Caroline sat on the edge of her bed, lifting her eyebrows in surprise. Hannah didn’t often discuss Michael with her. She knew they didn’t talk all that much, that Michael wasn’t a fixture in her day-to-day life, but still.

He makes “plans” with Abbie maybe once a month, that he breaks or changes at the last minute more often than not. But even when that happens, Hannah doesn’t unload it on her beyond cursory, short statements. Even though Caroline actually wants to be there for her during these moments. To help her when she’s stressed or feeling burdened.

“It’s just – it’s Christmas. He doesn’t show up half the time he promises and it hurts Abbie every time. But tonight she was so crushed. For once, during the holidays, he could just – ugh.” It sounded like Hannah hit her fist against her mattress in frustration. “And now I have to figure out my schedule to make it work, because Abbie is actually looking forward to this. Apparently, he bought – I should say, his assistant bought – a day pass for her to go skiing, and she wants to go so badly –”

“I can drop her off.” The offer left her before she could really think about it beyond just wanting to make Hannah’s life a little easier and wanting to ensure Abbie got to go skiing with her dad. Even if her dad was a jackass.

Hannah’s silence had been deafening before she’d eventually said, “I don’t want to burden you –”

“It’s not a burden. I’ll be up early getting my talking points ready for my presentation and then I have to stop at the office before I have to go to the airport. I’ll be up and about anyway.”

Hannah had relented eventually, but it had taken a lot more convincing than she’d thought it would. –

She’s pulling up a long driveway, her car moving slowly as she joins Abbie in a rendition of Last Christmas. Michael’s house is… fucking huge and imposing. And as she stares up at it, she tries to imagine Hannah living here.

She just can’t picture it. Nothing about this place says warm and inviting, not like Hannah does.

As she comes to a stop, parking in the driveway, she turns to look at Abbie. Who is looking out the window, looking adorable in her puffy winter jacket and warm winter hat pulled down over blonde waves. “This is where I used to live,” she informs Caroline as she unbuckles her seatbelt.

Caroline gives her a gentle smile. “Yeah, I know. Is it fun, having two bedrooms?”