1
Jennie
The radio is blaring out a different Christmas song. One that I haven't heard for years.
I grin at the sound of 'Christmas Vacation', flashes of memories playing through my head at the song. It was always Dad's favourite film, and despite Ella and I fighting him over it, the National Lampoon's movie always ended up being the first festive film of the year.
I let the lyrics slip out my mouth as I indicate to turn right towards Namwon. I'm grateful that no snow has fallen this year, these roads always becoming treacherous whenever it does. I always end up on the phone with Dad asking for his help when I slip around on the ice, never having benefited from being a decent driver.
Not that I can do that anymore.
Biting my lip, I wipe my mind clear from thoughts of Dad, instead just listening to the music. I don't dare allow myself to feel the sheer pain in my chest like normal. Not now.
The car moves down the familiar roads, the town pub coming into sight sooner than I realise. I turn off the main road and follow the tiny country lane towards my family home, squinting through the windscreen as I get further up the driveway.
Within half a minute the trees clear completely, the familiar farmhouse sticking out like a sore thumb. My jaw drops open at the ridiculous amount of Christmas lights that fall from the roof, the stars that illuminate every window.
A huge Christmas tree fills up the entire entranceway, lights curled around it unequally the entire way up.
Slowly, I pull up to the side of the tree before turning off the car and opening my door, eyes not leaving the house as I step out.
2
Jennie
"Jennie!" Ella squeals, sliding past a huge wreath on the front door before jumping down the steps towards me.
"Did Christmas throw up on this house?" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around my sister.
"We did it for Dad." she replies, looking up at me with her blue eyes and smiling.
"I think he'll definitely be able to see it from up there." I retort and she grins.
"Good."
"Is that Jennie?" Mum suddenly appears at the door, slowly making her way down the stairs.
"Hey, Mum." I say, letting her pull me in for a big hug. "How are you?"
"I'm fine." She brushes off my concern. "Jin has been waiting for you all day."
"As if." I scoff."
"Something about the better sister to drink with." Mum replies with a smirk.
"Oh!" I look down at my sister who rolls her eyes. "I can't argue with that."
"Jin!" Ella screams, letting go of me and running into the house.
"Ow!" I mutter, grimacing as I rub my ears. "I see she's still just as loud." "Nothing has changed." Mum replies, looping her arm through mine.
"How was the drive?"
"There was no snow." I report and she smiles.
"That's good."
"How are you really, Mum?" I ask and she shrugs.
"I'll be okay, Jennie."
"But..."
"It's our first Christmas without him." She cuts me off. "It's always going
to be hard. Having all three of you kids back at home helps."
"I wouldn't be anywhere else." I say truthfully, leaning my head on her shoulder as we climb the steps to enter our large home, with my siblings argument already audible.
3
Jennie
"We'll see which sister really does better tonight." Ella says as soon as we step into the crowded pub. I shove my hands into my furry coat, keeping my head down. I know that it'll only be a few minutes before someone I know freaking spots me. The main damn problem with small towns.
"Are you sure it was a good idea coming out the first night that I'm home?" I ask and Jin raises an eyebrow.
"Do you remember Mum shuffling us towards the door so that she can wrap a load of presents whilst we're not in?" He reminds me and I pout.
"Maybe she actually just..."
"Let it go, Jennie." Ella says with a grin. "It's the holidays. That means it's time for drinking."
"I'm not going to say no to that." I admit and she cheers as Jin laughs. Ella turns to the bar and I continue to keep my head low, desperate to hide away from anyone and everyone. "I'll go find a table." I tell my siblings, knowing that if they have the choice, we'll be right in the middle of the room like zoo animals.
Turning away, I strategically move through the busy tables, my shoulders up high to hide my face. Eventually, I spot a dark wooden table in the corner, launching straight for it and curling up in the seat at the corner.
"Wow!" Ella exclaims as they walk over a couple of minutes later, with two glasses of Prosecco in her hand, and Jin following with a pint of beer. "You really did choose one out of the way."
"It's quieter." I try to justify. "At least we can hear each other here."
"I guess." Ella replies, handing me the glass as they both sit down. "So, come on... how's the city?"
I take a deep breath and uncross my legs, heeled boots tapping against the slate floor. "It's good." I lie.
"That's all you're going to give us?" Jin asks and I shrug.
"I'm the oldest. I'm going to quiz the two of you first."
"That's no fair!" Ella exclaims. "Mum says you can't use that card!"
