Farrington-Gores: Topaz's debut

'Hey, Aria. I'm headin' off to Nyla's now.'

'...Oh, right. Have a nice time.'

'Thanks.'

'...You okay?'

'Yeah, I'll be fine.'

'You sure? I'm here to talk about it if you wanna.'

'No, you may as well get going. She'll be waiting for you.'

'Nyla won't mind waitin'. You're more important right now, since you've been havin' such a hard time of it...'

'It's always like this, Stanley. If you had to stay home with me every time I was having a hard time, then you'd never get to see Nyla.'

'Still. It's worse right now.'

'Yeah... Torturing a child, that's a new one for this family. I wonder how many new lows he can hit. Maybe he should upgrade to murder next.'

'I'm really sorry.'

'Thanks. I just... feel so helpless. I want to do something to help, but... what is there? I can't even visit Tristan because Fuckface won't let me.'

'Well, he's always been a fuckin' asshole...'

'Yup. At least we've got social media. I might not get to see the kid often and he probably doesn't even like me very much, but he's my brother and I love him.'

'Why d'you think he don't like you?'

'We haven't always seen eye to eye-'

'Fuck, could I have chosen a worse phrase?'

'Whoops.'

'...But yeah, we haven't always agreed on things. Mainly Tate-related things.'

'He ain't on Tate's side no more though, is he? That's gotta make it diferent?'

'Mm. We're probably overdue a proper conversation.'

'Yeah, man. If he hates him too now you can probably bond over it.'

'Heh. I guess Tate's finally useful for something.'

'How'd you feel about that anyway? Him gettin' cut up again?'

'I don't give a shit, to be honest. We're talking about a man who routinely abuses his family, kills people and sells his daughters into marriage. I'm not going to rush to get out the violins, that's for certain.'

'I can't say I give a fuck either.'

'With Tristan it's a horrible tragedy. With Tate it's karma. It's just a shame Miles didn't go one better and cut his balls off too. At least then he won't have any more kids.'

'Agreed. Hey, you're gonna get through this, okay?'

'Yeah... I have to. No choice really. Life's a bitch and then you die.'

'So I guess the only way to survive is to be a bitch too. I've got that one down, at least.'

'You ain't a bitch.'

'Oh no, I'm definitely a bitch. I take it in my stride, it's all good.'

'Well if you insist, you're the nicest bitch I know.'

'Thanks.'

'Hey, Isai. I've just got off the phone and, well, I've got some good news and some bad news.'

'Oh?'

'The good news is, I have a new job!'

'Oh, congratulations! The security firm?'

'Yep. They said I did great at the interview.'

'That's wonderful to hear.'

'Thanks! C'mon, let's go sit down.'

'So what's the bad news?'

'I have to move. My client isn't in Midnight Hollow.'

'No? Where are they?'

'Sunset Valley.'

'Sunset Valley? Couldn't they have given you a closer one?'

'I didn't want to question it, with it being a brand new job and all. Besides, maybe it'll be good for me. I'll be able to get away from the bad influences round here, and I can see Tony a lot more often!'

'True... I just wonder if you'll cope. I can't go with you.'

'I know you can't. Hey, I'm ready for this. I need to start being independent again. Trust me... I've been sober a while now. I really do mean it.'

'And how many times have we heard that, Topaz?'

'Please have faith in me.'

'...Okay. I can't tell you what to do. You're right, it does sound like a good opportunity.'

'Don't forget you can teleport now! You can come over any time you want if you really have to keep an eye on me.'

'That's something. Look, you can't blame me for wanting to keep an eye on you considering everything that's happened.'

'I know, I know. You're right. That's why I'm okay with you checking in from time to time. Just let me know when you intend to visit.'

'I will. Do Mum and Dad know yet?'

'No, I thought I'd tell you first. I'm sure they'll be okay with it though.'

'Of course. They will miss you, you know.'

'And I bet you will as well, won't you?'

'...Yes, I will.'

'Aww. See, you're just a big softie really.'

'No, I am not.'

'Yes you are! Deep down you're all cuddly and sweet. Even if you are a grumpy butt.'

'Topaz.'

'Don't complain, or I'll pinch your cheeks.'

'...Any idea who you're going to be working for?'

'The mayor of Sunset Valley. So it's a big deal!'

'Wow. Well, I hope you manage to keep him very safe.'

'Hey, you don't know it's a man! Could be a woman.'

'That's true. I shouldn't assume. When do you start?'

'In a few weeks. I need to complete a training course first. Should be easy, to be honest.'

'For you, undoubtedly. I trust you'll need some help moving over and finding accommodation?'

'I'll start looking for rooms soon. And yeah, I might struggle to lug all my stuff over there. It'll probably fill at least one car.'

'Okay, I can do that.'

'Sweet! Thanks a lot.'

'It's okay. I'm due to visit Tony and Anstine soon anyway, so I may as well schedule it for the same time. Kill two birds with one stone.'