Jennie's eyes nearly bulged out of her head as she surveyed the number of presents waiting under the tree on Christmas morning. "La-lisa!" she chastised, smacking her playfully on the arm. She was in charge of their finances, but it was clear she'd been squirreling away money somewhere.
Canny's scream pierced the air and she dived into her booty. Jennie shook her head. "You're going to spoil that child absolutely rotten, you know," she said wryly.
Lisa smiled unrepentantly, urging Jennie over to the sofa so they could curl up as Chiquita opened present after present. "One down," she said, pressing her hand over her abdomen, "one to go."
Jennie shook her head but kissed her breathless. Chiquita wasted no time in ripping wrapping paper and ribbons. There were books, dvds, cds, two framed paintings that Lisa had done specifically for her (one of Canny and Jennie and one abstract whale that Canny adored), more clothes than even the most dedicated little girl could ever wear and a wealth of other items; a camera and film, a chemistry set, tickets to a musical, two plays and Jennie couldn't help but laugh, two front row seats at a Justin Bieber concert. "I'm not taking her," Jennie informed her.
Lisa's look was absolute terror. "Surely you don't think I'm doing it," she said.
"You're the one that bought the tickets, Daddy."
Lisa muttered under her breath and Jennie leaned over to kiss her on the cheek just as Chiquita launched herself at the two of them.
Jennie couldn't help but cry as she saw the portrait that Lisa had done of her while they were both in high school. "You kept it all this time?" she asked.
Lisa nodded, handing her another gift. It was a beautiful silver cross. Even the zygote made out like a bandit. Chiquita had purchased several onesies in a rainbow of colors for her new brother or sister. Lisa bought several baby books and framed the picture of the sonogram, which honestly looked like nothing more than a black dot. There was also a miniature hockey stick that Lisa argued was completely uni-sex. Jennie hadn't been convinced.
They spent the day being lazy. Lisa cooked a decidedly untraditional meal of hamburgers and hotdogs on the George Forman grill Jennie had bought her. She took an inordinate amount of pleasure in charring animal flesh for her family. Jennie couldn't help but roll her eyes at her manly man with the spatula and pot holders. She was such a dork and she absolutely adored her for that.
All curled up on the sofa together, they watched "How the Grinch Stole Christmas" followed by "Die Hard". Jennie had raised her eyebrows at that one, but Lisa argued it fell well within the 'Christmas movie' parameters. Jennie looked at the sweatshirt she was wearing – the one Canny made for her in her weaving workshop. It was truly hideous, and Jennie decided she probably needed some compensation, so she sat through Bruce Willis blowing up buildings. She drew the line at "Lethal Weapon".
Long after Canny had finally passed out, Lisa made sweet, tender love to Jennie beneath the twinkling Christmas tree lights. Sated and sleepy, Jennie pressed a soft kiss to her temple, marvelling at the bone-deep sensation of being home. For so long, she had longed for a family, and it had finally found her. After year upon year of meager Christmases with just her and Canny, shuffled from one shelter to the next, trying to scrape together enough money to buy her a new coat or shoes, this was a dream come true. And it was all because of Lisa.
***
Anne's gallery was still decorated from Christmas, with festive lights and garland everywhere. It was late and people milled around sipping cocktails and munching on hors d'oeuvres. Chiquita stood up on a chair and called for everyone's attention.
People smiled, but dutifully followed the tiny dictator's directions, gathering around Jennie, Lisa and the officiant. The vows were warm and loving. Jennie was wearing her killer dress with stiletto heels and her hair pulled back in a complex arrangement of golden curls. Lisa was dressed all in black from her Egyptian cotton shirt to her leather pants. Everyone clapped as they traded diamond rings and kissed far longer than was socially acceptable.
Hours later, when Canny had finally collapsed on top of the pile of coats in the corner of the gallery and the lights had been dimmed, Jennie and Lisa were dancing slowly. Lisa held her tightly, careful not to step on her bare toes, her heels having been abandoned hours earlier.
"Happy new year, Lisa," Jennie whispered, snuggling deeper into her embrace.
Lisa nuzzled against her temple, squeezing her lightly. "As long as I have you," she said, "I have everything."
End
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That Night | JenLisa FF
Fanfiction[Short Fic] Jennie, a young woman who has been through so much, had weathered many storms in her life. Yet, there was one memory that lingered, a memory of a night spent with her true love, a love that was not meant to be. Then, one day, fate brough...
