Over the next few weeks, Dominick, with the help from Olivia, got all of his shopping done. Then, on Christmas Day, they headed over early to celebrate the holiday with his family. Olivia was a little nervous, since she wasn't sure everyone would be excited to see her on such a personal family holiday.
"Good morning!" Serafina smiled as she opened the door. All of her other children were already there, and Mia was sitting in front of the tree, just anxiously awaiting the green light to open gifts.
"Morning, Ma." Dominick replied. He stepped forward and hugged her tightly, before stepping out of the way so Olivia could get one too.
"Thanks for letting me join you all today, Mrs. Carisi." Olivia spoke shyly.
"Sonny called and told me about what was happening. How things didn't go well when you went to see your mother. Even if he hadn't asked before he asked you, it wasn't a big deal. I make too much food anyway, and Sonny can't be the only one to finish it." Serafina spoke softly, as she held the girl close.
"I haven't had a hug from my mother in years, so this feels amazing." Olivia whispered as she fought off tears. Serafina hugged her tighter before hesitantly letting her go.
"I'm always willing to give hugs away, trust me. The kids hate it."
Not long after Dominick and Olivia arrived, the gifts were passed out and opened. As Dominick opened a gift, he looked around and noticed that his father wasn't there. He stood hesitantly before moving to the kitchen, where his mother was refilling her mug.
"Where's Pops?" Dominick asked with a frown.
"He was called away for an emergency." His mother replied.
"A plumbing emergency? Ma, there are plenty of other plumbers in the city that can take care of a clogged toilet or a leaky faucet." Dominick groaned. He was pretty certain that his father didn't want to celebrate Christmas since he was there.
"Sonny-"
"Nah, Ma! He is missing out on Christmas because he hates me! Geez, if he didn't want me here... he should have just told me."
"Sonny, he doesn't hate you! Please-"
"If he didn't hate me, he'd be here. He'd watch his only grandchild open gifts, and spend one of the last Christmases with Bella still at home." Dominick snapped.
"You should have just left things be, Sonny. Then the first Christmas you celebrate with your girlfriend... you wouldn't be so angry." Serafina frowned before leaving her son in the kitchen.
///
Mia got everything she wanted and insisted on playing dolls with her Uncle Sonny while everyone worked on making breakfast and then prepped for dinner.
"So why aren't you celebrating with your family?" Teresa asked, as Olivia prepped potatoes for later.
"Ter-" Serafina started, but Olivia interrupted her when she answered the question.
"I have been disowned. Dominick got into a fight with my step-father at Thanksgiving and he kicked me out of the family. So I wasn't even invited. If it hadn't been for your family, I would have been probably eating sugar cookies for every meal and watching Christmas movies by myself." Olivia said with a weak laugh. She kept telling herself that getting kicked out of her family wasn't a big deal, but it still bothered her.
The idea that any future children she may have would never see her side of the family made her so angry. They would only be loved by Dominick's mother and sisters, because who really knows how things with Senior would be in the future.
"That sucks." Bella responded plainly, as her sisters kept their mouths shut.
"I was a mistake to start, so it's like they are finally throwing away the only thing that was messing up their perfect life." Olivia sighed before going back to the prep work.
Breakfast was served, and then every just chilled before making dinner. Dominick pulled his girlfriend upstairs after a while, and shoved her into his old bedroom.
"How are you doing?" He asked, as he gripped her hips and kept her flush against his body.
"I'm fine, Dom."
"Are you sure? Because I heard what my sister asked, and I'm worried that it hurt your feelings."
"Teresa was just wondering, and I can't be angry at her for being curious. Anyway, they will eventually find out all the dirty little secrets that my family has. Especially if you still plan on marrying me one day."
Dominick smiled softly and nodded before leaning down and kissing Olivia's lips softly. They kissed for a few long moments before they heard a door shut outside. Dominick moved to the window and his eyes went wide.
"Who's here?" Olivia sighed from where they had been standing.
"Pops finally showed up."
///
No one knew how Serafina got Senior to come home, but the girls were excited about it. They got to spend Christmas with their father, while Dominick once again got the cold shoulder.
"Mr. Carisi, would you like me to take that?" Olivia asked as she came into the living room. Senior was sitting in his recliner with Mia sleeping on his shoulder. This was the first time that Olivia had seen the man look almost soft. Like he didn't seem so big and tough with his granddaughter snuggled in his arms.
"Sure." He replied gruffly, just like every other statement he had said. Olivia took the small plate from him before turning to throw it away in the kitchen.
"Thank you for the jacket. It should keep me warm." Senior spoke. Olivia turned around and gave him a small smile, and nodded.
"You're welcome. Dominick thought you'd like it." Olivia replied, before walking into the kitchen.
"Were you talking about me?" Dominick mused from where he was stuck doing dishes. The rules were set long ago in the Carisi household, so whatever children didn't help with cooking, they forced to do all the dirty dishes.
"Not really, just said your name." Olivia replied. She tossed the paper plate away before moving to help her boyfriend.
"Why?"
"Your father thanked me for the jacket I got him, and I told him you helped me pick it out. Simple as that."
"My father actually talked to you?" Dominick whispered, so no one would overhear them.
"He did, and it wasn't a super long and deep conversation, but at least he spoke to me. Maybe he'll actually come around." Olivia smiled.
"Sure, maybe when pigs fly."
YOU ARE READING
Out of the Blue [A Benson and Carisi Fanfic]
Fiksi PenggemarCollege was a lonely time for both Olivia and Dominick, until they met each other.