We do not own EastEnders, Ashes to Ashes, Waterloo Road or Doctors
Chapter 3
Gene finally finished eating and looked gratefully at Rowan.
"Thank you, I wasn't sure how much longer I could wait," he said to her with a grin. Rowan pointed at the canvas bag with their gifts in it. "Why don't you open your present?"
Gene looked at her, his eyebrows went up and then his eyes narrowed. He sniffed and picked up the package and opened it. He looked at the small wooden case and looked at Rowan. She smiled and nodded. He opened it and his eyebrows went up again when he saw the set of darts inside.
"I thought you could use them," she said.
"Rowan, these look expensive," he said and showed Alex.
"It's fine, they weren't too bad. Here, you need to take him because I think the nurses are going to kick us out pretty soon, and I have to go anyway."
Gene took the baby from her and tried to avoid her quick hug. She chuckled and turned to Alex and gave her a hug.
"Hope you get to go home, soon," she said and smiled. "Let me know okay?"
Rowan walked over towards the door and waited for Molly to say her goodbyes so they could leave.
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The rain had stopped by the time they got outside. Rowan spotted Jack easily since he was standing next to the car and smoking.
"I hope it all went well," he said. Rowan nodded.
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Roxy nodded.
"It's nearing Amy's bedtime, luckily, if she falls asleep on the way home then that dress is easy to get her out of without disturbing her," she said back.
Roxy looked at the instrument in his hand and smiled up at him.
"I didn't know you could play like that."
"Yeah, Momma thought I should learn. She thought it might keep me out of trouble, it didn't, but I learned it anyway. Junior's wife, Louisa, her Momma teaches it, she teaches piano, too. That's how my brother finally decided he wanted to walk out with Louisa, Momma made him take piano lessons. He liked Rowan before that, but he tried to get her one day when she was minding me, she nearly broke his arm. He was very polite to girls after that," JT chuckled.
He got up and put Amy's things in a bag and helped Chris with any other dishes.
"Roxy and I are taking off now. I'll thank Rowan for the gift when I get back tomorrow."
Chris nodded. "See you, then."
JT walked back out and picked up Amy's bag and his own bag. "Ready."
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Ray narrowed his eyes at her. Most of the time he hated surprises, but past experience had shown him that Ronnie's surprises were worth waiting for. He watched her lick her fingers free of any cream she had got on them and willed himself to stay impassive. The slightest thing she did seemed to provoke him.
He turned his head back to his pile of gifts and picked up another one in an attempt to distract himself.
Ronnie grinned as Ray quickly turned back to his gifts. She saw the box from Chris that she was sure had the boots, but she wasn't worried. She couldn't wait to show him the bike. She wondered idly what he had got her. He'd been very secretive. She thought of what Rowan had got her and smiled. She hoped Ray wouldn't take advantage of her being on crutches to sneak a peak in the box. Though, the way it was folded he wouldn't be able to tell what it was. But when Rowan had finished giving Ronnie the dancing lessons, she'd insisted Ronnie have an outfit.
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Molly peered into the box curiously and smiled at the darts. She grinned up at Gene and kissed his cheek, then Sam's. While Rowan was hugging Alex, Molly carefully minded Sam as she hugged Gene from the side. She went to Alex the second Rowan had let go and gave her mum a gentle hug.
"I've got all of my presents for you both at home! I got some things for the baby too," she grinned as Alex kissed her forehead.
"Have fun. And behave for Rowan."
Molly rolled her eyes. "I always behave for Rowan," she answered and kissed her mum's nose happily before waving goodbye as she followed Rowan out.
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Jack drove them back to the party. Rowan let them in and hurried them past so she could lock the door.
Jack shrugged off his coat and went to give Alyssa a quick kiss. He chuckled as she pulled away from his cold lips. He rubbed his hands on his face.
"If you get me a cup of coffee I'll be your best friend," he said to Alyssa, widening his eyes in an attempt to look pathetic.
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Whitney ran over to Molly and handed her a cup of tea.
"When you're warm enough, open mine," she said excitedly.
Peter moved to sit next to her and put his gift on the table before putting an arm around her shoulders.
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JT saw Rowan come in and dropped the bags and ran over and grabbed Rowan up and swung her around. Rowan was not amused.
"John Tymon Hastings put me down!" she demanded, her accent thick from her annoyance.
JT snorted a laugh and hurriedly complied.
"You're welcome of course, but don't do that again."
He planted a kiss on her cheek. "Won't do it again, Annieweena," he whispered and jumped back before she could hit him.
"I'll see you tomorrow."
He went and picked up the bags from where he'd dropped them.
"I'm ready now, promise," he said and started walking towards the door.
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Ronnie caught Rowan's arm as she walked by.
"Thanks," she whispered. Rowan winked and nodded and walked around, tidying up here and there.
Roxy picked Amy up. The girl was sleepy. She could tell. Amy was getting grumpy. She walked with JT to the door and waved her goodbyes to everyone, calling over to Ronnie that she would see her at the Vic tomorrow.
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Alyssa smiled at him and shook her head in amusement. She raised her hands to cover his and gasped. He was freezing. She smiled and let him go.
"I already have a best friend," she told him with a grin and kissed his nose. "But I'll get you a coffee anyway. Because you look so hopeless," she said as she made her way to the coffee machine.
She came back cradling a steaming cup of coffee and handed it to him as she seated herself next to him. She smiled at the state of him. He should go out in the rain more often, because he was up and dressed earlier than her she rarely got to see him with wet hair. She loved it.
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Molly warmed her hands on the mug before taking a massive gulp. Much better. She was so cold that she could feel the hot liquid inside her as it heated her up.
She put the mug down and reached for Whitney's present. She smiled at her best friend and peeled back the wrapping paper carefully. Her eyes widened and she hugged Whitney before picking up the bracelet. She read the engraving and laughed out loud as she slipped the bracelet on.
"Thanks Whit. Did you open mine?" she asked as she looked around. She spotted her presents for Whitney and Peter where she had left them and went to get them she handed them to each of them with a smile as she picked up the present from Peter.
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Roxy rolled her eyes and made sure Amy was all wrapped up warm before following him outside and unlocking her car. She quickly strapped Amy into the back in her car seat and shut the boot one JT and put everything into it. She climbed in the front and got the engine running and switched the heating on to warm up her car before they set off.
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Whitney showed Molly that she had a matching bracelet. She eagerly took the present Molly handed her and opened it.
"OH! Molly, this is brilliant!" Whitney exclaimed, "thank you."
Peter opened his presents and kissed Molly's cheek.
"Thanks, Molly, this is fantastic. I should call a cab soon, it's getting late."
Jack looked over at Peter. "You can go along with us if you don't mind. There's plenty of room in my car for one more person in the back. I have to go that way anyway."
Peter smiled. "Thanks, Mr. Rimmer."
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Jack looked back at Alyssa as she returned and ran his hands through his hair before he took the cup from Alyssa. He took a drink and warmed his hands with the cup. He watched all the presents being opened and smiled to himself.
He stood up and wandered into the kitchen. He asked Rowan if she needed any help putting away the dishes. She looked at him oddly and shook her head. Jack tapped the cup in his hand and peeked around the doorway. Alyssa was still sitting there. He waited a few more minutes and then refilled the coffee and stood in the doorway to the kitchen.
He waited until Alyssa looked over at him and smiled at her when she did.
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Rowan came out of the kitchen and told Whitney that Molly was staying over and she was welcome to stay as well. Whitney smiled and nodded her thanks. It would be great to sleep someplace without the kids running around and screaming. Maybe if all this business plan stuff worked, she'd get herself her own flat. Now, there was an idea.
Rowan went upstairs and took the sheets she'd stripped off JT's bed earlier into the laundry basket. When she'd changed the bed she'd simply tossed them on the floor. She went into her room and pulled out a few oversized t-shirts that Molly and Whitney could sleep in. She put the shirts in JT's room, Molly and Whitney could pick what they liked.
She went back downstairs and saw Jack lurking in the kitchen doorway still. What was he up to, she wondered.
Molly grinned at Whitney as she fastened the bracelet around her wrist.
"You're welcome. I figured you could use something to keep all your designs in when you come up with new ones. I'm glad you like it!" she beamed
Molly grinned at him and kissed him properly.
"I love the necklace," she told him with a smile.
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Alyssa smiled back, a little confused. Why was he standing over there, hanging around the kitchen? She shrugged and left him to it as she watched everyone else open their presents. She sighed as she looked back over again. She frowned and stood up. She wouldn't let herself open any presents unless he was there, too. She wandered over and looked at him as she stopped in front of him.
"Are you going to open your presents with me or just lurk around kitchen doorways like a goblin?" she asked with an amused smile.
"I was thinking of lurking like a goblin. However, I have a very special present I need to give you," he told her softly. He kissed her cheek and grinned at her then dropped to one knee, pulled the box out of his pocket, opened it and held it up to her.
"I thought, what can I possibly give you that you don't already have? You have me, and you have my heart, I'd like for you to have them for life," he told her. "Just promise me you'll wait to open me when you get home," he added with a devilish grin.
Rowan smiled and swiped at a tear. Jack was a sweetheart. Chris slid his arm around Rowan and squeezed her shoulders. "Think she'll say yes?" he whispered. Rowan rolled her eyes and started clapping.
"Oh, that is so sweet," Ronnie breathed. She smiled at Ray and wrapped his hand tight with hers.
Alyssa's eyes widened as he dropped to one knee and held up the ring to her. She felt her jaw drop as she stared down at him. Rowan's clapping brought her back to earth. She blinked a few times and felt a delighted grin break her face as she knelt down opposite him and took the ring from the box. She slipped it onto her finger and brought her eyes back up to meet his.
"Suddenly my present for you seems a bit pathetic" she smiled at him.
"Never," he scoffed at her comment. He gazed at her when she finished kissing him.
"I love you," he said and grabbed her into a hug. He turned and looked at everyone staring at him.
She reached up and stroked her hand down his face until she cupped his cheek and brought his face to hers, she smiled as she moved in and kissed him soundly. She pulled back and looked back at him. "In case you didn't guess, that was a yes," she grinned, "and I promise," she chuckled.
"Okay, show's over," he grinned and grabbed the wall so he could stand back up. He held his hand out to Alyssa and helped her up.
Rowan came over and hugged them both.
"That was very sweet, Jack. I wondered if you were ever going to get around to it. You've been messing with that ring all night," she teased and then hugged Alyssa. "I'm so happy for you."
Chris came over and shook Jack's hand and gave Alyssa a quick squeeze.
"Well, not that I want to spoil anything, but it is getting late and I have people to drive. We'll open the presents when we get home okay?" he asked her softly. "Especially mine," he gave her a wicked grin again and then went to put their gifts in a bag.
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Ray rolled his eyes at her and let go of her hand to sweep his arm around her shoulders to hold her to him as he watched Alyssa kneel down to kiss Jack.
Ronnie turned and gathered up hers and Ray's gifts and handed them to Ray to carry while she grabbed her crutches and got up. She went and got their coats and brought them back over, handing him his and leaning her crutches on the wall so she could put hers on.
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Peter gave Whitney a one-armed hug around her shoulders before kissing Molly.
"I'm glad you like the necklace. I'll text you tomorrow."
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Rowan helped her friends gather up their things and carry them out to Jack's car. She propped open the door with a small wooden wedge so it was easier to get through.
She hugged Ronnie and then Ray.
"Thank you both for coming," she said.
Rowan walked over to Jack and handed him the mistletoe he'd stood under to propose to Alyssa. "Thought you might like a little souvenir," she said.
"Thanks, Ro," he said and gave her a quick kiss on the cheek. She patted his cheek and followed him and Alyssa out.
Jack dropped Peter off at home and then Ray and Ronnie before heading home. He sat in the car a moment and smiled at Alyssa.
"I was really nervous," he chuckled before he got out of the car. He grabbed the gifts out of the boot and led her inside.
Alyssa shut the front door behind her and shrugged off her coat, she hung it on the banister and slipped off her shoes with a small frown.
"I can't imagine why. I haven't got a reason to say no, have I," she said as she made her way towards him and wrapped her arms around his middle as she looked up at him.
He bent his head and kissed her upturned nose.
"You might have decided I'm too much work," he chuckled. He pretended to toss his hair. "I'm awfully high maintenance you know."
Alyssa smiled up and tilted her head as she considered him, and thought about her decision. She shook her head at herself and grinned at him.
"It's a good thing that I like a challenge then" she told him smiling, wishing silently that she had left her heels on so she was at a more even height with him.
"Oh, good then, at least I won't ever be boring," he smiled down at her and then scooped her up in his arms. "Now, I want my present and then you can unwrap yours."
Alyssa wrapped her arms around his neck and kissed him softly.
"I want, doesn't get," she quoted with a grin. Then pulled back and studied his face for a moment
"It's under the bed."
Jack grinned and hurried up the stairs with her in his arms as fast as he could. He dropped her unceremoniously on the bed and then fell to the floor to crawl under the bed and get it.
He pulled it out and put it on the bed.
"Any hints?"
Alyssa moved herself so she was seated crossed legged on the bed with a good view of him. She played with the ring on her finger and shook her head
"No. Just open it!" she said with a small chuckle.
Jack grinned and tore open the box.
Alyssa picked the wrapping paper off the floor as he threw it randomly and it landed near to her. She grabbed the last bit from the floor by bending down to retrieve it. Then screwed it all into a ball and looked back at him as she sat up and tossed the ball of paper from hand to hand.
Jack opened the box and grinned with delight.
"I can teach to play proper now!" he exclaimed and leapt onto the bed. He wrapped her in his arms and rolled her across the bed.
"Do you have any idea how crazy I am about you?" he asked and kissed her.
Alyssa smiled and draped her arms over his shoulders. She let her head fall back into the pillows as he broke the kiss.
"I think I have an inkling" she smiled "But if you're half as crazy about me as I am about you then you're practically insane."
"Does it count that I was already insane before I met you?" he gave her a toothy, cheesy smile. He kissed her noisily and then rolled off her and got up to grab another present. He picked up the box from Rowan with a grunt and put it on the bed.
"Bloody hell, what's in there? Weighs a ton!" he complained and hurriedly opened it.
"She is taking the piss, right?" he said as he gazed into the box. He shook his head and reached into the box with a sigh and pulled out a neon green bowling bowl with a big smiley face on it. He looked at Alyssa.
"Was this your idea?" he asked, his eyebrow raised in curiosity.
Alyssa sat up and watched as he pulled the bowling ball out and she reached out and took it from him with a small giggle. She tested the weight and tried the finger holes. She looked up at him and shook her head.
"I wouldn't have chosen this colour," she told him as she gave it back to him.
"It's good though. Now we can go bowling so you can try it out and I can teach you some more, not that there's much to teach, and then we can go home and you can teach me darts some more," she said as she looked at the ball again and laughed once more. It was the smiley face. It cracked her up.
She looked at the bag of presents and bent over the bed to pull her gift from Rowan out.
"I wonder what she's given me," she mused out loud as she pulled at the wrapping paper.
Her eyes widened at the quilt as she pulled it out and smiled as she studied the pattern on it.
"Wow," she breathed.
Jack looked over and his eyes widened. That had taken some work he was sure.
He put the bowling ball back in the box and moved his things away from the bed and got undressed.
He tied a bow around himself and then turned to face her. He stood with fists on hips and a cheesy grin on his face.
"Want to open your present now?" he chuckled.
Alyssa carefully folded the quilt back up and placed it on the floor next to her side of the bed. She looked up as he spoke and was about to give him an inquisitive look, then saw what he was wearing and what he meant. She grinned up at him and took his hand. Alyssa pulled him down so that he was lying on his back on the bed and swung her leg over him so that she was straddling him with a smile.
"Yes, please," she purred and dipped her head down to kiss him. She chuckled as she broke the kiss and looked down at the bow he had tied around himself.
She traced a finger over it and sighed.
"I almost don't want to spoil your fabulous wrapping," she said as she took hold of one of the loose ends and tugged so the bow came undone. She smiled as she slipped it off him and tied it loosely around her wrist.
Alyssa looked down at him and grinned as she tucked her hair behind her ear before leaning down and kissing him thoroughly.
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Ronnie looked at the stairs and grimaced. She handed one of her crutches to Ray and using the other one and the rail she made her way up the stairs. She opened the door and hobbled inside, waiting for Ray to come in. She shut it behind him and sighed.
"What a day!" she said.
Ray dropped the bag of gifts on the armchair and pulled her onto the sofa and onto his lap. He took the crutches from her and dropped them on the floor at his feet as he hugged her and looked up at her, she was pregnant. He was a bit excited about it, too. There was a little person growing in her tummy. He raised his eyebrows and looked up at her with a grin before kissing her.
Ronnie smiled, slightly confused at the look on Ray's face but slid her arms around him and kissed him back. She shifted, lifting herself off his lap and moving her body so she was facing him, a knee on either side of his legs. She settled down again onto his lap and pressed herself to him. She grabbed the bottom of the jumper he was wearing and pulled it off over his head. She took his hand and put it behind her neck, closing his fingers over the zipper of her dress.
"Pull tab A," she whispered and pressed her lips to his as she trailed her hands over his shoulders and down his bare chest.
Ray obliged and immediately tugged the zip down to the bottom and slid his hands inside the dress and over her smooth skin. He pressed her even closer to him and his other hand went around to find her foot that still had a shoe on and attempted to pull the zip down on her boot. He smiled into the kiss as he managed it and slid the shoe off her foot.
Ronnie raised herself slightly and pulled the dress off over her head. She slipped off her bra, realizing she was going to need to get some new ones soon. She was already getting bigger.
"I love you," she breathed in his ear then moved her hands to his trousers.
Ray moved his mouth to her neck and planted small lingering kisses along it.
"Love you an all," he muttered as he realised what she was doing. In a swift movement, and being forever conscious of her bandaged foot, he switched their positions so she was lying on her back with him over the top of her. He smiled and wriggled out of his trousers before moving his mouth down from her neck to shower attention over her breasts.
Ronnie's breath came faster and she mewled slightly as his hands blazed fire across her skin. She twined her hands into his hair and moaned his name.
Ray slipped an arm under her back and pressed her to him again as he kissed her mouth greedily to quell the sounds she was making.
Ronnie kissed him back, her hands roaming his back and sides.
She broke off the kiss and gazed at him.
"I want you," she whispered, her voice thick with lust. She buried her face in his neck and began to slowly kiss his neck.
Ray let out a low groan and ran his hands down her body until he came to the elastic waistline of her knickers. He grunted and pulled them off her. He smiled down at her and kissed her again.
He lifted her good leg and placed it over his waist and held it there as he thrust into her and buried his face in her hair.
Ronnie threw her head back and gave a small cry as he entered her.
She flung her arms around him and held him tight.
Ray moaned and nuzzled at her neck as he rocked his hips gently against hers. Her name escaped him as he moved his face to hers and kissed her once more.
Ronnie bucked against him, moaning into the kiss.
She broke off the kiss and put her mouth to his ear.
"Oh, yes, Ray, now, yes," she whispered frantically, and she did her best to stifle her scream as the pleasure overwhelmed her.
Ray came with her, moaning her name as he fell. He shifted their position so he was lying on his back on the sofa with her lying on top of him as he stroked her hair and twirled a lock around his finger as he closed his eyes.
Ronnie sighed and laid her head on his chest. She slid her arms around him before turning her head and propping her chin on his chest.
"We should go to bed. I don't think we'll be comfortable sleeping out here," she said softly, unable to keep the sleepiness from her voice.
Ray grinned. He held her back as he sat up and shifted her into a sitting position on his lap. Then in one swift movement he swung her up into his arms. He carried her to the bedroom and placed her carefully on the bed, he climbed over her and pulled the covers back so he could slip into the bed.
Ray made sure the both of them were tucked in and then drew her close to him and planted a kiss on her forehead. He smiled happily.
"Night, Ron."
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Rowan led Molly and Whitney upstairs and showed them JT's room.
"I gave you some oversized shirts you can sleep in. The bathroom is right there and if you need anything else just let me know," she said and went back downstairs to help Chris finish the last bit of cleanup.
She went into their bedroom when they got back upstairs and changed into a long shirt and leggings and sighed with comfort. She dropped on the couch and looked at the clock. Chris put the gifts on the kitchen table and then sat down next to her.
"It was a good party," he said.
"Yeah, I think it went okay," she looked up at him and smiled.
"Tomorrow, we got to Jack and Alyssa's and we will have to eat Jack's cooking."
"Oh, c'mon Rowan, surely it's not that bad," Chris shot back.
"We'll know tomorrow, won't we?"
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Whitney got out her laptop and showed Molly how her courses were going.
"If I have enough money saved, I may see about some more. I was also thinking, maybe if this thing all works out, moving out of the house and getting a flat of my own. What d'you reckon?"
Molly thanked Rowan and settled herself crossed legged on the floor next to the bed. She looked at Whitney's laptop with interest and smiled.
"A flat? Around here though right?" she bit her lip. "Wow. I think it's a brilliant idea."
"Around here if I can find one. I don't need anything big, not for just me. I don't have much stuff either," she shrugged. "Not sure what kind of luck I will have. But with the kids around it's hard doing the work. I do the work while I'm at the stall too, but sometimes it's hard to concentrate and I don't like leaving my laptop where it might get nicked," Whitney commented.
She sighed and dropped her chin in her hand.
Molly looked at Whitney and smiled.
"If you need somewhere quiet and away from home you can always come round my house. Normally it's quiet but I can't vouch for that now mum's had Sam. But you can lock yourself in my room," she shrugged.
"Thanks, it won't be easy though, bit of a walk," Whitney chuckled. "I'll see how it goes. I can't afford to do anything about it right now."
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Peter pulled his coat further around his shoulders. It seemed this rain had no intention of easing off any time soon. He was freezing. He scowled darkly, Alex had gone into labor and her new bloke had nearly smashed his face in. That bloke of hers had been the one that had helped her take Molly away from him. He knew she was shagging him. Idiot had married her. He snorted and shoved his hand into his pocket in annoyance. It brushed a box. Molly's present. He had nearly forgotten. He smiled, she would no doubt be at that party thing she had wanted him to go to. He turned on his heel and made his way over to where Molly had said she would be. He scowled, the place was dark inside. He doubted Molly would have been allowed to go home though, Alex would be way too paranoid and he reckoned her new bloke was too concerned with his ex-wife and his own kid to be worried about Molly. He smirked and rang the bell to the flat above the restaurant, there were lights on in the upstairs window.
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"I'm going to bed," Chris sighed.
Rowan nodded and then she groaned as she heard the buzzer. She grabbed her thick robe and pulled it on and tied it tight as she bounded down the stairs. Her brow furrowed as she looked at the person on the other side of the door. He didn't look familiar.
She pushed open the mail slot.
"Can I help you?"
Peter heard a click and then a voice. He frowned as he tried to work out where it had come from. He realised it was the post flap and bent to a crouch to see the person talking to him. He smiled friendlily at her.
"Hiya. I'm looking for Molly Drake. I'm her Dad. I'm not going to see her tomorrow and have her Christmas present. She's not at home and said she was going to be here. I just wondered whether you know where she went?" he asked politely.
Rowan sighed. "Okay, hold on," she told him and let the mail slot shut. She picked up the phone next to the register and pressed the button that would call straight to the flat.
"Yeah?" Chris picked up.
"Can you tell Molly her father is here? He has her Christmas present. Should I let him come up?"
"I'll go find out."
He put the phone down and knocked on the door to JT's room. He heard one of them say come in and opened the door.
"Molly, Rowan says your father is at the door with your Christmas present. She wants to know if you want her to let him come up."
Molly nodded and shrugged then looked up at Chris. Her face mirrored her surprise and she scrambled to her feet. She didn't think it was such a good idea to let her Dad into the flat. Besides, Molly had a few things to say to him.
"I'll come down," she said.
Chris shrugged and nodded.
He watched Molly walk toward the stairs and told Rowan Molly was on the way down.
She made her way down and into the restaurant and saw Rowan by the door. She did as he had taught her and looked outside to check it was him. She smiled. No mistaking that coat. It was her Dad.
"That's my Dad," she smiled at Rowan "Can we let him in? I need to talk to him"
"If you want me to, then, yes," Rowan said and motioned her to step back. "The wind is going to be cold, stand back there," Rowan said and then pulled the keys from her pocket and opened the door. Whitney pulled on a pair of leggings Rowan had let her try and bounded downstairs to see her friend's father.
Molly did as she was told and took a step away from the door. She watched her Dad come inside and pull down his hood. The rain had eased off a bit, but he was still dripping onto the floor. He shrugged out of his soaking coat and nodded at the 2 people he didn't know before looking at Molly and opening his arms.
Molly rolled her eyes but went to him anyway and hugged him tightly as he placed a kiss on the top of her head. Suddenly she pulled away.
"So, are you going to tell me what you did to mum to make her go into early labor?" she demanded
Peter's face hardened "Molly. I didn't come here to talk about your mother!"
Molly frowned "I still want to know. Gene and I have been trying to keep her calm and relaxed and you know how difficult that is! She always has to be doing something. So. What did you do!" she repeated, narrowing her eyes.
Peter folded his arms and glared down at her. "We had an argument. Nothing unusual."
Molly raised an eyebrow, her parents' 'arguments' usually involved a small amount of physical contact. Her expression hardened. "So Gene is right. It is all your fault!"
Peter's expression changed to a sneer.
"Gene! That big-headed Neanderthal doesn't know anything! He's a brute and I don't have any idea what your mum sees in him," he spat.
Molly took a step backwards and glared at him. She hated it when he got like this. He was uncontrollable. She swallowed.
"Merry Christmas, Dad," she said as calmly and nicely as she could.
Whitney stopped short and looked at Rowan, her eyes wide.
Rowan stepped forward calmly.
"I really think you should calm down, there's no need to speak to Molly that way. She's done nothing wrong. Neither has Alex for that matter. They're both trying to include you still in Molly's life, why don't you just get over this childish behavior and enjoy the time you have to spend with her, while she still wants to spend it with you. There's never enough of it, believe me. All this petty anger is not helping anything, it's just causing pain, can't you see that? Now, you wanted to give Molly her gift, I suggest you do so and then leave. I'm sure if you call Molly or Alex tomorrow they'll be more than happy for you to spend some time with them on Christmas day. But for now, it's late. So, please," Rowan said, keeping her voice low, calm and even.
Peter rounded on Rowan, his eyes flashing dangerously.
"Who the hell are you to tell me what I should and shouldn't do!" he snarled at her. "I'll see my daughter when I damn well like and talk to her how I like too. And it's none of your business."
Molly scowled at him.
"Leave Rowan alone Dad!"
Peter looked back at his daughter and sniffed.
"We're going home. Now," he told her and grabbed up his coat and took hold of Molly's wrist.
Molly wrenched her arm out of his grasp.
"No. I'm staying here and spending Christmas with mum."
Peter scowled. Alex always won. Well, she wouldn't this time.
"Molly Catherine Drake you get yourself outside now."
Molly resolutely shook her head and stepped away from him.
"No, Dad."
Rowan stepped in front of Molly and faced Peter. Her body was still, her face calm, almost serene. Her head tilted very slightly as she studied him.
"Whitney, go and fetch Chris please," Rowan asked, her tone almost pleasant, but her accent very thick. Anyone who knew her well would know she was upset, but this man didn't know her.
Whitney nodded nervously and bolted up the stairs.
"Mr. Drake, I would recommend you guard your tone, and that you not attempt to touch this child in violence again," she drawled, her tone calm and again, almost pleasant. "It will not go well for you otherwise."
She took a very small step forward. "It's such a shame, that you can't let go of whatever this hatred is that you have and just enjoy being with your child. My parents died when I was 17, I'll never get to see them again. Molly has tried to keep you in her life, Alex hasn't stopped you from seeing her. So, I am just baffled. Because your only concern seems to be that she is your possession. That's not how it works. You should be trying to find a way to fit into her life instead of taking her away from it. That's not fair to anyone, especially not her. Whatever you think Alex may or may not have done to you, it's all in the past, let it stay there. Close the door on it and start again fresh while you have the chance."
Rowan caught sight of Chris coming down the stairs in the reflection of the window.
"Now, if you can be nice and polite, I will get out some of the cake I baked and make us all some tea and you can spend an hour here, visiting. You can give Molly her present and then you can go because as I stated before, it is getting late and I've had a long day and I'm powerful tired. If you are not willing to mind your manners however, my husband, DS Skelton, can escort you from the premises."
Chris stepped over towards them, staying behind Rowan. He knew what she could do if provoked and he didn't want to be in her line of fire, she might hurt herself.
Rowan kept her gaze fixed on Peter, watching.
"Trust me, Mr. Drake, you don't want to try me," she warned, still keeping her tone pleasant and conversational. She could guess the direction of this thoughts. "That would be a powerful mistake in judgement on your part. Cake or time to go?"
Molly listened to Rowan and strained to make out what she was saying. She wasn't used to hearing her accent that thick and had to concentrate on listening to exactly what she was saying. She kept her gaze fixed on her Dad and saw him trying to understand what Rowan was saying. He had clearly got the gist of it though. She took a deep breath as Rowan finished.
"Actually," she said causing Peter to face her. She looked at him and frowned. She really wasn't in the mood for this. "I'd like you to go Dad. I'm too tired to do this now. Please."
Peter looked at her and then back to the people around her. She was asking him to leave. Since when? He eyed the man curiously. DS, the little American had said. That meant he would have the police here within minutes. Peter wasn't stupid. He wasn't going to risk that. Mind you, she could be bluffing. Peter sighed, the bloke had been one of the ones that had brought that accursed paperwork to Alex when she had come to fetch Molly. He was on Gene's team. And that encounter in the hospital was fresh in Peter's mind. No way.
He nodded with a scowl and pulled the box out of his pocket and shoved it roughly into Molly's hands. He rounded to the door and marched out into the rain.
Molly watched until he had vanished from sight then looked up at Rowan and Chris.
"Sorry about him. He gets like that when he's in a bad mood. I shouldn't have provoked him like that," she sighed and placed the box in her cardigan pocket.
Rowan sighed as Molly's father stormed from the restaurant. She walked over and locked the door before going back to Molly and giving her a hug.
"No need to apologize. It wasn't really your fault. There is clearly something eating at him. It's a shame he won't just let it go and really try to spend time with you," Rowan comforted. She let Molly go and smiled.
"C'mon, let's all go get some sleep now the drama is all over."
Chris nodded and headed up. Whitney gave Molly a small smile and took her friend's hand and squeezed it before heading up.
Rowan flipped off the lights and waited for Molly to head up before following her. She locked the flat door behind her and then went into the bedroom. Chris followed her in, shutting the door behind him.
/\\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
Peggy woke up early and hummed happily to herself as she went into the kitchen to get dinner started. Once she had the turkey in the oven, she went and took a quick shower and got her face and hair fixed before going back into the kitchen to get started on the rest. She was looking forward to having the family together for the meal, with a couple of extras she reminded herself. Roxy and Ronnie's men were going to be there as well. She began to cheerfully hum again; glad the girls were so happy. She just wished Phil was doing better. He was spiralling more and more out of control lately and it was beginning to scare her. She hoped he would behave, today of all days.
/\\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
JT opened his eyes, woken up by the cheerful humming coming from somewhere. He looked at Roxy and then over at Amy, they were both still asleep. It must be Peggy he reasoned. He slipped from the bed and went to get a quick shower. He quietly got dressed and went in to the kitchen to see if Peggy needed any help. She jumped slightly when he came in the room, but smiled.
"Morning, Mrs. Mitchell," he greeted her. "Can I help with anything? I'm a pretty good cook you know," he offered.
"Call me Peggy, please, and yes, you can peel those potatoes for me if you don't mind," she replied gratefully.
"Don't mind t'all," he said agreeably and got to work.
JT heard Amy begin to stir and went and got her before she woke Roxy. He took her into the kitchen and got her some breakfast before helping Peggy again. He watched to make sure the little girl didn't make too big a mess.
JT cleaned up Amy after she finished eating and then gave her a coloring book and crayons and scooted her closer to the table so she could play while he continued to help Peggy with the food. He was glad he was able to give Roxy a chance to sleep in. She never got one usually.
He sang a bit to Peggy as they worked to get her to smile.
/\\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
Ronnie woke up early and grinned as she slid her hand over her belly. Pregnant. She glanced at Ray and sighed with contentment. She couldn't wait until he woke up so she could show him his present, though in hindsight now, it didn't seem so smart. She would be able to ride for only a month or two tops then it would be a long while before they could go on road trips on the bikes. She thought about it a moment and decided she didn't mind so much.
Ray stirred as he tried to wake up. It was a battle. He felt exhausted. He reached out blindly for Ronnie, then huffed when he couldn't find her in front of him. He must have rolled over at some point in the night. He rolled over to face the other way and was instantly greeted by her warmth. He hummed appreciatively and slid his arm over her casually as he moved closer.
His hand brushed hers that was resting on her tummy. His expression softened as he suddenly remembered what they had been told last night. She was going to have his kid. It was an odd experience, the thought of their child inside her. But good too, he couldn't think of anyone he would rather share a child with. And Ronnie was good with kids too. Made up for his lack of parental skill. He sighed and stroked her tummy as he kissed her cheek
"Merry Christmas," he mumbled, he was unsure whether she was awake or not as he refused to open his eyes.
"Merry Christmas," Ronnie replied with a smile. She shivered at the feel of his hand stroking her belly and kissed him. She shifted closer to him.
'So, when do you want to open your present," she asked, barely able to contain her excitement.
Ray finally opened his eyes to look at her. He studied her face for a moment the shut them again as he secured his arms around her and her to him.
"That would depend on what it is. Because at the moment I don't really feel like moving. I'm far too comfortable. So tell me what it is and I shall decide whether or not I open it now or leave it until later," he told her sleepily but his voice held an underlying tone of amusement as he spoke.
"Hmmm, okay. I really don't want to tell you outright what it is. I suppose I could give you a hint," she offered as she propped her head on her hand. "Or, you could just let me open mine," she smiled and leaned close. "Yours is outside."
Ray sighed and grinned as he looked up at her.
"Outside? What the hell have you got me?" he questioned curiously. He rolled onto his side and reached into his bedside drawer and pulled out her gifts.
"You'd best open yours, then" he said as he handed it to her and fell back into his pillows with a soft sigh.
"Merry Christmas."
Ronnie took her gifts from him with undisguised greed. She tore into one box and her jaw gaped at all the chocolate. She looked at him.
"I hope you intend to help me eat some of this, or my god I'll be big as a house!" she exclaimed. She opened another and looked at him with a wicked smile.
"So, this could be fun," she purred. "I'm not sure which I'll enjoy more, licking it off you, or you licking it off me."
She leaned over and kissed him. "And you call me kinky, you devil," she said, her tone laced with approval.
She sat back up and started on the last box.
"So, after I open this would you like to see what I go….."
The words died in her throat as she saw what was in the box. Her hand flew to her mouth and she blinked rapidly but the tears spilled over.
"Oh, Ray," she whispered, her voice high and reedy. "It's beautiful, I…." words failed her. She reached out and trailed her fingers gently over the Tiffany key. She put the box down and grabbed up the sheet to wipe her face and sniffed before picking the box up again.
Ray watched her with interest as she opened her gifts. He smiled at her reaction to the necklace he got her. He'd seen it when he had been looking for ideas for her Christmas present and knew it was perfect. That and indulging her love of chocolate had seemed like the excellent choice.
Ray reached over and kissed her cheek gently. He slid the box out of her grasp and carefully took the necklace out. He undid the clasp and reached around her neck to put the necklace on her. He cupped her cheek and kissed her once the key was securely in place.
The key symbolised whatever power she held over him. Somehow she had managed to unlock what he hid from other people. His emotions. What he truly felt. She had that ability. He smiled.
"I'm glad you like it," he said softly.
She sniffed again and reached down to touch the necklace again before looking back up at him.
"Words can't describe," she told him, her voice still slightly choked. She leaned over and threw her arms around him and held him tightly. She finally asserted some control over herself and pulled back.
"Do you want to go see your present now?" she asked before turning her back on him, grabbing a tissue out of the box and blowing her nose. She looked back at him and smiled. She grabbed her crutches and pulled herself off the bed and pulled some warm pajamas out of the drawer then pulled her dressing gown on over them before going into the bathroom and running a brush through her hair.
"Please? It's not as fantastic as this," she admitted and stroked the key again, "but I think you'll like it."
Ray nodded and slid himself out of bed. He shivered once he was out of the warmth of the bed and grabbed a pair of pyjama bottoms. He pushed his legs through and pulled them up. Then grabbed a jumper and his dressing gown. He nodded at her and gestured to the door.
"Take me to my Christmas present," he said as he pushed the door open for her.
Ronnie grinned and swung herself out of the room. She made sure her slippers were on and then made her way down the stairs. She opened the door, used her good foot to shove the brick in place to hold the door and hurried around the back of the building. She waited for Ray and stopped him coming around the back.
Ray slipped on a pair of shoes carelessly and followed her outside and down the stairs. He obediently stopped and didn't follow her outside.
"Wait there and close your eyes," she said excitedly. She opened the door on the shed and very carefully wheeled the bike out. She winced as she put a bit of weight on her bad ankle, but it didn't hurt as much as it had.
"Okay, you can open them," she said and clasped her hands together nervously.
He closed his eyes as he was told and waited, shivering slightly in the frosty morning air. He opened them once he heard her instruction and blinked a few times until he got his sight back, the glare from the winter sun was bright, he was glad that there wasn't any snow. If there was he would've stood a good chance of being blinded.
He waited until his eyes adjusted and gazed dumbfounded at the bike in front of him. He gaped, open mouthed at her.
"How is this not as fantastical as the necklace?" he questioned incredulously. "Ronnie. You've bought me a bike. For Christmas," he said as he made his way towards it. He traced a finger over the handles and the smooth seat. He looked up at her with a grin and took her chin gently, he met her halfway over the bike and gave her a gentle kiss.
"Thank you," he grinned then looked down at her stomach. "We're gonna need to get a side-car at some point though. For the littleun," he said, nodding to her tummy.
"You really like it?" she asked excitedly. She shook her head at his side-car suggestion and chuckled. "It's a shame because I'll only be able to ride for another month or so. We'll have to try and get a road trip in before then. Which means you better get your license sorted, mister."
Ray snorted. "Of course I like it, Ron. You've bought me a bike! What's not to like!" he laughed as he made sure she was steady before wheeling it back around the side of the building to put it next to where she kept hers.
She moved back from the bike and leaned on her crutches.
"Need to get it put away again. It's cold out here. You can play with the bike later," she wrinkled her nose at him and grinned. "We'll have to get ready to head over to dinner soon."
She almost wasn't looking forward to this. She wondered what would happen this year.
He nodded as he came back round the corner and motioned for her to go inside.
"I promise to try to keep my cool no matter what happens," he vowed as he motioned for her to get back inside
Ronnie locked the shed and stuck the keys in her dressing gown pocket before heading back inside.
"I'll do my best, too. At least this year, Roxy and I won't probably be fighting. Silver lining," she commented dryly as she handed Ray her crutches and used the stair rail to help get herself up the stairs.
"At least you won't be the only 'stranger' there," she said, making finger quotes around the word,"stranger". JT is going to be just as out of place as you are."
She unlocked the door to the flat and pushed it open before taking her crutches back from Ray.
"I'll tell you something else, if anything does kick off, I don't mind leaving."
Ray nodded. He knew who her family members were, and he had spoken to them all at some point. He didn't know her Aunt that well and had never spoken to her cousin. But Roxy was fun. He liked her. And he liked JT. He was a little apprehensive about this meal.
Ray gave her back her crutches and shut the front door behind them. He took her wrist gently and kissed her forehead.
"It's fine, Ronnie. If you want to go all you have to do is say the word and we are out of there," he smiled and then looked over her shoulder at the clock.
"Now, I'm going for a shower," he said and kissed her properly before heading towards the bathroom to clean up.
Ronnie rummaged in her wardrobe. She pulled out a long red top and black pants. She wasn't in a mood to wear a dress. She went over to the mirror and looked at the necklace.
She traced over it again with her fingers and fought back tears again. She sniffed and hurriedly wiped her face before Ray came out of the bathroom.
She set about picking up the wrapping paper and tidying up the bedroom. She carefully took off the necklace and put it on the dresser. She carried the mugs back into the kitchen and washed them up.
Ray came out of the bathroom and set about getting dressed. He chose comfort over formality and picked out a warm jumper and his best pair of jeans.
/\\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
Rowan woke up early and stumbled into the kitchen. She got the coffee started and then pulled out ingredients to make breakfast. She knotted her hair at the nape of her neck and yawned hugely as she waited for the coffee to brew.
Rowan bobbed her head to the music but avoided singing. She didn't want to deafen anyone who might be awake. Chris came into the kitchen and sat down at the table. She looked back at him and then turned her attention back to the bacon.
"You should get a shower and get dressed before the girls get up."
He sighed and got up to do as she asked.
Chris got cleaned up and dressed and went back into the kitchen to see Rowan putting a plate of food on the table for him.
Whitney opened her eyes and sniffed. Food. She climbed out of bed and padded into the kitchen. She couldn't believe how quiet it was. She smiled at Chris and Rowan and sat down at the table.
"Morning," Rowan said and got Whitney a cup of tea.
"Morning, thanks," Whitney said and fixed her tea.
"Would you like some breakfast?"
"Yes, please, it smells great."
Rowan made her a plate of food and put it in front of Whitney and then sat down herself to eat.
Whitney gratefully dug into the delicious breakfast while she listened with half an ear to Rowan and Chris' idle chatter.
/\\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\
Alyssa woke up with a small yawn and looked out the bedroom window. She lifted her head to peer at the clock. She sighed. She hated that mornings were so dark in the winter, it fooled you into believing that it was still night-time, made you think you could have a couple more hours of sleep. She looked at the clock again. Then smiled. 25th December. Christmas day. She crawled out of Jack's arms and smiled at the bow still tied around her wrist. She let out a light chuckle and gently stroked a finger down his cheek before getting off the bed and grabbing his fluffy dressing gown: so much warmer than hers.
Alyssa made her way downstairs and fixed a few pieces of toast, got a small eggcup and put butter in it and grabbed a couple of plates and knives. She laid them all on a tray as she waited for the kettle. She looked at her engagement ring as she waited for the kettle. Engaged. She was engaged to Jack. Her stomach did a somersault. She couldn't be happier. And he had proposed on Christmas Eve underneath the mistletoe. Could he be more romantic. The click of the kettle brought her out of her reverie and she filled their mugs and took them and the tray back upstairs. She placed his mug on his bedside table and did the same with hers, then placed the tray on the floor, ready for when he woke up. She laid back against the backboard of the bed and sipped her coffee as she happily remembered the previous evenings events.
Jack opened his eyes and sniffed appreciatively. He looked at the tea and toast on the table and then looked at her. She still had that ribbon around her wrist. He reached over and tugged on the ribbon and grinned at her.
"Merry Christmas, my little fiancé," he purred and pulled her on top of him.
Alyssa smiled down at him and flattened herself against him so she was comfortable. She kissed him languorously.
"Merry Christmas," she replied. "I loved my Christmas present," she added with a grin as she stared down in to his eyes and traced a finger down the column of his neck.
"Your Christmas present loved you, too," he said and leaned over to kiss her. He stopped and looked at her.
"I should get the turkey in the oven."
He pressed a quick kiss to her lips and rolled off the bed. He picked up his tea and drank it as he walked down stairs.
Alyssa watched him go with a smile. She reached down for the tray and placed it on her lap. She grabbed her phone and checked for texts. Nothing. Good. She lay back and propped her pillows up behind her so she was sitting up. Alyssa started on her toast, making sure not to get crumbs in the bed.
Jack set about getting the turkey ready and in the oven. He could barely contain his excitement that she'd said yes. He hadn't really thought she would say no, but you could never be 100% sure until they actually said yes. He started humming as he flipped on the oven and made sure all was ready before finally putting the turkey in. He went back upstairs and set the alarm on his watch for when the turkey would be done.
He dropped onto the bed and munched his way through his toast, gazing at her with a slight smile as he did so.
Alyssa furrowed her brow at him as she caught him watching her. She swallowed her mouthful and raised an eyebrow. She put the tray down on the floor and looked over at him with a smile.
"What time are Rowan and Chris getting here?" she asked as she sat up crossed legged and watched him eat.
Jack looked at the clock.
"Noonish, I wanted them to get here after most of the cooking was done," he replied with a grin. "Don't want to tempt fate with getting Rowan here too early. I'd hate to have to kick her out of the kitchen.
Alyssa chuckled.
"I'm sure she will be trying to offer some sort of help. But don't let her take control," she added with a smile. Then fell onto her back.
"I won't, but I'll be nice about it," he told her. "She's going to be family of a sort now, don't want to go making her mad. Who knows what she might do," he remarked.
She used one hand to trace her ring. As she stared at the ceiling for a moment. Then she turned her face to look at him and sat up again. She smiled at him.
"Do you have any idea how romantic last night was?" she asked softly.
He pulled her close. "I was too busy thinking about getting it done to be honest," he replied. "But, uh, you can feel free to go on and on about it if you like," he added and kissed her.
Alyssa wrapped her arms around him and smiled up at him once he had finished kissing her.
"You know you could've lied and bigged yourself up and told me that you planned it," she grinned. "I mean, you proposed to me, underneath mistletoe, on Christmas Eve! How more romantic can you get?" she smiled. "But no, 'I was too busy thinking about getting it done,'" she imitated his Mancunian accent with a chuckle.
"I know, but what would have been the point. It worked out to my advantage though," he chuckled.
She studied his face for a moment.
"I love you" she told him and kissed the tip of his nose.
"I love you, too," he said and kissed her nose back. "Now," he said and huffed out a long breath. "We need to get ready. We will have company here in two hours and I have a lot to do. And you, my little domestic goddess are going to be cleaning house while I cook."
Alyssa rolled her eyes and regretfully let go of him. She was in favour of delaying dinner for a while and spending more of the day cuddled up with him in bed. She sighed and kissed him before sitting up and sliding off the bed.
"In that case. I get the bathroom first," she grinned and made her way towards the bathroom.
"Downside of having a house is there's more to clean," she muttered as she stepped into the shower.
"Really as long as the front room and bathroom are done who cares? They're hardly going to be running all over the house," he told her as he followed her into the bathroom.
"No real need to panic, my fiery-haired vixen," he said expansively and grabbed her to him and kissed her. He eyed her up and down and grinned appreciatively before going back downstairs to work on the food."
Alyssa climbed into the shower and washed quickly. She dried herself, dressed, dried her hair and sorted her makeup. She tidied their bedroom and grabbed the tray down the side of the bed. She carried it down stairs and dodged around Jack as she went to put everything in the sink. She smiled and kissed his cheek then went to the cupboard under the stairs and got the hoover out to start on the front room.
Jack finished up what he was working on and then went upstairs to get ready.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Roxy stretched out in bed as she smelt the smell of cooking coming from the kitchen. She sighed as she noticed that JT wasn't in bed. She listened and heard Aunty Peggy, JT and Amy's familiar early morning chatter coming from the general direction of the kitchen. She debated whether or not to get up. She decided against it.
Roxy burrowed back under her duvet and snuggled down in the middle of her bed. She sighed happily and just lay there, quite happy just to listen to the quiet clattering and talking in the upstairs section of the pub.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Alex woke up to the sound of her baby crying. She marvelled at how she instantly recognised the sound of her son. She smiled at the nurse that came in and saw fit to hand Sam to her. She rocked him gently before realising that he was hungry. She glanced at Gene briefly and smiled as she saw him dozing in the chair next to the bed. She would have to call Molly. That wasn't hard. But first she would feed Sam.
Gene sat up and rubbed his eyes and immediately turned his head when he saw what Alex was doing. He really didn't want to see that. He stood up.
"Going for a brew and a smoke," he mumbled and rubbed at his face again before walking out of the room.
Alex nodded and watched him leave.
Gene came back into the hospital with a bag of croissants, a tea for himself and a coffee for Alex.
He was glad to see she was done feeding the baby and since the nurse was leaving, he'd managed to avoid her check up as well. He grinned and put the things on the table and handed her the coffee.
"I assume all is well? Please, just yes or no, no details," he warned.
Alex chuckled lightly and nodded as she reached out a hand to him. She took his and pressed it to her lips.
"Yes," she nodded with a small laugh as she cradled their son against her with one arm. She sighed as she studied his tiny face.
"He looks like you," she murmured as she gazed lovingly down at Sam, then back up at Gene.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
JT finally finished helping Peggy with the worst of getting things ready and went to see if Roxy was awake. He put a cup of tea down on the bedside table and pressed a kiss to her forehead.
"Morning, beautiful," he whispered.
Roxy opened her eyes and slipped her arms around his neck lazily.
"Merry Christmas," she answered as she pressed her lips to his softly and kissed him good morning. She drew away and smiled at him.
"How long have you been up?" she asked as she pulled him to sit on the bed.
"Dunno, few hours now I 'spect. I was helping your Aunt with the cooking. I figured it would be nice for you to sleep in," he explained and wrapped his arms around her. "Amy's had her breakfast. She's being very good this morning."
Roxy leaned against him with a contented sigh.
"She knows to behave. It's Christmas. I'm surprised that she's not after her unopened presents yet though," she shrugged and inhaled. "So, family meal," she sighed. "I wonder what will happen this year."
"Does something usually go wrong?" he asked in surprise. "Our family meals back home are always looked forward to. Course, Gem generally did the cooking.
He shrugged.
"I'll have to take you and Amy home sometime," he said absently.
"Well, the day is getting on so you should get yerself up and ready so she can open the rest of her presents."
He patted her backside and gave her a small push to get her moving.
Roxy sighed and nodded.
"Unfortunately a Mitchell Family meal always ends in disaster. Like, well, last Christmas my Dad got murdered," she told him with her eyes shut, "the year before that my husband found out he wasn't Amy's father and he kidnapped her. He had her for ages before we finally found them," she added then shook herself to shake the memories away. It was better not to dwell on them. "So, curse of the Mitchell's, everything ends badly," she shrugged.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Peggy smiled as she went about getting things ready. That JT was such a help! Roxy had done really well there. She knew Ronnie was happy with Ray but didn't know much about him. She shrugged. He seemed all right. She wondered how Phil would react to a police officer being at dinner. He would just have to deal with it.
He'd been drinking more than ever since he and Ben had argued and Ben had moved out and in with Ian. Nothing Phil did seemed to do any good to get him to come home. Then Ian had used his money to fulfill one of Ben's requests and sent him away to school. Phil had been devastated, especially since Ian wouldn't say where Ben was. He only offered to pass on messages or letters and repeating the same thing over and over again every time Phil came round. Stop drinking and Ben might consider coming home.
She sighed and shook her head. She wasn't going to let this spoil today. They were all going to be together and they were all going to have a good day. She nodded firmly to herself and made another cup of tea.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Molly sat up in bed and rubbed her eyes. She looked around for a moment, taking in her unfamiliar surroundings. She remembered where she was and looked around for Whitney. The door was ajar and Molly could hear voices outside. She wondered what time it was. She reached behind her for her phone and checked. It was still early. It was Christmas Day. She grinned and got out of bed. She walked out of JT's room cautiously and saw Rowan, Chris and Whitney at the table.
"Good morning," she greeted them. "And Merry Christmas," she added with a grin.
"Morning, Molly, breakfast?" Rowan offered and stood up.
"Merry Christmas, Molls, innit," Whitney said with a grin and tapped her bracelet. "It's weird how quiet it is here. And actually getting to sit and eat a whole meal without stopping to clean up spilled juice, or cereal or stopping a fight," Whitney observed. She picked up her empty plate and took it to the sink.
"Thank you so much, Rowan, that was brilliant," she said.
"You're welcome," Rowan replied as she fixed Molly a plate.
"I get to eat like this everyday," Chris bragged, earning himself a smack on the back of the head from Rowan.
"Be nice," she scolded.
Molly chuckled at them all.
"Thank you," she said as the plate was placed in front of her and she began to eat. She wanted to go to the hospital and see her Mum and Gene and Sam again today. She wanted to hold her little brother again.
Rowan finished washing the rest of the dirty dishes.
"So, what time to you want me to get you a cab for? So you can go visit Alex? " Rowan asked Molly.
"I'll go along in the cab, you can drop me at home since I'm on the way. I'm sure the kids want to show me all their presents and since B is likely to be hungover she'll want some help."
Molly looked up from her breakfast and looked over at the clock. She chewed silently as she thought.
"About an hour?" she shrugged after swallowing.
Rowan nodded.
"Now, you're taller than me, but I have some dresses that might fit you. I didn't think about you not having any spare clothes at the time. I could always walk over and get you some."
Molly shook her head with a grin.
"It's fine. I can go home and get showered and everything, then come back and we can go to see Mum," she smiled. "It's not far to go home, only a 10 minute walk. And about half that if I run," she said lightly as she finished her breakfast. She stood and placed the empty plate in the sink.
"Thank you for breakfast. It beats cereal by a long shot."
"You're not going by yourself," Rowan told her. "I don't mean to sound paranoid, but after last night, your mother would kill me if I let you go on your own."
Rowan went to her room and got dressed and brushed out her hair.
Molly sighed. She didn't want to argue. But she did want to go home and sort herself out there. She nodded and went back to her room. She dressed in what she had worn the previous day and placed the top Rowan had leant her on the wash bin. She made sure she had everything then went back to the kitchen to wait for Rowan.
Rowan came into the front room followed by Whitney.
"It's just as easy to call the cab from there as it is here," she said with a smile and led the girls out.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Jane puttered around the kitchen and groaned as she heard the heavy footsteps on the stairs pass her door. She was so hungover! At least she only had to make one dish to take to Christian's for dinner. Peter could help her make that. Ian had taken off somewhere with Bobby. Jane didn't mind, the less she saw of Ian the better as far as she was concerned.
He'd avoided her quite a bit over the past few months, especially after the divorce was final. She was glad though that she and Max had finally got over the awkwardness after that one night stand they'd had. She hated to lose him as a friend. At least herself, Max and Vanessa seemed to be the only ones who knew it had happened. A few months later, he'd slept with that Ffion and the next day, he and Jane were back to being normal mates again and he seemed to be avoiding women altogether. She sighed and shook her head. She had no place to judge. She was doing the same thing herself.
Though she did keep very busy. Between running the café and doing her gigs she always seemed to be going somewhere, but she didn't mind. She was doing it for herself and that made it all worthwhile.
/\\\/\\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\\
Roxy climbed off the bed and grabbed a dressing gown and threw it over herself. She went through to the kitchen, cradling her morning cuppa and kissed the top of Amy's head before draining the tea and placing the mug in the sink.
"Morning, Aunty Peg," she said lightly before going down the narrow corridor towards the bathroom for a shower.
JT followed her to the bathroom and wrapped her in a hug.
"Babe, I had no idea. I'm so sorry," he whispered and kissed her cheek. He decided he would do whatever he could to make today special for her.
He went back down the hall and got Amy and took her into the front room to play with some of the toys she'd got so she wouldn't fuss about her presents.
Roxy shook her head at him. It didn't matter anymore. Not after what Archie had done to Ronnie, but she wouldn't bring that up. She wouldn't blab Ronnie's secrets to anyone, not when they were on such good terms for once. And she had got Amy back off Sean so it was fine. She was fine. Roxy undressed herself and shut the bathroom door before stepping under the flow of hot water.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
Gerald sat alone in his study. Ever since Caroline had got in the car after her 'talk' with Alyssa she had been in a vile mood. She flew off the handle at the mention of their daughter's name and both Benjamin and Gerald had learnt not to bring her up in conversation. Gerald had found it interesting that Benjamin hadn't been surprised at his sister's refusal to return home. When questioned his answer had been 'She never followed the rules.'
Gerald swirled the scotch in his glass idly, gaze transfixed on the amber liquid as he thought about the events leading up to their 'reunion' with their daughter. And the consequences that followed. He admitted to himself long ago that he missed his daughter's presence around the house. His son had understood long ago that she was a daddy's girl. Caroline had doted on Benjamin.
A call from the kitchen roused Gerald from his thoughts. He scowled. Christmas dinner. A 'family' occasion. One vital member of his family was missing and her mother was now refusing to acknowledge her existence.
A dark brunette head appeared around the door to his study. Sophia. His daughter in law. Alyssa's replacement in Caroline's eyes. But she wasn't Alyssa.
"Gerald? Caroline says dinner's ready," she told him sweetly as she opened his door properly and stood in the doorway before him. Gerald nodded and heaved himself out of his armchair. He drained his scotch and left the glass on his desk as he made his way towards the dining room.
/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\
Ronnie hurriedly got ready and carefully put the necklace on. She turned to Ray and smiled.
"Ready," she said and let out a long breath. She swung into the front room and pulled on her coat and got the presents she'd bought for Aunty Peg, Billy, Phil and Jay and put them in a bag. She handed the bag to Ray and made her way downstairs.
Ray followed Ronnie out of the flat, walking behind her, ready to catch her if she fell.
Ronnie smiled at Jane who was coming out of her flat.
"Merry Christmas, Ronnie. What happened?"
"Merry Christmas, Jane," Ronnie greeted and blushed. "I stumbled on the stairs yesterday, twisted my ankle, don't you remember?"
Jane groaned and covered her face. "Sorry, I don't remember much from yesterday. I can't believe I got so pissed. Here, let me get the door," Jane said and opened the door for Ronnie.
"Thanks, Jane," Ronnie said with a smile.
"Off to family dinner?" Jane asked Ronnie.
"Yeah, how about you?"
"Going to have dinner with my brother. He and Syed are cooking, should be fun. Peter's coming along too, Ian's disappeared again. He may have gone to spend Christmas with Lucy, I don't know," she shrugged. "Well, have a good day anyway."
"You too," Ronnie said and smiled.
"Merry Christmas, Ray," Jane said as he reached the bottom of the stairs and held the door for him, too.
He nodded at Jane as he made sure that Ronnie got outside okay.
"Merry Christmas, Jane," he smiled as he passed her and helped Ronnie down the steps.
/\\\/\/\/\\/\/\\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\/\\/\/\/\\/\/\
JT fussed with his jacket and tried to stay calm as he was introduced to Phil, Billy, Jay and Phil's girlfriend Shirley. He was polite as he'd been taught, but something about Phil made him nervous. Billy and the boy, Jay, seemed all right. Shirley seemed nervous and JT noticed she kept sneaking glances at Phil out of the corner of her eye.
Peggy bustled around, handing around drinks, making sure Phil and Jay got orange juice. Jay groaned causing Billy to chuckle and Phil looked...angry. JT waved off the beer Peggy held out to him.
"I'll just have a Coke thanks all the same," he told her. Phil snorted and looked JT up and down.
Peggy nodded and took the beer back and brought JT a Coke.
"Not man enough to have a drink then?" Phil sneered.
JT turned and looked at him. "How is getting drunk enough so that you can't walk and you get sick all over yourself being a man? Can't walk, can't control your body, sounds like a baby t'me," JT remarked mildly.
Phil frowned and Shirley put a hand on his arm and moved him away.
JT looked at Roxy.
"He's gonna be a problem, ain't he?" JT whispered to her.
Roxy gamely said hello to all of her relatives and extended family. She made an effort to be nice to Phil and not say anything to aggravate him. She wanted Christmas to be nice for her family for a change. She stopped her conversation with Jay as Peggy handed her a vodka and coke and looked at JT, she stepped away from Jay and looked over at Phil for half-a-second.
"Phil's an alcoholic. He's gone downhill recently, Aunty Peg is really worried. Don't take anything he says seriously, ignore him," she advised in a low voice as she averted her eyes from her cousin, she knew Shirley knew what she was talking about though. She wasn't stupid. Roxy nodded at Shirley calmly to confirm the elder woman's thoughts and received a curt nod in reply.
JT nodded.
"That's never a good thing," he commented quietly. He slipped an arm around her shoulders and joined her conversation with Jay.
Peggy finished setting up the dining table in the front room and smiled. "Now, as soon as Ray and Ronnie get here we can sit down and have a nice family meal," she said happily.
"It looks lovely, Peggy," Billy said.
"Yeah, s'great," Jay echoed.
Peggy went to the tree and picked up some packages and handed round presents.
"Cheers, Peggy. I didn't get you nothing," Billy said, his tone slightly embarrassed.
"Oh, don't worry about it Billy. I don't want anything and I'd rather you got presents for the kids," she said and patted his cheek as she handed Jay his gift.
Jay thanked her and opened it to find a new mp3 player. His other one had been broken by Phil when Phil was off his head on booze.
"Thanks, Peggy."
"You're welcome dear, Billy told me you lost your old one. Be careful with that one then," she cautioned him.
Jay smiled and glanced at Billy who looked down.
"I will, promise."
