"Of course we are. We'll get through it, everyone intact." Melissa insisted, leaning back into Mr. Brennahan's arms. She kept a confident smile up as she grew incredibly cuddly. "Mmm, I'll try to visit you on Christmas. If not day-of, I'll make sure to come as soon as possible."
"Alright. Hopefully I'll be out by Christmas, but I can't make any promises, of course… there's no way to tell how long they plan on keeping me here."
"Yeah… but I promise if you're not I'll come see you. I might even bring you a present if you let me." Melissa hummed a little, holding on a little tighter.
Lucas smiled softly. "I really think it's more up to them if you can bring things in. I don't get to choose."
Melissa nodded, giving him a soft look. "But am I allowed to get you a present? Even if you're out, and living at the house again?"
"Sure, Mel. I'll try my best to do something for you too. Maybe I can draw you something?" Lucas shrugged.
"You don't have to, Lu. I know it's not exactly gonna be super easy while stuck here." Melissa whispered, still smiling gently.
"Well, I'm still gonna try, Mel… I've got a pencil and paper, and that's really all I need, isn't it?" He smiled weakly.
Melissa gave a little nod, staying curled up. "Mhmm. If you do need anything, just ask me." She mumbled a little.
"Alright, Mel… don't forget about yourself, though. I want you to be taking care of yourself too, alright?"
"I know, I know. But bringing you extra paper isn't going to take much out of me. Or another pencil." Melissa laughed weakly, smiling over to him.
"If you really wanna bring me more art supplies, I'm not gonna stop you. As long as it's nothing that might be suspicious."
"Of course, not. No knives, or other sharp object, obviously." Melissa smiled a little more, picking her head up to sit up straight. "Anything else that might be considered… suspicious?"
"Mm… scissors are a definite no. I'm not sure what else would be contraband as far as art supplies go…"
"Yeah, figured that…" Melissa mumbled, pulling one of her knees back up to her chest. "Probably nothing with string or rope." Mr. Brennahan added softly, looking between the two. "Or the notebooks with a metal, spiral binders."
"True… I'm not sure how strict they are on that. My own sketchbook is basically just a book with blank pages, so…"
Mr. Brennahan nodded, giving a gentle smile. "I looked it up before, and I'm pretty sure that was on the list. But I'm might be making that up." He laughed lightly, glancing at his watch.
Lucas nodded a bit as well, humming softly to himself. "Well, I dunno… I'm sure we'll figure something out. You don't really need to bring me anything, though."
"I know I don't have to, but if you ever do need something," Melissa insisted, resting her chin on her knee. "And I need present ideas. So there's that."
Lucas laughed softly. "Yeah… I'll try my best on your gift, Mel. Like I said, hopefully I'll be home by then, but I really don't know…"
"I'm hoping so, too… but I won't get my hopes up too high." Melissa sighed softly, giving a lopsided smile.
Lucas nodded a bit and sighed as well. "I'm gonna try, alright? I'll take care of me so that you can take care of you."
Melissa sighed a little at his comment. "Alright… you're not gonna push too hard, right?" She asked softly, hugging herself with her free arm.
"I won't push too hard, Mel. I promise. I'll pace myself, okay? I'm gonna get through this, and so will you."
Melissa gave a weak smile, and nodded. "Alright… thank you, Lu." She mumbled, sighing weakly.
Lucas nodded in return. "No problem… and you'll do the same, right? You're gonna take care of yourself?"
Melissa nodded once again, giving his a hand a gentle squeeze. "Yeah… I doubt I'd have much of a choice, now. Since he knows…" She added weakly, letting out a soft laugh.
"Yeah. Take good care of her, sir." Lucas smiled weakly up at Mr. Brennahan. "And please, neither of you blame yourselves for any of this situation… it won't get you anywhere."
Mr. Brennahan smiled back, nodding a little. "You've done a good job at taking care of her, I think it's my turn." He replied softly, leaning over to hug Melissa. "And we'll try our best." He finished, kissing the top of Melissa's head.
Lucas nodded a bit in return and sighed softly, petting Cody again. "Is there any other news back at home that I should know?"