Scenes From a Soap Opera

A Newman Family Christmas

Nikki Newman entered her overly decorated living room. She couldn't believe another Christmas was already here. Time was moving way too quickly; everything just needed to slow down. She surveyed the room; doing one last check to make sure things were in place before the family started to arrive. Her eyes focused in on the bar, in particular the bottle of vodka that was parked in the middle of it.

"No, Nikki, you don't need it. You're stronger than this." Nikki told herself. Course, she told herself that every time she slipped over the past month and had a sip or two or twelve. Every morning started with her saying this was the day she stopped, then every night ended with her crawling into her empty bed clutching a bottle.

It was understandable when Victor was still in the hospital, the loneliness and fear nearly crippled her. She had spent three weeks minus the two days Adam stayed with her while his house was a crime scene alone. But her darling husband was home now and he needed her at full strength, not as a drunken mess. She had to put herself together and quit drinking... but that bottle was so tempting.

"Mom!" Nikki looked up as Nicholas entered the living room, Sharon and Faith trailing behind him. "Merry Christmas!" Nick hugged his mother. Sharon and Faith also gave Nikki hugs.

"Merry Christmas everyone!" Nikki greeted grateful for the distraction. "You all look lovely."

"Thanks Grandma so do you." Faith exclaimed. Nikki smiled, soaking in the praise.

The four Newmans settled into an easy conversation waiting for the rest of the family arrive; with one glaring exception. Nikki was trying not to dwell on the fact that Victoria wasn't here nor her children; thanks to Billy deciding that his kids needed time with the Abbotts not the Newmans. Soon the rest of the family had arrived; hugs were given, pleasantries exchanged.

"Grandpa!" All the heads turned to the entry way upon hearing Christian's exclaim. Leave it to Victor to make a grand entrance. The old man was pushed into the room by Greg, his whiteboard had Merry Christmas in red and green marker on it. What he couldn't say in words, he was saying in the wide grin on his face. Everyone surrounded the patriarch, greeting him with hugs, kisses, and handshakes.

Victor's arrival was the signal that dinner could begin. The dining room was full of laughter and love. Victor and Nikki shared a look of pure love across the dinner table. After the year this family had had, they deserved this nice, relaxing time.

Unfortunately for them, the relaxing times came to a sudden and permanent holt. No one had noticed anything until Christian and Harrison came running in saying that they couldn't find Connor. All of the excitement was sucked out of the room.

"Boys, can you tell us what happened?" Sharon calmly asked, seemingly the only adult to keep their wits. The two boys looked sheepishly at each other, clearly afraid to get in trouble. "You're not going to be in trouble. We just want to find Connor." She gently explained.

Christian started telling the story with Harrison filling in when needed. Kyle then decided to take Summer and Harrison to search the house.

"Wait where's Adam?" Abby asked looking around the room.

Now it was Nick's turn to look sheepish. "He um needed some air. I'll go call him now."

"Yeah, you do that." Nikki snottily quipped. Unbelievable, this was supposed to be some much-needed family time for Victor and Adam selfishly bailed. Victor! She whipped her head to see her husband sitting contently in his wheelchair. Apparently, he wasn't worried about Connor or Adam's sudden disappearances.

No one would have expected what came out of Connor's mouth. That damn Chelsea Lawson; why did she keep popping up? Why couldn't the police check her? She wasn't that smart or crafty. The festivities ended shortly after Connor's return; no one really felt like celebrating anymore.

"I'm sorry that Chelsea ruined our lovely Christmas. That stupid, selfish bitch." Nikki huffed. "I hope they catch her soon." She laid down next to Victor in bed.

Victor just leaned over to kiss her goodnight. He couldn't say it, but he felt like things would work themselves out very soon.