The ride to Johnny's house was silent after his little 'talk' with me, he wasn't himself, but he didn't show any outward discomfort like when he pulled over.
If there was one thing I was sure of, though, whoever my boyfriend's stepdad was, I needed to be wary of him. Johnny didn't seem afraid of him but miserable.
I said nothing as Johnny stopped in front of the beautiful house. I'm always in awe every time I see it. The blond sighed, getting out of the car and rounding it to open my door, his blue eyes were wary, but he smiled at me.
Getting out of the car, I kissed Johnny, showing I was there for him. He was obviously upset that I would be meeting or, at the very least, be in the presence of someone he wasn't on good terms with.
I pick up the bag of gifts and comfort him discreetly before the front door opens, and a happy Laura stands by it, waving us in. "Merry Christmas, Katherine," she said, kissing my cheek as she hugged me.
"Merry Christmas," I say in awe seeing all the Christmas decorations inside the house; it was like a movie set. I've only seen something this grand in a Christmas movie. "Wow, it looks great in here."
Laura beams at my words and closes the door behind us, showing me around, pointing out different decorations, and telling me what part of the world they had come from.
It never felt like flaunting with her, though. It was like she truly admired all her things and was excited to show someone who might appreciate them too.
I was led to the couch, where Laura handed me a pile of presents as Johnny sat beside me. "Oh wow, thank you," I smile awkwardly as Laura claps her hands happily, going to get something for us to drink.
"What the hell?" I asked Johnny in panic, who now wore a slightly amused smirk on his tired face; he knew how I get with people giving me gifts. It's not something I'll ever get used to.
He kissed my cheek before whispering in my ear, "Let her spoil you" I smiled, remembering that he had pretty much said the same thing on my birthday.
"Fine, but only because I don't want to upset her," I agree, rolling my eyes softly and playfully as Laura returns, placing the tray on the table as she excitedly sits and watches me open the gifts.
Each one was better than the last. She seemed to really understand me: sewing kit, fabric scissors, fashion templates book, colored pencils, and sketchbooks.
All the items were luxurious; I felt poor just looking at them.
"Oh wow, my gifts look terrible in comparison," I say with a little bitter laugh, not wanting even to give them the gifts I had made now.
Laura sighs before looking at her son. "Johhny, go get dressed; Sid will be back soon" I frown at the warning in her tone until Johnny nods, pressing a kiss to my cheek, getting up, and walking away.
"You know, I was broke before I met Johnny's stepfather?" She smiles and nods at my questioning gaze. "His father died when he was young, leaving me to care for our child alone."
"Birthdays, Christmas. I barely scraped by to get him a gift; sometimes, I resorted to making him clothes or things I thought he would like. Every year he'd smile and thank me," Laura reminisces with an endeared smile.
Laura's voice carried a mixture of nostalgia and affection as she shared her story. She continued, "But then, I met Sid. He's a successful businessman, and he's been very generous to us. He's given us this beautiful house, provided for our needs, and ensured Johnny has everything he could ever want."
She paused for a moment, her gaze distant yet filled with emotions. "At first, it was overwhelming. I wasn't used to this level of luxury, and I still can't fully grasp it sometimes. But Sid wanted to give me the best. He wanted to make up for the years we struggled."
Laura's smile turned a bit sad. "However, with all this wealth came expectations and a certain lifestyle. Sid can be demanding and controlling. He has his own way of doing things, and Johnny doesn't always agree. They've had their fair share of conflicts over the years."
"I think Johnny's reluctance to accept expensive gifts or show discomfort around Sid is a result of that history. He doesn't want to be defined by material possessions or become too dependent on them. He values the love and effort behind a gift more than its price tag," Laura explained.
"I know it might seem like a stark contrast, especially when you compare the gifts you brought. But please understand that it's not about the value. It's about the thoughtfulness and care you put into them. Johnny appreciates that, and I'm sure he'll love whatever you've made for him," she reassured, her eyes reflecting genuine warmth.
Listening to Laura's heartfelt words, I see the bigger picture. I realize it's not about extravagance or opulence but about the love and meaning behind the gifts. It's about the effort and consideration you've put into them, just as Laura did when she made gifts for Johnny.
Feeling relieved, I thank Laura for assuring me that my gifts hold their own value. I become more determined to give the presents I made with all my heart and creativity, knowing they will be cherished uniquely.
"Sid may be the reason I can put up all these beautiful decorations, but he's not the reason my career became so successful. That was my own hard work and creativity. If I'm being honest, Katherine, I see a bit of me inside you" Laura smiles when I raise my eyebrows in shock.
Laura's words fill me with a mix of surprise and curiosity. "Me? Like you?" I ask, trying to understand what she means.
Laura chuckles softly and nods. "You have this spark of creativity and passion within you. I can see it in the way you speak about your art and the gifts you've made for Johnny. You put your heart into your creations, just as I did when I made gifts for him when we had so little."
"It's true," Johnny's voice chimes in as he returns, now dressed in more formal clothes. "My mom is an incredible artist, and she's worked hard to get where she is today. And she's right; you have the same passion."
I clear my throat, realizing Johnny must have been listening to us from the stairs. I blush a little at their praise and genuine compliments. "Thank you. That means a lot coming from both of you."
Laura reaches over and takes my hand warmly. "You're welcome, dear. And never forget that the value of a gift lies in the love and effort put into it, not its price tag. It's what makes it truly special and meaningful."
Johnny smiles at me, his eyes reflecting appreciation and affection. "You don't have to feel insecure about your gifts. I'm sure I'll love them just as much as anything else. Probably even more than my other presents."
Feeling reassured and grateful for their understanding, I smile back at them. "Thank you, both of you. I appreciate it." maybe The Hills weren't as stuck up as I thought, well, at least some of them.
The door opening made my boyfriend's genuine smile drop from his face as Laura rushed over to the foyer, and I could hear her greeting whoever had entered the home.
Laura walked back towards us with a short, weighty, bushy-eyed male. "Sid, honey, this is Katherine. She's Johnny's girlfriend, the one I've been telling you about".
Somehow I kept my face neutral as we both seemed to assess the other with scrutiny. I gazed at the man I knew so little about but who seemed to have impacted Johnny so negatively.
I disliked him already.
YOU ARE READING
End Of The Line
Teen FictionDaniel and Katherine LaRusso are moving to Reseda with their Mom but the twins somehow finding themselves in trouble not only with others but each other. With Daniel finding love and Kat finding herself some allies in an unlikely place will the twin...