Let's just say Dad's cooking skills set the turkey on fire. I honestly don't know how he has gotten by since Mom and his divorce. He can hardly cook toast without the toaster exploding in protest. I usually cook when Charlie and I visit to avoid the catastrophe we are faced with currently. Of course, dad protested going on about me needing to relax on Christmas Eve.

So here we are sitting at the marble island in the kitchen looking at a foam covered turkey that dad put out with the fire extinguisher. The light blue walls are now coated in foam and ash. It's too bad really all the other food came out okay. Although that's the food I manage to convince Dad to let me help make.

Charlie and I sat with our heads in our hands "Those flames were really big, Dad." Charlie pointed out. Dad nervously laughed "Yeah, turkey's funny that way." He throws the fire extinguisher onto the counter looking into space.

A loud bang echos through the house and orange light fills the room "Dad!" Charlie and I yelled pointing back at the turkey as it burst into flames again. I shoot out from the black stool and race to the house phone.

Panicked dad turned around drenching the turkey with the extinguisher again. Dad wipes his now sweaty face looking at me helplessly. I take a deep breath and lower the phone back on the counter. At least we don't have to deal with the cops tonight.

Guess we are going to be eating out tonight. I slap my head down on the counter and take a deep breath. Why does this have to happen every year? Last Easter Dad and Neil fought over who got to hide the eggs. They decided to do it together but of course, Dad tripped Neil on purpose and he broke his ankle. Like I said something happens every holiday.

Keeping my face down on the counter I mumble "So boys, ready to eat out?" Charlie groans in response and I hear him sinking down into his seat.

Sitting in the front seat of dad's car with Charlie in the back we decided to drive around aimlessly looking for an open restaurant.

"So Aria how's you and that boy… ah, what's his face." he asks nervously shifting in his leather seat.

I sighed already knowing where this conversation was going. "Elliot is his name dad, and there isn't much to say we aren't exactly together anymore" I spoke looking down.

I could see the smirk on his face as he faked being sad for me "Oh I'm sorry Hunny, you've got time to find someone you're still young."

I gave a small nod in reply looking down at my brown boots.

Dad never liked Elliot, not that I can blame him. Elliot was my now ex-boyfriend. Quite the prick I've come to realize. But hey most first and young love seems to turn out that way.

I see Charlie lean forward onto the center console from the back. "You know, Neil's a real good cook." Charlie cuts in looking at us innocently.

I gave a loud sigh, way to raise dad's blood pressure kid.

Dad tightens his leather gloved hands on the wheel "Yeah, and you should see him walk on water!" he pushes back. Charlie quickly says "You don't like him very much, do ya, Dad?"

I reach my hand into the back seat softly pushing his knee giving him a disapproving look "Yes he does Charlie just sometimes Neil does things that make him want to…" I trail off looking for the right words. "Lash out irrationally?" Charlie finishes for me.

Dad and I whip our heads to the side to look at each other. "Where did you hear that?" Dad retorts. "From Neil. I learn a lot from him. He listens to me." I roll my eyes.

Before a fight breaks loose I cut in and exclaim "Hey Denny's is right there sounds great!" Pointing to the bright yellow sign.

When we got home not much conversation occurred. I silently went up the stairs dragging my feet to take a much needed shower and hopefully scrub off tonight's events. I walk down the hallway before turning into the bathroom and close the door.

I remove my clothes, throw them in the blue bin, and turned up the temperature as high as it would go. I softly sing 'Have Yourself A Merry Christmas' it always had quite a calming effect on me. Mom used to sing it as a lullaby to me when I was younger every night around Christmas time.

Hopping out of the shower I slip on black shorts and an oversized blue t-shirt from my days as a camp counselor. Oh, boy did I not miss chasing those kids around, bad times. A chill runs down my spine at the memories. So much glue in my hair...

I look at myself in the mirror while brushing my teeth. I took after Dad with my looks while Charlie looked more like Mom. I have long brunette hair with subtle long curtain bangs that were brushed off to both sides shaping my oval face. I have bright green eyes with small streaks of gold in them. My freckles covered my cheeks and nose. I wasn't very tall either, only standing at five feet. I can thank Mom for the shortness. I sigh and spit out the toothpaste and rinse my mouth.

Walking down the hallway I pass by Charlie's room. Slowing down my steps as I hear voices "But you do believe in Santa, right, Dad?" I hear Charlie ask, I stop and lean on the wall next to his room to listen. "Of course I believe in Santa. Now, please, go to sleep." I smile to myself at his reply.

Neil and Mom would've ruined Charlie's childhood if it wasn't for Dad. I mean really, just because Neil's childhood was ruined at a young age doesn't mean Charlie's has to. He's a nice guy and all and I'm glad my mom has him in her life, our personalities just don't clash well.

Getting lost in my thoughts I didn't notice dad walk out of Charlie's room until I felt his hand on my shoulder. "You okay Aria?" I jerked back, startled.

"Sorry just got lost in my head, my bad." I laugh softly looking up at him.

He pauses for a moment staring at me suspiciously "Okay Hunny I'll see you in the morning Merry Christmas." We both went in for a quick hug and couldn't help the tears daring to escape my eyes. Sometimes I missed having Dad around every day. I quickly turn away before he can see my face and start walking down the hallway.

"Goodnight Aria, love you." He says from behind me. "Night Dad, love you too." I manage to say with a small wave of my hand without my voice cracking.

I reach my blue painted room with posters from Star Wars and pictures of my friends scattering the walls. I jump onto my white comforters and snuggled up. I can't help but stare up at the ceiling and feel lost. I feel like I was meant for so much more? Don't get me wrong I was grateful for everything in my life. But I feel a longing for something I didn't know existed.

Pushing my thoughts away I turn over, staring out the window watching as the snow fell slowly, and fell asleep ready for tomorrow's events.