𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊 / scott reed ✓

𝟑𝟗. merry christmas

ˏˋ°•*⁀➷ 𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐊
39 / MERRY CHRISTMAS
↳ season four, episode one: winter break
act two / monty was framed

𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐌𝐎𝐑𝐍𝐈𝐍𝐆 𝐇𝐀𝐃 come and gone, and it was definitely a dreary one, for obvious reasons. Nessa and her mom's relationship had improved slightly, but Christmas was always a reminder that her dad wasn't around anymore.

With Zach's change in attitude and drinking habits, he had barely woken up in time to open presents, and when he did, the hangover was showing in his eyes. The Dempsey house had been quiet on Christmas, until Scott had called and asked if Nessa wanted to join him at their house for Christmas.

Nessa was anxious, considering family get-togethers were usually something that she would run far away from, but she needed something to make the holiday that was once her favorite, actually feel like something worth celebrating. So, she put on a festive outfit and did her makeup and allowed Scott to pick her up and whisk her away to his house for family Christmas.

"I'm nervous." Nessa said softly as Scott opened his car door and let her out, entangling his hand in her own to lead her into his house.

"Don't be." Scott told her. "You've met my parents, you'll love my older sister, and my aunts and uncles are just going to give me shit because you're so pretty."

Nessa blushed, his compliments always having the ability to make her feel like she won the lottery, as Scott opened the door. She took a deep breath, looking around at all of the people in the house.

"You're lucky I love you, Reed." Nessa muttered as she saw his mother's face light up, rushing over to greet her.

"I am, aren't I?" he said back, and led her toward his mother, who engulfed her in a bone-crushing hug as soon as she saw her.

"Nessa, honey!" she said excitedly. "You made it!"

"Of course." Nessa replied, feeling at ease. "Thank you for having me."

"Nonsense." Mrs. Reed replied. "You're always welcome here."

Scott's home felt more like home in five minutes of being here than Nessa's had all morning, and she was eternally grateful for it. Christmases since her dad had passed had always been gloomy, but for once, it seemed to be looking up. Nessa found herself entranced with the idea that this could possibly be what holidays were like for a while, maybe even the rest of her life. It was a sweet thought.

"Scott!" a female voice called through the living room, and Nessa turned to find an older girl with honey brown hair, similar to Scott's, looking over at the couple with a grin on her face. "Introduce me to your girlfriend!"

"If you could give me more than five minutes, Savannah, that would be fantastic." Scott retorted as he led Nessa over to the girl.

"Nessa, my annoying sister." Scott said with an eye roll as he gestured to the older girl in front of them. "Savannah, my girlfriend Nessa."

"Hi." Nessa said nervously, extending her hand, but Savannah pulled her in for a sweet hug.

"You told me she was gorgeous, Scotty, but wow." the girl said, taking in Nessa in front of her. "Did he pay you?"