LIGHTS OUT - A Lando Norris fanfic

Chapter Four

Author's Note: Hope you're enjoying the story so far, again it would help loads if you leave comments :) ! I've changed Lando's sisters names a bit for the story as of course Flo is the name of the main character I didn't want to use that to avoid confusion. 

The Christmas Eve dinner at Kate's house was a study in precision and discipline, much like Kate herself. The table was set immaculately, with polished silverware and pristine white linens, creating an atmosphere of austere elegance. The air was heavy with the scent of roasting turkey and freshly cut pine, mingling with the faint aroma of Kate's favourite scented candles.

Florence sat at the table, her posture stiff and her expression guarded as she watched Kate move about the kitchen with practiced efficiency. Kate had always been a woman of few words, her military background evident in every aspect of her demeanour. There was an air of authority about her, a sense that she expected nothing less than perfection from those around her.

As they sat down to dinner, Kate wasted no time in getting straight to the point. "So, Florence, tell me about your work. How's everything going?" she asked, her tone brisk and businesslike. Florence hesitated for a moment, steeling herself before replying. "Actually, I quit my job," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

Kate's eyebrow arched imperceptibly, but she said nothing, waiting for Florence to continue.

"I was... having some difficulties with my ex-boss," Florence confessed, her words tumbling out in a rush. "He was... treating me unfairly, and I just couldn't take it anymore."

There was a moment of silence as Kate absorbed this information, her expression unreadable. Then, without missing a beat, she asked, "Have you found another job yet?"

Florence's heart sank at the question, the lack of sympathy or understanding from Kate cutting her to the core. "Not yet," she admitted, her voice barely audible.

Kate nodded curtly, her gaze unwavering. "Well, you'd better hurry up and find one. You can't afford to be without work for too long," she said matter-of-factly, as if discussing the weather.

Florence swallowed hard, feeling a lump form in her throat. She had hoped for some words of comfort or reassurance from Kate, but all she had received was cold practicality. As they continued their meal in strained silence, Florence couldn't help but feel a sense of disappointment and isolation wash over her, realising that even now, Kate remained as unyielding and unemotional as ever.

***

The Christmas Day gathering at Piper's family home was a stark contrast to the formality of the previous evening at Kate's house. Here, warmth and laughter filled the air, along with the tantalising aroma of holiday feasts being prepared in the kitchen. The living room was adorned with twinkling lights and festive decorations, casting a cozy glow over the gathering.

Florence sat nestled on the plush sofa, surrounded by the comforting embrace of Piper's family. They welcomed her with open arms, treating her like one of their own. Piper's parents moved about the room, bustling with holiday cheer as they tended to their guests' needs.

As Florence exchanged pleasantries with Piper's cousins, Piper sidled up beside her, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "So, how was dinner with Kate last night?" she asked, her voice laced with anticipation.

Florence sighed softly, her expression reflecting the mixed emotions stirred up by her encounter with her godmother. "It was... the usual," she replied shrugging, "I don't know why I ever expect anything else. Sometimes I really wonder how my parent's could have chosen someone so vastly different from them."

Piper nodded sympathetically, understanding the complexities of Florence's relationship with her godmother. "I'm sure she does love you, in her own way."