The congregation loudly applauded as Kimmie and her Sunday school class returned to the front of the Sanctuary and took a bow. It hadn't been pretty, as most productions done by seven and eight year olds were, but Zoe had made about the most adorable Virgin Mary Shego had ever seen; and Emily? Even while trying to maintain her composure, everyone could see that she clearly enjoyed being lifted off the ground to be the Christmas Angel. Emily Abigail certainly WAS Kim and Shego's daughter.
"Thank you Mrs. Possible and our Sunday school class for that wonderful performance," Father Harry Steuben applauded as he shook Kimmie's hand. "To conclude our Christmas service, we will now be treated to our Young Women's Chorus."
OOOOOH; Gracie was on her way up! Now, Shego had promised both herself and Gracie that this would finally be the year that Shego WOULDN'T cry. Shego…she just couldn't help it. Every year, Gracie got up in front of everyone…and her voice was just so wonderfully suited for Christmas Carols.
The First Noel
The Angels did sing
Was to certain poor shepherds
In fields as they lay
NO…NO…NO! Shego could feel herself losing it. The tears were flowing! She could feel it…nggggghhhh…HER DAUGHTER HAD THE VOICE OF AN ANGEL!
In fields where they
Lay keeping their sheep
On a cold winter's night
That was so deep
Noel, Noel
Noel, Noel
Born is the King
Of Israel
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
"Momma, you promised!"
Every year…every DARN year Momma wound up rushing towards Gracie after the Christmas service, face streamed with makeup, tears still rolling down her face. It was cute at first but by age 13, it was getting just a little bit weird.
"I'm sorry Muffin, but…sniff…you were just so wonderful up there!"
Gracie glanced at Mom. Almost as if via telepathy, Gracie could her Mom's patronizing voice, saying things like "Woman-up and take your medicine" and "you know she loves you so it won't kill you to humor her". Well…one day it just MIGHT kill her and THEN Mom would be sorry! But…until then she'd just have to live with it.
"Thanks Momma," Gracie wrapped her arms around her mother in a hug. "I'm glad you liked it."
"Did we do good too Momma?" Zoe piped up, tugging on the hem of Momma's dress.
"Oh my little sweeties," Shego gasped, scooping up her younger daughters into her arms, planting kisses on their faces. "You were amazing! I know I sure couldn't do that. I'm so proud of both of you!"
And she truly was. It was just a shame that Nicky was too big to play the Baby Jesus. Then she could've had footage of all of her darlings on stage. Shego gave all her little performers on last congratulatory group hug and the party retreated to the family car for the annual trek to Smarty Mart.
Now was Shego's time to shine. Apart from their traditional pancake breakfast, Christmas Day was the only day of the year where each family member got to choose one dish, no questions asked. The only caveat was that each person had to pick out their own ingredients at Smarty Mart. It was kind of Shego's own little unique touch to the holiday. Pulling into the first available parking space, Shego ceased to be a wife and mother, instead morphing into an affectation of General Patton on Steroids.
"Okay troops," Shego barked, pulling a shopping cart out of the rack. "Our mission is to obtain all the necessary comestibles to make this a Christmas feast for the ages. We meet back here at 1:30 sharp! Is that understood?"
The twins were still at that golden age where they thought this was all some grand joke for them to play along with. Snapping to attention, the girls replied in unison, "Aye aye Momma." Kim and Gracie meanwhile were shifting their eyes from side to side, hoping nobody would recognize them while Shego was like this.
"Soooo…am I also going to think THAT is normal when I have kids of my own?" Gracie asked, drawing her own cart and hefting Zoe inside.
"Uh…no; no you won't," Kim eyed Shego sideways and rolled her eyes. "That…that's always going to be just plain weird.
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
Shego LOVED the smell of evergreens, especially Fraser Firs. It just really felt like Christmas when that aroma began filling her nostrils. Climbing out of the Traverse, Shego took a big whiff of the tree strapped to the roof and sighed contentedly. Oh Christmas Tree, oh Christmas Tree, how lovely are thy branches? Shego released the bungee cords and each taking hold of a sturdy lower branch, Shego and Kim hauled the tree down and onto the porch. Gracie just didn't know what she was missing. Not for the first time and definitely not for the last time, Shego heaved a sigh. Teenagers…there was just no understanding them. Sure, they needed someone to stay behind and help Abby and Nicky. But Gracie almost seemed to act like going out and getting a Christmas tree was some horrific chore. While her life's ambition was teach them, Shego Possible just understood less and less about the way those hormone fueled minds worked.
The twins had just begun deciding who was going to put what ornament on the tree when their conversation was silenced by a cry from inside the house.
"MOM, MOMMA, GET IN HERE QUICK!"
Shego and Kim locked eyes. The Palace was most likely the most secure private residence in the country. Shego had long ago seen to that. But with years of instincts honed by the most severe combat, not to mention that fateful day a knife fight with a synthrodrone had nearly cost Kimmie and an unborn Gracie their lives, both parents were far beyond taking chances.
The door burst open and after a quick survey of the room, thankfully nothing was immediately wrong. The only ones in sight were Abby seated on one of the couches, her Heckler & Koch side arms field stripped on the coffee table, and Gracie holding Nicky up in the middle of the living room.
"Gracie…what's going…"
"Come on Nicky; go to Mom and Momma."
Gracie let go of her baby brother, balancing him on shaky little legs. But ever so slowly, those shaky little legs began to steady up and start moving forward. Left then Righ…Left then right. It took several moments for Shego put together the events laying out before her. Nicky was…OH MY GOT! Nicky was walking! These were their baby boy's first steps! Whipping out the Shegophone, the record function came on, taking in every glorious moment.
"Come on Nicky," Kimmie knelt down and held out her arms, a blissful smile plastered across her face. "Come to Mommy. You can do it."
And do it he did. With the entire family cheering him on, Nicky made the last few steps and was immediately swept up into Kim's arms and smothered with congratulatory kisses.
Everyone savored the early Christmas present and used it to set the mood for decorating the tree. Shego was just reaching up to cap the tree with the family Christmas Angel when the chime on the Kimmunicator sounded.
"This is Kim Possible."
"Mrs. Possible, this is Special Agent Alcott, Dr. Director's personal aide. The Director requests that you meet with her as soon as is convenient for you."
"Uh…okay," Kim replied. "Tell Dr. Director that I'll be there in twenty."
Shego looked up, hearing her wife's response and wondering what was up. "Global Justice? What did they want?"
They didn't say," Kim answered, staring quizzically at the blank screen. "But they said to come as soon as it was convenient So it can't be a big emergency…can it?"
"Only if the villainous world decided to learn the easy way to stop messing with us; do you know that GJ Intel calls us 'The Salamanders', always drawn to where the fire is hottest?"
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
Dammit Sheldon; what were you planning? Betty's brother may not be a genius but even a broken clock could be right twice a day…and something about this whole situation stunk to high heaven!
"Dr. Director," Cecil's voice came over the intercom. "Kimberly Possible is here to see you."
"Thank you Cecil. Show her in please."
The door slid open and Cecil ushered the guest to a seat, retreating to his desk in the anteroom.
"Sorry for interrupting your holiday Kim," the director apologized, going up to the coffee maker and offering Kim a cup.
"Thank you," Kim replied, taking the offered cup. "It's no trouble. We'd just put the finishing touches on the tree when you called. What's up?"
"Well…my hope is nothing," Betty replied, taking her seat once again. "Intel notified me yesterday that there's been a spike in WEE chatter in recent months, specifically in south east Asia and Polynesia. Intel thinks that the chatter could indicate a potential operation in the works."
"Do they have any indication as to what kind of operation?"
"We're still not sure," Betty frowned, scrolling through the still compiling file on the subject. "We've got several assets in the area and Intel is currently sifting through any and all potential targets; which brings me to why I called. I'm sorry to ask this of you, especially when you're planning your wedding but…you're going to be in New Zealand in a few days, correct?"
Kim nodded, unsure of where her friend was going with this. Why did it seem like every time she went anywhere overseas when NOT on a mission, it always wound up as trouble? "Gracie and I are heading down to look at churches and banquet halls for the ceremony and reception."
"Well, would it be a terrible inconvenience if you tagged Auckland onto the end of your trip?" Betty tented her finger and gave Kim an apologetic look. The pair may have been her best freelance agents…but they were also very close friends. Betty had been present for Gracie's school plays; she'd watched the twins' peewee soccer team win the championship. She genuinely cared about these people and…Betty was living proof of what could happen if you let this job interfered with your personal life too often. And if she could help it, she would prevent that from happening to the woman before her and her wife if it was at all within Betty's power. But…There was no one Betty trusted more. "I've already got Personnel running background checks on all R&D Personnel but it would be a huge load off my mind if an independent onsite security inspection was done. It'd only be an extra day, two at the most."
Kim must've been expecting something direr because she laughed it off and readily agreed, assuring Betty that it was no trouble at all. Knowing Gracie, the pint sized adrenaline junky would be all too eager to get a peek at the new mech suits and would likely look at the whole thing as a big belated Christmas gift from Aunt Betty.
As Kim left, Betty closed her eyes and pictured her brother. Sheldon, so help me, I WILL find out what you're up to. And if it should prove to be Auckland…God help you, you bastard! I will NOT let you bring any harm to that family!
KPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKPKP
"CHRISTMAS MORNING; IT'S CHRISTMAS MORNING!"
Like the wrath of God, the twins burst into Kim and Shego's room and landed on the bed. The sudden impact jolted Kim's eyes open and immediately sought out the alarm clock to…FIVE AM!? What in the name of all things holy did the twins think they were doing?
"Mmmmffff…slart…gloof…chrsmask?" a semi-comatose Shego mumbled, a trail of drool running down her mouth.
"I'm being punished," Kim groaned to no one in particular. "Alright God; alright Mom; I think you've all had a good laugh at my expense…but I think it's enough." Dragging her matted mess of red hair out of bed, she turned to the twins. "Girls, I'm fairly certain that Santa left you a couple of movies in your Christmas stockings. Santa will take VERY special note next year if you don't wake Mom and Momma up until you watch both of them."
Thank GOD that had been enough to get them out of the room. Kim never liked to display mindless violence in front of the girls but if that had gone on much longer…SOMETHING would've been broken! Thank God Kim didn't have Eme's plasma powers.
Several hours later, Kim drifted out of her slumber and checked the clock once again. Nine am…THAT was more like it! Climbing out from under the covers, Kim leaned down to Shego's ear. "Merry Christmas Love of my Life, Queen of my Heart, and all around wonderful person."
"Do those credentials earn me coffee?" Shego grunted, wiping the spittle from her mouth. "Was I dreaming or did somebody fire a cannon at our bed last night?"
"Ha…something like that," Kim smiled, getting off the bed and heading for the door. "I'll meet you downstairs with coffee."
Kim walked downt he stairs to the scene of the twins in the living room enjoying the last few minutes of the copy of "Frigid" Zoe had gotten in her stocking. "Merry Christmas sweeties," Kim walked up and planted a kiss on the green and black heads seated before the TV.
"Merry Christmas Mom," the twins replied in unison.
Abby and Shego soon made their appearances and began putting a serious dent in the coffee. All that was left was Gracie, still out cold and waltzing through la la land.
George squeaked from the top of the stairs that Gracie just wouldn't wake up. George was getting a little antsy as the smell of his Christmas present under the tree was driving him crazy. Glancing at her watch, Kim came to a decision. As a teenager, Kim could never understand Mom's reason for sending Jim and Tim up to her room every Christmas. At the time it had just seemed plain mean. But like a bolt of lightning, Kim realized that what she'd been saying to Gracie for years was indeed right.
"Girls, we don't want Gracie to miss breakfast. If she doesn't get up soon…well she's going to starve. What say we give her a hand?"
Under normal circumstances, that mischievous look would usually prove certain doom as well as a time out for anyone that dared flash it in Mom's presence. But today, on the blessed day of our Savior's birth, Kim was indeed pleased to see that spirit in her daughters' eyes.
"Oh dear," Shego sighed, downing the last of her coffee and making a move for a refill. "This could get a little loud."
Trekking back up the stairs, the twins crept into their big sister's room with Mom and George at their backs. This was going to be mighty interesting. Em and Zoe had made many an attempt to make incursions into Gracie's room for a variety of purposes. But whenever it involved purposes Mom would say were "naughty", Gracie always seemed to appear out of nowhere to stop them. But now…now they had Mom on their side.
"Attention Gracie Possible," Kim called out. "In the spirit of the holiday season, you have been selected out of thousands of applicants for a free wake-up call…GET HER GIRLS!"
In a repeat performance, the twins flipped onto their sister's bed and began jumping up and down.
"ALRIGHT," Gracie groaned, heaving a pillow in the direction of the door. "ALRIGHT! I'm getting up Mom! Call of the dogs!"
With the last remaining family member seated at the table, everyone breathed in the smells of the Possible family Christmas breakfast. Kim motioned for everyone to join hands and bow their heads. "Eternal Father, we thank you for this blessed day, and for the gift of your son. Thank you for our loving family and please guide Seamus home safely to Abby within the coming weeks. Please bless this food to our bodies and continue to guide us that we might walk in your glory. We ask these things in the name of thy son, Jesus Christ. Amen."
With the prayer concluded, the Possible family tore into the breakfast of pumpkin pancakes, garlic seasoned scrambled eggs, sausage links, and some of Momma's homemade bread. After over 15 years of marriage, Kim had come to the inescapable conclusion that had Shego ever tried simply cooking for her teenage adversary, that would've been the end of it. Kim Possible would've gladly walked towards a life of villainy if the reward was Shego cooking for her on a nightly basis. Whoever said a mate who could cook was a big catch, well they weren't just whistling "Dixie".
"Oh Eme…you've outdone yourself," Kim congratulated, swallowing a mouthful of syrup drenched pancake.
"And GRACIE wanted to sleep in," Abby taunted, buttering another slice of toasted bread.
By meal's end, the plates had been virtually liked clean and each person was sitting back in their chairs, thoroughly satisfied and blissful. It took every ounce of strength and will power Kim possessed to get out of her chair and up to answer the knocking door. Checking the scanner, she was pleased to see it was the rest of the family. Mom, Dad, Tim and his wife Heather, and Jim's wife Andrea filed through the door to joyous greetings. The twins bolted from their seats and ran straight into their Aunts' arms. Twins themselves, Heather and Andrea Babineau had been the object of Jim and Tim's affection since they first met in their third year of college. Whoever said opposites attract HAD to have been talking about those four. Where Jim and Tim excelled at mechanical engineering alongside their longtime best friends and current business partners Walter and Warren Gordon, Shego's youngest brothers, Andrea and Heather had received top marks at Boston University College of English. Andrea had parlayed that into a very successful career as a film and literary critic for the Boston Globe and Heather into an executive position with Kim's Publisher.
"It's just too bad that Jim couldn't be here," Andrea sighed, rubbing her three month pregnant belly. "He sends you all his love."
"Did he say where he's consulting?" Shego asked, planting a kiss on her sister-in-law's cheek.
"Australia for the most part. We face chatted late last night."
One by one, the rest of the guests arrived and everyone took their positions in the living room while Kim began passing around glasses of the ice wine she'd bought for the event. As was usually the responsibility of the younger set the twins and RJ began dividing up the presents into piles and passing them out, signaling the beginning of the festivities.
The girls were very insistent that their parents open the first gift. Kim and Shego were equally surprised when Gracie and Abby hauled a great wrapped bundle from behind the tree. So…THIS was the product of the girls' mysterious trip to the mall. Normally each of the girls each got a present for Mom and Momma but…Kim was genuinely curious about what the girls had procured.
"We hope you like it," Emily replied nervously.
Shego smiled at her wife as the two grabbed hold of the wrapping. Both women gave a yank and the paper fell away. Kim…Kim loved it! The girls and Nicky had gotten a portrait done and…her babies all looked so grown up.
"Ohhh…I love it girls." Shego gasped, turning to pull her children into a family hug.
Shego wasted no time, running straight to the utility closet for a step ladder, hammer, and nail. With the portrait firmly secured above the fireplace, the ceremony continued. Gracie had about passed out when she unwrapped her new karaoke machine and the twins were overjoyed, Emily at her easy bake oven and Zoe at her magic kit. Both of the girls looked splendid in the new gi's that Shego had made for them. More gifts were opened and by the time most others had settled in to watch "A Christmas Story", Shego had hauled her cooking team into the kitchen to begin preparations for dinner.
"Please tell me Gracie didn't pick nacos this year," Anne quietly chuckled.
"Better than meatloaf shaped like a brain Grandma!"