Mike and Edna back from abroad, Nelly and Julie working quietly but with sharp glares, and Edna teasing Nelly — all while Jimmy backs her up. Mrs. and Mr. Benson are also present to add that family pressure.
*****
The large front door swung open, and Mike and Edna Benson stepped inside, their suitcases rolling behind them. Fresh from their trip abroad, they looked sharp, confident, and ready to reclaim their place.
Inside, the kitchen buzzed with activity. Nelly and Julie moved silently, cleaning the countertops, chopping vegetables, and preparing food. The three girls shared a tight tension—silent but seething glares that didn't go unnoticed.
Julie shot daggers at Nelly with every glance, but Nelly refused to meet her eyes.
Edna's heels clicked across the tiled floor as she surveyed the scene, a smirk curling on her lips.
> "So, this is the infamous Nelly everyone's been whispering about," she said, voice dripping with amusement.
Nelly kept chopping, not even glancing up.
> "The girl Jimmy's been backing up so fiercely," Edna continued, laughing softly.
Nelly's hand faltered for just a moment but steadied quickly.
Jimmy appeared from the hallway, standing tall and protective.
> "If you have a problem, say it to me," he said firmly.
Edna's smile didn't falter.
> "Oh, Jimmy, dear, I'm just having a bit of fun. No harm meant."
Mr. Benson joined the group, eyeing Nelly carefully.
> "She's certainly… persistent," he said dryly.
Mrs. Benson gave Nelly a cold glance from across the room.
> "You should be careful, Nelly. This family doesn't tolerate troublemakers."
Nelly didn't respond, her eyes steady on the chopping board.
Jimmy stepped closer to her, whispering,
> "Ignore them. I've got your back."
Edna chuckled again.
> "We'll see how long that last.
---
Edna's smile widened, eyes gleaming with mischief.
> "You know, Nelly, it's cute how you think Jimmy's on your side. But this family? We don't just back anyone. Especially not someone like you."
Nelly finally looked up, her voice calm but steady.
> "Maybe you don't understand Jimmy at all. He's not here because of me—he's here because he knows what's right."
Jimmy stepped forward, jaw tight.
> "I've made my choice. And it's not about family loyalty. It's about standing up for what matters."
Mrs. Benson's eyes narrowed.
> "Careful, Jimmy. You're playing a dangerous game."
Mr. Benson smirked.
> "Dangerous or not, it's a game you might lose."
Julie rolled her eyes loudly, muttering,
> "Big talk from all of you. Let's see how long the act lasts."
Nelly caught Julie's glare, but didn't falter.
> "It's not an act. It's truth."
The room fell silent for a heartbeat.
Then Edna chuckled again.
> "Well, this is entertaining. Let's see if Nelly's truth stands after dinner."
Jimmy shot Edna a warning look, but Nelly only smiled slightly.
> "I'm ready."
---
After dinner, the room had quieted, but the tension lingered thick in the air.
Mike leaned forward, voice low but sharp.
> "You all need to understand something about Jimmy."
Eyes turned to Jimmy and Nelly, who sat close but wary.
> "He's not who you think."
Julie smirked, edging closer.
> "He's not really one of us."
Mrs. Benson nodded, cold and deliberate.
> "He's our cousin. Brought into the family when he was ten years old—after he lost his parents."
Mike continued, voice heavy with meaning.
> "My mum took him in, raised him as her own son. But don't forget—he's blood, not by choice."
Edna smiled cruelly.
> "And now, this so-called 'loyalty' he shows? He's backing a stranger."
Nelly's eyes widened, shock hitting her like a wave.
> "You're saying he's not even truly part of the family…" Julie asked surpringly.
> "Exactly. He's the outsider, siding with an outsider. A betrayal we won't forget."
Jimmy's jaw clenched, but he said nothing.
Nelly swallowed hard, heart pounding.
She looked at Jimmy.
> "I didn't know…"
Jimmy gave her a small, sad smile.
> "Neither did I, until recently."
The room felt colder, the weight of secrets heavier.
Julie laughed quietly.
> "Guess the family drama's just getting started."