THANKS FOR ALL OF THE REVIEWS AND MESSAGES! I didn't post last Sunday because I'm the actual worst and procrastinated on three papers to do for one weekend, so I didn't have a lot of time to write or even edit. This chapter isn't very long and it's my attempt at trying to write something fluffier than usual. Also, I really wanted to write something from this character's perspective because I wish we could have seen more of this story line in DGH. This is far from perfect and rather short, but I hope you enjoy it just the same.
24 December 2011
His mind struggles with a lot of things these days. He's not the man that he used to be – not the sweet-talking Romeo or the bad-dream-chasing, monster-slaying ten-foot-tall superhero. He will never be that man again. He couldn't even if he tried.
That man was gone. But his life was still everywhere.
He was seeing it through new eyes, but even though so much had changed, it was the life he remembered leaving, the one he thought he was protecting.
The young woman who stood before him wore her hair long and wavy and traded in those old ratty combat boots and fishnets for black flats and figure-flattering silhouettes. Her attire was more delicate, but her skin was much thicker and she wore her battle wounds proudly (and in this vulnerability laid her strength). But her eyes were still the softest shade of hazel-green and in them he still saw his baby girl.
"Daddy!" she exclaims as she throws her arms around him. Her voice is cheerful and bright and it reminds him of their trips to the ice cream parlor down the street from their first home as a family.
He wraps his arms around her in return, too tightly, as if the amount of strength he used directly represented how much he loved her. He let her go and apologized.
She pulled away with a smile on her face. His heart melted.
Behind her stood a man he only recognized from photographs. He'd been informed that his daughter would bring a male guest, but was surprised nonetheless. The last boyfriend he'd met was just that – a boy. At least of all things, he hadn't missed her first date, but the broad shouldered gentleman who was confidently offering him a firm handshake in his living room was just more evidence of all the things he'd really missed out on.
A parent's job is never easy – there are sick days, heartaches, and disappointments to endure. If you're lucky.
"This is my friend, Craig," she introduced him.
"It's nice to meet you," he spoke as he shook the young man's hand. "Thank you for spending the holidays with us this year."
"Oh, no, thank you for having me," he replied. "With my family out at sea on a cruise, I would have probably been alone."
"The pleasure is all ours," said his wife, entering the room from the stairway. "Hello, Craig! You look well!"
He watched as his daughter unloaded the suitcase of gifts she'd brought along with her and placed them under the tree with her mother's help. If it weren't for Craig kneeling on the other side of Ellie, it would be the almost the exact mirror image of the last holiday they spent together as a family before he was stationed in Kuwait.
The Nash Family tradition held that gifts were opened at midnight, sharp. At least this is what it was ever since Ellie figured that Santa was less of a jolly old fat guy bearing gifts and more of a slim dad-like figure.
"Open the one from your father and I first, Ellie," her mother urged, nudging the small box into her lap.
Ellie carefully unwrapped the package and opened it, revealing a beautiful pendant he had picked out with her mother. He smiled when he saw the look of contentment on her face.
"It's beautiful, you guys! Oh, thank you," she leaned over and hugged them both, "so much." She pulled her hair up behind her head and extended her free hand holding the necklace out to him. "Will you put it on for me?"
He smiled again and did as he was asked. She hugged him again.
"Thank you," she said again.
Next, she opened the gift Craig had gotten her and was just as excited about his.
"A typewriter! This is incredible, Craig. Thank you!" she threw her arms around him as well, planting a kiss on his cheek.
"I thought you might like it but a part of me was honestly was afraid you would think it was pretentious or something," he said with a laugh, returning the embrace.
"No, it's perfect! Thank you. Really." She paused for a moment, smiling at each of the people she was sharing this moment with. Perhaps she was feeling tipsy (although she had only had one glass of wine) or tired or maybe she was just genuinely consumed by the emotion of the evening, but when she spoke again, her voice was soft. "You guys are the best dysfunctional family a girl could ask for." She buried her blushing face in her hands.
Her mother patted her back affectionately. "We love you too, dear."
He snuck a look at Craig, who was smiling to himself, watching their mother-daughter exchange with sincere warmth and fondness. He only knew this young man in photographs and stories, most of which were not pleasant to hear considering his closeness to Ellie, but he decided he liked him. There was something about him that he decided he could trust.
Ellie caught his eye and wrapped her hand around his, giving it a gentle squeeze. She radiated happiness.
Everything had changed and for once, he was grateful for that.
I just realized that there are really only two chapters left of this! So I thought I'd ask, before I wrap this up, if there are any characters whose perspective on Craig and Ellie you would like to see? I can't make any promises as there are a probably a few characters who I may not feel like I can do justice to but I'd do my best to fill all requests.