle's smile evaporates as she meets Darcie's gaze. Since her sister had moved out, Darcie's only seen Rochelle a handful of times, where she had refused to go anywhere near their house (not that she's ever invited) or forgive her sister for what she's done. Darcie's only agreed to the holidays for the sake of their father, but she didn't agree to be happy about it.
"Darcie," Lewis eyes his daughter, where those irises are pleading for her to at least try as she sighs in response. "Sam's working for the community and Rochelle's making money through teaching."
But Rochelle never wanted to teach. Darcie wants to shake some sense into her sister, to remind Rochelle that all she's ever wanted was to play her music. See, Darcie understands Rochelle's fear of performing now because of her scars, but she shouldn't let her dreams completely shatter. Though, Sam did buy Rochelle a second-hand piano for her birthday the previous month, so Darcie at least respects him for that.
Her eyes now fall on Sam's hand that is rested on top of Rochelle's in comfort as if Darcie's hostility upset her. It does make Darcie feel bad, but Rochelle's dug her own grave.
"Rochelle," suggests Sam, smiling at his girlfriend. "Why don't you show Darcie the pictures?"
Rochelle stares down at her untouched food. "No, it's okay."
Darcie sighs. "Rochelle, show me. I want to see."
A small part of Darcie is curious and wants to know the home Rochelle has made for herself. Now, Rochelle stands, heading towards her bag to retrieve the pictures. As they wait, Lewis sparks a conversation with Sam and his mother, really trying for Rochelle's sake. Things had been awkward after everything that had happened with Lewis finding out the truth, where his first visit to his daughter's place had consisted of arguments.
"It's a small place," Rochelle now tells Darcie, returning. "There are two bedrooms, but downstairs is open plan. Sam had been fortunate to be offered it for free from the community."
Darcie scoffs. "Why is that?"
"Through Sam's work," his mother speaks for him.
Darcie looks at the pictures with each one causing her heart to break. The place is warm, homely with natural colours and the occasional splash of colour that's Rochelle's touch. Darcie spots all the musical instruments her sister can plan, realising she has not heard her music in months. It's devastating that Darcie hasn't had a place within Rochelle's new life, but it's not like it's her fault. Instead, this is all she gets.
