Come Away.

Merry Christmas!

Weeks went by as it's now Christmas! Family surround at grannies house. Granny overjoyed that her favorite son had come home, the little ones started to open their presents. Marlow smiled as she watched them having a wonderful time. Steve's parents came over along with Steve.

"Merry Christmas Steve." Marlowe hugged Steve. Who was wearing an ugly sweater.

"Merry Christmas Mar." She was wearing a nice Christmas sweater.

Looking around for Steve's dad. Marlowe sighed. "He didn't want to come did he?"

Steve nods. "Yeah. Dad wanted to watch the game at his own space and time."

Marlowe smack her lips. "Well I guess that make sense. I thought he would want to be with his cousins and his devilish niece." Letting out a small giggle.

Steve rolled his eyes. "Even his devilish niece couldn't get him to come out. Alone with his own family." Seeing food. "Would granny care?"

"About the snack? Nope. But the real good food? She'll kill ya."

Steve leaves to get some food. Marlowe sat by the Christmas tree. There was a gift for Billy.  Seeing where granny was, she wasn't to be found. With a smile, Marlow got up as she went to the coat rack. No Marlowe wasn't going to give California his gift. But she went out to find him a small gift.

Is it to late to look for a gift? Yes it was. But some places are open. And there was no way she was going to ask for a ride. Bundling up to go outside, she headed outside. No one would really miss her anyways.

It felt like it was below zero, but ask Marlowe if she cared. When something gets on her mind and no one stops her. She'll do it. Walking in the deep white slushy snow. There is a gas station about two miles down, with no idea or plan in what to get him. Good question on why does Marlowe want to get a guy that she doesn't care for something? She wouldn't know also. Just only felt a calling to do so.

Of course the man, Herschel wasn't happy that he had to be open. Who needs to be open on Christmas day? With no family or friends, he just decided to stay open.

"Merry Christmas Herschel." She opens the door.

Being a grumpy man, like he's always been since she could remember. "Yeah Merry Christmas."

Marlowe sotra had an idea on what to get him for Christmas. A pack of cigarettes, a brand new lighter that had a woman that's barely naked. So Marlowe got three and some candy for Herschel and herself.

"That's a lot of packs you got there kid." Herschel scanned the items.

"Two are for a class-"

Herschel stopped her. "Don't care."

A voice came from behind. "Then why make a commit?"

Marlowe recognize that voice. Turning around, it was Billy. Of course it was. It could be anyone but him. Closing her eyes as she sighed. And spoke before Herschel got on Billy's case. "Thank you Herschel." When it was all in the bag, she took out the candy.  "Merry Christmas Herschel."

Walking out of the gas station, Billy soon came out as he shout at her. "You didn't walk here did you?"

Turning back as Marlowe stopped to answer him. "I did. Don't worry about me California. It's two miles from home." Turning back around Billy got after her.

"And it's below zero. Get your fat ass in my car. Don't make me ask twice." Getting into his car.

Marlowe sighed, she knows that he'll make fun of her of buying some cigarettes. But it's too cold. She could take it. Getting into the car she sees Max in the rearview mirror. "Merry Christmas Max."

"Merry Christmas Marlowe."

"Thanks California for the ride."

Billy pulls out of the gas station. "I don't know what would be worse, having your family know that I knew you walked two miles and caught your death. I'd be dead not only from them but I don't think pretty boy would like that also." Meaning Steve.

"They wouldn't. Believe me. They know I do crazy shit like this all the time." Looking at Max. "Are you having a good Christmas?"

It took awhile for her to answer. Marlowe could tell that they weren't. "Yeah. Aren't we Billy?"

Billy didn't bother to answer. Marlowe now looked at Billy. Face all red, looking like he could punch something. Holding whatever happened at home inside really tight.  "Well why don't you guys come over? We have plenty of food. Sure it's a medium size place. But we'd love to have you both."

Max wanted too. To be anywhere but at home. Billy rubbed his lips with the tip of his fingers, he didn't want to answer. Taking their silence as a no, was fine. "But you don't have too." Gripping the bag that has all her stuff.

Changing the subject. "The man was right. You did buy a lot of cigarettes."

"I forgot a stocking stuffer for Steve." Even though he hasn't smoked over three months. Maybe he'll by it.

"Ha. So Steve smokes huh? I never knew." Changing the gears so he could go faster.

"Uh yeah. Where do you think I picked it up from so easily." Glancing at Max. "Don't even  try to smoke Max. It's the worst drug you'll get addicted too."

"I won't." Max head was still down.

So something bad happened. "Hey, Max have you talked to El about you girls coming over next week?"

Max looked at the window again. "Yeah. Mom said she'll have to see."

"Okay, no worries. Even if it's the last minute." Marlowe really didn't have anything else to talk about. Only wishing that the car ride was over so she could get inside quickly.

Two minutes passed in the car and they got there really fast. Slid on the ice a couple of times. Marlowe thought that was a thriller. Pulling into the driveway that has a lot of cars and simi bright lights on.

"Wow your house looks amazing." Max leans over to look at more of the decorations.

"Thank you. Are you sure you both don't want to come in, just to grab a bite to eat?" Marlowe asked for the last time and only the last time.

"I have to get us home. We only ran out to get some beer and some batteries." Billy watched Marlowe get out of the car and helped Max out too. So Max can get in the front seat.

"Alright if you change your mind, please come on over. Night, and thanks, Merry Christmas to you both!" Shutting the car door after Max got into the car.

Max waved goodbye as Billy drove away. As no one really noticed that she was gone. Quickly headed up stairs to put the gifts away. Steve knocks on Marlowe's door. "Mars! Granny is ready to serve dinner."

"Coming!"