Surprise! (A Joey Graceffa Fanfiction)

Chapter 11 (Christmas day: Part 2)

~Joey's POV~

          I pulled my eyes open.  Good smells filled my nose.  It only took my a second to recognize that it was Christmas morning.  The bed sheets were pulled back and the room was empty.  I pulled a pair of sweatpants and a sweatshirt on and ventured downstairs.  Daniel helped Mom put the dishes on the table.  Pancakes, bacon, strawberries, bananas, coffee, hot chocolate, syrup.  Food was piled high.  I had to admit, this felt like how a true family should feel on Christmas.

          I did have a pretty good childhood.  Christmas, birthdays, loving people.  But I still can't forget the hard times.  The times that my mom was so drunk that I never wanted another Christmas again.   The time that I had to call Bob to help Mom.  There have been many bad memories that have made me feel like there are only more bad times to come.  But this is different.

          Jett played with Wolf on the floor.  Bob and Nicole helped to set up all the presents.  A big, glistening tree shone in the white; the icicles and garland shimmering.  I stopped and watched the scene, happy to go unnoticed for a minute.  I stored this scene and put it in mind for a place to go when things get bad; to remember that there was a good time when all my family got together.  And even if my dad couldn't be here, I didn't care.  This is paradise.

          "Hey sweetie!"  Mom looked up, smiling when she saw me.

          "Joey!"  Jett yelled out, running over to me and hugging me around the waist.

         "Hey!  Long time no see!"  Nicole came over and engulfed me in a big hug.  I hugged her close, inhaling her sweet perfume.  I made my way around the room hugging and reconnecting with my family.  Sometimes I hate living so far away and not being able to see my family.  "It's been great getting to know Daniel."  Nicole said with a grin.  I blushed.

        "So, you've known each other for three months?"  Bob asked.

         "Yup.  He practically swept me off my feet!"  Daniel came and wrapped his arms around my waist, kissing my cheek.  My face burnt red.  I've only been out to my family for four months.

          After breakfast, we all gathered around the tree and opened presents.  Unfortunately, we still couldn't afford a huge present blowout; but being with my happy family alone was all I could ever ask for, even if it's not forever.  At the end, we all sat around, laughing and enjoying the warmth of the fireplace.  Wolf and Jett lay by the fire, quiet and content.

          "This has got to be by far one of the best Christmases so far."  Daniel spoke up and we all agreed.  "I really appreciate you all letting me spend this important day with you."

          "Hey, you're always welcome.  You're practically part of the family."  My mom took his hand.

          "And, there's one more thing."  I said, putting my coffee cup on the table.  Everyone watched me walk up to the tree and reveal a small envelope that was tucked into a branch.  I handed it to my Mom.  "This is for everything."  I said, handing her the gift.

         Everyone was silent as we watched her open the card.  As her eyes went huge, she gasped and cried out.  "Joey!"  She jumped up and hugged me tightly.

          "What is it?"  Nicole asked, looking at the card.  I watched as her eyes went big and she froze.  Now, everyone was passing the card around, eyes huge with amazement.  Even Wolf jumped up excitedly.

          "What is it!  What is it!"  Jett jumped up and down.

          "An all expenses paid trip to Hawaii for a week during New Years.  Including a resort.  And for four people?"  Bob asked, confused.

          "I could only afford for four people to go.  And I want you - Nicole, Mom, Jett, and Bob - to go."  I smiled.

         "But don't you want to come?"  Jett looked up at me with big eyes.

          "I'd love to, but at that time, I'm taking Daniel to New York City for New Years.  I want this to be for you guys.  For all the support and love."  I pulled my family close, hugging them tightly.

          "I love you so much."  Mom whispered in my ear.

.          .          .         .          .          .          .         .          .          .

          "New York City?"  Daniel pulled me close; after everyone had gone out shopping.

          "We'll get to see the ball drop.  Kiss our love on New Years.  Get some alone time..."  I said, feeling gravity pull us closer.

          "When do we leave?"

          "December 30th.  We have a suite right by where the ball drops."  I pulled him closer and kissed him.  Daniel slipped his hand into the waistband of my pants.  "Eh eh eh!"  I shook my finger at him.  "You'll have to wait."  I twirled around and sashayed away.

       I could practically feel his sexual frustration.  Good, I thought to myself.  Build it up and drive him crazy.  He'll be begging me by the time it's New Years.