Christmas Day
Olivia stepped back into the bedroom after a quick shower, and found Ed laying on his side just staring at her. He had woken her before the sun came up with kisses all over her body, which had quickly turned into a quick, but passionate Christmas morning romp. She finally pried herself out of his grip to shower so she didn't smell like sex while opening presents.
"I thought you were going to get the coffee going?" She asked as she threw on some dark leggings and a light blue snowflake sweater. He just kept watching every move she made. It was still strange to her, at times, when she realized just how enamored Ed was with her. She knew he loved her, but sometimes the intensity of it was overwhelming.
"I did," he said simply. "It's brewing. But I wanted to come back with you."
"No signs of Noah stirring?"
"He's curled up in Charlie's bed, sound asleep. Though I anticipate that will change soon." Ed replied as he finally stood up, wearing just his boxers, and sauntered over to Olivia. He pulled her close to him and touched his nose to hers. "Merry Christmas, baby."
"Merry Christmas, my love." She replied and kissed him softly as they swayed a bit in the darkened bedroom. "It's our first Christmas all together."
"It is," he responded in a gravelly tone, but kept a tight grip on Olivia. "I just want to relish in this day."
She met his eyes and could see the emotion he was trying to hide. They had dealt with a horrible year, but the year had also given them some amazing gifts. Today was a day in which they could be grateful for all the good they experienced. She leaned up and gave him a deeper kiss as they continued to hold tight to each other. He gently explored her mouth with his tongue and would occasionally nip at her bottom lip. Eventually she pulled back, needing some air, but kept eye contact with him.
"Get your holiday pants on, babe. Let's get some coffee before Noah realizes Santa visited," she said and made her way to the door. She heard Ed give a heart chuckle behind her.
"I can't wait."
Two hours later found the family of four sitting around the tree, surrounded by strips of torn up wrapping paper, and nibbling on a breakfast casserole Ed had thrown together. Olivia wanted to do Santa presents first, then they could exchange the rest later after the craziness had worn off a bit. As expected, Noah had been completely wired once he saw his brand new scooter. Olivia had opted to set it up, unwrapped, by the tree. Charlie insisted on adding a bow, but it was the first thing the little tot saw when he finally entered the living room clad in his reindeer footie pajamas.
"I ride scooter now?" He asked from Charlie's lap. They were busy working on a Cars puzzle he received, after he reluctantly got off his scooter to open more presents.
"Not yet, baby." Olivia said softly from the sofa. "Maybe this afternoon if the weather allows."
It had been a nice morning so far. Noah was over enthusiastic about each gift Santa had brought him, and he even got excited when he saw there was a present for his mom, Ed, and Charlie from Santa.
"What Santa bring you, Tar-lie?" Noah asked excitedly as he watched her unwrap her present. Inside was a custom Yankees jersey with C. Tucker on the back, to match the one Ed opened earlier with E. Tucker.
"Wow, I love it!" She exclaimed happily and turned it around for Noah to see.
"You match Daddy now!"
Olivia was already checking her calendar to see when she could schedule her full-on spa day that Santa had gifted her. She had teased Ed that since he wasn't working anymore, child care wasn't an issue. He just grinned, knowing she deserved a day of pampering, while he took Noah around to cause some trouble.
"Does anyone want a coffee refill?" Charlie asked as she deposited Noah into Ed's lap and stood to stretch her legs.
"We may need another pot," Ed murmured as he helped Noah select the next puzzle piece.
"I'm on it," she replied and headed towards the kitchen. Olivia watched her go in, then turned her attention to the boys.
"It is almost noon," she acknowledged. "Should we start on the other gifts, so we can freshen up before Rollins and Finn arrive?"
They weren't looking to have a big, noisy holiday, but Olivia was well aware that Finn and Amanda didn't have other family nearby, so she figured they could do a pot-luck dinner at her apartment. Noah and Jessie would enjoy playing together, and the adults could just relax. She was also hoping that Charlie would continue to connect with Amanda, as she needed some strong female role models in her life these days.
"Sounds good, babe," Tucker said from the floor, and began to encourage Noah to clean up a bit so they could open more presents. Charlie came in after putting the fresh pot of coffee on and sat on the couch by Olivia. Ed reached under the tree and produced the first package. He had to put his reading glasses on to read the tag.
"Hurry up, old man," Charlie teased which earned her a fake glare from Ed. Noah just giggled, as if he really understood what was happening.
"To Noah, from Charlie," he said finally and handed the tot his present. Noah immediately tore into it and was slack jawed at what he saw. Inside was an authentic and fully stocked Peter Pan costume that was custom made for Noah. Charlie had searched everywhere for something like it and only came across cheap looking outfits. Finally, through a connection at work, she found someone who could make one for her. It included real shoes, so he could wear it outside if he wanted and some accessories in case he needed to lead the Lost Boys.
"I BE PAN?!" he shrieked as he began to pull the outfit out of the box. Olivia had a look of shock, as well, as she turned to look at Charlie with a questioning glance.
"Where did you find that?" she asked, knowing she also had looked everywhere.
"Let's just say I have friends in high places," she responded with a smirk. "Totally worth the effort to see that look on his face."
They continued to open presents from each other, which included a framed photo of the four of them for Olivia's desk along with a gorgeous cashmere sweater, hockey tickets for Ed, a t-ball set for Noah, pearl earrings for Charlie, and much more. They were down to just two boxes under the tree, which Ed had purposely saved for last.
"These are the last two," he said softly as he handed Olivia and Charlie each a box. "I don't want to get overly emotional about it, but I wanted you two to have something special this Christmas. It's been a rough year for all of us, but the fact that we are together means everything to me. And we are together because of how strong the two of you are. Both of you have been through hell and have come out on the other side even more incredible than you were before. So Noah and I got you these to remind you of that strength. You two are the most incredible women in the world. And we love you so much."
As he finished up, Olivia was already teary but Charlie just sat there holding the unopened box in shaking hands. Liv looked over to her and quickly kissed the side of her head.
"Let's open at the same time?" She suggested and Charlie just nodded. As they slowly open the gift, they box let out a gasp about the same time. Inside each purple jewelry box was a gold necklace with the word "Fearlessness" written in script. Charlie softly fingered the words as Olivia looked up at Ed with tears in her eyes.
"You're my fearless girls," he said simply. "And I never want you to forget it."
Later that evening, Noah was entertaining the small crowd in his new Peter Pan costume. He continually demanded that people "walk the plank", but would then change his mind and say "No, you not walk plank. You good." Ed was happily holding a sleeping Jessie against his chest while he and Finn talked sports, and Olivia kept stealing glances at the sight of her fiance cradling a baby. Charlie and Amanda seemed to be deep in conversation about the latest episode of some show, while sipping on egg nog. For the most part, the day had been perfect. Noah had put up a small fuss when he was told he needed to take a nap, but once Charlie agreed to join him, he went right in and fell asleep. Once the guests had arrived, however, Olivia noticed Charlie's mood shift. That morning she was her usual happy and sarcastic self, but as the evening progressed she seemed more somber. Even her talk with Amanda didn't seem as animated as it usually was.
"Do you guys need a refill?" She asked as she came over to the dining room table to join them.
"No, I'm okay. Thanks Liv." Charlie replied giving her a soft smile.
"Yeah, I need to get going with Jessie before she ruins Ed's sweater with her drool." Amanda stated and went to put her glass in the sink.
"He looks pretty content, though," Charlie observed as she watched her father cradle the sleeping girl.
"Yeah, babies look good on him. Shockingly." Amanda said as Olivia and Charlie laughed a bit, understanding the change in perception of Ed Tucker.
"He's just a big ole softy, now. Thanks to Olivia." Charlie said with a little smile and nudged Liv's shoulder. Amanda gathered her stuff and went to grab Jessie from Ed, who just stood up.
"I'll help you get into a cab," he offered as Finn also grabbed his jacket.
"Yeah, I will too….then I might bum a ride in that cab." Finn said slyly as he went to kiss Olivia's cheek and give Charlie a quick hug.
"Merry Christmas, everyone." He said as he grabbed a bag from Amanda and they made their way out the door. Once it shut behind them, a disappointed Noah came over to climb into Olivia's lap.
"Chriss-mas over?" He asked sadly, not wanting the festivities to end.
"Well, this day is almost over. But tomorrow all of your presents will still be here for you to play with. And maybe we'll go to the park and ride your scooter if the snow holds off." Olivia offered, hoping to cheer him up a bit. It worked.
"Otay!" he said and leapt off her lap to continue his imaginative Peter Pan story in the living room. Olivia turned her attention to Charlie, who seemed to be staring at her phone with a far-off look.
"Charlie, you okay?" She asked softly, and went to touch the girl's arm. Charlie startled a bit and looked up at her, and Olivia could see the moisture in her eyes.
"Yeah, I'm fine. I just need a minute," she said quickly, with a trembling lip, and scurried off to the bathroom. Olivia watched her go, debating whether to follow or give her space. She opted for the later, hoping it wasn't anything big. Noah quickly distracted her by demanding she play Wendy until Ed got back from downstairs. Life was never dull with a three year old, but she hoped her fiancé returned soon so she could check on Charlie.
Ed had returned and after speaking with Olivia, he eventually found Charlie back in the master bedroom, sitting on the edge of the bed with tears streaming down her cheeks.
"Charlie, what's wrong?" He asked, alarmed, as he came to sit next to her. She just shrugged and wiped her tears with the sleeve of her sweater. She had changed into lounge attire, so was clad in leggings, a tank top, and an oversized cardigan. As Ed went to put a hand on her back, another sob escaped her and her whole body shook a bit. "Oh, baby girl…."
Charlie shrugged him off when he went to pull her into a hug. Trying not to show his hurt, Ed just continued to keep his distance but offer some support.
"Was today too much for you?" He asked, feeling like that was the only explanation for why she was this upset after such a nice holiday. Charlie just shook her head and tried to take some deep breaths.
"No, today was amazing," she said softly, but the sadness was still evident. "I'm just being stupid."
"Charlie, anything that upsets you this much isn't stupid," Ed said, hoping to get her to talk to him. But he came up empty.
"I don't want to talk about it," she said softly, but looked up at him with a teary smile. "I just need a minute to pull myself together."
Ed kissed her forehead and stood up, honoring her request.
"Yell if you change your mind." he said as he walked back out into the living room, leaving the door open a crack. Olivia was waiting for him on the couch with Noah, as they watched his coveted Peter Pan before he went to sleep.
"She okay?" She asked softly, as to not alert Noah to a potentially sad Charlie.
"No," Ed said and sat down next to her with a defeated look. "She's not okay, but she doesn't want to talk to me about it."
"Any idea as to what it is?"
"I have no idea. She seemed genuinely happy most of the day. Never gave a sign that she was uncomfortable or overwhelmed. But maybe it was too much?"
"It's possible," Olivia said as she thought about it. "She may not be used to having a happy family Christmas. Though, I'm not too sure any of us are. This was a first for all of us."
"True…"
"I'm going to go see if she'll talk to me," Liv said, standing up and running her fingers through Noah's hair. He didn't budge, so she made her way back to her bedroom. As she slipped in, closing the door behind her, she saw Charlie in full-on tears with her head down. Olivia quickly made her way over to her, sat down, and pulled her in for a hug.
"Baby, what's wrong?" She asked softly as she held the girl's head to her, tucked under her chin. Charlie just continued to sob, but she gripped Olivia's arm, so she figured it was okay to keep talking to her. "I know today may have been overwhelming, but it's okay. It's okay to be confused about it all."
"That isn't it…" Charlie finally said as she sat up and grabbed a tissue to try and clean up her face. "That isn't it at all."
"So what is it?" Olivia asked, confused as to what was going through her head. Charlie just sat there for a little bit, before taking a deep breath and talking.
"My mom…." she started, and had to hold in another sob. "I sent her a Merry Christmas text. She didn't text me back."
Olivia's face fell as the girl dissolved into tears again. How could that woman not acknowledge her own daughter? It was infuriating. Olivia had half a mind to call her and let her know exactly what she felt about it, but thought that would hurt more than help. So instead, she just pulled Charlie to her again and rocked her gently back and forth as she cried.
"It's like, I always knew that she didn't care. But there was a piece of me that just hoped I was wrong. That maybe, one day, she'd realize she actually did love me. But she won't. My own mother doesn't care about me enough to send a simple text message on Christmas."
"Oh sweetheart," Olivia whispered, trying to hold in her own tears.
"I should've known better than to reach out today. It was stupid. I got my hopes up. But I just thought we were having such a nice day here. And I wanted to tell her Merry Christmas. But she just ignored me, as usual."
Olivia continued to hang on to Charlie, hoping to convey her own love and affection for her in an attempt to help. But she knew there was nothing worse than feeling like your own mother hated you.
"Your mom is making a huge mistake, Charlie." Olivia began, with a quick prayer that her words would be helpful and not make it worse. "When she let you walk out of her life, that is the biggest mistake she ever made. And maybe she doesn't realize it now, but one day she will. She will know what she missed. I know that doesn't take away the pain now, sweetheart. But I just want you to know how much your dad and I love you. And how grateful we are that you are here, with us, on this day and every other day."
Charlie finally looked up at Olivia, with the tears still streaming. Olivia reached out to hold her cheeks in her hands as she spoke to her.
"Charlie, we will always be here for you. And we will always love you. And I will never stop being grateful for the opportunity to be a mother to you and to Noah."
Charlie moved her hands to hold onto Olivia's arms and gave her a soft smile.
"I'll never stop being grateful for you either, Olivia. This whole thing with my mom today just made me realize how lucky I am to have you in my life. I love you." Olivia smiled warmly as Charlie spoke to her. She stood, pulling Charlie up with her, and gave her another big hug.
"I love you too, Charlie."
Up Next: The final chapter of this adventure.
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