Blood in the Water

Merry Christmas

I'm out of the hospital now. The visit was long, and I missed a lot of school. I finally got caught up on schoolwork right before winter break. Connor moved all of his stuff into my house. It's now Christmas Eve, and I'm finally recovered. I got my bandage removed which I hate. I can see the stitches and immense scars. Connor has been trying to make it seem better than it is, but we need to face it. The scars are hideous and my stub is monstrous. We are at the Monroe's for our annual Christmas Eve sleepover. We always open presents together in the morning. The Moms hang out late while getting gifts wrapped and under the tree. They end up going home but come back early in the morning to watch us open them. We sleep in the basement so they have time to put stuff out and wrap them.

Lydia and I made the boys watch a Hallmark Christmas romantic comedy, and it was so much fun. We enjoyed warm coffee while all cozied up on the couch, wearing our Christmas pants. I was snuggled up against Connor, and Lydia was with Jackson. Their couch was shaped like an "L," with one side for Lydia and Jackson and the other for Connor and me. We had to get close to each other. In the center of the "L," we set up two air mattresses for Lucas and Drew. This setup has been our tradition for sleepovers for years.

"I'm tired, I'm going to go to bed," said Lydia. "Same," I said.
"Ok, I'll turn everything off," said Lucas.

He shut off the lights and TV. I put my face against Connor's chest and he hugged me against him. We fell asleep like that fairly quickly. It had been hard to find joyous moments lately but this was one of them.

"Lyssa, babe," Connor whispered.
"Huh?"
"Everyone's getting up, honey," he said.
"Ok, I will too," I groaned.
"Wait," Lydia yelled.
"Lyssa, we have to do our hair and makeup for pictures."
The boys groaned.
"You guys are beautiful the way you are, you don't need makeup," said Connor.
"Shut the fuck up Connor, you don't understand. Get over here Alyssa," she said.
"Are you kidding me," said Drew.
Lucas groaned again.

Jackson had fallen back asleep. Lydia curled my hair while I did her makeup. We swapped and she straightened her hair while I did my makeup. I put on jewelry and straightened up my tank top.

"You ready?" I asked.
"Yes," she said.
"Boys we are ready," I said.
"Finally," said Lucas.
"Jackson gets the fuck up, bud," said Connor. "What?"
He jumped up.
"It's Christmas morning get your ass upstairs," Connor said.
"Ok, god," he said.

We proceeded upstairs. I had Connor carry me.

"Hi guys," Natalie yelled.
"Mom, take it down a notch," said Drew.
"Girls you look gorgeous, per usual," she said. "Oh thanks, Natalie," I said.
"Here are each of your piles," Cate said.

I wheeled over to my spot and sat down on the floor. We each had a total of 11 gifts to open. I started unwrapping mine and was excited to find a $50 gift card to Sephora. Emily gave me a new Kendra Scott necklace, while Natalie gifted me a new pair of Lululemon leggings and a sweatshirt from Urban Outfitters. Cate surprised me with a new candle and three books. My mom gave me stunning real diamond earrings.

        Next, I opened the gifts from the kids. Jackson got me a $45 Starbucks gift card. Lucas surprised me with a new Hydro Flask, and Drew gave me Ugg slippers—I plan to only use one, of course. The big surprise came from Lydia, who gifted me an Apple Watch. I couldn't believe it; I had been wanting one for a while.

Connor's gift was missing. I waited for everyone to finish and felt excited about their gifts. Once they finished, everyone turned to look at me.

"What?" I asked, confused.

Connor unexpectedly stood up. He went to Lindsay's bedroom. I had no idea what was going on.

"What's happening?" I asked.
"You'll see," said my mom.