~December~

“I really think this one is perfect for you.”

“I hope so,” Daphne smiled.

She stepped inside and examined the inside of the apartment. The living room wasn’t very big, but it was cozy. An island separated the living room from the kitchen and she could see the bathroom all the way down the hall.

“You said there are two bedrooms?” she asked as she walked down the hall.

“Yup, they are directly across from each other,” the realtor, Diane, explained.

Daphne walked into the master bedroom and looked around. The room was about half the size of her room at Matt’s. She would definitely miss her room and the walk-in closet. The second bedroom wasn’t much smaller than the master bedroom.

“I know its not much, but the cost is right around your budget and the neighborhood is completely safe. It is right near your daughter’s school as well,” Diane explained.

“That’s convenient,” Daphne muttered as she walked out of the bedroom and into the kitchen.

“So, do you love it?”

Daphne smiled lightly before turning to her.

“I do,” she smiled.

“Great! Should we get started on the paperwork?” Diane grinned.

“I’d actually like some time to think about if I want to move here or not. The place is lovely, but it’s a big decision and it will be a big change for my daughter. She’s gotten so close to my brother and sister-in-law.”

“That’s understandable, but this place is up for grabs by other people…”

“How about I think about it tonight and give you a call first thing tomorrow morning?” Daphne negotiated.

“Since I like you, I’ll go for that,” Diane smiled.

“Great! I’ll call you first thing in the morning,” Daphne smiled.

“I look forward to hearing from you,” Diane smiled as she held out her hand.

Daphne shook her hand before walking out of the apartment and down the stairs. She smiled to herself as she got in the car. Moving was definitely the change she needed. She was almost certain she’d take the apartment. She just wanted to talk with Misty about it first. On her way home, she stopped off at the liquor store for a bottle of wine to celebrate the almost certain move. When she got home, she saw Misty and Jade sitting on the floor, going through boxes.

“Hi mommy!” Misty smiled.

“Hey cutie,” Daphne smiled as she leaned down and kissed her head.

“What’s all this?” she asked.

“Christmas decorations,” Jade grinned.

“You do know its only the first week of December, right?”

“Well you don’t have to be a Debbie Downer,” Jade huffed.

“A Debbie Downer?” Daphne smirked.

“I was going to call you something else but there’s a child present,” Jade smiled.

“Lovely,” Daphne muttered as she walked into the kitchen.

She dug through the drawer for the corkscrew as Jade came into the kitchen.

“Where’s Matt?”

“He went to go get a tree,” Jade answered.

“Was Misty good?”

“She was fine. What’s the wine for?”

“I am celebrating,” Daphne smiled as she poured herself a glass.

“Celebrating what?”

Daphne took a sip before answering.

“I just fell in love with this adorable apartment near Misty’s school,” she smiled, awaiting Jade’s reaction.

Her smile fell when Jade’s did.

“You’re moving?” Jade asked.

“Of course we are. Misty and I can’t stay here forever. I thought you’d be happy for me,” Daphne frowned.

“You can’t go though.”

“Jade, we have to. You and Matt have the baby coming and we’re occupying the rooms.”

“We’re going to put the baby in our room. You can’t move Daph!” she exclaimed.

“Jade, you’re overreacting. It’s the pregnancy hormones,” Daphne explained.

“No! Don’t blame this on pregnancy hormones! These are my actual feelings!” Jade screeched.

“Why the hell are you yelling at me?” Daphne snapped.

“Because I’m fed up with you not telling me anything, anymore!”

“What the hell are you talking about?”

“Ever since we found out Zoey was pregnant you’ve been like a zombie! You don’t tell Matt or me anything anymore and we hardly ever see you. You never want to hang out anymore and you never tell me how you’re feeling!”

“My feelings should be pretty obvious!”

“I get that you’re fucking upset but you never talk about it! You act like nothing happened when I obviously know what happened!”

“I am not talking about this!” Daphne barked.

“Of course you’re not! Just like you never talked to me or Matt about moving! How could you just
spring this on me like this?” Jade spat.

“Its my life! I’m doing what’s best for me and my daughter!”

“No, you’re doing what’s best for you! You’re getting out of here because you don’t want to run into Brian,” Jade smirked.

“That is not true!”

“Don’t lie to me! You’ve avoided him for three weeks now. You can’t avoid him you’re whole life Daph!”

“Why does this even matter to you!” Daphne yelled.

“Because you’re the sister I’ve always wanted! And Misty is like a daughter to me! I have hardly seen you these past three weeks and you live here! If you move, I know I will hardly ever see you or Misty and I can’t handle that!” Jade shouted, tears coming to her eyes.

“Jade, I had no idea,” Daphne muttered.

“Yeah, you wouldn’t. You’re too busy feeling sorry for yourself,” Jade muttered as she turned and walked out of the kitchen.

“Jade wait,” Daphne called as she went after her.

Matt came through the front door as Jade stormed through.

“Hey babe,” he smiled.

Ignoring him, she walked past him and went upstairs.

“What happened?” he asked as Daphne approached him.

“Me and Jade got into a fight,” she sighed.

“About what?” he asked.

“Stupid stuff,” she muttered.

“I better go talk to her,” he sighed.

“No, I will. I need to fix things with her,” she muttered.

He smiled and leaned to kiss her forehead.

“I’m proud of you baby doll,” he smiled.

“Hey asshole! Come help with this fucking tree!” they heard Zack yell from outside.

“Fuck you!” Matt yelled.