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It wasn't long afterwards that they went back downstairs — a rough estimation of the time that it took was about five more "fanboy" accusations. To which he had stopped even trying to deny. They went back down when they heard the door and voices shouting across rooms to each other, indicating that his Dad was back; just in time for food since it was ready and being plated up.
They ate around the table in the dining room, yes they had a dining room. Francesca was used to a small table in a kitchen corner which went unused since her family usually ate in the living room with the TV on. Damon's family did the whole food being an opportunity for quality time and conversation — like a proper traditional family, the ones you'd see on TV.
She didn't speak if she didn't have to, she was too worried about saying something wrong. She just enjoyed watching Damon with his parents. Only talking when she was asked something like : what was Christmas like for her growing up, what she did for work, and if she had any siblings. Just as Damon had told her, the usual conversation topics. She gave them answers that she assumed were the correct thing to say. She didn't tell them how Christmas was just a reminder of all the bills that needed paying and how her Mum was too stressed to enjoy it but if Francesca tells her that she's putting too much stress on one day, and she doesn't really care about presents anyway, then she's accusing her Mum of ruining Christmas ...
No. She doesn't tell them that. She just said it's nice because that's the kind of thing she thought they'd want to hear.
About every five minutes, like clockwork, Damon would look at her. Silently asking if she was okay, to which, in response, she would nod.
She wasn't completely settled. To no fault but a new environment with new people. It was overstimulating but not headache inducing-ly so. She was tired but not drained — there was a difference. After work, she felt like all the life had been taken out of her. This was more like the end of a long road trip. It helped that she had Damon there. Half of her calmness probably stemmed from his presence. Simply knowing he was there seemed to help.
She was glad that his mum had suggested to watch a movie since there was an excuse to not try and involve herself in the conversation. They watched Home Alone, during which Damon would whisper commentary or jokes to her throughout.
She hadn't even noticed the sun setting or the time passing but after three yawns from Francesca (that she tried to hide out of fear it would seem rude), Damon told his parents that he was tired and going up to bed. He had noticed her habits and knew she wouldn't say anything herself.
His parents expressed the same feeling, saying that it would be a long day tomorrow. They said their goodnights and went upstairs, Francesca could hear them talk about tomorrow — who was arriving when etc. as they went. Damon went to the kitchen, Francesca his shadow for the day and not far behind, to get them both glasses of water to take up. Something he'd picked up from seeing his parents do the same.
