Sophisticated Grace

Pretty sure I would be the one she’d be upset with anyway. You know, it would be nice if she would go, too. I really think travelling would be good for her, honestly. When did she get so stressed out and tense all the time? It’s really not healthy.

That’s true. I mean, we both have the money for it.

More so? I didn’t think you could get more withdrawn than that.

Yeah, I didn’t either...but apparently, you can. 

Well, I guess when you write songs about stuff like this all the time, you do sort of become a therapist in a way. And yeah, I’m close to my mom - the other guys are just idiots, but it’s whatever.

Oh, it’s happening. Fetch is happening. I was born fetch.

Wow a gift? That is something I haven’t ever gotten. Not in like a serious way. I’ve had people rudely say “Happy birthday” when they threw something at me. 

Wait, does that mean you’ve never had a birthday party?! Or Christmas celebration?! Okay, we have to change this. You need to come join my sister and I during events like that. We have pretty big celebrations at the hotel.

“Didn’t your mom tell you never to tell a lie?” Marie asked, rolling her eyes. “Better me than some guy down the road.”

Anna felt a pang of sadness at the mention of her passed mother. “Of course she did,” she said with a small shrug. “But she also taught me kindness.”

I thought you guys were really close. It seemed that way, well, you know. Before she broke up with me.

We were...kind of, but you know her. She keeps to herself, more so lately.

Charming is my name after all. But no, I didn’t lose a parent. Well, not like that, anyway. My parents got a divorce when I was a kid, so I don’t really know my dad. Vague memories, not a lot. He tried to make contact with me when I hit it big, but my mom ended that real quick. 

You’re one to talk! You could be a therapist just the same as I could, after that little spiel of yours. I guess you’re right. I don’t know. I’d love to be closer to Elsa, but like I said, I’ve kind of given up on that.

“Mine include ice cream and tea, so we’re almost on the same page.”

Yum! I love those too, especially chocolate ice cream. 

Yeah well. Most people look at me and see a homeless punk kid who isn’t going anywhere in life. They don’t much like giving hand outs to kids like me. Adults see me as everything that’s wrong with the world. But man you are super nice. 

Oh, thanks! I guess I just like being nice? No reason, really. Besides, it’s not a handout if I offer. It’s a gift.

Well, darn. And here I was thinking I was winning my way to your heart. Crush my hopes and dreams, Anna Vinter. I will win you over. 

Keep trying to win me over. I’m amused...and flattered.

It’s not weird for you to talk about your sister’s love life? I would feel pretty awkward if it was you asking me questions about dating one of my brothers. 

Well, maybe it’s a little weird for some people, but she doesn’t tell me much...so I have to get my information somewhere.

Oh, hold up. now. So, let me get this straight.  I went from being “you see one ex-boybander, you’ve seen them all” to super famous, huh? All in 15 minutes too. And it usually takes me roses, five star reservations and a swanky hotel room to change a girl’s opinion that quickly.

Hey. You can be famous and still be “you see one ex-boybander, you’ve seen them all.” The two are not exclusive! 

Yeah there have been some times where I thought about going back to the orphanage, but I wouldn’t know how to live there anymore.

Serious serious! No one has ever offered? Wow. People need to get some of their priorities sorted out. No, really, stop by whenever! Just ask for Anna Vinter, but if I’m not there, then just tell them to call me or something.

Oh. So that’s how you say that. Okay. Because I’ve totally been saying it creepy my entire life. Let’s see here. creepeee.

Uh, close enough.

I appreciate the sentiment. Really I do. But growing up just isn’t for me. I mean obviously I am going to get older, that’s not something I can prevent. But growing up on the streets has a way of humbling you and I honestly don’t see a need for most of the adult stuff. Like a house. Or knowing where my next meal is coming from. 

That’s really brave. It’s like backpacking, almost...without being in a new place. I don’t think it’s as crazy as some people probably do. I like adventure, but I think even to degree I would start getting nervous!

Feels like she’s blaming me for those issues. But thanks… I mean, yeah I still care about her… like you said, it just ended badly. It never sat right with me, which is why I’m trying to make things right. Do you really think I should back off? What if she just goes back to ignoring me like she has for the past four years…

Trust me, as nice as I think it is that you want to fix things, pushing her will just piss her off more. I’ve had to deal with the same thing. Eventually, I kinda stopped trying to get her to let me in...but don’t worry about talking about her, okay? I’m her sister, so it makes sense. Like I said, I’m used to it.

Mm, wait. What’s an expression? The snowflake thing? How is that an expression because I’m genuinely confused by why we’re talking about snowflakes and why we’re apparently so obsessed with them. In May.

Meh. Just never mind. Besides, I prefer sunflowers.