Those That Came Before

Slow Motion

Becky turned on some classical music for the ride to Brantley and Blair's house. Hadley sat in the passenger seat, fiddling with her fingers. Her red dress and long, creamy white slouchy sweater made for the perfect Christmas brunch outfit. Her chocolate brown hair was straightened and tucked behind one ear. The thin gold hoops dangling perfectly in the sun light. A light dusting of snow on the ground. Nothing major, but it made for a beautiful morning. 

Hadley moved slightly, sucking in air when she felt the absence of where Brantley had just been the night before. Becky never mentioned a thing about noticing Brantley's truck her driveway at 2am. She only smirked as Hadley produced herself in the morning, glowing and happy. 

Hadley was singing a different tune now. Her nerves were getting the best of her. She didn't want a repeat of Christmas Eve dinner. Everyone glaring at her and the snarky comments. What she did want was to cozy up to Brantley. Enjoy one of her favorite holidays with him. Maybe, no definitely have a repeat of the night before. 

"Hadley?" 

"Hmm?" Hadley's turned to look at Becky. 

"Are you going to get out of the car, dear? Or should I bring you brunch out here." Becky laughed. 

Hadley hadn't even noticed that the five minute car ride had ended. They were parked by the garage, next to Blair's SUV. Kolby's beat up pick up truck in the grass. She took a deep breath and got out of the car, helping Becky to carry a few presents to the house. As they approached the stone stairs of the porch, the sound of the bus door opening made the two of them turn their heads. 

"Need some help?" Brantley asked, gesturing to their full hands. His dark wash denim jeans and plain white Carhartt pocket tee hugging his just showered body. His black baseball cap pulled even lower than normal, shading his green eyes from them. 

"Thank you, darlin'." Becky replied, handing over a couple boxes. 

Brantley nodded for them to go up the stairs before him, as he followed behind Hadley. Becky opened the door, allowing the two to go in ahead of her. The crackling of the fireplace and Christmas music playing instantly brought tears to Hadley's eyes. This is all she had ever wanted with someone. And she couldn't enjoy it. Brantley placed the boxes under the tree by the front door and reached for the ones in Hadley's arms. His hands brushed hers, sending an electrifying sensation down her neck and spine. But he didn't look at her. Not even a glance. If he was back to his old shenanigans, she was going to rip her hair out. Or his. 

Blair came waltzing in to the room, no wine in hand. "Merry Christmas, mama." She beamed, placing a kiss on Becky's cheek. Becky reluctantly reciprocated. Blair moved on to Hadley. She pulled her in for a tight hug. Hadley's thoughts immediately went that she was trying to kill her by the way she squeezed. 

After all of the greetings, hugs, and kisses, Becky and Hadley gathered with the rest of the group in the formal dining area. The table was displayed with holly berries and pine garland. Vanilla and cinnamon scented candles burning, flickering shadows against the tan walls. Blair ushered them all to sit down as she latched on to Brantley's arm. It was enough to make Hadley want to gag. 

"Alright everyone. Brantley and I have a very important announcement to make!" Blair squealed. 

In that moment, it was like all time had stopped. The words leaving Blair's mouth were falling out in slow motion. Now Hadley was really going to gag.