Thank you to everybody who read or left kudos on the last conversation. You're all wonderful. We are almost to the end of book one. Just two more chapters to go after this. See, the winter break arc has better pacing than the Thanksgiving chaos arc.
Chapter 74: Christmas is a Marathon, Not a Sprint
Late evening December 23, 2008
BFF Chad: Never go to a Lamaze class holiday party. Especially alone.
Troy: Of course not. There's not even spiked eggnog. Wait, you're alone?
BFF Chad: Actually, no eggnog in general. Not even the Puerto Rican version Aunt Christina makes with coconut milk and no eggs. Also, nothing that is not pasteurized. Tiffany's with me, but Sharpay stayed behind at Aunt Mariah's because she wanted to spend more time with her father. He showed up at a very Teresa and Mariah holiday baking party. Zack was too busy making out with Ryan, so I didn't even ask if he wanted to join us.
Troy: Hey, at least the Lamaze class party got you out of quality time with your future father-in-law.
BFF Chad: This is true. Although he's moved on to torturing Zack and Taylor. I'm old news. It also helps that he's 100% sure I'm only dating one of his kids now.
Troy: So no one showed him the pictures from Aunt Claudia's party?
BFF Chad: There are pictures? Why didn't anybody send them to me?
Troy: [3 attachments]
BFF Chad: Despite being a stage kiss, we definitely look hot. Also, I had no idea he was grabbing my ass. No wonder Esther had heart palpitations.
Troy: Even as your best friend, I will never completely understand your relationship with Ryan. Just tell me Sharpay does?
BFF Chad: She does. Zack gets it too. Shar also wants to know who took the pictures to send them a thank you present when she gets her credit card back. I think she's planning to make it her Christmas card next year to Darby.
Troy: She absolutely would. That would be Liz.
BFF Chad: That makes sense. She's also at Teresa and Mariah's house.
Troy: She is friends with Teresa. They bonded over Alex's childcare. Of course, she's there.
BFF Chad: I wish I was there too. Much better cookies. These definitely came from the store.
Troy: I'm so happy Kim brought me a cookie care package from your aunt. You know Teresa does the best cookies even better than Maria but don't tell her that.
BFF Chad: I never would. It wouldn't be horrible if Jorge, Damien, and Daisy were here. They were the only people we met that we liked last week. Unfortunately, Daisy went into labor this afternoon.
Troy: That means they might have a Christmas Eve eve baby.
BFF Chad: More like Christmas Eve. Tiffany is text message friends with Damien and Jorge. Daisy is not even six centimeters yet. It's going to be a while. At least that's what I learned in class before they broke out the nasty punch and cheap cookies.
BFF Chad: Also, horrible Christmas music. I will break something if I hear that grandma reindeer song one more time.
Troy: Fun.
BFF Chad: So how are things? Did Kim's parents get there Safely?
Troy: Yes, we picked them up this afternoon. Vanessa won't give Alex back to us. Jay is being nice to me; I'm a little concerned.
BFF Chad: It makes sense. Now that you're engaged, he knows that you're going to be there for the long haul, and he is trying to make the best of it.
Troy: He was kind of freaking out about us getting married way too young before. So that doesn't explain the turnaround.
BFF Chad: Because of his own very screwed-up shotgun wedding.
Troy: True.
BFF Chad: Also, Kim isn't the baby anymore. Bonus points for it being a really unplanned pregnancy. That makes them less likely to throw stones about you accidentally getting Kim pregnant.
Troy: Point. He is being super overprotective of Vanessa. Apparently, she went into labor early with Taylor. I wonder if Taylor even knows that?
BFF Chad: You've spent more time with Vanessa recently than she has, so probably not. Besides, I'm unsure if Taylor is mentally ready to ask those questions.
Troy: What about the party Friday? I know she was there because Vanessa showed us pictures.
BFF Chad: I think they talked to each other longer at the grocery store earlier in the day. I'm still shocked Taylor agreed to brunch tomorrow. I think she's only doing it for Jason.
Troy: Probably.
Troy: It just feels so weird for Jay not to hate me.
BFF Chad: Ok, maybe he's seeing a therapist and is working through many of his issues.
Troy: That would be nice.
BFF Chad: Or he doesn't want to put more stress on you with the whole Lucy thing.
Troy: That's a possibility. They actually came here because I can't go back to Albuquerque right now. They were determined to bring Christmas to me.
Troy: [Three images attached.]
BFF Chad: It seems like they were successful. How did you manage to get that many Christmas presents under that tree?
Troy: I think Kim had everybody's gifts express shipped here. I'm not asking questions. I'm honestly expecting Alex to be more interested in the wrapping paper.
BFF Chad: Actually, we sent most of our presents with the grandparents. We dropped them off yesterday. Sharpay got everything before she lost credit card privileges so expect something ridiculously expensive. I asked her to pick up a plush elephant, but who knows?
Troy: Did she actually buy Gabriella a $500 bathrobe?
BFF Chad: Actually, it was $600. There might also be a cashmere sweater for her. She bought one for Maria and thought the mother-daughter thing would be cute.
Troy: Your girlfriend worries me sometimes.
BFF Chad: Sharpay has a big heart, and she hates Kelsi much more than Gabriella now. It helps that you guys are not together anymore.
Troy: That doesn't make me worry less. I feel bad that you will get your Christmas presents in January except for the gift for my dad. Your mom is helping with that.
BFF Chad: It's ok because Kim actually left presents for us and put your name on them because she's that girlfriend. Although I'm sure your dad's present will be the best.
BFF Chad: I am to get video, right?
Troy: If you could. Carolyn said she would make arrangements, but I rather have you take care of it. I don't think your video will be as shaky as the footage from Taylor's parents' anniversary. I got nauseous watching it when Vanessa showed us some of it.
BFF Chad: I think I'm arrangements. She already asked me to do it, but I wanted to check with you first.
Troy: Of course, I want you to.
BFF Chad: I will also take pictures for tomorrow's goodbye breakfast. I hope this party wraps up soon because we will have to wake up at 7 AM.
Troy:?
BFF Chad: Your aunt is returning to Santa Fe tomorrow, bringing Nana Katrina with her. We're doing a goodbye breakfast way too early in the morning. I'm going for the infamous blueberry Dutch baby pancakes. They raided the Evans house yesterday for all the good kitchen equipment, so Jack is ready for his new life.
Troy: Glad to know my dad has kitchen equipment after everything going on with Lucy. Have any fights broken out yet? Liz hasn't said anything.
BFF Chad: Because there's nothing to report. Grandma Katrina adores my mom. The fact that she's now dating Jack just makes her like her more. Sharpay just told me that grandma Katrina even showed your mom how to make her Christmas streusel. I'll send you pictures later.
Troy: I'm sad that you spent more time with my aunt and grandmother than I did.
BFF Chad: Everybody understands what's going on. Besides, if your house search bears fruit, you can host Christmas next year.
Troy: Very true.
Xxx
Morning December 24, 2008
Jack was pleased that his sister and his mom were here these last few weeks to help him deal with the chaos of his divorce. It was definitely vicious, and he needed their help. Unfortunately, on Christmas Eve, they were heading back to Santa Fe.
"Are you sure I don't need to bring you with me to Santa Fe?" Liz said to Chad as he pulled her into a hug. Chad was already seen as another nephew.
"I am sure. Aunt Mariah kept all the family members we hated away yesterday, and I feel the team will do the same tonight. I'll be fine." Chad told her, pulling out of the hug.
"We will be fine, Liz. I have popcorn, and the lawyers are ready to post bail." Sharpay remarked as she went to give Liz her own hug.
"I don't think your fiancé is joking about that." She said, turning back to Chad.
"Sharpay never jokes about lawyers," Jack said as he approached his sister.
"Give your sister a hug."
"I'm so glad you were able to be here. You made this last month a lot easier." It was good just to have somebody to talk to. Especially Friday night when Lucy had the car repossessed.
"I am glad I could help you and Kimberly. I also enjoyed spending time with my baby nephew." Liz refuses to call Alex her great-nephew. He's also not allowed to call her his great aunt. That's not allowed to happen until she was at least 40. "And I will be back in a couple of weeks. Maybe I'll come up for MLK weekend when the children are in DC or do you already have plans?" The last part was whispered so Carolyn wouldn't hear. Not that she was close by. She was helping his mom carry her bags down the steps of the house.
"Possibly, I'm working on it." He whispered back before breaking apart to help his mom with her luggage.
"I'll take these." He said, grabbing the bags out of Carolyn's hands but not before kissing her.
"To be young and in love."
"We're not that young," Jack remarked.
"You are to me. Anyway, just to let you know, my signature macaroni is in the fridge for tonight, along with my signature Christmas pie. You'll need to warm up the mac & cheese before you take it over, though. The pie works cold. Carolyn, tell your mom I'm sorry I couldn't come over. We will arrange something for the summer."
"You're not going to pop by for spring break?" Jack asked, surprised.
"I figured I would let the kids enjoy that, but I want to spend time with my grandbaby this summer. All of my grandkids. You're a part of that too now, Chad." That's when his mom walked over to Chad to wrap him in a hug.
"It's nice to pick up another grandmother because Nana Danforth doesn't know me anymore." Chad tried to sound indifferent, but Jack could tell he was hurting.
"She's always been a sanctimonious bitch."
"Mom," Liz remarked, scandalized.
"At my age, I can say these things. You're so much better off without her."
"I'm starting to see that." Chad gave her a sad smile.
"Even if I'm not here, I expect you to keep me up-to-date on everything Lucy is doing."
"I promise I'll tell you what's going on." Jack really meant that. "Although I'm hoping that the car repossession is the last thing for a while."
"Kim is probably getting you a car for Christmas just to make up for it." Liz joked.
"Actually, she told me she's planning to get herself a new car that the paparazzi won't recognize. I can use her current one for the moment," Jack explained. Kim actually did want to get him a new car. This was the compromise.
"Smart," Liz said as she got into the car.
"Call me when you get home," He told the two.
"I will." His mother promised.
"Also, please don't get into a fight with Karen. I'm a little worried about you going to Zach and Chris's party tonight." He shouldn't find it strange that his sister was friends with Zach and David. They did live in the same city. Most of the family liked each other. The real problems were Lucy versus everybody and Katrina versus Karen.
"I promise I'll be on my best behavior. I adore the guys." His mother said before turning to Carolyn. "Give me a hug too before I leave. I'm really so happy you guys finally got together."
"I am too." One tear rolled down Carolyn's cheek.
"You were always my favorite."
XXXXX
A little while later
Mandy cakes: How is Christmas Eve brunch with the in-laws going?
Ryan: Nobody has started crying yet.
Mandy cakes: That's always good.
Ryan: But we only got here 5 minutes ago. Penelope is actually running interference.
Mandy cakes: She's there?
Ryan: Zack doesn't want to leave her alone, even at the mansion. He's worried that the asshole might show up. You know what he did to Zack's now-former apartment.
Mandy cakes: I feel like your security team has orders to shoot that prick on site.
Ryan: The security team is currently going through an overhaul. We had to weed out the ones that were loyal to Darby. So we're a bit understaffed at the moment.
Mandy cakes: That's unfortunate.
Ryan: Dad is currently getting new people. I think Sharpay is getting a dedicated security person.
Mandy cakes: Considering what her shitty ex-boyfriend did, I don't blame him.
Mandy cakes: Also, Darby. She hasn't tried to contact you, has she? She sent a few things to the dorm room, but I turned them over to the private investigator before Sharpay even saw them.
Ryan: No, thank God. Not directly anyway, although her lawyers have been in contact. We're no longer getting any money from Grandpa Evans's trust fund.
Mandy cakes: ?
Ryan: Her maiden name was also Evans. Very different branches, though. Dad's side is less white. Not that anyone was allowed to know about that.
Mandy cakes: That woman really is racist as fuck.
Ryan: So racist. But I'm ok being cut out of the Evans family fortune.
Mandy cakes: That side anyway. So your dad came from nothing and married rich?
Ryan: Nope, still rich. But East Coast rich. There are a couple of spoiled stuck-up witches on that side too. They're probably going to faint when I introduce Zack.
Mandy cakes: They are probably just like Marc's mom.
Ryan: It's been so crazy with the holiday parties that I forgot to text this weekend. What happened with her?
Mandy cakes: Marc contacted Jen for a restraining order. Kim knew this was going to happen, so she pre-paid for services.
Ryan: Oh, that is so not good.
Mandy cakes: He doesn't wanna talk about it. He's been moping nonstop, especially since he found out his crush moved on.
Ryan: He was the one who told Jimmie that he was too young and he needed to date someone more age-appropriate. Kerri is age-appropriate and is ok with Jimmie being queer. He only did what Marc asked him to do.
Mandy cakes: He's regretting that decision. I mean, they're not even two years apart. They're closer in age than Kim and Troy. It was just an excuse because Marc is afraid to feel too much. I blame his horrible mom.
Ryan: They are closer in age than Zack and me. Although there is a difference between 21 and almost 19 than 18 and 16.
Mandy cakes: Very true.
Mandy cakes: So, did you get your grades?
Ryan: Yes, and I actually did better than I thought I would. Although not as good as my sister. She didn't get anything lower than a B. That was chemistry her worst subject. As usual straight A's for Chad. Although, unlike during high school, he'll actually acknowledge that. He might have got an A+ in his English class for the infamous Darth Vader paper.
Mandy cakes: I am not shocked at all. It was an excellent paper.
Ryan: What about you? Do you really need to still retake the English class?
Mandy cakes: Technically, I passed, but I don't want that D following me around. I think I can do better.
Ryan: What about the other classes?
Mandy cakes: Surprisingly enough, I got an A, A-, and B+ in my other three classes. The B+ was in chemistry. Thanks to Chad, I got an A- in calculus.
Mandy cakes: Ok, thanks to your dad for getting me an oral exam.
Ryan: You did your calculus exam orally?
Mandy cakes: I can do a differential equation in my head. I can't do it on paper. At least not very well. Unfortunately, calculus is more about writing the steps down than getting the correct answer.
Ryan: I'm glad you got what you needed. He always took my reasonable accommodations really seriously. More than Darby did anyway.
Mandy cakes: I'm glad you at least had that.
Ryan: Oh, did I mention he is with us right now?
Mandy cakes: Wait, seriously?
Ryan: Yep.
Mandy cakes: You're having breakfast with both sets of parents?
Ryan: Well, the ones we're talking to anyway. Although Taylor is not talking to Vanessa because Vanessa respects her desire for space.
Mandy cakes: Which puts her miles above your egg donor.
Ryan: So much.
Ryan: Everyone really likes Zack, though. We've been here for 30 minutes, and things have been great so far. Again still no crying.
Mandy cakes: That's good. Sorry, it took me a little while to respond. I am helping bake pies.
Ryan: It's ok. I'm in the kitchen now helping Taylor's dad.
Mandy cakes: How awkward are things?
Ryan: We've now been here over an hour. Taylor's doing this thing where she's pretending everything's ok when it's not. I'm a little concerned.
Mandy cakes: Could this get baseball bat to the plasma bad?
Ryan: Not yet; otherwise, I would be texting Makayla. Actually, that's why I still have my cell phone to text you or Makayla if needed. We were allowed to have phones so that we could have emotional support. You're my emotional support person right now because Chad and Sharpay are busy preparing for a very Sanchez Christmas this afternoon.
Mandy cakes: Good to know. I'm happy to be your emotional support person.
Ryan: Actually, Taylor just grabbed her phone, and she is texting Makayla right now.
Mandy cakes: Good. Keep me posted.
XXXX
TM: I'm having Christmas Eve brunch with my parents. I can't believe I actually came.
Makayla: How's it going?
TM: I've been here for over an hour and haven't made an excuse to leave yet.
Makayla: That's progress.
TM: Although I am texting you.
Makayla: I told to during our session yesterday. I even gave you this number. The progress is that you are texting me.
TM: Point. We are sitting down to eat now. Dad made all my favorite foods, including the blueberry stuffed French toast and the chocolate chip muffins. He never makes chocolate chip muffins because he considers them desert food.
Makayla: But he knows you like them, so he made them just for you?
TM: Yes.
TM: There are also being ridiculously nice to Zack and Ryan. They're not even freaking out about the fact my boyfriend has a boyfriend.
Makayla: How does that make you feel?
TM: Good. Also, I just realized that I actually called Ryan my boyfriend in text message form when I haven't even referred to him like that out loud.
Makayla: Sometimes, it's easier to express how we really feel in writing.
TM: I understand that. Chad and I started becoming text message friends again, and I spent multiple family events with him.
Makayla: That's good. Is he with you right now?
TM: No. Ryan said that he had breakfast with Jack's mom and sister this morning. Jack is his mom's new boyfriend. Chad is spending time with them today. Ryan says it's good for him and Sharpay to do things separately sometimes. Ryan's dad is also here.
Makayla: Do you get along with him?
TM: Relatively well despite all the property damage I caused back in October. I was supposed to work at the club this summer. Since Ryan and all associates are banned for life, I will be at the Evans group corporate offices instead.
Makayla: I feel like you would prefer that. Who else is with you?
TM: Jason invited his friend Kerri Jackson because she's a professional buffer. Zack brought Penelope. Penelope is actually being cordial to everyone, which is shocking. My parents aren't even upset about the surprised guest. I never did text them about it yesterday like I said I would.
Makayla: Do they know why she's with you?
TM: Penelope told them the basics. Although she left out that the asshole raped Sharpay before trying to rape her. She also didn't mention that she is staying at the mansion with us because he showed up at Zack's apartment to intimidate her last weekend. Vince, Ryan's dad, knows but not my parents, and I prefer it that way.
TM: Don't worry, Sharpay arranged for professional help. I've heard good things about Dr. Olivia.
Makayla: I'm glad. So do you want to try to talk to your parents today? I know you have many questions that you want to ask them. You sent me the list.
TM: Is it wrong that I just want to have a good Christmas Eve brunch? I don't want to talk about the adoption or why I feel betrayed because they didn't tell me for so long.
Makayla: It's ok if you're not ready to have that conversation.
TM: I don't want to have it alone. I adore Ryan, but I don't want him to play relationship referee when he's already dealing with so much with his mom. That's not to mention what's going on with Zack.
Makayla: That's understandable.
TM: My parents offered to come back with me to school for a couple of days. I haven't accepted the offer yet.
Makayla: We could schedule a family session.
TM: Maybe not yet. I need more time. I want to tell them not to come because I'm just not ready for it.
Makayla: It's your choice. You're the one who is setting boundaries in this.
TM: Thank you. You're the one thing I will miss when I transfer schools.
Makayla: Well, I know a great doctor there if you end up in DC. You'll be in good hands.
TM: I'm also considering the University of Manhattan.
Makayla: This is new.
TM: Sorry, I forgot to tell you that Kim convinced me to take a tour when I met up with Ryan. I really liked the campus, but I have my heart set on doing a government internship. I feel like that's easier to do from DC proper.
Makayla: If you're in New York, you could always intern at the UN.
TM: That's a possibility.
TM: Plus, Ryan is there. That's really the biggest selling point.
Makayla: I'm sure you consider that another positive.
TM: It is. We can talk more about this later when it's not a holiday. I'm starting to feel like I can join the rest for the eating portion of brunch. I'm currently hiding in Jason's bedroom texting you.
Makayla: It's okay. I don't actually celebrate Christmas, which is helpful in my business. I feel patients need me the most around this time of year.
TM: So I can keep sending you text messages through this whole thing?
Makayla: Yes. Granted, I'm probably getting texts or calls from others. So I might be slow at responding, but I will respond.
TM: Good. I'm going downstairs now. I hope this won't end in tears.
TM: We survived through the main course this time with no screaming or big secrets coming out. Jason says that this is much better than what happened at Thanksgiving.
Makayla: Didn't your adoption come out at Thanksgiving?
TM: Yes, and Jason ran away. Although that was still better than Chad's Thanksgiving, he punched his father after coming out to everybody. Or what happened at Troy's house that led to Gabriella being in the hospital for weeks. Thanksgiving kind of sucked for everyone.
Makayla: It's always best when physical violence is not involved.
TM: Charles Danforth deserved to be punched. He tried to have sex with me when I was still 17. He asked for a blowjob. I found it so disturbing that I was never alone with him again. I didn't tell Chad about that until the day before Thanksgiving.
Makayla: Now I understand why he was punched.
Makayla: Also, I'm here to listen whenever you're ready to talk about that.
TM: Someday, but not today. He's not a good person. It's a shame Zack is related to him.
Makayla: But that doesn't change who Zack is. Just like who your biological father is doesn't change who you are.
TM: It would be easier to feel that way if I knew who he was. All I know is he was some senior partner where Vanessa worked. Everybody was under an NDA not to talk about it. Technically, Vanessa wasn't even supposed to tell Kim what happened. She did after the egg donor tried to murder her and the baby. That also raises more questions.
Makayla: Do you want answers to those questions?
TM: I don't know. Gabriella asked me that same question the last time we talked. She's having dinner with Vanessa today. I told her I should probably focus on getting my relationship with my parents not to be awkward anymore. I still feel that way right now.
Makayla: What's your awkwardness level presently?
TM: 7. This is pretty good, considering Ryan's father is also here.
Makayla: That is good.
TM: And that I haven't been alone with anybody. Jason has also been running interference.
TM: Ok, we're out. Jason and Kerri are now with us. Good thing Zack has a huge car. Guilt gift from step-grandparents to make up for their son's shady behavior. They still love him.
TM: You will be happy to know I did not start crying even though mom and dad hugged me as we left.
Makayla: I'm glad. Especially that you let them hug you.
TM: I missed them, and I do love them. They are my parents.
Makayla: They are.
TM: I realize it doesn't matter that they're not responsible for my biology. Darby was responsible for Ryan's biology. She was an absolutely horrible person who beat his sister. Biology means very little.
Makayla: Families of choice are sometimes more important than biology.
TM: I know they love me. If they didn't, they wouldn't have respected my boundaries the way they have. They accept my request for them not to come back with me. They're even letting us take Jason for a very Evans Christmas tomorrow. He's even spending the night.
Makayla: That's good.
TM: They also promised not to crash.
Makayla: Also, good.
TM: Thank you for letting me text you. I don't think I could have survived this without you.
Makayla: I'm a full-service therapist. I am here if you need me.
TM: I think Christmas is already going a lot better than Thanksgiving. Nobody's got arrested yet.
Makayla: I feel like you left some pertinent details out of your Thanksgiving story.
TM: Only the ones that made the national news. Did I tell you that my step-sister is half of the Romeo and Juliet of Albuquerque? Regardless of what the press says, she's actually Romeo, not Juliet.
Makayla: We have so much to talk about during our next session. I'll see you on the 27th. Are you still able to make that phone session?
TM: I'll be there. Hopefully, I won't have to send any more emergency text messages.
Makayla: I want you to. This whole phone number is for that very reason. You wouldn't have it if I didn't want you to contact me.
TM: Thank you.
Makayla: You are doing well, Taylor. You're stronger than you think you are.
TM: I'm starting to believe you.
Xxx
Several hours later.
"I know you're upset that Lucy had your truck repossessed, but I feel like this is an upgrade," Carolyn said as she enjoyed the built-in massage feature as Jack drove to her mom's house. Chad and Sharpay were coming separately since they were leaving from the apartment. They were also picking up Tiffany again.
"It's a loner."
"You know she's going to put the car in your name. You're already on the insurance."
"Actually, I think she did that at Thanksgiving. I actually brought her insurance down." Jack half-joked.
"I'm not shocked," Carolyn remarked just as Jack arrived at her mom's block.
"There still parking in front of her house. Now that is shocking," Jack commented.
"She asked us to come early to help. That's why we brought your mom's macaroni over here to heat up."
"Or she just wanted to get my shovel talk done before everyone else gets here," Jack remarked as he pulled into the perfect parking spot. It really was right in front of the house.
"You really haven't seen my mom since we started dating?" She asked. "I know she sent me pictures of her at Kim's house with Alex. I just assumed Teresa or Mariah brought her over."
"Mariah did, but it was a game day. So, I missed your mom and Julie getting into a food fight." Carolyn couldn't help but laugh.
"I'm so sorry you missed that."
"Jackie got video. I'll send it to you later."
"I look forward to watching." She said just as she leaned over to kiss Jack. It was more than a kiss since roaming hands started wrinkling holiday sweaters. Unfortunately, they had no choice but to break apart when her mom knocked on the window. The windows were even foggy at that point.
"You know there's no need to make out in the car. You can do that in the house." She's 100% sure her mom said that just to mess with Jack because she said it in English.
"Hi, mom," Carolyn said sheepishly.
"Hi, Ms. Sanchez."
"It's ok. I'm just glad that you two are finally together."
"I am, too," Carolyn told her mom as she got out of the car.
"He is much better than Charles." Now that was said in Spanish, so Jack wouldn't understand. But she is sure he got half of it.
"Did you guys come alone?" Her mother asked. "I really wanted to see my grandbaby again. Alex is so sweet."
"Chad is coming later with Sharpay and Tiffany." That was when her mother called Charles several expletives in Spanish.
"I know, but it isn't her fault. Troy and Kim opted to stay in the bay area, but Troy will return for a few days around New Year's. I promise to make him come visit." Carolyn assured her mother as she got the food out of the trunk. They really did have a lot, most of it coming from Jack's mother.
"Why isn't Troy spending Christmas here?" Her mother asked.
"Lucy was trying to force Troy to have Christmas with her by holding our divorce hostage. We all decided it was best for Troy to stay in California." Jack explained sadly. She knows he's not happy about that. That's when her mom called Lucy several expletives in Spanish. Mostly synonyms for slut. And then she went over to hug Jack.
"Don't worry. Matt's taking care of it." Jack said, obviously understanding some of what her mom just said.
"Good." She said, ending the hug. "She was such a horrible person. I'm glad she's finally out of your life."
"So am I," Jack said as they followed her mother into the house.
XXXXX
BFF Chad: Your father survived a very Sanchez Christmas without tears or getting arrested.
Troy: Good to know. Any unexpected visitors? You didn't make out with Ryan again?
BFF Chad: Ryan wasn't even there. He was riding around with Taylor, Jason, and Kerri, looking at the Christmas lights. Therefore giving Zack and Penelope time for a best friend date. They need friend time.
Troy: It's definitely been a long few weeks for both of them.
BFF Chad: No, we did not have a repeat of the Aunt Esther fiasco because Abuela decided we were having a bouncer. She was serious about excommunicating the part of the family responsible for putting the uncensored Darby incident on YouTube. I think I might have accidentally started a blood feud.
Troy: No, they started it by posting the video about Darby's abuse on YouTube.
BFF Chad: Out of pure petty jealousy.
Troy: They definitely deserve to be locked out of Christmas.
BFF Chad: Even though things have not descended into chaos, I wish you were here with me. Abuela loves your dad so much. She's also mad Alex isn't here. She adores him.
Troy: Teresa brought him over for playtime?
BFF Chad: Of course she has. I have like a dozen presents for him from various family members. There hasn't been a baby in the family for like five years. A few of the aunts are really sad Teresa and Mariah decided to adopt a teenager. Although Jackie is still coming out with a ridiculous amount of gifts. They love new blood.
Troy: My baby is so spoiled.
BFF Chad: So very spoiled. I think he got more gifts than I did, although I haven't opened anything yet. Sharpay won't let me until Christmas morning. She already took everything to Jack's car.
Troy: That is so sad.
BFF Chad: It really is.
BFF Chad: So how is Christmas Eve dinner with everybody? Is Jay still being very nice to you?
Troy: Yes. Dinner was good. Although it did get really awkward when Gabriela asked Vanessa why she gave Taylor up for adoption.
BFF Chad: So now that Gabriela is not completely sloshed or dealing with her fucked up body chemistry, she's trying to make up for her bad friend behavior?
Troy: Possibly. Although Taylor could've asked her to ask. I know they're constantly texting now.
BFF Chad: Honestly, it wouldn't surprise me if Taylor asked Gabriella to ask that question. I will check. We're spending the night at the mansion to make Christmas easier. We're in the theater room watching love actually right now.
BFF Chad: BTW, did Vanessa actually answer the question?
Troy: Not really. She just said it was the best option at the time and then finished off the rest of her hot cocoa. That's when Maria mentioned that they wouldn't be joining us for Christmas brunch tomorrow. They are going to do something with Cassandra, Madison, and Chad 2.0.
BFF Chad: That's probably the best choice.
Troy: Definitely.
XXXX
Taylor: Did you really ask Vanessa why she gave me up for adoption?
Gabby: Yes. Did Troy tell you?
Taylor: He told Chad, and Chad told me because we're much better at communicating with one another now that we're not dating. Actually, he wanted to know if I put you up to it. He felt like it was something I would do since I'm not actually ready to talk to my parents about that.
Gabby: That's completely understandable. Are you mad at me?
Taylor: No. Actually, I'm kind of grateful. I do want to know the answer to that question; I just can't bring myself to have this conversation at the moment.
Gabby: I didn't really get much of an answer. Although, per Kim, her dad said something about NDAs in Korean.
Taylor: Yeah, I've already heard about the infamous NDA, which was part of the reason why my parents didn't tell me I was adopted. Legally they couldn't.
Gabby: I assume Kim guessing doesn't count?
Taylor: It doesn't. I really want to know more about the person who required an NDA.
Gabby: Maybe you should let it be.
Taylor: Zack said the same thing. He's been looking for his biological dad for years and then found Charles Danforth.
Taylor: Which is somebody no one really deserves as a father. It's a testament to Carolyn and Jack that Chad is only slightly screwed up.
Gabby: Sometimes it's better not knowing. Not all fathers are as good as yours. The one who raised you anyway.
Taylor: Your dad still hasn't tried to contact you?
Gabby: Nope, not even a Christmas card. It's fine. I don't need him.
Taylor: You don't. You have us.
Gabby: And you have me no matter what.
Taylor: I'm glad but maybe back off of Vanessa just a little bit.
Gabby: My mom told me the same thing.
Taylor: I like your mom.
To be continued…