She turns her head and gives the younger woman a long look, with an expression Alex is probably far more used to seeing on her son. She's wondering what possible 'circumstances' could seperate a mother and her daughter at Christmas but also thinking about the next comment and wondering what's wrong with kids today.

''e said he forced y'to come. I told him I didn' think you'd need all much persuadin'. An' if you'll forgive an old woman 'er presumption, luv, I don' think you're here jus' ou' of charity towards 'im.'

The last thing Gene would ever accept is charity of any sort, literal or emotional.