Soby: An Oath of Peace and War

45: The Gift Of Happiness (1)

It's Christmas time! The group of friends Bret called "siblings-in-arms" for his reasons. As he was a soldier of fortune, they could say. Bret, of course, put on a pair of gray cargo pants and a Formula 1 t-shirt with his driver's last name on it. 

"Did you get all the gifts for everyone?" Grant asked Bret, "Even the one for Skye?"

"Dad, it's a simple gift. I'm allowed to stay the night. At Skye's place?" Bret asked as he held the gifts.

Grant nodded, "Just don't do anything to where I'm a grandparent now, okay?"

Bret's felt a rush of embarrassment flow through him, "Dad! Nothing like that will happen!"

"I know. Just giving you a hard time." Grant laughed, "Besides, I know your smarter than to do something like that."

Bret sighed, "Not that the dog's passing was already painful enough."

"You'll get over it one day. I can promise you that much." Grant sighed, "It's difficult for me to handle. As well as anything in general."

Bret refused to smile afterward. As they were just about a few minutes away, Grant turned down Skye's street, "Which street does she live on again? I don't remember."

"Fairview Street, six houses east." Bret pointed at the street signs, "It's kinda easy once you remember."

They went six houses east, "We then go five houses north, two houses south, then you drop me off, then I'm set."

Grant did as the instructions were given, and they found Skye's house, "I always remember where she lives. I guess I'm correct."

They arrived at the house, "Thanks, Dad. I think I got all the gifts. I think Ella's gift is in here somewhere."

Now Bret was walking up towards the house carrying the gifts for everyone except Bolt, who had agreed to be excluded from the Christmas present exchange, as he would have to work on Christmas day and the day after. To Bret's surprise, he knew he was dedicated to his job or his training at most. Bret held the gifts as he stepped towards the door. Marshall greeted Bret outside with two hands open wanting to help with some of the presents. They exchanged words while Marshall took some gifts to help Bret carry them in. 

"We'll get to watch some sports, right?" Bret inquired as he entered through the doorframe.

"Definitely. We might be able to play Madden if we get lucky." Marshall responded rather quickly. Bret was always caught off-guard from the black-haired boy's quick responses while speaking. Bret wouldn't know if he was taking a while or being fast.

Bret entered the house, greeted with cheers and even some yelling. The yelling came from Ella. Bret walked over to the tree setting down all the gifts. Skye walked over, "You got gifts for all of us? I didn't think you'd do that."

Bret smiled and chuckled, "Baby, I don't want anyone to think I hate them. Or exclude them. Besides, everyone is mutual until they cause problems. Keep Ella on a tight leash, okay?"

Skye walked away, silent from the tree. She shook her head, frustrated with Bret and Ella's relationship as it collided with his relationship with the pink-eyed girl. Bret always laughed at Ella. Hopefully, the fighting and argument would end between Bret and Ella. That was far from the truth.

"Ella's gift will hopefully fix things. I got her something to make amends." Bret sighed heavily. Holding back his authority against Ella has a challenge. But Tuck was another person to get involved. If Bret had to get his hands dirty against the twins, he knew he had a higher chance of winning. Even the fighting between the twins was cringe-worthy enough for Bret to witness. The arm brace was gone, and the healing process was complete. Skye wasn't free from Ella's clutches yet.