"IT'S A WONDERFUL LIFE"

ADRIAN

When Adrian awoke it was almost seven o'clock in the morning. She turned over and felt Ben lying next to her. She had never felt so conflicted in her life. She knew that today was her last day to be with him like this and it was killing her inside. Part of her wanted to lye there for the rest of her life and never move. She knew that Mercy was resting quietly in her crib down the hall, her parents were happy and about to have another child. She had truly surpassed her obsession with Ricky and Amy, and had actually become good friends with them. But, she thought to herself this is not real.

She hated the knowledge of knowing tonight that all this, all the love, and happiness she had with all these people would be gone, and it would be as if it had never been. Somehow Adrian thought to herself this wish had turned into a curse. She smiled and on the inside was laughing like a mad woman for now she truly understood the saying "Be careful what you wish for cause you just might get it". Well she thought I got it, but the punch line was she couldn't keep it.

She slowly and quietly removed Ben's arm from her waist and went to check on Mercy. There was her beautiful little girl lying in her crib still sleeping soundly as the way Adrian, had always wanted her to. She then went into the living room and prayed on the angle on top of the tree, to let the day never end. But, she knew what Antonio told her, that the wish would end the moment Christmas was over. So, she decided not to cry about it or pout. This was not the first time she would be disappointed, she was "ADRIAN LEE" after all and she refused to let this break her, so she went into the kitchen and began making a lovely Christmas breakfast for her husband, and daughter.

Adrian made sure to keep quiet as she made two lovely egg omletts' and real chocolate cocoa. She then made six Belgium waffles, put them on a two plates with strawberry's and sausages, and put them on a tray. She then took the tray into the living room to rest by the tree. She crept into Mercy's room, reached into her crib and gently woke her daughter who woke with gleaming eyes looking bright and right at her like her fathers'. Adrian lifted her and kissed her gently on the forehead. She held Mercy close and gently whispered to her, I am so sorry my darling daughter for not being able to really know you. But, I want you to know that I love more than life itself, and I am so sorry for the way I acted when I lost you..

I also promise you that even though that this is not I real I will do everything in my power to make you proud of me, and be the woman, you would have been happy to call mom. The whole time Mercy looked at her mother and played with her long black curls that hung on her face. I also promise that even if your daddy and I can't be the way we were before, that I will always be there for him, because I do love him even if I can only be his friend. But, if somehow he can forgive me after all I've done, I swear I won't ruin that opportunity. I love you baby, and I will always be grateful to Antonio for letting me have this opportunity. Merry Christmas My Dear Sweet Mercy.

Adrian then took Mercy into her arms, and went into her bedroom to awaken Ben who was still asleep

BEN

Ben felt Adrian move from him as she got up from bed and left the bedroom. He sat up and heard her go into the living room, and then the kitchen.. He turned over and wondered what he could do to make today go by slower. He looked at the pocket watch Adrian had given him, and held it close to him. It was ironic he thought to himself this was the greatest gift he had ever been given, yet he thought it is also the worst gift he was given at the same time. He thought that primarily because it was counting down to his last day with his family.

He began to regret the wish that his mother had given him, because now he had to deal with losing all he had. He thought about all that had transpired in the past two days, he had been given the opportunity to see his mother again, and actually hug her, and talk to her. Then he was allowed to be with the daughter he never got to have. He was able to hear her laugh to play with her, to smell her. He even was happy that he got to change her. But, now he would have to give up all of that. This wish is so cruel he thought to himself. To be given everything I ever wanted, and then to realize I have nothing at all he said to himself. It was then that he heard Adrian go into Mercy's room then, heard Adrian say something to quiet for him to understand before she made her way into their bedroom.. He then turned over and pretended to still be asleep.

GENERAL

Adrian carried Mercy over to Ben who lay still with his eyes closed, he moved a little bit as Adrian placed Mercy beside him and began to kiss him on his cheek to slowly awaken him. Wake up sleepy head Adrian said as he opened his eyes and stared at her with a loving gaze. If this is how I am going to be awoken every morning I am gonna sleep late more often she said. Merry Christmas husband Adrian said it's time to open presents she said. Merry Christmas wife, and I am definitely ready to start opening more gifts he said.

Ben gathered up Mercy in one arm and placed the other around Adrian's waist and they all went into the living room to open gifts. Adrian then took out a camera and Ben and she placed Mercy by the tree and allowed her to start tearing away at the gifts under it. The first gift she ripped open held a large doll inside with long blonde hair. The card attached read "MERRY CHRISTMAS MERCY FROM UNCLE JACK AND AUNT GRACE". Adrian laughed at the gift and said I guess Grace wants to make sure that Mercy always gets to play with long blonde hair she said taking a picture as her daughter tugged at the doll.

The next gift they took from under the tree was from Hank and Alice which read "MERRY CHRISTMAS LITTLE MUNCHKIN FROM UNCLE HENRY & ALICE" Both Adrian and Ben knew that Alice hated to be called an aunt so they let it slide. Inside was a V-Tech Computer for kids. With fiv learning discs attached. Well we know our daughter will be smarter than the others with Alice and Henry around Ben remarked.

The next gift was had a strange shape to it as the opened it then when they did both knew who the gift was from. The package was a baby baseball mitt and glove, which they realized was from Madison and Grant who didn't know how stable their relationship was so they just left it without a card. The next gift was book with an inscription from Ashley which read. TO LET YOU KNOW THAT A GOOD BOOK IS BETTER THAN A DATE ANY DAY. Adrian figured that with Ashley Jeurgens around Mercy would always have a bit of common sense. The book was titled "LITTLE WOMEN"

The last package was a gift from Amy and Ricky which read "FOR OUR LITTLE PRINCESS". Inside Ben and Adrian saw a beautiful dress with frill and a crown attached. The dress was light blue in color and as Adrian held the dress to Mercy she said this is perfect for her she said. Leave it to Amy Juergens Underwood to know exactly what to get my daughter for Christmas.

Mercy also had other gifts from Ben and Adrian which consisted of a bike, a play house castle and a tea set. Ben and Adrian then set up the tea table and allowed Mercy to begin playing with some of the dolls that she received. Well if this is from our friends I really don't want to know what our parents go t for her as she settled herself on Ben's lap. I think we might need to get a bigger place for that Ben said.

Ben then told Adrian to get her own presents from under the tree. But, Ben she said a little squeaky I love the gift you already got for me she said touching her necklace. I know Ben, said but you have a few more from our friends and one more from me he said. Adrian then went under the tree, and found a gift form Amy and Ricky which Read "Congratulations and This will help in your future law career Mrs. Boykewich" The gift was a black leather portfolio case for when Adrian started her job in the court house.

The rest of the gifts were from Grace and Jack which was a brand new digital frame with pictures of all of them together while they were in school together. Another gift was a set of Law books on CD which of course were from Alice and Henry, I swear Adrian said holding the CD's that girl will have everyone with a 180 I.Q. and we still won't catch up to her she said.

Ben then took another gift from out of no where and gave it to her. This is personal gift from me he said. Inside Adrian found new leather jacket with a fur trim. Don't worry the fur is fake he said, but I wanted to make sure you stayed warm, when you aren't in my arms he stated. Well then Benny, you wasted your money she said because I am never gonna be out of your arms. She then placed herself on Ben's lap again and began to kiss him once more.

Adrian, then looked up at Ben and said don't worry we didn't forget about you for Christmas either she said. Adrian then removed other packages from under the tree, which had Ben's name. One package was from Grace which read to keep your hands warm for holding onto Adrian. Inside the package was a pair of leather gloves. A package from Henry and Alice was a set of his musical records from the fifties which Ben sometimes listened too. Adrian didn't know why Ben liked listening to an old record player and wax albums especially when he grew up in a time of digital music till one day he forced her to sit down with him and listen. She had to admit she loved the musical sound the Records put out the music had a calming effect which she finally understood why Ben listened too.

The next gift was from Amy and Ricky which read this is something that you and Adrian can do together besides the obvious. Inside was a glass chess set, with very intricate designs. Well those two have some nerve Adrian said as she took the box. But I suppose we could make a game of chess interesting she said as she looked at Ben with another one of her mischievous smiles again. The last gift was another gift from Jack which was a new wallet with Ben's initials, the card read, "You are probably the only one of us who will always need one of these". The final gift was another gift from Adrian which was a white robe with a monogram of his initials on it. The card read, "For Our Shower Time"

Ben and Adrian then had the beautiful breakfast that she made, Mercy enjoyed all her gifts but she soon grew tired and fell asleep. So Adrian and Ben put her down for a nap. Ben, volunteered to do the dishes but Adrian pulled him into the bathroom with her for a shower. She looked at him and said I think it will be easier if we got ready to go to your dad's for Christmas together this way we save on the water bill. Plus it will let you try out your new robe she said. Ben and Adrian then spent much time washing and cleaning each other with the loofa, before getting out and getting dressed, for their Christmas celebration at the mansion.

As they got ready Adrian wore a beautiful red dress, with a pair of diamond earrings, the locket Ben gave her and her diamond tennis bracelet. Ben put on a black suit with a red dress shirt and black tie. When they dressed Mercy she was wearing a lovely red dress, with white tights and black shoes. The family truly did look like a nice and lovely holiday couple as they left their condo and headed to the mansion to celebrate the rest of Christmas with their family.

When they arrived Leo and Camille were standing in the door way greeting Reuben, and Cindy who had both just arrived. Cindy was wearing a green maternity dress with a shawl, and Reuben was wearing a new suit which Cindy had bought him. Camille was wearing a white business suit and pearl earrings, which Leo had given her and the necklace he bought for her on their first date. Reuben was wearing a green suit with a festive holiday tie given to him by George as a gag gift.

As they all said their hello's, and holiday greetings all of the family hovered over Mercy who was overjoyed at the attention being given to her by her grandparents. As they went inside Adrian and Ben both received a text from Ricky and Amy which explained Ashley's news to the family as they went to the Christmas tree.

AMY to ADRIAN

Ashley and Toby are moving back home, both have been taking online courses while in Florida and did very well. Ashley is actually going to start college with me in the fall. She has decided to become a journalist, and go into broadcasting.

ADRIAN TO AMY

That is terrific Amy and Ashley chose the perfect course for herself, Ashley is the only person I know who is comfortable with asking people awkward questions without sympathy. She should be able to when a Pulitzer Prize for one of her articles by the time she graduates.

RICKY TO BEN

Please help Toby has decided to become a writer and has decided to write a book about our lives. This kid is actually serious about this.

BEN TO RICKY

Just tell him to change the names of the school, the town, us, my dad, our company, and we should be okay. But, also remind him that he has to get our consent first our my wife will sue him.

As Adrian and Ben went to the tree both took their gifts from Betty from under the tree and laughed as they unwrapped them. They were T-Shirts with novelties written on them

Ben's read " I GOT MARRIED TO HER AND ALL I GOT WAS HER & THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT

On the back it read. I'LL KEEP THE T-SHIRT BUT I WANT TO EXCHANGE HER.

Adrian's read, I GOT MARRIED TO HIM BECAUSE I GOT PREGNANT.

On the back it read. GOD WE SHOULD HAVE USED A CONDOM.

Leo's read "I GOT DIVORCED & ALL I GOT WAS THIS LOUSY T-SHIRT"

On the back it read. "SHE GOT THE HOUSE, THE CAR, AND THE MONEY'

Even Camille got a T-Shirt which read, I HAD AN AFFAIR WITH HIM AND HE GOT DIVORCED

On the back it read, "I SHOULD HAVE HAD THE AFFAIR WITH HER DIVORCE ATTORNEY"

They all laughed at the gifts that Betty had sent, which put a smile on everyone's face. Good 'old Betty Reuben said she always did know how to put a smile on everyone' face. Yes, she does Ben said missing his stepmother a little. It was then that Mercy ran to the giant teddy bear that was still wrapped and ripped it open. The bear was a female version of the one that Betty had given the day she was or supposed to be born. The bear said "To always be able to get a Bear HUG FROM GRANMA BETT". Mercy loved this gift.

She had several more gifts as well from her grandparents and from Camille as well. Leo got her a brand new Barbie rover car. Reuben got her a beautiful princess doll house with a working drawbridge and horse corrale. Camille got her a lovely dress with a matching purse. While her Grandma Cindy gave her an antique doll, which looked exactly like Mercy. She said that she saw it in a store and could not resist the resemblance it had to Mercy. Even Bunny sent Mercy a gift of a set of Teddy bears in a family.

She had many more gifts but they were too many to count and recall. Then the adults began to exchange gifts to each other. Adrian and Ben gave Cindy and Camille both a robe and slipper set which were white and warm and both appreciated the gift and thought that went behind them. But, neither understood the card which read for after shower activity, which Ben and Adrian both laughed at. Reuben and Leo both received a gift of matching Golf hats and sweaters which both men said they would use immediately the next day.

Adrian and Ben were then presented with a gift from everyone which everyone spent a lot of time considering. Leo and Ben led Adrian and Ben into the living Room where they handed them an envelope. When Ben opened it inside were to first class tickets to Paris, and a room reservation for a lovely hotel, scheduled to be taken for the upcoming summer. But dad, this is too much he said, Adrian and I still have to finish, school, and work, not to mention Mercy. Well Ben Leo said Mercy is will be eighteen months by then and I am sure she will be ready to spend two weeks home with her grandparents. Besides Reuben chimed in we feel like we don't get to see her enough. And Cindy replied. I will be completely home then and after that I will be taking care of my own child so I may not be able to spend that much time with her as I would like too.

But, why Adrian asked a little bewildered at this gift. Because when you guys first got married we all thought later that we may have rushed you into this. But, now after seeing how both of you have adapted and have been there for one another and your daughter we realize that you two are truly in love and deserve this gift, Leo said. Besides, Camille added, you two didn't even get to have a honeymoon after your wedding because of Mercy's early arrival, and Adrian you had to attend summer school to catch up. We feel that after going through so much for the past few years you both don't just deserve a break, to be together you need one.

Adrian looked at Ben and both thanked all of them for this extravagant reward. It was then that Adrian got up and went outside and began to cry. Ben followed her and asked what she was crying about. Nothing, sweetie she replied I am just so happy, and I am a little disappointed that this Christmas has to end. Ben then remembered himself the wish would all end at Midnight, so he and Adrian could not go on that honeymoon trip after all. Ben then stood behind Adrian and wrapped his arms around her, and she fell into his embrace.

I love you Benny, and no matter what I will always love you she said, still crying. Ben who did not want Adrian to see also shed a tear, and Ditto My Angel Ditto. He held her tighter after he said that, and Adrian did not mind being held in that moment with him for so long. It was at that time that the town clock struck six o'clock which caused them both to jump. Only six more hours they both thought to themselves as they went in to have dinner. As they came inside through the doorway both were met by the mistletoe, Leo said look up you two. Ben and Adrian looked up and shared a passionate, long, and endearing kiss which if it were to go into the record books would rated in the top ten.

Everyone was shocked at the kiss they both gave the other and even more surprised at how it seemed to make both Adrian and Ben glow somehow. They stopped kissing and leaned there heads against one another as they did this. Adrian was surprised that this was the same feeling she had when she and Ben first kissed in her kitchen. It felt as if she was just now beginning to understand the meaning of love, with someone. Hey you two cut that out Reuben said, we already have one grand child and we are not ready for another. This made everyone smile as they all took their places at the dining table.

Reuben, Cindy, Leo, Camille, Adrian, Ben, and Mercy then all held their hands together to pray. Dear lord please take care of our family, friends, and loved ones on this day a special day reserved to celebrate you, and the ones we love. Please allow those who are without a home, to have one on tonight of all nights. Please take care of those who are cold and warm them with your love, and kindness. Please help those who have no joy and are at war to find peace, happiness, and love. We come to thankful, not for the gifts we have received today, or the things we have for those are just things and are trivial. But, we do thank you for the love, and happiness we have together. We thank you for the gift, of friendship, The gift of family, The gift of love, and more importantly we thank you for the gift of hope. So we honor you, and each other tonight on this of auspicious of occasions with this meal and our gratitude. AMEN. AMEN everyone chimed in.

The meal was truly grand with roast duck, honey, ham, dressing, baked potatoes, yams, cranberries, fruit cock tale, turnip greens, roasted chicken, baked beans, split peas, green beans, deviled eggs, creamy potatoes, honey rolls. Baked bread, bread pudding, pumpkin pie, pecan pie, sweet potato pie, chocolate cake, a white layer cake. The meal was totally delicious and the cook was given the entire day off so much of the food was actually cooked by Leo who as Ricky stated was Italian.

The meal was delicious and everyone ate to their hearts content, the laughed, and talked about everything together. They spoke of government, and the state of the economy, they talked about ways that might fix it. They spoke about the baby that Cindy was carrying and whether she wanted it to be a boy or girl. They talked about Betty and how she was doing in school, and how she and her family were getting along. They talked about Adrian and her first semester at college, how she was managing being a mother and a student. They talked to Ben about his plans for college now that he was graduating on if he and Adrian intended to move. They even spoke of the past about the many happy memories that had been made. They talked about Mercy and how big she had gotten, and on what Ben and Adrian expected of her. Adrian had never felt like this before. When she was growing up it was usually just she and Cindy on their own, but now she truly new what it felt like to be a family. She grasped Ben's hand, and said thank you. He looked at her and asked for what for all this for giving me a family she said. Ben looked back at her and replied, "Thank You for Making My family complete, and he squeezed her hand.

Soon the clock struck eight 'thirty and everyone was sated from dinner and all went into the living room to enjoy the quiet firelight of the fireplace, save for Mercy who Adrian put down for a nap. They talked and relaxed with one another. Cindy, Adrian, and Camille all went and began chatting about the upcoming shower, while Leo, Reuben, and Ben talked about Reuben becoming a father again.

Both, Cindy and Reuben were nervous about being career, parents but I want to make sure I get this right he said. I made the biggest mistake of my life when I abandoned Cindy and Adrian by putting my career first. If it had not been for Adrian finding me out I would have just once again be trapped in a loveless marriage. But, now I am with the woman I love and my daughter who was once broken because of my abandonment of her now has a truly better life. I want to thank you Leo, and especially you Ben.

Why they both asked. Well Leo you were the man, and father who I decided to aspire to become. You managed to build a very successful business and still raise a terrific son. Well he does have his moments, Leo replied, but most of that is because I had help from some pretty strong women. My wife Sarah, who started him out, Bunny and Camille who continued the job, and even Betty who joined in to help finish. Yes and now I have Cindy who has done a pretty good job of her own raising Adrian, but she also has her moments.

But, you Ben I thank you for teaching my daughter to do, what I could not do. What's that, Ben asked bewildered. You taught her to love herself and believe in herself. You truly stepped up and showed her what a real man was. Well, I wouldn't say that Ben said feeling guilty about how he treated Adrian in his world. No, Ben you taught her what love was and I truly Thank you for that. Reuben then took Ben in his arms and hugged him. Ben, accepted the hug but he felt even more guilty as they parted.

Ben, then went up stairs to get Mercy since it was now 9 o'clock and he had only three hours left to spend with his family before the wish ended. Ben woke Mercy who was still restless from her day of play and the dinner her grandfather made. She looked up at tired eyes at her father and Ben marveled at how much like her mother she looked. He took her in his arms and held her as close as he could afraid of letting go..

As he held her he whispered in her ear. My dearest daughter I have missed you so much., and I am so happy to be holding you in my arms right now. I ask you to forgive me for all the things I did when I lost you, I am so sorry for how I treated your mother when you died and for what I said. I promise you I will do whatever it takes to be part of her life again even if it means I can only be her friend. I swear that I will do my best to make both her and you proud of me, and I will never forget this gift that your Grandmother Sarah has given to me. I beg of you forgive me for losing my way when I lost you, and I thank you for helping me find my way back.

It was then that Adrian came up stairs and gently knocked on the door worried when Ben didn't come down in so long. Hey what's going on here she asked, as she looked at Ben holding a half awake Mercy playing with her fathers collar. Nothing, Ben said as he turned to face her with eyes that were red as if he had been crying. Benny what's wrong you look like you've been crying. I was he said this is my little girl and you're my wife and this is our first Christmas together as a family. What man wouldn't cry in a moment like this he replied. Well, let me kiss those tears away Adrian said, as she walked closer to Ben and Mercy and kissed him.

The family of three then said their farewell's to their family both hugging and kissing them all tightly as they parted and got into their car to go home. Both were sad that this day this Christmas was coming to an end. Adrian then clasped her hand in Ben's as he drove down the highway towards, home while Mercy slept in the backseat. They made it home at nine thirty got Mercy dressed for Bed together and then, themselves. Adrian then went into the living room with Ben and laid with him on the sofa as they watched the movie "It's A Wonderful Life". Both that the movie was an ironic version of their own that day. The star James Stewart wanted to return to his original life while they wanted to keep this one.

Both laid their till the clock struck eleven thirty and neither wanted the day to end but both knew that it would, there was no stopping that. Adrian then looked at Ben and he at her and Adrian confessed to him all that she had to say from her wish with Antonio to even how she truly felt about him, after they broke up. Ben was shocked to hear her story and told her of his own wish with Sarah, and of his true feeling for her the night they spent together in the car, and of his feelings for her now. Both looked at one another with such sadness and regret for not being the one to bite down and their pride, guilt, and fear to try and make their marriage work instead of running. It was at that time that they noticed the clock said 11:45. Ben then looked at Adrian and they both knew what they had to do. Ben took Mercy into his arms and they both drove to the center of town with the town clock, they stood their together as it counted down to the end of their wish and held one another tighter than they had ever held onto anything before,. Wishing and hoping that they could keep this moment.

But at that time Mercy who seemed to still be asleep quietly woke up and looked at both her parents who were holding her. She wrapped her small arms around both Adrian and Ben's neck and as the clock struck midnight. Once again both were bathed in a pool of white light and soft warm air. Adrian and Ben both looked to see Mercy now in an ivory white dress. She looked at them both and said

MERCY

I love you mommy, I love you daddy. I know how much you both miss me but it was not my time when I was with you. You both loved me and each other so much, and I am sorry that my death made you forget not only that love but yourselves as well. I promise that I am in a wonderful place and I am being looked after. Daddy, I know you feel guilty for what happened, but my death was not your fault. Mommy I know that you feel like you should punish yourself, but you shouldn't. You both made mistakes everyone does, but you must learn from them not be punished for them. I love you both and no matter what happens I will be with both of you always.

GENERAL

Mercy, then kissed Ben and Adrian both on the forehead, and they kissed her on the sides of her cheeks, and each other passionately before both disappeared from one anothers grasp.

Well will not be able to upload the rest until tomorrow but tell me about what you think and leave a review. Hope you all had a very Merry Christmas, and everyone was safe.