My Everything

Ch 34

The next couple weeks flew by. Sophie was busy administering Phoebe's end of school year exams as well as submitting her grades to the school district back home. Then there was the dreaded packing and cleaning up the trailer which was a whole other ordeal. Mark was busy wrapping everything up on set but he still managed to eat several meals with Phoebe and Sophie that they were thankful for. She could tell he was hoping this would be his amends for missing Christmas with them. Chace still spent the weekends at his Mom's doing his community service but not sure how hard he worked since he and Sophie pretty much stayed in constant communication via text.

Sophie still went to church on Sundays and lunch at the Millers. Although there was more distance between herself and Jonathan then there was before they still had pilot conversations. Instead of staying late after lunch to chat he didn't linger any longer and left when Pam did. Sophie didn't mind though because that meant she could just talk to Chace more on the phone while Phoebe got more time with the Miller's daughters. The last week of living on set was surreal to say goodbye to people Sophie had come to know like family. She even got tearful saying goodbye to the barista she saw everyday. Katie and her made plans to see each other when she was done with her latest job. They had their set party at the Karaoke Bar of course and this time Sophie didn't leave in tears.

Christmas Eve finally arrived and Sophie felt like a whole swarm of butterflies inhabited her stomach. Chace and Sophie had avoided all topics of what their relationship was. However, Sophie couldn't shake the feeling that she felt like she was going to her "boyfriend's" house for Christmas. Before she put any further title on whatever was going on she needed to see what actual life looked like. Even more so when the holidays were over and she was back in FL.

Sophie shook off the anxiety and tried to embrace this beautiful white Christmas. Sophie had never seen a white Christmas before. As a kid she always prayed that a miracle would happen in FL and she would wake up to snow but that never happened.

Phoebe's cheeks and nose were cherry red as she spent every second outside as Chace loaded their stuff in the bed of his truck. They headed off to Chace's family's house as they said goodbye to one adventure and headed towards another.

They pulled up just as another black SUV was in the driveway unloading. Pam had waddled outside wearing a festive Christmas apron that was half covered in flour. Two little boys with moppy brown hair flew out the passenger side and immediately began having a snowball fight to the protest of their mother.

Phoebe looked at Sophie with big pleading eyes and Sophie shook her head yes. She ripped open her door and headed to join the boys. They never saw the surprise attack coming from the fiery ginger and they erupted in laughter. Both boys now ganged up on Phoebe pelting her with balls quicker than she could make them. Chace joined in as Phoebe sought refuge behind his large frame to aid her reprieve while she made more balls. Chace was in the process of making a ball when pleas of mercy began, "Please Uncle Chace! We surrender!"

Sophie put it together that the boys were his nephews and the mother was his sister. His sister was mostly wrapped up in a winter coat but what she did see was her olive skin, brown eyes, and long brown hair, a stark contrast to Chace. He must have been watching Sophie put the pieces together as he turned and looked at her, " She's the mailman's kid."

"Stop that!" His sister quickly packed a snowball and pelted Chace in the face.

"Hey, you know the rules. No head shots!" Chace whined.

"Oh sorry don't want to damage your most prized asset," his sister goaded him.

Sophie stood on laughing as she watched the spectacle unfold.

The Dad of the boys was dodging random snow balls as he attempted to carry in the luggage. Sophie assumed he must be Chace's brother-in law. When he finished bringing in the luggage he joined Sophie on the sidelines.