The Harper Generations

A special gift

Valentino

I woke up Christmas morning and shuffled down the steps into the kitchen. Dad handed me a cup of coffee while he cooked breakfast. I took it and plopped down at the kitchen table. I leaned on one hand while I sipped my coffee.

"Rough night, moody?" Dad asked me.

"I couldn't sleep last night. It surprises me that Ma isn't up yet."

"Give her a minute."

We heard footsteps as Ma ran down the stairs with bright eyes and a bushy tail. She bounced in her spot with excitement. Dad put the last pancake on a plate and turned off the stove before gesturing me to follow them. I slid off my chair and padded into the living room while Ma bounced in her seat. Dad chuckled and handed her a gift. She opened it and squealed because Dad bought her a series of books.

We opened gifts before having breakfast. We got a few fun items, but most were things we needed. I didn't mind since my folks raised me to appreciate what I have.

I wonder how Misty was fairing.

******
Misty

Before breakfast, I opened gifts with my dad and Alana and got ready to visit Alana's family. Her parents were sweet people, as were her brother and his family. I expected her family to be assholes. They weren't. That was a plus.

We had Christmas dinner with her family while my dad and Alana discussed wedding plans with her mom.

"Have you set a date?" Alana's mom asked.

"West and I wanted to wait until Misty graduates from high school and travel to Wear Virginia to get married," Alana said.

"Oh, I didn't realize you wanted a destination wedding."

"West's family lives there. What do you think?"

"I wouldn't mind seeing West Virginia."

"I spoke to my folks. My family offered to put people up if they came in with us. Val and his family are going with us," my dad said, surprising me.

"They are?" I asked.

My dad looked at me and nodded. "Val told Elias about a family trip to celebrate the boys' graduation. Elias and Tori thought it was a great idea. The girls and their folks already agreed. Why not introduce everyone to the mountains?"

"That's the best news ever. I can't wait to show Tino the mountains. But what about his hearing aids?"

"Val's checking with Tino's doctor about the altitude. We still have a few months to hammer out the details."

I threw my arms around my dad and hugged him. This was the best news ever.

*******
Valentino

I spent most of Christmas with my family. Romeo, Rafe, and Marty couldn't stay all day since they had to visit my aunts' families. Grandma Halinka joined us so she could spend time with my ma.

After dinner, most of the family left, with a few of us remaining. I watched for Misty to return through the picture window.

"Tino, watching for Misty won't make her come home any sooner," Dad said.

I glanced at the family. "I don't want to miss Misty when she gets home."

A set of headlights came down the road and pulled into the driveway. I rushed toward the door, flung it open, and ran next door. I forgot my coat in my haste to get to Misty.

Before Misty could get out, I whipped open her door and pulled her from the backseat while West and Alana got out. I dragged her to my house with them following us.