Rollercoaster (The Circle Series - Part 3)

Epilogue

*~*Sixteen Years Later*~*

December had brought a record-breaking snowfall and the lowest temperatures of the last five years. The Bryan Family mansion in Colts Neck was blanketed in fresh snow, multi-colored lights for the holiday season strung along the rooftop and chimneys.

The sound of Christmas music could be heard ringing in the air before opening the front door. It was an open door policy this Christmas. Any of their family or friends that wanted to visit could and stay for as long or as little as they wanted to.

Aside from the handsome marble mantelpiece with its Hanukkah decorations, the largest Christmas tree ever seen in the home stood floor to ceiling, ornaments from both families gracing its branches.

I see you thinking twice

Wish I could read your mind

Move up or out of line

Too late for praying

Laughter and screaming kids filled in any noise gaps. The smell of Christmas dinner from earlier and baked goods wafted from the kitchen, two of the three ovens keeping leftovers warm and the timer beeping on the third.

"Cookies are done!" Arielle exclaims and ruffled her 11-year-old son's shaggy hair. Ethan watched as his son unwrapped a new gaming console while his twin sister opened a brand new guitar. His youngest son, who was only six, played with the latest robot sensation.

Wrapping paper was tossed in every direction, the adults dodging massive bows and empty envelopes. Away from the fray were the two sofas, pushed towards the fireplace. Julie and Jon occupied the one furthest from the fire, their grandkids piling up their presents next to them.

The house was full of kids and grandkids from both clans. The Bongiovi boys were with their wives; Jake's wife was pregnant with their first while Jesse's three were hanging off him trying to wrestle him to the ground, his wife was in the kitchen helping Stephanie clear up from dinner.

Romy and his wife had been unable to conceive as of yet but found solace in their family dog. Colton was helping by staying out of the kitchen after being banished by Steph after one too many suggestions on how to do things.

Colton and Stephanie's twins and their boyfriends, along with Janelle and her husband were watching the latest horror movie trying to keep their minds away from the somber and bittersweet mood of this Christmas. Lily and her partner had disappeared after eating to her old room citing exhaustion from travelling as their excuse.

Richie, Becca, Ava and her two sons had arrived earlier on their way to visit Richie's parents graves. The three bandmates spent quality time together, reminiscing over their times together. Everyone seemed to know to give the three older men time alone.

Colton, Jesse, Jake and Romy challenged the kids to a pool tournament in the games room, giving the women time to do their own version of grieving. Julie supporting Leesha as they cried and laughed with the next generation of Bon Jovi women.

A sandy blonde teenager bounded into the room, headphones covering his ears, notebook in his hand and sat at his Dad's grand piano to pick out a tune and scribble a few notes on the page.

"Sam? What are you working on?" Jon asked the oblivious teenager.

Jon stood and hobbled with the help of his cane, something he'd hated since his accident but it'd become a necessary evil as the years wore on. Making his way around the various family scattered throughout the living room to the piano, he looked over the boy's shoulder at his notes. He picked up the pencil and made a few adjustments, "Try that, Sam." He kissed the top of the boy's head and patted him on the shoulder.