Save My Sparkle (Completed)

4. Parents House

Thanksgiving has arrived and I am currently at my parents house cooking with Dad, Mama, and Eve. Nothing but laughter fills the air along with all the smells in the air from this and that being made or sitting to the side.

It has been a few weeks since the doctors appointment and still I haven't told any of my family. I just don't have the heart to tell them when it is right here at the holidays, Eve's birthday, and the new addition on the way.

Also there seems to be some denial or so I been told by Ms. Ambrose. She has called three times a week just to see how I am adjusting to the news and just yesterday she told me I was in denial over it. Which okay, sure I could maybe see that since it is still something I can't get my head to wrap around at all because I still feel just fine.

The door bell rings meaning Aunt Jewels and Uncle Tony are here.

"Is grandma and grandpa coming?" I look to Dad.

"Not this year and they will not be in for Christmas. I can't remember where Holly said they were at currently."

"They are some where with sand is all I know and how they can continue to do nothing but travel at their age is beyond me." Mama comes in laughing with Aunt Jewels agreeing with her.

"At least it is warm." Duke laughs from the table.

"I second that." I agree with him then walk over to sit in the chair.

It's tempting with several food dishes on the table just sitting here. Besides, I know if I time things just right I can snatch a couple bites where Dad nor Mama will ever suspect. The art made from years of practice swiping food from platters on the table or counter. Little secret move things back every so slightly to where it is not noticeable on the missing food item there.

All things Duke has caught onto and between us, we smirk then go to swiping. Only down fall to good food it takes so long to cook and the smells keep piling up. One can only take so much of the torture before having to have a bite, or seven, to make the stomach hold over until dinner time.

My eyes watch Dad and Mama at the stove while Eve joins Duke and I at the table. With slow fingers I snitch a bite of stuffing and it is on fire. Eve drops her mouth open and I shrug my shoulders, before she takes a mini muffin made of cornbread. Duke goes for a couple pieces of the long green beans.

"How is the book going Nicolas?" Dad asks from the stove where they are checking the turkey.

"Doing good. Keeping ahead of the deadline that George is expecting to do edit on it. He is happy with how it is going from explaining things on the phone when we have talked when he isn't working. I just need to come up with some pictures, the ideas are there but need to find a way to get them out. Plus, it will wait until after the holidays to not be in the way with all the photo sessions happening."

"You could always do it after hours Bub." Eve shrugged.

I didn't even think of that honestly. I have been letting the words work and just do some research to make sure the journey is true but while interesting for kids. One reason I love writing childrens books is they can have an adventure while home and safe but with facts of different places.

"I could and then I can help with the edits and card making process." I nod.

"Good thinking Eve and we can help set things up for Nicolas's pictures." Uncle Tony nods and then lays the turkey on the table. "I am sure George is keeping busy with other projects to edit in the meantime."

"You know it. Our mananger laughs between the two of us but likes how things are going and never pushes deadlines hard just uses them as suggestions to where we get the best reaction."

Mama brings over the knife and Dad carves into the bird. Long day of cooking and now to finally feast. My stomach rumbles as we all fill our plates. The silverware taps on dishes and we get to talking about random things as Mama plays some music in the background.

Dad laughs and not a single one of us says a word as the Christmas music starts up right when we are cleaning the table.

"So Nicolas?" Mama comes over to the sink where I am washing several platters. While Aunt Jewels is drying them and Dad is putting them away.

"Yes Mama?" I look over.

"Are you busy tomorrow?"

"Not for you." I smile and Aunt Jewels laughs.

"You never are Nicolas." Aunt Jewels responds.

"I am off tomorrow. How about you spend the night here? Your bed is all ready." Mama smiles wide.

"All for it since we can actually decorate for Christmas." I chuckle when Mama does her happy dance.

"Wait. Jewels can you be here?" Mama looks to Aunt Jewels.

"You both have to have fun without me." Aunt Jewels smiles. "I am taking over a shift for Pearl tomorrow."

Mama gets a soft smile. "Is she still having issues?"

Aunt Jewels. "Yes but her family is in and helping her out thankfully."

"Oh good." Mama nods.

I go back to washing since that isn't a conversation for me any further. Once I have the washing done I notice Mama and Aunt Jewels still talking while they finish putting things away after drying them up.

I walk over and sit on the couch next to Eve.

"What are we going to watch?" I look over to her as Dad walks in.

"A classic we always do on Thanskgiving after eating." Dad chuckles and puts in the disc for a Christmas movie to start off the festivities come tomorrow morning.

"Are you staying tonight Eve?"

"Of course! Duke has the night shift anyways again." Eve sighs, as she moves closer into Duke as he wraps an arm around her.

Uncle Tony and Aunt Jewels bid us all a good night and leave. Duke goes into the room that is still Eve's here at our parents and gets into his uniform before bidding us a good night to go to work.

Mama brings in some hot chocolate and with a tray with left over desserts. We eat and drink on the chocolate goodness as the movie plays and we end up watching a second one too.

After the second movie ends I bid everyone good night and go to my room that has not changed so much over the years. The old bookshelves are still there holding many things I made growing up and the one thing that has changed is a larger bed now. There are still clothes of mine in the dresser because it is easier just keeping some here, even if I don't live far away and neither does Eve our parents still love us staying the night with them.

My eyes close as my head hits the pillow and I can't wait to get to decorating tomorrow. Christmas is truly a magically time of the year and I love every minute of it. This year I am going to enjoy then I will focus on the diagnosis but I will just figure it out in time once everything else more important is over.