Diamonds Are Forever: In The Dark

"In The Dark"
Season 1: Episode 3

Starring
Ruubin as Crystal Darcy

with...
Lige07 as Drake Darcy

Guest Starring
Verojun as Gweneth Darcy
MadWorld as Mr. Darcy

Instead of attending the party, Crystal spent the night in her bedroom reading Pride and Prejudice, one of her favorite novels. She loved the dynamics between the two main characters, Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, the latter of which she shared her surname with. She also loved how they couldn't stand each other but throughout the story they fell in love. She was so deeply immersed in the words of Jane Austen that she managed to forget her troubles until they walked through her bedroom door in the shape of her step-brother Drake.

Drake: Hey Crystal, what are you doing? (Asked politely as he stood in her room trying to look comfortable.)
Crystal: I'm reading. So I'm clearly not up for a conversation. Please leave.
Drake: You can't hate me forever sis.
Crystal: Stop calling me that! (Closes her book) Get out of my room now please!
Drake: No. (He replied calmly, sitting next to her on her double sized bed.)
Crystal: (Scoots away so she was sat nowhere near him on the bed.) What do you want?
Drake: I just want to spend some time with my sister.
Crystal: Will you please stop calling me that?
Drake: Sorry. (Confused as to why it upsets her so much.) You what to go see a movie?
Crystal: Not with you no.
Drake: How about ice-skating then, you love that.
Crystal: I'm not in the mood.
Drake: Well what are you in the mood for? We can do anything you want.
Crystal: Anything?
Drake: Anything.
Crystal: Good. Get out of my room and leave me alone so I can continue reading my book. ( Opened her book up again and looking pointedly at the door waiting for him to leave.)
Drake: Oh come on Crystal I'm trying here. Fine suit yourself. (Leaves her room slamming the door with more force than necessary.)

As soon as he was gone Crystal let out a breath she didn't realize she had been holding and waited for her heart to return to its normal speed. She looked down at the book in her hands but could no longer find enjoyment from reading it. Placing it aside, she put some music on and practiced her routine for the dance showcase. A short while later there was a light knock on her door.

Crystal: Go away Drake!
Gwyneth: It's me Crystal. Can I come in honey?
Crystal: (Sighed before turning her music off and permitting her step-mother to enter.)
Gwyneth: Is everything alright sweetheart? (Sit's on the end of the bed).
Crystal: No. (Buried her face in her pillow.) Everything's a big mess!
Gwyneth: Well maybe if you tell me about it I can help you clean it up.
Crystal: (Sighed and rolled over onto her back. She looked up at her step-mother.)
Gwyneth: Or you could always talk to your father.
Crystal: I don't think so. Dad isn't so great when it comes to...well girly things.
Gwyneth: No, I don't suppose he is. But I'm here. Or if you're more comfortable you could always call your mother.'
Crystal: Dad doesn't like it when I do that.
Gwyneth: He doesn't have to know.
Crystal: It doesn't matter. I don't think mom would be much help in this situation either.
Gwyneth: So is there any chance of you telling me?
Crystal: (Hesitated before answering) Maybe but...I think you'd find it awkward.
Gwyneth: Try me. (Seating herself more comfortably on the bed.)
Crystal: It's complicated. I don't really know what to say.
Gwyneth: Just start at the beginning.
Crystal: (Bites her bottom lip slightly as if to keep herself from talking.) Well it's about Drake. So I guess the story starts with my mom and dad getting divorced and then you and him getting married.
Gwyneth: Ok, go on.
Crystal: It's just...the thing with Drake is that...is that...um I...I mean he...well err...
Gwyneth: You find it difficult to get along with Drake.
Crystal: (Nods even though it wasn't entirely true.)
Gwyneth: Crystal, I have a step-family too you know. I was about your age when my mother re-married. I had to deal with step-siblings too. I know how it feels, and it's scary to accept somebody new and it takes a lot of getting used to but Drake is really trying his best to make friends with you, it would be nice if you made an effort also.
Crystal: I know he's trying. It's just...I never know how I'm supposed to act around him. If it was different, if he was a little kid things would be fine, or if he was a girl but...
Gwyneth: But what?
Crystal: (Looks up at her step-mother's face and try's to convey without words what she wanted to say but Gwyneth didn't seem to understand.) It's nothing. I'm just being silly.
Gwyneth: Do try to get along with him sugar. This is hard for him too.

Crystal just nodded as Gwyneth left the room. A short while later Crystal's dad entered the room no doubt sent up by his wife.

Mr. Darcy: Hello princess. (Sat on her bed) Come and talk to your old dad.
Crystal: I don't know what you want me to say dad.
Mr. Darcy: Just tell me what's bothering you.
Crystal: What did Gwyneth tell you?
Mr. Darcy: Not much. Just that talking to me might be good for you. Or that talking to your mother might help. Would you like to speak to her?
Crystal: It's fine dad. I think this is one of those things I have to deal with myself.
Mr. Darcy: Are you sure angel? I'm sure you must miss your mother.
Crystal: This isn't about mom.
Mr. Darcy: Well maybe you could talk to Drake. He's not much older than you, perhaps he'd understand and it would be good for the two of you to bond.
Crystal: Drake can't help me dad. He's the problem.
Mr. Darcy: What do you mean Drake's the problem? (Confused)
Crystal: Just forget about it dad, please. I'm tired.
Mr. Darcy: Alright honey. But you do need to get along with Drake, he's your family now.

Her father left the room. She then opened her window and sat on the ledge and gazed up at the stars. She relaxed a little as the night air caressed her skin but she still felt confused and frustrated. When the sparkling diamonds in the sky lost their appeal she hopped down and closed the window before changing into her pajamas. She then tiptoed downstairs to fetch herself a glass of water. She made her way into the kitchen and filled herself a glass of water without having to turn on the light. The cool liquid slid down her throat and soft music met her ears. Listening carefully she realized it was Drake playing his guitar. From the sound of it he was playing in the conservatory. Crystal set her now empty glass by the kitchen sink and closed her eyes as she listened to him play. It was a beautiful tune, filled with love and sadness all at the same time with a hint of hope. At least that was how it sounded to Crystal. Opening her eyes she left the kitchen and entered the large living room. Again, she left the lights off since she knew clearly where everything was. Concentrating on the sound of Drake's guitar playing she began to dance, her every movement reflecting the sound of each note. When the playing stopped Crystal heard the sound of footsteps that indicated he was coming back inside. Her heart rate increased as she quietly ran upstairs and into her bedroom. She flicked her bedroom light off and jumped into her bed pulling the covers over her. She listened intently and heard Drake creep up the stairs before going into his room and setting his guitar down. She kept listening and soon enough she heard a floorboard creak as he walked across the landing. A sliver of light streaked across her bedroom floor as he opened her door slightly. She held her breath for a bit as he stepped quietly into her room.

Drake: Crystal? (He whispers)
Crystal: (Holds her breath.)
Drake: I know you're awake. (Say's a little mockingly.)

She still gave him no response. Hearing the sound of his sigh she relaxed a little thinking he was about to leave but her whole body tensed again as he sat on the edge of her bed.

Drake: I'm sorry. Whatever I've done, I'm sorry. If you'd prefer, I can always go and live with my father.

At that, Crystal sat up and faced him in the darkness.

Crystal: No, you don't have to do that because of me. Gwyneth's told me all about your real dad, I know you don't want to go back to him.
Drake: No I don't. But I will if it's easier for you.
Crystal: You won't. But I've been thinking and...I might move in with my mom.
Drake: You can't do that. That'd destroy dad if you left.

Crystal's stomach flipped oddly as it always did when Drake called Marvin dad. It was nice that Drake thought of Marvin as his dad especially so quickly but it made Crystal feel ill.

Crystal: He'd recover. Anyway, I said I was thinking about it, I haven't come to a decision.
Drake: You can't go. Dad loves you too much. You mean the world to him and I know he means the world to you too, that's why you wanted to stay with him and not your mother.'
Crystal: Could you get out of my bed please?
Drake: Sorry. I didn't mean to make you feel uncomfortable. Do you think you could at least try to like me? I am your brother.
Crystal: I don't want a brother.
Drake: Maybe I could be your friend then.
Crystal: I already have friends.
Drake: Crystal why do you hate me?
Crystal: (Bites her bottom lip)
Drake: (Sighs and leaves room.)
Crystal: I don't hate you Drake. (She whispers) I love you.