by Howe, Olivia
Then she almost spits it out when she here’s a loud bang on the stairs.
“What the fuck was that?” I wonder aloud, a little freaked-out.
“I don’t know.” Becca says with her eyes wide. “Will!” She calls loudly.
A few minutes later I hear footsteps. “What’s the matter, babe? Need a piggyback—whoa. What’d the wall do to you guys?” He asks as his head pops up.
“We didn’t do anything.” Becca says.
“Yeah,” I back her up. “We were just sitting here and bang.” I tell him.
A knowing look comes over Will’s face as we hear a car start in the driveway. The three of us make it to the window just in time to watch Eric race down the driveway.
Maybe that whole ass-kicking thing really does need to happen.
“Fliss? You’re sleeping with Becca in our room tonight.” Will tells me. “I’ll crash on the floor…just to be safe.”
“Okay.” I agree. Even with the wine it doesn’t seem like a good idea to be alone.
***
Trent
I try to find the things I’m grateful for when I wake up Christmas morning. I can think of plenty, but my mind continues to return to one thing.
Fliss.
This isn’t how I wanted to wake up this morning.
Not at all.
And now in a few days she’ll be gone.
All because I’m a dumbass.
I berate myself for a few more minutes before I get out of bed and find my mom to assist.
I find her in the kitchen, cooking. Cooking a lot, actually.
“Merry Christmas, Mom.”
“Merry Christmas, Trent.”
“That’s an awful lot of food.” I speculate.
“If I can’t go all out for the holidays, when can I?” She says. “Now either help or move.”
I grab a cup of coffee from the pot before I slink back to my room.
Looks like I’ll have to yell at myself by myself.
***
Felicity
After I’m all ready to go, I dig through my suitcase to find the present I didn’t think I’d be giving today. I’m still not sure if the gift is too much too soon, but it’s honest and from the heart.
So I guess I’ll be brave about it.
That’s something I plan to do more of. Being brave.
Letting people in.
Letting people care.
With a deep shaky breath I put the wrapped box in my bag and pat my chest. I’m ready.
I hope.
***
Trent
I watch my Mom go crazy with food. My Dad works on his beer and watches TV, his usual, but I offer to help. It makes me feel like a kid again, being in the kitchen and cooking with her. In a way, regression is kind of perfect right now.
I get a lot of traits from my mom. When she flicks on music and Metallica starts pumping we share a grin.
I love my Mom.
A timer goes off and I go to grab a potholder when the doorbell chimes.
“Go get the door,” my Mom says as she snatches the potholder from my hand. “I’ll get the food.”
I wipe my hands on a nearby dishtowel and make my way to the front door, wondering who it could be on a holiday.
I open the door and I swear my heart skips a beat.
She’s here!
Fliss is here!
Why is Fliss here!
She grins. “Aren’t you going to invite me in?” She asks.
I don’t answer. Instead I step aside. Fliss walks in and it’s then I notice Becca and Will behind her. As Becca walks by she puts her hand under my chin and closes my mouth.
“Merry Christmas, Trent.” She says and follows Fliss.
“Merry Christmas, Man.” Will says as he claps my shoulder.
“Merry Christmas.” I manage and follow everyone in shock.
I’m not sure what the hell’s going on, but I really don’t give a fuck.
I’m on top of the fucking world.
***
Felicity
Amelia makes a shit-ton of food. Every last bit of it looks and smells amazeballs. I’m starving for the first time in days. I’m sure having Trent next to me has a lot to do with that.
Trent’s Dad doesn’t say much. He sits and drinks his beer. I’m not sure he completely knows what’s going on. Amelia had explained he was a Vietnam War Vet, and that he’d never been the same once he returned home. While the town may see him as a worthless drunk, he’s more a tortured soul. I look around at the love in this room, the way they take care of one another. I understand fully now why Trent hid his family’s ties to the gang from me.
It wasn’t because I don’t matter.
It’s because I do.
I slip my hand into Trent’s and give it a squeeze. “Merry Christmas,” I say softly.
He brings my hand to his lips and kisses it softly. “Merry Christmas, Felicity. I’m so glad you’re here today.”
“Me, too.” I hold his gaze until Amelia announces it’s time to dig in.
Then it’s on.
Chapter Ten
"I don't know where I'm going from here, but I promise it won't be boring."
~David Bowie
Trent
I’ve never been one to be overly cheesy, but in a way I consider getting Fliss back my own little Christmas miracle. I’m sure I can think of two of Santa’s little helpers.
I owe my Mom and Becca big time.
After dinner and dishes are over, Fliss and I sit on the porch.
“I’m sorry I freaked.” She says.
“I’m sorry I was a dumbass.” I answer.
She laughs. “Sorry, I heard about that.”
“Of course you did.” I say wryly. “Tell me you’re going to stay still?”
“I will. I have to get back for classes, though.”
“I wouldn’t ever stand in the way of that.” I assure her.
Fliss smiles shyly. “I know you wouldn’t.” She reaches behind her and pulls out a small wrapped box. “This is for you.” She gives me a quick kiss and shoves the box in my hands.
I grin. “Wait here one second. I’ll be right back.”
I run in to grab her gift. It only takes a second so it surprises me to hear Fliss yelling when I get back outside.
“Get out of here! How’d you even find this place?” She says fiercely.
If there’s one thing that would make this Christmas more perfect, it’d be to put my fist through Eric’s face.
“I’m surprised at you, gang-banging and all. Have fun slumming it.” Eric says. His words may be slurred again, but he’s already used that pass.
I see tears in the eyes of the woman I love and I officially lose it.
***
Felicity
I have to admit I feel a certain amount of satisfaction as Trent’s fist slams into Eric’s face. If that’s wrong, so be it. Dude had it coming.
Will let’s Trent get in a few punches before he breaks it up. Eric gets in the SUV and takes off. It’s then I notice Becca on the phone.
I can tell by her eyes that she’s mad as fuck. She hangs up and grins wickedly. “I just gave the local authorities a heads up on a drunk driver. I expressed my concern that our temporary roommate may hurt himself or others and the make of the vehicle. They promise to call when they pick him up and made it clear he’ll be charged with a DWI if found above the limit.”
Trent begins to laugh.
I turn towards Will, torn. “Will, I’m so sorry. I know he’s your friend.”
“Was my friend,” Will corrects me. “I wasn’t aware he was a complete asshole until this trip.”
“Still, you have to work with him and all.” I point out.
“Pfft. Don’t sweat it, Fliss. I’m his boss technically.” Will laughs. “Work just got a little more fun.”
We all laugh.
“Dessert!” A
melia calls from the door.
***
Trent
My hand throbs a little, but it was well worth it. On our way back inside I grab both presents I’d abandoned on the porch. I catch Fliss just before she steps in.
“Hey. We can catch up.” I pull the door shut and hand her a different small wrapped box.
She looks at me in surprise.
“I got it a few days ago. Saw it and thought of you.”
Even if she hates it, the smile on her face right now is all the thanks I’ll ever need.
“You first,” I insist.
Fliss carefully tears open the paper and finds the small box inside. I hold my breath while she opens the lid and pulls out the velvet box inside. I know as soon as she flips the lid that she likes it.
“It’s a claddagh ring. Kind of a promise ring, if you will,” She looks at me now, not the ring. “Fliss, you’re amazing. I know we have a lot of details to work out, but I love you. I want you to be my girlfriend.”
Fliss grins and cries all at once. “Yes. So much yes.” She kisses me and then takes my face in her hands. “I love you too, Trent.”
Now I grin.
“Don’t forget your present!” She reminds me.
I recall the box in my hand and open it. Inside I find necklace. It’s a longer chain—the type a dog-tag would hang from. On it is a hand making the metal symbol.
“This is fucking awesome.” I tell her.
She grins. “I thought so to.” She pulls a matching pendant out from under her shirt. “His and hers.”
“Mmmm, you have no idea how good that sounds.” I kiss her softly.
***
Felicity
Trent and I sit in front of the fire on the floor listening to Radiohead. Becca and Will went to bed a while ago, shortly after the Sheriff’s called Becca and reported that they’ve picked up Eric. His blood alcohol content was three times the legal limit and he’ll be facing charges.
Sometimes I really love karma.
Well, karma and Becca.
They both rock.
The fire begins to die out and I tug on Trent’s hand.
“C’mon. Let’s take this party upstairs.”
“You don’t have to tell me twice!” Trent hops up and closes up the fire place.
“Hey—say it again.” I ask.
“Say what?”
“You know what.” I swat at him.
“Fliss, I love you.”
I grin. “I love you too, Trent. Now, want to see the other present Santa bought you?”
I watch the look in his eyes change to pure lust. “Merry Christmas to all,” Trent scoops me up and carries me up the stairs while I laugh. “And to all a goodnight!”
"Dream lofty dreams, and as you dream, so you shall become. Your vision is the promise of what you shall one day be; your ideal is the prophecy of what you shall at last unveil."
~James Allen
The End
About the Authors:
AJ Matthews (author of A Season of Hope):
I wrote my first book at six. A retelling of The Three Little Pigs, illustrated by my grandmother, the book was never picked up and was self-published instead, glued to cardboard with a cover fashioned from wallpaper scraps.
Today, I write stories featuring nice guys (or nice guys in-the-making) in between my other jobs writing research reports for a commercial real estate company, refereeing two young daughters, navigating the teen waters with a too-cute-for-his-own-good son, spoiling a neurotic cat, and making my darling, patient husband shake his head. I'm also an autism mom, chocolate enthusiast, sports-watcher, nacho-eater, and beer-drinker.
A Maryland native, I live in North Carolina now, but dreams of the beach fuel my fantasties, and my characters can often be found strolling in the sand or sailing along a coast.
Website: www.authorajmatthews.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authorajmatthews
Olivia Howe (author of 7 Days of Christmas):
Olivia Howe resides in a small town located in Maine. Born in 1994, she is a very young bestselling author. Originally from Florida, she considers herself a Mainer. In her spare time, she loves to write, listen to rock music, and spend time with her family and friends. She’s big on supporting authors and their books. She owns a book blog called Beautifully Broken Book Blog.
Olivia’s family is her life. She has three beautiful nieces whom she adores. They’ve helped inspire her to continue her writing career.
She’s known for the two Amazon bestselling series: The Dark Love Series, Pretty Bird, and The Killer Novella Series. She has many more books in the works and some being published soon.
Olivia’s a huge fan of the Golden State Warriors, Patriots, and Red Sox. She’s a TV show fanatic. Her favorites include The Walking Dead, Fear the Walking Dead, Under the Dome, Blue Bloods, Vikings, Grey’s Anatomy, The O.C., Orphan Black, Breaking Bad, Friday Night Lights, Homeland, Chicago Fire, Revenge, Chasing Life, and many more. She loves rock music. Her favorites include Led Zeppelin, Nirvana, Tesla, The Cure, Godsmack, Audioslave, Motley Crue, The Honorary Title, Candlebox, Evanescence, Lynyrd Skynyrd, and many more.
Website: www.oliviahowe.webs.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/authoroliviahowe
E-mail: [email protected]
Twitter: @OliviaMaeHowe
Addison Kline (author of Down to You):
Addison Kline is an International Best-Selling Author who resides in Philadelphia with her husband, their children and their two dogs. When she is not writing, she enjoys watching reruns of Downton Abbey, The Walking Dead, Sopranos and Sons on Anarchy, traveling with her family and reading to her heart's content. She loves to sink her teeth into a good mystery or a dark romance.
Addison is a member of the International Thriller Writers Association and while she loves to write in a variety of genres, Addison always says "mystery is her game." Her favorite genres to write include romantic suspense, psychological thrillers, mystery and thrillers. Some of her greatest literary influences include Edgar Allan Poe, Emily Dickinson, Ray Bradbury, J.K. Rowling, Gillian Flynn and Stephen King.
Addison is also a talented musician. She has performed since the age of three and can sing in English, Italian, German and Swedish. She writes songs, and plays various instruments including the violin, the flute, and the cello. Addison loves a full range of music, from Bach to the Beatles, but her favorite artists are Florence and the Machine, Mumford and Sons, Sia, and Black Rebel Motorcycle Club.
Website: www.addisonkline.weebly.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/Addison-Kline-725017510857868
Twitter: @addisonkline1
E-mail: [email protected]
Ella Emerson (author of The Holiday Couple):
Ella Emerson lives in Florida with her husband and three wonderful children. When she isn't writing you can find her watching movies or playing games with her children. She loves to read, write and eat pizza. A true lover of the beach, she enjoys the sun, surf, sand and sea. She also is a huge fan of the cinema and enjoys crazy 80's chick flicks. She was raised a military brat, and has seen her fair share of the world. She loves using her own experiences and turning them into lovely romantic tales
In high school she discovered her love for reading, and even had one of her poems published in a national magazine. She continues to read, write, review and hopefully she can become an inspiration to her own children, as well as others.
Website: www.AuthorElla.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/ellaemerson325
Twitter: @AuthorElla
E-mail: [email protected]
Joy Eileen (author of Ghost of Christmas Past):
Joy Eileen is a born bibliophile who becomes deeply engaged with her characters, and has devoured more books than she would like to admit. She becomes obsessed with happily-ever-afters, and will read any genre that fulfills that requirement. Evading
the library is something she has been known to do, because after befriending the characters returning them would be a heartbreaking event. Books are held hostage on her bookshelf, and any author that makes her ugly cry becomes her sworn enemy. Nicholas Sparks is one of the many on the list of villains.
As a massage therapist, most of Joy's stories come to her while working. With the sound of classical music, and snoring from a half covered hostage, characters are created. The victim (massage patient) has no idea that while their body is being manipulated, Joy has traveled into distant lands creating landscapes and inhabitants as she goes. Her patients should be wary as sometimes they are pulled into her stories and turned into characters. Hero or Foe? Well, that depends on how they tip.
Website: www.itsjoysworld.net
Facebook: www.facebook.com/itsjoysworld.bloggerauthor
Twitter: @heyitsmejoy
CJ Pinard (author of Unwrapped):
C.J. is a west coast native who has lived on both coasts and now lives near the middle, in Colorado! Coming from a family of writers and editors, she feels writing is in her blood and hopes people will lose themselves for a little while in the fantasy and fun of her stories. She also loves sweet red wine, the SF 49ers, and unlike most authors, doesn't have any cats (allergies!). When she's not writing, she can be found chasing around her kids or working at her day job, which she totally feels interferes with her real life, but also gives her inspiration for her books, since reality is sometimes way more interesting than fiction.
She also loves getting notifications that people have sent her an email, added her on Facebook, or on Goodreads. So stop by and say hi - don't be shy! She's not! :)
Website: www.cjpinard.com
Facebook: www.facebook.com/CJPinardAuthor
E-mail: [email protected]