Chapter 1- Christmas Eve
(Alex's POV)
I didn't need to look outside to know it was cold. Though my eyes were closed I could still see the way the beautiful, crystal snowflakes would trickle down upon the windowsill while I lay beneath the heavy, thick, winter sheets. The gales form the North Wind blew with a loud whistle through the almost unnoticeable gap in the oak windows where the winters, bright, white sun shone as a painful prick to my half-asleep eyes. Last night I must have forgotten to close the deep, red curtains that draped over a dark wood pole as the outside world felt a lot brighter than usual...
My eyes were too used to the dark that I shuffled deeper beneath the cream sheets reaching out for the live hot water bottle I snuggled up next to that previous night. So without displeasing my wishes I found him. I could feel his chest rise and fall gently almost in sync with his heartbeat. My hands ran up to his hair which was left down as we slept as it had many knots throughout his curled hair.
Slowly and reluctantly my eyes opened up in a blur to look at a pleasing sight of my partners face. His face was spotted with dark freckles that (unusually) dotted down as far as his shirtless chest. His face was tinged with a slight smile, even though he was still in a light sleep. The long eyelashes that curled from his (also freckled) eyelids, brushed at the underneath of his eyes- though they soon fluttered open with a long yawn until he noticed my gaze on his stunning features.
If this was happening seven years ago, I know for a fact we would have both looked, sharply away with our faces as hot as the sun. Though now, it was just normal. Instead of actions to look away embarrassed, we both just carried on that gaze longing to reach deep within the depths of our open eyes to one another. And that's exactly what we did in this moment.
His eyes were dark, though not even dark compared to mine, and had flecks of gold and luscious green embers sprinting about them. His pupils were wide and gaping but every time he blinked, they seemed to widen even more (maybe because of the the smile emerging from his lips). And I could only presume I was the the same.
"Alexander." He said with his wide grin affecting his tone.
"John." I copied his voice to a perfect match making him give out a chuckle- his eyes getting brighter. Before he spoke again his warm figure closed the gap between us. Our bodies pressed together fitted like a matching puzzle piece or the other half to a friendship necklace. Along with our legs that intwined together and our both bear chests which were pressed firmly against each other. His face was so close is could feel each calm breath being blown at my cheeks. I loved it.
"I hate to ruin this but don't we have somewhere to be?"
I wracked my mind to his question. My brain was still crowded with sleep so give me a break. Who would want to think logically without a coffee forehand? So to hide my concussion instead I closed the gap between our lips. Though this was an everyday thing, it still wasn't any less important or magical. He was soft on the skin and at heart. The same could be said for his silky soft, brown, curly locks that now had themselves laced around my fingers. Through his breaths that merged with my own, I could hear the soft moans of pleasure he took from this kiss. I admit there were many more that were a lot more intense than this one, though I speak for us both when I say that it all meant exactly the same to us. Each casting as a loving memory that we replayed throughout the hard days- and the good ones.
Eventually, we broke from it. It must have only been a few seconds though (like usual) felt like a life time.
"No," I started with a grin spread wide across both our faces, "I don't recall being anywhere other than here. And I don't recall wanting to be anywhere but here."
He gave out a breathy chuckle, "Fine then. Do you at least remember what day it is?"
I needed coffee to think straight. I wasn't a wizard!
Fine. Fine. Fine. Think Alex... Think!
"December 24th?" I replied generally confused.
"Good. And what do you remember about today?"
Think Alex, THINK!
"Oh come on Jacky! You know I can't think without my coffee!" I moaned making him laugh softly and quietly as if he was trying not wake up some unseen force.
"Fine! Do you want me to break it to you?" He rolled his eyes.
"Please do!"
He sighed, "Does late Christmas shopping ring a bell at all?"
Crap.
I could practically feel my pupils get smaller and my stomach drop.
How the hell could I forget this?
My body shot up out of his grip and I panicked looking around the room for an answer I didn't even have a question for. But he just laughed. My body leapt out of bed leaving just my ear chest and jogger, covered bottom half exposed to the room. I dashed to the dresser almost knocking over a few photos that that stood recently polished on top. He only laughed more but piled calmly out of bed even leaving time to click his sleepy joints. My arms made a mad dash for my deodorant, boxers, socks, a white buttoned shirt and some dark green trousers. During this however, he just stood and stared at me, finally speaking though I already knew what he was going to say...
"I told you we shouldn't have left it so late!"
I just rolled my eyes and tried to hide the smile that was plastered to my face. In one way or another... he was always right.
"Yeah... whatever..." I mumbled pulling on my trousers (this completing the bottom of my outfit) but he just laughed again, turning away to pick out deodorant, boxers, socks, a plain white T-Shirt, a dark denim jacket with some matching slim jeans.
"Oh and Alexander..." He said speaking over his shoulder as he turned away to pull off his night wear.
"Yes?" I replied.
"You've got your shirt on inside out."
And he was right again (like always).
"T-Thanks..." I stuttered and sprinted to the bathroom. Quickly I combed through my hair (leaving it down today), splashed my face with water and scrubbed my teeth with a mint flavour. Within three minutes I dashed back out the door I came in leaving for John to finish up with his routine.
For a couple who were only twenty-six (me) and twenty-nine (John) our house was quite a good one. It had two floors, two bedrooms, a bathroom, a study, a living room, a kitchen and a fairly big garden with a larger fig tree planted in the centre. I loved our house. I really did. We only bought it five years ago after two years of being together (still not engaged though). But buying it was one of the best things I had ever done. I wouldn't trade it for anything in the world.
As soon as I stumbled into the kitchen I flicked on the coffee machine with two cups already underneath it and reached for the bread which I then popped into the toaster. Penny (our brown Springer Spaniel) jumped at my feet with delight. I fussed over her and got her food ready to then place it outside the door in the garden (she always ate it out there). Normally I would have watched her bounce happily about the gardens grass but today I was in a rush so I closed the door behind her and the freezing air.
Instead of waiting for the toast to pop up or wait for the water to boil I quickly ran for a pencil and paper to write down what we needed to do today. So I looked back up at the clock.
08:09
Okay... We could do this... Right?
I tapped the pencil against my head trying to wake up my brain before I drank the coffee and let my mind spill to the pages.
Xmas Shopping List:
Food:
Turkey
Sprouts
Carrots
Stuffing
Gravy
Potatoes
Peas
Swede
Cabbage
Beer
Nuts
Crisps
Chocolate
Lemon Meringue Ingredients:
White Flour
Salt
Unsalted Butter
Caster Sugar
Eggs
Cornflour
Lemons
I sighed getting the food aspect out of the way and ran to the now finished coffee picking it up and embracing its warmth down my throat. Then John popped around the door, still with a smile on his face.
"I've got you a coffee." I said pointing to other mug.
"Thanks." He said and walked over to it's position when the toast popped back up.
"Ah, sorry, could you get that I need to finish this list." I indicated to the toaster along with the butter next to it.
"Sure!" He replied without hesitation leaving me to walk back to the list.
Presents:
But that's where I stopped. I had to think. But why should I have to think? This was meant to be the easy part!
"John..." I hesitantly said as he sat down next to me with the toast on a plate.
"Yes..." He replied confused.
"Who should we get presents for?"
"Haha! Oh my lord Alex!" He laughed uncontrollably, "Your so predictable!" With this I started to laugh too. It was something I'd do along with leaving things to last minute and having a really bad time judgment.
"Please help!" I begged.
"Fine! Fine! Let me think... Okay... Well we've got Penny and Squirt- wait a second." He got up and walked to the turtle tank sat on the other end of the table and started to feed his turtle, Squirt. I wasn't so keen on having that turtle in the house at first but eventually warmed up to the idea. I mainly did it for John though. I was definitely a dog person. "You did feed Penny, didn't you Alex?"
"Yeah."
"Good." He returned back to the table. "Well, we have Penny, Squirt... Ah yes, Angelica and Burr. Eliza and Maria. Peggy and Lafayette Ha! I can't believe you forgot your own brother!"
"Yeah, yeah keep going then!"
"Fine... Your parents, George and Martha..."
"Ah yes... Okay... Oh and Herc."
"Yep! And James and Thomas!"
I groaned. "I can't believe you invited those guys!"
"Hey! James is my my friend but I guess he had to bring his boyfriend with him as well..."
"Yeah I guess..."
"Do you think that's all?"
I picked back up the list in my hands, "Yep, I think that's everyone. But... are you sure you don't want to get your parents something this year?"
"Yes. I'm sure."
"Okay then... Now... Do have any ideas what we should get them? I mean, Penny could have a bone and Squirt could have a new plant..."
"Well, I know Eliza wanted a new paint set this year! And I think Maria would like a new bracelet?"
"Okay, good. I think George would like that new edition of "Politics Today" and Martha a gardening set."
"That sounds good! I think Ange would like some new sewing pins and Burr maybe a new, leather note book?"
"Yes! Oh and James would definitely like a new handkerchief and Jefferson... Maybe a cook book?"
"Sure. I mean, you know them better than I do! Ooh! I know what to get Herc!"
"Okay... Speak up!"
I gave a devilish smirk... "Well we're going to need Laf's help but... This should be good..."
"Come on spill!"
"Well you know how Laf did photography in the summer?"
"Yeah?"
"Well, he also took pictures of horses..."
"Alexander Hamilton, you are crewel man. But... it will be brilliant!"
Herc had had a thing for Laf for years but, Laf had found Peggy... At first I remember Herc being torn apart but a few years ago started to find joy in watching his friend be happy so we all left him to it. Over time, he started to just not have any romantic feelings for anyone until he decided to come-out as aromantic. Personally, I think he will find love one day but for now I will just keep my mouth shut. Whatever life has install for him, will be what he gets so there's no point in worrying about it.
"Alas, I admit it. Though I think we should get him something else as well... Like a horse riding book?"
"Sure... Now for Pegs I think we should get her joke-kit and Laf an English phrases book!"
"Yeah! They'll love that!"
"Alex... Can I ask... Why are our gifts usually books?"
"Heh, I don't know!" We laughed and looked back down on the list.
Xmas Shopping List:
Food:
Turkey
Sprouts
Carrots
Stuffing
Gravy
Potatoes
Peas
Swede
Cabbage
Beer
Nuts
Crisps
Chocolate
Lemon Meringue Ingredients:
White Flour
Salt
Unsalted Butter
Caster Sugar
Eggs
Cornflour
Lemons
Presents:
Penny- a bone
Squirt- a new plant
Angelica- sewing pins
Burr- leather note book
Eliza- new paints set
Maria- Bracelet
Peggy- joke kit
Lafayette- English phrases book.
George- "Politics Today" book
Martha- "Gardening Set"
Hercules- the surprise and a horse riding book.
James- Handkerchief
Thomas- Cookbook
"Do you think this is good?" I asked finishing off the last of my coffee and toast.
"Yes. They're going to love it!" After copying my actions he leaned in for a peck. Short, sweet but meant exactly the same.
"Okay Jack, I'll clean the pots if you grab all the bags, money, keys and let Penny back in?"
"Deal." He said rushing to the back door. I turned on the tap to let the warm, bubbly water run down on my fingers and within a few minutes the pots were washed, dried and put back where they belong.
"Nice job Alex." I muttered to my self before running to find my boots, winter coat, hat, scarf and Johns too. John was already waiting in the car trying to sort out the heating while I rushed I beside him into the drivers seat.
"I've got you an early Christmas present..." I teased throwing his wooly gear at him before buckling in my seat belt.
"Thank you and I have you something too." He chuckled waving my phone in my face.
Oh yeah...
"Heheh... Thanks..." I chuckled back before setting off down the icy road. John stuck on the radio where all you heard was the Christmas songs that made the artists rich for a life time as they were played so much. He absolutely loved these cheesy songs but me... I wasn't so keen... I only really had them on because he liked them though music never really bothered me so I didn't actually care. For about five minutes into the drive we were left in a comfortable silence- me just focussing on the road and he staring out at the streets lined with magical lights, decorations and trimmings. Nearly every single house at at least something to celebrate. Heck- even one house had so many lights, you couldn't see the brick work! Our house however was just normal. We had some flashing white lights hung around the gutter and in the tall conifer bush on the front lawn. Our door had a real holy wreath (specially made by Martha for us) that hung nicely in the centre of the green wood. Though that was about it. Inside though had a real, tall Christmas Tree with flashing lights and sparkling baubles hanging of individual branches all around its needles. Plus, along windowsills and banisters, we had silver tinsel either wrapping around them or sitting upon them. It's crazy how we had our tree up at the beginning of the month except we left our shopping to THE DAY BEFORE CHRISTMAS! Though... I can only blame myself...
"John..." I started breaking the silence, "Are you sure you don't want me to get you a present this year?"
Though I didn't take my eyes away from the road, I could tell he started to drift his gaze to his lap like he always did when he was uncomfortable. But out the corner of my eye I could see a small smile grace his face and... a blush? Wow. I hadn't seen that in years.
"Y... Yes Alex. I don't need anything this year. I promise."
"Are you sure?" I asked again politely.
"Yes." He answered very confidently.
"Okay..."
"Ooh, I like this one!" He laughed and turned up the volume on the radio so, "Rockin' Around The Christmas Tree" was playing and jingling around the mental frame of car. His body bounced to the beat and (I have to admit) I couldn't resist to tap my fingers on the stirring wheel as I drive farther towards the towns centre.
Along the way we occasionally had small talk or discussed shopping strategies but mostly sat with the radio filling our comfortable silence until I pulled up in a parking space just outside the centre. The traffic was quite bad in all fairness. Though there was something about today that just abolished any negative emotion in the air... It all seemed... right...
"Okay, so I think we should get the food out the way first." John suggested whist fixing his wooly hat.
"Good plan and where do you think we should get this out the way at?" I chuckled.
"Aldi?" He replied with his eyebrows still in thought.
"Sounds good!" I took his spear hand in mine and locked the car. "Lets do this."
Many years ago at the start of our relationship, we were always so afraid to show our affection in public. Which was ridiculous. Not because we were fearful, no, it's ridiculous because it's been years and people still can't accept anyone other than straight. I mean, what's the difference? We're all human! We just have different love interests! But I don't need to get started on that... I'd be here for hours with a rant that would never get boring.
But now us two honestly couldn't care less what other asses thought of us. In fact, I few weeks ago we had kissed in a park and an elderly couple had shouted at us for (and I quote), "being dirty fags". So we just gave a full on, passionately kiss to each other and couldn't stop laughing afterwards.
Through the street, each shop had lights up and decorations scattering the windows either with tinsel, or products that need to be sold before Christmas. If I was honest, I had expected there to be less people who this unorganised (like me) but the paths were crowded with couples frantically darting to get to new shops or to collect the last bits of the Christmas lunch. Mainly parents though.
Christmas was always foreseen to be a happy joyous time of year- for children... But if you look a little deeper, it is really stressful and worrying. I guess me and John will learn that eventually. I mean, if we even have kids.
Wow. That thought hadn't ever really crossed my mind before. I mean, I had always loved the idea of settling down with him but looking this deep into things was something new... but... I liked it...
I squeezed against his arm tighter as the wind blew even stronger against us. It was a proper, winter stream of air and it sent shivers down our spines- I could actually feel his shake in the gales. The snow fell light last nights but it still crunched beneath the sole of my boot whenever I took another step towards the shop that now appeared in the distance. My gloved hands fumbled around my coat pockets trying to reach for the list we scrawled out this morning.
"Do you have the time?" I asked rereading the list again.
"Sure it's... 08:49" He replied back after checking his phone.
"Okay..." I said deep I thought. "Because we have to also see Laf, wrap presents, write cards, prepare the Meringue, visit my parents for lunch and organise the times we're meant to meet tomorrow plus because all the shops now close at four, I think we should split up to tackle the food shopping."
"Okay. Sooner we get this done, quicker we can get this back home!"
"Here we go!" I laughed with his adorable laugh.
My god he's so cute.
"Okay so you take half the food, and I'll take the other half, yeah? And we could meet back at the car when we're done?"
"Sounds good mi amor." He winked.
"Heh. I'll see you on the other side." I chuckled and gazed longingly into his breath-taking, flecked, ember eyes.
"Oh before you go... One, it might help if you have these..." He handed out my phone and my credit card. "And two, I may need that half of the list."
Oops.
"Y... Yeah, sorry." I stammered but gave an apologetic chuckle after it. I carefully ripped the list in half giving him the side with all the baking on. "I'll see you at the car then mi dulce."
"Can't wait miel." Again with the wink.
We parted our ways in the shop taking a trolley each. We agreed that we'd stick to the list but grab other items if we think they were vital. Though nothing really stood out that much for me. Faster than I expected, the list grew shorter and shorter without any delays until... I reached the turkey isle... It was completely empty... Nothing whatsoever...
Dammit.
Though I kinda had it coming... I would sort it out though... John doesn't have to know... Has has already done so much today... All because of my disorganisation... I could do this by myself... right?
I exited the shop with the bags weighing my arms down so they almost stretched out of my normal position. I huffed and made my way back through the crowded, brightly lit up, streets. I didn't take in much of that because there was no spark to the moment... Josh wasn't here...
The car door opened with an electric click and I piled in the luggage but sat back in the car awaiting John. I didn't want to hurry him so I just sat with the faint hum of the radio dancing in the background while I jotted down some notes for my work.
Burr and I worked as Lawyers to defend clients under an extreme accusation of law. It was quite time consuming to say the least, but I did enjoy it. John, however, worked as a vet at the local town clinic as a surgeon (but his main passion was art and he was darn good it!). Lafayette (my adoptive brother) worked as a French teacher at a local High School and his girlfriend- Peggy- was a host for children's parties. Angelica worked on the press to collect stories for the newspaper whilst Maria worked as an actual news reporter on the TV (she wasn't very well known though). Eliza worked at a care home to take care of foster children and help them like a mother (which kind of helps her as she and Maria can never have their own children together). My adoptive parents (George and Martha Washington) worked in Law as well. Martha was a Lawyer (like Burr and I) and George was the Captain of his Police department. Herc also worked at the same school as Lafayette but as a Gym and Textiles teacher (odd combination I know). As for James and Thomas, I think from what John had said, James owned a Bakery around this area actually but Jefferson... I couldn't give one what he did.
It must have been over twenty minutes before I heard the knocking from the window which dazzled me out of my writing spree. It was John.
"Open up! It's freezing out here!" I heard him laugh, muffled by the glass.
"Only if you kiss me!" I yelled back at him.
"Trust me! I promise would but the stupid glass is in the way!" He shouted back with a cloud of frozen smoke.
"Fine!" I laughed back at him and opened up the locks on the door.
"Finally! I was dying out there!" He chuckled slamming the door closed after dropping off the bags in the back.
"Come on... Pay up." I barely had a chance to pout before he thrusted he smooth lips against my own. It was fierce that it could have started a fire. He leant all of his weight over me almost knocking me over with force. On instinct I ran my fingers through his scalp and he squeezed my cheeks tightly against my face in an almost compression. His lips started to part letting his tongue push though and lock around my own. We couldn't get enough of this amazing sensation building up in side us. It was more addictive than any sort of drug could ever have been. Something must have washed over him to course him to go this into it- not that I was complaining. Though all too soon he retreated away breathless- and I mirrored it.
"Wow. You really went for it then." I laughed still regaining breaths with his forehead still pressed against my own.
"Well you really loved it didn't you." He laughed back inching closer to my lips again. Our eyes both flattered shut before pressing down hard on one last kiss.
"I think we should start finishing that list." I winked, "And start finishing this off later."
He laughed and sat back in his seat buckling in the seatbelt.
"So," He started, "should we head up to the high street to get the gifts?"
"Sounds good."
Christmas shopping was always a boring thing you had to do... unless you had someone else with you... And with John, nothing was ever a bore! We had finished collecting all the gifts for our friends (with the exception of Herc's horse photos but we were heading over to Laf and Peggy's now).
As we entered the car we were breathless either from running or laughing too much.
We had met some homophobic men along the way back up here who ranted to us on how "it was gross to hold another mans hand" but me and John just looked together in disbelief, almost pitying the man. So almost as if it were rehearsed, we both landed a long, heavy kiss to another's lips, heaving to fight the urge to let our tongues tie in the middle. This (like usual) infuriated the men but we pushed down the heavy laughs bubbling inside the pit of our stomach as we picked back up the bags and made our way back to the car... Though I couldn't help but make things worse, could I?
Instead of walking beside John to leave there outrageous yells behind us, no... I ran back up to the man and spoke in a formal marred as I quote,
"I'm sorry for an inconvenience Sir's, though if I am to be honest, don't you think that it's a little immature how you get so infuriated by how loves who?"
Johns loud wails of laughter could most likely be heard from the other side of the world while I tried best to keep a straight face- immensely failing. I turned back away and blew a loud kiss towards them, winked and sprinted back to John who then practically dragged me away from this hilarious mess we created. I dare not look back to check if they were running after us but even that fear couldn't suppress our balls of laughter.
"Your terrible, you know that?" He laughed and collapsed in the seat next to me.
"I know, yet you still stick around with me!" I gave a flirtatious wink back to him.
"Yeah, well that might change if don't get a peddle on it!"
Immediately I started the up car and headed in the direction of Laf and Peggy's apartment.
It was nearly always me driving- but I didn't mind. It made me feel in control... In power. John did know how to drive but always liked being laid back and in charge of the radio. Even when we went out to party's or just to the bar to hang out with some friends, I was still the one to drive back- mainly because I could only manage a few beers whereas John could probably drink the whole bar if he got the chance. The only time he has ever really needed to drive was was on his driving test or five years ago when I broke my arm while putting up some Christmas lights. And (like always) he told me not to go too high though (like always) I didn't listen. But instead of running to help me, he just stood there, laughed and said, "I told you so.".
It wasn't funny at the time, but when I looked back on it, I couldn't help but chuckle.
"Alex! Your going to miss the turn!" John shouted from beside me and in instinct I gave a sharp swerve to the left earning many angry shouts and car horn beeps- but... I deserved it...
"Heh..." I gave out a nervous chuckle not wanting to meet his smirking eyes.
This was in fact the street where Laf and Pegs lived. I parked up on the side of the road and we both made our way up the drive. Of course making this harder than it should have been, the two lived on the twelfth floor plus the lift was broken so we trudged up the staircase to room 306. Breathless, we knocked on the door but didn't have to wait a second before our familiar favourite FrenchFry was opening up.
"Bonjour mom amie!" He exclaimed with a bubbly enthusiasm, Peggy just trailing behind him.
"You NEVER told us about the lift!" John laughed breathless at him before falling dramatically onto the French man.
"Nice to see you too?" Peggy made out from the hallway.
"Yeah..." I chuckled nervously before picking John back up off the poor baguette.
"Well, come on in then!" The also bubbly girl gestured to the living room. Peggy and Laf were very festive- if that's an understatement. The tree sparkled to a perfection, each room was laced with lights AND tinsel all around. The usually white rugs were replaced with green and red patterns while the couple both wore jumpers with the same colours.
"Wow." I gaped in awe. "You guys went even more crazy this year! If that were even possible!"
"Oui, well we're hoping to top Herc this year. Hopefully this has done it? Non?"
"I think you've got a fighting chance!" John replied with a contagious laughter for the whole room to pick up.
"So what brings you here so soon?" Pegs chimed in before going to grab some water.
"Well..." I looked at John trying to suppress our laughter with a cough. "We was wondering if we could have a picture the of horses you took last summer?"
"Sure..." He said reaching for the photo album conveniently perched on the counter. "What do you need it for?"
"Erm..." John hesitated and looked at me for an answer I didn't have. "Just for some... business..."
I laughed and the confused faces of the others wasn't making it any easier.
"Is... Is that all you need?" Laf asked a little giddy. I was about to answer though John beat me to it... with something I'd never expect...
"No... I... Laf... C-Can I talk to you?"
"Oui!" He jumped up at an instant and dragged John away into another room...
Weird...
Me and Peggy just stood silently not making eye contact until she offered me the water that was held in her hand. I needed it.
"Shall we sit?" She suggested and I followed.
"Do you know what that's about?" I asked taking another sip of the water.
"No clue... Laf's has been acting weird this past week but always says, "You'll find out soon enough" I just put it down to his usual, playful behaviour. Though now Johns involved, I'm not so sure..."
I let out a silent "Oh" taking more water. But then I recalled a crisis I may be able to avoid while John was away...
"Peggy..." In trailed off, "I know it's really late notice but... Would you have a spare turkey?"
"Haha! Oh my lord Alex! Leaving it a little late aren't we?" He giggled suppressing something bigger. My eyes refused to look at hers and I just smiled with guilt.
"Well," She spoke heading towards the kitchen, "you're lucky that I thought a head! I knew you'd forget something as big as this silly!"
It was true.
"So do you have one?" I asked again.
"Even though we're all at your tomorrow, I bought two in advance. So consider this as a one off!"
"Oh my gosh Pegs!" I sighed in relief and ran to her wrapping her in a hug, "You're a life saver!"
"I know!" She joked, "And I presume you haven't told John your mistake?"
"Mmhmm... Yeah..."
"Okay then, you take these two down to the car and I'll tell them you had to rush off. I'll get John to join you."
"Thanks Pegs. You really are a life saver."
"And I really know I am! But this comes at a price..."
"Oh? And that is?"
"I don't know... But be prepared when it does come back to bite you!"
I laughed and smiled wide at her. The two limps of meat were balanced in my arms as I made my way towards the door. "Again, thanks Pegs!"
"It's fine!" We gave one last glance and she waved me down the stairwell.
Coming out of an apartment with two large turkeys in your arms must have looked extremely odd, so I understood the glances I got while making my way to the car.
I hid the turkeys the shopping bags, covering up my mistake.
My legs returned me to the drivers seat and I buckled in the belt. I took out the list and started to make a new one...
To Do List:
Do shopping - DONE
Visit Laf and Peggy- DONE
Go to lunch with my parents-
Prepare the Meringue-
Wrap presents-
Write cards-
Take Penny for a walk-
Go to sleep-
That last one was added just for fun because why not? I turned the radio onto a small hum whilst I await John to join me. What he did up there was strange... What on earth was it he needed to talk about? Even Peggy noticed some off behaviour between those two this past week. The questions were eating away at me almost as if they were starved. I want to ask him about it... though I didn't want to invade his privacy... But hang on one second! Weren't we a couple? For over seven years? This wasn't right... What did he have to hide from me?
"Sorry I took a while..." He spoke snapping me away from the eating questions.
"That's fine..." Should I ask? Ah, screw it! "What did you want to talk to him about?"
I could tell he didn't want to answer that but knew the question was coming anyway.
"I..." He started but then chuckled to himself letting a smirk spread across his lips. "You'll find out soon enough..."
Hmm...
"No clue... Laf's has been acting weird this past week but always says, "You'll find out soon enough" I just put it down to his usual, playful behaviour. Though now Johns involved, I'm not so sure..."
Odd...
"Okay... sure..." I said starting back up the engine. We both knew that this was going to bug me for the rest of the day... Though I think he'd find it entertaining...
"What time is it, Jack?" I asked breaking the hum of the regular songs.
"11:56."
"Good." I muttered to myself calculating the rest of the day a head. "Well, it's time to go to George and Martha's for lunch so next so after that we can head hope to finish everything else off?"
"You know your right." He smiled.
"Hey! Your the one who's always right! Remember?"
"Oh? So he finally admits it after seven years?" He teased. "Hmm. I could get used to that... Hang on! We should have got that on video also with a signed document right there... Ooh! Maybe you should present that to a whole crowd! Or-"
"Okay! Okay! You'll get your video soon enough!"
We both burst with giggly laughter blocking out the radio even more. Even though I was driving, I knew he couldn't resist the urge to peck my cheek and warm up my right hand on the gear stick.
"Te amo." I said leaning towards him farther.
"Yo también te amo." He sighed back watching the world fly by along the white streets, festive houses and joyous families.
"I love you", wasn't enough words to hold the true feelings meant behind it. The "I" stood for how you used to stand alone before that person brought colour and meaning to your life. They were the reason you are who you were today and it's a debt you can only pay back with being around them for as long as you can. The word "Love" was in the perfect place in the sequence- though not many got past this stage... This was the next step to a future. Like a butterfly breaking free and expressing the once before unseen beauty of its wings spread high toward the sky. Your heart sped up faster as you were around them- though didn't cause your skin to heat... That was "lust"... Something fake... A blush is still significant however... It marks the start of a bud on a awaiting bloom of a flower. But as the months pass by, you shouldn't feel the need for heat on your face because you shouldn't feel embarrassed around them. Everything should be normal and calm for them... Or maybe you even thought this at the start... Everyone was different... The "You" was the last puzzle piece to this confusing emotion. It stood for how the other one showed that they too felt happy to be there. They would also be committed, loyal and loving as an equal. But the best bit is because the love you for you. It didn't matter if you were gay, straight, poly, lesbian, love was always there and this just proves that you can't help who you fell in love with. So John... I love you.
"Thank you so much for this! It was delicious!" John exclaimed politely to Martha who was collecting in the empty plates.
"You're very welcome John! It was a pleasure! And it was the least we could do after we had to decline you offer to join you tomorrow." Martha spoke sweetly to him.
"That's fine! It means less to cook for!" He joked making all of us laugh together.
"So are you all packed for the trip tomorrow?" I questioned helping clear the table.
"Yep! Though I promise we'll pop round before we leave." George's deep, warm voice blessed the room.
"So have you been very busy today?" Martha questioned.
"I think busy is an understatement!" John joked again. "Because somebody insisted that we leave it for last minute!" He laughed glancing my way.
"That's Alex alright!" Martha laughed with him.
I raised my hands in a mock surrender, "Hey! What can I say, I thought we would have had it all sorted!"
"That's what you said last year! And the year before that!" John stated the truth.
"Okay, okay fine! So I'm disorganised! I admit it!" I chuckled.
After stating my flaws, we all went to the living room and chatted for a long while until the clock chimed for four o'clock so I reluctantly had to break the news...
"I'm sorry to end this but I think we have to get back... We still have lots to do."
"Yeah... Nice to see you though!" John said reaching out to hug them both.
We made it to the door before reaching for my coat and shoes but John didn't seem to follow... Instead he shocked me to the bone again and asked hesitantly,
"I... Erm... Can I speak to you, George for a minute?"
That question again. What was it with him today? My god!
"Sure, son." He said intrigued. Well, who wouldn't be?
The two walked to the corner of the room out of ear shot. Where Martha wondered like me, deep into thought.
"Do you know what that's about?" She asked.
"I have no clue. He did it again today with Lafayette. Even Peggy has no clue what's going on." I asked looking at the bright, cheek throbbing smiles they were both sharing.
"I'm sure it will be fine Ali." She smiled and hugged me close. This family was extremely good to me throughout my childhood. They adopted me when I was four-teen and Laf when he was eight (though when I arrived Laf had already been living with threw for years). My past is what some might call... traumatic... The only people who knew about it were the Washington's, John, Laf and Eliza. But even then we never talked about. The only reason I planned to share this with these people was they either had a past similar to mine (like John), were family or it slipped out (Eliza). All of them kept their mouths closed though and I was glad about that. It was in the past so there was no need to dig it back up again.
After they had finished their little 'exchange', John waddled over with a giddy look identical to the one hilariously plastered on Georges face too. Our farewells were sent and we plodded over to the car and took a five minute drive back to our house.
Our drive wasn't made from gravel like others in our street were, it was just plain tarmac so there wasn't any sound that we stopped in front of the door. The sigh I gave out next was never loud and relaxing. We gave each other a glance before leaning forward and pressing our smooth lips together once again.
"You know, the sad thing is that we're still not finished." He chuckled in my ear.
"So we better get on with it then." I winked and dropped out of the car. If it wasn't cold this morning, it sure was now! Even though I was layered in thick clothing, the chill still managed drift to my covered flesh. My cheeks felt crushed in the cold of the night most likely sending my tanned skin paler. I quickly reached for the shopping bags while John rushed to the front door making way for the large load if bags.
Penny couldn't stop leaping about the house excitedly on our arrival while I kept trying to walk through to the kitchen on the left. I let the weighty bags plod on the marble, kitchen side before slumping down on the floor in a tired mess. Penny slobbered all over my face with a slimy tongue.
"Calm down girl!" I laughed in fits while she continued to show me affection until I had her role on her back to scratch her spotted belly. During in this time, John stood in the doorway with a grin lined up on his face.
"That dog gets more attention than I do!" He complained in a joke.
"Yeah, well I could say the same for the turtle!"
"Hey leave Squirt out of it!" He warned running over to the tank.
"Then you can leave my Penny out of it!" I pouted wrapping my arms around her silky, fur covered body.
"Oh? It's your Penny now?" He asked mocking to be offended.
"Yep! And that's why she gets more love than you will!" I smirked in a challenging way.
"I could do much better than that dog any day." He spoke slyly walking over toward my body still curled up on the ground.
"Oh yeah?"
"Yeah!"
"Prove it!"
These words lit a fire amongst his eyes and he squatted down next to me placing his index finger beneath my chin. He got his face so close to mine that our breaths merged together in clouds of sweet honey.
"Gladly..." There was not delay. Not even a tease to my lips before he wrapped our tongues together. Penny's warmth had moved away from us both as we continued to pour out our passion into each other's grasp. Subtle moans clouded both of our combined breaths and gently, he lowered me close to the floor leaving him dominating on top. He used his strong, muscular arms hold his weight on the floor bellow me, my own reaching for his waist to thrust him down on my defenceless figure. Soon after he landed atop me, his own hands caressed my checks in a slow, soothing manor. His slim figure fell between my parted legs though we just continued the magic. My hands rubbed against the slim yet brawny waist eventually tickling underneath the material of his T-shirt. I swear if this were set somewhere more private, we would have done a lot more by this point. This went on for an eternity and still didn't show any signs of keeping at bay... That was good... But by this point, Penny had unfortunately got a little impatient for my fussing so she ran towards us actually shoving John away from my stunned face.
"Hey! Penny!" I laughed as she lathered my face in constant, envious licks.
"Look at least my turtle doesn't ruin something as amazing as that." John defended with a smile stitched to his lips.
"Yeah, well she was just protecting me!" I defended hugging her tightly.
"Protecting? From what?!" He laughed.
"From your fierce moves on me." I winked.
"Oh... You've seen nothing yet." He whispered in a flirtatious breath inching closer to my face... Let's make him work for it...
"Not yet honey... We've still got work to do." I matched his voices tone with a finger placed to his lips.
"Ugh, I guess..." He rolled his eyes and stood back up offering down a hand for me. "So where do we start Boss?"
His chuckled accepting his hand. " Well we need to unpack everything and then prepare the meringue. Which, by the way, you are making 'cause I have no clue what to do!"
"Heh, fine. But you have to do the presents and cards then!"
"Ha! You have a deal!" We actually shook hands and went to get the first job done (which didn't take a long time actually). The meringue however, took a little longer than expected. When ever we celebrated Christmas, we never used a traditional Christmas cake for some reason. It wasn't that we didn't like the taste of it, it's simply because we weren't normal! Though we weren't the only ones to have this odd tradition... Every year one of our friends hosts big the Christmas party at one of the houses- each with a different cake. With us we had a Lemon Meringue, Aaron and Ange had a ginger cake, Eliza and Maria had a Victoria Sponge, Peggy and Laf made a double chocolate fudge cake and Herc made sticky toffee pudding. But if we ever went to my parents house, they would make a Toffee Pavlova. It was strange as we had been told many times but it was what we had always done.
As for the Christmas cards I wrote while John sorted out the Lemmon Meringue, they were quite easy. Each card was filled with a singular heartfelt message. Mainly summing up the year or just a kind message written differently each time.
John had finished his job at the same time I finished my writing. During this time we had a Christmas track on repeat every now and then singing along to the well known ones (mainly Jacky though). With wrapping paper, we used one with a gold background and silver snowflakes sprinkled over the paper. Everyone's gift was wrapped with perfection and joy but Penny got scent of present before we had even got it out the bag so she kept trying to take it forehand. John kept teasing on how his Squirt wouldn't try anything like that but I had to keep reminding him, s
Squirt lived in a tank.
Our 'Pet Battles' were a fun thing that happened on a regular basis. We secretly loved the others choice in pets, though acted on different sides to each other. We had got Penny as a puppy from a rescue shelter as soon as we moved into the house and Squirt a few weeks later. John was in love with her, but still liked to tease about my 'over affectionate relationship' with the Springer. What an I say, I'm a dog person!
The last present we wrapped was Herc's surprise as it took a little while to prepare. Though it was so going to be worth it! After he added the last piece of sellotape, he slumped down on the sofa letting out an over dramatic sigh of exhaustion. It was now 20:49.
"Hate to burst your bubble, but we still have one more thing to do..." I laughed at his devastated state.
"WhAt?!" He squeaked.
"Heh, don't worry. It's calm."
"Calm?" He questioned in disbelief.
"How would you fancy going out for a moon lit walk with Penny and I?" I said while walking to grab my boots along with his own.
"I may have enough energy to join you..." He smiled and took to boots swinging off my index finger.
"Vamos, Penny! ¡Es hora de caminar!" I called for the jolly Springer.
"Come on Penny! Time for a walk!"
Stepping outside into the chilled air should have come as a stabbing shock, but because of the warm man by my side, I was calmed. Penny helped my stride by tugging nicely at the leash around her neck. The wind blew heavily with each step we took which also made us snuggle tighter together down the road. It was so quiet you would hear a pin drop a mile away. So calm. So peaceful.
Heading farther up the road, we started to approach a small park lined with towering, bare, winter trees. The ground was solis with frozen, snow crystals that glistens with the sought reflection of the bright, full cratered moon along with the Stars that scattered unscripted in the blanket of darkness layer above our heads. Even in the park it was quiet. Not a soul to be heard other than our subtle footsteps though. Since we were the only ones to take a step out on this stunning, clear Christmas night, I let Penny free of her lead to run about into the mysterious depths of the dark park. Penny usually run off but she always came back at the first call of her name. Me and John took this as an opportunity to stroll unfazed by anything else. It was perfect.
We said nothing along the stroll between trees. The only things that changed were our surroundings and the closer and tighter we gripped each other whenever the wind blew colder gusts of wind to slap across our bare cheeks. In its gales, it also whipped my hair into a whirlwind of knots that splashed around, trying to be contained by the warm hat atop my head.
I never caught Johns eyes on me once in the walk. They were always looking out to a darkened vision where all there were were glistening stars plastered above and the depths of the elegant moon fitted inside the dark blanket. His eyes though, were magic. Not only were they so glossy that even a slither of light could create a beacon out from his irises... no... It was those ember flecks that dotted about his other colours that stood out as unique as a blood moon. It seemed each fiery star in his jungle of colour reflected out a perfect memory or picture from the past. If you looked hard enough, you would find that the image moved as if it were actually happening again before your eyes. Even two or three of the flecks darted across his pupils causing them to shine other than black...
He was amazing. And I loved him too much to put into words.
At the centre of the park, there was this massive, elegant oak tree who towered down over anything making it look miniature. It grew far higher than any house could stand, though not as tall as a city skyscraper (even though it look as if it did scrape the surface of the clouds). Our warm, steady pace brought us to sit in the snow against it string bark, hand in hand.
John was a taller than me so my petit head filled the crevice of his neck. His bouncy curls cushioned down atop my thick, dark strands while wrapping and cozying me inside the comforting grasp of his homely arms. I sighed like an idiot... A love-struck idiot.
After minutes of an adored silence, he spoke up through a whisper, "I know it's so cliche but... I love you Alexander Hamilton."
The use of my full name sent the same familiar, giddy shivers electrify my spine. "I know it's so cliche but... I love you to much to much to say Jacky."
He breathed a chuckle with my face turned up toward his. Our eyes made contact, almost as if it were a dream. Everything around us fuzzed into a meaningless blur until it was just us in the world. The breeze seemed to stay at bay while we inched closer towards the others lips. Within an inch of contact, our eyes fluttered shut to brush the slight bags colouring the skin. Then they locked.
From an outside view, it may have only looked small and normal for a relationships for this long. But... no... It wasn't... It was something more... significant than that... This meant something... more than just a kiss...
It was more of a message hidden beneath the outer layer. He was trying to tell me something I couldn't put to a name... It wasn't a thanks... nor a kiss goodbye... It was full of love... yet a new kind of love... A love I planned to get used to.
As soon as this... strange kiss pulled off the frozen wind slapped around my cheeks. His eyes looked down to his hand then back up to my face. As he lowered himself into my eyes, you could see the contemplation flaming up in his pupils which started to drift to his pocket. Within seconds that pocket seemed to look a lot heavier than usual... His mouth opened to say something but instantly decided against it.
"I... erm... I think it would be best to head back." He spoke while standing back up a little flustered.
"Yeah..." I said inquisitively. "... Sure..."
He took my hand in his while we wondered back up the path to exit the white blanketed park. Penny came trotting back, wet on the underbelly. Each step we took back to the house was just as magical as when we traveling there in the first place. But also with each step we took towards the house, I couldn't push down the question buzzing about my mind...
What was he hiding?
Authors Note: I know, I know... This is a late Christmas story! There will only be one more part to this and that will be out Boxing Day... hopefully...
This is the first story I've ever wrote on my iPad so I know that there will be mistakes! Sorry about that...
This is also the first HAPPY story I've wrote so don't get used to it!
I also want to apologise for how LONG this is! Wow.
Okay anyway, I need to share this news! I GOT TICKETS TO SEE HAMILTON FOR CHRISTMAS! I actually CRIED ACTUAL TEARS!
What did you get for Christmas? Leave it in your constructive reviews! Plus what do you think John is hiding?
REVIEW IT!
-L.E-Rae _x_