The duo’s arrival at the West family residence was immediately welcomed by a banquet-sized feast that almost exclusively served Tiffany’s favorite dishes.
As Tiffany’s eyes took in the food laid before her, she realized how much she enjoyed being cared for by someone. The notion of being seen as important warmed her heart.
Time passed, but Atticus West continued to be absent. Knowing Jackson was avoiding the question, Tiffany took it upon herself to ask Summer, “Where’s Uncle Atticus, Auntie Summer? I don’t see him.”
Summer snuck a glance at her son. “Oh, he’s around alright… All cooped up in his study upstairs. He’s concerned that Jackson might be upset if he shows up, so that stubborn old man has shut himself in after ignoring my advice. Well, Tiffie dear, would you take Jackson with you and invite him over for dinner?”
Jackson did not attempt to hide his repulsion. “Nope, no can do. I’m not gonna beg him to eat with us. To eat or not to eat — it’s none of my concern.”
Tiffany jabbed his leg with a swing of her foot under the table. “What are you talking about? This isn’t what you promised on our way here! We are going right now. To-ge-ther.”
Knowing full well that he could not win, Jackson (very) reluctantly followed Tiffany upstairs and stood woodenly outside the door, clearly balking at the idea of going in. Tiffany, quietly enabling his compromise, reached out and gave a knock. “Uncle Atticus? It’s me, Tiffany, with Jackson. Come have dinner with us!”
The door opened, revealing Atticus’s kindly, amicable smile. “Ah, hello! I’ll be joining you shortly.”
Jackson turned on his heels and left without a word. A little embarrassed, Tiffany flashed the older man a quick smile before following Jackson downstairs.
Atticus took his seat soon enough, completing the picture of a facilely happy family with an unstable undertone. The air had gelled so much, Tiffany could not come up with anything to thaw the growing frost.
She bit the tip of her fork and stared blankly. If this frightening atmosphere was what was in store for her in the future, then she would rather have no part of it —
Summer placed a spoonful of mashed potatoes on her plate. “Oh, Tiffie sweetie, please do come have dinner with Jackson and us more often, okay?”
Tiffany had become Summer’s only hope now. Without Tiffany, Summer knew that her husband and son would not even attempt to sit at the same table and have a meal together.
Tiffany met Summer’s incredibly loaded gaze and felt the weight on her shoulders. “R-Right! Will do! I mean, it’s bothersome to cook our own meals anyway, so yea, we’ll definitely come around for food… If you don’t mind us, that is.”
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