Farrington-Gores: Just what the doctor ordered

'Hey, Raya. Can I ask you about something?'

'Sure. What's up?'

'You told me before about confidence being the important thing, but how exactly do I get that back? You make it sound easy.'

'Hey, you know what I used to be like when I was younger. I'm far from this ultra-confident person! It took me a long time to develop any self-esteem at all.'

'But you did it. That's why I'm asking you. How? How do you stop having doubts?'

'We're all going to have doubts at some point, but it's a matter of not listening to them. Knowing that it's just your own mind, and that you really are worth it. What's this about? I thought you seemed better than before you left Sunset Valley.'

'Yeah, I am. The prosthetic's helped a lot. I... guess there's something bringing it back to the front of my mind again.'

'What's that?'

'...Look, take away all the wealth, the company, all the shit that makes me more appealing on a superficial level. If I didn't have any of that... would I still be worth looking at? Would women have any reason to be interested in me?'

'Of course they would!'

'Really? I want you to be honest, not just being nice to me because you're my sister. Objectively?'

'Oh Tristan... you have plenty to be proud of. You have looks and personality. There's nothing wrong with you. If you had none of those material things, you'd still be able to attract girls. Just as people tell me my burns don't ruin my appearance, I'm telling you your eye doesn't ruin yours.'

'It's not just the eye... I mean, it doesn't help. It's still a worry. But I'm also talking about myself as a person...'

'Like what?'

'I still feel guilty over all the stuff with Father. About me defending him, and burying my head in the sand for so long.'

'That's in the past now. You've more than made up for it since then-'

'Have I, though? Because of me, the others got hurt. If I'd accepted the truth sooner, we could have been gone sooner. Zeus wouldn't have been hit, Carmella wouldn't have heard any of that awful arranged marriage shit, and maybe Mum would be happier. I can tell she's still traumatised.'

'Tristan, nobody can change the past. Yeah, okay, you messed up by staying in denial. But nobody holds it against you. Not me, not Aria, the other triplets or anyone else... We know it was hard for you too. We've accepted and forgiven that, and you need to do the same. Don't beat yourself up about it any longer. It's what you do now that counts.'

'I guess you're right...'

'Bring it up in therapy, okay? Let them help you come to terms with it.'

'Yeah, I will. Thanks, Raya.'

'And don't you dare let any of these self doubts hold you back from doing anything you want to. If there's a girl you're interested in, don't shy away from the opportunity to do something about it. Okay?'

'Okay.'

'And if you don't and I find out, I'll come over and tell you off. I've been working on my disapproving parent face in advance for Mattie, but I'll use it sooner if I need to.'

'Well shit, I'd better not risk that. I'll do my best. One eye and all.'

'So... what was it like?'

'Kinda weird, especially at first. But I got used to it and it was better after that. Charon was really good about it. Kept making sure I was okay, y'know.'

'Aww, I'm glad. Not that I expected different of him!'

'Yeah, I'm sure you'd kick his ass if you found out he'd been shitty with me.'

'Of course I would! I heard all about how selfish some boys can be. They don't always care about treating their girl right.'

'Those people are assholes, Carmella. I wouldn't date anyone I thought was like that.'

'Me neither.'

'I enjoyed myself. Even despite all the first time awkwardness and that kinda thing, it was still really sweet. I'm glad it was with him.'

'You do make a sweet couple. I knew you would! I'm really happy for you guys.'

'Now we've just gotta get you a man.'

'Oh, I dunno...'

'None of that! We'll find you one at uni, once we're all there. Course, me and the boys'll have to vet him first.'

'I just bet you will!'

'Knowing you, you'll be the first of us lot to get hitched. And have babies, imagine that?'

'I'd better wait a while. Mum might not wanna be a grandma just yet...'

'Good point. She's so young. Still looks it, too.'

'Uh huh. She's had a fair bit of male attention here already. I think a new man could be good for her, but she's not interested. Guess it's still too soon...'

Later...

'Do you think you'll visit here again?'

'Well, if I get another invite, I totally wouldn't turn it down. Might be rude to, like, turn up unannounced though!'

'I doubt anyone would mind. Especially not Jinx, he likes you.'

'I like him too! He's a little cutie. Even if he does keep pouncing on my tail.'

'Maybe he thinks you're another cat.'

'Wouldn't surprise me, we do have some cat-like qualities about us. Totally embarrassing, though.'

'Oh yeah. The purring, right?'

'Ugh, yeah. I've grown out of that now, thank God. Much to my dad's disappointment, but he's a weirdo.'

'Parents are embarrassing in general. I guess it's to get back at us for the times we embarrassed them as little kids.'

'That's a good point. I told my dad I wanted him to get alien pregnant once when I was little. Kid me would've been so excited if I'd known it was actually, like, a real thing. ...Still can't believe they went for Grandpa, though!'

'God, yeah. Them choosing Ellis makes sense, at least.'

'Yeah, at least he doesn't have more booze than blood in his veins!'

'Damn right! So... how's work experience going at school?'

'Yeah, it's okay. Although, I've started avoiding one guy because whenever I'm around on a break, at lunch and that, this guy keeps trying to hit on me and I am so not interested. Aside from that, I don't think I could take a moniker like the iron teabag seriously in the slightest.'

'Oh jeez, I remember him! Not a bad guy, but pretty childish. Have you been seeing anyone...?'

'Nah, I'm single right now. How about you?'

'Oh really? I'm surprised, someone as pretty as you. No, I'm single too.'

'Aw, thanks. Well, if the right person were to ask me out, that could change very easily.'

'Heh. What kind of qualities make someone "the right person"?'

'To be blunt? You.'

'W-Whoa, really?'

'Yep, really!'

'Even though I've only got one eye?'

'It doesn't matter. I mean, I've got horns and a fucking tail, so like, I don't look exactly "conventional". But also... my dad's only got one arm, you know.'

'But you don't need to be attracted to your dad... I mean, you don't think it makes me look ugly?'

'Ew. I meant, like, prosthetics and stuff aren't new to me. And no, I don't think you're ugly.'

'Sorry, I sound stupid as fuck. I just didn't expect you to be into me... though I'm really, really glad you are!'

'No, I totally get it. Your self esteem must've taken a huge knock.'