the trailer park / eddie munson

Chapter 44 - First snow

December 1st. It is officially Christmas time. You love Christmas, it definitely is your favorite holiday. Everything about this time of the year, the anticipation, the beautiful and shiny decorations everywhere, the food, and - most importantly - the fact that everyone seems to simply be happier now that the holidays are around the corner, it's just a different kind of vibe within those last weeks of the year. You felt it with the customers at the bar who suddenly became more willing to give a better tip, your neighbors, who started greeting you whenever you see them outside, and how people around you treat each other more nicely. All of that brings much needed joy to you.
The last week has been tough. It was the first anniversary of the day your mother passed away, and you had to go through all those heartbreaking moments again. All the memory came back, and you relived every second in your sleep. In the nightmares that came for you at night. The day when she got diagnosed with ovarian cancer, how it broke you to see in her eyes what she couldn't say out loud. It was too late. There was no hope. You witnessed how she changed so rapidly after her diagnosis, all the weight she lost and how the shine in her eyes slowly disappeared. You tried so hard to be strong for her, only allowed yourself to cry when she couldn't see you. Hid your pain from everyone. Until the day she died.
Eddie knew the anniversary would be hard for you, he did his best to be there for you, comforted and consoled you and dried your tears whenever you needed him to. He held you at night, mumbled calming words into your ear when your memories took over your dreams, when he woke up from your cries and sobs. He was your rock, like he always is. And thanks to him, you allowed yourself to feel your sadness, the grief. And it got better. And now, a week later, your tears finally dried.

Robin, Gabby and you went to the mall yesterday, to spend all your money on Christmas decorations. You loved every second of it. Strolling through all the shops with your two best friends, giggling and chatting while looking through all the candles, garlands and tree ornaments. Gabby's just as much into Christmas as you, and even though Robin's favorite holiday definitely is Halloween, she definitely got carried away by all the reindeers, snowmen and Santas everywhere. The three of you made a break in a coffee shop around lunch time and enjoyed big cups of hot chocolate, while talking and brainstorming your ideas for Eddie's, Steve's and Vickie's Christmas presents. And when you got home and stumbled through the front door of your trailer, packed with bags and bags of decorations and Christmas stuff, Eddie's eyes widened in panic. But he saw the big smile on your face, the anticipation and excitement in your eyes when you showed him everything you bought. And so, he decided to just go with it. All he wants is for you to be happy again, and if accepting all of that Christmas stuff in his home is what it takes, he'll do so.

This morning, Eddie mumbled something about plans in the city and an appointment and quickly took his heels to flee from the Christmas spirit that took over your body. You happily started decorating every inch of your home, while already listening to seasonal music and singing loudly to all the winter and Christmas songs you blasted out of the stereo. Garlands, little dish towels and pillow cases with reindeer, light chains and scented candles took over the place, Christmassy mugs moved into your cabinets and even a new cuddly blanket with little santas found its new place on your sofa. "Perfect", you mumble to yourself when happily looking at the results three hours later.

The sound of Eddie's van pulling up outside pulls your attention away from the book you've been reading, snuggled in on your couch while enjoying a fuming cup of hot chocolate. Eddie's heavy steps come closer, and seconds later the front door swings open, letting in an ice cold breeze as he steps in. He stops in the doorframe and slowly looks around the heavily decorated living room, his eyes stop at you, sitting on the couch with the happiest look on your face and he sighs deeply. "You like it?", you ask excitedly while standing up. He throws his keys on the side table and kicks his shoes away. "It's... a lot", he laughs softly and turns back to you, only to see your face slowly change to sad. "B-but, it's great!", he quickly adds, "It's really festive". "You don't like it", you sigh and look down on your feet. Eddie sighs and hangs his leather jacket on a hook next to the door. "Babe, I told you I'm not the biggest fan of Christmas. And I think it's a little early for such decorations, but I still think it looks quite nice and as long as you're happy, I am. Okay?", he gives you a soft smile and opens his arms to ask for a hug. "Okay", you nod and proudly look around, "Well, I love it". He pulls you against his chest and kisses you before mumbling, "Please, promise to never tell me how much money you spent on all of that". A soft chuckle runs over your lips as you nod your head, "I promise". "Good", he smirks and kisses you again, "You taste like chocolate, by the way". Your head nods to the side table next to your sofa, where you put down your cup. "Hot chocolate with marshmallows", you smirks at him, "Want one too?". "Uhm", he blinks and shrugs his shoulders, "I don't know, haven't had one since I was a kid". "You- what?", you gasp and slide out of his hug to turn around and quickly walk into your kitchen area, "Sit down, I'll make you one". Eddie laughs softly, "Okay, boss" and flops down on your couch, not without raising a brow at the Christmassy blanket that's now piled up where you sat earlier. "Dear God", he mumbles under his breath before leaning back against the back of your couch and watching you.
2 minutes later, you hand him a red mug that's shaped like a santa, filled with hot chocolate and many mini marshmallows. Eddie sceptically looks down on the beverage in his hands. "It's delicious, baby, try it". You sit down next to him and grab your cup as well, trying not to laugh at your boyfriend carefully taking a first sip of it while trying not to burn himself. He gulps quietly and throws a side glance at you. "Okay, yeah", he chuckles raspy, "It's really good".
"So, what did you do today? How was your appointment?", you ask with the cup in your hand. Eddie angles his leg on top of the other and leans back, "I... Well, I did spend some money as well. Not on Christmas stuff, obviously". You frown, "You did?". A cheeky grin grows on his beautiful face. "Edward Munson", you laugh and daringly squint your eyes at him, "What did you buy?". "Got my first paycheck from the record release", he says with a wide grin, his eyes shining proudly, "And fuck, baby, that's a fucking load of money". Since Corroded Coffins music started selling and their record label paid the band members very well, Eddie has the first time of his life where he's not constantly worrying about money. He grew up at the trailer park, and him and his uncle Wayne never had much. Wayne tried his best to give Eddie the childhood he deserved, after being taken away from his neglecting and abusive father, but his job simply wasn't well paid and Eddie grew up poor. The bills were high, and at the end of the month, there was nothing left. Eddie never was unhappy because of their financial situation back then, he was just glad to be with Wayne. The money he later made with drug dealing at his high school and some other smaller jobs in the city finally made it possible for him to buy his van, after years of saving. But that's all, there was never much money left for any big wishes or dreams he had. Until now.
"I bought a motorcycle". "You bought what?", you gasp and put down your cup when throwing an agast look at your boyfriend, who can't stop smiling. "I drove to a shop and picked one. And I bought it. Cash". When Eddie and you started dating almost a year ago, the two of you talked about your wishes and dreams. You talked about where you want to live, how your dream house would look like, which activities you'd love to do one day. And he told you one of his biggest wishes has always been to own a motorcycle. You know how much this means to him, to finally be able to fulfill his own wish. To see how his hard work pays off. "Baby, congratulations! That's awesome", you lean closer and kiss his smiling lips, before adding, "But I dare you, Edward Munson, I fucking dare you - if I ever see you driving that thing without wearing a helmet, I will kill you myself. Understand?". "Yes, ma'am", he grins and nods. "So, where is it? I wanna see it!", you turn around to try looking out of the window, but Eddie's hand grabs your thigh to keep you in place. "I can pick it up at the end of the week". "I can't wait to see you driving it", you smirk and wiggle your brows at him, "That's pretty hot". He leans forward and slides his hand up to your neck to pull your head close to his, where his lips softly kiss yours. "So, that's basically a win-win situation", he mumbles. As your kiss fades, you both open your eyes again. Something behind you catches Eddie's eyes. "Hey little Santa", he chuckles and gives you a sign to turn around, "Looks like your Christmas spirit took control over the weather too". You turn in your seat and gasp loudly. It snows. The first snow of this year.