DINNER AND A MOVIE

ADRIAN

Adrian felt Antonio's kiss for only a brief second before once again she felt the whoosh of air and saw the white light all around her. When she opened her eyes again, she was shocked to see that she was now back in her condo, only it was now once again decorated as Ben had it last year. The only difference was there were three stockings hanging on a wall which read "BEN", "ADRIAN", and "MERCY". She put her hand to her mouth and began to cry as she noticed a picture on the wall below the stockings, with both she and Ben holding a beautiful little newborn girl sleeping. She and Ben looked so happy in that picture she wept at how she could not believe how big her smile was. She then put the picture down and saw the beautiful tree now back in the same place Ben put it before she knocked it down. She walked over and saw many presents around it with the name Mercy on several. She then crossed her finger's and called out to Ben only to receive no answer.

She felt disappointed at first, but then heard a sound which filled her heart with hope, and happiness as she heard a baby began to cry. She rushed into the nursery not to find holes that she had once placed there and the spare bedroom. But, the nursery which she had taken away which caused the fallout between she and Ben. There in the room by the wall instead of an empty crib stood a little girl of one year standing in the crib and reaching out to her. Mercy, Adrian said in almost a whisper as she rushed to pick up her little girl. Mercy was small, and chubby with fat cheeks and lightly tan skin and raven black hair. She also had beautiful brown eyes with small fleck of green that resembled Ben's. Adrian was overjoyed with being able to hold her young daughter in her arms, and feel the warmth of her skin, and smell her sweet aroma. She thought her heart would burst when the little girl began to play with her long black curls, then she heard a voice that made her heart stop, as she heard Ben speak her name.

BEN

As Ben opened his eyes he was no longer standing in front of his mother being bathed in a pool of white light, but now standing outside the condo that he and Adrian once shared together. He looked around and noticed that all the Christmas decorations were up around the complex as well as the decorations he put up in the condo last year. Ben then looked down at his finger and saw that his wedding band which he had removed months ago, now sat on his finger. He looked at his finger and realized that it also had a white shade around it as if he had been wearing the ring a while. He then felt in his pockets for his keys and brought them out. The key to the condo was once again on his key chain.

He placed the key into the lock, closed his eyes, and began to wish. His heart nearly jumped when he heard the lock click, and pushed the door open. The condo was full of Christmas decorations and cheer. But what shocked Ben the most was the beautiful tree which now stood brightly in the corner with a beautiful angel on top. Ben let a tear fall from his eye as he looked at three stocking hung on the wall which read, "ADRIAN", "BEN", & the last read "MERCY". Then Ben hoped among all hopes and spoke with a shaken voice and called Adrian's name.

GENERAL

Adrian walked out of the nursery holding Mercy in her arms and saw Ben standing in the living room with a look she had never seen before. It was as if he was overcome with a sad happiness, much like her own. She went to him and they embraced deeply as they both held Mercy, and the young couple after so long finally felt complete. The two had not had this feeling of being whole in so long not since their wedding day had either been this happy. Ben placed his arms around Mercy and Adrian and they both fell into his embrace. Adrian looked at Ben and kissed him deeply and passionately. Both lingered in that kiss not believing that they were like this once again. Both would have loved to stay in that moment had their daughter not began to fuss.

Adrian and Ben both broke from their embrace and began to tend to their now fussy toddler who wished for attention to focus on her. Well, I see that you are your mother's daughter Ben said smiling at Mercy as Adrian gave him to her. Adrian, then slapped his arm and said with a smile you should no both of us like the attention of a handsome man, Ben you should be glad you're the only man I want attention from. Mercy, then hugged her father and Ben placed a kiss on his daughter's cheek and tasted her young skin. Like Adrian he breathed in her scent, and felt the warmth of her skin and made a mental note to himself not to forget these feelings. Adrian looked at her husband and saw that like Ben her wedding band had returned to her finger, and she once again wore her sapphire ring on her left hand. So, she said looking at her family, and smiling. Why are you home so early I thought you had to work at the shop. She did not want to make Ben believe that she was not used to the feeling of being with them, since she did not know if this was her Ben or what was happening.

Ben also thought it best to play along as well since he too did not want to ruin this magnificent gift he was being given and thought fast to a response to Adrian's question. Well, I thought I should stop my home and see my girls I didn't like being separated from the two of you, he said with a smirk. The feeling was mutual husband, Adrian replied as she took Mercy from Ben, and kissed him deeply. Ben watched Adrian take Mercy back into the nursery, and decided to call the shop to take a personal day. Hi Bunny its' me Ben he said as she answered the phone. Hello, Mr. Boykewich Bunny teased are you taking a personal day today she asked. Yes, if that's all right he asked I just really want to be home with my family today Ben said pleadingly. Alright she said but tomorrow may be Christmas Eve but I want you here at 12 pm sharp to 7pm to lock up. Okay, Ben said disappointed that he would have to spend so much time away from Adrian, and Mercy but thankful to be spending the rest of the day with them.

Adrian held Mercy close as she played with her daughter part of the day as they sat on the floor of the nursery and played with the many toys Mercy had. She felt so happy just sitting there and playing with her child, almost as if she was a child herself. She remembered back in her childhood she never had the opportunity to play with other kids because there were so few in the buildings she lived in. She also did not play much with her own mother because she was always away at work, but now she felt whole as she played with her own child and made up for the lost opportunity.

She then turned to see Ben standing in the doorway staring at them both with a look of happiness and amusement. Normally she would be embarrassed for anyone to see her so at ease like this, sitting and playing with a child with her shoes off, but not with Ben. With Ben, she felt as if she could be herself and at ease from the world around her, without judgment, or shame. Ben stood there standing there, and enjoyed the sight of seeing both Adrian and Mercy playing together, it made him feel so at peace. He then asked Adrian what she wanted for dinner since he volunteered himself to cook today.

Are you sure don't you have to go to work, Adrian asked hiding her giddiness of having Ben cook for her again. No, Bunny said I have the rest of the day off, but I have to work late tomorrow, he said with a smile. Really, she said disappointedly. I wanted us to spend Christmas Eve together tomorrow, she said feeling a little disappointed. Yeah, but this way I'll give you the opportunity to pick out my gift for Christmas, and I really wanted spend today with you and Mercy he said. Adrian looked at Ben in his eyes, and was so smitten by them. She always loved looking at Ben's eyes, they were like Mercy's innocent, kind, and honest, she could never get enough of him looking at her like that. Besides, Ben said we can still spend Christmas eve together. And I just wanted to spend the today together. Just you me and Mercy he said with a smile. Okay Husband, Adrian said, with a smirk, I just hope you won't get fired for this. I think I'll survive Ben replied as he went into the kitchen.

Secretly unknown to many save for a few, Ben was an excellent cook. Adrian always thought it had something to do with his Italian heritage. But, Ben informed her it was actually because of his mother. Even though she died when he was still quite young she made sure she started to teach him how to cook early in life. This way she told him he would be able to prepare healthier meals for himself and his father, and still give them a good taste. Adrian loved the food Ben could prepare, from Italian dishes, to French cuisines, she was happy that her husband was such an expert in the kitchen. So tonight Ben decided to prepare a special dish for Adrian, her favorite three cheese, and three meat lasagna, which she loved so much.

He took out all fresh ingredients to make sure it was special to Adrian, and Mercy tonight was the first of the three days they would spend together and he wanted to enjoy every minute of it. He took out the tomatoes and began to slice them to make the sauce. He also took out garlic, basil, and other ingredients for its preparation. He boiled the pasta, and cooked the meat to ensure the texture as he mixed it all together. He then began to slice the lettuce for a salad, that he also wished to make for his family. Then began the difficult task of desert. It was a few hours later when Adrian had played with Adrian and put her down for a nap and came into the kitchen to help Ben.

She asked her husband if he needed help with dinner. He looked at her and let her know that when the dishes were ready to cleaned she would regret asking to help, he said with a smile. Adrian, was happy to do the dishes she was happy just to be here in their home with her husband, and her daughter. She had never been so happy she thought to herself as she looked at the Christmas tree with all it's decorations, and ornaments around it. She never really had a Christmas like this when she was younger and it felt so fulfilling to now be spending one with her own family. But, then a horrible thought crossed her mind, as she came to realize that this moment was only for three day, and part of the first day was almost over. She then remembered what Antonio told her, "laugh, celebrate, enjoy, and most importantly love". So she went into her bedroom and began making preparations for she, Ben, and Mercy for Christmas Eve.

When she was done with her phone conversation, she heard Ben call her name to let her know that dinner was ready, and she should wash up. Adrian then went into the bathroom to wash up. She also went into the nursery to prepare Mercy who was now wide awake, and waiting for the playful loving arms of her mother. Adrian gathered her daughter in her arms, and wiped her down with a wet nap. When they came from the nursery, Ben was already finished setting the table and placing the last dishes on the table. Adrian was mesmerized at the meal Ben had prepared for her, it was her favorite. Three cheese lasagna, and a garden salad with garlic bread and parmesuan cheese. He also had her favorite soda delivered and sitting on the table.

What is all this she asked as she placed Mercy into her high chair and placed a bib around her daughters neck. Nothing Ben said looking innocently at her with a playful grin on his face. I just thought I would prepare a lovely meal for my wife and daughter. Adrian smiled and kissed Ben passionately and hugged him close to her remembering how sweet, Ben was to her no matter what the occasion. Thank you for being in my life Ben because I don't think I could have asked for a better husband she said as they hugged. Well, I guess that makes two of us Ben replied back, because I could never have asked for a better wife either.

They sat down and Adrian grasped Ben's hand and Mercy's and they all prayed together. Dear God please be strong and healthy this holiday season she said. Thank you for the gift of being here with the man I love and our beautiful daughter. Please watch over those who have no cheer in them this Christmas and make it Merry. Please allow those who are not at peace this holiday season to find it for even a moment this holiday season. I ask of you to watch over our friends, families, and loved ones no matter where they are or what they are doing. And please give those who we have lost, our love and our prayers. And thank you for this beautiful meal that my husband has prepared for us. Let it give us energy and strength to help heal our bodies, mind, and hearts. AMEN.

So what brought that on Ben asked as the began to eat their meal. I just thought it would be nice if we started to pray together Adrian said as she began to feed Mercy. Adrian, Ben, and Mercy truly enjoyed their meal which Ben spent very special care to prepare so they all enjoyed it. Mercy really enjoyed hers since Ben had made a special lasagna blended small in little portions that he knew were just the right size for a toddler and placed in in a dicer to much it up. She ate every last bit and even became fussy when it ended. She then stopped crying as Ben brought out dessert of sundaes for the family, sprinkled with holiday cookies. Adrian had never had such a wonderful meal.

Later Ben played with Mercy and because Adrian was doing the dishes he was also forced to clean and changer her when her meal made its way through. Oo-noh., was all Ben could say as he removed the diaper and cleaned her with the wet naps while covering his nose. Mercy just lay on her table and smiled and giggled at her father and the funny faces he made as he changed her. Well honey Ben said as he finished his task, you're definitely a Boykewich because only my dad can make that smell after a big dinner he said. I can't wait till you are potty trained and I won't have to do this anymore he also said. As he spoke those words Ben was reminded that he was only given these moments with Mercy for three days, and the first day was nearly over. He held his daughter close to him as this realization hit him and let a small tear escape his eye.

Adrian then popped in to check on her family and asked Ben if he needed any help. No, I don't he said as he turned to face her. Well Mr. Boykewich would you like to watch a movie with your daughter and I she said walking up to him. Of course Mrs. Boykewich he said charismatically and kissed her lightly on the lips. What movie would you two like to see he asked. Well, I think since its only the three of us we should let Mercy decide she said taking Mercy from her father, and carrying her into the living room. Adrian then began to show Mercy a display of movies on the television screen and chose the movie that she showed the most interest in when she jumped up and began to slap at Adrian's arm. So the movie was "SHREK THE FINAL CHAPTER"..

Mercy may not have understood the movie as far as Ben could tell but he thought it odd how she knew how to laugh at every funny scene within the movie as she lay on his chest with Adrian lying on his shoulder. Soon the clock turned nine and just as the movie ended Mercy fell asleep on his lap, and so did Adrian on his shoulder. He gently shook Adrian awake who for a moment was surprised to see him before her memory of that day came back to her, and she saw Mercy on Ben's lap. Ben decided to put Mercy to sleep while Adrian took a shower and got ready for bed.

Ben gently began to take off Mercy's clothes, and lightly clean her on the changing table with a warm towel and baby soap. He then softly began to put on a new diaper, and her pajamas. He was silently rocking her then put her gently in her crib while she sucked quietly on her pacifier. Good night my beautiful princess he whispered into her ear as he turned on the mobile and her night light. He then clasped his hands together and prayed for his daughter, he also thanked God, and his mom for the gift of spending this time with her and her mother.

As he did this he went toward the bathroom and gave a gentle knock to see if Adrian was done with her shower. She opened the door to reveal herself clothed only in a towel with wet hair. I just wanted to see if you were finished he said looking at Adrian as the towel wrapped around her damp body, and her hair still dripping wet. Well, I was going to get ready for bed, but I think I might need another shower she said pulling Ben into the bathroom with her. Why would you need another one he said licking his now dry lips and looking at her seductively. Well, I think I need one because of what I'm thinking is definitely dirty, and I might have missed a few spots she said. Mrs. Boykewich, Ben replied are you trying to seduce me. Adrian let the towel she was wearing drop to the floor and wrapped her arms around Ben's neck and said, "Yes Mr. Boykewich I believe I am"

Adrian and Ben then began to undress Ben from his clothing and she turned on the shower again now knowing that the water was still warm. They both stepped in and felt the inviting water splash against their skin as they kissed caressed and began to clean one another among other things. When both were sated they then began to wash one another and turned the shower off. They then found their robes and went into their bedroom to get dressed for bed. Neither had done anything like that since their time when Adrian was pregnant and they were engaged, but it still felt as nice now as it did then. Adrian then put on a silk nighty that she found in her wardrobe and Ben put on a pair of silk pajamas as well. He was mesmerized as he saw Adrian in her tan nighty and robe. Are you still trying to seduce me because I am still recovering from the shower he said, smiling seductively at her. I know she said but I really want to work off that delicious meal you made for dinner.

It was at that moment at around 11:30 that Mercy decided to awaken and detain her parents nighT time activity. Well I knew it was too good to be all true Adrian said as she turned towards the nursery. She went in and gathered her daughter in her arms and began to rock her. As she held her, Ben walked into the nursery and took Adrian's hand and guided her back to their bedroom. He then removed the cover and made a small space between he and Adrian on the bed for Mercy. Adrian quietly and gently got into bed still holding Mercy and laid her down. Ben followed on the other side of the bed and the family of three gently laid there till Mercy fell asleep. Ben and Adrian looked deeply and intently into one another's eyes not wanting to fall asleep for both knew that when they did the next day would begin and only two days of their wish would be left. But, soon sleep overtook them both, but before they fell asleep Ben looked at Adrian and said I love you wife, Adrian looked at Ben and said I love you husband. They all slept the sleep of Angels that night something both Ben and Adrian hadn't done in a very long time.

Well hope you liked it will be uploading DAY TWO of my Chapter shortly.