I was sitting in a chair in the Living Room.
Dad was standing in front of me.
Natalie was standing behind the chair.
"I'm not lying. The bad guys are back."
"We're not getting anywhere." She pointed out.
"Kevin, I spoke to all the caterers and to Molly. Nobody saw a thing but you. Now, how could that be?"
"I don't know but I heard they're gonna kidnap the Prince."
"You heard them say that?"
"Yeah. With my super spy bugging device. And Prescott's involved with the whole thing."
Dad sighed, sitting down.
"This is absurd." Natalie pointed out.
"I'm going to call and make sure the royal family's flight is okay for tomorrow."
She walked away.
"Kevin, I know what's going on here."
"You do?"
"Yeah. You're out to destroy my relationship with Natalie."
"What?"
"You knew how important tonight was to her and you went and pulled a crazy stunt like this."
"That's not the truth."
"I've given you a lot of leeway because I know how tough this divorce has been on you. But tonight you went way too far."
I looked down.
"I want you to go to your room and think about what you've done."
I sighed, standing up.
"And when you're ready to apologize to Natalie, then we'll talk."
I looked back at Dad.
I walked into my room.
"Door, close."
The door closed.
I sighed, laying on my bed.
I glanced over at the phone on my nightstand.
I picked it up.
I dialed Mom's number.
Kate
"Here you are, George! Merry Christmas!"
I was crying as I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life."
The phone rang.
I answered it.
Kevin
"Hello?"
"Mom?"
"Kevin!"
I smiled.
"Oh, Kevin. I'm so glad you called."
"Are you okay?"
"Yeah, yeah. I'm just watching "It's a Wonderful Life."
I sat up in bed.
"You are?"
"You know how that gets to me."
"What channel is it on?"
"Eight."
I turned the monitors on.
I turned Channel 8 on.
I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life."
"Ooh. I guess I'm just a sucker for happy endings."
"So, how's your party? Are you having a good time?"
"Yeah, it's alright." I lied.
"How about you? Having a good Christmas Eve?"
"Yeah. It's great."
She sniffled.
Mom sobbed.
"I love you, Kevin."
"Love you too, Mom."
She laughed.
"Merry Christmas."
"Merry Christmas."
"Okay. Bye."
I hung up.
Later
I was laying in bed on my side.
I had Teddy underneath my arm.
There was a knock on the door.
Somebody opened the door.
"Kevin, are you awake?" It was Natalie.
"Yeah."
I turned over.
She shut the door.
"Your father and I were a little rough on you before." Natalie pointed out, walking over to my bed.
"Are you okay?" She questioned.
"Yeah."
"Good."
Natalie sat next to me on my bed.
"Because if you ever do anything like that again, you'll be out of this house so fast, your head will spin. So, your father's getting divorced. Boo-hoo. Everyone's parents get divorced. That's life. You'll get over it. But you're not gonna come between your father and me. He wants you in his life and I think that's admirable. But if you want him in your life... You better not cross me."
I stared at her.
"Understood?"
I nodded my head.
"Good."
Natalie got up.
"I'll have that window fixed first thing in the morning. Sweet dreams." She informed, opening the door.
The wind blew.
Natalie closed the door.
Peter
I was watching "It's a Wonderful Life."
"To my big brother, George, the richest man in town."
The crowd cheered.
Natalie walked in our room.
She shut the door.
"I've just had a nice little chat with Kevin. I think we're beginning to understand each other better."
"What are you watching?" Natalie questioned.
"It's a Wonderful Life." They've been running it all night. Come on. Watch it with me."
"I've seen it." She replied.
"So?"
"So... I don't understand people who watch movies over and over again." Natalie explained.
She took her diamond necklace off.
"I saw it. I cried. Once was enough."
"You gotta be kidding. Kate and I watch this every year with the kids. It's a family tradition."
"Well."
Natalie turned the TV off.
"Now, that you're going to have a new family, maybe it's time for some new traditions."
I smiled at her.
Natalie and me kissed.