"Casey, get your ass up!!!" Jeff exclaimed jumping on my bed. I
groaned and put my pillow over my head. "I'm not gonna stop until you get
up!!"
I groaned as I threw my pillow at him. I watched as he pretended to fall off my bed, wounded. I looked at the clock with wide eyes and settled back into my nice, warm, comfy bed. "Jeff, there aint no way in hell I'm getting up at 7:00 in the god damn mornin," I said with a touch of a southern accent.
"Whoa there. Could you repeat all that?" he joked.
"Shut up and give me back my pillow!" I exclaimed ripping it out of his hands.
"Come on!!! It's Christmas!!! Santa came!!!" Jeff said excitedly like he was a five year old boy.
"I haven't believed in Santa since I was like 10, sorry to disappoint you!" I said wrapping myself in my blankets.
"Come on!!! It's Christmas!!! There are tons of presents under the tree for you!!" he said in hopes of me getting up in the near future.
"Who the hell would get me gifts?!" I said sitting up.
"Come down and find out!! PLEASE???!!!" he pleaded with his soft green eyes staring deep into mine. I groaned and flopped back down on my bed. "Don't make me get Matt in here."
"Oh I'm scared. See me shaking," I said sarcastically. I closed my eyes and heard him walk out of my room. 'He gave up. Thank God!' I thought to myself. My thoughts were rattled when I was lifted out of my bed. Someone had grabbed my feet and another had grabbed my hands. I opened my eyes and saw that Jeff and Matt were carrying me down the stairs. "What in the hell are you doin?"
"I warned ya!" Jeff said with a laugh.
"I hate you both!! Ya'll suck!" I exclaimed as they placed me on the couch in front of the lit up Christmas tree. It was a beautiful sight. Jeff, Matt, Gil, Amy, and I had decorated it together with hot chocolate and cookies nearby. It was a fun time. I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun decorating for Christmas, a holiday that I wasn't even fond of. I looked around and the floor of the living room was flooded with presents. On the mantel place, stockings hung, filled with little gifts. I had help Gil hand up one for Matt, Jeff, and Amy. I looked down the line and saw one hanging for me between Matt and Jeff's.
"Good morning!! And Merry Christmas!!" Amy said cheerfully as she walked into the living room in her short pink tank top and matching shorts that she often wore to bed. I looked up at her and couldn't help but smile at her happiness.
"Merry Christmas sweetie," Matt said kissing her cheek lightly. Amy giggled as if she were a little 10 year old girl getting her first kiss from a boy.
"Merry Christmas all!! I have hot chocolate for all of you," Gil said happily as he handed each of us a mug. Jeff reached for a bright blue mug and Gil slapped his hand away. "This is for Casey. Extra marshmallows, just how she likes it!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Move over there princess!" Jeff joked as I moved over to allow him to sit next to me.
"Matt, I believe it's your turn to play Santa," Gil said sitting in an arm chair. Matt walked over to the pile of gifts and looked through them. Amy sat on the floor next to him sipping her drink.
"Wait, why don't we let Casey do it this year?" Jeff suggested putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. Matt stopped and looked up at his father then to me.
"If she wants to do it, she's more than welcomed to," Gil said.
"No, that's okay. I'd rather not. Not my job, never was at home, never will be," I smiled.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked putting his hand on my knee.
"Positive and Jeffrey, I swear if you make a smart ass remark about what I just said, I'll kick your ass. It's too early to be pulling that crap," I said as Jeff shut his mouth and smiled. I rolled my eyes as Matt began handing out gifts.
"Casey, I love this shirt!! It's great, thank you!" Amy said reaching up to hug me. I smiled as I opened mine from her. It was the same shirt I had given her. I laughed as I held up the black t-shirt with a red horizontal stripe to me. "I told you I loved it!"
"I don't believe this! This is great! I guess great minds do think alike!" I said.
"Do you know how long it took me to convince her to give that shirt to you?" Jeff said. "I swear, Casey stood in that store for like an hour debating whether to give it to you or keep it for herself!"
"I had the same problem with Amy!" Matt laughed as he opened a gift from me. "A new gold chain! Thanks Case!"
I smiled as I watched Amy open a ring that Matt had given her. Jeff opened up a shirt and watch that Matt and Amy had gone in together to buy him. Gil opened up the gift I had gotten him. I waited in anticipation for his reaction.
"Casey, this is really sweet of you, honey," he said with a proud smile. He examined the frame I had decorated. I had put a picture of his three kids in it and I watched as his eyes weld up with tears. "I love it."
I smiled happily as I opened gift that he had gotten me. It was an art kit. A nice art kit. Came with everything, markers, crayons, pencils, pens, paper, etc. It was chalk full of everything I would need.
"Matt, can I give this to her?" Jeff asked picking up a gift wrapped in shiny blue paper. Matt smiled with a nodded and Jeff turned to me.
"I had a really hard time deciding what to get you. I wanted to get you something that I felt expressed how special I thought you were. So, I got you something that we both love. Now, to get this gift, you have to follow the clues. You'll get a new one each time you get to one," Jeff said with a sly smile. I raised an eyebrow and took the small box from him. Inside was a piece of paper with his writing on it.
I read the clue out loud, "This is an easy one. Go to the place where the food fight happened. That's where you'll find your next clue to your destination." I looked at Matt and he shrugged.
"Jeff, why don't we do this after all the gifts are done," Gil suggested.
"But Dad, I'm really anxious to get her to her present," Jeff whined. Gil gave him a stern look and Jeff rolled his eyes to signal that he gave in. I chuckled and held the box tightly in my hand. Jeff opened the gift I had gotten him, one was a cd filled with songs I burned, a thumb ring with our names engraved in it, and some fuzzy dice for his car. He pulled out a piece of paper and read it out loud. "I got you another gift, so don't think that I was being cheap. Yes, I know that's what was running through your head. The rest of your gift is in your garage. I just hope you like it. I hope you really like it! Love always, Case."
"I guess you'll have to go to it after all the gifts too!" I said with a laugh.
"Jesus, now I'm all curious!" he laughed. I nudged him and we enjoyed the rest of the morning opening gifts.
"When's Shane coming out?" Amy asked doing her hair in the bathroom as I showered.
"Around 5 for dinner," I replied as I reached for a towel and wrapped it around my body.
"That's good. Have you guys exchanged gifts?" she asked as I stood next to her looking in the mirror.
"Nope. Tonite. I can't wait to see what he got me. He said he's nervous about giving it to me. He's not sure what I'll say about it," I said combing my hair.
"Oh? What do you think it is?" she asked sitting on the counter.
"I don't know. But to tell you the truth, he's kinda got me freaked out about the whole thing," I said with a smile. I walked out of the bathroom and Matt walked in.
"Matt, what's Shane giving Casey?" Amy asked curiously. Matt looked over at her and saw a worried look on her face.
"I'm not sure. I think it's jewelry," Matt replied. "Why?"
"No reason, really," she said with the same worried look.
"Amy, what's wrong?" Matt asked.
"I just have a feeling Shane's gonna get crushed tonite and Casey's gonna get scared. Matt, I'm afraid all hell is gonna break lose tonite," she said hoping down.
"Why? What gives you that feeling?" Matt asked putting his hands on her shoulders.
"I don't know. I'm just really worried," she said as Matt brought her into his arms.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. No one is gonna get hurt," he said trying to sooth her.
"Ready to get our gifts?" Jeff yelled up the stairs. I threw on my leather jacket over a sparkly black tank top. I straightened out my black skirt and tightened my knee high boots. I looked in the mirror and was in awe at how rocker chick like I looked. Jeff stuck his head in my room and smiled. "Come on sl...whoa!"
"Yeah, look at me. I look like I jumped off of Rolling Stone or something," I laughed as he walked in. "Even my hair looks rocker like!"
"Girl, your hair always looks rocker like!" Jeff laughed. 'God you look gorgeous!' Jeff thought as he looked me up and down. "You look great."
"You think so?" I asked a little unsure.
"Yeah! It's totally you!" Jeff said.
"I mean this is my first Christmas with Shane. I want to look special for him. Do you think he'll like this?" I asked.
"Oh hell, Case! I like you like this! I have to be honest with you," Jeff said turning me around to face him.
"Jeff, can I speak to you?" Matt asked sticking his head in the room.
"Man, wait. I have to tell Case something," Jeff said.
"NO! Now, Jeff," Matt said sternly. Jeff nodded and walked into the hall.
"What?!" Jeff exclaimed.
"What the hell were you doin in there?!" Matt exclaimed in a whisper.
"What do you mean?" Jeff asked confused.
"Jeff, you were pretty much coming on to her!" Matt whispered.
"Bro, leave this alone. It's none of your business," Jeff said walking back into my room.
"What were you gonna say?" I asked with an innocent smile. Jeff looked back at Matt who had his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face. He looked back at me and smiled.
"Nothing, never mind. Let's go get your present," he said taking my hand. We walked into the kitchen and I found the next clue on the kitchen floor.
"You found me! Clue number 2!! Wahoo! Are you a smart bunny! Now, on to the next. I'm in a place where music blares. If you can find me, I'll be very impressed!" I read allowed.
"Ready?" Jeff asked with a smile.
"You recording studio," I said with a smile of my own. His faded and his mouth dropped.
"How'd you figure it out that fast?!" Jeff asked shocked. I just grabbed his hand and led him to his house.
"I suppose you can get your gift too while we're here," I said as we walked into the garage. Sitting on his dirt bike was whole new gear. He ran to it excitedly and I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Dude, this is great!! Thank you so much!!" he said running to me and picking me up in his arms.
"I'm glad you like it," I said happily as he kissed my cheek.
"Now, on to your gift. Go ahead and into the studio. I'll be right behind you," he said. I smiled and walked away. I walked into his studio and sitting on a synthesizer was a note.
"You know where I am. It's your gift. Out to the place you go to think. Get ride from some hot guy and head on out to your final destination!" I read. I smiled as I shook my head. I walked back outside and Jeff sat was waiting on his four-wheeler. He motioned for me to get on.
"Where to my lady?" he asked.
"The lake," I smiled. He nodded and we were off through the field. We stopped next to the lake and by the bench was a huge thing covered by a blue tarp and red bow.
"There you go," Jeff smiled.
"What did you get me?" I asked as I walked over to it.
"Look," he said. I smiled and ripped the tarp off to reveal a bright shiny blue mustang convertible. I stumbled backwards and almost fell on the ground in shock, but Jeff caught me.
"OH MY GOD!!!" I screamed.
"I'm guessing you like it?" Jeff asked. I turned around and jumped into his arms. I kissed his face all over and hugged him tightly.
"I LOVE IT!!!"
"It's not brand new. It's a 95. But in excellent shape. It's an automatic cause I know you like those better. I installed a cd player and brand new sound system," he said as he set me down on the ground next to the car.
"Thank you so much!!!" I exclaimed not wanting to let go of him.
"Well, I know you're goin for your license tomorrow and you'd be needing a car. So I thought instead of you driving my precious vette all the time, I'd get you your own car," Jeff said.
"Now I really feel like a cheap person," I said as I pulled away. I kept my hands on his shoulders and looked into his green eyes.
"No, don't. I love what you got me. I was actually looking at the same gear in a store the other day. But I thought it was too expensive," Jeff said softly.
"Too expensive? Dude, this car is too expensive!" I said with a laugh. "Thank you. You have truly made this the best Christmas ever."
"Your eyes are so.....beautiful. They're bright blue," he said tilting his head to the side.
"They are?" I asked.
"Yeah, they are," Jeff said softly pulling me close to him. I watched him bring his face closer to mine and I immediately pulled back.
"Can I drive it?" I asked. He nodded and held out the keys. I smiled and snatched them out of his hands. I climbed in and he covered the four-wheeler with the tarp. "Top down?"
"It's a little too cold, don't ya think?" Jeff asked as he got it.
"I guess you're right," I said with a pout. Jeff sighed and zipped up his coat.
"Alright. Go for it!" Jeff exclaimed. I squealed in excitement and hit the button. I cranked the radio and put in my Nickelback cd. I drove up the Hardy's driveway just as Amy, Matt, and Gil ran out.
"Holy shit!" Matt exclaimed as he looked over the car.
"Isn't it awesome?" I asked.
"It's gorgeous!" Amy exclaimed. "Can I sit in it?"
I nodded and watched as everyone gawked over the car. "My gift from Jeff," I said with excitement.
"Bro, how did you get it?" Matt asked.
"I got a good deal from Sean," Jeff answered.
"Car dealer Sean?" Gil asked.
"Yep. I told him what I wanted and he gave me an excellent deal," he explained.
"Jeff, this must have, ummm, set you back a bit," Matt whispered pulling him off to the side.
"Yeah, but it's all worth it to see her this happy," Jeff said walking up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the top of my head.
"I can't wait to show Shane!" I exclaimed. Jeff's arms dropped and he sighed before walking away.
We all eventually walked into the house when we all got too cold. When Shane arrived I met him outside and showed him my car. He was all excited, but not about the car. He loved my outfit although he did say he couldn't wait to get me out of it! We settled into the dining room and ate dinner around 5:30. Matt and Amy had cooked the whole thing. Matt really out did himself. When we had finished Shane and I went into the living room to exchange our gifts.
"Okay, open this first. It's a joke gift," Shane laughed. I smiled and did as I was told to reveal a VERY revealing outfit. It was a black lace teddy that should have only cost like 2 bucks for the amount of fabric. I laughed and hit Shane with it.
"Okay, open mine," I said handing him a rectangular box. He ripped off the paper in anticipation and opened the black velvet jewelry box. Inside was a silver link chain. He took it out and put it on immediately. He smiled and kissed me passionately.
"Okay, your turn," he nervously handed me a small box. I took off the paper and opened the small jewelry box. Inside was a silver diamond ring. I put my hand over my mouth and looked at Shane.
"It's beautiful," I said. He took the box out of my hand and got down on his knee. He held my hand in his and smiled at me.
"Casey, I know we've only been together for a little over four months. But I love you more than anything in this world. I know I would never be happier with anyone else. I need you in my life forever. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" his voice shook when he spoke. I took my hand out of his and stood, shaking slightly. "Casey?"
"Shane, I'm not ready for this. I'm 19 years old! I can't marry you. What makes you think we're ready to get married? I'm sorry Shane no. I can't do this. Maybe we're moving too fast. We should slow things down. I'm sorry Shane, but maybe we should just break up for awhile," I said as tears streamed down my face. I ran out of the living room and up to my room. I slammed the door and fell onto my bed.
"Casey!" he yelled after me.
"Man, are you alright?" Matt asked his best friend. Shane turned to face him, tears welling up in his eyes. "Dude, what happened?"
"I.....I gotta go. I'll, man, dude, I'll talk to you later," Shane stuttered as he fought back tears. I heard him slam the door to his car and I watched him drive away. There was a knock on the door and I knew I couldn't face anyone.
"I don't wanna talk to anyone!!! Just go away!!!" I yelled as I held onto the kangaroo Shane had gotten me tightly.
"Casey, come on. Let me in. It's Matt."
"No, please," I said through tears, unsure if he could truly understand me.
"Too bad Case, I'm coming in," Matt said slowly opening the door.
"Matt, why didn't you just go?" I asked as he sat next to me. He wrapped his arms around me and I rested my head on his shoulder. He stroked my hair trying to sooth me.
"Will tell me what's wrong? You're in here crying hysterically to the point where I can barely understand you. And I just watched as my best friend ran out of the house almost in tears himself. What's goin on?" Matt asked softly.
"He asked me to marry him," I said softly.
"What?"
"He asked me to marry him!" I said louder. Matt stopped stroking my hair. He took a deep breath and began stroking my hair again.
"What's the problem with that?" he asked.
"There are tons of problems!" I exclaimed.
"Calm down. Tell me what the problems are," he said.
"First off, we've been dating for 4 months. Would you get married after 4 months? Second, I'm 19. I'm too young for all this!! Third and finally, I'm not ready for this! Not at all," I explained.
"Is that it? There's no other reasons? Like another guy or something?" Matt asked.
"No. Who else would I be in love with? I do love him Matt. I love him so much. That's why it was so hard for me to break up with him," I said.
"YOU WHAT?!" Matt exclaimed pulling away.
"I broke up with him. He scared me. He scared me so much!" I said crying harder, if that was even possible.
"Oh my God. No wonder he was such a mess when he left. Listen, Case, you have nothing to be afraid of. He loves you so much. He doesn't want to lose you. I think you may have just broken his heart. Listen, you should have just told him that you weren't ready. He would have understood. He would have taken it back, saved it for later. You didn't need to break up with him."
"But Matt, I was so scared that this was all moving too fast. I mean, sure, I wanna get married......SOMEDAY. But now is just too damn soon!" I said.
"Do you love him?"
"Yes."
"Do you see yourself with him in the future?"
"Yes."
"Do you see yourself marrying him?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Then tell him all this. I know you don't want to be without him. I know you didn't really want to break up with him Get him back. Case, if you don't, this may be the worst thing in your life."
"I know Matt. I'll think about it," I said.
"That's my girl," he said kissing my cheek and standing up. He walked to the door.
"Matt, thank you," I said. He smiled and shut the door behind him.
"Hey, ya wanna talk to me now?" Jeff asked.
"Not really," I said. Jeff stopped and looked at me with hurt in his eyes. "Could you just hold me?"
"That's what I'm here for," he said with a smile as he jumped onto my bed. "I do wish you'd tell me what's wrong though."
"Shane asked me to marry him and I got scared and broke up with him. That's the short version cause I don't really wanna go through the long one," I said as I cuddled up to him.
"Wow....I'm shocked."
"With what?"
"Both!" he exclaimed with a laugh.
"Matt told me to rethink all of this and take him back. But I'm just so scared," I said.
"Don't be scared. Shane loves you. He'd understand that you're not ready for this kind of commitment. I agree with my brother that you should go back to him....or take him back. Whatever," he said.
"I don't know."
"Listen, you're gonna need a date to our Mertile Beach New Years party. And who's a better date than Shane?" Jeff asked.
"You?" I asked.
"No, Shane. I've got a date," he blurted out.
"You do?" I asked slightly hurt.
"Yeah, you'll meet her on New Years. I think you'll like her," he said trying to smile.
I nodded and cuddled into him more. I fell asleep in my clothes and knew he did too. It was a comfortable place for me. I just felt so safe in his arms. Nothing could change that. I knew I had to take Shane back. I just felt like an idiot to admit that. My thing was, what if he doesn't understand. Or what if he didn't want me back. What the hell would I do then? That's when I decided that after I went for my license, I would drive over to Shane's and talk to him. I just hoped he would listen.
"Well?" Jeff asked as I walked into the Department of Motor Vehicles after my drive.
"Pedestrians watch out, cause Casey is on the road!" I exclaimed jumping into Jeff's arms.
"That's great! I'm so happy for you!" Jeff said putting me on the floor.
"I would love to go out and celebrate with you, but I kinda need to settle something," I said as we walked out to the car.
"That's cool. Drop me off at home and go see Shane. Make things right again," Jeff said.
"I just hope he'll forgive me and take me back."
"Casey, he'd be stupid to not take you back."
"Or very smart. Cause then he'd never get his heart broken again."
"I would bet my life that he would be the most miserable person without you."
"You think so?" I asked as he nodded.
"I know I would be," he muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
"Isn't that my job?" I laughed.
"Not today," he said seriously. I shrugged and continued to drive.
I dropped Jeff off at his house then went home to get my cell phone and to tell Dad where I was going. I drove to Smithfield in about 2 hours and pulled into his driveway. I sat in the car for awhile trying to think of what to tell him. I was trying to psyche myself up really. After about 5 minutes I decided that it was now or never and I was taking the now side. I slowly walked to the front door and rang the bell. I heard him walking through the house and the door slowly opened.
"Case. What are you doing here?" he asked. He was in just a pair of boxers and his hair was messed. His eyes were red and blood shot. He looked as if he had been crying.
"I was hoping we could talk," I said softly.
"Yeah, sure. Come on in," he said moving back to let me in. He shut the door behind me and led me into the living room. "What did you want to talk about?"
"About last nite," I said.
"I think you made it very clear that you didn't want to be with me. I'm fine with your decision," he said hurtfully.
"No, Shane, you don't understand."
"Then tell me what I'm misinterpreting!"
"Shane, please don't yell at me."
"Well, I'm so sorry Casey, that I'm not all hunky dory."
"Shane, can I just explain stuff?"
"Fine, go for it."
"Last nite when you asked me to marry you, it, well, it scared me. I'm not ready to marry anyone. I'm 19 years old. I don't wanna get married at this young of an age. Besides, I don't think 4 months is really a good time span to be thinking about it anyways. Are you with me?"
"Yeah, I'm with ya."
"Okay. I didn't want to break up with you. Really I didn't. It's just that the fright of all this scared the crap outta me. I didn't know what else to do. And I'm so sorry that I hurt you. Believe me, I was hurt too! I love you so much. SO SO SO MUCH!!!" I said as tears began to sting my eyes.
"Why would you break up with me if you loved me so much?"
"I don't know. Like I said, I was just scared." A tear rolled down my cheek and I fully expected him to take me in his arms and kiss them away. But he didn't. He sat there staring at me.
"Shane, I know I was an idiot. I know I made a stupid mistake. And I'm so sorry. I'm sorrier than you could even imagine. I love you. Really I do. And I don't know if I could stand being without you."
"Casey, you really hurt me. I've never cried over a girl before but some how you managed to do it. I don't know what to tell you," he said as he put his head in his hands.
"Shane, Sugar, baby, I love you. Will you please take me back? Even though I'm a fool and should be shot for what I did to you." He looked up at me and walked over to me slowly. He sat next to me and ran his hand down my cheek. He cupped my chin in his hand and held it up.
"Angel, I love you and always will. I'd be an idiot to not take you back. Of course I want you back in my life." I smiled as he pulled me close to him. Our lips connected in a sweet passionate kiss that only we could share. "I love you."
"I love you too," I said as we kissed once more.
"Okay, I gotta know. How the hell did you get over here without Jeff, Matt, Amy, or Gil in the car?"
"I drove by myself," I said smiling.
"Does that mean you did it? You got your license?!" I nodded and he held me tightly. "That's wonderful!! Congratulations!"
"Thanks," I said. "Shane, can we go back to the way things were?"
"I'd like that very much. But now I have to get you a new Christmas gift!"
"Shane, you are my Christmas gift!"
I groaned as I threw my pillow at him. I watched as he pretended to fall off my bed, wounded. I looked at the clock with wide eyes and settled back into my nice, warm, comfy bed. "Jeff, there aint no way in hell I'm getting up at 7:00 in the god damn mornin," I said with a touch of a southern accent.
"Whoa there. Could you repeat all that?" he joked.
"Shut up and give me back my pillow!" I exclaimed ripping it out of his hands.
"Come on!!! It's Christmas!!! Santa came!!!" Jeff said excitedly like he was a five year old boy.
"I haven't believed in Santa since I was like 10, sorry to disappoint you!" I said wrapping myself in my blankets.
"Come on!!! It's Christmas!!! There are tons of presents under the tree for you!!" he said in hopes of me getting up in the near future.
"Who the hell would get me gifts?!" I said sitting up.
"Come down and find out!! PLEASE???!!!" he pleaded with his soft green eyes staring deep into mine. I groaned and flopped back down on my bed. "Don't make me get Matt in here."
"Oh I'm scared. See me shaking," I said sarcastically. I closed my eyes and heard him walk out of my room. 'He gave up. Thank God!' I thought to myself. My thoughts were rattled when I was lifted out of my bed. Someone had grabbed my feet and another had grabbed my hands. I opened my eyes and saw that Jeff and Matt were carrying me down the stairs. "What in the hell are you doin?"
"I warned ya!" Jeff said with a laugh.
"I hate you both!! Ya'll suck!" I exclaimed as they placed me on the couch in front of the lit up Christmas tree. It was a beautiful sight. Jeff, Matt, Gil, Amy, and I had decorated it together with hot chocolate and cookies nearby. It was a fun time. I couldn't remember the last time I had so much fun decorating for Christmas, a holiday that I wasn't even fond of. I looked around and the floor of the living room was flooded with presents. On the mantel place, stockings hung, filled with little gifts. I had help Gil hand up one for Matt, Jeff, and Amy. I looked down the line and saw one hanging for me between Matt and Jeff's.
"Good morning!! And Merry Christmas!!" Amy said cheerfully as she walked into the living room in her short pink tank top and matching shorts that she often wore to bed. I looked up at her and couldn't help but smile at her happiness.
"Merry Christmas sweetie," Matt said kissing her cheek lightly. Amy giggled as if she were a little 10 year old girl getting her first kiss from a boy.
"Merry Christmas all!! I have hot chocolate for all of you," Gil said happily as he handed each of us a mug. Jeff reached for a bright blue mug and Gil slapped his hand away. "This is for Casey. Extra marshmallows, just how she likes it!"
"Yeah, yeah, yeah. Move over there princess!" Jeff joked as I moved over to allow him to sit next to me.
"Matt, I believe it's your turn to play Santa," Gil said sitting in an arm chair. Matt walked over to the pile of gifts and looked through them. Amy sat on the floor next to him sipping her drink.
"Wait, why don't we let Casey do it this year?" Jeff suggested putting his hand on his brother's shoulder. Matt stopped and looked up at his father then to me.
"If she wants to do it, she's more than welcomed to," Gil said.
"No, that's okay. I'd rather not. Not my job, never was at home, never will be," I smiled.
"Are you sure?" Matt asked putting his hand on my knee.
"Positive and Jeffrey, I swear if you make a smart ass remark about what I just said, I'll kick your ass. It's too early to be pulling that crap," I said as Jeff shut his mouth and smiled. I rolled my eyes as Matt began handing out gifts.
"Casey, I love this shirt!! It's great, thank you!" Amy said reaching up to hug me. I smiled as I opened mine from her. It was the same shirt I had given her. I laughed as I held up the black t-shirt with a red horizontal stripe to me. "I told you I loved it!"
"I don't believe this! This is great! I guess great minds do think alike!" I said.
"Do you know how long it took me to convince her to give that shirt to you?" Jeff said. "I swear, Casey stood in that store for like an hour debating whether to give it to you or keep it for herself!"
"I had the same problem with Amy!" Matt laughed as he opened a gift from me. "A new gold chain! Thanks Case!"
I smiled as I watched Amy open a ring that Matt had given her. Jeff opened up a shirt and watch that Matt and Amy had gone in together to buy him. Gil opened up the gift I had gotten him. I waited in anticipation for his reaction.
"Casey, this is really sweet of you, honey," he said with a proud smile. He examined the frame I had decorated. I had put a picture of his three kids in it and I watched as his eyes weld up with tears. "I love it."
I smiled happily as I opened gift that he had gotten me. It was an art kit. A nice art kit. Came with everything, markers, crayons, pencils, pens, paper, etc. It was chalk full of everything I would need.
"Matt, can I give this to her?" Jeff asked picking up a gift wrapped in shiny blue paper. Matt smiled with a nodded and Jeff turned to me.
"I had a really hard time deciding what to get you. I wanted to get you something that I felt expressed how special I thought you were. So, I got you something that we both love. Now, to get this gift, you have to follow the clues. You'll get a new one each time you get to one," Jeff said with a sly smile. I raised an eyebrow and took the small box from him. Inside was a piece of paper with his writing on it.
I read the clue out loud, "This is an easy one. Go to the place where the food fight happened. That's where you'll find your next clue to your destination." I looked at Matt and he shrugged.
"Jeff, why don't we do this after all the gifts are done," Gil suggested.
"But Dad, I'm really anxious to get her to her present," Jeff whined. Gil gave him a stern look and Jeff rolled his eyes to signal that he gave in. I chuckled and held the box tightly in my hand. Jeff opened the gift I had gotten him, one was a cd filled with songs I burned, a thumb ring with our names engraved in it, and some fuzzy dice for his car. He pulled out a piece of paper and read it out loud. "I got you another gift, so don't think that I was being cheap. Yes, I know that's what was running through your head. The rest of your gift is in your garage. I just hope you like it. I hope you really like it! Love always, Case."
"I guess you'll have to go to it after all the gifts too!" I said with a laugh.
"Jesus, now I'm all curious!" he laughed. I nudged him and we enjoyed the rest of the morning opening gifts.
"When's Shane coming out?" Amy asked doing her hair in the bathroom as I showered.
"Around 5 for dinner," I replied as I reached for a towel and wrapped it around my body.
"That's good. Have you guys exchanged gifts?" she asked as I stood next to her looking in the mirror.
"Nope. Tonite. I can't wait to see what he got me. He said he's nervous about giving it to me. He's not sure what I'll say about it," I said combing my hair.
"Oh? What do you think it is?" she asked sitting on the counter.
"I don't know. But to tell you the truth, he's kinda got me freaked out about the whole thing," I said with a smile. I walked out of the bathroom and Matt walked in.
"Matt, what's Shane giving Casey?" Amy asked curiously. Matt looked over at her and saw a worried look on her face.
"I'm not sure. I think it's jewelry," Matt replied. "Why?"
"No reason, really," she said with the same worried look.
"Amy, what's wrong?" Matt asked.
"I just have a feeling Shane's gonna get crushed tonite and Casey's gonna get scared. Matt, I'm afraid all hell is gonna break lose tonite," she said hoping down.
"Why? What gives you that feeling?" Matt asked putting his hands on her shoulders.
"I don't know. I'm just really worried," she said as Matt brought her into his arms.
"I'm sure everything will be fine. No one is gonna get hurt," he said trying to sooth her.
"Ready to get our gifts?" Jeff yelled up the stairs. I threw on my leather jacket over a sparkly black tank top. I straightened out my black skirt and tightened my knee high boots. I looked in the mirror and was in awe at how rocker chick like I looked. Jeff stuck his head in my room and smiled. "Come on sl...whoa!"
"Yeah, look at me. I look like I jumped off of Rolling Stone or something," I laughed as he walked in. "Even my hair looks rocker like!"
"Girl, your hair always looks rocker like!" Jeff laughed. 'God you look gorgeous!' Jeff thought as he looked me up and down. "You look great."
"You think so?" I asked a little unsure.
"Yeah! It's totally you!" Jeff said.
"I mean this is my first Christmas with Shane. I want to look special for him. Do you think he'll like this?" I asked.
"Oh hell, Case! I like you like this! I have to be honest with you," Jeff said turning me around to face him.
"Jeff, can I speak to you?" Matt asked sticking his head in the room.
"Man, wait. I have to tell Case something," Jeff said.
"NO! Now, Jeff," Matt said sternly. Jeff nodded and walked into the hall.
"What?!" Jeff exclaimed.
"What the hell were you doin in there?!" Matt exclaimed in a whisper.
"What do you mean?" Jeff asked confused.
"Jeff, you were pretty much coming on to her!" Matt whispered.
"Bro, leave this alone. It's none of your business," Jeff said walking back into my room.
"What were you gonna say?" I asked with an innocent smile. Jeff looked back at Matt who had his arms crossed and an angry expression on his face. He looked back at me and smiled.
"Nothing, never mind. Let's go get your present," he said taking my hand. We walked into the kitchen and I found the next clue on the kitchen floor.
"You found me! Clue number 2!! Wahoo! Are you a smart bunny! Now, on to the next. I'm in a place where music blares. If you can find me, I'll be very impressed!" I read allowed.
"Ready?" Jeff asked with a smile.
"You recording studio," I said with a smile of my own. His faded and his mouth dropped.
"How'd you figure it out that fast?!" Jeff asked shocked. I just grabbed his hand and led him to his house.
"I suppose you can get your gift too while we're here," I said as we walked into the garage. Sitting on his dirt bike was whole new gear. He ran to it excitedly and I crossed my arms over my chest.
"Dude, this is great!! Thank you so much!!" he said running to me and picking me up in his arms.
"I'm glad you like it," I said happily as he kissed my cheek.
"Now, on to your gift. Go ahead and into the studio. I'll be right behind you," he said. I smiled and walked away. I walked into his studio and sitting on a synthesizer was a note.
"You know where I am. It's your gift. Out to the place you go to think. Get ride from some hot guy and head on out to your final destination!" I read. I smiled as I shook my head. I walked back outside and Jeff sat was waiting on his four-wheeler. He motioned for me to get on.
"Where to my lady?" he asked.
"The lake," I smiled. He nodded and we were off through the field. We stopped next to the lake and by the bench was a huge thing covered by a blue tarp and red bow.
"There you go," Jeff smiled.
"What did you get me?" I asked as I walked over to it.
"Look," he said. I smiled and ripped the tarp off to reveal a bright shiny blue mustang convertible. I stumbled backwards and almost fell on the ground in shock, but Jeff caught me.
"OH MY GOD!!!" I screamed.
"I'm guessing you like it?" Jeff asked. I turned around and jumped into his arms. I kissed his face all over and hugged him tightly.
"I LOVE IT!!!"
"It's not brand new. It's a 95. But in excellent shape. It's an automatic cause I know you like those better. I installed a cd player and brand new sound system," he said as he set me down on the ground next to the car.
"Thank you so much!!!" I exclaimed not wanting to let go of him.
"Well, I know you're goin for your license tomorrow and you'd be needing a car. So I thought instead of you driving my precious vette all the time, I'd get you your own car," Jeff said.
"Now I really feel like a cheap person," I said as I pulled away. I kept my hands on his shoulders and looked into his green eyes.
"No, don't. I love what you got me. I was actually looking at the same gear in a store the other day. But I thought it was too expensive," Jeff said softly.
"Too expensive? Dude, this car is too expensive!" I said with a laugh. "Thank you. You have truly made this the best Christmas ever."
"Your eyes are so.....beautiful. They're bright blue," he said tilting his head to the side.
"They are?" I asked.
"Yeah, they are," Jeff said softly pulling me close to him. I watched him bring his face closer to mine and I immediately pulled back.
"Can I drive it?" I asked. He nodded and held out the keys. I smiled and snatched them out of his hands. I climbed in and he covered the four-wheeler with the tarp. "Top down?"
"It's a little too cold, don't ya think?" Jeff asked as he got it.
"I guess you're right," I said with a pout. Jeff sighed and zipped up his coat.
"Alright. Go for it!" Jeff exclaimed. I squealed in excitement and hit the button. I cranked the radio and put in my Nickelback cd. I drove up the Hardy's driveway just as Amy, Matt, and Gil ran out.
"Holy shit!" Matt exclaimed as he looked over the car.
"Isn't it awesome?" I asked.
"It's gorgeous!" Amy exclaimed. "Can I sit in it?"
I nodded and watched as everyone gawked over the car. "My gift from Jeff," I said with excitement.
"Bro, how did you get it?" Matt asked.
"I got a good deal from Sean," Jeff answered.
"Car dealer Sean?" Gil asked.
"Yep. I told him what I wanted and he gave me an excellent deal," he explained.
"Jeff, this must have, ummm, set you back a bit," Matt whispered pulling him off to the side.
"Yeah, but it's all worth it to see her this happy," Jeff said walking up behind me. He wrapped his arms around my waist and kissed the top of my head.
"I can't wait to show Shane!" I exclaimed. Jeff's arms dropped and he sighed before walking away.
We all eventually walked into the house when we all got too cold. When Shane arrived I met him outside and showed him my car. He was all excited, but not about the car. He loved my outfit although he did say he couldn't wait to get me out of it! We settled into the dining room and ate dinner around 5:30. Matt and Amy had cooked the whole thing. Matt really out did himself. When we had finished Shane and I went into the living room to exchange our gifts.
"Okay, open this first. It's a joke gift," Shane laughed. I smiled and did as I was told to reveal a VERY revealing outfit. It was a black lace teddy that should have only cost like 2 bucks for the amount of fabric. I laughed and hit Shane with it.
"Okay, open mine," I said handing him a rectangular box. He ripped off the paper in anticipation and opened the black velvet jewelry box. Inside was a silver link chain. He took it out and put it on immediately. He smiled and kissed me passionately.
"Okay, your turn," he nervously handed me a small box. I took off the paper and opened the small jewelry box. Inside was a silver diamond ring. I put my hand over my mouth and looked at Shane.
"It's beautiful," I said. He took the box out of my hand and got down on his knee. He held my hand in his and smiled at me.
"Casey, I know we've only been together for a little over four months. But I love you more than anything in this world. I know I would never be happier with anyone else. I need you in my life forever. I want you to be my wife. Will you marry me?" his voice shook when he spoke. I took my hand out of his and stood, shaking slightly. "Casey?"
"Shane, I'm not ready for this. I'm 19 years old! I can't marry you. What makes you think we're ready to get married? I'm sorry Shane no. I can't do this. Maybe we're moving too fast. We should slow things down. I'm sorry Shane, but maybe we should just break up for awhile," I said as tears streamed down my face. I ran out of the living room and up to my room. I slammed the door and fell onto my bed.
"Casey!" he yelled after me.
"Man, are you alright?" Matt asked his best friend. Shane turned to face him, tears welling up in his eyes. "Dude, what happened?"
"I.....I gotta go. I'll, man, dude, I'll talk to you later," Shane stuttered as he fought back tears. I heard him slam the door to his car and I watched him drive away. There was a knock on the door and I knew I couldn't face anyone.
"I don't wanna talk to anyone!!! Just go away!!!" I yelled as I held onto the kangaroo Shane had gotten me tightly.
"Casey, come on. Let me in. It's Matt."
"No, please," I said through tears, unsure if he could truly understand me.
"Too bad Case, I'm coming in," Matt said slowly opening the door.
"Matt, why didn't you just go?" I asked as he sat next to me. He wrapped his arms around me and I rested my head on his shoulder. He stroked my hair trying to sooth me.
"Will tell me what's wrong? You're in here crying hysterically to the point where I can barely understand you. And I just watched as my best friend ran out of the house almost in tears himself. What's goin on?" Matt asked softly.
"He asked me to marry him," I said softly.
"What?"
"He asked me to marry him!" I said louder. Matt stopped stroking my hair. He took a deep breath and began stroking my hair again.
"What's the problem with that?" he asked.
"There are tons of problems!" I exclaimed.
"Calm down. Tell me what the problems are," he said.
"First off, we've been dating for 4 months. Would you get married after 4 months? Second, I'm 19. I'm too young for all this!! Third and finally, I'm not ready for this! Not at all," I explained.
"Is that it? There's no other reasons? Like another guy or something?" Matt asked.
"No. Who else would I be in love with? I do love him Matt. I love him so much. That's why it was so hard for me to break up with him," I said.
"YOU WHAT?!" Matt exclaimed pulling away.
"I broke up with him. He scared me. He scared me so much!" I said crying harder, if that was even possible.
"Oh my God. No wonder he was such a mess when he left. Listen, Case, you have nothing to be afraid of. He loves you so much. He doesn't want to lose you. I think you may have just broken his heart. Listen, you should have just told him that you weren't ready. He would have understood. He would have taken it back, saved it for later. You didn't need to break up with him."
"But Matt, I was so scared that this was all moving too fast. I mean, sure, I wanna get married......SOMEDAY. But now is just too damn soon!" I said.
"Do you love him?"
"Yes."
"Do you see yourself with him in the future?"
"Yes."
"Do you see yourself marrying him?"
"Yeah, I think I do."
"Then tell him all this. I know you don't want to be without him. I know you didn't really want to break up with him Get him back. Case, if you don't, this may be the worst thing in your life."
"I know Matt. I'll think about it," I said.
"That's my girl," he said kissing my cheek and standing up. He walked to the door.
"Matt, thank you," I said. He smiled and shut the door behind him.
"Hey, ya wanna talk to me now?" Jeff asked.
"Not really," I said. Jeff stopped and looked at me with hurt in his eyes. "Could you just hold me?"
"That's what I'm here for," he said with a smile as he jumped onto my bed. "I do wish you'd tell me what's wrong though."
"Shane asked me to marry him and I got scared and broke up with him. That's the short version cause I don't really wanna go through the long one," I said as I cuddled up to him.
"Wow....I'm shocked."
"With what?"
"Both!" he exclaimed with a laugh.
"Matt told me to rethink all of this and take him back. But I'm just so scared," I said.
"Don't be scared. Shane loves you. He'd understand that you're not ready for this kind of commitment. I agree with my brother that you should go back to him....or take him back. Whatever," he said.
"I don't know."
"Listen, you're gonna need a date to our Mertile Beach New Years party. And who's a better date than Shane?" Jeff asked.
"You?" I asked.
"No, Shane. I've got a date," he blurted out.
"You do?" I asked slightly hurt.
"Yeah, you'll meet her on New Years. I think you'll like her," he said trying to smile.
I nodded and cuddled into him more. I fell asleep in my clothes and knew he did too. It was a comfortable place for me. I just felt so safe in his arms. Nothing could change that. I knew I had to take Shane back. I just felt like an idiot to admit that. My thing was, what if he doesn't understand. Or what if he didn't want me back. What the hell would I do then? That's when I decided that after I went for my license, I would drive over to Shane's and talk to him. I just hoped he would listen.
"Well?" Jeff asked as I walked into the Department of Motor Vehicles after my drive.
"Pedestrians watch out, cause Casey is on the road!" I exclaimed jumping into Jeff's arms.
"That's great! I'm so happy for you!" Jeff said putting me on the floor.
"I would love to go out and celebrate with you, but I kinda need to settle something," I said as we walked out to the car.
"That's cool. Drop me off at home and go see Shane. Make things right again," Jeff said.
"I just hope he'll forgive me and take me back."
"Casey, he'd be stupid to not take you back."
"Or very smart. Cause then he'd never get his heart broken again."
"I would bet my life that he would be the most miserable person without you."
"You think so?" I asked as he nodded.
"I know I would be," he muttered.
"What?"
"Nothing, just talking to myself."
"Isn't that my job?" I laughed.
"Not today," he said seriously. I shrugged and continued to drive.
I dropped Jeff off at his house then went home to get my cell phone and to tell Dad where I was going. I drove to Smithfield in about 2 hours and pulled into his driveway. I sat in the car for awhile trying to think of what to tell him. I was trying to psyche myself up really. After about 5 minutes I decided that it was now or never and I was taking the now side. I slowly walked to the front door and rang the bell. I heard him walking through the house and the door slowly opened.
"Case. What are you doing here?" he asked. He was in just a pair of boxers and his hair was messed. His eyes were red and blood shot. He looked as if he had been crying.
"I was hoping we could talk," I said softly.
"Yeah, sure. Come on in," he said moving back to let me in. He shut the door behind me and led me into the living room. "What did you want to talk about?"
"About last nite," I said.
"I think you made it very clear that you didn't want to be with me. I'm fine with your decision," he said hurtfully.
"No, Shane, you don't understand."
"Then tell me what I'm misinterpreting!"
"Shane, please don't yell at me."
"Well, I'm so sorry Casey, that I'm not all hunky dory."
"Shane, can I just explain stuff?"
"Fine, go for it."
"Last nite when you asked me to marry you, it, well, it scared me. I'm not ready to marry anyone. I'm 19 years old. I don't wanna get married at this young of an age. Besides, I don't think 4 months is really a good time span to be thinking about it anyways. Are you with me?"
"Yeah, I'm with ya."
"Okay. I didn't want to break up with you. Really I didn't. It's just that the fright of all this scared the crap outta me. I didn't know what else to do. And I'm so sorry that I hurt you. Believe me, I was hurt too! I love you so much. SO SO SO MUCH!!!" I said as tears began to sting my eyes.
"Why would you break up with me if you loved me so much?"
"I don't know. Like I said, I was just scared." A tear rolled down my cheek and I fully expected him to take me in his arms and kiss them away. But he didn't. He sat there staring at me.
"Shane, I know I was an idiot. I know I made a stupid mistake. And I'm so sorry. I'm sorrier than you could even imagine. I love you. Really I do. And I don't know if I could stand being without you."
"Casey, you really hurt me. I've never cried over a girl before but some how you managed to do it. I don't know what to tell you," he said as he put his head in his hands.
"Shane, Sugar, baby, I love you. Will you please take me back? Even though I'm a fool and should be shot for what I did to you." He looked up at me and walked over to me slowly. He sat next to me and ran his hand down my cheek. He cupped my chin in his hand and held it up.
"Angel, I love you and always will. I'd be an idiot to not take you back. Of course I want you back in my life." I smiled as he pulled me close to him. Our lips connected in a sweet passionate kiss that only we could share. "I love you."
"I love you too," I said as we kissed once more.
"Okay, I gotta know. How the hell did you get over here without Jeff, Matt, Amy, or Gil in the car?"
"I drove by myself," I said smiling.
"Does that mean you did it? You got your license?!" I nodded and he held me tightly. "That's wonderful!! Congratulations!"
"Thanks," I said. "Shane, can we go back to the way things were?"
"I'd like that very much. But now I have to get you a new Christmas gift!"
"Shane, you are my Christmas gift!"