Love Burned, She Rose Unscathed

The speaker was her aunt Abbey. She worked at the local utility company, enjoying what you'd call a "steady job," free of stress, which probably explained her easy-going, full-figured nature. Today, she was rocking a bright green sweater that made her look like a robust Christmas tree, especially with her short hair styled into fluffy curls.

"What in the world are you going on about, Abbey?" Irving Cole chided, pulling at his wife's arm.

Compared to Abbey's "broad" and "plump" figure, Irving was tall and lean, dressed in a beige pullover matched with dress pants, his hair slicked back, shining under the light.

Despite being in his forties, Irving's face showed little sign of aging, and one might even describe him as charmingly dashing.

The Cole family genes were indeed something to boast about, with the three Norris brothers all being quite handsome.

Pulled by her husband, Abbey just pouted, "I'm not talking nonsense... Roseanne really hasn't spent Christmas with us for years. It doesn't bother me much, but Norris and Madge sure miss her."

Then she warmly greeted Roseanne, pulling her into a hug, "My, how women change! You've become even more beautiful. That city life suits you; you carry an air about you that we just don't have here." Roseanne had arrived in a white down jacket, which she took off to reveal a soft apricot sweater paired with a light brown wool skirt, accentuated by tall caramel boots. Her hair was loosely tied back with a butterfly clip, giving her a clean and sweet appearance that justified Abbey's compliment.

eyes covertly, "Mom, you sure love to

about me talking too

top with a mini skirt and snow boots, with her eyeliner thickly applied, certainly had a rebellious

by her mother's words, Lauretta just rolled

Maddox?" Norris asked, scanning

called; he couldn't just ignore it. Even on Christmas, he's

to be busy; he's a big boss, after all. Let's

their father agreed, "We

looked uneasy. "Are

course," their mother said firmly, "I said we

for Christmas. Come on, sis, take a seat," Raven motioned to

go on; I'm fine here," Madge replied, choosing a spot slightly away from the