.::Run To The Water::.
Chapter 10
*Christmas Eve*
Hey Jeff, are you bringing Carrie to the dinner tomorrow? Matt asked as he finished wrapping up his present to Tabitha.
Yeah, I mean she goes with me everywhere so I guess she's gonna be with me tomorrow. It would be weird for her not to be. He said as he pulled his hair back from his face and got up from the seat he had taken across from Matt.
Take some advice I learned a long time ago little bro. Don't take things that you count on for granted. He said as he got up and walked over to the door. Unlocking it, he looked out and whispered back to Jeff.
Ok, you can hide it, she's nowhere to be found.
Well dude, it's been fun, but I need to get home. I need to make sure I have a date for tomorrow and I need to wrap the little guy's present. He said as he gave his brother a hug and went down the stairs.
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Tabitha looked up from her place on the couch and smiled as she saw Matt and Jeff walking casually toward the living room.
It looks like he's out like a light. Matt whispered as he bent down to pick him up.
Yeah he is. The Night Before Christmas really wore him out. She said giggling when he made a noise as Matt shifted him from his other shoulder.
Tab's, I'll see ya tomorrow. I gotta go do some stuff. Jeff said giving her a hug and kissing her on the cheek.
See ya later Jeff. Be sure and bring Carrie tomorrow. She called after him as he walked in the cold night to his car.
I'll do my best. He called back before getting inside, shutting the door, and cranking up the heat.
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Jeff ran up the steps and walked nervously up to the front door of Carrie's house before knocking on the hard wood in front of him. After waiting a few moments, Carrie came to the door and looked at him in surprise when she saw who it was.
Jeff, what are you doing here? She asked covering her bare arms because of the chill of the night air.
I came to make sure you were coming with me to Matt and Tabitha's dinner tomorrow. He said smiling like a little child.Carrie looked Jeff up and down, a thought dawned on her and suddenly she became angry, angrier than she had ever been at him. Her face contorted into a look of something similar to disgust and she shook her head no before attempting to go back in the house.
Carrie, wait. What's up with you? Jeff asked as he grabbed her arm and whirled her around to face him.
You, you are what's up with me. HOW DARE YOU JEFF!!! She yelled as she ran frustrated hands through her hair.
What are you talking about Carrie? I'm completely confused here.
You didn't even ask me if I wanted to go. You NEVER ask me if I want to go. You always assume I am going to be there for you and you always expect me to be there. Well ya know what? I'm sick of it. She said as she looked at him with sad eyes.
Jeff looked at her with shock apparent in his features. Never before had even thought she felt this way and it worried him that he had never put her feelings before his.
Jeff, I like you, I always have. The love/hate thing I put forth is just a front so that I can't get hurt. It's my way of dealing with my feelings for you. I just don't want you to take me for granted. She said as she smiled slightly up at him.
Jeff smiled and placed a tiny kiss on her cheek.
Carrie will you please do me the honor of accompanying me to my brother's house for Christmas Dinner? He asked as she laughed on.
I would love to. She said smiling as he followed her into the house.
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*Christmas Day*
Everyone had gathered at Matt's house and were all sitting in a big circle beginning to open presents.
Jeff and Matt laughed on as Eli kept putting the bows that everyone was throwing to the side on his head and proceeded to crawl around and want everyone to pet them.
Come here munchkin. I'll fix ya up. Jeff said as he grabbed a bunch of ribbons and tied them around Eli's head.
It's time for Tab's present. Matt said as he placed a huge box in front of her.
What is this everybody? She asked as she saw everyone gather around her and look at her with sparkles in their eyes.
She looked inside the box and gasped as she pulled a huge picture frame out. She laughed as she got tears in her eyes when she saw the picture inside. Elijah was being held on the shoulders of Matt and Jeff and Carrie was behind him giving him a kiss on the cheek and they were all laughing at one another.
You guys, this is my family. She said as she felt the tears slip down her face.
You're right baby. We are your family and now you can look at us whenever you need to. No matter if I'm here or not we will all be looking over you. He said as he slipped his arms around her waist and kissed her neck.
Jeff looked around and smiled. This was how life was supposed to be. His brother was completely happy and he had everything he wanted too. Matt and Jeff looked at each other and then looked up at the sky.
Mom is smiling down on us bro. She loves us. Matt said as they embraced and gave each other a hug before joining the rest of the group.
*The End*