2020-10-23 Kiss Marry Kill

 2020-10-23 Kiss Marry Kill

 McLeod sat at the lunch table with Cath, Aislin, Mabel and Tomas. Tomas was a sort of bridge between girls and boys groups as he had been becoming closer friends with Mabel since the dance and he dealt well with her group of girls. On the other side of him sat Tony, Tristan, Rene and Mason and purposely by herself on the other side of Daphne sat Mina James, with her headphone on, seemingly tuning out the world as she ate a sandwich.

Daphne surveyed her gal pals “Have you guys ever played Kiss Marry Kill? That’s the polite version anyways…” She smiled. “You have to decide from a pool of people who you’d do each of those to. Let’s say our classroom...the 7-8s. I’ll go first. Kiss……” She thinks “Maybe Daniel….if he was single...he’s cute. Marry….ugh I never want to get married…...but for the sake of the game…..” She giggles and looks at Aislin “Aislin because she’s never boring.” She winks “And kill...ok definitely one of the Wong twins because I swear they’re going to unleash unspeakable evil on the world one day. Cut that in half to save us all.” Then she zeros in on Mabel “Mabel you’re up….Kiss Marry Kill?”

Mabel actually blushes a bit “Can you only choose one person for each thing. Because kiss and marry might be the same for me. I agree on the Wong twins.”

Daphne rolls her eyes “Oh you were way more fun before you got all twitterpated. No offence Tomas!” She snorts “It’s technically supposed to be one for each but I won’t wreck your little budding romance and make you pick another. Cath. Your turn.”

Cath had been looking down at her phone and not listening at all until she heard Daphne say her name directly “Huh? What are we doing?”

“Kiss Marry Kill...room 7-8 is the pool. You have to pick one person for each. Who are you texting anyways? We’re all here…and I don’t hear my Discord dinging.” Daphne looks around.

Cath looks self conscious “Just a friend from somewhere else…on my old Discord account.” She doesn’t mention it’s a person from an online game she just discovered and she just made a new Discord specifically to chat with him but then realizes she better say something qualifying “From St. Pierre where I used to go to school. I don’t know if I want to play. I’m not sure I want to do any of those things to anyone.” At least no one from their classroom anyways.

Daphne deflates “Aislin, save me from the tedium. Besides you’re practically my wife now right?” She jokes “Kiss Marry Kill? And Tomas you are not excused just because I didn’t embarrass Mabel in front of you.” She points at him and then looks back at Aislin with a sweet smile.

Aislin giggles.  “I know, right?”  she mock rolls her eyes.  Then she smirks.  “Kiss would be you, of course Daphne.”  she glances at Tony.  “Marry is between Rene and Tony because .. money.  But if I marry Rene, he can still have an affair with Tristan while I have an affair with you … so yes .. definitely Rene.  And kill … whichever Wong twin remains.”

Tomas grins at Mabel’s answer and the banter of the girls.  He looks at Mabel.  “If I must pick three separate, then definitely kiss Mabel, but thinking like Aislin, I will marry Tristan so I can have an affair with Mabel.”  He crosses himself quickly because he’s on the road to hard core sinning.  And kill … I …  I suppose I will have to pick a Wong too.”  he winces as those words sound a little bit off to his own ears.

Tristan had overheard the details of the game from Rene’s name coming up and then his name coming up  and looked over suspiciously. He shook his head and laughed looking at Rene “Apparently I’m your side piece but I have to marry Tomas and you have to marry Aislin? What a tangled web we weave….” He digs into a container of leftover pasta and keeps eating lunch.

Daphne claps her hands “Adultery is our saving grace in this game. Aislin! You brilliant sexy thing!” She beams “I’m all in! Although I would say if you marry Tony he’ll be on tour all the time and we’ll barely need to sneak around.” It’s a bit of a dig at Tony but she’s relaxing about the fact that he went to the dance with Candra and he flirted with Latonya. I mean they had been friends forever too and their group of friends was more important to Daphne. “Clearly we all agree on the Wongs...poor girls.” She goes wide eyed at Tomas “Ooooh look at you Tomas….picking a boy and making Mabel the dirty little secret. I like him Mabel. He’s daring….” Now Daphne looks down to the group of usual boys and flutters her eyelashes at Tristan after his words. Then she unabashedly balls up her tinfoil and whips it at Tony “Kiss Marry Kill. From our classroom pool. Your answers then Rene and Tristan who are already spoken for but let’s let them defend themselves...and Mason….someone kick him when it’s his turn. He’s texting again. See Cath you don’t want to be Mason…” She teases.

Cath looks up at her name and smiles nervously “Sorry what did I miss?” As her Discord notification dings again.

Mabel had beamed when Tomas picked her to kiss and then face palmed as he picked Tristan with her as an affair. She elbowed Tomas after Daphne teased him “Well I guess I’ll take what i can get….geez.” She laughs and blushes. Even the idea of kissing Tomas gave her a very warm feeling.

Aislin just giggles, trying not to choke on her lunch.

Tomas blinks at the idea that Mabel is a dirty little secret.  "No ... I would flaunt it ... after all ... it's .. what do they call it .. an open marriage, si?"  he looks at Mabel after she elbows him.  "After we get the Hollywood divorce we can run away wherever we want?"  he offers, half concerned she'll be mad at him.  Girls were kind of volatile in his experience.

Tony was only half paying attention when he was hit in the head with a ball of tinfoil.  He didn't want to play, but Daphne was baiting him, it felt like.  So he puts on his charming voice.  "I would kiss LaTonya ... but that's all it would be."  he tells her and makes sure she is looking at him when he continues.  "Marry you, Daph.  Because you're the best and always there for me.  ANd I will always come home to YOU."  he snorts.  "I don't hate her, but she's not a Wong so I'll kill Mina because give them creepy twins a break."  he bites into his sandwich and looks down, done playing, as far as he's concerned.

Rene chuckles and winks at Tristan.  "Oui, it is."  he smirks and looks into his lunch.  Without looking at Tristan, he quips, jokingly.  "I can only hope that the Spanish accent does not win over the French..."  then he stares a moment at Tony.  He springs back fast ... for good or ill.

Mason has been on the fringes with his phone in his face, as always, thumb typing away.

Daphne expects Tony to say LaTonya and he does so she smiles and rolls her eyes at the that’s all it would be. But for some reason the next part about her cuts right to her heart and she feels her eyes sting a bit. It’s what she wishes Tony would say but his tone suggests it’s a joke which drives the nail further into the coffin of the fact that he really doesn’t mean it or care about her...or ever will that way. But she forces a smile back at him “Alright then. Thank you for the compliment. Mina’s an interesting choice.” She recomposes herself and is the picture of jovial within 10 seconds but the look of hurt was there for a second or two. “Tristan, you’re up. Kiss Marry Kill?”

Mabel beams at Tomas “Yes all over the tabloids...and then we run away to the mountains and become goat people! And maybe alpacas…” Now her imagination runs wild and she waves a hand in front of Tomas like she’s picturing things “I’ll knit us matching ponchos from the wool….I can’t knit but we’ll have time to learn….”

Tristan had rubbed a leg against Rene’s under the table “French will always win….you...will always win.” Then he watched Tony as he answered, curious about the Daphne answer. He had predicted those two would date eventually as they sure seemed to like one another in the summer and before but it didn’t seem like they were going there. He caught the look on Daphne’s face though and bit his lip, wondering if Tony did too, because Daphne was acting fine a moment later and then she turned the question on him and he looked thoughtful “It has to be 7-8?” He sighs and holds up a hand to Rene “Kiss Tomas, but only a millisecond peck at our fake wedding, and then I divorce Tomas and marry Rene as my forever man. I’m kind of inclined to say the Wong twins for kill because they were such bitches to Rene but I’m no killer.” Then he gives Mabel a strange look as she goes on about goats and alpacas and ponchos. He laughs a little “Shit just got weird over there.”

Cath still has her head down typing and occasionally suppressing a little smile as she reads what comes back.

Daphne gives Tristan an impressed look “Planning ahead...clever. OK Rene and then Mason. Kiss marry kill.”

Aislin watches as she enjoys her lunch, paying special attention to Daphne and Tony.  Those two were maddening to watch dance around and play with voice tone and innuendo.  She almost wanted to smack both of them.

Tomas watches as Mabel begins something like a spiral.  He catches her hand and looks into her eyes.  “Constante carino.”  he says to her softly.  It meant ‘steady darling’ but he knew Mabel didn’t speak a word of Spanish and he could have just as easily been telling her what was on his lunch, but his voice seemed to calm her so he went with it.  “No hay alpacas hoy (No aplacas today).”

Tony refuses to react when Daphne doesn’t take him seriously.  She was probably just still mad that he flirted with other girls.  Well, she and he were just friends anyway.  He’d get the occasional wave of crush or attraction, but she also drove him nuts with her hot and cold I like you I don’t like you crap.  Then Mabel gets to talking about woll and alpacas and he draws his head back at her … being Mabel.

Rene smiles at Tristan and stares into his eyes for a long moment. “The perfect life for me.”  Then he hears Spanish and Mabel is off on some tangent.  He had to admit … Spanish was a nice sounding language.

Mason is only giving the whole thing about 10% of his attention.  He barely glances up.  :Coding here so …  Kiss Windows, marry Linux, kill Mac and leave me alone.”  he grabs his sandwich and shoves half of it in his mouth, giving his attention to his task.

Mabel is grounded by Tomas even when she doesn’t understand a word of it. He’s holding her hand and doting on her and he could say anything he wanted in these moments. She felt the tone of it on some level and looked at him starry eyed “No alpacas. You’d still look very cute in a  poncho.” She’s barely aware of the other people giving their answers after Tomas.

Daphne rolls her eyes at Mason “Those are not our classmates, but since you don’t live in our world right now whatever…..Rene, you didn’t answer.” She can’t help but give Tomas a bit of an impressed look “Wow you tame Mabel. That’s a gift. Maybe you can get her to stop climbing out on rooftops and trying to go all chimney sweep ninja….” She looks back down to Rene for his answer.

Tristan gets a little lost in Rene’s stare and then smiles as Daphne calls him on not answering after Mason’s answer, which was in a way not surprising to him at all. He chuckles at Mason and shakes his head “Dude.” Mabel and Tomas were a curious combination but he was honestly so relieved Mabel wasn’t pining for Rene anymore he was happy to let the guy get all the alpaca ponchos piled onto him Mabel could offer.

Mina had been methodically eating carrot sticks at the next table over and once and while ehr eyes darted towards the group beside her but low, not looking at anyone directly and then immediately back to her container of veggies as she slowly seemed to bob her head to some song that was playing through her headphones.

Aislin watches the couples and it tickles her.  But Daphne seems to be having a good time, so she doesn’t press.

Tomas looks at Mabel, who always seemed to know he was around and be glad of it.  He simply winks at her, hoping to be half as cool doing it as his older brothers.

Tony laughs at Mason.  “But that is totally the world he lives in.  If you don’t have great bits and bytes, he doesn’t know you’re alive.”  he teases, knowing Mason will get it … if he hears it at all.

Rene blinks and looks at Daphne.  “Oh …  I am so sorry.”  he pulls himself out of Tristan's orbit.  “I … oh..  I do not know … let me think … Kiss my sister on the cheek, of course.  Marry Daniel because I will need a lawyer and he’s got a family full of them.  It’s a farce but it will help me get back to my love.  And kill … oh .. pick a Wong, any Wong.”

Mason hears Tony with the few percentage points he is giving the game of Kiss, Marry or Kill.  He gives him the thumbs up and gets back to it.

Tristan pretends to be a little jealous “Daniel huh?” He smirks after “Alright….” He laughs “God this fucking game….” He nods at Tony about Mason “Yep pretty much.”

Cath was looking up for a moment and laughed about Mabel “Chimney sweep ninja? Now I wanna draw that….” Then her phone dings again and she looks down a little surreptitiously and back up again. “Aw Rene wants to give me a kiss on the cheek. What a nice brother. Still a weird game. How is this the polite version?” She looks between the boys area and her side of the table. Cath’s been a bit sheltered.

Mabel beams “You should draw me as a chimney sweep ninja….that’s so my Halloween costume now!”

Daphne smirks at Rene “Just for the lawyer connections? He is cute. You’re allowed to notice. Tristan relax he’s seriously a  little sickening about you.” she laughs and then looks pointedly at Cath “The other version is Fuck Marry Kill.Kinda raises the stakes.”

Now Mina slides her headphones off and walks up to the table and engages. “Fuck Marry Kill is way more interesting. You’re all amateurs. Although I do appreciate that I was Tony’s kill choice. I’ll take that as a compliment Penhall.” she half smirks. Then she goes on “My answers for the real deal “Fuck…..Mia Wong….Marry...Sophia Wong so I can spend the whole thing reminding her I fucked her sister first. Kill Daphne for not having the balls to give you all a real challenge.” Then she smiles at Daphne, turns on her heels and walks off like it never even happened.

Tony laughs, especially when Mina thanks him.  “ANytime, baby.”  he replies smoothly, giving her a wink as she walks away.

Later that day, after school at the Perkatory Stefan was already at the table at the window with Daniel when LaTonya and Hayley walked in. He looked immediately annoyed “Did you know she was bringing HER?” He hissed at Daniel. Then he took a  deep breath “I’m sorry...I know what tomorrow is. Hayley probably needs you both...I can go…” He’s got his coffee in a to go cup anyhow and looks at the door.

Hayley overheard Stefan and cringed. Then she pointed at the table and said loudly “LaTonya, put your bag down, let’s sit here…..just us girls.” She and Daniel had discussed this and were trying to both see their two best friends and be able to walk home together after. It might totally backfire but surely after being in class they could stand to sit in the same coffee shop for like half an hour to an hour. She gave Daniel a sweet smile after. She did actually need them both. That part was right.

Daniel had his coffee to go as well.  “I knew.  But I want to walk Hayley home.  Tomorrows the funeral and I want to support her.”  he sighs.  “Just … ignore her.  It’s OK.”  he suggests.  Then he smiles back at Hayley, knowing she needed as many friends as she could get right now.  How he was going to balance all of this, he was not sure.

LaTonya saw Stefan, sniffed and lifted her nose as she went to order a white chocolate.  Then she nodded.  “Sure.”  she sat with her back to Stefan.  She could see Daniel out of the corner of her eye but she was concentrating on her friend.  “You settling in okay?  At the .. new place?”  is the only thing she can really think to ask.  This was unlike anything she had to face and she couldn’t imagine it.

Keisha was working at the Perk after school today. She had served Daniel and Stefan, a little more briefly with Stefan. She knew he hadn’t done what her sister initially thought he’d done but then she’d found out he blew up at her in front of their entire class and that was not cool with her at all. Then she saw her sister and Hayley walk in and looked between LaTonya and Stefan with a bit of concern. She was extra nice to her sister and Hayley and gave them both extra whipped cream and a bonus of sprinkles on their hot chocolates. She knew Hayley’s mom’s funeral was tomorrow from Jake as well as from LaTonya and Levar. The families were very connected by friendships and her older brother’s relationship with Otis. Now she observed the groups as she tidied up again.

Stefan felt guilty for his reaction immediately and more after Daniel explained “I know….totally not about me. Yeah I can ignore her. You’re a good guy Daniel.” He changes the subject “What was up with all the cucumber jokes today in foods class? I mean I get that they’re phallic but I thought Tony, Mason, Rene and Tristan were going to piss themselves laughing. It’s not THAT funny.”

Hayley saw LaTonya use her body and sitting position to block  seeing Stefan and accepted it as a valid strategy. Then LaTonya asked how she was settling in and she smiled “Actually they’re really nice. I mean you know Otis….better than I do probably from him dating Levar...which is weird because he’s my cousin. But they’re all super nice to us. My aunt and Uncle are so kind to us….and each other….it’s new but I like it. It’s a bit hectic at mealtimes with everyone but everyone helps so it goes pretty well. My Aunt insisted on giving Maddox and I sone spending money so I can even buy a coffee now without counting out every cent and planning in advance. I won’t ever take advantage of her generosity. I’m still sad….but I’m sad surrounded by good people at least. You and Daniel included in that of course.” She gives her friend a meaningful look. “How are things for you?” She doesn’t directly say about Stefan but she’s hoping social media has calmed down. Then a lightbulb goes on in her head and she pulls out something that might shock Latonya “I keep forgetting I actually have this…..but it’s a hand me down...I don’t even care….it’s a phone and it’s mine. Put your number in it and I can….text you?” She giggles a bit at the novelty.

Daniel smiles.  "Thanks.  And it's OK to still be sore."  he admits.  He probably would be.  Then Stefan asks about the cucumber jokes and he shakes his head.  "It's got to be some kind of in joke with their clique."  he offers.  "But at lest they aren't as bad as some cliques I've known.  They let people in and seem pretty cool, overall."

LaTonya listens to Hayley and it sounds good ... maybe in a lot of ways better than it was before.  She chides herself for saying that because she didn't mean it the way she even thought it.  Bu then Hayley puts it back on her.  "Things are GREAT for me."  she overemphasises to make sure she's heard.  "I got some great advice from Tony Penhall about how to handle the haters, the gossip and the bullshit."  then she laughs as Hayey pulls out her phone.  "Ohhh give it, give it, give it."  she'll reach for it and put her number in and looks up at her.  "I'm probably the SECOND one you asked, eh?"  she teases, thinking of Daniel.

Tony walks in the door a little ahead of his companions and moves right over to whee Hayley and LaTonya are sitting.  He leans over a little bit and looks at Hayley.  "I wanted to let you know ... the Petersons asked me to sing a little something at the ... well tomorrow.  They aren't sure if she's religious, but ... I told them I'd ask you and if you want me to I can sing something."  he tells her, his voice soft, yet deep and kind.  "Like your mom's favorite song of whatever.  Doesn't have to be religious liek Amazing Grace.  But if I don't know it I got a night to learn."  he jokes a little.

Hayley hears LaTonya say things are great for her very loudly and smiles awkwardly and then even more so as she talks about Tony giving her advice about gossip and bullshit. Oh Stefan must be loving this. Hayley just nods casually and forces herself not to look at Stefan. Then she’s glad when the focus is on her phone and blushes a bit “I did get it to Daniel….I just…” She sighs “Sorry….” Then as if LaTonya summoned him, Tony appears in the coffee shop and comes right up to them, talking to her? She blinks a bit and is then both touched and taken aback by the singing offer to take a request “Oh goodness…..um hi Tony.” She thinks “We’re not really religious. I mean there were bible readings...but sporadic and...well…” She doesn’t get into the fact that she felt her father likely used them as punishment or manipulation. Tony didn’t need to know that detail. “ And to be honest I’m just learning about some of the stuff my mom liked in terms of music. This is going to sound awful to you but my dad…..he wasn’t into music at all. My mom would put on the radio sometimes and he’d just turn it off. But my Uncle Gary has been telling us about what Mom was like before him…..she was really into music and had friends and apparently knew how to ride a unicycle…..seriously I knew nothing about my own mom. But a long time ago she used to listen to Sarah McLachlan…..probably not your kind of music but very BC I guess. I’ve been checking out all her old CDs. My uncle kept them for her. I’m trying to think of an easy one to learn and sing in one night…..oh actually….” She paws her phone back to her from LaTonya after she’s done putting in her number “Sorry I forget I actually have the internet in my reach…..um hang on….” She clicks around but for Hayley this is all new. “This old song...like from the 90s…It’s called Mary.” Hayley finally finds the song and plays it for Tony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=msXbYy4Zisk

Stefan had inhaled when LaTonya loudly said she was doing so great and got advice from Tony. Then he nodded at Daniel “Yeah they’re cool, as cool as their cucumber jokes..” He teased and then Tony walked right in and Stefan just gestured vaguely at him and laughed. Then he watched Hayley pass her phone back and forth and cue up a song and play it for Tony. He didn’t know it but it was a nice song.

Tristan is lagging a bit behind Tony with Rene but they come in holding hands as a song is playing out of Hayley’s phone. Tony has of course gone to chat with girls. Now that he’s in no danger of suddenly being a  dad he seems back on top of his game. Mind you if he’s talking to Hayley, maybe he’s offering her condolences or kindness about her mom. Tristan gives Hayley and LaTonya a little smile and then looks past them to Daniel and Stefan and gives them each a nod.

Keisha was refilling a canister and then turned around as more people came in and she waggled her finger as she did a little head count and then  tilted her head side to side looking ok with the results. Still within the rules. She smiled at Rene and Tristan as well as Tony but waited until they approached to call out as there seemed to be a song being shared and she got that.

Tony gives all of his attention to Hayley as she talks to him about her mother.  She was right, he’d never heard of this Sarah McLachlan, but that wouldn’t stop him.  He looks at the video as it plays, looking at the words on the screen nodding his head and getting the rhythm.  Then he pulls out his own phone and pulls it up, plus another window and plays it again, this time with the lyrics in front of him.  With this play through he sort of mumble sings the song, still notting with it and getting the feel for it.  Once the second playthrough is down, he looks around and blinks, then smiles, seeing that Tristan and Rene have walked in at some point.  “I’ll do what I can, Hayley.  I promise.”  he tells her and turns towards Keisha.  “Extra large double dark chocolate, please.”  it was his usual.  He reaches into his bag and pulls out a set of ear buds, putting on in his left ear and tapping his phone.  He looks at it and is singing with a little more confidence, sometimes skipping a line and listening to it.  Now and again he will stop and apparently rewind a bit and sing a line again.  “I would be the last to let it show…”  he shakes his head and tries again.  “I would be the last to let it show.”  more like the actual song, but with Tony’s deep and soulful voice.  He nods to himself and stands near Tristan and Rene, still clearly learning the song on the fly.

Daniel sighs a bit when LaTonya speaks in a way clearly aimed at Stefan, but he doesn’t speak on it.  He does smile, overhearing that he got Hayley’s new number first.  Then Tony comes in and offers a song.  Hayley offers him one and he actually seems to be trying to learn it right then and there.  He could never be confused for a Caucasion folk singer, but he had an incredible voice.  Daniel had never heard Tony sing live before.  He didn't think the dance counted.

LaTonya found that Tony paying attention to Hayley didn’t spark any jealousy in her.  He was doing something very sweet and he seemed to be taking it seriously.  She smiles at Hayley as Tony sings a few lines, trying to get the inflection right.  “It’ll be beautiful once he learns it, Hay.  Believe me.  He’s the best.”  she assures her.  But Hayley probably already knew that.

Hayley feels supported by how actively Tony listens to her talk about her mom. He was more than just a cute boy who could sing. She gets why LaTonya’s crush has been so pervasive on a new level. “Thanks Tony. No pressure as I’m just throwing this at you….” But then he’s singing it and practicing already and she looks both honoured and impressed and nods at Keisha “Yeah he is.” She glances at Rene and Tristan and smiles back at them “Hi…” she says politely and then turns back to LaTonya “You’re coming to the after thing tomorrow right? That’s the part I’m nervous about. I mean we have to talk to people….people that knew Mom…..” She sips her coffee and looks overwhelmed by the idea

Stefan watches Tony and can’t help but be a little impressed with how kind he’s being to Hayley and how he just takes on learning the song she’s shown him. He did have an amazing voice. “Huh...look at him go.” He comments to Daniel “I can’t sing to save my life. Can you? I used to mouth the words in choir at my old school.” He snorts “Best for everyone.”

Tristan stays quiet as Tony’s trying to learn a song until he has to order his drink and then he says quickly “Hi Keisha….Pumpkin Paradise because it’s October.” He smiles.

Keisha had made Tony’s and been friendly serving him as she passed it over and then started on Tristan’s while she waited to hear what Rene was going to have. She enjoys Tony’s singing as she always does. Probably not as much as her sister. “Sarah McLachlan…..old school even.” She comments, knowing the music. “My parents have her albums. I like that Ice Cream song.” She takes payments and hands over Tristan’s and looks at Rene.

Daphne walks in giggling with Aislin about something they were talking about during their walk there. She’s aware of the rules of how many can be in the coffee shop though and halts them as they get in the door counting heads out loud beginning with Daniel and Stefan, saying hellos as she goes “Hi guys….1….2…” She sees LaTonya and Hayley and smiles, a bit more at Hayley than Latonya but despite her flares of jealousy over Tony she has known them both all her life “Ladies…..3...4…” And then she points at Tristan and Rene’s backs “5….6….” Tony is listening to something and singing along and she has a baffled look of recognition “7…..is he singing Sarah MacLachlan? I mean he’s acing it but not in his usual repertoire…..” Then she calls over “Keisha, you’re 8...do we need to wait outside?”

Keisha shakes her head “No, just stand back there until these guys go through….but you can’t all stay in here after.” She looks between the three boys paying and ordering and the two girls now waiting. She doesn’t know the girl with Daphne as well because she’s not in drama but she’s seen her around so she smiles at her “Hi there.”

Rene smiles.  "A pumpkin Paradise also, sil vous plait."  he has already falen love with this single part of October on Alexandra.  He looks forward to the  winter drink now.  It felt ... uniqiely Alexandra to him.  It wasn't all bad.

LaTonya doesn't mind Tony's effectively ignorin her for Hayley.  It was all for a good cause.  "That's a good song."  she tells Hayley.  My parents listen to her."  shewatches Tony and then waves a little at all of the others before looking back at Hayley.  "Would you like me to?"  she asks.  "I wasn't sure.  Daniel is coming, isn't he?  But if you want us both, you get us both."

Daniel chuckles.  "I can't sing like Tony does.  But I do OK."  he grins.  "Shower singers.  The world needs them, too."  he can still hear Hayley and LaTonya.  He'll be there for Hayley, of course.

Tony pauses in his singing to tell Rene and Tristan what the Petersons asked him.  He picks up his coffee, having been alternating between his favorite and the seasonal drink in October.  "So I'm going to work on this so I can have it down in time for ..."  he stops and looks out of the window.  "K!"  he calls, seeing Kagiso Jackson on his way past.  He looks at Rene and Tristan.  "I need help, so Imma bounce and see if K'll give me a hand.  See you guys later, OK?  In the Discord!"  and he jogs out calling.  "K!  Let me hollah atchu!"

Aislin walks in with Daphne and also looks interested in why Tony is singing that song, because it really didn't seem to be his usual genre.  Then she hears him calling for Kagiso Jackson and she moves out of the way as he passes she and Daphne in the doorway in a hurry.  "I want the pumpkin paradise one.  It's only once a year, and its so good I don't want to miss a day of it!"

Daphne tilts her head at Aislin “Don’t hate me...but I’m not a pumpkin person. I don’t despise it, but I don’t crave it…” Tony zooms past them and she steps back for a moment too, giving him a small smile, and then resumes her spot as he goes to Kagiso “And he’s off….whatever. Anyhow I like the winter peppermint thing better. But I just go for the white hot chocolate until it’s time.” She looks around the coffee shop to determine the best course of action for staying or walking. Stefan likely won’t sit with LaTonya and she’s guessing vice versa so he and Daniel have the window seats….She’ll wait to see what Rene and Tristan do. Technically they’re still two chairs at Hayley and LaTonya’s table and people often share in this town. But considering what tomorrow was, maybe it was a private conversation.

Tristan gives Tony a sort of spinning wave as he flies out to Kagiso “See ya Tony.” He looks between Keisha, Rene and Daphne and Aislin “We can walk with our drinks. It’s nice out today…” He grins at Rene “Fall coffee date?”

Stefan chuckles at Daniel “Shower singers, yeah I don’t even do that. I think your sister is nicer than mine are...or I’m just really that bad.” Tony sees a short black man outside and is out the door to catch up with him. He gives Tony a casual wave as he goes by and shrugs.

Hayley nods at LaTonya “Yes please come to the apartment. Daniel is too. I do want you both there.” Tony calls out to Kagiso for help with the song and then leaves to go work with him and Hayley looks impressed again “Bye Tony….holy….he’s asking Kagiso to work on it? Talk about dedication.” She overhears Tristan say he and Rene can walk and takes notice of Daphne and Aislin as well as their two empty chairs “You girls can sit with us….” She offers and looks at LaTonya after “I don’t want people to….feel like they can’t talk to me because of what happened to my mom. That just makes it weirder and more awful. But some people are doing that.” She shrugs and looks a little sad.

Rene watches Tony go flying out the door.  Then he looks at Tristan.  "Oui, that would be lovely."  he agrees ith a soft smile as his coffee is delivered and he picks up the cup.

LaTonya smiles.  "Then I'll be there." s he promises.  "Tony is tight with Kagiso and even India Tor.  Like .. friends.  It's been so strange living so close to celebrities

Daniel seems unsure.  "Maybe ... Ruth is really starting to come out of her shell since the move, so I'm not sure.  In a way ... we were both who our mother wanted us to be so now we can be ourselves ... whoever that is."  he sips at his coffee a bit more.

Aislin smiles.  "It's OK.  I just love the variety now and again and it's a nice treat."  It looks like now Tony is gone that Rene and Tristan will be right behind him on a fall coffee date.  "Can you order ofr me, pleae?  I'll pay you back.  I promise."  she moves boldly over to Hayley because Aislin has few fears.  "Hayley, I wanted to say I am really sorry about your mom.  I know that ... well it just sucks."  she can barely remember her own mother and in a small selfish way is jealous that Hayley got so much time with hers.

Daphne smiles at Hayley “Thanks….we will.” She nods at Aislin “Of course…..no problem.” She walks up a little closer waiting for Tristan and Rene to get theirs and place her and Aislin’s orders.

Tristan picks up his cup too and after they’ve paid he moves with Rene around Daphne “Thanks Keisha. See you Daph.” He nods at the table of now three girls “Bye…” then he pauses for a second at Hayley “Hey...um be thinking about you and your family tomorrow Hayley. Take care.” He gives her shoulder a light pat but doesn’t let his hand linger.

Hayley is surprised by Aislin but not unpleasantly “Oh….um thank you. Come sit…” She smiles at her. She’s noticed the Page family around town and until recently it seemed like a dad and a bunch of girls some older and then one younger than Aislin. “I’m guessing the blonde lady with your dad lately is...not your mom?” It’s her polite way of digging to see if Aislin has lost hers too. But then before she can answer Tristan is speaking on one side of her with his hand on her shoulder and she looks back “Thanks Tristan.” She extends the look to Rene “See you guys.” Either they had all heard her or she was wrong about people avoiding her.

Keisha had keen ears “Pumpkin for your friend and white chocolate?” She asks with a smile at Daphne as she grabs cups.

“Yes please and thank you Keisha.” Daphne confirms and waits. Neither drink takes long and she soon pays and brings them to the table, passing Aislin her pumpkin coffee and taking the last empty chair quietly as the conversation is ongoing.

Stefan looks at Daniel “It’s kind of an interesting opportunity to….uh rebrand? I don’t know if that applies….but hey be who you want to be right? New town helps….unless you start with a  scandal…” He laughs sardonically and then shakes his head “Don’t worry, dropping that topic.” He watches Tristan and Rene with Hayley and then notices Daphne walk to the table with two coffees and sit down. He’s kind of listening in on the girls but not trying to seem like he is. It’s just not that big of a coffee shop.

Rene waves at Hayley  Then he moves  and the group near her.out with Tristan.  He caught the bit about how Hayley's family did some bible reading, but he doesn't want to assume anything about it, so he simply goes out with Tristan on their walk.

Aislin looks at Hayley and smiles, a little sadly.  "Lisette?  No, she isn't my mother.  My mother died when I was around 8 years old.  A couple of weeks after my little sister was born."  she pauses.  "Lisette is wonderful, though and we've all come to love her.  My father was to torn up when my mother died ... and now he's happy.  But anyway ..."  she shrugs.  "My mother was in a lot of pain.  And I think .. maybe it was good she died.  If that makes sense.  She isn't in pain anymore."  she shrugs, a little awkwardly.

LaTonya sits back and drinks her coffee as Hayley and Aislin talk.  She had no experience with the death of a parent and tries to imagine, but that is just too awful for her and so she simply drinks.

Daniel nods.  "A little like that.  I suppose it helps that we're young.  And moving really helped us a lot.  All of us.  Even my father is different here."  he grins at Stefan.  "You'll be fine.  It's mostly passing now with ... other things happening.  Give it time, Stefan."

Keisha wipes down the front, half hearing the conversations. She couldn’t imagine the pain of what the Brown kids were going through, or even what Aislin had been through. She glances out at the coffee shop briefly and then goes to unload the dishwasher which means she won’t hear much as she does that louder task.

Hayley tunes in as Aislin talks and nods, looking sympathetic “I’m so sorry you lost your mom too. Close to the age of my sister Laura. I’m glad your father met someone you like. My mother….was in a  lot of pain too...in a  different way….” She trails off and looks down, not able to talk about it further. She had never thought death would be how she got free of it and it made her angry. Tearfully she looks up and admits “I wish he had died, not her….then we’d all be free.” She wipes at her face quickly. “I know maybe that makes me a terrible person.”

Daphne looked at Aislin with deep sympathy and a little guilt. Her mom had been very sick and they thought they might lose her, but they got to keep her in the end. Then she looks heartbroken for Hayley over what she says after. She’s across from Aislin but beside Hayley, who’s across from LaTonya. Daphne reaches for Hayley’s hand and squeezes it “You’re not a terrible person. He was. I wish you still had your mom instead too...Hayley I’m so sorry….so sorry…” Daphne’s an emotional person and she can’t help but tear up too as she watches Hayley and after just hearing Aislin’s stuff about her mom.

Stefan was about to come up with some joke for Daniel but then things get emotional at the girl’s table and he goes quiet and looks down before glancing up at Daniel. 

Aislin listens and shakes her head.  "No ...  it doesn't make you a terrible person."  she argues vehemently.  "I wish it had been the other way, too. But that's not how it worked out.  I don't know who maks these decisions.  I sort of believe in Fate .. and sometimes Fate isn't fair."  she watches Daphne and reaches for the hand that she isn't using on Hayley, squeezing it.

LaTonya listens to the other girls and blows out a breath.  "They're right, Hay.  He should have been the one, not her.

Daniel hears what's going on at the other table and sighs.  He looks at Stefan, wordlessly.  What was there to say?

Daphne nods along with both Aislin and LaTonya and squeezes Aislin’s hand back when hers is taken by her, feelings a bit like she’s boxed out LaTonya at the table with her arms unintentionally.

Hayley looks at the girls, and accepts their kindness and support. She’s still holding Daphne’s hand and now Aislin and Daphne are holding hands on the table so she smiles and takes LaTonya’s hand if she can trying to hold it overtop of theirs in a weird criss crossed web of hands and arms “Thank you…..all of you. Fate is fucked.” She ends with and Hayley doesn’t normally swear at all.

Now Stefan watches the girls all hold hands in their weird way and looks at Daniel “Dude, you’re not gonna try to hold my hand are you?” He has to joke.

Daphne smiled at Hayley’s swearing “I don’t think I’ve ever heard you say fuck before…..” Then she tosses a glance back “Stefan….internalized homophobia much. Now I double dog dare you to hold Daniel’s hand.” She looks back to the girls with an innocent grin.

Aislin giggles as their hands are all criss crossed and tangled.  She laughs at Hayley's swearing.  "There you go ... perfectly worded."  then Stefan makes a joke and Daphne sort of shoots at him.  "Stefan's OK ... lay off him."  she knows what he's been going through.

LaTonya giggles as she's literally woven in.  Hayley swears and she laughs in delight.  Then she looks at Stefan and then back at the girls.  She says nothing .. not defending him, but not persecuting him either.

Daniel wasn't paying attention to the girls until Daphne speaks up.  He turns his head towards Daphne.  "Just because osmeone makes a joke like that doesn't automatically make him gay or a homophobe.  I have a gay brother, so I know Stefan isn't a homophobe.  Convict wihtout trial much, Daphne?"  he didn't really mean to snap.  The girls conversation had him thinking about his own mother.  She isn't dead ... or he doesn't think she is ... she just sort of ... left.

Stefan snorts at the accusation and then smiles at Aislin and Daniel defending him “Gay people are awesome. And I love girls….I can be many things Daphne McLeod but since you feel the need for proof Daniel...give me your fuckin hand.” He jokes but lays his out closer to Daniel “As long as you didn’t just reach into a  peanut butter jar. That’s the only kinda phobe I am.” He’s aware he is now joking around with Latonya in range so maybe it’s progress. He still won’t look at her.

Daphne looks bombarded “I’m just winding him up….geez sorry.” She looks back with a giggle to see if they do actually hold hands though. “You can love gay people and girls Stefan…..does that mean you REALLY really love lesbians? Since you’re being so specific!” She’s still teasing him, maybe trying to cheer Hayley up even for a few minutes.

Hayley does look amused by Daphne and Stefan’s antics and then gives Daniel a curious look at the ferocity of his defense. He was from a family of lawyers and he did have a gay brother “Daniel’s brother is s auper nice person, and so’s his boyfriend. They’re heartwarming. Maybe I will start swearing….I might need to work on it...like practicing piano.”

Keisha emerges from the dishes with a steaming rack of cups she’s putting away. She does a double glance at the girl’s table with them all holding hands like some weird sort of cat’s craddle and then shrugs. 

Aislin rolls her eyes.  "You people are all insane and I love it."  she looks at Hayley.  "Or, you could say I fucking love it.  Just add the explatve.  It's like sugar in your coffee."  she sounds a little like a teacher and giggles.  "Besides, we all know Stefan likes girls." but she doesn't elaborate.

LaTonya closes her eyes for a minute, calling up the wise words of Tony Penhall.  She almost doesn't reply, but can't help herself.  "He's got damn fine taste, too."

Daniel takes Stefans hand, eagerly.  "No peanut butter.  It's kosher, but gross."  he looks at Hayley with a grin, but doesn't reply.  She's with her girlfriends and that's fine by him.  But he does add.  "I kinda like cashew butter but ... for a bestie, you have to make sacrifices."

Stefan hears Daphne and has to laugh. “I really love lesbians.” He quips back and winks at her. Was he flirting with Daphne McLeod about lesbians? It was a weird day “You’re not a lesbian are you Daph?” He had heard Tristan call her Daph. then he adds into Aislin’s swearing lesson for Hayley “It’s like fucking sugar in your fucking coffee.” He smirks at her too as he feels Daniel take his hand and laughs. Then LaTonya chimes in and he almost falls off his stool and stares at her. Had she just acknowledged him? The glimmer of them in a nice way. He lets go of Daniel’s hand and let’s his eyes dart to the side self consciously and then takes a long sip of his coffee before turning to face Daniel “I won’t deny you cashews, just give me fair warning. You know i don’t even know what any of that tastes like. When I was about 2 I grabbed an almond off my sister’s plate  and ate it and then got rushed to the hospital…..no nuts ever again.”

Daphne cracks up at Stefan “I could be a lesbian….we all could be.” She gestures around the girls table “Well maybe not Hayley since we don’t want to break Daniel’s heart.” Then she looks at Aislin “I fucking love it too.” Then she bats her eyelashes at LaTonya replying to Stefan. Good for her. Rise above it. “You know what we need to show Hayley for her swearing lessons? Snakes on a Plane…...I’m not allowed to watch it at home with my little sisters around but I saw it at my uncle’s because...he has no rules and all the movies. It’s honestly a  terrible movie but worth it for 2 hours of Samuel Jackson saying motherfuckin snakes on a motherfuckin plane.”

Hayley sits up tall at all the swearing coaching “I’ll fuckin work on it…” She jokes. It doesn’t quite feel natural in her mouth but it’s fun to try. Then she gives LaTonya a look of shock as she quips back to Stefan about herself essentially. Hayley gives her friend a little smile after. Then she hears Daniel say he doesn’t like peanut butter and can't imagine that. Her whole childhood was peanut butter sandwiches. She’d never had cashew butter but her parents always said cashews were too expensive. She giggles again at Daphne and everyone’s antics. It felt good to have a bit of happiness, even if it was just this before facing tomorrow and every day after without her mother. She frowns about Snakes on a Plane “I’ve never seen it….but I don’t watch a lot of movies….well that’s not actually true anymore. My cousins love movies...I’m just not caught up. But if your sisters aren’t allowed and it’s lots of swearing I shouldn’t let Dustin and Laura hear or see that either.”

Keisha can’t help but chime in “Snakes on a Plane is so bad it’s good.” She laughs “Watch it after the little ones are in bed….that’s what we did to LaTonya…” She figures teasing her sister is fair game. Plus she just heard her comment to the boy she’d had a blow out with recently so she was guessing her mood was good. “You may have seen it by now...I’m out a lot.” She grins as she addresses her sister directly.

Aislin is delighted by all of it.  "Oh let's all hear it for the lesbians!"  she cheers and then drinks her coffee, blushing a little bit.

LaTonya goes back to ignoring Stefan.  "You lesbians have fun.  Some of us are all about the wood."  she had almost made a quip about an epipen, but decided to restrain herself ... which isn't always a thing for her.  She glares at her sister.  "Yea, I watch it while you're out with your little gang of merry men of three stooges.  One of whom is named Romeo for gods sake.  But is he ROMANTIC?"  she teases back.

Daniel arches his brows at Stefan.  Flirting?  The road to recovery, he figures.  He winces at hos Stefan found out he was allergic.  "Oh, God.  That's awful, but at least you learned young?"  he grins as Hayley begins her journey into swearing.  "I don't swear much either, if that helps.  But I DO have access to Snakes on a Plane.  So if you want to see it ...  I can stream it .. or get the DVD .. or whatever you want...  if you wanted to go see a movie, I could ..."  he swallows, realizing that someplace in there he'd asked Hayley out on yet another date.  Was that inappropriate?  "I like that movie ... unless it's supposed to be a genuine horror movie ...  I never quite understood that."

Daphne toasts back to Aislin “To lesbianism and the love of all things womanly!” She grins and sips and then almost spits after LaTonya’s comment “The wood….oh my” she giggles. Then she observes the teasing about Romeo and looks between the sisters. Daphne was on student council with Romeo as well as him being in drama class too and found him to be quite delightful. But now she wondered if there was anything to the teasing. She had seen Keisha of course hanging out with Romeo, Zach and Jake all the time.

Hayley was smiling about the lesbians but then LaTonya says all about the wood and she has to cover her face with her hands as she blushes. She opens up her hands like peekaboo “Wood….do you mean like?” Hayley’s a little innocent but from Daphne’s reaction she’s guessing what it means. She’s still a little pink in the face as she looks over at Daniel about the movie “OK Snakes on a Plane...yes please, no small children present…”

Then Daphne has to chime in and clarify “Yes Hayley she means dicks….wood equals dicks….” she cracks up after her own words.

Hayely’s face disappears back behind her hands “My god you girls are too much….but I needed to laugh so thank you.” She looks up gratefully.

Stefan laughs and shakes his head “Wood…” he mutters. And yet she was afraid of an epi pen. Maybe he just didn’t have the right wood. Then he cracks up at the conversation happening between Hayley and Daphne “Blunt...I like that.” He says to Daniel, but it’s referring to Daphne, and maybe LaTonya but he feels that ship has sailed.

Keisha rolls her eyes at her sister “Does that make me Robin Hood or a Capulet? Maybe I’m Mercutio? And we are not romantic dear sister….don’t be caught up in the name.” But she does unconsciously swallow after saying it and feel an odd pang of something. Maybe she just needed another coffee….so she casually goes to make herself one as she chuckles silently at her sister and her friends making dick jokes in front of boys.

Aislin winces at LaTonya's wording.  "Wow ... wood .. well that's what they call it, right?  At least in the morning?  What do I know I have sisters."  she giggles.  "I think I could live a long and happy live never being penitrated.  Thanks."  and that is as close as she's ever come to suggesting she is gay.

LaTonya shrugs.  "I know what I want."  she proclaims. and looks at Stefan when he says he likes blunt.

Daniel facepalms.  "Yes.  That's what they call it.  Yes, it means dicks.  Yes it can be a problem in the morning.  Cut or uncut, it doesn't matter, I don't think.  What do I know I was 8 days old."  he rolls his eyes and shakes his head not thinking that he has now brought the conversation around to circumcision.  Not much more comfortable than waking up hard.

Stefan sees LaTonya’s look and briefly makes eye contact with her and then feels his cheeks go hot. Why was she still so fuckin pretty? Stop looking if it’s all about rejection. Stefan snaps his eyes to Daniel but had heard Aislin and then smirks at Daniel “Well you my friend won the bluntness award of the year. I was talking about the girls….but yeah..” He calls over generally to the girl’s table “What he said…..not to be confused with anything that’s not the genuine article.” He smiled after though like it was amusing, despite the epi pen scandal.

Daphne raises a brow at Aislin “I also have sisters…...and no wood for you then.” She giggles. “That’s ok...we’re still having an affair right?” She’s joking back to the game from lunch “I have no wood…” She giggles a bit at LaTonya and then actually turns around and stares at Daniel. “Well...now we know about Daniel.” she looks at Hayley and is barely resisting saying more. Hayley’s fragile and she hasn’t hung out with her that much. If this was her and Aislin alone or Mabel or Cath, they would get the full extent of her thoughts right now.

Hayley looks at Aislin and blinks “Ok….well then don’t. Choices, preferences...it’s all good.” Her eyeballs almost fall out as her eyes go wide at LaTonya witha  what are you doing look. She’s flirting with Stefan? She’s further emphasizing she doesn’t like him? Hayley cannot read her friend right now. Then Daniel starts talking and she doesn’t dare look at him afraid she’ll simply turn into a tomato from how hard she’s blushing. She’s really working hard not to think about that part of Daniel but now he’s given some specific details at random. Stefan then makes a veiled reference to the epi pen...not so veiled but he’s not sounding angry. Maybe this was the litmus test for her and LaTonya? Could they joke? Could they get past it? Then Daphne zeros in on her and comments on Daniel and Hayley just smiles awkwardly at her and makes a point of sipping her coffee after “Mmmm…” She lets out noncommittally.

Aislin cants her head at Daniel.  "Noted.  One boy without .. um ...  god ... "  she looks at Daphne and nods.  "We absolutely are having an affair.  Shhhh"

LaTonya blinks and looks at Daniel.  "So ...  morning wood is a thing?  Because my brother .. well I never see it, thank god."  she sees Hayley's look and winces a little bit.  She hadn't meant to flirt.  She looks at Stefan and then away.  That damned epiPen .. she'd never live that down.

Daniel shrugs.  "I have seven older brothers, plus a lot of my nephews are older than I am, so ... I knew about morning wood before I was old enough to know what it was.  And never mind all the other things having so many older brothers and nephews can teach a guy."  he huffs and then blinks at his own words.  "Oh my god .. look at the time ..."  he offers nervously.

Hayley had been having a very good time and it was still funny. She was getting the sense that Daniel had dug himself into something he might want an out from and her ability to be cheerful was soon to wane. She could feel it ebbing. Everything was tiring. Sadness and happiness alike. It was a bizarre thing. She gives Daniel a sympathetic look and smiles briefly at Stefan. She didn’t know Stefan well but he was important to Daneil and she got that. Then she looks genuinely grateful at the girls at her table with the most love going to LaTonya “I’m going to give Daniel an out and ask him to walk me home….but you are all amazing and totally who I needed to hang out with today. Thank you.” She stands up and walks around to actually offer LaTonya a hug “I’ll see you tomorrow…...for all the things.”

Stefan cracks up as Daniel seems to be making it worse and worse for himself and then mentions the time “Ah shit…...man….” He just laughs. He noticed LaTonya look his way again but in his peripheral and hesitated to make eye contact again. It was all still a little painful. He had really liked her. He was pretty sure he still did but it was futile and he knew it.

Daphne had given Aislin a bit of a coy look at her words and then just smiled at LaTonya before Daniel does it again and Hayley seems to be ready to go and give him a  reprieve. “Anytime Hayley. Take your circumcised man home….oh that sounds really bad...I don’t mean like that. Sorry Daniel. I left my social filter….oh who am I kidding I don’t think I was born with one. Just as bad as my Uncle Wally but he does it all on the radio.”

Keisha now reacts to Daphne “That’s it Daphne’s cut off and we’re a coffee bar……” She shakes her head at LaTonya mentioning their brother and doesn’t add to the comments. This group does not need any encouragement. 

Aislin can't help but giggle at Daniel and then Daphne.  "Oh my god, I just love you!"  she announces cheerfully.  "None better to have an affair with that's for sure."

LaTonya tears her eyes away from Stefan to Daphne and shakes her head.  "Now I know who you're following into which business.  Jesus Daph."  She hugs Hayley back.  “I love ya girl … and not like that so don’t send ya man after me.”  she giggles.

Daniel looks like he could kiss Hayley right there and then for offering him an out.  "I'd love to.' he all but hops up and almost trips over Daphne's parting words.

Hayley pulls back from LaTonya “Love ya too...and I know.” She doesn’t address Daphne’s comment at all because she can’t come up with anything to come back with but she just laughs as she passes her and Aislin “See you both…..that’s all I got.” She waves at the counter “Bye Kiesha.” And then she turns “Bye Stefan.” And if she can she’ll take Daniel’s hand and head out with him, not bringing up anything that could embarrass him further, or her.

Stefan just blows out a breath at Daphne and laughs more and then nods at Daniel as he goes “See ya buddy.” Then he watches Hayley and LaTonya for a moment. She was a good friend to Hayley and he could admire that. He sighed and was thinking he’d make his exit right after Daniel and Hayley but he wanted to give them space to walk and talk so he would sit tight for a moment. He glances briefly at Daphne and Aislin and then down to his coffee cup.

“Take care Hayley.” Keisha calls out. “Bye Daniel.” She sips her coffee a bit and then gets distracted by a text on her phone and chuckles at it.

Daphne gives a little bow and laughs “That was bad…” She laughs more “I love you too Aislin.” She looks back at Hayley “Jokes aside, we’re all here for you. I am coming to the service tomorrow with my folks. They went to school with your Uncle Gary and Aunt Shannon….and I think they kinda knew your mom when we were all little….like playgroups and stuff….story….anyways…..we’ll be there. Take care Hayley. Daniel I really wasn’t trying to pick on you. You take care too.” She can be genuine as well as ridiculous.

Daniel takes Hayley’s hand and waves to everyone as they leave.  “It’s okay, Daphne.  See you tomorrow.”  and he walks Hayley back to her place.  She got to smile this afternoon and he was glad to be a part of that.  Tomorrow would be rough for her and her family, but he would be there to help her if he could.