Sarah and Lauri are leaving for their class today, a lecture actually.

Lauri left first and is already in the car, beeping at Sarah to hurry up.

Sarah: I’m coming! You don’t have to honk at me.
Truth is, Sarah is worried, not only about Lauri, but also about Kelly. She seems to be back to her old jealous ways, but – can she blame her? No, she actually understands her. Lauri is like Riley’s second volume, much milder, mind you, but just as annoying.

Kelly: *After looking out the window*. Did you lend Lauri the car?
Dale: I lent Sarah and Lauri the car to go to their lecture. You’re not going to need it today, are you?
Kelly: Well, I was thinking of going to the grocery store, we need a few supplies, but – never mind, I’ll walk.

Dale: They were just on their way out, maybe they’re still there, you could ask them for a ride.
Kelly: No, I’ll wait for them to come back. I was thinking of going until later anyway.
Dale: Okay, I’ll call you when breakfast is ready.

Dale: Hm, Kelly is right, we’re missing a few things, but I think I can still manage.

Dale: I know she’s on a diet, but pancakes are always welcome and mine are low sugar anyway.

MINUTES LATER…
Kelly: Pancakes, yum! Are they low sugar?
Dale: Of course, I’d never make you eat any extra calories.
Kelly: Awesome, thank you, honey.

For a good while the two of them eat in peace and quiet, but then…
Dale: Terry called; he was excited that Sarah accepted the job. He said Lauri was welcome too.
Kelly: Believe it or not, I’m happy for all of them.

Dale: Yeah, I bet you’re relieved that Lauri is leaving.
Kelly: If I’m honest, yes. Doesn’t mean I’m not happy for her.
Dale: Well, then for once we can say everyone is happy – except my brother, of course.
Kelly: Why? Didn’t you say he was thrilled that Sarah will work with him?

Dale: He’s pleased with that, but he didn’t appreciate us declining his invitation to Davy’s birthday party.
Kelly: Didn’t he already know we wouldn’t go?
Dale: Yes, but I suppose he was hoping you would change your mind.
Kelly: I’m sorry, babe. I have a lot on my plate right now, exams for starters. Not to mention yoga classes, ballet, gymnastics and my modeling job of course.

Dale: Are you sure that’s it?
Kelly: Sure, what else could it be?
Dale: I don’t know, maybe you don’t like kids and you haven’t told me.
Kelly: Oh, come on, D. I love kids, I just don’t think about them much right now, if you know what I mean.

Dale: Okay, so… maybe there’s another reason you don’t want to go that I don’t know of? My brother maybe?
Kelly: Well, Terry’s not my favorite person, but I can deal with him, I guess.
Dale: So if this isn’t about Terence, then… Wait, this is not about Cynthia, is it?

Kelly chokes on her pancakes and starts coughing. Her reaction is answer enough for Dale.
Dale: *Sigh* I knew it, but you know what? You worry in vain.

Kelly: I’m sorry, I know it’s silly, but I just can’t help it.
Dale: Yeah, it’s pretty stupid, cause I don’t care about Cynthia anymore. She’s my brother’s wife now, for heaven’s sake.
Kelly: I know, and I’ve told you I’m sorry, I’m working on it, I swear.
Dale: Okay, but while you’re ‘working on it’, I have to explain my brother why we can’t attend.

Dale: I can’t tell him this all has to do with his wife, can I?
Kelly: That – certainly wouldn’t be a good idea.
Dale: Well, I’ll give him the excuse of exams, hopefully he’ll buy it with graduation so close.
Kelly: Thank you, baby. And again, I’m sorry.
Dale: Ah, that’s okay. My parents and Tyron won’t be able to attend either, so I’ll let it slide this time. But I’m warning you we can’t keep turning down Terry’s invitations forever.

Dale terminates the conversation and goes to wash his dish. He didn’t seem amused; Kelly knows this is selfish on her part, but…
Kelly: *To herself*. Sorry, but I don’t think I can stand Cynthia bragging about her perfect marriage, her cute baby, and her million simoleon mansion. It’s not that I envy her, it’s just… I can’t stand her. It’s hard to believe we were once best friends.

Dale’s reaction distracted her from the other reason not to go to Lucky Palms: Riley Woods will also be there. Kelly: The ex and the stalker together, that’s a bit too much, isn’t it? Maybe I could deal with one rich and spoiled girl, but two? No, thanks!

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