Tea and Tears

“Candice, sweetie, you're doing fine.”
    Amelia put her hand over Candice's, trying to comfort her. Veronica took a drink of her tea and sighed. She twirled her hair around her finger, not knowing what to make of it. They knew Marie had been busy lately,and respected her privacy, but didn't know how to approach this situation.
    Candice had appeared on their porch, soaked in sweat from running. When they invited her in, she immediately broke down, and was unable to move. Veronica went to put on a pot of tea while Amelia escorted Candice to the couch.
    Once Candice calmed down enough, she started talking about all that had been going on at their apartment. She told them about how Marie brought Baldr home without consulting her, about how little attention Marie had been paying her recently, and about the fight this morning. She said when she left the apartment, she just ran, not knowing where to go. When she saw Veronica's house, she stopped and stood there for a good ten minutes before knocking on the door.
    “So, you two are taking care of the first male?”
    “No, she is. I'm just wallpaper.”
    Candice fought back tears again. Amelia looked at Veronica, then stood up. Excusing herself, she went to another room. Veronica sat there, unable to figure out what to say, while Candice clenched her cup of tea. Amelia returned a few minutes later with a towel and washing cloth.
    “Come with me, hun.”
    Amelia helped Candice to her feet, and showed her to the shower. She helped her undress and turned on the water. Candice just stood there like a defeated puppy, and Amelia sighed. She undressed and helped Candice into the shower as well.
    “You're only making this difficult. A shower always helps me relax and clear my thoughts.”
    Candice just shook her head. Amelia started washing Candice's hair, lathering in the shampoo. Candice started humming softly, almost sounding like she was whimpering.
  
    Veronica turned on the radio, and let the soft music fill the room. Amelia was in the kitchen cooking dinner, while Candice sat on the couch, looking better than before. She was wearing a set of Veronica's clothes while her own were in the wash.
    As the jazz music permeated through the room, Veronica sat in a chair and looked at Candice. She hadn't moved since she dressed after the shower, and looked frail as a sickly child. This worried Veronica, as there had been no calls for Candice either.
    “Sweetie, you know that sulking won't help. Listen to me. You can stay here tonight, but tomorrow you should go home and talk to her.”
    Candice didn't respond, instead just sat there looking at her feet. All she could think about was the way Baldr didn't seem to accept her. She didn't like hearing the tone Marie took. Candice quickly wiped tears from her eyes.
  

    Knock, knock, knock, knock. Candice woke with a start at the sound. She went over to the door and opened it. On the other side was Marie, her hand still in the air from knocking. Candice immediately grabbed her, and held her tight. Marie had been crying, and her tears soaked through Candice's shirt.    They stood their in each others arms, neither wanting to break the hold.
    “Glad you came to pick her up.”
    Marie and Candice both jumped and looked at Amelia, their faces turning red. Amelia smiled, adjusting her nightgown so it wouldn't fall down. Veronica came out of the bedroom yawning, and waved at Marie.
    “What took ya?”
    Marie looked down at the ground, and Candice glared at Veronica. Amelia laughed, and invited Marie inside. Marie shook her head, pulling on Candice's sleeve.