Dad sat me slowly in bed and covered me with all the covers available. The cold sheets against my body, jolted me up in a hazy way, and dad was there sitting on the edge of the bed.

'Shh… Sleep peanut…'

'Can you stay daddy?' I asked hopefully.

'Yes peanut… I'll stay.' He replied back as he took off my glasses, and set them on the bedside table.

'She slept.' Dad told mum as he took his seat beside her.

'Good. She needs it.' Mum replied as she took a sip of the crispy wine. '… What's wrong Christian? You've been thoughtful all day!'

'I'm worried Ana! There's something wrong for sure and I can't pinpoint anything. Sera seems different… and we haven't been there for her in a long time…'

'Christian that can be easily fixed. Christmas holidays are with us. We can take some time off.' Mum suggested. 'I can cancel the flight to France, and we can stay here and do something together as a family. How does that sound?'

'It sounds great.' Christian smiled as he planted a soft yet passionate kiss on mum. 'You always have the solution to everything honey…'

'That's because I have a loving husband and an amazing family…' She replied as she took a bit from her chicken.

The weeks passed by and from what seemed November, December came. Mum, Dad and I seemed to have a better relationship than we used to have. They were spending more time home, and both of them seemed relaxed. Dad had been having some correspondence and got rid of it at work and both returned early from their jobs.

After school, I had taken up running, and every day I made it a must to run at least 3 miles. It was the only time were neither Sawyer nor Taylor followed me. I could have some time for myself. Usually my parents were never home when I got back from my running, but that day was different.

'Sera Elizabeth Grey, where the hell were you!' Dad shouted as I opened the door to our Living Room.

'Damn he pulled the whole name… He must be mad!'

'Where were you Sera? And you don't take your fuckin' phone? Are we living in pre-historic times? I couldn't even track you!'

'Dad calm down! I was running. I always do this… Every day after school.'

'… and you don't let us know dear?' Mum asked softly.

'It wasn't important mum. It's just running. I release some stress.'

'It is important to us!' Dad irritated said again. 'We're your parents… we thought the worst! Taylor and Sawyer…'

'They don't know I'm out… it's the reason why I don't take my phone with me dad… I need some privacy and having them on my tail isn't private.'

'They're our security for a reason Sera! What if something happened to you? How were we supposed to know?'

'Dad calm down… nothing happened.' I replied. 'Mum tell him!'

'Although you are right about your privacy, your father is also right. We're just concerned dear. We don't want anything happening to you.'

'I know mum… I'm sorry…'

'Apology accepted… Now go take a shower and get dressed in your pj's… we're decorating the Christmas tree. I'll calm down your father.'

'Thanks mum…' I replied as I moved forward to dad. 'I'm sorry dad…' I continued as he pulled me into a crushing hug.

'Don't do that again! You scared me!'

'Dad … you're hurting me! I need to breath.' I replied as he loosened his grip. 'I won't dad… I promise… I love you daddy.'

'Love you too peanut… now go get ready.' He continued as he motioned me to the stairs.

'I don't know where she gets these ideas from…' Christian started as he took a glass and sipped some wine.

'Reminds me of someone Christian.'

'Yeah… you cannot say she's not your daughter Ana.'

'So when she's in trouble she is my daughter Mr. Grey?'

'Well…. Yeah.' He continued jokingly.

'There's something else on your mind isn't there?'

'It's nothing Ana…'

'Christian…'

'Don't worry about it honey…'

The night was filled with laughter and joy. We decorated the Christmas tree like all other years. It was utter fun. We loved the family time. As usual mum took out the camera and took photos of the three of us fooling around. I loved seeing both my parents in their 'non-formal' ways. I missed those moments, and it was during these times that I could see their true self.

Dad and I went under-cover mode and tickled mum till she begged us to stop, but that didn't stop there… because then both mum and dad tickle tortured me.

'Please stop! You're killing me!' I said between laugh fits.

'Nope! Not until you tell me that you won't date until you're thirty.

'Fine daddy… I won't date until I'm thirty!' I said again between laughing fits. 'Please stop! I can't breath! My tummy is hurting!'

'Ok…' Both said as they stopped and hugged me tight and lied down beside me.

'It's beautiful…' I started slowly.

'It truly is…' Mum continued…

'Noo… no the Christmas tree…' I replied slowly as I turned facing my mother. 'I mean this… us… together… thanks…' I finished as mum kissed my forehead and both my parents gave a look towards each other.