Joe-
It was the day before Christmas. She was finally able to go home, the doctor giving the ok. They wanted to make sure the fever didn't come back. Her brothers arrived yesterday from Arizona. Getting inside, her brothers hugged her.
"Guys, that hurts", she said.
They let her go quickly. The doctor had told her that her body would be sore for awhile.
"I'm so glad you're home", Isaac said.
"We wanted to come sooner but dad said not to", Jesse said.
"Its ok", she said.
They walked her over to the couch. I went to put her bag in her room. Coming back and sitting next to her.
"You need anything?", I asked.
"Just you", she said.
I held her close. Knowing not to put too much weight on her. Lately her body was just too fragile to touch. She relaxed into my side.
"Are you feeling ok?", I asked.
"Yes", she said softly.
I nodded. Cora came over and showed us a movie.
"How about we watch Peter Pan?", Cora asked Chris.
"Sounds good", Chris said.
Isaac tapped my knee.
"Chris loves this movie", he said.
I kissed the top of her head. I realized why she loved it so much, you never grow old and you never get sick. It's the perfect place. I moved closer to her ear.
"Lets go to Neverland", I whispered.
I saw her smile.
"Do you know where it is?", she asked.
"Second star to the right and straight on till morning", I whispered.
"So then you'll take me?", she asked.
"Anywhere you want to go", I said.
I kissed the top of her head.
"To die would be an awfully big adventure", she mumbled.
I shut my eyes and kissed the top of her head again. I knew she was quoting it, but I still didn't like it.
"You're not allowed to take that adventure", I whispered.
She looked up at me. My lips brushed hers.
"You're staying with me", I whispered against her lips.
"I love you", she said.
"I love you too", I closed the small distance between our lips.
Someone threw a pillow at me. Chris giggled. Isaac laughed.
"Just because you're dating her doesn't mean you can kiss her when you want. Especially not in front of us", Jesse said.
"Watch the damn movie", Isaac said.
I nodded.
Christina-
Waking up the next morning was exciting. Joe was sleeping in the twins room since they forbid him from my room. Cora came into my room and jumped on my bed.
"Its Christmas", she said loudly.
"I know, Merry Christmas Cora", I said, yawning.
She came to the side of my bed and started to pull me up. It took me a few attempts but I finally got up. She covered my eyes as we were reaching the living room.
"You can't look", she said.
"Why?", I asked.
"It will ruin Joe's gift", she said.
I placed my hands on top of hers. Finally reaching the couch, I sat down.
"Now can I look?", I asked.
"Yes", Joe's voice said.
Cora removed her hands. Smiling at Joe, his hands behind his back.
"I thought you said I could see it?", I asked.
He laughed.
"Ok", he smiled.
Bringing his hands in front of him. I couldn't help my smile. In his hands was a puppy, a black and white husky.
"A puppy?", I asked.
"It's a boy", Joe said nodding.
He gently placed him in my lap. The puppy jumped and wiggled. Licking my palms.
"What's his name?", I asked.
"Whatever you want it to be", he said.
"How about Elvis", I said.
"If that's what you want", Joe said.
"Don't worry, he got mom and dad to approve", Cora said.
"Thank you baby", I said, kissing him.
My brothers groaned. Making us laugh.
Joe-
She was happy with her gift, which made me happy. We were in her room playing with Elvis. He would get to the edge of her bed and then run back to us.
"Why'd you get me a puppy?", she asked.
"To keep you company when I'm not here too. He'll remind you of me when you feel like giving up and you can also talk to him about things you can't tell anyone else", I said.
"I love him, thank you", she said.
"He's our baby", I said playfully.
She laughed softly.
"How are you feeling?", I asked.
"Fine, a little hungry", she said.
"I'm sure dinner's almost ready", I said.
Elvis was jumping around and biting my finger.
"Whats on your mind?", she asked.
"How do you know I'm thinking about something?", I asked.
"Your quiet, so whats up", she said.
"Just wondering, how are they going to know your better? So you could stop taking chemo?", I asked.
She looked at me.
"Xrays. The chemo and radiation is keeping the cancer from growing and then once its small enough their going to have to do surgery to get the rest out. Doctor said its the best option I have, either that or taking my arm", she said.
"Have they said if its working?", I asked.
"It is, slowly but its working", she said.
I nodded.
"What happens once your better? Are kids an option? I heard people who've had cancer can't have kids", I said.
"That's true for some people, others are lucky enough to have kids naturally. There are other options you know. That's if you don't mind it.", she said.
"Well then its a good thing we have options right. I'd be good with adoption", I said.
She looked at me. I smirked.
"I told you, I love you. I see a future with you, if it involves kids great. If it doesn't, I'm ok with that too", I said.
She leaned over and kissed me.