Deleted Scene # 1 [Day before anniversary]

This passage comes from the first draft of the demo. Originally, there was a larger chunk of the prologue about that day/night. I cut it because I didn’t want to unload all this information at once, and have since changed several things about that scene.

--------------------------------------------------------------------

“Since when do I need a reason to call?”

You huff a breath, allowing yourself to get more comfortable on the couch, as you continue to pet on $d_name.

 If you had to think about it, truly think about it, then you might be able to recall a time Jade called without wanting something, or to brag about something. But times like those are few and far between.

 You can hear Chris moving papers along $ch_hisher desk, opening drawers, and swearing under their breath.

 “You don’t need one. Are you still on your way?”

Jade swears under her breath.

“I’m pulling into the car park right now.”

You hum in response, before Jade’s voice pitches, “For fuck’s sake people, that is not an exit!” She honks the horn four or five times. The sound blaring through the speaker.

A laugh bubbles out of you, Jade’s road rage as evident as ever.

“What?” Her voice is tight, her annoyance leaking out.

With a teasing tone, you reply, “It’s nothing, you just sound like Dad.”

“Seriously $p_name!”

Chris returns, holding a small black box that is wrapped in a delicate green bow. “Seriously, what?” Chris asks.

 “Jade sounds like Dad when she’s driving.”

You and Chris snicker as Jade objects loudly. “Remember when she almost ran over someone because she was yelling at the driver behind her?” Chris sits on the couch next to you, watching as your hand brushes $d_name’s fur.

 $ch_HisHer arm brushes against your own, as $ch_heshe places $ch_hisher empty hand on your thigh.

“Wow, coming from $p_name is one thing, but to hear that coming from you, Chris, is something else. Here I thought we were closer than that. What happened to me being your favorite, hmm?”

 Chris huffs out a breath, and $ch_hisher grip on your thigh tightens. Your brow arches, looking at the phone, then back to Chris.

“Come on Jade, stop messing around. You know $p_name is my favorite-“