Barbara Richardson and Tessa Sawyer Headcanons
Barbara and Tessa mutually dont like eachother. Like at all.
They have one of those relationships where everyone can feel the tension. They don’t openly fight all the time, but there’s always a sharp edge underneath every conversation.
Barbara is jealous of Tessa, not over her fathers affections but her youth and the fact that shes the daughter of her husbands first wife
Barbra acts like a jealous older sister more then a Step-Mother and its quiet sad.
Tessa is well aware her fathers wife ie jealous of her. She finds it annoying and just embarrassing.
Barbara is overly critical of Tessa’s clothes, friends, and choices. She frames it as “concern,” but Tessa knows the real motivation behind them.
What's even more ridiculous is Barbara at her grown age littelry bullies Tessa..
Growing up, Barbara was the “odd one out” at school. Even though her parents spoiled her, they weren’t part of the same wealthy social circles as Tessa’s family. Barbara learned to crave status and validation, which makes Tessa’s confidence feel like a personal insult.
Barbara never calls her "Tessa." It's always "Theresa." She claims it's because Theresa is her "proper name," but everyone knows she's doing it because Amanda was the one who started calling her Tessa.
Tessa responds by calling Barbara "Barbara" instead of "Mother" or "Mrs. Lance" The formality drives Barbara crazy because in public she wants people thinking they have the picture perfect blended femily relationship.
Tessa is an expert at reading Barbara's moods. She can tell whether Barbara is irritated simply by the sound of her heels.
Whenever guests are over, Barbara becomes the picture of the perfect stepmother asking if Theresa needs more tea, complimenting her accomplishments, and speaking with exaggerated warmth. The second the guests leave, its back to the bickering.
Barbara constantly finds tiny things to poke at Tessa with especially around her appearance.."That skirt is awfully short.". "You'd look prettier if you smiled less smugly." "Red lipstick isn't appropriate for girls your age."
Barbara always finds some excuse to "borrow" Tessa's dresses before an event.
If someone compliments Tessa in front of Barbara, Barbara immediately follows with comments like "Well, beauty isn't everything." "Hopefully she'll grow out of this phase." "She spends far too much time in front of the mirror."
Barbara has a habit of correcting Tessa in front of other adults over completely ridiculous things, hoping to make her seem immature.
Its not just Tessa, Barbra has issues with. Her and Amanda's other daughter Nancy Sawyer constantly go at it just as much because as we know, Nancy has always been overprotective of Tessa and can easily see the insults hidden behind concern.
Barbara becomes oddly competitive whenever someone praises Tessa's accomplishments. If Tessa wins an award, Barbara will talk up a storm about her own achievements.
Tessa's father often tries to smooth things over with, "I'm sure Barbara didn't mean it that way," which frustrates Nancy when she tries to stand up for her sister because Barbara absolutely DID mean it that way.
One of Barbara's biggest issues is that Tessa inherited Amanda's ability to stay composed. No matter how many jabs Barbara makes, Tessa rarely gives her the satisfaction of losing her temper in public.