Christmas Morning
Part 2
Deanlu
Devil Wears Prada is the property of 20th Century Fox, Lauren Weisberger, and Aline Brosh McKenna. I am just borrowing them this Christmas morning for the joy of the holiday. I hope you all enjoy this small offering. The first part of this was in I'll Be Home for Christmas. Here is the second part. Not sure I will keep going, but I have a few people who are enjoying it.
Small hands quietly pushed the door to their mother's and lover's bedroom open. Caroline and Cassidy stared into the darkened room. They could just make out the form of their mother sprawled across Andrea Sachs. Rarely did they enter the bedroom without knocking, but Andrea's abrupt arrival home last night from Pakistan had brought home to Caroline and Cassidy how truly rotten they had been and how truly lucky they were. Both of the girls worried it had been a dream, scared that Andrea had truly left them in a way they would never get her back. So seeing her in bed with their mother even in a state of half dress brought more joy than ewwww factor to them! Quietly they snuck forward toward the two slumbering women settling on their knees next to Andrea's side and peeking over the edge so their faces were right next to the reporter's. Cassidy's lip quivered as she noticed the uncovered cut on Andrea's forehead and the small bruises that peppered her exposed skin. What would they have done if Andy hadn't returned to them? Andy had filled such a large hole in their family. She had made them whole again in a way no one had ever done. They just couldn't lose her. It would destroy them all.
"Andy?" Caroline called softly reaching a hand forward. Her hand hesitated as she stared at the reporter. Exhaustion shown plainly across Andy's face from the trouble she had encountered in last few days, but right now Caroline thought she saw something peaceful and innocent that resided there too. She was uncertain about whether she should wake her. Cassidy shook her and pointed at Andy again. Caroline sighed. Both she and Cassidy wanted to open their presents, wanted the normalcy of life which had been absent since Andy had been gone to just return. Just then her mother rolled over to Andy's side even as Andy reached out in her sleep tucking her into side. The two girls just looked at each other smiling. Cassidy reached forward shaking Andy.
"Andy? Andy, wake up please." Andy groaned a little and rolled toward the edge of the bed where the girls were waiting. "Please Andy, breakfast, presents, and skating…remember." Andrea's eye's blinked open only to be confronted with two sets of green eyes. Instead of freaking out, Andy closed her eyes and took a slow deep breath. She hated when the twins did this to her. Bone deep exhaustion warred with the struggle to pull her from sleep as she heard the twins calling for her. "Andy, please.." came the soft voice of Cassidy again. Andrea blew out a soft breath even as her body's aches and pains made themselves known.
"Hey, I'm here." Andrea said gently clearing her sleep roughened voice. "What's wrong?" Andrea said as she stared over at the red heads. She reached out her good hand running soft fingers along first Caroline and then Cassidy's cheek their gentle innocence and wonder buoying Andy against the darkness of the last few days.
"It's Christmas Andy. Breakfast and presents…" The soft voice of Caroline appealed to the reporter. Andrea smiled and nodded seeing the answering joy in the twin's eyes. Who was she to deny the twins the joy of Christmas? It was a joy which almost was the opposite just a few days ago.
"Okay, give me ten minutes so I can wake your mother. Then we will make breakfast and open presents." The girls nodded and quietly left the bedroom closing the door behind them. Andrea lay there a moment letting out a slow breath as the twins words rolled gently over her heart. She was home. She was in bed with her lover, her wife, somewhat unharmed, but safe and warm. She ached, but it only served to remind her she had survived. Then she rolled back toward Miranda only to be enveloped by strong lithe arms and warm, soft, pliant lips. Long moments later Miranda finally released Andrea from the kiss even as those strong, but gentle hands ran lovingly over her body soothing her aches and pains.
"Good Morning, how are you feeling?" Miranda murmured her eyes watching the face in front of her.
"Morning, better…"Andrea said clearing her throat as her eyes closed, "whole and a little off balance after everything. Just very thankful I am here with you and the twins." Andrea breathed softly just luxuriating in the feel of Miranda and the sheets wrapped around them. Andrea's eyes fluttered open to see the concern on Miranda's face. "Shhh, I'm okay. I'm here. However, our presence is requested for breakfast and present opening." Miranda smiled and nipped at Andrea's lips once again.
"I heard them come in and whisper to you." Miranda propped herself up on an elbow looking at the alarm clock on the side table. "Hmmm, they lasted much longer than I thought they would. It's almost nine o'clock." Andrea giggled a little and stretched. It was the wrong thing to do. Sore and abused muscles protested causing her to flinch and curl in a ball.
"Hisssss" She felt gentle hands begin to massage away the pain. "Come on a hot shower and then breakfast. You still have the brace on?" Miranda asked concerned over her lover's physical state.
"No, I took it off right before we fell asleep. Help me up and I should be fine." Andrea said gently disengaging herself from Miranda. Andrea was soon showered and dressed with the assistance of Miranda, though it had taken some soft kisses to calm the editor down after she saw the amount of damage to the young reporter's body. Now absconded away on the old leather couch in the family room replete from a breakfast of omelets, bacon, and fruit Andrea was feeling more like herself. The girls were already pulling presents out from under the tree even as Christmas music played in the background. Miranda had snuggled in next to Andrea while sipping on her ultra-sun hot coffee.
"Open these Andy!" Carolina declared as she handed over two large clothing boxes. Andrea received two sets of True Religion jeans, some racy La Perl underwear, the latest Dreamweaver software, and several e-books for her ipad, and a first edition of the Pit and the Pendulum from Miranda and the girls.
"Thank you girls. Thank you Miranda." Andy said as she kissed the cheeks of the twins. When she went to kiss Miranda the editor whispered softly in her ear, "There are a few presents I will give you in private." This caused Andy to blush as she knew the editor penchant for naughty erotic gifts. Andy settled back even as Miranda smirked at her while the girls opened their gifts. The girls received Vera Wang coats, a skiing trip to Aspen; of course Andrea and mom would be accompanying, several books, CD's and tickets to two minor plays from their mother. Their father and his latest bimbo had given them tickets to Justin Beiber's concert and an afternoon at the Metropolitan Opera behind the scenes. Andy's parents had sent Northwestern Sweat sets along with rollerblades and protective gear. The girls opened Andy's gifts next. There were four colored envelopes for each twin; red, blue, green, yellow. Both girls looked at Andy curiously.
"Andy? What is with these?" Caroline asked inquisitively. Andy just smiled and nodded toward the girls to open the envelopes while taking a sip of her coffee. Cassidy ripped into the red envelope first and opened the card. "This card entitles you to the musical of your choice with Andrea Sachs. 24 hours' notice needed." Cassidy looked up at Andy with a bright smile on her face. Caroline found the same thing in her envelope. Miranda smiled at Andrea. The next envelop opened by Caroline was a blue one; "This card entitles you to a day behind the scenes at the New York Aquarium." Cassidy's was a behind the scenes day at the Central Park Zoo.
"Andy how did you?" Cassidy began softly looking from Caroline to her mother. Miranda chuckled softly. Her lover was always conscientious of others needs and wants. So it came as no surprise that instead of things Andy had chosen time and her presence.
"Keep going, I think you both will like the last two. I hope." Andy said adjusting her position as her ribs had begun to ache. While the girls continued to open their presents Andy reached over and handed two brilliant lavender envelopes to Miranda.
"Oh, Andy." Caroline and Cassidy had both opened the yellow envelop. Inside was a certificate for Japanese Calligraphy classes. The girls had expressed an interest after a presentation at Dalton about Shodo and the Qin Dynasty.
"I will be joining you on those just so you know. You will not be going alone." Andrea stated with certainty. Miranda held Andrea's hand as the girls opened the last envelop; "This card entitles you to one day with Andrea Sachs to do anything your little heart desires signed Andrea Sachs." Before Andrea knew it both girls were in her arms hugging her tightly. Andrea hugged them back grimacing a little as her injuries announced their presence.
"Thank you Andy, Thank you so much!" Caroline and Cassidy said with a great deal of emotion.
"You're welcome. Hey, how about you both put some snacks together for us. We will head out for Rockefeller square in two hours." Andrea said as the girls gave her and Miranda one last hug, then ran into the kitchen to throw together a few snacks.
"Very wise my dear. You gave them the one thing money can't buy…time." Miranda stated softly feeling Andrea knew what the twins needed parenting wise more than she did. Andrea reached out a concerned hand and cupped Miranda's cheek.
"Hey, I just thought about what you said before I left for the interviews. Go ahead and open your gifts." Andrea said tenderly leaving a soft kiss on Miranda's lips. Miranda leaned forward resting her forehead against Andrea's for a second reveling in Andrea's warmth and scent. Andrea was right this was nothing to become angry or jealous about. Finally, she pulled back and opened the first envelop; "This card entitles you to a weekend at the Country Garden Inn in Martha's Vineyard with Andrea Sach's." Miranda looked over at Andrea her face breaking into a grin.
"I think I am going to enjoy this one very much! We will discuss a date later." Miranda purred. Andrea felt shiver's run down her spine from Miranda's sultry voice. She watched now as the final envelop was opened; "This cards entitles you to a full massage given by Andrea Sach's followed by a fantasy of your choice fulfilled." Miranda's breath had hitched in her throat. She looked at Andrea who now sported her own seductive look. Miranda began to crawl toward Andrea on the couch. "I believe I know the fantasy I want fulfilled. It involves a chauffer's outfit, a vintage Rolls Royce, and a secluded setting. Do you think you can fulfill that Ms. Sach's?" Miranda purred very seductively. Andrea swallowed remembering the fantasy Miranda had whispered to her one night after a long session of love making.
"As long as it entails a vintage Chanel black dress with Westwood corset and garters we have no problem." Andrea whispered across Miranda's ear as she ran her tongue over the lobe. Miranda's heart beat picked up only to be dashed moments later as the sound of the girls returning caused them to break apart, but not before Miranda got in one last parting shot.
"I'll even wear my black Jimmy Choo fuck me pumps." Miranda replied slyly giving a little nip to Andrea's jaw. Andrea knew Miranda rarely used foul language and only on Andrea at the most intimate moments because she knew the effect it had on Andrea. The reporter melted on the spot feeling a warm flush of desire run through her body. Just as the reporter was going to get her revenge the girls entered the room.
"Mom, what did Andy give you for Christmas?" Caroline asked as she set down a plate of hummus, vegetables, and sliced fruit with yogurt. Cassidy sat down a carafe of coffee and soy milk for twins.
"A weekend away Boopsie and a massage." Miranda replied, even as she leered at Andrea. Andrea smiled shaking her head and leaned back relaxing into the couch. There was plenty of time to get even with her lover before they had time alone. She just had to bide her time and seductively play the game with her. She was still tired from her trip and the incident. She listened as the twins and Miranda talked never realizing when she slipped into sleep. "Andrea" A gentle hand shook her awake. "Andrea, it's time to go. Wake up darling." Andrea's eyes fluttered open slightly bewildered. "Shh, it's okay. The girls are getting ready. You've been asleep for about an hour and a half." Andrea closed her eyes letting the rest of her senses catch up even as Miranda massaged and soothed her body. Forty minutes later they were bundled up and all safely tucked in the Mercedes as Roy drove them to Rockefeller Square.
"Oh look Andy! Isn't that Doug and Lily?" Andrea glanced over where Cassidy was pointing sure enough it was Lily and Doug.
"I called them while you were resting. They said they would meet us here." Miranda said smiling warmly at Andrea. Lily and Doug had been excited at the invitation as they were worried about their friend.
"Thank you Miranda." Andrea allowed a few tears to collect in her eyes when she thought of how special it was for Miranda to call for her friends. Roy pulled up to allow the group out. Quickly, Miranda, Andrea, and the girls climbed out of the car with the girls racing toward Lily and Doug. Andrea and Miranda met up with them and they all headed down to the Igloo tent. Their VIP passes were confirmed. Miranda took up her favorite seating area inside the warm tent while the girls, Doug, Lily and Andrea put on their skates. Right before heading onto the ice Andrea felt a gentle hand grab her arm.
"Are you sure about this Andrea?" Miranda asked watching at the girls, Doug, and Lily pushed forward to glide out onto the ice. "Your body is healing, if you fall.." Andrea cut off her words with a quick kiss.
"I'll be careful. I had planned to stay on the ice for only a short time and then I will let Lily and Doug take over. I'll be okay. Trust me Miranda." Andrea spoke softly while gently gripping Miranda's forearm. Miranda nodded and allowed Andrea to head out onto the ice. Miranda moved back to her seating watching her girls laugh and squeal. Doug was very agile on his skates. He skated circles around Andrea and Lily teasing them, while grabbing the girls hands every once in a while and maneuvering them around the ice as a group. Cassidy was just as adept in her skating skills while Caroline was more hesitant so Doug's gentle guiding hand was welcomed by her. Andy held onto Lily's arm and they spoke in deep conversation while they circled the ice always keeping an eye on Doug and the girls. Miranda was relieved to see Lily keeping a guiding hand on her lover. A bottle of Pellegrino and a no foam Latte were set next to Miranda. She glanced up noticing Pastry Chef Michael Gabriel.
"Michael? What a nice surprise! I did not expect you to be here today." Miranda replied her false mask of congeniality falling into place. Michael smiled and nodded accepting Miranda's approval with grace and dignity that befitted his position.
"I heard your family was coming so I thought I would give it a little of the personal touch." Michael stated setting warm pastries on the table. "Just let me know when I can bring over the hot chocolate!" Miranda nodded and watched as Michael moved off. She turned her head when she heard a loud squeal. Andrea had lost her footing and landed at the bottom of a heap of people. Caroline, Cassidy were on top with a young boy. A supervisor who monitored the skaters on the ice came over helping the three children to stand and then Andrea. Miranda could see the young man apologizing even as Andrea winced. She nodded as the girls fussed over Andrea, but Miranda watched as she brushed off their concern. Lily came over and leaned in saying something. Andy nodded as she pushed forward toward the exit. Lily and Doug proceeded to take the girls around the rink. Andrea made her way over to Miranda and sat down.
"Careful, huh? It seems I need to encase you in Angora wool to protect you." Miranda stated removing her sun glasses and leaned over to check Andrea out. Andrea nodded and looked away. It was then Miranda knew she was hurting badly. When Andy stopped talking she was hiding something. Miranda reached out grabbing Andrea's chin firmly, but gently turning her face to meet hers. Andrea had tears in her eyes and was holding her wrist. "How badly are you hurt?" Miranda asked attempting to discern Andrea's level of pain.
"Not badly, I twisted the wrist and landed on it." Andrea said stopping and biting her lip as pain flushed through her wrist and arm. "I'm sure it will be fine, however, I think I will keep you company. Lily and Doug will skate with the girls." Miranda reached down and pulled her injured arm up into her lap. She pulled her glasses from her purse and removed the wrist guard. The wrist was bruised a deeply yellowish to purple. It ran down the arm and also up into the palm of the hand. Miranda pursed her lips and looked into Andy's eyes.
"This is most definitely broken. I believe we need to make a trip to the emergency room." Miranda stated coolly. She motioned for Michael, the pastry chef. "Michael, can you bring me a bag of ice and a towel." Michael looked at the wrist and nodded leaving quickly. Miranda then pulled a bottle of pain pills prescribed for Andrea during her return home. She pulled one out and had Andrea take it with a swallow of the Pellegrino. "You are going to the hospital. No arguments!"
"No, just let's enjoy the time here. I can endure the pain. Once, we are finished we can head home with Lily and Doug. They can watch the kids for a while and then we can go." Andrea said placing her good hand on Miranda's cheek even as Miranda pursed her lips. "Please love, just a little longer. I want the twins to have a good time." Andrea watched as anger and rage warred behind Miranda's eyes. The editor of Runway closed her eyes and when she opened them a cool, hard mask was set in them. Andrea knew she was in trouble, but she would deal with it later.
"All right, but as soon as we get home and they are settled we are off to the emergency room. Is that understood Andrea?" Miranda stated evenly as love and compassion warred with the anger she felt toward Andrea's stubbornness.
"Yes Miranda. I love you." Andrea said kissing her softly on the lips. Michael returned and Andy's hand was wrapped in ice. Miranda elevated it making sure it was safe from being jostled or moved. The girls returned to table about then for hot chocolate and pastries. Lily and Doug followed close behind.
"Andy, are you okay?" Caroline asked slipping into her lap and studying the ice encased arm.
"Yeah, nothing to worry about, how about some hot chocolate?" Andrea asked as Caroline snuggled into her good side. Caroline knew Andrea was lying for their benefit. Cassidy whispered to her mother and Miranda answered quietly without Andrea hearing. Lily and Doug took over the conversation as Andrea closed her eyes.
"Did you see the pirouette that Cassidy did on the ice? Just amazing." Doug stated in awe.
"That's nothing, you should see her when she has a hockey stick in hand against Andy." Caroline said chuckling from her warm spot on Andy's lap.
"You're not too bad yourself girl. I saw you partner skating around the ice with Doug. A few more years and it will be a boyfriend!" Lily stated even as Caroline made a face.
"Please Lily, let's allow them to stay young for a few more years." Miranda stated as Lily laughed at the editor's worried expression of future boyfriends.
"All right, but I'm telling you Miranda it's not far away. You and Andy will be fighting the boys off soon enough." Lily said taking a sip of her hot chocolate.
"Be that as it may, I am sure Andrea will have good use for the hockey stick then." Miranda chuckled even as Andy smiled. A slight buzzing from the pain had developed and seemed to be taking over so she closed her eyes. Caroline moved off Andrea's lap and over to Doug.
"Doug and Lily, how would you like to join our family for Christmas? It would be nice to have friends near today." Miranda asked while watching Andrea's eyes slip shut. Lily was watching Andrea and had noticed she was sweating. Lily leaned over to Miranda and spoke softly.
"She broke it, didn't she?" Lily asked softly as Cassidy, Caroline and Doug conversed. Miranda nodded. Lily sighed; her friend was always trying to be superwoman. "How about Doug and I watch the kids and you take Andy to get it fixed? It's three thirty now, you can probably be back by seven if you're lucky. I could call someone to be ready if you have a number?" Miranda nodded pulling up a number and handing over the phone while she whispered to Doug. Doug turned a concerned eye toward Andy and nodded.
"I believe that would be helpful. Bobsie's I think we should go now. Andrea seems very tired and I would like to get home. I would also like to have her see the doctor since her fall." Caroline and Cassidy's concern reflected back toward their mother.
"Right way mom," replied the girls. The girls and Doug packed up even as Miranda did the most unlike Miranda thing. She bent down and helped Andrea place her shoes on her feet. Once finished she looked up into Andrea's eyes where a great deal of love and pain reflected back outward.
"You simply take my breath away Miranda. I love you very much." Andrea said softly even as a smile thawed the cool mask in front of her. Lily walked over and nodded. Miranda acknowledged Lily and turned her attention back to Andrea.
"And I you Andrea. Now, it's time to get the children home and you to the doctor. I have made a small arrangement to speed your time at the hospital along." Miranda said as she rose and assisted Andrea to her feet. "The sooner we finish with the doctor, the sooner we may join our family and rest alone tonight." Miranda and Andrea met up with the rest of their party by the exit. Roy was waiting for them on the street. It was a tight fit, but they all managed quite well.
To be continued….