It was now Christmas Eve, during the evening. The party was about to start. Justin invited many people to come over for this special party. Of course, there was no guarantee that they would all show up.
Of course, the first guest arrived. He took a wild guess of who it was.
"Hi, Tiffany." he said. Yep, she was always first.
"Hi, babe." she said, being extremely nice. I mean, yeah. They're committed now. Of course she would be nice to him.
She came in and was impressed with how clean the house was. She sat down on the couch, enjoying the electric fireplace.
Then, Audrey and Nikki showed up. However, Nikki didn't look like she wanted to be there.
"Hi, Nikki. Hi... bitch." he said, acknowledging Audrey. He was still pretty salty that she didn't give him a birthday present.
"Oh fuck off! I only came here because there might be free drinks." she said.
"Audrey, if you don't have a present for anyone, you can leave." he said.
"I have a present, fucker! Just because I didn't get you one for your birthday doesn't mean I skipped Christmas."
"Where is it?" he asked, noticing that she didn't have a box in her hands.
"It's in my purse. I'll give it to you when I can. God, can you be any more lame?"
He dropped the conversation and let them in. He knew that she forced Nikki to come along. The look on her face just gave off that vibe.
Then, Jessie showed up. Ah yes, the woman who had the idea for this party. But, she wasn't alone. Another person was with her and it was surprising.
"AIKO?" he screamed. He could've sworn that their friendship was completely done with.
"Woah, calm down, buddy." she said, sounding like she was in a good mood.
"But I-I... and you... We..." he said, trying to get the words out.
"Don't worry about it. We can talk later. Right now, me and Misty would like to come in and get buzzed. It's freezing out here."
He let them in. But, this was kind of unexpected. Man, he invited Connor. Hopefully, he wouldn't show up.
Aiko and Jessie went to the kitchen. Of course, she delivered and brought some alcohol. You could only guess what Audrey did when she saw it.
Then, Vinnie showed up. This was very pleasing.
"Hi, Justin." the ginger catman greeted.
"Hello, Vin. Good to see you." he said back. He noticed he had a present in his hands. But, it said 'For: Momo'. That was kind of sweet of him to get her a Christmas present.
He came in and sat his present under the tree. Then, you guessed it, more guests arrived.
"Hi, Sweet Cheeks." the English girl said. However, she was accompanied by her gothic cousin, Lilian Aurawell.
"Hi, Ashley. Hi... Lilian." he greeted, getting an uncomfortable feeling from her.
"Yeah, whatever. Can we come in? It's fucking freezing out here." she exclaimed. They came in. He wondered why Lilian was in town for Christmas.
He asked Ashley.
"Why's she here?" he said.
"Oh, right. My aunt wanted a peaceful Christmas this year. So, she put her on a bus and that's how she came."
Dang, Mrs. Aurawell really doesn't want her around, does she?
"Well, just keep an eye on her. There's no telling what she'd do."
Ashley nodded. Then, another knock was on the door. He answered it.
"Hi, bro." the dark-skinned man wearing green greeted.
"Earl?" he said. He was very surprised that he showed up.
"Yeah, I made it. Biggie's on his way." he said, referring to his brother.
"He's right behind you." he said, assuming he meant on his way to the house.
"Yeah, he's on his way up the driveway. He brought some refreshments."
"Alcohol?" he asked.
Biggie made it to the door. In his hands was a large pack of soda.
"Nah, man. Sprik Cranberry." he said. Of course, how could anyone forget? It was the thirstiest time of the year, even though the commercial was a lie and it was actually Summer.
"Well, come on in." he said.
They came in. Of course, Ashley recognized Biggie on sight.
"Yo, Biggie? Is that you?" she asked.
"Ashley? Oh my GIRRRL! Whatcha doing here?"
"I could say the same for you, big boy."
Justin forgot that much like him, Ashley slept with him every week. How embarrassing...
"Well, I'm just glad you're here." she said. Heh, maybe it wasn't such a big deal.
Earl went to the kitchen to see what Jessie, Audrey, and Aiko were up to. Of course, he had a blunt in his mouth. There was a good chance Audrey would smell it and get some sticky icky from him.
Another knock at the door. Who could it be?
"Hi, JD." the two Hispanic cousins greeted.
"Kyanna? Nora? I'm in shock. What are you doing here?" he asked. He didn't expect them to show up. Well, at least not Nora. He also didn't expect Kyanna to bring her 3 year old son with her.
"I took some time off to come visit my cousin. But, I didn't know we were having a Christmas party at your house." Nora said.
Wait, so is it just Brooke and Sarah at Love Lei hotel? Ooh... That would be bad for business.
"Well, I'm glad you came. Come inside and get comfortable. Most of the guests are already here. Oh, and Kyanna? Please keep an eye on your kid."
"Of course, Justin. I'm not one of those careless mothers that let their child loose in someone's house." she stated. Good, so little Philip won't be running around and finding dirty magazines.
They then came in. Yep, they had presents also and set them under the tree. One was for Kyanna, and the other was for Philip.
Looks like most of the guests were here. But, not really. The man of the hour was here.
"Hi, Man." Connor greeted.
"Connor? What are you doing here?" he said. The blonde pizza boy was suddenly confused.
"You invited me, Bro. What's your deal?"
He stepped outside to talk to him.
"Listen, Connor. I know I invited you but you shouldn't be here right now. Aiko's in there. I don't want any fallouts to happen."
"Why'd you invite her then?" he asked.
"I didn't invite her. Jessie did. Look, as much as I'd like you here, I don't want to risk drama happening. I think it's best that you leave."
"Man, for real? Dang. I was looking forward to this party."
"I know, I know. But, I think me and you need to distance for a while. You got her pregnant and almost caused her to kill herself. You need to learn how to use a condom and control yourself. You're one of my best friends and I just want what's best for you."
"You know what? I understand. I'm sorry about what happened. Maybe, you're right. I've gotta stop getting so many girls pregnant. I'm a father now and am only 19 years old. I probably have two kids out there with different mothers. But, their father left them like a coward. I think... I think I need to self-improve."
"Yes, you do. But, once I get the right mindset to talk to you, I'll call you. Thank you for understanding."
"No problem." he said, walking away. This was a bit sad. But, it had to be done.
"Hey." he said before he hopped into his blue pizza delivery car. "Merry Christmas." he finished.
Justin smiled. "Merry Christmas to you too, Connor."
He drove off. This was pretty bittersweet but it had to be done. He went inside, feeling accomplished.
"Who was that, Justin?" Tiffany asked.
"Just a good guy that will become a great man one day."
Were all of the guests here? Nope, there was one more guy. It was the crazy chemist, Mr. Goggles.
"Hi, Justin." the green-skinned man greeted. Yep, this was the type of guy that would scare everyone off just by saying a word, or existing.
"Oh... hey, Goggles." he greeted.
"Can I come in?" he asked with his creepy voice. He almost sounded like a frog, if frogs knew English. Or a heavy smoker or something.
"Uh... Yeah just don't scare anyone, okay?" he said, telling him the ground rules.
He came in and sat his present down. That was everyone, right? Was it finally time to do the big gift opening?
"Attention, everyone." Justin said while tapping on a glass.
"I just wanted to say thank you to everyone for showing up. It's Christmas Eve so it's a special day for everyone. I know this year has been pretty crazy, especially with all of the drama and setbacks we've had."
Everyone paused. Was he going to get emotional?
"But, enough about that. I just want to give my special thanks. I'd like to thank Ashley Rosemarry for being here. Ash, I love you girl and I hope you find someone to love you back one day, regardless of commitment or not."
She smiled. "I love you too, Sweet Che- I mean Justin."
"I'd also like to thank Vinnie for being a great friend and babysitter to my roommate. Vin, you're such a great and loyal friend. I'm glad Momo approves of you. You'd make a great father one day."
"You're welcome, buddy." he said.
"Yeah. I'd also like to thank Earl and his brother, Biggie, for being here as well. Even though I make the joke about them being my black friends, there's no racism involved. You two are so cool. I hope you become famous, Biggie."
"Yeah, you right. You ain't wrong. We are black and it doesn't bother us." Earl said. Yeah, he was probably a bit high on weed.
"Thank you, JD. I hope to become famous for something, whether it'd be rapping or competitive eating." Biggie said.
"Ha, yeah. That'll be something. But, I would also like to thank Beli for being here out of the blue. Though, I should really thank Lailani for it. Um... Never mind."
"Get on with it!" Audrey yelled, getting impatient.
"Okay, okay. But, my most special thanks would have to be for my long-term partner and best friend, Tiffany Maye." he said, pointing at her. She smiled, slightly tearing up.
"Tiffany, I love you so much and I hope we get married. And Jessie? I hope you become my new step-mom."
This was so heartwarming. Then, he bowed his head in prayer, despite being an atheist. It was time to pray to the love goddess and fairy that helped him out.
"Dear, Venus. Thank you for giving me this blessed life. I have so many wonderful people to be with. You are the perfect Goddess and I'm so thankful you sent Kyu to help me become the man I am today almost 3 years ago. Venus, I thank you for helping me lose my virginity and getting to know such wonderful people. May you and Kyu have a wonderful holiday season and eternal life in Sky Garden. Amen."
He got some odd looks from them, but with the enthusiasm he had, who would be mad at him? It was still heartfelt.
Then, they did the big gift opening. He grabbed the first present.
"Let's see... This is for Audrey from Lilian?"
"Give me!" she screamed. Oh lord, what could she have gotten for her? Well, she opened it.
"Oh my GOD! Are you serious?" she asked, holding up a pair of Lil's used panties.
"Yeah, I thought I'd show my love for you." she said. Oh fuck, this again? Were they gonna get into another sexual tussle?
Audrey sat there for a second. She thought: you know what? Fuck it. She was under the mistletoe. She walked up to Lilian gave her a smooch on the lips.
"Oh lord!" Justin screamed. No, he wasn't homophobic. It was just so unexpected to see two girls make out at a Christmas party. That's the power of the mistletoe, I guess.
"Alright, next present." he said, trying not to look at them making out. "This is from Vin for Momo."
"For me?" she said in an excited tone. She opened it with her 'claws'.
"Ooh! I love it!" she said. It was another collar. But, this was a very nice one. It was engraved with pink diamonds and made of silver.
"Vin? Really?" he said, seeming surprised at how expensive it looked.
"Yeah, so what? I bought her an expensive piece of jewelry."
"Well, yeah. But, you didn't have to spend so much on her. How much did you pay for it?"
"I spent $5,000 on it."
"What?!" he yelled. Where did he get that money?
"Can I go next?" Mr. Goggles said, butting in. Yeah, why not? What could a crazy chemist with green skin possibly get as a gift?
"Okay. From Mr. Goggles, for me. Uh... okay. I wonder what it is?"
He opened it. At first glance, he screamed in agony.
"AGH!" he screamed. "Goggles, why did you get me cockroaches?"
"Take another look." he said. At second glance, he realized that they weren't real. They were rubber roaches that he probably got from a novelty shop.
"Merry Christmas, my guy." he said.
"You got me fake roaches?" he asked.
"Yeah. You can use them to prank your friends or whoever."
He thought about it. Yeah, this wasn't a terrible gift. Though, it is kind of odd for a Christmas present.
"Thank you, Goggles." he said, showing some gratitude.
"Okay, the next present is from... Aiko? For me?" he said. Did she get him a present?
"Yeah, open it. You'll be very pleased." she said with a sincere tone.
He opened it. It was...
"$600 in cash?!" he screamed.
"Yeah, I owe you it after what I took during the vacation. I hope it's not too much."
He was completely speechless. It was so meaningful. He gave Aiko a hug. Looks like all was forgiven.
"Can I go next?" Jessie said.
"Yeah, sure. This is from Jessie, for Tiffany. Oh wow. A mother-daughter gift."
He gave the box to her. She was curious. What could she get for her on their first Christmas together in years?
"Oh my..." she said. It was a framed photo of her, her mother, and... Justin?
"Mom? What's this?" she asked.
"It's a photo, Honey. I got a photo editor to make a family photo of me, you, and my new step-son."
Was this creepy, or wholesome? He didn't know how to respond. Either way, it was a neat gift. Maybe, if it does happen, they can take a real photo together.
"Okay, this next gift is from Beli for Lailani? Um, Beli? When did you get a gift from? You just came to my house earlier and the party was a last-minute thing."
"Oh, right. I picked it up while you were cleaning. It's nothing much. Just something for my favorite student." she said.
Lailani opened it. It was... Really?
"You got me a custom yoga mat?" she asked. Yeah, not only was it custom, but the picture on it was a perfectly framed photo of Beli.
"Yeah, I hope you like it. It's something to remind you of me when I'm not in the tropics."
The gifts started to get a bit weird. But, it wasn't a problem. What was next? A body pillow of someone?
"Hey, can I go next?" Nora said.
"Um... Okay. This one is from Nora, for Kyanna. Of course." he said, not seeming too surprised. He handed her the box. She opened it.
"Oh cool! I needed more of these." she said, holding up some sweatbands.
"Yeah, I know it ain't much but I thought of you, Cuzz." she said.
"I appreciate it so much." she replied.
Then, she opened the other gift. It was from Nora for Philip. Pretty sweet how she got both Kyanna and her son a gift.
"Oh wow!" she said, opening her son's gift. It was a teddy bear.
"Yeah, Merry Christmas, little Phil." Nora said. The toddler was so happy with his new toy.
"Okay, looks like there's only one gift left. Let's see... This one is from Tiffany for me? Why am I getting so many presents?" Justin asked.
"Just open it. You'll like it." she said. As much as he appreciated getting gifts, he still thought that he didn't deserve most of the gifts at this party.
He opened it. He couldn't believe his eyes. It was a heartfelt love letter and a box of chocolates.
"Oh my..." he said, becoming speechless.
"Well, aren't you gonna read it for everyone?" she asked, acknowledging the love letter.
"Of course: 'Dear, Justin. Thank you for making my 23rd birthday extra special. You made my life into a heaven on Earth. You are such a nice person and a joy to be around. I love spending time with you, whether we're cuddling in bed or watching movies on the couch. You have been a great support and I appreciate your encouragement during my final year in college. I hope that one day, you decide to finish school and become successful. But, I'm not going to force you. I'd also like to thank you for opening my eyes about my mom. Thanks to you, the emptiness is now full of joy during the holidays. You are the apple of my eye and the joy of my heart. I want you to marry me whenever you feel like it. I love you, Justin Dark. Hugs and kisses, Tiffany Maye."
And after that, he was so full of joy. He couldn't even speak. All he knew was that he was under the mistletoe. Tiffany ran up to him and gave him a big kiss. He only became committed to her a couple of days before, but he never thought their love would be this strong so soon.
Everyone watched them kiss, even bringing tears to their eyes. The love they had for each other was true love that you could only find in a fairy tale. Even Ashley thought that commitment wasn't so bad after seeing this. I guess you could say that he heart grew 69 sizes that day.
Nikki felt bad that she didn't have a present for anyone. But, Audrey did. Though, she was going to give it to him later. They spent the rest of the evening eating food, baking gingerbread cookies, and listening to Christmas music. Kyanna, Nora, and Philip had to leave early, due to them having another party at their house. Yeah, the Delrio family was very serious about the holidays.
This holiday season was definitely special this year. But, what was next?