In Shining Lights, Holding you Tight

For entertainment only! Happy holidays!

Chapter 10

As they gathered around the Christmas tree in the beautifully decorated living room, with all the gorgeous lights, the presents everywhere, a fire going in the fireplace and the people that Betty cared about the most all together, she smiled, watching them interact with each other; even Luca was laughing and enjoying the time with her family. That made her really happy to see. Her eyes drifted to Daniel, who was distributing his presents to everyone. Seeing him interact with her family always made her smile. Somehow they always seemed to get along. She smiled as he said something to make them all laugh.

Suddenly, he was in front of her, snapping her out of her daze. "Betty!"

She looked at him "what?"

He looked at her with a smirk "What are you staring into space for? Come on!" he took her hand and led her to the tree and picked up a present "Here, I have your present" he held out a gift box, that was silver and purple with glitter snowflakes all over and a really gorgeous silver bow. She smiled and looked at him "thanks, but Daniel, you didn't have to get me any presents. Everything you've done is the most amazing present I could ever get."

He shrugged "I know Betty, but I wanted to get you a present; actually... I made it. It's really not that much."

She looked at him "Uh...I can open it?"

He nodded "Yah, unless you want to open it later"

She bit her lip "Mm...I'll open it before we go to the reunion, how about that?"

He nodded with a smile "Sure!"

She placed the present back over by the tree. She laughed as her sister and nephew practically shoved the presents they got for her in her arms. Her father laughed, but also placed his present in her hands and kissed her cheek, causing her to laugh "Thanks Papi!"

"Merry Christmas, mija!"

"Merry Christmas! I have all of your presents, too!" she placed her presents down and rushed over to the cart with all of the presents she got, "Nu-uh Betty, you have to open your presents first!" Hilda stated. Betty pouted, but said "How about we take turns?"

Hilda rolled her eyes "Fine" while everyone else was eager to see what the presents Betty got were, especially since some of them were rather large.

"AB, you have to open my gift, first!" Justin said. She nodded with a smile and sat down between Luca and Daniel, finding it amusing how she seemed to always end up sitting between them. They both looked to her with smiles on their faces, giving her butterflies at the look in their eyes. She bit her lip, trying to ignore their gazes as she picked up Justin's present.

As she held his present, it felt like some sort of book. She carefully tore open the wrapping paper and noticed it was a photo album. "Aw Justin! This is great!" she said as she started flipping through it to see pictures of them when he came to visit her over the summer. He smiled "You like it?"

She nodded, her eyes misty "I love it! It's perfect!" as soon as she finished looking through all the pictures she got up and hugged him "Thank you, Justin! I love it so much!"

"I love you, AB"

She hugged him more and said "I love you" as soon as she let go of him she got his present, his eyes grew wide seeing how big his present was "What is this?"

She smiled brightly "Just open it!"

He laughed and started to tear open the wrapping paper, his eyes instantly getting bright despite not even opening it all the way "O.M.G! No way!" he finished tearing the paper completely "It's an original Phantom of the Opera poster!" he stated in excitement, seeing that it was also in this gorgeous black frame.

She nodded with a bright smile "Uh-huh and it's signed by the original cast and the playwright!"

His eyes were bright "Oh my gosh, AB! This is amazing! Thank you so much!" he placed it down and hugged her tightly "That is so cool!"

"I'm so glad you like it so much! I thought it was pretty cool, too"

He nodded in agreement "You're the best!" he placed a kiss to her cheek. She smiled, feeling her heart lift being with her family. She had missed them all so much!

As she sat and started to open Hilda's gift, she smiled, "Aw! Hilda!" her eyes getting teary as she opened the box to see a picture of her and her mami when she was little playing with makeup.

Her eyes grew bright when she realized that there was also a beautiful white case that read Hermosa by Hilda Talercio. She opened the case to see beautiful shimmery light makeup and an intricate makeup brush "Oh my gosh, Hilda! You designed makeup?"

Hilda nodded with a bright smile "uh-huh!"

"Ahhhh! That's amazing!" she shrieked excitedly, causing her sister to squeal in happiness. Betty got up and threw her arms around her sister in a big hug, everyone else laughing at their screaming in delight!

Luca laughed "Now, this is the Suarez family that I was informed of!" he stated causing Daniel and Mr. Suarez to chuckle and nod in agreement.

"Oh my God, Hilda! This is awesome!"

"Eeh! I'm so excited too! You get the first one, of course!"

Betty smiled "Wow! I'm so happy for you!"

Hilda smiled "What do you think?"

Betty nodded with a smile "Are you kidding? It's beautiful! You have to do my makeup for tonight"

"Heck yes! Thanks Betty! I love you! Thanks for always believing in me!"

Betty nodded with a smile "Of course, Hilda! I love you" she hugged her again, and then placed her gift in her hand. "Now, here, open your gift"

Hilda smiled brightly as she looked at it. She opened the box, "Aw, It's beautiful, Betty!" she said as she saw the gold bracelet with an infinity symbol that had sisters engraved on one of the loops and two charms hanging with each of their initials on it from the other. "I love it! Thanks!" she placed it on and showed it to Bobby who picked up her hand and placed a kiss. "Cute"

"Alright, my turn now" Claire said as she got up and picked up Betty's present over by the tree. Betty smiled when she held it out to her "Aw, thank you, Mrs. Meade!"

She opened it and saw that it was a pretty white journal with a jeweled butterfly in the center; a book mark was in the book that had a little pearl and butterfly charm hanging down. She opened it to the book marked page and there was a hand written note in a beautiful script.

Wherever you are,

Whomever you meet,

Whatever amazing things you write,

You touch everything with your beautiful heart.

Love, Claire

Tears filled her eyes "Aw, thank you so much Mrs. Meade!" she hugged her warmly, always feeling like Claire was someone she could count on. She had become very special to her over the years, just as Daniel was.

"I love you, dear. I missed you"

Betty nodded "I missed you. Thank you"

Betty gave her present and as Mrs. Meade opened it and saw that it was some beautiful perfume, she laughed and said "This perfume wouldn't happen to be poisoned would it?" she teased.

Betty laughed but shook her head, "Definitely not!"

Everyone else laughed. Claire opened the cap and smelled it "It smells divine! Thank you, sweetheart; its lovely!"

Betty proceeded to exchange gifts with Bobby, Elena and her father, happy that they all liked their gifts.

She looked at Daniel and handed him his present, feeling butterflies from the way that he seemed to watch her. His eyes always took her breath away. He grinned, wondering what she got him, especially since it was a rather big box. As he took the present, their hands touched, resulting in static. He tried to hide his smile, knowing that was a normal thing that could happen to anyone, not just because he touched the love of his life.

As Daniel was opening his present, Betty felt a little skip in her heart at seeing him. Getting that static shock from him didn't help with her attraction toward the man. He was just so handsome.

Daniel chuckled when he opened the box to see there was a basketball in a glass case "What?"

She smiled "It's signed by Michael Jordan"

His eyes grew bright as he took it out and saw that it was, indeed, signed by Michael Jordan. "Wow, that's awesome, Betty!"

She smiled brighter. "I know how much you like basketball" she said with a smirk, both of them knowing what that meant. He grinned "Cool! Maybe me and Justin can shoot some hoops, later, huh kid?" he looked to him with a smile.

Justin grinned, but shook his head "I'm not good, but maybe Bobby would like to"

Bobby nodded, "Yah I got for a game or two"

"Great!" He got up, placing the case on the floor and hugged her "Thanks Betty! I love y-it!" he was so close to blurting out that he loved her. Of course, he's said it to her, but not in front of all her family and her new boyfriend.

"Alright, Luca, uh..." she started to pick up his present which was some sort of case with ribbons wrapped around.

"Betty, sweetheart, what on earth is this?!" He stated in shock as he helped her pick it up, knowing that whatever she got was going to be amazing; her gifts were rather thoughtful, it seemed.

She smiled, her eyes shining.

He shook his head "You are too much, missy! Whatever you got, I know it must be."

She smiled brightly "Just open it!"

As he untied the ribbons and opened the case, his eyes grew bright seeing that it was a pristine vintage alto saxophone. "Betty, luv, where did find this? It must have cost you a fortune!" he stated rather annoyed at her, but also extremely grateful.

She shook her head, smiling "no, actually, believe it or not, I got everyone's presents from this little shop that had all kinds of vintage and special things. My friend from work told me about it. And well, the owners were so kind. I told them about all of you and I guess they decided to give me everything for much less than what they actually cost"

"Of course they did, AB, you are so good with people."

She shrugged "No, all I did was-"

"Shut up, Betty! You can never take a compliment. You always make people fall in love with you" Daniel exclaimed causing Betty's heart to skip and a surprised smile to cross her face.

Luca nodded in agreement "Indeed, you are very charming, Betty!"

She blushed, her eyes shining.

"This is beautiful, Betty. Thank you" he said, smiling at her. She smiled "I remember how you said you and your dad would play when you were younger, but you had to sell your saxophone."

He smiled and hugged her "Thank you, darling. This is quite...wonderful." he placed a kiss to her cheek.

"Can you play something, Luca?" Hilda asked, wondering how he played.

He nodded with a smile as he picked it up "Sure I'd love to. It's been a while."

Justin smiled brightly "Daniel! Don't you play guitar?"

Daniel looked surprised, "Uh...yah, a long time ago. I'm not that good."

Claire shook her head "I remember quite the opposite dear. You are quite good. I think you have a guitar up in your old room."

Luca grinned "Go on then, mate, and let's play!" he said. Betty smiled as she looked at Daniel "Come on, Daniel. It'd be so amazing!"

He looked to her, and seeing those beautiful eyes and her lovely pretty smile, how could he possibly say no. He nodded as he got up "Alright, uh...I'll be right back!"

When Daniel got back, holding his old guitar, everyone was eager to hear him and Luca play. "What should we play?" he asked.

"Why don't you play a Christmas song" Betty suggested. Luca and Daniel nodded.

"Oh I know a great one, perhaps you can help with the singing Mr. Suarez? Daniel join in when you like." Luca stated. He started to play the music, everyone smiling and dancing in excitement. As soon as Daniel recognized the tune he also started to play his guitar. "Dn, dun-nh... Dn, dun-nh, Dn, dun-nh...dn, nn, nn, nn..."

"Heyy!" Hilda took Bobby's hand and pulled him and started to dance with him. He spun her around and took her hands in his swaying around with her, playfully.

"Feliz Navidad, feliz navidad..." Elena and Mr. Suarez began to sing the familiar song, "...Prospero año y felicidad" As Mr. Suarez sang, Betty and Justin hugged him tightly.

Luca and Daniel were playing so well together. Daniel watched everyone as they danced and sang together happily. This is exactly what he wanted for Betty's Christmas. He smiled as he continued playing, happy to play with Luca. He was insanely good.

"Feliz navidaaad" Bobby and Hilda were clapping as they sang together.

Luca laughed as Betty came over to him and hugged him; he patted her hand as it was on his shoulder. Daniel grinned when Betty hugged him. She was so beautiful. He loved seeing her luminescent smile; his heart raced as she was near him, and sang beside him "I wanna wish you a merry Christmas" she sang as her arm was wrapped around his shoulder.

"I wanna wish you a Merryyy Christmas- from the bottom-of myyy hea-aart" Betty, Justin and Claire sang. Ignacio wrapped his arm around Betty, and sang in a lovely voice "Celebremos juntos la vida... y que vive la a-alegría...feliz navidad!" Betty hugged her father and started to dance with him as Luca and Daniel continued to play the melodious music.

They were all having so much fun dancing and singing together and were caught by surprise when Luca stood up as he played his saxophone really putting his heart into it. Everyone cheered as he did a solo

"Yay Luca!" he played a little louder and faster "Dn, dun-nh... Dn, dun-nh, Dn, dun-nh...dn, nn, nn, nn..." He stopped and nodded to Daniel "Daniel, take it home, mate!"

Daniel continued, everyone clapping as he was playing, including Luca. Daniel laughed as he patted him on the back. "Feliz navidad, feliz navidad"

"I wanna wish you a merry Christmas" Daniel sang as Betty stood beside him, cheering him on, She hugged him again, he felt a warmth flood him as she sang along with him. "I wanna wish you a merry Christmas from the bottom. Of. My . heart!"

Hilda and Elena began clapping again to the rhythm. "Feliz Navidad, feliz navidad..." everyone sang "Feliz navidad, próspero año y felicidaaad!" Daniel strung his guitar in finality.

Everyone clapped excitedly "Ah, you guys were amazing!" Justin said in happiness. Betty hugged Daniel and Luca "Oh my goodness, you both were wonderful. Thank you so much for playing!"

"Anythin for you, sweetheart!" Luca hugged her, placing a kiss to her cheek, causing her to blush. She glanced to Daniel to see him smiling as he watched her. She felt butterflies at the look in his eyes. She wished she could just hug him forever. She took his hand in hers "Thank you"

He nodded "It was great! Nice job, Luca!" He held his hand up to high five him, when Luca grinned and smacked his hand playfully "Likewise. That was great fun!"

Everyone was starting to leave, after Daniel said they should all have some cookies and hot chocolate.

"Betty, darling..."

"Yes?"

"Can I give you my gift now?" Luca said as he took her hand in his.

"Oh, yes! I guess we all got distracted." She said with a smile. He looked in her eyes, unable to keep a smile away. She was simply charming. He got down on his knee in front of her, still holding onto her hand, causing Hilda and Justin to gasp, and everyone else to look on in surprise; Betty's eyes were bright in surprise as she looked at him, her heart racing, feeling speechless.

Betty realized he was simply reaching for his present by the tree, but didn't let go of her hand. He got up, noticing this stunned look in her eyes "What?"

She bit her lip, shaking her head, feeling butterflies "Nothing" she whispered, not sure what to feel now.

He looked at her strangely, but held out his present to her which was a small silver box with little blue snowflakes all over and a blue bow on top. She took in her hand trying not to have her hands shake, still coming back from that initial shock at the thought that he might be proposing to her. Now, she was feeling a little silly for having thought that.

As she opened the little box, her eyes lit up seeing the lovely little silver bracelet with a sparkly snowflake charm hanging down. "Aw, it's pretty"

He smiled and took it out of the box and held her hand again "You know, no two snowflakes are alike, each one is special and unique, like you are, Betty. I've never met anyone like you. You are like my very own snowflake, beautiful, magical, and special." He clipped the bracelet and placed a kiss to her hand.

Her eyes were glossy, hearing him say that. "Aww, thank you, Luca! That is so beautiful!" she hugged him "I love it!" He hugged her closer, enjoying her warmth. Betty felt slight butterflies at Luca's sentiment; it was beautiful. She was also rather relieved that he didn't propose to her. Her heart was racing just thinking about it.

She bit her lip, as she looked at him as he pulled away. "You are charming."

"Thanks. Let's go have some hot chocolate" she said feeling butterflies, from everything.