-XX-
My Only Wish
Chapter Ten
When Payson wakes up, everything single inch of her body is in pain.
Her vision is blurry as she blinks and the air smells overly sanitary…like a hospital.
It takes another minute, but Payson realizes that she actually is in a hospital, lying in bed with white sheets covering her from the waist down. There's no beeping, no machines surrounding her and no IV stuck into her arm so she can't be in a critical condition like the soreness of her body would suggest. She hears a groan from her side and Payson turns her head very slowly to see another body in the bed beside her.
She sees Kelly still asleep. Her dark hair is sticking up in odd places and her cheek is an ugly, deep shade of purple. Payson also notices the little red scratches right beneath her left eye and on her chin. Just seeing her in such a condition makes Payson wince and wonder what she must look like, taking in the amount of pain she feels right now.
"Kelly," she whispers. Her voice is weak and Payson can't tell if it's from not being used in so long or if there's something seriously wrong with her.
But wait!
If she's looking at Kelly, who's across the room then that means…
Feeling such a sudden sweet revelation, Payson excitedly looks down at her hands. The fingernails have been chewed down to nubs, but they're her hands. Never in a million years has Payson felt so happy just at the sight of her hands. She then brings her fingers up to feel her face and then tangle in her hair. Blonde hair.
She's back in her body.
Wait…if Kelly is in the bed next to her then…
"I've never been so glad to see you, Keeler, and I'm not looking in a mirror," Kelly whispers. Payson quickly looks to her side, but then winces, having turned too fast. Seeing this, Kelly gives her a small smile, leaning back in her hospital bed. "But I must say, you look like shit."
"I could say the same." There's no malice in either of their voices and that makes Payson return the smile with a weak one of her own. "We're back."
"Thank God. I just wish it could have been less painful." Kelly shifts and groans.
Payson bites lightly on her dry bottom lip and continues to stare at Kelly, who lovingly caresses her dark brown tresses and traces down the curves of her cheeks with her fingers. She mentally debates whether or not to mention it for maybe a second before taking a deep breath and going for it.
"You grabbed my arm and held me back," Payson says softly. "In the car."
"Reflex, I assure you," Kelly says quickly.
"I don't believe you," Payson says boldly.
"God, Keeler, I don't care if you don't believe me or not," she says. "I was just protecting my own face and I think it worked because, as I said, you look like shit."
Hearing the jittery defensiveness, Payson smiles. "Thank you."
No sarcasm. Just simple, genuine gratitude.
Kelly nods. "Consider it your Christmas present, Keeler."
Payson reaches her hand out in the space between them and Kelly hesitates for only a second before she slaps her hand against hers in a sort of casual victory celebration.
"Payson Keeler and Kelly Parker," says a man in a white lab coat as he walks into the room. "PK and KP. Hmm, interesting. Anyways, it's good to see you girls finally awake and just in time for Christmas. A couple kids had been driving drunk when they crashed into you. Luckily, nothing is broken, a few bruises and cuts and you might be sore for a couple days, but you'll be just fine. You girls should count your blessings. From what I hear about the condition of the car, it's a Christmas miracle you weren't hurt worse."
"Hear that, Keeler?" Kelly laughs. "A Christmas miracle."
"I heard," Payson says. "Thank you, doctor."
"Now, for the final verdict. We ran some tests and everything looks fine. There's some paperwork I have for the both of you to review and sign. Then you're free to go if you promise to take it easy for the next couple of days. You have visitors, eager to see you," the doctor says. "Should I send them in?"
"Please," Payson says. Her entire face brightens and she sits up straighter in her bed while Kelly just turns onto her side and murmurs something about pain killers. Just before the doctor walks out of the room, Payson stops him. "Wait! What about Austin? Austin Tucker. He was the one driving."
"Oh yeah. Tucker. He's fine," the doctor says. "He didn't get off as easy as you two. He has a few bruised ribs, but it isn't anything serious. He woke up a few hours before ago and we were ready to release him, but he refused."
"Why would he do that?" Payson asks.
"He wasn't very specific and being the Austin Tucker, the hospital wouldn't mind letting him stay as long as he wants. I did remind him that it's Christmas Eve, but he said that he doesn't have anywhere else to be," the doctor explains. "Don't feel sorry for him. It's what he wants. I think he's on his third jell-o cup, second sponge bath from the nurses and fifth magazine delivery from the candy stripers."
"Sounds like paradise for a horndog like Austin," Kelly says. Payson doesn't comment and sits back in her inclined bed.
In no time, all three of the Keelers come in and go straight over to Payson's side of the room, followed by a surprise visit from the Rock girls. Kelly just looks away as the cluster of people go over to Payson, inquiring how she is and fretting over her. Kelly almost laughs when she sees the giant bouquet of flowers laced with invisible guilt that Lauren brings along and sets on the table between them.
"Guys, what are you doing here?" Payson asks. "It's Christmas Eve. You should be home with your families."
"Pay, as far as I'm concerned you are family," Kaylie says, standing right at the blonde's beside. "Don't worry. My parents understand. You got into a car accident. Of course, we came to see you."
"My mom's in the gift shop as we speak. Knowing her, she's probably picking out balloons and cards and stuffed toys for you," Emily explains. "You really had us worried, Payson."
"Yup. It was the weirdest way to top off the weirdest week ever," Lauren adds. Her eyes shift across the room for a second before returning to Payson. "What were you doing out in Denver with Austin and, eww, Kelly Parker, anyways?"
"I'm in the room too!" Kelly shouts. "Don't talk about me like I'm not here!"
Everyone looks over at her and the sudden outburst leaves an unsettling silence in its wake. Kelly just huffs loudly and rolls onto her side, ignoring the pain. Anything is better than seeing how they're staring at her like main attraction of a freak show. Payson looks over at Kelly with sympathy. Someone has to be coming for her, right?
"Hello! Earth to Pay," Kaylie sings. "What's been going on lately?"
"I really don't want to talk about any of that right now," Payson says. It's the honest to God truth. "The doctor said I could leave whenever I'm ready. Can we get out of here? I would give anything to lie in my own bed."
"Of course, sweetie," Kim says. She starts to shoo everyone from the room after last minute goodbyes and wishes of Merry Christmas Eve. Once everyone is gone, Kim then helps Payson out of her bed and to the bathroom. While Payson is changing into the spare clothes her mom brought for her, Kim looks over at Kelly who's lying in bed and twiddling her thumbs.
"Hi," Kim says. She walks around Payson's empty bed and closer towards Kelly, who grows alarmed and pushes her back further against the upright bed. "I don't think we've actually met. I'm Kim Keeler, Payson's mom."
It takes Kelly a little bit before she realizes Kim is actually talking to her. Smiling in that maternal way, she holds out her hand. Kelly quickly checks the plastic band on her wrist just to make sure she is who she is before gently taking Kim's hand in a warm shake.
"Kelly Parker," she says. And it feels so damn good.
"How are you feeling?" Kim asks.
"Fine," Kelly replies. "A little sore, but, trust me, I've felt worse."
"That's good to hear," Kim says, continuing to smile warmly. "Kelly, you do have someone coming for you, don't you? Do you need me to make a call for you or you could borrow my phone if you need it."
Kelly doesn't know what to say. She bites the inside of her cheek, going through the short list in her head. Her mom is in Switzerland. Her dad is God-knows-where. She might end up spending her Christmas break in the hospital like Austin is apparently doing. Kelly looks past Kim's concerned face and over to the television in the corner of the room. She wonders if it catches Bravo or at least MTV.
After a minute or so of uneasy silence, Kelly looks to the door and notices the boy panting in the doorway. There's sweat on his forehead and his breathing is slightly labored like he ran all the way to her room. After everything she's been through, the loneliness and longing to see her best friend, Kelly can't even try to hide the look of extremely happiness that overtakes her usually, carefully planned facial expression. Taking note of the way she absolutely lit up, Kim just smiles and gives the two some space.
"Nick!" Kelly shouts, sitting up in her bed.
"Wow, Parks, you actually sound happy to see me," he says. Nicky wears an easy smile as he walks into the room and goes straight to her bedside. As much as it pains her to do so, Kelly scoots a little to the side, leaving a space for Nicky to sit on the edge of the bed.
"What took you so long, asshole?" she says. Despite her malicious words, her soft voice betrays her and a slight, tight-lipped smile is drawn across her lips.
"There's the girl I love to hate," Nicky says. His voice is just as affectionate as hers, completely unfazed by the actual words she said. Nicky gently cups her face with his hand and Kelly leans into his touch, bringing her hand up to cover his.
After a while of the two teens just staring at each other, eye-to-eye, almost having an entirely private and entirely telepathic conversation, Kim interrupts the little reunion to tell them that she's going to find the doctor and get the paperwork processing so they can all get out of there sooner. Before Kim can get far out the door, Kelly is overcome with such a frantic feeling and she calls out to Kim. The woman who served as Kelly's cookie cutter mother for the last few days turns back and looks at Kelly with surprise.
Pursing her lips, Kelly says, "Merry Almost-Christmas, Mrs. Keeler."
Kim smiles in return. "Merry Almost-Christmas to you too, Kelly."
-XX-
As much as Payson longs to lie in her bed, right when she gets home, she can't. There's a very nervous Coach Belov standing on her front porch. Kim greets him warmly, as does Becca, and Mark gives him a wearily, warning glare (something he's been doing ever since the kiss incident). Payson takes a deep breath and approaches Sasha once the rest of the family is already inside.
"Payson, how are you?" Sasha asks.
"Tired and sore, two things I've never admitted to being in my entire life before now, but it's true," Payson says. She fidgets with her fingers and bounces on the balls of her feet. "But I'll live. I'll live and I'll be back in the gym after the holidays."
"To sit around and pout like you've been doing the last few days?" Sasha asks.
Payson inwardly winces. If Kelly hadn't thrown in the little, surprisingly redeeming moments (grabbing her arm during the crash and the "mysterious envelope") Payson would probably be pretty pissed at her.
"No. To train," Payson says. "I know I've been acting…strange. I was going through something, but now I'm over it and I'm ready. I'm ready to get back to work as an artistic gymnast. I know my body and what I need to do to get to where I need to be. Just give me another chance to prove it to you."
Sasha stares at her long and hard. It seems the way she's been behaving, the ups and the downs and then the ups again throw him, and a little part of him is ready to demand the entire truth. Payson doesn't think she has the strength it takes for a complete explanation and so she just rubs her hands down her arms and prays he doesn't push it.
"We have more to talk about once we're back in the gym. Most importantly, your attitude towards training and you're going to have to work extra hard to make up for the time you've wasted the last few days," Sasha says. Payson nods in return. "But I believe you'll be able to do it. You've got what it takes, Payson Keeler, and I don't want to see you doubting yourself like that ever again."
"Done," Payson says. "I really appreciate you coming over, Sasha."
"I'm glad to do it and I'm glad you're okay," he replies. "Well, you better get inside. I'm sure you want to make the most of the rest of your holidays. Rest up and I will see you in the new year."
"Happy holidays, Sasha," Payson says sweetly.
The Rock's head coach steps down the first few steps of the porch and smiles at one of his top gymnasts with a charming smile. "Happy holidays, Payson."
Even after Payson watches Sasha disappear down the street, she stays outside a little longer. She leans against the railing of the porch and takes a deep breath, holding it in for a little bit and then slowly letting it out. Payson has always been a person with a packed schedule, always having something to do, hour-to-hour, day-to-day. She never knew it could feel so good to stand perfectly still and simply be.
It doesn't take long for Kim to shout for her to go inside before she catches a cold. Payson obliges and as tempted, as she is to jump right into bed and sleep until the next morning, Payson goes to take a hot bath. She changes into pajama pants and an oversize shirt, glad to be rid of Kelly Parker's booty shorts and form-fitting tank tops. Finally, after drying her long, blonde hair, Payson settles down in her bed and closes her tired eyes.
As glad as she is to be in her home, snuggling up to a pillow in her bed, there's something wrong. It's too quiet in the house and that alone drives Payson insane. It reminds her too much of Kelly's house and along with it comes the feeling of being so empty and so alone. Payson reaches across to her bedside table and presses the play button on her iPod in its little docking station. The air fills with soft, soothing Christmas music and she settles back in bed. Much better.
"You really scared us," Becca says from the door. "You should have seen mom and dad when we got the call from the emergency room, saying you had gotten into an accident. Mom was freaking out and dad had to clock out early so we could rush to Denver."
"I'm sorry if I worried you." Payson looks over at her sister and smiles softly, matting the side of her bed. "Nothing's broken. That's something to be happy about."
"Yeah, you're really lucky, Payson," she says. Eyeing her suspiciously, the young teen walks into the room and takes the spot Payson had motioned to. Continuing to smile, Payson takes one of the pillows and playfully swats her sister with it.
"Why are you being like this?" Becca asks. She takes the pillow from Payson, considers hitting her back, but then decides against it and hugs the pillow tight to her chest. "You didn't get mad at me for calling you by your name."
Oh Kelly, Payson thinks to herself. Is there anything Kelly didn't mess up?
Then Payson thinks about her friends who are still flocking to her at the first sign of trouble and even Lauren, who's been noticeably nicer to her. Payson thinks about her parents, who seem a bit concerned, but as far as she knows, they haven't disowned her or signed her up for therapy. There's a lot that Kelly could have purposefully ruined, but didn't and for that, Payson's grateful.
"Becca, I'm sorry—"
"You don't need to apologize," Becca says. "I think you did that enough the other night."
Payson looks confused. Kelly Parker apologized? That just doesn't sound right.
"Well, you said you didn't mean to hurt my feelings and you kinda talked in circles, but it was as good as an apology," Becca says. She tilts her head, looking at Payson with light eyes that are too much like her own. "You seem different now."
Payson remembers playing this game with Nicky. "Better different or worse different?"
"Like you, the real you," Becca says. "I don't really know how to explain it."
"It's okay," Payson says, curling up in bed. "Let's just sleep."
Payson pulls back the covers enough for Becca to crawl in beside her. Having such a warm presence at her side, knowing that she isn't alone, Payson can rest a little easier. She listens to Becca's even breathing and the cheery Christmas music playing softly in the background. Her mind starts to grow foggy and it's the best feeling especially after staying tossing and turning for the last few nights, overthinking and overanalyzing.
"I'm glad you're back, Payson," Becca whispers.
Becca can't know how welcomed those five words are, how amazing it feels to hear them. Payson reaches over to affectionately smooth down her little sister's stray blonde hairs and whisper a simple, "Me too."
-XX-
Both being minors, the hospital wouldn't release Kelly without consent and as expected, she has a bitch fit. She finds out that her father is the Bahamas with his newest wife (and personal assistant) and her mom isn't reachable, but Kelly already knows from Payson that she is too out of the country. Marty, being the closest thing to a guardian she has, drives down to the hospital, contacts her father, achieves consent and takes care of things. He doesn't complain once and in turn Kelly is much more agreeable than she would be under normal pre-Christmas party circumstances.
Once she gets home, Kelly is greeted by the silence of her empty house and nothing has ever sounded so great. No one to bug her or expects things from her or worry about her. Just pure, welcomed silence where she doesn't have to put up a front or wear her day-to-day armor and can simply exist.
First things first, Kelly starts going around the house and rearranging the Christmas decorations until everything is in its proper place. Nicky, who drove her home, assures her that it all looks fine and reminds her that she had been fine with all of it the other day, but Kelly just ignores him. Nicky tells her to take it easy and she tells him to go get the ladder in the shed because a section of the lights that line the outside of the house are crooked. Instead of reacting to the crack of her whip, Nicky just embraces her from behind and it makes Kelly wince, remembering how sore she is.
Hearing that high-pitched, unexpected sound she makes, Nicky loosens his arms, but still keeps them around her. He rests his chin lightly on her shoulder, tilting his head so his dark, prickly hair touches her soft, brown locks. Kelly tenses and holds her breath, almost afraid that the second she lets herself believe this is real she's going to blink and wake up in Payson Keeler's body again.
"Let's go to bed," Nicky whines.
"I just got into a car accident not even a full twenty-four hours ago," Kelly reminds him. "If you think I'm having sex with you, you sex addict, you're delusional. If that's all you're looking for then the door is that way. You can leave now."
Nicky laughs, sounding so low and alluring. They're so close that she feels his hot breath tickly her sensitive skin and she clenches her jaw, fighting off the impulse to shudder. Kelly leans back in his arms until her back meets his firm chest and she shuts her eyes tight. She lets herself get comfortable, her body molded to fit his too fucking well. Kelly brings her arm up around his neck and her fingers slide through the short strands of hair at the nape of his neck.
Fucking car accident. If she wasn't hurting everywhere, they'd both probably be naked by now.
"All I meant is that you should be resting in bed, not rushing around, all neurotic this soon after the car accident," Nicky says.
"I don't appreciate you calling me neurotic," she snaps.
"How else would you describe you, Kelly?" he chuckles. They remain perfectly still, entwined, standing back and admiring the lit Christmas tree in her sitting room. "Come on. Don't make me carry you to your room. I'm not even going to do it bride-style. I'll throw you over my shoulder like a sack and it will not be sexy at all."
"You're so good to me," Kelly says sarcastically. She turns sideward and looks into his eyes, letting her palm rest against his chest. Starting to walk to the stairs, Kelly lets her hand trail across his ribcage and she gives the edge of his thin t-shirt a tug before she lets go. God, it feels so good to be so close to him. If only she could tell him that.
Kelly sluggishly walks up the stairs and goes straight to her room. After grabbing a few things, she goes to the bathroom and starts the shower, letting the heat rise to the ceiling as she stares at her reflection in the mirror over the sink. She slowly gets into the shower and when she gets out, ready to pass out, Kelly finds Nicky lying on her bed, watching Christmas movies on the flat screen. She crawls into bed with him and sighs heavily, basking in the heavenly feel of her down comforter and goose feather pillows.
"What are we watching?" Kelly asks lazily.
"Don't know. I saw snow and so I didn't change the channel," Nicky replies.
Nicky stares at the TV and Kelly stares at him, watching the way the lights from the TV play across his handsome face. All she wants to do is touch him, but she doesn't know where they stand especially after the way Payson and her have been messing with his head. Kelly reaches out and lays her hand on his arm, drawing lazy patterns across his skin with her index finger. When Nicky doesn't even look in her direction, Kelly frowns.
"What's wrong?" she asks. "You're acting like you're the one who just got in a car accident."
Nicky finally looks over at her with a question in his dark gaze. Kelly knows that look and she isn't particularly fond of that look. He's going to want to talk to her and as Kelly has proved over and over again, she isn't very good at deep, meaningful conversation.
"Is it too soon to ask for that explanation you promised?" Nicky asks.
"Nick, I'm Kelly Parker." She laughs softly. "I don't make promises."
"Then I must have been talking to a Kelly Parker clone on the phone the other day because, yeah, you did," Nicky says. "You know, that would actually make sense. You've been weird ever since that Christmas party at the Rock. And now you're hanging out with Austin Tucker? Kelly, you were in a car with Austin Tucker and Payson Keeler when the accident happened. I keep trying to go over it in my head, but I can't come up with a single explanation. What's that about?"
Kelly smiles. "Why? Nick, are you jealous?"
"Should I be?"
"No."
Nicky groans and turns onto his side, propping his head up by his hand. He looks up at the ceiling for a moment before he responds, "I know. I know. I'm not your boyfriend, but that doesn't mean I can't be concerned about my best friend doing something potentially stupid with that douche."
"That and also because there's nothing going on with Austin Tucker. Nothing at all," Kelly assures him, reaching out and brushing her fingers through his dark hair. "Nick, I know the last couple of days have been messed up and I…I—I'm sorry—"
"There you go again," Nicky says. "Apologizing. What's with that?"
"Would you just shut the fuck up and let me talk?" Kelly snaps. She looks down, purses her lips and then finally looks back up at him. "I said it because I really do mean it. Because I finally realized how hard you try and how patient you are with me and how easy I could lose you and I don't…I…"
"Hey," he whispers. "I'm right here. I'm not going anywhere, Parks."
At the sound of his voice saying that, Kelly feels something that she can't quite describe. All she can think is that she now knows how the Grinch felt when his heart grew.
"You don't know how great it feels to hear you call me that," Kelly whispers.
"Well, it is your name," he says, winking at her. Nicky looks over at the clock and it's nearly midnight. "Hey. You want part one of your Christmas present?"
Kelly hits him weakly on the chest and playfully narrows her eyes. "You giving out kisses as presents stopped being cute by the time we turned ten."
Nicky chuckles. "Not this year. It's more of something I did for you."
"I'm listening," she says.
"I know Jenna and Stephanie have been giving you a hard time lately, but something tells me that's all about to stop," Nicky says. "Milkshake Facing them was clearly out of the question because I'm too much of a gentleman to do something so petty. I wasn't about to do your cricket plan either. Joey, the smooth talker and #1 KP fan he is, actually deserves some of the credit too."
"Aww, Nick made a friend who doesn't have a vagina," Kelly says playfully. "Surprise, surprise."
"Shut up," Nicky says gently, pressing his fingers to her lips to quiet her. "As I was saying, Joey was smoking a bowl with Stephanie and he got her to admit that she's the one who tattled on Jenna. Joey recorded it all on his iPhone and he sent it to me. I showed Jenna and Stephanie got a strawberry milkshake to the face, which we also got on camera. You know how we treat rats. Stephanie is the newest DE social pariah and everyone is calling her Miley Cyrus."
"Do you even get that reference?" Kelly asks.
"Not a clue," Nicky admits.
Kelly just smiles up at him. "Aww, you did that for me?"
"Like I told you, I got your back, Parks," Nicky says. "Always."
This is what they do. It's just another one of their many routines. They pave over the awkward and the tense and the unspoken with sweet little moments just for it all to explode at a later date. Kelly is about to break tradition and she's convinced that it isn't a good idea, but she's right about to do it anyways.
"You want part one of your gift?" she asks.
Nicky looks at her suspiciously. "You actually got me something this year?"
"Nick, I want to be honest with you," she says. Kelly sits up and presses her back to the cold wooden headboard. Seeing the way she turns so serious so suddenly, Nicky does the same, looking genuinely worried.
"That's another first." Nicky laughs nervously. "Alright. Shoot. What's on your mind?"
"I've been acting weird lately because…because it wasn't me," Kelly struggles to explain in her voice, in the words she picks and the way she can't meet his eyes. "It was Payson…in my body. We both made stupid wishes on this shooting star we saw outside the Rock after that dumb ass Christmas party. Then we woke up and somehow switched bodies. Ever since then I've been living Payson's life and she's been living mine. And it was kinda nice, like what our parents should have been like, but it was hell because I…I missed you so much."
Kelly twists the corner of the pillowcase round and round, resisting the urge to start biting off her perfect, manicured fingernails. Kelly is so nervous and Nicky just stares at her, looking stunned.
"Nick, say something," Kelly demands.
"Well, that explains why you've been so nice lately," he says, smoothing his fingers through his messy hair. By his smile, it's obvious he isn't taking her seriously at all. "Kelly Parker, you are crazy."
"No. No, I'm not," she says irritably. "Nick, think about this. You were talking to me in the parking lot at DE last night. I looked like Payson and sounded like her. Hell, I even tried to be her at one point, but that was all me on the inside." She squeezes his hand and looks into his eyes. "I—I feel the same way. I care way too much about you…to let it be something else that falls apart."
Nicky's eyes go wider than she's ever seen before. "Where did you…you're telling the truth, aren't you?"
"For God's sake, yes," Kelly says.
"Wait, let me get this straight. So the weird girl I've been hanging out with all week was Payson Keeler?" Nicky asks.
"Yes," Kelly says. "I know this sounds frickin' insane, but it's true. It was Payson hanging out with Austin and pushing you away because she didn't get us and what we do. God, it almost killed me, not telling you about all of this. Heh, it's kinda killing me now…telling you all of this. I know I have…issues or whatever with opening up and frickin' professional therapy couldn't even help me, but…if there's someone I want to be honest with…it's you."
Her heart beats so hard in her chest. This is the stuff she goes to bed thinking about every night. Never in a million years did she ever think she'd be telling him all of this aloud. Crap. She did learn something from this Christmas wish thing.
"Wow," Nicky says. "So why didn't you tell me any of this sooner?"
"Because."
"Because?"
Kelly takes a deep breath. "Because I thought if you knew it was Payson in my body then spending time with her would lead to you having feelings for her again and not only would that mess things up between all of us, but it would be seriously creepy. I just…I was scared of losing you. I'm always terrified of losing you."
"Parks," Nicky whispers. He brings his hand up to her face, lightly running his thumb down the bruised side of her face. "Like I said, I'm not going anywhere. I'm just upset you had to go through all of this alone."
"I wasn't alone," Kelly disagrees. "I had…Payson."
"Wow," Nicky says. "Kelly made a friend who isn't having sex with her."
"Shut up," Kelly says, shoving him away. She can see how frustrated Nicky is, how he desperately wants to mess up her hair or hold her close, but can't, knowing she's still bruised and tender. Kelly sticks her tongue out at him and lies back down beneath the sheets.
"Kelly," Nicky whispers, shuffling closer to her. "Kelly Parker, I still think you're crazy, but I appreciate you being honest with me. Best Christmas present ever."
"Shh, Nick, I'm trying to sleep," Kelly says, turning over to hide her smile.
"Alright. Fine," Nicky says. "I hope you don't mind, but I'm not sleeping in jeans."
"Whatever," Kelly says, snuggling up to her pillow. "Just don't try to rape me in my sleep."
"Funny," Nicky says, tossing his jeans onto the floor. "Usually it's me saying that to you."
Kelly turns back and slaps his arm. Nicky catches her hand, pressing a sweet kiss to the back of it. Kelly then closes her eyes, finally thinking she's ready to sleep, being home and having abandoned at least a few pieces of that baggage she's carried around for as long as she can remember.
Innocent has never been a word used to describe the way Nicky and Kelly operate yet here they are, mostly clothed, barely touching and completely content. They aren't ravaging each other like they'd usually be doing and instead have talked more about feelings and truths than either ever has in a given instance.
Maybe this is the birth of a new tradition.
-XX-
Payson sleeps through the night and is woken by Becca jumping on her bed, exclaiming that it's Christmas at the top of her lungs. Becca jumps to the ground runs off, still in her Christmas patterned pajamas. Payson quickly throws something on before she joins the rest of the family downstairs. They exchange "Merry Christmas" and trade hugs while Becca excitedly begs to start opening gifts.
Kim warns her that they need to eat breakfast first like tradition dictates and they do so. Then they go to church and Becca is extra impatient but does not voice it once. Finally, they get home and rush to the tree. Tearing through rapper after rapper, Becca looks so ecstatic as she expresses her admiration for one gift before moving to the next. Payson even opens a few, but then she's struck with terror, realizing she had been so preoccupied that she never got to finish her shopping.
"Look, mom, this one's for you from Payson," Becca says, grabbing a gift from under the tree. Payson's eyes widen and her jaw literally dropped. She gave up on believing in Santa quite some time ago, but then how did this happen? Becca maybe. Her dad? Neither seems very likely.
"Well, it's good to see that you got some shopping done during your little breakdown, I mean, break from gymnastics," Kim teases. She pulls the neatly wrapped box into her lap and starts tearing through the red, sparkly paper, getting to the present within.
"Don't worry. I'm over it. Austin and Kelly really put things into perspective for me," Payson says. Kim stops unwrapping her gift and loves over at Payson, prompting her to continue. "I was feeling down on myself and it was stupid. It won't happen again I promise. I even cleared things up with Sasha. The real me is back and here to stay."
"That's good for you, Pay," Kim says proudly. She lets the wrapper fall to the mountain of other torn red, gold and green paper on the floor. Kim uncovers the box and a smile lights her face. From the box, she pulls forth a beautiful, well-crafted scarf and drapes it around her neck. "This is great, Payson."
"That's what I was telling you about, mom," Becca says. "Payson made it herself."
I did? Payson asks herself. It has to be Kelly.
Kim stands from the couch and goes to hug Payson who just plasters on a grin and hugs her in return. Suddenly the doorbell rings and Mark stands, smoothing down the creases in his sweater. He goes to answer the door while Kim continues to hug her eldest daughter.
"Thank you. When did you possibly have time to learn how to knit and why didn't I know about this?" Kim asks.
Payson shrugs her shoulders, having no idea how to answer this one; however, it's nice to see how happy it makes her mom. Saving her from answering, Mark calls out to Payson, saying she has a visitor. Kim wonders aloud, asking who could possibly be here on Christmas day, but Payson just pulls away from her mom's embrace and goes to the door.
Standing out on the front porch, making small talk (more like smooching) with her father is Austin Tucker. He has a gash above his right eyebrow that looks like it needed stitches and a bruise under his chin. When Payson steps out onto the front porch, Mark goes inside and leaves the two standing there. Despite the cold temperature, the sun is out, filtering through the clouds and bathing everything in a golden light.
"Cute sweater, Keeler," Austin says. Payson looks down and remembers how she had unwrapped a gift from her grandmother, a baggy, blue sweater with reindeer and actual bells attached. She had groaned aloud and Kim had suggested she try it on. Now, with Austin grinning at her like that, Payson just embarrassedly crosses her arms over her chest,
"It was a gift from my grandma. She isn't all there anymore. Last Christmas she sent Becca chew toys and a new dog collar," Payson says. When she hears her own words, she knows she isn't making things any better for herself. She looks down, irritated that she can feel her face growing hot.
"I didn't say anything bad about it," Austin says. "It's cute."
"Austin, what are you doing here?" Payson asks.
"For one, I came to check if things are back to the way they should be," he says. Austin leans in close and scrutinizes her with his dark gaze. "You are Payson Keeler, aren't you?"
"Yes, it's me," she says.
"Good. Now, I went to check out my car in impound and I found this," Austin says. He has Payson's bag hanging from his fingers and Payson immediately notices the envelope Kelly had given her even as Austin holds up a cell phone with a cracked glass screen. "I hope you have insurance."
"Thank God I do," Payson says. She reaches out for the bag and Austin gives it to her. As she rifles through the things inside, Payson asks, "Impound was open on Christmas, huh?"
"Okay so maybe I hopped a fence, which I don't advise if you have some bruised ribs and I went on a self-guided tour," Austin confesses. "I've barely had that car for five months. I had to check on it. Little did I know seeing my car like that would kill the Christmas spirit?"
"So would spending Christmas Eve in the hospital," Payson adds. "I'm sorry about your car."
"Heh. The Payson from the other day would have had no sympathy whatsoever for my car or me. Damn. You really are Payson Keeler," Austin says. "So how does it feel to be back?"
"Amazing," Payson says with a big smile.
"Well, I'm glad," he says. "Whether it was my brilliant stargazing idea or the car accident that switched you back, I'm happy it worked and right in time for Christmas."
"Yeah, me too," Payson says distractedly.
Both her eyes and her fingers rest on the envelope sticking out of her bag. Kelly had referred to it as a Christmas present and it is Christmas so Payson should open it, right? Then again, Kelly had also warned her that this envelope is like Pandora's box. It contains evils that will definitely complicate her life and has something to do with Lauren. With how Lauren had been acting at the hospital, Payson can't help, but wonder what Kelly managed to dig up.
"What's that?" Austin asks, sensing her apprehension.
"Nothing," Payson replies. She just shoves the envelope deeper into her bag.
Maybe one day she'll open it and find out what evils it contains, but not today. Not Christmas.
"Well, thank you for bringing me my things. I should probably go back inside," Payson says, letting her voice trail off.
She watches as Austin gives her one last smile before he starts to walk away. Payson really does sympathize with him, but then she thinks of Kaylie and how getting close to her ex wouldn't be in anyone's best interest. Then again, Payson remembers that talk she had with Kelly about braving the storm and acceptance eventually springing forth. Payson doesn't know what she feels for Austin Tucker, but she feels something and that's enough to make her at least wonder what could come about from these said feelings.
Payson doesn't know what takes over, but she finds herself following after him. "Austin, wait! Where are you headed?"
He looks at her from over his shoulder. "I found some of Kelly's things in the car too. I thought I'd drive out to Denver and return them to her. Then home, I guess."
"Errands on Christmas? Really?" Payson says. She stares down at the icy steps and awkwardly shuffles her feet. "I bet you have some model waiting on your couch, dressed like a present, waiting for you to unwrap her, right?"
"Empty couch," Austin says. "Empty fridge. Empty Austin."
He tries to laugh it off, but hearing that makes Payson frown.
"Why don't you come inside and have Christmas with me and my family?" Payson suggests. "We just finished up opening presents. Usually my sister and me help our mom with the food while dad catches whatever game is on TV. It isn't very exciting, but it isn't empty and, yes, this is an invitation."
"I don't know about that one, Keeler," Austin says. She thinks it's the first time she's ever seen him nervous about something. "I kind of am the guy who was driving when you ended up in the hospital."
"It wasn't your fault some idiot was driving drunk. Plus, like you said, the stargazing was your idea and if it was the car accident and switched us back then it never would have happened without you. Come on, Tucker, it's Christmas. No one should be alone. You can give Kelly her things back later tonight or tomorrow."
Payson still sees him hesitate.
"You know, my mom puts peppermint in the hot chocolate. She calls it her secret weapon," Payson says tauntingly. "It's really good."
"Peppermint? I don't think I've ever had peppermint in my hot chocolate," Austin says, smiling.
"Well, there's always a first for everything."
"Alright."
Austin walks back up the steps to meet her and before walking inside, before she loses her nerve, Payson stands on the tips of her toes and presses a kiss to his cheek. It only lasts a few seconds and is over before Austin even realizes what's going on. Payson's hands are clammy and her face is red as she searches his face. He just grins in return.
"What was that for?" Austin asks.
"A thank you," Payson says. "For everything."
"Well then, maybe we should do it right," he whispers. He wraps an arm around her hips and pulls her close to him. He moves so fast and so suddenly that Payson gasps. He leans down as if to kiss her and Payson smiles when she pulls away.
"Whoa, slow down," she says. "Maybe next Christmas?"
Austin sighs dejectedly. "But that's so long. Fine. Then we'll do it right right. I won't even kiss you on the first date."
Payson laughs and tugs on his hand. "Come on."
Following behind her, Austin asks, "So this counts as the first date, right?"
Payson just rolls her eyes and closes the door behind them, hoping introducing her family to Austin on Christmas won't be as potentially horrible as she thinks it might be. Then again, if the Keelers can survive living with Kelly Parker then they can probably survive anything.
-XX-
Kelly doesn't wake up in the same position she'd fallen asleep in.
When her eyes flutter open on Christmas morning, Kelly's head isn't on her pillow anymore, but Nicky's warm chest. He's still asleep with his arm protectively around her and their legs tangled in the sheets. Kelly snuggles closer to him and Nicky reacts by tightening his arm around her. It makes her smile. It feels so fucking good to be home.
She remains still in Nicky's arms for a few more minutes, just enjoying their closeness, but then she slowly gets up and out of bed. Nicky just groans and pulls the sheets tightly up and over his shoulders. She gets ready for the day, choosing an outfit, flat ironing her hair and carefully applying makeup. When she returns to her room, she sees that Nicky is gone, but the tantalizing scent of pancakes hangs in the air.
Kelly makes her way down the staircase and to the kitchen. There she finds Nicky standing in front of the stove, flipping pancakes with a spatula in one hand and the handle of the frying pan in the other. Kelly goes to sit at the counter and watches him cook like he deserves a reality television show on Food Network or some shit.
They eat (Christmas is the only time the two of them allow themselves to go slightly above their usual calorie intake) sitting in front of the fire that Nicky builds himself. They then exchange gifts and Kelly unwraps a DVD copy of Stephanie high as a cloud, confessing her sins to Joey of all people and getting a milk shake thrown in her face by Jenna. Nicky unwraps his from Kelly and finds a knitted hat so he can "hide that hideous haircut thing" and a Kelly Parker issued Get Out of Being Bitched At card that she doodled on the back of a Subway napkin.
Then the two then settle around the flat screen and watch the DVD he made for her over and over again. By the time they lose count of how many times they watch it, Kelly turns to Nicky and unexpectedly suggests that they go ice-skating. His eyes grow wide before narrowing doubtfully.
"Come again?"
"Nick, you know I hate repeating myself."
"No, I heard you say ice-skating, but…seriously?" he says. "Kelly, you suck at ice-skating."
"I know that. You know that. Keeler now knows it with all the bruises on her legs from every time I fell and ate ice," Kelly says. She leans over until her head meets his shoulder and looks up at him with her big brown eyes. "But I want to."
"Fine," Nicky says. "Let's go."
"And you have to wear your hat," Kelly says. She takes the red knitted hat and pulls it down over Nicky's face, covering his eyes. She really had considered putting a round, puffy ball atop to make it seem like a Santa hat, but that would give him an excuse to not wear it other than Christmas time. And Kelly spent too damn long making sure it was perfect for him to only wear it once.
The two then spend the day at the Golden Gate Canyon State Parker at one of the many frozen ponds. As expected, Kelly falls on her ass more often than not and Nicky teases her and skates circles around her before he helps her up and actually tries to teach her how to ice-skate. When that doesn't work, they decide to call it a day. On the drive, Nicky asks more questions about the Christmas wish and Kelly tries to explain to the best of her abilities. It scares her a little, how much he cares, but deep down, more than anything, she's thrilled he does.
Stomping up the front steps leading to the door of the Parker house, Kelly finds her bag and a note on the door. It's apparently Austin and Payson returning a few of the things Kelly had misplaced during all the craziness of the car crash. Kelly looks around, but the only person there is Nicky, following her up the steps and to the front door.
"Hey Parker," Nicky reads the note from over her shoulder. "Look up."
Kelly looks up and pinned above the doorway is hanging mistletoe. She looks back over at Nicky who just smiles and moves closer towards her. He brings his hand to the base of her skull, fingers tangled in her glossy brown hair. He tilts his face just right and leans in until their lips brush, something so simple yet so affectionate at the same time.
He pulls away, but then he feels Kelly bounce up on the tip of her toes and bring her arms around his shoulders to crush her lips against his. Their teeth almost clash hard enough to make her wince and regret the impulse, but then she tastes him, feels him relax into her and she has no idea why they didn't do this last night. Nicky deepens the kiss, pressing his body flush up against hers and Kelly feels her heart rate spike as a shiver travels through her entire body and sultry moan vibrates at the base of her throat.
If she weren't Kelly Parker, she'd probably remind herself to text Keeler thanks for all this.
When they finally pull apart, Nicky breathlessly murmurs, "I'm glad you're really back."
He then gives Kelly a knowing grin and it makes her beam in return.
"Yeah," Kelly says softly. Her heart is beating so hard she can feel it in her ears and she fists Nicky's coat with both hands just incase her knees decide to betray her and turn to jelly like they almost did during that kiss. "Get used to it, Nick."
Nicky chuckles. "I wouldn't want it any other way, Parks."
Right when Kelly starts to unlock the front door, her phone buzzes and effectively steals her attention. Nicky takes her keys and goes to work on the door while Kelly focuses on her BlackBerry that's in surprisingly good condition. It turns out to be a text from Austin Tucker.
Merry Christmas, Kelly. - Payson
Smiling to herself, Kelly thumbs back a reply.
Merry Christmas, Keeler.
THE END
A/N: And there you have it, lovers and friends! Just in time for Christmas! I want to thank everyone who has been along for this journey. I had the greatest time coming up with the concept and the sequence of events and getting it all done on time. Merry Christmas! Happy Holidays! You guys have been a pleasure to write for. Now it's about time I take off this Santa hat and slip back into a pair of jeans…after I celebrate with presents, wine and pie first.
Last time to review this story. Make it count! Have a great one everyone!
xoxo