My Sweets

Scottish Christmas

BOBBY

My mom screams when she meets us at the train station. I chuckle when she swoops Jessa up in her arms instead of me. "Nice to know who your favorite is," I throw on a pouty face.

"Oh hush now. You know I love my lil Bobby boo." She squeezes my cheeks and wraps me up in a big hug. "Alright. Let's go. I left Clyde in charge of the haggis."

I watch Jessa grimace and I laugh. "You're not eating it this time, Lass."

We pull up to the house and Jessa squeals. "I love all your Christmas lights!" My mom tends to go way overboard for Christmas and I wouldn't have it any other way. Her house is completely outlined with colored Christmas lights. Some blowup yard ornaments are also illuminating the front yard. It's the only house around decorated like this. It's how I grew up though. So to me, this is Christmas.

"Thank you," my mom beams. We walk inside and it's decorated just as much as the outside. "So when should I expect Junno?" My mom laughs. Junno has been crashing our holidays for years now.

"Probably pretty soon," I chuckle. Sure enough, there's his boisterous knock pounding on the door.

"The party has arrived," he announces as he walks in the room, handing me a bottle of whisky. He runs to Jessa, twirling her around in a hug.

"Hey now," I say. "Why am I feeling so unloved this visit?"

Junno points to me. "I gave you booze. She gets a hug."

Jessa giggles. "Merry Christmas, Junno."

We sit down for dinner and this time Jessa avoids the haggis. I'm glad she doesn't feel like she has to eat it. Mom turns to her. "So are you spending Christmas with your family then?" It was something we were worried about. We didn't know how to pick which family got us for Christmas.

Jessa shakes her head. "No. We're going there next weekend."

"So what are you doing on Christmas?" Junno asks.

"Spending it alone," I answer.

"Well that's a cryin shame. I can come keep you company."

"That's ok, Junno," Jessa smiles sweetly at him. "We're actually really excited about it." I am excited about it. Spending Christmas with just her, after how busy I've been, sounds really nice. I shovel a big bite of haggis in my mouth. Damn good! Her phone goes off and she frowns as she silences it. She meets my eyes briefly before turning to my mom. "Rose, Bobby tells me that tomorrow we're going all out on gingerbread houses."

My mom laughs. "Aye. It's something we've done since Bobby was a wee lad. It's tradition."

"I love it. That's something we should make sure we pass on to our kids too," Jessa says to me. I notice a sadness flash over my mom's face. I can tell she wants to say something, but doesn't. It's just a topic we don't talk about, especially with Lindsey so mixed up in it.

Junno suddenly burps loudly. "Junno Douglas McArthour. You sir, have better manners than that," my mom scolds Junno while I laugh like a twelve year old.

"Sorry Mrs. Rosie. Just giving my compliments to the chef." My mom smiles at him. She has a soft spot for Junno as if he were also her son. He practically is. Junno turns to Jessa. "We planning on causing problems at Micks tonight?"

The look on Jessa's face is one of pure horror. "No. I think I'll steer clear of that place from now on. One visit is enough to last me a lifetime." My mom shakes her head in agreement.

"How about presents?" I ask. I can't wait for my mom to open hers. I wanted to give it to her as soon as we stepped into the house.

Clyde smiles at my mom. "Well some things have definitely not changed. Bobby has always begged to open presents."