Is this real life? BOOK 1

Chapter 19

It was nearly a year since Brendon and Louise had gotten together. It was also nearly Christmas.
Louise was back at work. Brendon suggested that she didn't need to work, but Louise needed it. She wasn't one to sit around the house all day.
On her lunch hour she went to the mall. She needed to find something for their anniversary. She had shopped for Christmas during lockdown, so that was taken care of.
Louise went into Bloomingdales. She went to the perfume counter. She knew that Brendon wanted some new cologne. She bought 50mls of his favourite one. After that she went to the music shop. She wanted to get him a new acoustic guitar. Louise browsed the different ones. Then she spotted it. The one he had been after for ages. Louise asked the sales assistant to gift wrap it for her. She paid and left. It was nearly the end of her lunch hour, and she still hadn't eaten. She called into Subway on her way back to the store.

As Louise drove home, she decided to play some Christmas music. LA was looking festive. Pretty colourful lights and decorations were dotted throughout the city. Louise sang her heart out to all the different Christmas songs playing on her playlist. It was on shuffle, so it was a bit odd to have Vigilante Shit mixed in with White Christmas, but eh it kept things fresh.
Brendon had decorated the house. He hadn't bought a tree yet, though. He noticed Louise pull into the drive. He smiled and waved to her through the window. Louise realised that she would need to leave what she had bought in the car for now.
"Babe, the house looks amazing," Louise said, smiling and kissing Brendon.
"I thought we could go and get a tree together, seeing as this is our first proper Christmas as a couple."
"Sure," Louise said. "I have a day off tomorrow, so we could go then."
"Sounds good." Brendon nodded.

Before they knew it, it was Christmas Eve. Brendon and Louise were doing their Christmas today, as they were going to Brendons parents, in Las Vegas, tomorrow. Louise's mother was flying in tonight,  as she was joining them, too.
Brendon was more excited than 10 kids put together, on Christmas morning.
They went to the tree and Brendon said, "You first, you first"
"Ok" Louise laughed.
She opened her gifts and she loved everything. Even some new Taylor Swift vinyl. (Taylors version, of course)
"Thank you baby" Louise said and kissed Brendon.
Louise then said it was Brendons turn. He opened all his presents. Louise had gotten him some nice Bourbon, strings and plucks, to go with his new guitar. And lots of other things too.

During dinner at Grace and Boyd Uries house it was hectic. One of Brendons sisters was also visiting for the holidays. She had her kids and husband, Dan, there as well. Louise loved it. She adored kids. She was off playing with them. A game of twister. The rest of the adults were still at the dining table.
"She's wonderful Brendon" Kara, his sister, said.
"How's she doing?" Grace asked.
"She's good," Brendon nodded, taking a sip of wine. " fully healed, physically. And she's finished therapy. Although Karl's trial is next month. If he continues to plead not guilty, then Louise will have to testify. I am not sure how she will handle that." Louise walked back into the dining room, out of breath.
"I swear those kids of yours, sure play a mean game of Twister" Louise laughed.
Kara laughed," Yes they do"
"I need wine" and Louise picked her glass up. Grace got up and started to clear the table. Immediately Louise stood up to help.
"No, please sit" Grace insisted. "Are you sure?" Louise asked.
"Of course. This is why I have children" Grace laughed. Brendon and Kara got up and started helping Grace. Boyd got up to help too. "Hon, its OK. Take our guests into the living room.
Karas husband laughed and said "It's been a while since I was called a guest."
Louise picked her glass up and went into the living room. The kids were now watching Spongebob. Boyd and Dan joined them.
"I love this cartoon." Boyd said. All the kids turned and looked at him. "What? I do." He chuckled.