Half the world away

Chapter 10

I woke up on Christmas morning, alone. I closed my eyes again and shook my head.
Getting up, I put my robe on and popped my feet into my slippers.
As I opened the bedroom door, the aroma of coffee filled my nostrils. I smiled and descended the stairs. I went into the kitchen and poured myself some coffee. Carrying my cup, I went looking for my boyfriend. He was sitting in the lounge, sipping his coffee and scrolling on his phone. Brendon looked up as I approached the sofa.
"Merry Christmas, darlin," He said, smiling.
"Merry Christmas, B." I bent down and pecked his lips. I sat and leaned my head on his shoulder. "Are you OK after yesterday?" I asked him.
"Just about." He chuckled.
When the rest of our relatives arrived yesterday afternoon, Brendon was subjected to 20 questions from each grandparent. Delia and her husband, Peter, recognised Brendon straightaway. I know I shouldn't be so petty, but I could tell that Delia was jealous of me. For like the first time in my 23 years. I took some joy in that fact. She always looked down her nose at me.
Brendon was gracious as always and answered questions, and had a conversation with Peter and Delia.
"He's wonderful." My grandma Elsie said to me.
"Thank you, Grandma Elsie. I think so, too." Elsie is my Dad's mum, and Grandpa Jack is his dad.
"Wendy!" Grandma Rose called out to my mother. My mother appeared at the door. "Could you make a pot of tea, dear?"
"Of course, Mum." My mother replied. I was sitting having a conversation with Grandpa Jack and Grandpa Tom. Brendon was talking to Elsie and Rose.
Anyway, it got a little messy yesterday evening. After a wonderful dinner cooked by myself and Brendon, the drinks started to flow, music was played, and dancing happened. It was good to see everyone having a marvellous time. My mum was laughing with dad. We all went to bed in good spirits.

As I was curled with Brendon, both of us drinking our coffees, the snow really started to come down. Footsteps descended the stairs, and my mother appeared in the doorway.
"Merry Christmas." She said to the 2 of us.
"Merry Christmas!" We both said in unison.
"There's coffee if you want some, Wendy."
"Oh, thank you, Brendon." My mum shuffled towards the kitchen.
Brendon kissed me, and I snuggled into him. Mum walked back in, and she stood at the window watching the snow.
"Brendon...." She started and drank some coffee,"I want to apologise if I have been a little distant from you since you arrived. I can see how happy you make my daughter." I was glad I was sitting down, whilst my mum said sorry to my boyfriend.
Dad and both sets of grandparents came down the stairs. We all greeted each other. Brendon went to make some more coffee whilst we waited for Delia and Peter.

It was early evening, and we were all stuffed after our Christmas dinner. I was sipping on a Baileys, and Brendon had a beer. Everyone was chilled and deciding what game to play. Karaoke was suggested, and I glanced at Brendon. He grinned and looked back at me.
We set everything up. Grandpa's Jack and Tom were willing to have a go, as was Delia, myself, and Brendon. The Karaoke playlist actually had some Panic on it. I write sins, not tragedies and High Hopes. When it was Brendons turn, he went for Queen, Don't stop me now.
He crushed it, as I expected.
"You should sing for a living." Grandma Rose said teasingly. I chuckled and side hugged her. I picked my phone up and messaged Patsy, wishing her a Merry Christmas. She messaged the same back and asked how it was going. I went up to my old bedroom and rang her. Easier to chat than text.
I explained what had been happening and vice versa. I was just hanging up when Mum came to find me.
"There you are, Gen!" She laughed.
"I was just checking in with Patsy." I explained. I think Mum was a little tipsy because she hugged me, and we went back downstairs.
Grandpa Jack was having a go at Karaoke. He was singing, "I like it" by Gerry and the Pacemakers.
I was singing along with him, and it ended up being a duet.
After Karaoke, we played a game of snap because alcohol.
Mum put some buffet food put for everyone. We all got a plate and picked a few things to eat. I was hungry but not starving, so I picked a few bits. Dad and Brendon had their plates piled up. I laughed at them both.
"Don't worry, I will burn this off in bed later." Brendon said into my ear. I winked at him.