Val set his bag down beside his chair, watching as Thomas nodded thoughtfully at Annie's words.<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"That's good,"</span>Thomas smiled,<span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"if I recall, Marianne is a good mother. And my travels were good. The fish bit and we caught plenty to sell. We met a carnival troupe at the port, but nothing too exciting. How are your mother and family? It's been quite a while since we've visited."</span><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"And we're not going to! What is this girl doing here? Send her out, I'm not feeding another mouth!"</span>Imogen stood at the door of the kitchen, her hands on her hips and glaring daggers at Annie.<br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(128, 128, 128)">"Leave Annie alone, Ma. She hasn't done anything," </span>Val stood up, placing himself between his mother and Annie. Imogen shoved herself close, invading Val's space and glaring down her nose at him.<br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"Shut it, you worthless brat. You're not going to that school, and that's final. So stop throwing your temper tantrum and grow </span><i><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">up." </span></i><br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(32, 178, 170)">"Imogen, please! We have a guest! Can't we have this discussion later? Annie's here, and she's Valentine's friend! Can't you be civil?"</span>Thomas pleaded with his wife, eyes begging her to step down.<br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(247, 218, 100)">"Fine."</span>Imogen swished her skirt, managing to hit Val with her spoon as she went. Val rubbed his cheek but gave Annie a large smile.<br/><span class="fixed-color" style="color:rgb(128, 128, 128)">"So, what brings you to the house?" </span>