Autumn, college and more
Chapter 6 Thanksgiving & Christmas, year 1
Kensi's cell rings, it's Marty. "Hi babe, what's up?"
"Hi sweetheart (this is becoming his fav term of endearment; she likes it too). I'm thinking of coming up one weekend between now and Thanksgiving, but there is a wrinkle."
"You know I want to see you, right?"
"UM . . . I was hoping."
"Jerk! You no longer have to hope."
"Good to know. I really want to see you too!"
"So, what's the wrinkle, Marty?"
"Well, I have been telling my brother about how things are going with us – nothing too personal, just general stuff you know, and your roommate has been mentioned."
"Um, yeah and, so?"
'Caution' "Chester would like to come up with me, check out the campus – "
"The campus, right." Kensi smirks, so does Marty.
"And meet Nell. But I told him since Syd is your BFF, I needed to talk with you about this."
"Getting permission from mama?"
"Kens – "
"Kidding. Really, Syd made her own bed on this one, I'm fine with Chester coming up. Nell doesn't have any attachments that I know about. But I think Nell is picky about friendships so he needs to recognize that this may be a dud. And, BTW Syd and I are still friends, but things are a little cooler between us."
"I hope that I didn't mess you up regarding that?"
"No, not to worry."
"Ok, we'll see you in 10 days or so. I'll TXT you detail soon. Bye sweetheart."
"Bye babe."
The weekend with the foursome goes well. Nell and Chester enjoy each other's company, although cautiously. Kensi and Marty spend much time on the park bench as is usual for them.
Saturday morning Nell whispers to Chester, "Can we talk privately?"
"Sure, where?"
"Downstairs."
"Ok."
"Did you bring a good camera?"
"Yes, why?"
"Come with me."
They go and enter the photography lab. Chester notices she has a small bag with her.
"I'd like to do a poster, can you help?"
"Sure, what do you have in mind?"
After supper at a Mexican place, they all return to the girl's room. Kensi unlocks the door and walks in. She gasps – on the walls are two posters. One over her bed is the picture of her in her bikini, sitting on Marty's shoulders with arms raised in Victory. The other is over Nell's bed; she is sitting on Chester's shoulders wearing her bikini, her fingers grasping his hair and smiling down at him. He is in a grimace/grin looking straight ahead.
"What the . . . where did these come from?" Kensi exclaims.
"We had a little time in the photography lab," Nell admits. "You like?"
Kensi pauses . . . "I love it! I don't know if we can keep them up when my folks visit though?"
"I'll take the blame," Nell says.
"Right."
"Nah, Chester and I will tell them we put them up over your vigorous objections!"
"Yeah, right!" Kensi retorts. "My dad will buy that."
"Well, we'll leave them up for now, right?" Nell posits.
"Ok," Kensi acquiesces.
"Now, what about Thanksgiving," Marty asks.
Kensi asks Nell, "Are you going home for Thanksgiving?"
"No, I'll save that travel for the longer Christmas break."
"Why don't you come home with me then?" Kensi asks.
"Is that ok with your folks?"
"I'm sure it would be, but I will check." Kensi steps into the hall and walks down to a sitting area to call. She returns, smiling at Nell. "My mom says she would love to have you join us for the holiday. And, that applies to both of the Deeks brothers for Thanksgiving dinner. What say you all?"
"We'll be there," Marty says and Chester nods eagerly.
After introductions they all take their seats around the Thanksgiving table. The 2 young couples (one rather un-official) sit one on each side of the table with Donald and Julia at their respective ends. Donald asks the group, "It is our tradition for each one around the table to take their turn telling us what they are thankful for in the past year. Guests may pass if they are especially uncomfortable, but I would gently encourage you to participate. Who would like to start?"
"I would, dad."
"Go ahead Kensi."
"I am really thankful for the young man sitting next to me; at this time last year I was in a relationship and stated to all concerned that I was in love. I was right (relationship), and I was wrong (love). When that relationship blew up, I found someone infinitely better. I had felt a connection with Marty as soon as we met, even though he was a cocky joker."
Marty blushes and puts his head in his hands.
Going on "But, as we spent more time together, I saw behind the mask. I found a kind, brave, thoughtful guy who I have come to like, a lot. Thank you, Marty, for coming into my life!"
"Would you like to go next, Marty?" Julia asks.
He puts his head in his hands, it had barely left them, and shakes his head. "OMG, what do I say? Let me think, please."
"Take your time, son," Donald says.
"Well, I suppose this isn't a competition, hopefully."
"It's not," Julia proclaims.
"So, when I got the chance to get to know Kensi better, I was over the moon. I didn't know at first how right that feeling was. I have never before met a young lady as strong, brave, smart and beautiful as Kens. I am very thankful that I was at the right spot at the right time. I pray daily that I don't blow it!"
"I'll go next," Julia says. "As a mother and wife, I am so thankful for the continued good health of my family. And to add Marty, Chester and Nell to our table this year gladdens my heart. Wherever our relationships take us, I hope the next year smiles on us all!"
"Amen," say all around the table.
"Nell or Chester?" Donald inquires.
"I'll go next," Nell says. "I am thankful for a roommate who has welcomed me with open arms and an open heart. To add to that the opportunity to join you all on this occasion is just incredible. When I came west for school there were so many unknowns, I am so thankful you have filled many of them with familial love. Thank you."
"Chester?"
"Ok. First, I don't often say it but I am really thankful for my big brother, my rock, Martin."
"Oh no, my given name," Marty whispers with a smirk, Kensi gives him a light elbow and a smile.
"No really. Underneath all the jokes and sarcasm, Marty is always there when I need him. He has NEVER let me down. Second, I'm thankful for a new friend, Nell. We shall see where that goes. Third, thank you Don and Julia for the kind invitation to join you today. It's nice to see a loving family in action!"
"Wow, I think you have covered all the bases!" Donald says. "I will echo my wife's comments and add that it warms my heart to see my baby girl developing a solid friendship with as fine a young man as Marty. Both Julia and I hope to get much better acquainted with him in the near future. Thank you all for joining our table today!"
After dinner the kids retreated to the back yard and talked. An important topic was the upcoming Christmas holiday.
"Are you going home back east Nell," asked Kensi.
Nell replies, "I hope so, but I am not sure. My folks are really struggling with finances so airfare may stretch them too far. If it weren't for the scholarship Stanford granted me, I wouldn't be here at all. I'm so grateful that your folks were ok with my coming home with you for Thanksgiving Kensi, otherwise I'd be stuck in the dorm at school."
"Let me ask my folks if we can host you for Christmas – is that all right?"
"Oh, I don't want to impose Kensi. I'll feel like a burden."
"No, you aren't. Guys, you are going to be around for Christmas, right?"
"Wouldn't miss it," Marty responds. Chester smiles and nods.
"Brother, are you going up between now and then?" Chester asks.
"Well, I was going to talk with Kensi about that. I have some big, important tests coming up either the week before Christmas break or just after school resumes. I was thinking it would be best if I concentrate on schoolwork until after I have run that gauntlet. Had you thought about that Kensi?"
"Yes, I am in much the same situation as you are, Marty. I think it is a good idea to concentrate on school during December, take the Christmas break, then get back to it. Then we'll look at our schedules and plan time together. Any other thoughts?"
"I agree, I think we are all in a situation where we need to give it our best shot." Chester spoke up.
"I'm in with that," says Nell.
"Good, let me consult with my folks for a bit re hosting you, Nell. I'll be right back."
"Kensi – "
"Nell, it's no trouble, I'll be right back." She disappears into the house.
"Nell, don't worry . . . her folks will be honest. If they have any problems with it, they will say." Marty speaks up.
"I just don't want to be a burden," she replies.
"Like you on my shoulders!" Chester pipes up.
"Oh hush, that was all photoshop," Nell rejoins.
"That's not what my shoulders told me!"
"SHUT UP!"
Kensi reappears; "We're all set, Nell. My mom and dad are totally supportive of you spending Christmas break with us. We'll talk about details in the coming weeks."
"Thanks so much, I really appreciate it!"
Later Kensi and Marty have some hammock time, with jackets on.
"That was a little weird Kens, talking about Christmas break as a foursome. I had intended to bring it up between us, I am sorry I didn't get that done."
"That's ok, I understand. I agree, it was a little weird. If Chester and Nell stick, we may have more discussions like that – we may need to get used to it. Tell me, I have no idea what to get you for Christmas, but I feel like I need to get you something. Any hints?"
"Well, Ms. Claus, I don't think we should spend much on each other at this point. I'm in the same boat as you about ideas. For me – anything inexpensive related to surfing works. Keep it simple sweetheart!"
"Well, for me maybe my folks can help. Likewise, keep it simple babe. Guess what I want right now?"
She lays back in the hammock, pulling him on top of her. She wraps her arms around his neck and their lips crush together. Lips part, tongues dance, soft moans escape. Their favorite place, their favorite activity with their favorite person.
"Kens, it's time I told you. Remember what I said about my words?"
"Yes," she trembles a little.
"I've been close to this for a while now. The more I see your heart, your compassion, your loyalty to your family, the surer I am. Kensi Marie Blye – I love you. I am so incredibly happy to have you as a part of my life!"
"Oh, Martin Andrew Deeks – I love you too! I am so incredibly grateful that you were there to pick up the pieces of my heart and start to put them back together when things fell apart. You are showing me, every day, that I can trust you with my heart. Thank you!"
"Kens, you are doing the same for me. I can't remember when I was this happy. Thank you from the bottom of my heart!"
Awhile later Marty meets Donald and Julia for coffee on a Sunday.
"Thanks so much for meeting me. I have a dilemma I'd like your help with, if you are willing. I have no idea what to get Kensi for Christmas. I know our relationship is young, so I don't want to go overboard. Nothing too expensive. Do you have any ideas you care to share?"
"I have one," says Donald. "Kensi has been talking about a pair of single pearl earrings. I'm not sure she really will like them much once they're on but she's enamored. What do you think Julia?"
"I think she will like them; anyway, if she is enamored what can we say?"
"Ok, Marty why don't we do this . . .?"
CHRISTMAS
The sextet is gathered at the Blye home on Christmas eve to exchange presents. After the exchange they will have a light supper.
Donald and Julia exchange small, meaningful gifts.
Chester and Nell do the same.
Kensi gives Marty a handcrafted miniature surfboard key chain. It is hand painted and exquisitely beautiful.
Marty gives Kensi a card with a note saying "Gift on order" inside. She is obviously a little disappointed, but a kiss on the cheek and a whispered "you will love it" seem to settle her down.
Her dad presents Kensi with a small black jewelry box, bringing a smile. She opens it, only to find one pearl earring. Only one. She looks at her dad, puzzled.
"Julia, where is the other one?" Donald asks.
"You told me to put it on the tree," Julia says.
"Baby girl, go look on the tree."
Kensi pouts but slips out to the living room to look on the tree.
While she is gone, Marty slips another card onto her plate with another small black jewelry box on top.
She returns and says, "I can't find . . ."
She spies the box and card on her plate. She smirks, looks around and says, "What the hell!"
Marty suggests, "Why don't you sit and open the card, then the box?"
"You know what's going on, don't you?"
"Maybe."
"Maybe? Yeah, right!"
Silence.
She opens the card and reads: My order came in, just in time thankfully! Merry Christmas and LOVE! Signed – Marty!
She gets up and taps him on the shoulder. "Get up!"
He does, she attacks his lips not caring where they are. He responds in kind, but they keep it short. She nuzzles his ear, "I love you! And thank you!"
"1-4-3," he whispers to her.
"What?" She thinks for a minute then a grin slowly spreads across her face. "1-4-3," she whispers, then with a peck on the cheek she sits down.
Chester grins at Nell, "How do we match that?"
"Easy smarty pants. We're taking our time, remember?"
"Don, where is your mistletoe?" Chester pleads.
"They were out of stock."
"Damn, I'll just have to be sneaky."
Everyone laughs.
"I have my 'Chester alert meter' activated," Nell responds.
"Good luck brother," Marty advises.
"Yeah, I'll need it! Oh well, it will be worth it."
Nell snorts, Kensi chuckles.
Don and Julia share a smile. This is getting to feel like one big family.