Learning to Walk Again

by S. L. Kassidy

  “No, it’s happening because these things are just that sexy.” Danny ran her finger over the right headphone.

  A teasing smirk worked its way onto Nicole’s face. “Sexy like my teddy bear pajamas?”

  Danny laughed and then glanced at the tree. “You open stuff now.” She handed Nicole a box.

  The gift wasn’t wrapped well. She could tell there were parts where Danny tore the paper against the box and then taped it down. But, that didn’t matter. The thought and effort were there. Nicole opened it with the same care she opened all gifts. Danny looked ready to burst, fidgeting in her seat.

  “These gifts should be better than before. Put a lot of thought in this,” Danny said.

  “Danny, the last gifts were perfect. I’m still waiting for more charms for my bracelet actually,” Nicole answered and then she opened the box. She laughed. “How dare you hope it’s not clothes and then get me this?” She lifted the outfit up, a lovely beige skirt with a blazer and medium cut shirt.

  “I figured…well, I thought it’d look nice on you for your first day at whatever job you end up working after your spring semester,” Danny replied.

  “Or, I could wear it for my birthday?” She liked tans and light brown colors. This outfit would definitely look nice.

  “I got something else you can wear for that.” Danny’s eyes lit up with mischief.

  “I’ll bet.” Nicole chuckled. “I’m sure I’ll wear that, too.”

  “One can only hope. Open this one next since you talked about your charm bracelet.” Danny handed her a wrapped jewelry box.

  Just like that, she had more charms for the bracelet Danny had gifted her with that first Christmas. There were four this time. A snowman, a campfire, a cookie, and a heart. Each of them made her smile.

  “I love the story you’re telling,” Nicole said. Every charm was a reminder of the good times in their relationship, even the campfire.

  Shaking her head, Danny laughed. “This is our song.”

  “And it’s a lovely song.” Leaning over, she gave Danny a kiss.

  “Come on, there’s more.” Danny reached for another gift.

  “You have to open one first.” Nicole grabbed another box and handed it to Danny.

  Danny threw on an exaggerated pout. “Aw, but watching you is the best gift of all.”

  Nicole scoffed. “Oh, please. You’re the one shaking boxes, so please, open your next gift.”

  Danny tore into her gift and gasped when she saw it. “Nick, this is beautiful.” She held up the leather-bound journal, with embossed musical notes on it and a paw print at the bottom. She opened it to see she could add pages, too. Nicole knew that feature would come in handy.

  “I felt like your music deserved to be kept someplace nice,” Nicole said.

  Danny ran her fingers over the leather. “I want to write in this now.”

  “Don’t let me stop you.”

  Danny grinned. “Nope. I still have to watch you open more of your gifts.” She handed Nicole another present.

  It was a cute gift, a model of a molecule. Nicole let loose a snort of a laugh. “I’m going to put this on my desk.” It’d go right next to her pens.

  “There’s more.” Danny urged her to open her other gifts.

  Nicole gave her lover a tender smile and wasted no time grabbing another present. She opened the best thing of all, a giant cookbook on how to make nothing but desserts and sweet things. “I’m cooking tomorrow.” She hugged the book to her chest.

  “I knew you’d love that. Now, I just fear for our stomachs and teeth.”

  “It’s okay. We have great dental coverage.”

  ***

  Christmas at Benito and Alicia’s house was as expected for Dane, namely awesome. Of course, it didn’t compare to watching Nicole open her gifts. While this year her gifts weren’t expensive, they were well thought out and held significance in ways her other presents hadn’t. The light in Nicole’s eyes, shining like emeralds, as she unwrapped each gift made Dane’s heart swell. That simple thing had been everything, but Christmas with her family was the icing on the cake.

  The smell of ham hung in the air, making Dane’s stomach grumble. Having experienced dinner at the house several times, she knew that ham and whatever was paired with it would taste incredible. Hell, the promise of ham made Dane put on long pants. Well, technically, Nicole made her put on pants, but the threat of not being allowed out of the house was what worked. Beyond ham and family, holidays were also about dressing up.

  “I got a guitar for Christmas. I brought it with me,” Nicole’s cousin, Philip, said the second they walked through the door. He charged over, looking dashing in a maroon suit with no tie and a short-collared shirt. It put her sweater vest to shame. Might have to step my game up if I’m being out dressed by a kid. But, then again, Nicole didn’t really care about her outfits, just wanted to make sure she fit in wherever they were.

  The couple was separated, but Dane was comfortable enough with this side of Nicole’s family that it didn’t bother her. She went with Philip to see his new guitar. He handed it to her like it was a prized sword, which made Dane chuckle. This is the way I used to hold my guitar. The thought made her heart clench a little, but then she noticed how beaming his grin was and she was fine. She inspected the instrument.

  “Top of the line.” It was a little much for him more than likely, but he’d probably grow into it as he continued his lessons. Christmas was the time to indulge.

  “Play something now that you got the thing,” Jarred, Nicole’s uncle and Philip’s father, requested as they stepped into the small living room. He was dressed just as sharp as his son, navy blue suit with a god-awful snowman tie. Christmas time seemed to be the time of jolly, ugly clothing.

  Dane groaned like it was some great burden, which made Philip laugh. They saw right through her. After all, she used to bring her guitar to every gathering, until it had been destroyed. She had another guitar, which she couldn't touch, so never mind play. She was comfortable enough with the family to not need the icebreaker.

  She checked to make sure she wasn’t disturbing Benito and a football game. She wasn’t, considering he looked at her expectantly. She strummed the guitar, finding it tuned perfectly. Those lessons really were paying off for Philip. Plucking it again, the clear note hummed through her in ways she missed.

  Philip waved his hands, making an x formation with his arms. “No, no, no. None of that crap. Play a real song.”

  Dane didn’t really need a push. Eddie and Sabrina came out of nowhere to listen. They giggled and she laughed, playing for a couple of minutes before giving her hand a break. She could almost play a full song now without her hand cramping up, as long as wherever she was had enough heat. Turned out physical therapy wasn’t just to torture her.

  “When are you going to teach me to play like that?” Philip asked with a grin.

  Dane shook her head. “You have an awesome teacher. You don’t need me. Hell, soon you’ll probably be better than me. In fact, lemme see what you can do with this thing.” She eased the guitar back into his hands.

  He began playing. He sounded pretty good, especially for someone who started playing recently. She nodded as he continued.

  “The boy actually sounds good,” Benito said with a laugh.

  “Hey, don’t sound so shocked.” Philip scowled at his grandfather.

  Dane nodded. “You’re doing fine. Definitely stick with your teacher.”

  Before she could hear more, Eddie and Sabrina dragged her away. They ended up playing with the dogs in the backyard, despite the winter frost and the small snowfall. Haydn was much bigger than Beanie, the kids’ beagle, but the canines were good friends. Beanie was fearless and Haydn was friendly, so there wasn’t much danger with their size difference. The dogs and the kids didn’t seem to notice the chill in the air, and Dane moved around as best she could to stay warm.

  “When it snows more, we can build a snowman with you, Danny,” Sabrina sai
d.

  Dane nodded. “I’d love to.”

  “Yes!” Sabrina threw her fist in the air and then turned back to her brother and the dogs.

  Dinner was served at three o’clock sharp. It always amazed Dane that everyone could fit around the table. She couldn’t help thinking of every holiday meal she saw on television as she checked out the dishes laid out before them. There was the picture-perfect ham, an equally perfect turkey for those who didn’t eat ham, a bowl of mashed potatoes, rice and peas, string beans, broccoli, corn on the cob, and fluffy biscuits full of butter. Her mouth watered from the food, but her heart glowed from the family around her. They held hands and said grace. Well, Dane listened to them say grace, as she still didn’t know the words of the prayer. Regardless, she liked it, felt a part of something wonderful. Beyond that, she felt the love these people all had for each other and for her.

  “Don’t eat too much,” Nicole said to her.

  Dane’s brow furrowed briefly and then it dawned on her. “Right! Lynn cooked.”

  “You’re going somewhere after this?” Benito inquired from his space at the head of the table.

  “Yeah, we’re going to…” Dane trailed off. She wasn’t sure what to call Henry and Lynn.

  “We’re going to see Danny’s family,” Nicole filled in. Dane perked up hearing that. Oh, that works.

  “Family?” Benito echoed, and Alicia leaned in.

  “The family from your party?” Raymond asked. His green eyes widened, like he worried if they planned to go anywhere else.

  Dane nodded. “Well, yeah, I guess.”

  “Family from the party? We missed that,” Alicia said. “I think we saw your mother when your nephews ran in.”

  Dane shook her head. “No, that’s not who I mean. I’d never go see the Wolfes on Christmas, or ever really, at this point. There was this couple who used to take care of me when I was little and they’re back in my life now. I should’ve introduced you at our party. They met Kathleen and Raymond. We’re going to have a second dinner with them.”

  Benito smiled. “That’s good. Family is important.”

  With a grin, Dane nodded. She understood the importance of family more each day. She could almost understand why Nicole had tried to push her to be closer to her family before. She just wished the family Nicole had pushed her to initially had been the Briarmoors. Of course, Nicole hadn’t known about them because Dane hadn’t been open about them.

  “They seemed like lovely people,” Raymond said. Kathleen grunted, almost like she didn’t agree.

  “Mommy,” Nicole said.

  “I’m not going to just give a blank stamp of approval over one meeting. Besides, I’m a little skeptical considering the bit I know about Danny’s life,” Kathleen replied.

  Dane had to give Kathleen that, but moreover, this statement suggested Kathleen was concerned for her. The worry would take some getting used to. Sometimes, she still reeled over the fact that Kathleen approved of her relationship with Nicole. And people say violence doesn’t solve anything.

  “Mommy, that wasn’t their fault. They did what they could. Now, let’s eat and enjoy each other. Maybe as time passes, you’ll get to know the Briarmoors better and find they are lovely people like Daddy said,” Nicole said.

  Kathleen opened her mouth, but seemed to think better of it. She turned her attention to her food, and other conversations sprang up. Nicole smiled at Dane, who grinned. She might have to tell Nicole that she was flattered by Kathleen’s unease. Hell, maybe she’d even tell Kathleen. She’d probably like to know she was appreciated.

  ***

  “Uh…Kathleen.” Dane rubbed the back of her neck as she approached Nicole’s mother once dinner was done. She was in the kitchen, helping her sisters clear away the mess.

  Kathleen turned to her. “Yes?”

  “Can I…well.” Dane wasn’t sure how to say this, how to even approach the topic.

  Kimber chuckled. “Have mercy and go talk to the poor dear in private, Kate.”

  Kathleen rolled her eyes. “I’ll be right back.” She waved Dane off with her, and they ducked into Benito’s office. Surprisingly, Jody wasn’t in there dismantling the computer as she often was.

  “Look, I just wanted to say…well, thanks, I guess, for being worried about me,” Dane said, trying her best not to fidget.

  Kathleen snorted. “Not so much you, but the child you once were. Children shouldn’t be put through such ordeals.”

  Dane smiled a little. “I guess.”

  “Next time just say that. I thought something happened with Nikki the way you’re bouncing around,” Kathleen huffed, folding her arms across her chest.

  “Oh, no! Nick’s cool. I swear.” Dane did her best to assure Kathleen, but an odd, nervous chuckle escaped her. Calm down. It’s not like she’s going to eat you, not after the big dinner we just had anyway.

  Kathleen eyed her hard. “You sure?”

  Dane gave a strong nod and took a breath to steady herself. “Positive. Nicole is completely fine.”

  “That’s good. Her father and I…well, we didn’t want to talk to her about it at your party or here, but has she made plans for when school ends?” Kathleen asked, lines appearing under her eyes.

  Dane shook her head. “Not really. We’ve just been kinda enjoying the holiday season and all.”

  Kathleen nodded. “There’s no pressure or anything. She has a perfectly good career.”

  “Yeah. Probably not gonna think about it until she has the degree in her hand since she does have a job and all.” Dane didn’t want to crush Kathleen’s dreams of Nicole staying at the firm, but they both knew Nicole would put that chemistry degree to good use as soon as she could.

  “I suppose. I hope she talks to us before making any decisions,” Kathleen said.

  “I’m sure she will. Nick’s real responsible. She’s not gonna throw away a career before she’s got another one lined up. We’d starve to death, after all.” Dane laughed, but Kathleen pinned her with a stern gaze.

  “Now, if only someone else had a career.” Kathleen looked her up and down.

  Dane winced. “I’ll work on that.” Her lack of a career would forever be a bit of tension between her and Kathleen, but Kathleen was right. Part of being better would be making enough money to pay real bills.

  “How?” Kathleen’s voice matched her hard look. It was intense, frightening. In the past, she would’ve mistaken it for hatred, but now Dane knew it was concern and love for Nicole’s future. She respected that.

  Dane flexed her hand. “I’ll get more gigs.” She could now. Her hand was better, not great, but better.

  Shaking her head, Kathleen chuckled. “Musicians. It’s cute you think that counts as a career.” And, no matter what their relationship, Kathleen would probably always be a snob.

  Dane only shrugged. Music was all she ever wanted to do. It was probably the only thing that would hold her attention enough to make money. Before she could explain that, Nicole called her. They needed to get going. She looked at Kathleen, who literally shooed her away, with the hand movements and everything. Dane wasn’t sure how she held in a fit of giggles.

  After long goodbyes from everyone, Dane and Nicole set out for the Briarmoor home. Dane’s stomach tossed a little, but she knew there was nothing to be nervous about. They want you. It’s fine.

  “Are you okay, love?” Nicole reached over and took Dane’s hand, which helped calm her.

  Dane took a deep breath. “Yeah, of course.”

  Nicole stared at her with an intensity she wasn’t used to. “You sure?”

  Dane’s heart hammered in her chest, but she nodded. “Yeah. Why do you ask?”

  A small smile danced onto Nicole’s face. “Because we pulled up to the house, and you haven’t moved yet.”

  Turning, she saw the house decorated in bright lights with a Santa workshop scene on the lawn. Dane yelped and then rushed to get out of the car. Her seat belt trapped her briefly, making her yowl as it
snapped her back inside, but she untangled herself. She helped Nicole out of the car before grabbing a bag with the gifts from the backseat. Nicole grabbed Allison’s, as it was too big to fit in the bag. Dane tried to take it from her, but she was stubborn.

  “Let me help,” Nicole said, and Dane nodded. They went to the front door. The smell of cookies greeted them along with Allison and Lynn. There were smiles all around.

  “Come in. Come in.” Lynn ushered them into the house with a wave. The heat wrapped around them as soon as they were inside.

  “Come see the cookies I made,” Allison said, taking Nicole’s hand and dragging her to the kitchen. Nicole was a willing prisoner if the grin on her face meant anything.

  “We’re not going to get any cookies, you know that, right?” Dane winked at Lynn.

  “I don’t imagine Allison planned it that way.”

  “I’m glad she likes Nicole.”

  “She likes both of you, and I’m happy she does. I’m also happy you’re back in our lives, and that you decided to spend Christmas with us.” Lynn looped their arms together.

  Dane allowed Lynn to lead her to the living room. Ben was there, playing a video game. Dane eased in right next to him, putting the bag of gifts by the arm of the couch. Henry was on the sofa, and Dane leaned over, shaking his hand.

  “All right, what are we doing here?” Dane asked Ben. It looked like the typical racing game.

  “Racing,” Ben said absently and then he turned. His face lit up, and Dane felt special. “When did you get here?” He paused the game, throwing an arm around her to hug her.

  Dane hugged him right back. “Just now. You got this for Christmas?”

  “Yeah. Mom and Dad won’t get me a cell phone,” Ben pouted.

  “You’re too young,” Henry chimed in.

  “My friends got ’em.” Ben pouted more, poking out his lip and folding his arms across his chest.

  Chuckling, Dane mussed his hair. “I don’t have a cell phone, so you’re not alone.”

  He gave her a sidelong glance as his mouth turned up a little. “You don’t?”

  Shrugging, she shook her head. “Nope. Don’t need one either. Everyone I care about knows exactly where to reach me.”