Christina Taylor and Elise Grimshaw

In an apartment in uptown Pleasant Valley, Christina and Elise were sitting on the sofa, watching the television, while their husky, Valerie, was lying on the floor in front of them. Christina was hugging Elise and resting her head on her shoulder, watching the show, 'Mythical Monsters,' which was Elise's favorite show.

Christina yawned and said, "I can't believe that there are still people who think that such a creature exists."

"What? Really? You don't believe it? Mythical Monsters are real. Just look at the evidence and tell me what you think, Chris." Elise asked and turned the volume higher.

Christina sighed and said, "Alright, tell me."

"So, this guy said that his dog was killed by a Chupacabra. A mark on the dog's neck was found in a forest, where the guy said he was hunting for deer. He thinks the Chupacabra attacked his dog and drank its blood, hence the name Chupacabra. Looking at the marks, you can see that the bite was not deep enough to cause instant death. So, the Chupacabra is a vampire-like creature, or it just wants to feed on the dog's blood without killing it. It might even have a family, and the dog might have interrupted its hunt.", Elise explained.

"Or, the man killed the dog and lied about the whole thing. The marks are not proof enough.", Christina said.

Elise shook her head and replied, "No. The Chupacabra attacked the same guy and his friends a few minutes later. And one of his friends died. He has the video, and it is uploaded on the internet. You can watch it if you want."

Christina looked at her and said, "That's bullshit."

"But, Chris! This is all true! The guy has the mark, and the dead body of his friend is being kept in a morgue. The police are investigating the case. So, it is not bullshit. You just have to search the right places to find the truth.", Elise argued.

"Whatever, Ellie. I don't have time to believe such crap. We have work tomorrow, and I don't want to fall asleep just because you made me watch an episode of your stupid show. Also, we haven't decided on the dinner menu yet, and it's almost seven. So, let's decide it already, so we can order.", Christina said.

"Umm... what about Italian?" Elise suggested.

Christina shook her head and replied, "No. Not today. We had that last night. I don't want to eat pizza or spaghetti again. Let's try something else."

"Well... how about Chinese? That would be good, and we haven't eaten Chinese food in a long time.", Elise suggested.

Christina sighed and replied, "We had that last week."

"Oh, yeah. Right. Ummm... How about a nice, warm, and delicious chicken pot pie?" Elise asked.

"That sounds great. Let's do that. It's been a long time since I've eaten a chicken pot pie." Christina nodded.

"Awesome! I'll go and order it. Wait here, babe.", Elise said and got up.

She picked up her phone and left Christina alone with the TV. Valerie whined and looked at Christina, asking for a pet.

"Alright, sweetie. Come here." Christina patted the empty space next to her, and Valerie got up from the floor and climbed the sofa. She sat on the spot and snuggled close to her, and Christina petted her fur and rubbed her head.

"Good girl. Who's a good girl? You are. Yes, you are.", Christina whispered as Valerie enjoyed the head rub.

Valerie licked her hand, and Christina chuckled and continued rubbing her head. A few minutes passed, and Christina felt bored, so she switched the channels and came across the news channel. She heard the announcer say, "...and our top story of the night. Earlier today, a high school student was shot and killed during the morning assembly. The shooter is still at large, and the police are investigating the case."

Christina was a bit sad after hearing the news, and she was about to change the channel when the news anchor continued, "Also, there's a strange case. A high school student is missing. His family says he went to the clinic this morning for a consultation and hasn't returned since."

'Clinic?' She thought.

"His mother, Elizabeth K. Marrow, said, and I quote, 'My son was supposed to be home by now, but he hasn't returned. The receptionist said the doctor told him he could leave, and the clinic staff told us they hadn't seen him leave. Something is wrong. We are distraught.' End of quote. So, if you have any information on the missing high school student, Damian K. Marrow, please contact the local police or the station. Your information could save a life."

The picture of Damian appeared on the screen, and Christina was about to change the channel when Elise suddenly came back and said, "I ordered the chicken pot pies. They should be here in a few minutes. An—."

She stopped when her eyes fell on the television, and she sat on the sofa and asked, "What happened, now?"

Christina shrugged and said, "Some teenager was shot to death."

"What?!"

"Yeah. Here's the other news. A teenager is missing. They say that he was taken to the clinic for a consultation and hasn't returned.", Christina said.

"I'm not sure which is worse. Getting shot or kidnapped.", Elise murmured.

"It's both.", Christina replied.

Elise nodded, and a thought popped up in her mind, causing her to ask, "How's your brother? Did he recover? Florence didn't message anything in the family group chat. I wonder how the surgery went for Michael. I hope he's alright."

"Arrgh!" Christina groaned in frustration and asked, "Why do you care?"

"What do you mean, Chris? Of course, I would care. Michael is your brother and my brother-in-law. We are family. And, family sticks together, no matter what. We need to stay united no matter what happens. And that's why I'm worried about Michael's health. Is he okay? How is he doing?" Elise asked.

Christina rolled her eyes and said, "How the fuck should I know?! I don't even talk to him. He's probably fine. It's not the first time, and it won't be the last. So, stop caring about him, Ellie."

Elise looked at her and sighed, "Chris, I know you and him have your differences, and he has some... issues. But that doesn't mean that I can't care for him. I can't believe you sometimes, Christina. I care about him, just like how I care about you."

Christina snorted and said, "Well, maybe you can ask your beloved brother-in-law how he is and stop caring about him because he doesn't need anyone's care."

"Christina, what's the matter with you? Why are you behaving like this? I don't get it. Is everything alright, babe?" Elise asked, concerned.

"Arrrgh! Nothing is wrong, Ellie. Just forget it. I don't want to talk about it, and I'm hungry. So, can you please change the topic so we can eat and enjoy our evening?" Christina asked, and looked at her.

"Okay, Chris. I won't talk about it. But let me tell you this. Don't you dare hurt him or any member of your family, Christina Taylor! You are my wife, and I will stay with you no matter what and support you in everything. But you need to control your temper and your tongue. I know how to make you regret your actions; believe me, you won't like it if that happens.", Elise threatened.

"Hah! What are you going to do? Huh?" Christina asked.

"You'll see.", Elise said.

"Whatever." Christina sighed and turned her attention back to the television.

Elise also watched the news, and the two remained silent until the doorbell rang, and Elise said, "I'll get it."

"Sure."

She got up from the sofa and hurried to the door.

She opened it and said, "Hello, thank you for delivering our order."

"Yes, ma'am. That would be $18.50."

"Here, keep the change. Thank you." Elise gave the deliveryman the money, took the box containing the chicken pot pies, and closed the door.

She returned to the living room and placed the box on the table.

Christina glanced at it and said, "Let's eat. I'm hungry."

Elise nodded, and they began eating. They continued to do so for a few minutes until Elise said, "Chrissie?"

"Yes?" Christina answered and sipped from her glass.

"Some things can't be forgotten, like how you forgot your birthday last year, and only Michael remembered and prepared a surprise party for you with the money he collected by mowing lawns. That is what a real family is. I'm an orphan, and I longed for such a family. You were lucky to be born in one, yet you don't appreciate what you have. I hope that one day, you understand what a family truly means.", Elise said and ate the chicken pot quietly.

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