Though the Monsters

Chapter 31

Underneath the Mistletoe

Harrison reached up into his closet to the farthest corner of his closet, his fingers finally closing around the small black box that he'd hidden there. He'd had to move it after he had heard that Hadlee had found it during one of her cleaning sprees. He pulled out the box and popped it open, looking at the ring one more time.

"Harrison, Maggie's here." Hadlee called.

"Yeah, I'm coming." He called back, closing the box and pushing it into his pocket.

            He fumbled with his wallet and keys as he made his way into the living room.

"There he is." Maggie said, wrapping her arms around Harrison's neck.

"Hello beautiful." Harrison smiled, his hands falling on her waist.

            She was dressed in simple black jeans and a nice light red and white sweater. He pressed a light kiss to her lips and Maggie smiled before pulling away.

"We should probably head out soon." Hadlee said, pulling the desserts they had been assigned to bring out of the fridge.

"Is Jethro here?" Harrison asked.

"Been here for a half hour, mate." Jethro said.

            Harrison turned around and saw Jethro sitting on the edge of the dining room table, his and Hadlee's coats in his hands.

"Oh," Harrison said. "Sorry, I guess I'm a little in my head today."

            Hadlee cracked a smile.

"Really?" She teased. "I didn't notice."

"Oh hush." Harrison said.

            Hadlee laughed.

"Alright, let's head out." She said picking up the stack of Tupperware.

~~~~~~~

            When Harrison pulled up to Maxi and Tahlia's apartment building he was practically bouncing in his seat. Maggie had noticed and tried to talk to him about it but he brushed it off and told her it was simply excitement for the holiday. They all climbed out of the car but as they made their way inside Hadlee could see the worry on Maggie's face.

"Hey Maggie," Hadlee said. "Why don't you and Jethro head up. I'm gonna talk to Harrison for a minute."

"You okay?" She asked, jumping into her doctor mindset for a moment.

            Hadlee smiled.

"I'm fine, I just have to talk to him about something." She said.

"Okay. We'll see you up there." Maggie said.

            Hadlee caught Harrison's arm before he could follow Maggie inside, holding him back. Jethro waited for a moment but Hadlee motioned him inside.

"Hads, everything okay?" Harrison asked, turning to his sister.

            Hadlee leaned against the entryway wall and crossed her arms over her chest.

"I could ask you the same question. Why are you so jittery?" She asked.

"I don't know, I just am." Harrison shrugged.

            Hadlee cocked a brow.

"We've had this conversation before," She said. "You were just the one asking me. So, let's jump over the middle part and skip straight to the end."