Well, on my day off from school, because I'm sick and going to the doctor today, I decided to keep writing. And, we have next Monday off because of Labor Day. And I don't have class on Friday. So I, technically have a 5 day weekend. That means not waiting long. Because I have nothing else to do while I'm laying in bed.. lol

Anyways, on with the story!

Chapter 16- This Christmas

Randy

I shut the shower head off with the knob, and pushed back the shower curtain. I would have loved to slept longer, but we didn't have time today. We were leaving for Georgia for the holidays. And I was glad that we taped the next Monday's Raw, last night after the live show. So, Lora and I had the next two weeks off. And I was really going to enjoy spending the next fourteen days uninterrupted with Lora. Everything has just seemed so hectic and rushed sense the wedding. I still hate the fact that I never got to take Lora on a proper honeymoon. There just wasn't enough time. But I promised myself, that when the time was right, I would make it up to her.

I stepped into a pair of boxers and slipped my jeans, fastening the button. I left the bathroom and let my eyes sweep over the bed. Lora was still fast asleep, curled up in the blankets. Winter was in full swing in Boston, causing the hotel to be chillier that normal. I let her sleep as long as was possible, but she needed to get up. Our plane was less than two hours away.

"Lora," I whispered, brushing the hair away from her face, "it's time to get up. Our plane, remember?" She started groan and grumble slightly, and I couldn't help but smirk at her. The woman loved her sleep. I grabbed her outstretched hand, and pulled her gently into a sitting position. She squinted up at me, sleep still in control of her body, and I knew that a shower was out for this morning. I could see it on her face. And I was right; all she did in preparation to leave was throw her hair back into a clumsy ponytail, and changed her clothes. Not that it mattered to me. No matter what Lora ever done to herself, or not done, she looked perfect to me.

We made it to the airport with just minutes to spare. We loaded the plane, taking our roomy seats in first class. The first thing Lora did, once we took our seats, was recline out the seat, and turned on her side. I asked the flight attendant for a blanket and pillow for her. It bothered me how tired and worn down Lora had been lately. I knew fatigue came with pregnancy, but I was beginning to worry that all of the traveling was getting to her. And that was the last thing I wanted. I never want her to over-work herself and make herself sick. The two-hour ride from Boston to Atlanta flew by quicker than I expected. And Lora slept the whole time. I might have dosed off a little myself, because one minute we were over Delaware, and the next the plane lights came on, signaling the passengers to put their seat belts on.

We disembarked the aircraft, and I grabbed our luggage off the rotating belt, and turned to find Lora. I saw a flash of red hair, and made my way towards it. Only to find out that it was not Lora. It was her mother, Callie. She was turning her head in all directions, in what I assumed, was a search for her daughter. I smiled and called out to her.

"Callie," I spoke out, using the name that she had instructed me to. Callie Pierce turned at the sound of her name. Her brown eyes met mine, and a smile broke out on her face. I rolled the suitcases in her direction. "What are you doing here?"

"I've come to pick you two up. There's no sense in wasting money on a rental or a cab, when I can accommodate," Callie laughed. I had long since figured out where Lora had received her sense of courtesy. I gave my mother-in-law a one armed hug, which was all I could offer at the moment, and led her back to Lora. She was sitting on a bench near the exit. As if she could sense our approach, looked our way, and smiled brightly. She didn't seem nearly as tired after the nap on the plane.

"Moma," she exclaimed, and pulled her mother into a tight hug. I watched the interaction fondly. Lora always seemed more relaxed when she was around her mother. Like she had no troubles that her and her mother couldn't solve. And it never amazed me how much she looked like her mother. Both with deep red hair and large heart. They were identical in some mannerisms.

I followed behind the two, as they led the way to Callie's Honda Civic. I packed the luggage into the trunk, and settled myself into the back seat, letting Lora have the front to catch up with her mother. The ride to Roswell wasn't long. And it was filled with funny interjections between Lora and her mother. Conversations that switched from work, to health and baby Keith. Callie had loved the idea, when Lora called her, about our son's name. And my mother cried. Which wasn't anything unusual; my mother could cry at the drop of a hat.

"So, what are our plans tonight?" Lora asked, watching her mother as she drove.

"Well, I had thought tonight would be as good as any to decorate the Christmas tree. Zoey is coming, bring Odera with her. I got a roast in the crock-pot for supper. So, I was thinking about having a family night?"

I watched as Lora smiled softly. "That sounds find to me."

Callie looked into the rear-view mirror, and I met her eye. "Oh, and Randy? Would you mind bringing up the tree from the basement? It's a bit heavy."

I smiled to myself, for a reason I wasn't quite sure. It was either the amused look on Lora's face, or the fact that my mother-in-law was including me in the family night; giving me duties. Either way, I was in a mood that couldn't be beat right now. "Not a problem."

oo

The sun had set on the home of Callie Pierce. But the activity inside was just getting started. Zoey and her daughter, Odera, had arrived just before supper. And the five of us sat at the kitchen table, enjoying each other's company and the delicious roast that Callie had cooked. As Zoey and Callie cleared the table, after the meal, I followed Lora down to the basement of her childhood home, and she pointed out the tree. I heaved the long rectangular box on my shoulder, and carefully trekked back upstairs. I placed the box at the floor in front of the window next to the fireplace. I got down on my knees, and pulled the ducktape back, parting the halves in the long box. A smell of nostalgia hit me, sending me back to Christmas' long ago. I sighed softly at the memories. I looked up carefully seeing Lora clearing a space for the tree. I felt very content right now, making new memories, with my wife, for our first Christmas.

I sat the three-legged tree stand down where Lora instructed, and slowly began putting the tree together with Lora's help. Finally, after fifteen minutes of shifting limbs and adjusting branches, the tree was set. I heard a soft jingle and clink from behind me, and turned to see Zoey and Callie carrying a couple of boxes and bags that I assumed was ornaments. They joined us at the tree, and set their loads down. Then we all began to paw through, gazing at the assorted ornaments, as Callie strung the tree with lights. Zoey handed Odera a bag filled with soft, non-breakable decorations, and I laughed as the little girl just went crazy, peppering the lower half of the tree with contents of the bag. It was very interesting to see all the memories of Lora's childhood in a box. Each ornament seemed to have a special meaning for Lora, Zoey or Callie. Delicate glass balls, snowmen, to Santa Claus'. Miniature picture frames showed Callie's children. She hung the three portraits of Zoey, Lora and Mark together in the center of the tree. I bit back my laughter when I looked at Lora's picture. She was just so adorable, with that head full of red curls and deep green dress. There was another picture, of the whole family, including their father. I hadn't seen many pictures of Patrick Pierce, but gazing upon his image now, I saw that Lora looked more like her father, save the red hair, than anyone else. Two other pictures remained, one being of little Odera, and a wedding portrait of Zoey and her husband, Daniel. Once all of the pictures were hung on the front of the tree, Callie reached behind the tree, the outlet strip, and flipped it on. I always thought there was something magical about a lit-tree. Christmas had always been my favorite holiday, from when I was young kid. And I still carried the sentiment today. My heart held a certain soft spot for a beautiful Christmas tree.

"Oh, wait! I almost forgot!" Callie exclaimed, and rushed from the room. We stared after her, puzzled, until she hurried back into the room with a small bag in her hand. She brushed her red hair from her face, and handed Lora the bag. "I had this made just the other day."

I stepped closer to Lora, and watched as she pulled something out of the bag. I heard Lora gasp softly, and I knew just what she was feeling. It was another small-pictured ornament; but this one held a wedding photograph from Lora and mine's wedding. She had her arms around me neck, and we were both smiling at the camera. My cheek was pressed tightly against hers. And our eyes were lit up with pure joy. Lora fingered the ribbon that hung from the loop of the frame, holding it out to me. I raised my eyebrow at her, and she motioned for me to take the ornament. I smirked softly, taking the picture from her, and turned towards the tree. At first, I had no idea where to hang it. It was rather intimidating to hang a picture of yourself on a tree. But then I decided, and slipped the ribbon around a branch that was next to Lora's baby picture.

"There now," Callie said, smiling fondly at the tree. "The whole family is up there." I tilted my head towards her, and her welcoming words. It felt good to have this extended family. I couldn't have picked any other people that would have been more wonderful. "Now, we just have to wait until next year, and have a picture of Keith up there."

I reached my arms out, and pulled Lora towards me. I could tell by the look in her eye, that this Christmas was a lot more emotional than one she had celebrated before. Callie had this ability to make you feel like you were the center of the world, if only for a few moments. And my heart tugged at her anticipation for our son, and her only grandson. But I couldn't help but feel a little uneasy at the thought of my child only having one grandfather. A thought I knew Lora often thought about. And I made a decision right then, that if this family was so open to me, then I would do the same. I would not let my son go without knowing of his other grandfather. Pictures would be hung up, and I would insist on stories being told. I wanted my son to know part of the reason his mother was so great.

oo

Christmas morning dawned with a bright sunny, cloudless sky. It looked as if it would have been warm outside. But, on the contrary, it was bitterly cold. I did everyone a favor, and built a fire in their fireplace. I was suddenly deeply grateful for all those times my father forced me to do this at home. Lora and Callie were in the kitchen, fluttering about, fixing the supper. And, oh did those smells entice me. I could smell the turkey coking, along with the dressing, sweet potato pie, and other items that were being prepared by hand. Callie tried to usher Lora from the kitchen, concerned for her over doing anything, but Lora was being stubborn and wouldn't listen. I tried to offer my services, but was declined by lack of room in the kitchen. So, I contented myself to just sitting around and watching. The day was leaking by fast, and soon Zoey, Daniel and Odera arrived, with Daniel laden with presents. Zoey quickly replaced Lora in the kitchen, and Lora waddled a little in her walk to sit down on the couch. The more pregnant she got, the more cute she became. Though, I wouldn't believe Lora would have that same answer. She hated that she started to waddle, and couldn't stand up on her own from an overly-cushioned chair.

I stood up and took the plates from Zoey's hands, along with the silverware, and I began to set the table. One plate with each a knife, a fork and a spoon. Daniel walked over to me, and set out the glasses. He began to laugh softly.

"Man, you're going to start making me look bad," Daniel said, and laughed along with him. I wasn't trying to show him up or anything like; I just wanted to help out. I didn't want to be seem as someone how was just mooching off their hospitality.

Callie brought out the turkey, looking amazing, and Zoey and Lora each carried a dish or two out, and spread the meal around the table. Callie began to cut the turkey, serving each member in turn going around to the left. It was silent for about five minutes with nothing but the sounds of clinking silverware as each person spooned out all they wanted on his or her plate. I made sure Lora was comfortable and had everything she wanted; before I settled down to eat. Everything seemed to melt in my mouth. The food was beyond delicious. I hadn't had a southern Christmas meal in a long time. Not since my own grandmother was alive. Lora sat on my right, with little Odera on my left. And every now and again, she would have me help her cut something, or hand her something else from the table. She seemed to cling to me ever since she had arrived. Which I didn't mind. I loved the little girl; had ever since Lora and I had baby-sat her the first time.

We left the plates on the table after dinner, saving them for after opening presents. It was mainly for Odera, as she fussed and carried on until Zoey agreed to open gifts now. The girl hopped from her seat and ran into the living room. Laughing, the rest of us followed behind her, seating around the tree on the furniture or on the floor. I let Lora take a seat on the couch, and I sat in front of her, on the carpet. The first toy Odera reached out for, just happened to be the one I had bought for her.

"Lets see… This is for Odera, from… Randy," Zoey looked up and smiled at me. "You didn't have to get her anything."

"It wasn't a problem. I wanted too." Lora squeezed my shoulder slightly. I turned and smiled at her, before returning to watch Odera open her present. She ripped and tugged at the paper, revealing the box. I heard her squeal as she yanked the last of the wrapping off. The picture on the box showed a picture of what looked like half a tent with two little girls playing inside.

"Cherry Blossom Market," Zoey read off. When set up, it could be used as a small store, selling anything from plastic produce or plastic ice cream. And I just happened to know that Lora had bought her to matching fruit, vegetables and ice cream scopes and cones to have with it. Odie seemed to clean up, opening present after present of clothes, toys and shoes. Zoey had bought a set of assorted make-up for Lora, knowing her weakness for the stuff. I had bought a set of really pretty watches, with different face plates and bands that mixed and matched. And for Callie, the complete cookbook set from a TV personality, Paula Dean. The delightful squeal from Callie told me that she approved one hundred percent.

"Son, you shouldn't have, but I love it!" she exclaimed, reaching over to hug my neck. I felt Lora stroke the back of my head fondly and turned to her. She looked down at me with tired, but happy expression shining from her eyes. She obviously appreciated that I had thought of her family at Christmas.

"Oh, and Lora," I said, whispering to her under all of the noise from the others. "You're Christmas present is in Missouri. You'll get it when we go back home."

Before Lora had a chance to answer, I heard my name being called out. "Randy, this one is from Daniel, Odera and me," Zoey said, handing me a medium sized box. I was a little taken aback at the gift, but took it all the same. Again, I had the feeling of acceptance again. I would never want to belong to another family. Zoey smiled at me, watching as I gingerly tore the paper. "Lora said that you loved your car, so…"

Once all of the paper was removed, I saw the box of 'Wolfgang' automotive cleaning products. Different kinds of liquids soaps, spray heads, wipes, wax and wax pads with wheel cleaner. I knelled over to Zoey, hugging her gently, and shook Daniel's hand. I was very proud of my gift and couldn't wait to get home and try it out.

All too soon, the night had to come to an end. I helped gather all of the wrapping paper trash, piling it into large trash bag. I hated to see the night come to a close, because I was having a great time. But, nothing good could ever last for long, and Zoey started to pile all of Odie's toys, who was asleep on the couch, in a stack, and helped her mother and sister clear the table. I offered to take the trash to the can outside, and then I helped Daniel carry his daughter's toys to their van. And just when I thought this night couldn't have ended any better, I heard something that chilled my bones.

It was shrill scream, followed by a loud crash. My wide eyes turned towards Daniel, who was wearing the same look. I would recognize that voice, no matter how distorted it became. Lora. I turned on the spot, and ran back into the house, slinging the door out of my way. The inside of the house was frantic and hard to take in just a few seconds. My eyes roamed over the living room, seeing Odera, now awake, standing up on the back of the couch, which a frightened look on her face. Then I saw the pile of broken china on the floor, shattered to pieces; it's contents of gravy spreading across the floor. I noticed Zoey, standing stock-still, wide-eyed and scared as she stared at something, or someone. Then I noticed something that nearly stopped my heart. Lora was kneeling on the floor of the kitchen, head bowed, and shaking. Her hands were clutching the underside of her belly. Callie knelt beside her, trying to figure out what was wrong. I finally made my feet jump-start and I rushed to her side.

"Lora, baby, what's wrong?" I urged her. I couldn't stand seeing her like this. She held her head up at the sound of my voice, and her eyes held nothing but fear in them.

"My stomach… it hurts," her voice was weak and shaking. I reached for one of her hands, and rubbed her back, trying to sooth her.

"Zo, call 9-1-1!" Callie exclaimed, urging her eldest to quickly follow her orders. And I was pleased to find that she didn't hesitate, and rushed to the land line, and dialed the appropriate numbers. Then I turned my attention back to my wife. She looked up at me, and I saw the tears in her eyes. From what, I couldn't place. It could be either from fear or from pain. And neither one placated me.

"I… I think it's the baby," she whispered, unable to make her voice any louder.

My heart seemed to stop. The baby? It wasn't possible. Keith wasn't even seven months yet. It surely wasn't healthy for him to be born yet. I clung to Lora, and rocked her softly on the floor. I noticed Daniel holding a frightened Odera in his arms. Zoey was at a kitchen counter, clutching to it so hard, that her knuckles were turning white. Callie ran back in front of us, with a wet wash cloth. She hovered over us, gently wiping the sweat that was beading on Lora's forehead. I was sitting next to her, holding her tightly in my arms, and she moaned and called out in pain. All I could think about was what was happening? It didn't make sense, and it scared me.

A/N

OMG! What is going on? Only one way to find out… STAY TUNED! Sorry for the cliff hanger, =P but REVIEW please! Love you guys!

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