As Thanksgiving passed and gave way to the Christmas season Jerrica and
Rory spent every free moment together. They went ice skating, bought their
first Christmas tree together and decorated it with familiar ornaments and
new ones they had bought together, and spent quiet nights in front of the
fire watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate. Soon it was the
week before Christmas. Jerrica sat at Rory's kitchen table drinking coffee
and writing. Rory walked in and stopped, breathless. He quickly and
quietly walked back to his bedroom where he retrieved his camera. He
adjusted the settings before walking back to the kitchen entranceway.
Aiming the camera, he snapped a picture of the vision before him. He
caught her sitting with one leg folded under her and the other propped on
the chair. She sat in her pajamas, a pair of blue cotton pants and a grey
sweatshirt. He thought she was a vision of beauty. Turning at the sound
of a click from the camera, Jerrica laughed.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm capturing this moment. You look...angelic. That's the only word that comes to mind at the moment." Rory said as he walked over and kissed Jerrica on the lips before walking to the counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee. Jerrica continued with her writing as he sat down beside her. "What are you writing?"
"A guest list for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Also a list of any last minute things I need to buy." she replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
"So, who is coming? You never gave me a complete list."
"Basically everyone. I spoke with the other Holograms earlier this year and they all decided to come out for Christmas, kind of like a family reunion."
"That's great. I can't wait to see everyone again. What about the girls? Are any of them coming?" he asked.
"Not this year. They younger ones of course have families and live kind of far. The older ones were all busy with jobs or boyfriends. I write, call, and email them constantly so it's not like we're out of touch. In fact I just spoke with Ashley the other day. She's got a 4.0 average at Brown and a new boyfriend." Jerrica said, glancing out the window.
"You miss them don't you?" he asked.
"Of course. I watched those girls grow up. It was hard to get used to the sound of silence once everyone was gone." she said, a touch of sadness in her voice.
Rory put his arm around Jerrica and pulled her close. "Now you have me. No more silence." he said, kissing her gently. Jerrica pulled back and smiled.
"Thank you. I needed that." she said.
"Have you told them? About us I mean." Rory asked.
"No, I wanted to surprise them. I hope you don't mind." she asked.
"Not at all. However you want to handle it is completely up to you."
"Thank you. Now, if you will excuse me I need to shower and get dressed and finish some last minute shopping." Jerrica said as she stood. She was caught by surprise when Rory grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down into his lap.
"I do too. But first a goodbye kiss." he said as his lips met hers for a long, tender kiss.
Jerrica had to catch her breath before she spoke. "I'll see you later then." she said before getting up and heading for her bedroom. Rory cleaned up their mugs before setting off on his own errands.
Before they knew it Christmas Eve had arrived. The day had been spent preparing dinner and doing some last minute cleaning. Jerrica was finishing dressing. She wore a pair of blue jeans and a long black sweater. Taking one last glance in the mirror she headed downstairs. Halfway down the doorbell rang. Rushing down she quickly made it to the front door and opened it.
"Surprise." they yelled. Jerrica and the other Holograms screamed with delight before joining into a group hug.
"Please, everyone come in." Jerrica said as the large group filed in. Kimber, Bobby, Aja, Craig, Shana, and Raya.
"It's so good to see you sis." Kimber said as she pulled Jerrica into an embrace. The two women pulled back, tears streaming down their faces.
"Oh, quit it you two. Knock off the mushy stuff." Aja said. Craig playfully swatted her in the arm and she chased him through the living room.
"Just like having the Starlight Girls here again, huh Jerrica?" Shana asked.
"Yeah, one really big Starlight Girl and one really hairy one." Bobby said. Everyone laughed.
"How about I give you all the tour and then we'll eat." Jerrica offered. Everyone agreed. After they had all seen her home and ate they gathered in the living room. A fire crackled and everyone drank coffee or hot chocolate and admired the sparkling lights of the Christmas tree.
"So," Kimber began, "Who is this mystery man and when do we get to meet him?" she asked. Everyone turned to look at Jerrica who just smiled.
"I'm not telling yet, you'll all get to meet him tomorrow night. In fact dinner will be at his house. It's a beautiful home on the beach. The view of the ocean is incredible." Jerrica said.
Raya stood up and cleared her throat. "Sorry to leave so soon but I have to see my family." she said. Jerrica stood up and walked over to her friend, giving her a hug.
"We'll see you tomorrow night though right?" she asked.
"Absolutely. But Christmas Eve is a tradition with my family. I will be there tomorrow though. I have the directions you gave me so it should be fine." she said as Jerrica retrieved her coat. Everyone said their goodbye's and Raya left.
"Well, I'm beat. Where are we sleeping?" Shana asked.
"Well, the couples can stay in the two spare bedrooms and Shana you can sleep in my room or on the foldout down here."
"I think I'll sleep down here."
"Okay, the beds upstairs are all made up. Shana I will get you some fresh sheets and a pillow and blanket. See you all in the morning." Jerrica said.
"Night." Everyone echoed.
After everyone was settled, Jerrica drifted off to sleep. Morning came soon enough and she was awakened by a kiss on her lips. Believing she was dreaming, Jerrica opened her eyes and was momentarily startled.
"Rory, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Saying Merry Christmas." he replied. Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her close and they began a long, slow kiss which started to heat up. Jerrica pulled back and tried to catch her breath.
"Wait, the others will be awake any minute. We can't. Not right now." she said, trying to sound stern. When he pouted she couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh, alright. But I want to give you a present. It couldn't wait." he said. Reaching to the floor he picked up a red and green bag which he placed on the bed. Jerrica's eyes lit up as she dug into the bag. She pulled out a long, black box. Opening it she found a silver locket.
"It's beautiful." she said.
"Read the back." he said. Jerrica turned the locket over and read the inscription aloud. "Thank you for bringing joy and beauty into my life. May it last forever."
Jerrica looked up and began to cry. Rory smiled and pulled her to him. After a few moments he pulled back and stroked her hair, looking into her eyes. "I mean that and so much more. Jerrica, I love you." he said. "I love you too." she said. Moving closer, their lips met in a soft kiss. When they pulled back, both of them smiled. Then there was a knock on the door.
"Jerrica, we're all waiting for you." Kimber announced. Trying to open the bedroom door she found it locked. "Hey, what gives. You got a boy in there?" he sister teased. The next thing they heard were footsteps running down the hall and Kimber singing. "Jerrica's got a boy in her room."
"Guess we're busted." she said.
"Maybe you should get dressed and make the introductions." Rory suggested.
A half hour later, Jerrica and Rory walked downstairs. The sounds of talking and laughter as well as the smell of bacon drifted down the hall from the kitchen. Jerrica entered first.
"Morning everyone." she announced. "I have someone I'd like you all to meet..again." she said.
Rory stepped in and stood by her side. "Everyone, this is Rory. You may remember him better as Riot." she said, putting her arm around his waist. Every mouth in the room dropped. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence Bobby stepped forward.
"Um, hi." Bobby said. "I'm Bobby, I'm Kimber's boyfriend." he said as he shook Rory's hand.
"Nice to meet you. Listen, I know this is a shock to everyone but perhaps we can tell you all about it after breakfast." Rory offered.
"No problem." Kimber said, glancing back at the other Holograms who just nodded. A short while later breakfast was served. After everyone had stuffed themselves full they cleaned up the kitchen and gathered in the living room. Jerrica and Rory sat on the floor in front of the Christmas tree with the others sitting on the sofa and love seat.
"So, who would like to start?" Aja asked.
"First, how...what...why?" Kimber asked.
"Well, to the how, we bumped into each other just before Halloween. We started dating and now we're in love." Jerrica answered matter of factly.
"No offense but what happened to the Riot we knew? The Jem obsessed, egotistical pig?" Aja asked bluntly. Craig winced beside her. "Perfectly reasonable question. To make a long story short I was mugged and had my face sliced a few years back. While in the hospital I had an epiphany and suddenly realized what a fool I'd been. Now, I'm just Rory. A man in love with this wonderful woman beside me." He replied, putting an arm around Jerrica and giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. "How do we know your on the up and up?" Kimber asked suspiciously.
"Because, I say he is and because I love him. Look, we don't have to explain ourselves, we're both adults. Now I understand your concern considering how Rory used to be but that's in the past." Jerrica said calmly.
The Holograms just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Well, if that's how it is then I wish you both well." Shana said as she stood up and walked over to her friend and her new love. Shana gave them both a hug.
"Yeah, me too." Aja said, also giving them both a hug.
"Kimber?" Jerrica asked.
"Oh, alright." she said as she hugged her sister. Turning to Rory she gave him a hard glare. "If you ever hurt her." Kimber started, not feeling as though she needed to finish the sentence.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Rory replied. Kimber gave him a short hug.
"Well, now that all of that is behind us, how about we open some presents?" Jerrica asked. Everyone agreed and they spent the morning and early afternoon opening presents and watching It's A Wonderful Life. The Holograms were all surprised at Rory's good taste. Along with the locket he also gave Jerrica a black faux leather jacket and a framed photo of the ocean he had taken from his back porch. Jerrica in turn bought him a sweater and a new lens for his camera. Finally evening drew near and everyone got dressed and headed for Rory's house. Jerrica and Rory had arrived early to let the caterers in and prepare for guests to arrive. Along with the Holograms and their significant others they had invited The Misfits, a few acquaintances and people they worked with. After the party was in full swing, Kimber wandered around the house. Walking down the hall she noticed a row of black and white photos covering the wall. The first showed Jerrica standing on the back porch, the wind blowing her hair around her face. The next showed her and Rory looking into each others eyes and smiling. The next was the picture he had taken the week before of her at the kitchen table. Kimber couldn't help but smile.
"I took those myself." she heard a voice behind her say.
"They're great. I can tell you must really love her." Kimber said.
"I do. She is the greatest thing that ever happened to me." Rory said.
"Treat her right. Or you'll answer to me." Kimber said with a smile.
"I will." he replied.
Craig wandered down the hall looking sullen.
"Is everything okay Craig?" Rory asked.
"The party is great. I just wish I could have seen my sister and niece. They went to her husbands family's place in Texas." he replied.
Rory heard the knock on the door and had a feeling of who it could be. "I'll get it." he said.
Opening the door he moved back so his guests could enter. Craig looked up just as Rory moved away.
"Mary?" he cried, running to his sister.
"Craig. Merry Christmas big brother." she cried before jumping into her brothers arms. He swung her around before placing her gently on the floor.
"I can't believe this. I thought you were going to be in Texas." he asked.
"I wanted to surprise you. Now, come meet your niece." she said, leading him to her husband who was holding the baby carrier. Mary pulled the baby out and handed her to Craig.
"This is Kaitlyn."
"She's magnificent." Craig said. "Hi Kaitlyn, I'm your uncle Craig. Welcome to the family."
In the Kitchen, Kimber, Shana, and Raya stood talking when more guests arrived. Jerrica led them into the kitchen. "Guys, you remember Pizzazz and Roxy don't you?" she asked.
"Actually, it's just Phyllis now. How's it going?" she asked. The Holograms just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Everything's great. Nice to see you again Phyllis." Raya said, offering up her hand.
"Yeah, nice to see you guys again." Kimber said, stepping forward and shaking the two women's hands.
"Thanks. And Merry Christmas." Roxy said. While everyone was getting reacquainted Rory snuck up behind Jerrica and pulled her to him. He whispered in her ear before leading her out to the patio.
"I'm glad we could get away for a minute. I've hardly had a moment alone with you all day and it's our first Christmas together." Rory said as they snuggled on the patio swing. "I know. I'm sorry. I just got caught up in seeing my friends again. It's been so long. I do love my present though. It's perfect, just like this entire day." Jerrica said. Rory leaned down and kissed her on the head.
"Don't be sorry. It was a perfect day. Everyone is getting along and I'm here with you. Have I told you that I love you recently?" he asked.
"Not since this morning. I love you too." she said, turning to look into his eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him with all of the love she had for him.
"I guess we should go back inside shouldn't we?" he asked.
"Your right. Someone is bound to come looking for us anyway." she replied as they got up to go inside the house.
"Just one thing first." he said as he pulled her close for another kiss. Neither of them noticed the small group watching from inside.
"Boy, they got it bad." Phyllis said with a sigh.
"Yeah, it makes me nauseous." Roxy replied.
"Alright, let's break it up before they catch us." Shana said, dragging everyone back toward the living room.
"What are you doing?" she asked.
"I'm capturing this moment. You look...angelic. That's the only word that comes to mind at the moment." Rory said as he walked over and kissed Jerrica on the lips before walking to the counter and pouring himself a cup of coffee. Jerrica continued with her writing as he sat down beside her. "What are you writing?"
"A guest list for Christmas eve and Christmas day. Also a list of any last minute things I need to buy." she replied, taking a sip of her coffee.
"So, who is coming? You never gave me a complete list."
"Basically everyone. I spoke with the other Holograms earlier this year and they all decided to come out for Christmas, kind of like a family reunion."
"That's great. I can't wait to see everyone again. What about the girls? Are any of them coming?" he asked.
"Not this year. They younger ones of course have families and live kind of far. The older ones were all busy with jobs or boyfriends. I write, call, and email them constantly so it's not like we're out of touch. In fact I just spoke with Ashley the other day. She's got a 4.0 average at Brown and a new boyfriend." Jerrica said, glancing out the window.
"You miss them don't you?" he asked.
"Of course. I watched those girls grow up. It was hard to get used to the sound of silence once everyone was gone." she said, a touch of sadness in her voice.
Rory put his arm around Jerrica and pulled her close. "Now you have me. No more silence." he said, kissing her gently. Jerrica pulled back and smiled.
"Thank you. I needed that." she said.
"Have you told them? About us I mean." Rory asked.
"No, I wanted to surprise them. I hope you don't mind." she asked.
"Not at all. However you want to handle it is completely up to you."
"Thank you. Now, if you will excuse me I need to shower and get dressed and finish some last minute shopping." Jerrica said as she stood. She was caught by surprise when Rory grabbed her around the waist and pulled her down into his lap.
"I do too. But first a goodbye kiss." he said as his lips met hers for a long, tender kiss.
Jerrica had to catch her breath before she spoke. "I'll see you later then." she said before getting up and heading for her bedroom. Rory cleaned up their mugs before setting off on his own errands.
Before they knew it Christmas Eve had arrived. The day had been spent preparing dinner and doing some last minute cleaning. Jerrica was finishing dressing. She wore a pair of blue jeans and a long black sweater. Taking one last glance in the mirror she headed downstairs. Halfway down the doorbell rang. Rushing down she quickly made it to the front door and opened it.
"Surprise." they yelled. Jerrica and the other Holograms screamed with delight before joining into a group hug.
"Please, everyone come in." Jerrica said as the large group filed in. Kimber, Bobby, Aja, Craig, Shana, and Raya.
"It's so good to see you sis." Kimber said as she pulled Jerrica into an embrace. The two women pulled back, tears streaming down their faces.
"Oh, quit it you two. Knock off the mushy stuff." Aja said. Craig playfully swatted her in the arm and she chased him through the living room.
"Just like having the Starlight Girls here again, huh Jerrica?" Shana asked.
"Yeah, one really big Starlight Girl and one really hairy one." Bobby said. Everyone laughed.
"How about I give you all the tour and then we'll eat." Jerrica offered. Everyone agreed. After they had all seen her home and ate they gathered in the living room. A fire crackled and everyone drank coffee or hot chocolate and admired the sparkling lights of the Christmas tree.
"So," Kimber began, "Who is this mystery man and when do we get to meet him?" she asked. Everyone turned to look at Jerrica who just smiled.
"I'm not telling yet, you'll all get to meet him tomorrow night. In fact dinner will be at his house. It's a beautiful home on the beach. The view of the ocean is incredible." Jerrica said.
Raya stood up and cleared her throat. "Sorry to leave so soon but I have to see my family." she said. Jerrica stood up and walked over to her friend, giving her a hug.
"We'll see you tomorrow night though right?" she asked.
"Absolutely. But Christmas Eve is a tradition with my family. I will be there tomorrow though. I have the directions you gave me so it should be fine." she said as Jerrica retrieved her coat. Everyone said their goodbye's and Raya left.
"Well, I'm beat. Where are we sleeping?" Shana asked.
"Well, the couples can stay in the two spare bedrooms and Shana you can sleep in my room or on the foldout down here."
"I think I'll sleep down here."
"Okay, the beds upstairs are all made up. Shana I will get you some fresh sheets and a pillow and blanket. See you all in the morning." Jerrica said.
"Night." Everyone echoed.
After everyone was settled, Jerrica drifted off to sleep. Morning came soon enough and she was awakened by a kiss on her lips. Believing she was dreaming, Jerrica opened her eyes and was momentarily startled.
"Rory, what are you doing here?" she asked.
"Saying Merry Christmas." he replied. Wrapping his arms around her he pulled her close and they began a long, slow kiss which started to heat up. Jerrica pulled back and tried to catch her breath.
"Wait, the others will be awake any minute. We can't. Not right now." she said, trying to sound stern. When he pouted she couldn't help but laugh.
"Oh, alright. But I want to give you a present. It couldn't wait." he said. Reaching to the floor he picked up a red and green bag which he placed on the bed. Jerrica's eyes lit up as she dug into the bag. She pulled out a long, black box. Opening it she found a silver locket.
"It's beautiful." she said.
"Read the back." he said. Jerrica turned the locket over and read the inscription aloud. "Thank you for bringing joy and beauty into my life. May it last forever."
Jerrica looked up and began to cry. Rory smiled and pulled her to him. After a few moments he pulled back and stroked her hair, looking into her eyes. "I mean that and so much more. Jerrica, I love you." he said. "I love you too." she said. Moving closer, their lips met in a soft kiss. When they pulled back, both of them smiled. Then there was a knock on the door.
"Jerrica, we're all waiting for you." Kimber announced. Trying to open the bedroom door she found it locked. "Hey, what gives. You got a boy in there?" he sister teased. The next thing they heard were footsteps running down the hall and Kimber singing. "Jerrica's got a boy in her room."
"Guess we're busted." she said.
"Maybe you should get dressed and make the introductions." Rory suggested.
A half hour later, Jerrica and Rory walked downstairs. The sounds of talking and laughter as well as the smell of bacon drifted down the hall from the kitchen. Jerrica entered first.
"Morning everyone." she announced. "I have someone I'd like you all to meet..again." she said.
Rory stepped in and stood by her side. "Everyone, this is Rory. You may remember him better as Riot." she said, putting her arm around his waist. Every mouth in the room dropped. After a few moments of uncomfortable silence Bobby stepped forward.
"Um, hi." Bobby said. "I'm Bobby, I'm Kimber's boyfriend." he said as he shook Rory's hand.
"Nice to meet you. Listen, I know this is a shock to everyone but perhaps we can tell you all about it after breakfast." Rory offered.
"No problem." Kimber said, glancing back at the other Holograms who just nodded. A short while later breakfast was served. After everyone had stuffed themselves full they cleaned up the kitchen and gathered in the living room. Jerrica and Rory sat on the floor in front of the Christmas tree with the others sitting on the sofa and love seat.
"So, who would like to start?" Aja asked.
"First, how...what...why?" Kimber asked.
"Well, to the how, we bumped into each other just before Halloween. We started dating and now we're in love." Jerrica answered matter of factly.
"No offense but what happened to the Riot we knew? The Jem obsessed, egotistical pig?" Aja asked bluntly. Craig winced beside her. "Perfectly reasonable question. To make a long story short I was mugged and had my face sliced a few years back. While in the hospital I had an epiphany and suddenly realized what a fool I'd been. Now, I'm just Rory. A man in love with this wonderful woman beside me." He replied, putting an arm around Jerrica and giving her shoulder an affectionate squeeze. "How do we know your on the up and up?" Kimber asked suspiciously.
"Because, I say he is and because I love him. Look, we don't have to explain ourselves, we're both adults. Now I understand your concern considering how Rory used to be but that's in the past." Jerrica said calmly.
The Holograms just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Well, if that's how it is then I wish you both well." Shana said as she stood up and walked over to her friend and her new love. Shana gave them both a hug.
"Yeah, me too." Aja said, also giving them both a hug.
"Kimber?" Jerrica asked.
"Oh, alright." she said as she hugged her sister. Turning to Rory she gave him a hard glare. "If you ever hurt her." Kimber started, not feeling as though she needed to finish the sentence.
"Wouldn't dream of it." Rory replied. Kimber gave him a short hug.
"Well, now that all of that is behind us, how about we open some presents?" Jerrica asked. Everyone agreed and they spent the morning and early afternoon opening presents and watching It's A Wonderful Life. The Holograms were all surprised at Rory's good taste. Along with the locket he also gave Jerrica a black faux leather jacket and a framed photo of the ocean he had taken from his back porch. Jerrica in turn bought him a sweater and a new lens for his camera. Finally evening drew near and everyone got dressed and headed for Rory's house. Jerrica and Rory had arrived early to let the caterers in and prepare for guests to arrive. Along with the Holograms and their significant others they had invited The Misfits, a few acquaintances and people they worked with. After the party was in full swing, Kimber wandered around the house. Walking down the hall she noticed a row of black and white photos covering the wall. The first showed Jerrica standing on the back porch, the wind blowing her hair around her face. The next showed her and Rory looking into each others eyes and smiling. The next was the picture he had taken the week before of her at the kitchen table. Kimber couldn't help but smile.
"I took those myself." she heard a voice behind her say.
"They're great. I can tell you must really love her." Kimber said.
"I do. She is the greatest thing that ever happened to me." Rory said.
"Treat her right. Or you'll answer to me." Kimber said with a smile.
"I will." he replied.
Craig wandered down the hall looking sullen.
"Is everything okay Craig?" Rory asked.
"The party is great. I just wish I could have seen my sister and niece. They went to her husbands family's place in Texas." he replied.
Rory heard the knock on the door and had a feeling of who it could be. "I'll get it." he said.
Opening the door he moved back so his guests could enter. Craig looked up just as Rory moved away.
"Mary?" he cried, running to his sister.
"Craig. Merry Christmas big brother." she cried before jumping into her brothers arms. He swung her around before placing her gently on the floor.
"I can't believe this. I thought you were going to be in Texas." he asked.
"I wanted to surprise you. Now, come meet your niece." she said, leading him to her husband who was holding the baby carrier. Mary pulled the baby out and handed her to Craig.
"This is Kaitlyn."
"She's magnificent." Craig said. "Hi Kaitlyn, I'm your uncle Craig. Welcome to the family."
In the Kitchen, Kimber, Shana, and Raya stood talking when more guests arrived. Jerrica led them into the kitchen. "Guys, you remember Pizzazz and Roxy don't you?" she asked.
"Actually, it's just Phyllis now. How's it going?" she asked. The Holograms just looked at each other and shrugged.
"Everything's great. Nice to see you again Phyllis." Raya said, offering up her hand.
"Yeah, nice to see you guys again." Kimber said, stepping forward and shaking the two women's hands.
"Thanks. And Merry Christmas." Roxy said. While everyone was getting reacquainted Rory snuck up behind Jerrica and pulled her to him. He whispered in her ear before leading her out to the patio.
"I'm glad we could get away for a minute. I've hardly had a moment alone with you all day and it's our first Christmas together." Rory said as they snuggled on the patio swing. "I know. I'm sorry. I just got caught up in seeing my friends again. It's been so long. I do love my present though. It's perfect, just like this entire day." Jerrica said. Rory leaned down and kissed her on the head.
"Don't be sorry. It was a perfect day. Everyone is getting along and I'm here with you. Have I told you that I love you recently?" he asked.
"Not since this morning. I love you too." she said, turning to look into his eyes. She leaned forward and kissed him with all of the love she had for him.
"I guess we should go back inside shouldn't we?" he asked.
"Your right. Someone is bound to come looking for us anyway." she replied as they got up to go inside the house.
"Just one thing first." he said as he pulled her close for another kiss. Neither of them noticed the small group watching from inside.
"Boy, they got it bad." Phyllis said with a sigh.
"Yeah, it makes me nauseous." Roxy replied.
"Alright, let's break it up before they catch us." Shana said, dragging everyone back toward the living room.