All American: Winter Break

Chapter Fifteen: 'Twas the Night Before a Charity Event

The sweet smell of pinecones, peppermint, cinnamon, and gingerbread filled the air. The rush of people in every store, while the same songs that played on the radio every year would repeat on an endless loop. Yet, as the people hummed their favorite holiday tune, they still hadn't memorized the lyrics to the same song they've heard come December first of every year. Bringing the most wonderful season to life had only become more hectic, the closer the big day approached.

With only a week left, the streets had been filled with people last-minute shopping for their loved ones leaving the traffic in all of Los Angeles to be bumper to bumper. What already had been a congested city, felt worse during the holidays. Leaving few with little patience they didn't have. The sounds of the horns honked in the distance like a beautiful melody mixed with anger, frustration, and holiday cheer.

Unlike other families in the neighborhood, spending the week cuddled up by the fire, drinking hot cocoa, wrapping presents for under the tree, and watching their favorite Christmas movies, the Baker family had been in full swing. All hands were on deck helping Laura prep for her annual winter charity gala event she was hosting tomorrow evening. This event had always meant so much to Laura, and for the past few years, she'd been throwing her famous winter gala raising money and gifts for the local children's hospitals in the city. Although in years past the police department would pitch in delivering the toys to the children, she decided that this year her children and Billy would be Santa and his little elves dropping them off for her.

After the following events from the past few months, and resigning from her position as DA. Laura contemplated her decision on throwing the event, but nothing made her happier than seeing the look on the children's faces receiving gifts and love from the community. And as she learned from her drama class back in high school. "The show must go on,".

Thankfully with so much to do, and little time to prep, the whole family had been busy helping her get ready for the event. Leaving her no time to reminisce about the events from the past knowing that this year, the gala will look different. A bit smaller than usual, since most of her co-workers from the department won't be there to support her. And the Beverly Hills Hotel she used before wasn't able to host her event this year. With just a few short calls, the Candela La Brea had been the perfect venue to host her gala.

In many ways, she loved to be going to a new venue as it felt like opening a new chapter in her life and leaving the past behind. Creating new memories in a venue, she could see herself using in the future again. And nothing had felt as if her life had been back on track other than celebrating with the community and kicking off the holiday festivities with her charity gala event.

"A little to the left!" Laura called out. Shifting the banner a few inches to the left. Laura shook her head. "Now a little to the right!". Jordan grunted gripping onto the ladder for dear life as he pulled the banner more closer towards him. "Yo J pull it harder next time," Spencer sarcastically spoke almost falling on his end. "That's too much Jordan! Spencer just an inch. A gentle pull will do," Laura gestured with her hand when Spencer followed.

"Yes! Perfect! Thank you, boys! Would you mind helping me unload the last of the decorations from the car? And that wasn't up for debate Jordan!" His mother spoke when Spencer and Jordan carefully made their way down the ladder. "Yes, mom," Jordan dragged his feet while Spencer just squeezed his shoulder. "Come on J. The faster we get done, the faster we can get out of here,". A slow smile spread on his lips, loving that idea. "I like the way you think,".

"Not so fast boys you have a fitting for your tuxedos at six so after you are done unpacking make sure to head out! I need you boys dressed to the nines tomorrow evening!" His mother called out. Jordan replied with a loud groan. "Yes, mom!".