Lynn

It's 8 am and I can smell the eggs and bacon from the kitchen. I've been awake since 6:30 and haven't been able to fall back asleep since. Instead of getting up though, I stayed there and watched stuff on my phone. When the movie I was watching finally finished, I put my phone down, already bored of it. Instead, I looked at Lincoln who was right beside me. He slept soundlessly with his arms around me. I looked at him in awe. Today is our anniversary believe it or not. 3 years ago today, we shared our first kiss. I still can't believe it's been so long. We never celebrate our anniversary on Christmas though since that's it's own holiday and that makes it not so special. Instead, we celebrate it on December 27th— the day we officially started dating. Well technically, it took us a while to even accept our relationship, hence, no actual anniversary date, but we started hanging out more on the 27th, so we use that day.

As I watched him sleep, I stroked his hair. It was so soft! Although I was perfectly content staying like this, the smell of the food downstairs was starting to get to me. I'm surprised mom and dad still do their Christmas breakfast. I would have guessed that by now, they would have said that we were all too old or that they work too much and that they are too tired to do this anymore, but nope. They still do it.

At around 8:25, they called out to us that the food was ready, so I kissed Lincoln's temple and tried to wake him up. He slowly started waking up to my constant pestering.

"Hey~ come on, breakfast is ready," I told him, ruffling his hair. He just groaned and hugged me tighter.

"Noooo…" he mumbled. "Can't we just stay here?"

"I wish, but I'm hungry and if we don't go, someone will come looking for us," I answered. He just groaned again.

Eventually, I was able to push him off the bed and wake him up.

"Ow." He said as he fell. This made me giggle. And because of this, he got up with a sinister smile and started coming towards me.

"Wait!" I said in a playful matter, Hands up in defense. "Wait! I'm sorry!" I laughed out, but it was too late. He started to tickle the hell out of me making me laugh with no stop. I fought his hands away as best as I could, but he just wouldn't stop. "Babe! Ah, stop!" I continued to laugh. He eventually did stop though, laughing as well. There we sat, laughing together in his sunlit bedroom on Christmas morning. He then stopped, still smiling, and grabbed my cheek, kissing me passionately.

"Happy 3rd anniversary my love~," he said as we parted.

"Happy 3rd-anniversary ~," I said back.

At the table, mom and dad desperately tried to start up some chatter. They brought up school, future plans, even what we want for Christmas. Their attempts were somewhat successful, but to be honest, the only ones talking were mom, dad, Leni, Lori, Lana, Luan, and Lily. Everyone else simply ate in silence, listening in. When it got to tree time, we— as usual, sat in the living room.

While mom and dad passed the gifts around. Most of them were for Lily and Lisa— them being the youngest and all, but there were still some for everyone else. I don't exactly remember who got what, but I do recall that Lisa got an endless amount of books, Lily got a bunch of Barbies, and the rest of us, mostly clothes. Well, Lucy did get some new journals and Lola some makeup, but other than that, it was pretty much all clothes or Money. What did I get you may ask? Well, most of my gifts were actually technically Lacy's gifts. Diapers, clothes, small toys, things like that.

Just when I thought we were finally done with this whole thing, mom and dad pulled the secret gift shabam. But unexpectedly to me, it was for me. Or should I say, Lacy. They brought out a large box— 2 large boxes from their bedroom. Both wrapped in the shiny blue wrapping paper with words that read "To Our Daughter, Lynn and our Granddaughter to come, Lacy"

"Two more left kiddos!" Dad said as he pushed the larger of the two boxes out of his room. As usual, they read who it was for aloud. I was shocked to see it— what could it possibly be? I opened the bigger one first. I tore off the paper to reveal a white box with a black and white printed photo of a crib. I looked at the picture, at mom and dad, then at the box again. I have been wanting a new crib for Lacy, but couldn't afford one. I was gonna be forced to use Lily's old raggedy crib which was one thing that I really didn't want to do. They knew that. Maybe this wasn't such a bad Christmas after all.

I opened the next one which contained a mattress for said crib. Grateful wasn't enough for how I felt. I got up and gave both of them a hug, whispering Thank you to them. They smiled and nodded.

"Of course." Mom answered with a sweet smile. This was one of the first times in a while that I truly felt the parent-child bond with my parents. I don't even remember the last time I hugged them. Their touch felt almost foreign to me.

I was putting my coat on, along with my boots and my other winter appeal items. I began to sweat in the heat of all the layers, but that was only because the house was set to about… I don't know. Maybe 82 degrees? But outside, it was 24! There was no way I was gonna not wear all these layers. Even if I did tend to get hot quickly.

We all piled in vanzilla, like every year, and started to head to Aunt Ruth's house… wait! I just realized something! None of the Family actually knows I'm pregnant! Shit! They're all gonna find out today! In the worst way possible! Crap! What do I do?

I started to think of ways that I can either tell them in a better manner, hide it, or leave. I was really starting to panic at this point, to the point where I think Lincoln was starting to notice it because he placed his hand on my thigh in reassurance.

"You okay?" He asked me.

"Y-yeah. I'm fine," I lied, tightening my fists as a way to hide my anxiety. Through my efforts though, he noticed. He took my hand in his and flattened it out, straight. He always did that. From there on, he held my hand. It did calm me some, but I was still nervous. What would they think of me? Will they question me? Will they even notice? Of course, they will notice! What else would they think seeing this big ol bump?! God, sometimes, I could be so stupid.

We pull up in the driveway and I immediately tense up— more than I was at least. I almost didn't leave the car— just sitting there completely still, looking out the window.

"Lynn?" Lincoln called out from the car door, seeing that I was still there.

"I…I don't know if I can go in there…" I timidly told him in a quiet voice, avoiding his eyes.

"Why not? We do this every year?"

"Because none of them know. At least I think they don't."

"Know about wha— oh…"

"Yeah…"

"Come on, I'm sure it won't be that bad." He told me reassuringly, but I still worried. I hated going out anymore due to all the stares, but with your own family, it was way worse. I couldn't have stayed in the car the whole time though, so I got out, but with much hesitance. I stayed glued to Lincoln's side as mom rang the doorbell and Aunt Ruth opened the door.

"Oh! Would you look who it is?!" She answered excitedly. "Come, come in!" She said, opening the door wide enough for everyone to come into her home. I tried my best to blend into the crowd as I walked in, hiding in between Lincoln and Luna. 'God, please don't make this a big thing!' I pleaded in my head.

Before I got the chance to go any further than the front entrance, mom pulled me aside.

"How are you feeling Lynn?"

"In what way?"

"About being here?"

"Uh… nervous…" I sheepishly said.

"Well if you want, I can tell her off to the side in a way that she won't make it weird for you. I just don't want you to feel uncomfortable being here." She told me. It was honestly one of the kindest acts that she could have offered.

"Really? You would do that? Thanks, mom," I told her with a smile. This Christmas had my parents acting unusually kind, but I was all for it. It's not every day that they act like this. Yes, it was kind of fake, but I couldn't help but take it.

Rita

"Aunt Ruth, do you mind if we talk in private really quick?" I asked her off to the side.

"Sure thing sweety. Come, let us go to the kitchen." She answered, walking to the kitchen with me following. "What's on your mind?"

"I wanted to tell you about Lynn— my daughter."

"Yes, what a fine young lady she is! You guys have certainly done a great job with that one! I know she's gonna go far in life! Very far! What about her did you want to tell me?"

"Oh, God…" I mumbled under my breath, worried some. "Uh… Lynn has… gotten herself into some… bad choices I would say for lack of a better term."

"Oh no! What happened?"

"Well… she claims to have been at a party with her friends after a game. She tells us that there was drinking, and it was very hectic and long story short, she… she… well. She wound up pregnant…" I finalize. Aunt Ruth gasped as she covered her mouth.

"No… she… she couldn't have… she's only a girl!" She exclaimed. "How old is she even?"

"16. As of October 12th…"

"Oh. Oh my. Okay. Well, what's going to happen from here?"

"She wants to keep it. She claims that she knows what she's doing, but sometimes I have my doubts. I know a child changes everyone though. Hopefully, she'll learn on time."

"Oh wow. I bet things have been a lot on you, Rita."

"Yes, it has, but it's been more difficult on her I imagine. All I ask is that you don't make her feel bad about it. Her being uncomfortable to come here and spend time with her family is the worst thing I could ask for."

"Oh of course sweetie! We'll treat this like a normal Christmas." She finalized, smiling at me. I smiled back and she hugged me.

When we stepped out of the kitchen, my family was sitting in the living room chatting.

"Alright everyone, let's get to baking those cookies!" Aunt Ruth called out. As we all started to make our way into the kitchen, she stopped Lynn at the doorway, whispered something in her ear, and hugged her. I hope it wasn't anything bad.

Lynn

As I was about to enter the kitchen, Aunt Ruth stopped me. Oh boy.

"Hey Lynn, don't worry about anything, I know you are going to be a wonderful mother!" She whispered in my ear. This made me smile. She then hugged me and brought me into the kitchen with her. Now, we bake cookies. By that, I mean Lana, Lily, Lisa, Leni, and Luna will bake cookies. I just sat at the table, Lincoln sat with me, Luan read her huge textbook with a pen and notebook at hand, Lola sat in the corner and just watched, Lori sat talking to Bobby on her phone and mom and dad hovered around everyone, watching as they made the cookies. There was a point in our lives where we all baked them together, but we are just not into those things anymore. Or maybe we just aren't into each other anymore.

"What are you doing Bobby boo boo bear?" Lori cued through her phone. Bleck, she's so annoying!

"wHaT aRe yOu doInG LinKY DinkEY?" I whisper mocked to Lincoln, he snickered at my remark, which got a glare from Lori. This just made us roll our eyes and snicker some more.

"What? No sorry, just got a little… distracted…" she growled through gritted teeth. "No Bobby! What? Why would you ask that?! Well, then next time don't wonder! Who's that? Ooh! Tell her I said hello! Me? The same thing as every year. My aunt Ruth's. Yeah. Yup. I agree. Totally! How funny! Omg, you'll never believe what happened to me the other day!" She spoke obnoxiously through the phone. God, what's so much that she had to tell him?! She's always talking to him. I hope she knows that one day, the distance will kick in. I don't mean to be salty about it, but I just can't stand her.

At dad's cousin's house, Eve, a person that we've never even met before, I sat awkwardly on the couch as mom and dad spoke to her. It reminded me of the time mom took me to her friend's house all those months ago. God, I don't know what I was thinking then. I was gonna give Lacy up. I can't do that. Now, I'm so eager to meet her, I can't imagine having to give her up.

Finally, at 4:30, we made it to pop-pop's retirement home. I've always loved hanging out with pop-pop, but now that I have to tell him I'm pregnant, I don't wanna go. It was scary telling my other aunts and cousins, but Pop-Pop? That's a whole different thing. How's he gonna react? Will he be mad at me? Probably.

We walk in through the decorated lobby and we're greeted by Pop-Pop's friends instantly. They tell us that he's in his room, making me tense up.

"Lincoln. I can't do this." I whisper to him in his ear, clenching onto his arm as the others make their way in front of us and to Pop-Pop's room.

"Yes, you can. You did it at the other houses."

"Yes, but this is Pop-Pop. It's different. I actually really like hanging out with him. He's gonna get mad at me, I know it…"

"No, he isn't. It's Pop-Pop we're talking about. He loves us all. He won't be mad."

"I-I don't know. I… I just can't." I mumble.

"Hey, you told mom and dad, didn't you?"

"Y-yes. But I didn't have this huge bump then!"

"Well if you ask me, I think it was harder to tell mom and dad then it will be to tell Pop-Pop."

"What do I even say though?!"

"Lynn! Lincoln! Hurry up!" Lana yelled out to us. "Uh. Y-yeah! Coming!" Lincoln yelled back. "Come on, you can do this."

When we make our way to the stairs that lead to his room, I stop him and kisses his cheek.

"Ha! What was that for?"

"This is where we first Kissed," I mentioned, pointing up. He looked and noticed the same old mistletoe hanging above us. He smiled slyly at this.

"Well then, in that case," he said as he pulled me closer to him, placing his hands around my waist. He then proceeded to kiss me sweetly. Sweetly, yet passionately. We were careful as to not let anyone see us though.

I took a deep breath before opening his door. Everyone was already inside. I knocked on the door then went back to clenching on to Lincoln's arm. Lola opened it, then stepped aside to let us in, seeing that it was us.

"Aeeeyyyyyy! If it isn't the last of my grandchildren!" Pop-Pop said, getting up from his armchair. Oh boy. I gripped on even tighter to his arm. I faked a smile, but in all reality, I was more nervous then nervous.

"Pop-Pop!" Lincoln enthusiastically started, walking away from me and toward our grandfather. No! What are you doing?! Come back! Lincoln hugged him as he hugged back. Once they let go, he started to make his way to me. No no no! He hugged me without saying anything. Odd. "How've you been?" He asked with a smile, holding onto both of my hands.

"Uh … good. I've been good and you?"

"Great now that all my family is here!" He chuckled. This is strange. Very strange. Either he hasn't noticed, or he doesn't care. Why wouldn't he care though? Also, how could he have not noticed? We hugged! Maybe he already knows! I begin to glare at mom as I start to figure out what happened. As my grandfather and the rest siblings engaged in a conversation, I walk up to mom— her mid laughter and everything and grab her arm, slightly pulling her away from the crowd. She gets my hint and gets up, excusing herself and walking into the hallway outside with me.

"What's wrong sweetie?"

"Did you tell Pop-Pop?!"

"I… I might have mentioned it… I'm sorry sweetie, it just came up."

"Why would you tell him?! Why didn't you tell me that he knows?! To what extent does he know? This is exactly why I wanted to tell him myself!"

"I'm sorry Lynn, we were on the phone and he asked me how everyone was and things like that and it might have slipped. He knows what you told me. I'm sorry I didn't let you tell him, but it's already done. There's nothing we can do about it now."

"I know but… *sigh* okay then. Did you tell anyone else?" I asked calmly. I was trying to be mature and collected about this, but on the inside, I was furious. I know I said I was nervous to tell him and it makes sense for me to be relieved that I didn't have to, but I'm upset that he knew this whole time and mom didn't even bother to tell me!

"Other than Pop-Pop, some of my friends at work, but that's all."

"Alright then. Just please don't tell anyone else without my permission. Please?" I pleaded with her.

"Alright then, I won't." She smiled softly at me.

We walked back into a completely normal family. It was almost as if nothing had changed between us. Maybe it was Pop-pop's presents. Maybe it was the time of year. Either way, it was nice, for a change.

At 9, We were getting in the car to go back home. Finally. Today has been a long day. The longest by far. My feet are swollen, my back aches, I got a migraine, and I've had countless false contractions, so let's just say, overjoyed would be an understatement of how I feel about going home. I fell asleep in the car without even noticing it, so the ride didn't feel so long. At home, we did the same thing as usual. Watch the videos that we forgot about, sit in the living room till we fall asleep, and be a family.

Although we have watched these videos hundreds of times before, something stuck out to me today. It was a video of Lucy, Lincoln, and I when I was about 8. We were playing with a baby doll.

"Come on baby! Time to start going to the gym! You need those muscles!" I said in my high-pitched voice.

"No! The baby needs to go to sleep in her box. A nice, long nap in the dark box," Lucy grimly said. Then Lincoln snatched the baby from my hands and cradled it.

"No, no, no! You are both wrong! It's a baby! You have to be nice to it! Like we do to Lola and Lana," he said as he rocked it. We then proceeded to continuously yank and pull on the doll till dad asked us to play with something else. I've seen this video dozens of times before but never did I ever see it in this way. Both Lincoln and I are gonna be parents soon and to see how rough and abrupt I was, makes me really wonder sometimes. He seems to just have always had it though. Maybe he will be the better parent. Maybe I'll just be a terrible mother. Maybe Lacy will hate me because I'm just so stupid and don't know how to— at that moment Lincoln seemed to notice my unease and asked if I was okay, interrupting my train of thought.

"Uh… sure… sure. I'm fine." I say, as I stand up and walk upstairs. I couldn't be there at that moment. I knew I was gonna break down.

As I sat in the darkness of my room, my mind went back. Back to when I was 4 years old.

A/N: I'm gonna keep this short, but thanks for reading! I promise we're almost there! The birth-day is soon! But meanwhile, here's a nice, long chapter about Christmas. hope to catch you again next chapter, Bye! P.S., who's P.O.V. should I do more of/ you wanna hear more about?