A New Year 2009

[Jacky]

Che is first to notice Anouk, and a frown instantly shows on his features. "What the..?" His gaze darts over to Jack, the question on his mind so obvious he doesn't even need to say it out loud.

I meet his gaze, while I reach over and steal Ana's second piece of toast. "Oh yeah. Anouk slept here." I inform them a little superfluously by now. When Che just keeps on staring, I eventually can't help but smirk. "In the guestroom." I add, to burst any illusions they're cooking up.

[Daz]

I don't smile along though, I'm slightly embarassed about it all. I swallow a little and look at them both.. ".. Yeah."
This is akward already. I slowly head over to the counter to get myself some coffee, trying not to seem too casual, because I don't want to act like I'm making myself feel at home.

[Jacky]

"Okay.." Che sits down at the table, obviously still wondering what the hell is going on. "Why?" He asks Jack, not to make Anouk feel unwelcome (at least that's not his primary goal), but he just doesn't get it.

"Cos it's easier. And think 'bout it. Who do you suppose the judges will trust more - the guy that ditched the mom in Europe and doesn't want anything to do with her, or the guy that wants to adopt the kid and tries to keep contact with the mom in the meanwhile." I say, briefly glancing over to Anouk, who might not have realized that she was actually part of the strategy to win this thing.

[Daz]

I say nothing and quietly make my drink with the coffee machine. And then I sit down, by the counter, trying to avoid eye contact. Not only do I feel a little strange, I purely don't know what to say to them.

[Jacky]

"If you want breakfast, it's all still in the same places." I tell Anouk, seeing no use in acting as if she didn't used to live here.

[Daz]

"I'm not really hungry today." I admit, because food is the last thing on my mind right now.

[Jacky]

"Eat something anyway, if you throw up due to stress later, at least you'll have something to work with." I tell her with a slight smirk. "Here." I hand over my plate of toast, not giving her much of a choice while I get up to pour myself a mug of coffee.

[Daz]

I just take it, not bothering to argue with that, "Sure, but what are you gonna have?"

[Jacky]

"I already ate the other half of Ana's breakfast." I tell her with a slight smirk. Taking my coffeemug with me, I leave the kitchen to head back upstairs, shower, and get dressed for the day.

[Daz]

I don't know why he keeps smiling, I can't even bring myself to so much as frown right now, my face is emotionless, because I'm trying so hard to pull myself together.
I nibble on the toast and sit down quietly at the counter.