xp_logs | Tandy and Hope: May this day pass soon

Tandy and Hope are not really celebrating Thanksgiving this year.

Tandy was heading back to her room from the kitchens after stocking up on some food. She was purposely avoiding people and wouldn't make eye contact with those she by passed in the hall. The blonde that she could be okay with this time of year but instead it was just a reminder of things she just rather forget.

"Crap." She whispered as her apple fell out of her pocket and started to roll back down the stairs. Setting down her plate of food, Tandy turned to follow the apple as it rolled a bit when it landed on the bottom floor.

Hope was fiddling with one of her earrings when she felt a soft thump hitting her shoe. Finally affixing her earring back into place, she looked down, frowning a little at the apple that had appeared there. "Where did that come from?"

"From me. The apple didn't want to be eaten so it made a run for it." Tandy said as she came over to pick up the apple. "Thanks for stopping the run away apple."

"You're welcome." She threw a quick look at the plate in Tandy's hands before returning her eyes to her friends face. "Not joining the group today?" She inquired softly.

"Uh no. Kind of, not in the mood for peoples." Tandy lowered her eyes. She only really emerged from her room to go to classes and get food when Adrienne wasn't looking. "Kind of a rough time of year."

A wince stole over Hope's face as put the pieces together and she reached out, gently squeezing Tandy's hand for a moment. "I cannot imagine..."

Tandy gave Hope a sad smile, "Yeah well, don't really want to rain on anyone's holidays. I am going to back to the room."

Hope contemplated for moment before hesitantly venturing forward. "Would you like some companionship? I... I am not really in a festive mood myself."

"Um.." Tandy looked around, "Sure. I mean all I was doing is watching some movies."

"Thank you." Hope gave her a grateful smile. "I got a message last weekend, telling me I definitely was not welcome at home, if I wished to come." "What? Why?" Tandy started up the stairs again. "Is this because of what happened during the summer?"

"Pretty much. My mother is still very upset." Hope explained shortly. "I had hoped she would have softened a little, but..."

"Don't have to explain it. I know. Hopefully she'll come around. I mean you only get one shot with parents."

"You do. Father is being more supportive though." Hope's voice trailed of and she bit her lip, staring at her hands. "I am sorry, Tandy. I shouldn't have..."

"Dads always are." Tandy smiled sadly, remembering her step-father who was like a father to her. "No worries Hope. It sounds like you had things to get off your chest."

"Most of the time I can push it aside... but on days like this." Hope shook her head. "Look at us. Being all morose on what is supposed to be a holiday... Does not really feel that way to me."

"Well not everyone had parents like ours. They think that being rich and having influence parents make up for that. But it doesn't. I need to stop hanging around my Uncle and Adrienne. They are starting to give me wise words."

"Wisdom is always valuable. Even if it can be quite uncomfortable sometimes." Hope rubbed her neck, then pulled of the necklace she was wearing. "No reason to wear this now." She muttered softly. "Do I need to raid the kitchenette in my suite?" Hope change the subject, feeling herself getting more and more morose.

"Why not? Your mother give it to you? Don't let her win. Maybe. We have food in our kitchenette but lately Adrienne has taken it upon herself to cook for me. It is no good."

"Oh no, nothing like that." Hope gave her quick smile. "It looks great with the dress, but it's not the most comfortable necklace to wear. That is all. And good. I didn't eat much at breakfast."

"It is pretty." Tandy walked up the stairs. "I also have some food here." Picking up her large plate of food. "I don't mind sharing."

Hope pulled out another small smile. "Looks like we are all set then?"

"Come on then the t.v. Is calling our name"