James: "Mum! Annabelle!"
Eve: "We're in the kitchen, James."

James: "I brought something for you."

James tossed a small bag onto the kitchen table. The sound of money clanking together made his sister's eyes go wide.

Annabelle: "James! How much is in here?"
James: "Enough so you and mum can get yourselves something pretty and still have some left over for the essentials."
Eve: "You know you don't have to do this, right James?"

James: "But I like doing it. You know I wouldn't do it otherwise."
Eve: "No, of course not."

James: "I thought I'd stop by now since I'm meeting Tristan after work tonight."
Annabelle: "You two should come back here instead of going out- I could make dinner."
Eve: "I think your brother and Tristan would like to do some catching up on their own. I'm sure James will be happy to pass on your invitation, however."

James: "Certainly."

James couldn't help but smile as a bright red flush came to his sister's face. She'd been head over heels for Tristan since she'd first met him when she was a little girl. Tristan had instantly adopted her as another little sister, spending long hours making up fantastic tales of knights and dragons by the light of the fire, and, in later years, making room in his busy schedule to teach her to play the piano.

Eve: "Did you have breakfast yet?"
James: "I did."
Eve: "Did you want me to pack something for tea?"
James: "No, mum, I'm all right."

Eve: "James…"
James: "Yes?"
Eve: "I'm really proud of you. I couldn't have hoped for a better life for you. I know it wasn't easy for you, growing up without a father…"

James: "Quiet, mum. You did a great job raising us on your own."
Eve: "I just wanted you to know, that's all."

James smiled at his mother before giving her a big hug.

James: "I wish I could stay longer, but it's getting late- don't want to miss the start of my shift. I'll come by again soon."
Eve: "Be good."
James: "I'll try."

Annabelle: "Tell Tristan I said hello."
James: "I will."