Post by Elena DeDraca on Jul 10, 2016 7:55:46 GMT -6
■out of character■ That was fun. Thanks to AJ. I had so much fun.
■next match■ Elena DeDraca versus Emma Douglas
■Thunder Buddies■
LOCATION: New York City; New York
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
It has been a lifetime. Maybe two. Ever since having a baby Elena pretty much lived an ordinary life. No more glamour. No more cameras following her every step. And although she loved being a mother- at points it seemed dull. Which probably was the result if you had a well behaved kid. Sleeping through. Not being picky with foods. Enjoying the company of people. Blessed.
Do you wanna have a troublemaker? Nah. Thanks.
It was a nice surprise to get back in touch with friends during the past weeks. Including a long, lost one. Alex Jones. They had known each other give or take around ten years. Being so called Thunder buddies. That was before he met his wife. Yeah. The one that did not like Elena, or anyone else for that matter, too much. Everyone was getting her heat. And while questioning things like that in the past- she had calmed down. There was still a fire burning inside the British bombshell, but not wasted for drama queens and insecure behaviour. Sometimes she thought about their friendship and all the stupid things they had done. But then it would remind her on how easy he dropped everything.
Are you mad? Nah. I don’t do mad.
She had been a little early at the restaurant. That was after they went back and forth about him sending her a car. She was a New York citizen now- if anything it was a cab. The waiter had been leading her to a nice decorated table, taking her order for drinks. She was tempted to order a beer- but then went for some red wine. Class and all that. Elena looked around at the other tables when feeling underdressed for the first time. This was by no means the place for punk rock styled females.
“Oh well… .”
Smirking to herself while looking through the card. Alex stepped into the room with a deep breath. For some reason he felt nervous. A feeling that confused him considering they were old friends. He scanned the room before finding her long black hair and familiar porcelain skin. He stepped towards the table and stopped just next to her leaning down.
“I’d know that look anywhere Elena….”
He smiled warmly stepping around to the opposite chair sliding down and in, relieved she had stayed casual dressed just like he had in a pair of black jeans and a shirt. He stared at her almost shocked with a small shake of his head and a scoff.
“You haven’t changed a bit….wow….”
She rolled her eyes in a rather playful manner while he took his time to sit down. Looking at him right into his face- a small grin spread on her face. It was then that the waiter had appeared at their table again, waiting. Elena went as far as ignoring him.
“Yeah. Flattery and all that bollocks. I had a baby not too long ago- so I ain’t that fifteen year old girl anymore. But nice try Alex. You on the other hand- looking better than ever.”
She put the card down finally allowing the waiter to put his attention on her company. Focusing on the dark red liquid in front of her. Alex trailed his eyes down and onto the card quickly flicking across to find the right order. He looked up and just smiled with a boyish grin.
“You know, it still freaks me out that you’re a mother. I mean not in a bad way just….that girl I knew...more of a fighter than a motherly type. But you do look good…”
Alex blushed, again he felt nervous. His heart moving about in his chest as he grabbed a glass of water to sip it and help his dry throat. He bit his bottom lip as his mind danced back to a time when they were both younger, a little more crazy and willing to try so many stupid things.
He laughed to himself remembering a specific time and place before noticing Elena staring at him, Alex cleared his throat and sat up straight.
“How is your beautiful little girl?”
For a moment she looked down. It was hard to figure out the look on her face. There had been a time when he knew how she felt- just looking at that pale face. It was the benefit of being close to someone. But a lot had changed. They had changed. She had closed the walls. Becoming fluent in acting. She would not speak about Samuel or the way he had treated her. Before leaving his family behind. She would not mention any of the struggle she had been going through ever since. Not tonight. Not ever.
A split second had passed before she smiled at him. Fumbling with her glass for a little.
“She is wonderful. A little whiny at the moment. But then again I guess all babies go through this. What about your troublemaker? All peachy? And yeah, even after all those years I haven’t stopped checking on you. In one way or another.”
He looked somewhat confused. It only caused Elena to grin a little wider.
“I have been paying attention to your career. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Alex laughed to himself with a small smile, he looked around avoiding eye contact as he thought about before he left the house, when she had walked out. He sighed, his heart heavy right now with all the emotions that had left fresh wounds.
“Harley is great, she’s growing so fast and it’s a pleasure to watch but….things at home are a little strained. Ana is busy with Honor and I’ve been...struggling...it’s a long story I don’t want to bore you and I really don’t want to put a damper on a night where I’m supposed to be catching up and enjoying the company of a friend….especially one that I was so...close with…”
Alex grabs his own wine glass, he pulls it toward him and takes a small sip closing his eyes enjoying the rich taste and strong aroma. As his eyes open he can’t help but smile again at Elena, her smile always made him feel at ease. Her friendship kept him warm and happy all those years ago. She would reply to the smile. A little reserved but still friendly. Closing her eyes. Immediately a little flashback scenario in front of her eyes.
Both way younger. Reckless and stupid. It was probably the day he first ran into his wife. Falling head over heels. They were supposed to meet that day- but he never came. And that was just the beginning of several more forgotten ‘dates’. As his best friend she had only two options to handle this. Becoming the third wheel or walk off. Considering they had not seen in ten years- it was easy to guess what happened.
When she opened her eyes again he was still looking at her. Smiling.
“You do not bother me Alex. We have been through enough together. So what exactly is going wrong… my friend.”
Alex swallowed hard and closed his eyes thinking about Ana storming out, the feeling in his heart that sank and caused him pain and sorrow. Everything that had led up to it. The weeks of being ignored and pushed back. Alex sighed again and sat back, his body language showing pain.
“We...well, Ana….”
He stumbled over his words, trying to collect his thoughts and explain the situation and his feelings without Ana looking like a villian. She wasn’t. She had every right to feel how she felt. At Least that's how Alex felt in his mind. In his heart?. Not so much.
“We’ve been going through a few things. She’s very busy with work. She’s been throwing herself into it.I just feel like I’m never a priority. That I’m second best. She’s always been a bit of a….flirt I guess. But she doesn’t get how I feel….I love her...I do but she just seems distant…”
He sighs again and shakes his head staring up at Elena drinking his wine with a gulp.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be throwing this at you.”
Again she would let some time pass. On the tip of her tongue she had the right words- but she would never say it. What most folks did not know- Alex Jones had not always been that cool. Sure it comes with growing up. But back then he was a nerd. Simple as that. Funny enough she had never met his wife. Even after all those years she would not call her Ana. She was his wife. The person that he loved and that loved him back. Even though they had shaky times.
Looking at his empty glass she waved to the waiter. When he came back ready to fill their glasses again- she took the bottle. Winking at the guy.
“Look I am not quite sure how to respond. When it comes to relationships… I am a total numb nut. I am good at fighting. I am decent at raising my baby. Alone. But love and all that.” She sighed a moment. “You do realise you can not change her Alex, right? You either adapt or perish. Public wars on twitter certainly do not help your marriage. On top of it- when did you turn into a jerk?”
She asked that half joking. But as a matter of fact she was surprised by some of his comments on social platforms. Alex half laughed and half scoffed waving it off. Alex had always had a mean streak, he always was a passionate human being and he was passionate about Ana. But at the same time he realized he’d never been that way with Elena. She was more like a little sister.
“Well yeah I can be a jerk, I know I can. You’ve never seen it but guys who tried to hurt you did…”
Alex trails off a moment thinking back to many nights where he stepped up to anyone foolish enough to be rude to her. He smiled wide but then it faded as he realised an undeniable fact...he abandoned her.
“Elena I...I love my wife and I’m happy in my life but….you haven’t been in it and that was my fault….if you ever need anything...I’m here for you. Just ask…”
This time she would directly look into his eyes. Her normally huge, dark eyes appeared even darker in this very moment. Elena DeDraca did not ask for help. The only time she did- it broke her heart. She didn’t mean to- but there was a coldness on her face that was new. A side he had not known back then.
“There is nothing to be sorry for. You had to go your way. And I went mine. No hard feelings. But you know better than to offer me a hand. That is not why we are here. Making amends. Trying to fix whatever has broken ten years ago. Let’s concentrate on your marriage… .”
Silence. She cracked her neck for a moment. A little something she always did when getting in business mood. The truth was easy to see- if you looked closer. She was hurt. Once upon a time he was her family. And you did not drop that because you smell pussy for the first time. No matter how inviting it was.
“So let me guess… she will be pissed you are here tonight?”
Alex laughed nervously and reached behind his neck rubbing it with a sigh and a small nod. He coughed and sat forward smiling at Elena. He hadn’t told her when she left. He had told her on Twitter. A big mistake.
“Yeah, she is pissed. She and I had a blow up right before I got here...I guess I was trying to...make her jealous….”
He blushed red and sighed again putting his hands on his face as he admitted the stupidity. He slide his hands back down and shrugged.
“Yeah...I know...I’m a jerk….”
She was close to slap herself. This was why out of the blue he wanted this meeting. To make his already psychopathic wife jealous. Elena had a mean temper. Yet was way too controlled to let it out- if it wasn’t inside a ring. She would put some money on the table before getting up. Looking down on him with mixed emotions.
“I don’t know who you think you are… but I ain’t no toy in your stupid game. Take care Alex.”
Alex stuttered and got to his feet, he swiftly moved around her and stood in front of her with his hands out, he swallows and shakes his head.
“Hey wait, hold up….”
His eyes softened as he stared down at her, Elena being alot shorter than him, he sighed deep and laughed a little his nervous energy shooting through the roof. He hadn’t even thought that this is how she’d feel, it wasn’t even what he meant.
“Elena this was never about making her jealous, that was a stupid bonus ok?. I contacted you, I came here because...I miss you. I miss our late night heart to hearts, I miss your jokes, I miss you laughing at my jokes even though they aren’t funny. At all. Ever…”
Alex laughs and smiles, he reaches down and takes her hands giving them a small squeeze.
“Please...I miss my little sister…”
The emotionless mask would show some cracks. She was so angry it hurt her stomach. Literal. Giving him this fiery look. One he knew all too well.
“I hate you so much… I wanted to tell you this since ten years. You left me like a beaten dog. I had so survive on my own out there. Living on the streets for some time. I hate you Alex…” She had to swallow hard. Fighting down whatever was boiling. “... I have trusted you with my everything. I hate you...because… I still miss you.”
Alex looked down and away, he knew she was hurt and upset and in that moment he felt like a fool. And an asshole. He was used to making people angry, even hurting them. But this was too much. He thought long and hard but soon realised Elena was standing there growing ever more impatient for an answer to her baring her emotions.
“I’m sorry. I know that I’ve said that a few times but I’m sorry for walking away, for leaving you alone. For being a horrible friend and a worse family member. But I lost you once and I don’t want to again.”
“Okay. Then tell me how you expect this to work Alex. Your wife already jumps my throat. Seeing threat in everything I do. You tell me… how is this going to help your marriage?”
She had put her hands on her hips. She maybe was smaller than him- but in this moment she looked quite dangerous. And fed up.”Alex stepped back with a nod conceeding he was wrong, the waiter brought their food out and Alex stepped around to the seat offering it to Elena.
“Please. Sit….”
As she did he smiled and sat back down with a deep sigh of relief.
“I can’t talk to her about certain things right now. I need family. And while I do have some, they are close to Ana. You’re not. I can spend time with you, de-stress and talk. And that’s all I want. To talk. To smile. To laugh. To be a human being….”
Alex smiles wide and warm again sliding back in his chair, his eyes just staying locked on hers. She took his half full full glass in her hand and emptied it.
“Ever consider your relationship would work better if you weren’t always make it a public thing? You both seem rather possessive. I do not say that is a bad thing. But it leads to so much unnecessary heat.”
Alex nods slowly agreeing with Elena. He shakes his head with a laugh and runs a hand through his long two tone hair.
“I tried to tell her that but...trappings of fame you know?. We’re always in the public eye and we live a public life. I do love her Elena. And I don’t want to lose her. But that wasn’t just what this was about, I wanted to reconnect with you.”
“Untwist your panties Alex. I know you love her. And I am pretty sure she knows you love her. And everyone loves everyone. Blah. Blah. On a sidenote… you look like an ass with that hair… .”
She filled her glass again leaning back in the chair. Her high top leather boots showing underneath the table. Alex made a hurt face and shrugged.
“I like my hair and excuse me miss black and blue…you can’t talk.”
Alex laughed finishing his glass of wine down grabbing a fork and looking over his food with a wink. She would for the first time notice the food, not even sure what she had ordered. It was her stomach that reminded her that it had been a while. Since breakfast. They would do more catching up this evening. For a while forgetting all their trouble.
■next match■ Elena DeDraca versus Emma Douglas
■■■■■■
■Thunder Buddies■
LOCATION: New York City; New York
CAMERA STATUS: ON/OFF
It has been a lifetime. Maybe two. Ever since having a baby Elena pretty much lived an ordinary life. No more glamour. No more cameras following her every step. And although she loved being a mother- at points it seemed dull. Which probably was the result if you had a well behaved kid. Sleeping through. Not being picky with foods. Enjoying the company of people. Blessed.
Do you wanna have a troublemaker? Nah. Thanks.
It was a nice surprise to get back in touch with friends during the past weeks. Including a long, lost one. Alex Jones. They had known each other give or take around ten years. Being so called Thunder buddies. That was before he met his wife. Yeah. The one that did not like Elena, or anyone else for that matter, too much. Everyone was getting her heat. And while questioning things like that in the past- she had calmed down. There was still a fire burning inside the British bombshell, but not wasted for drama queens and insecure behaviour. Sometimes she thought about their friendship and all the stupid things they had done. But then it would remind her on how easy he dropped everything.
Are you mad? Nah. I don’t do mad.
She had been a little early at the restaurant. That was after they went back and forth about him sending her a car. She was a New York citizen now- if anything it was a cab. The waiter had been leading her to a nice decorated table, taking her order for drinks. She was tempted to order a beer- but then went for some red wine. Class and all that. Elena looked around at the other tables when feeling underdressed for the first time. This was by no means the place for punk rock styled females.
“Oh well… .”
Smirking to herself while looking through the card. Alex stepped into the room with a deep breath. For some reason he felt nervous. A feeling that confused him considering they were old friends. He scanned the room before finding her long black hair and familiar porcelain skin. He stepped towards the table and stopped just next to her leaning down.
“I’d know that look anywhere Elena….”
He smiled warmly stepping around to the opposite chair sliding down and in, relieved she had stayed casual dressed just like he had in a pair of black jeans and a shirt. He stared at her almost shocked with a small shake of his head and a scoff.
“You haven’t changed a bit….wow….”
She rolled her eyes in a rather playful manner while he took his time to sit down. Looking at him right into his face- a small grin spread on her face. It was then that the waiter had appeared at their table again, waiting. Elena went as far as ignoring him.
“Yeah. Flattery and all that bollocks. I had a baby not too long ago- so I ain’t that fifteen year old girl anymore. But nice try Alex. You on the other hand- looking better than ever.”
She put the card down finally allowing the waiter to put his attention on her company. Focusing on the dark red liquid in front of her. Alex trailed his eyes down and onto the card quickly flicking across to find the right order. He looked up and just smiled with a boyish grin.
“You know, it still freaks me out that you’re a mother. I mean not in a bad way just….that girl I knew...more of a fighter than a motherly type. But you do look good…”
Alex blushed, again he felt nervous. His heart moving about in his chest as he grabbed a glass of water to sip it and help his dry throat. He bit his bottom lip as his mind danced back to a time when they were both younger, a little more crazy and willing to try so many stupid things.
He laughed to himself remembering a specific time and place before noticing Elena staring at him, Alex cleared his throat and sat up straight.
“How is your beautiful little girl?”
For a moment she looked down. It was hard to figure out the look on her face. There had been a time when he knew how she felt- just looking at that pale face. It was the benefit of being close to someone. But a lot had changed. They had changed. She had closed the walls. Becoming fluent in acting. She would not speak about Samuel or the way he had treated her. Before leaving his family behind. She would not mention any of the struggle she had been going through ever since. Not tonight. Not ever.
A split second had passed before she smiled at him. Fumbling with her glass for a little.
“She is wonderful. A little whiny at the moment. But then again I guess all babies go through this. What about your troublemaker? All peachy? And yeah, even after all those years I haven’t stopped checking on you. In one way or another.”
He looked somewhat confused. It only caused Elena to grin a little wider.
“I have been paying attention to your career. Nothing more. Nothing less.”
Alex laughed to himself with a small smile, he looked around avoiding eye contact as he thought about before he left the house, when she had walked out. He sighed, his heart heavy right now with all the emotions that had left fresh wounds.
“Harley is great, she’s growing so fast and it’s a pleasure to watch but….things at home are a little strained. Ana is busy with Honor and I’ve been...struggling...it’s a long story I don’t want to bore you and I really don’t want to put a damper on a night where I’m supposed to be catching up and enjoying the company of a friend….especially one that I was so...close with…”
Alex grabs his own wine glass, he pulls it toward him and takes a small sip closing his eyes enjoying the rich taste and strong aroma. As his eyes open he can’t help but smile again at Elena, her smile always made him feel at ease. Her friendship kept him warm and happy all those years ago. She would reply to the smile. A little reserved but still friendly. Closing her eyes. Immediately a little flashback scenario in front of her eyes.
Both way younger. Reckless and stupid. It was probably the day he first ran into his wife. Falling head over heels. They were supposed to meet that day- but he never came. And that was just the beginning of several more forgotten ‘dates’. As his best friend she had only two options to handle this. Becoming the third wheel or walk off. Considering they had not seen in ten years- it was easy to guess what happened.
When she opened her eyes again he was still looking at her. Smiling.
“You do not bother me Alex. We have been through enough together. So what exactly is going wrong… my friend.”
Alex swallowed hard and closed his eyes thinking about Ana storming out, the feeling in his heart that sank and caused him pain and sorrow. Everything that had led up to it. The weeks of being ignored and pushed back. Alex sighed again and sat back, his body language showing pain.
“We...well, Ana….”
He stumbled over his words, trying to collect his thoughts and explain the situation and his feelings without Ana looking like a villian. She wasn’t. She had every right to feel how she felt. At Least that's how Alex felt in his mind. In his heart?. Not so much.
“We’ve been going through a few things. She’s very busy with work. She’s been throwing herself into it.I just feel like I’m never a priority. That I’m second best. She’s always been a bit of a….flirt I guess. But she doesn’t get how I feel….I love her...I do but she just seems distant…”
He sighs again and shakes his head staring up at Elena drinking his wine with a gulp.
“I’m sorry, I shouldn’t be throwing this at you.”
Again she would let some time pass. On the tip of her tongue she had the right words- but she would never say it. What most folks did not know- Alex Jones had not always been that cool. Sure it comes with growing up. But back then he was a nerd. Simple as that. Funny enough she had never met his wife. Even after all those years she would not call her Ana. She was his wife. The person that he loved and that loved him back. Even though they had shaky times.
Looking at his empty glass she waved to the waiter. When he came back ready to fill their glasses again- she took the bottle. Winking at the guy.
“Look I am not quite sure how to respond. When it comes to relationships… I am a total numb nut. I am good at fighting. I am decent at raising my baby. Alone. But love and all that.” She sighed a moment. “You do realise you can not change her Alex, right? You either adapt or perish. Public wars on twitter certainly do not help your marriage. On top of it- when did you turn into a jerk?”
She asked that half joking. But as a matter of fact she was surprised by some of his comments on social platforms. Alex half laughed and half scoffed waving it off. Alex had always had a mean streak, he always was a passionate human being and he was passionate about Ana. But at the same time he realized he’d never been that way with Elena. She was more like a little sister.
“Well yeah I can be a jerk, I know I can. You’ve never seen it but guys who tried to hurt you did…”
Alex trails off a moment thinking back to many nights where he stepped up to anyone foolish enough to be rude to her. He smiled wide but then it faded as he realised an undeniable fact...he abandoned her.
“Elena I...I love my wife and I’m happy in my life but….you haven’t been in it and that was my fault….if you ever need anything...I’m here for you. Just ask…”
This time she would directly look into his eyes. Her normally huge, dark eyes appeared even darker in this very moment. Elena DeDraca did not ask for help. The only time she did- it broke her heart. She didn’t mean to- but there was a coldness on her face that was new. A side he had not known back then.
“There is nothing to be sorry for. You had to go your way. And I went mine. No hard feelings. But you know better than to offer me a hand. That is not why we are here. Making amends. Trying to fix whatever has broken ten years ago. Let’s concentrate on your marriage… .”
Silence. She cracked her neck for a moment. A little something she always did when getting in business mood. The truth was easy to see- if you looked closer. She was hurt. Once upon a time he was her family. And you did not drop that because you smell pussy for the first time. No matter how inviting it was.
“So let me guess… she will be pissed you are here tonight?”
Alex laughed nervously and reached behind his neck rubbing it with a sigh and a small nod. He coughed and sat forward smiling at Elena. He hadn’t told her when she left. He had told her on Twitter. A big mistake.
“Yeah, she is pissed. She and I had a blow up right before I got here...I guess I was trying to...make her jealous….”
He blushed red and sighed again putting his hands on his face as he admitted the stupidity. He slide his hands back down and shrugged.
“Yeah...I know...I’m a jerk….”
She was close to slap herself. This was why out of the blue he wanted this meeting. To make his already psychopathic wife jealous. Elena had a mean temper. Yet was way too controlled to let it out- if it wasn’t inside a ring. She would put some money on the table before getting up. Looking down on him with mixed emotions.
“I don’t know who you think you are… but I ain’t no toy in your stupid game. Take care Alex.”
Alex stuttered and got to his feet, he swiftly moved around her and stood in front of her with his hands out, he swallows and shakes his head.
“Hey wait, hold up….”
His eyes softened as he stared down at her, Elena being alot shorter than him, he sighed deep and laughed a little his nervous energy shooting through the roof. He hadn’t even thought that this is how she’d feel, it wasn’t even what he meant.
“Elena this was never about making her jealous, that was a stupid bonus ok?. I contacted you, I came here because...I miss you. I miss our late night heart to hearts, I miss your jokes, I miss you laughing at my jokes even though they aren’t funny. At all. Ever…”
Alex laughs and smiles, he reaches down and takes her hands giving them a small squeeze.
“Please...I miss my little sister…”
The emotionless mask would show some cracks. She was so angry it hurt her stomach. Literal. Giving him this fiery look. One he knew all too well.
“I hate you so much… I wanted to tell you this since ten years. You left me like a beaten dog. I had so survive on my own out there. Living on the streets for some time. I hate you Alex…” She had to swallow hard. Fighting down whatever was boiling. “... I have trusted you with my everything. I hate you...because… I still miss you.”
Alex looked down and away, he knew she was hurt and upset and in that moment he felt like a fool. And an asshole. He was used to making people angry, even hurting them. But this was too much. He thought long and hard but soon realised Elena was standing there growing ever more impatient for an answer to her baring her emotions.
“I’m sorry. I know that I’ve said that a few times but I’m sorry for walking away, for leaving you alone. For being a horrible friend and a worse family member. But I lost you once and I don’t want to again.”
“Okay. Then tell me how you expect this to work Alex. Your wife already jumps my throat. Seeing threat in everything I do. You tell me… how is this going to help your marriage?”
She had put her hands on her hips. She maybe was smaller than him- but in this moment she looked quite dangerous. And fed up.”Alex stepped back with a nod conceeding he was wrong, the waiter brought their food out and Alex stepped around to the seat offering it to Elena.
“Please. Sit….”
As she did he smiled and sat back down with a deep sigh of relief.
“I can’t talk to her about certain things right now. I need family. And while I do have some, they are close to Ana. You’re not. I can spend time with you, de-stress and talk. And that’s all I want. To talk. To smile. To laugh. To be a human being….”
Alex smiles wide and warm again sliding back in his chair, his eyes just staying locked on hers. She took his half full full glass in her hand and emptied it.
“Ever consider your relationship would work better if you weren’t always make it a public thing? You both seem rather possessive. I do not say that is a bad thing. But it leads to so much unnecessary heat.”
Alex nods slowly agreeing with Elena. He shakes his head with a laugh and runs a hand through his long two tone hair.
“I tried to tell her that but...trappings of fame you know?. We’re always in the public eye and we live a public life. I do love her Elena. And I don’t want to lose her. But that wasn’t just what this was about, I wanted to reconnect with you.”
“Untwist your panties Alex. I know you love her. And I am pretty sure she knows you love her. And everyone loves everyone. Blah. Blah. On a sidenote… you look like an ass with that hair… .”
She filled her glass again leaning back in the chair. Her high top leather boots showing underneath the table. Alex made a hurt face and shrugged.
“I like my hair and excuse me miss black and blue…you can’t talk.”
Alex laughed finishing his glass of wine down grabbing a fork and looking over his food with a wink. She would for the first time notice the food, not even sure what she had ordered. It was her stomach that reminded her that it had been a while. Since breakfast. They would do more catching up this evening. For a while forgetting all their trouble.
END