Deer in the Headlights

Part 33 - Christmas Dinner

[Brielle's POV - Christmas Day]

I smile happily as the warm smell of food drifts in from the kitchen; mixed with the already present scents of Christmas candles laden with cinnamon and festive spices it was almost intoxicating. The festive spirit that was in the house was incredible since the whole band had managed to make their way to Owatonna despite the heavy snowfall and because of this the atmosphere was even more warm and cheery, we really were one big family.

“Wow Brielle this looks amazing.” Daniel says as he stands above a great golden turkey expertly carving off the tender, juicy meat. I grin and go to sit down at the table where everyone was all ready and waiting to tuck into the feast that was laid out before us. It was a beautiful smorgasbord of delightful foods, crispy skinned but fluffy centred roast potatoes, a steaming bowl of brussel sprouts, spritely red cabbage; it was all there. Not to mention the massive turkey that had been slow cooking all day in a blend of spices and herbs that were key to the old Swedish recipe my dad had taught me.

A bubble of conversation was in the air as we chatted about anything and everything, I imagined the mulled wine we were drinking was probably helping the flow of the conversation somewhat, but that didn’t matter; we were all thoroughly enjoying the company and eagerly waiting to get stuck into the food.

“Alright that should about do it. I’ll cut us some more if we need it.” Daniel says as he puts the turkey back in the centre of the table and sits down beside me, an excited hush falls over the table as we look expectantly at Adam. I smirk as I see he’s daydreaming, gently I kick his foot under the table to bring him back to earth.

With a blink he looks around hastily as he comes out of his imaginings, his cheeks flushing a delicate shade of red. With a shy smirk he stands and somewhat nervously says a blessing.

“Dear father, thank you for the food you’ve provided with us this blessed evening; it’s brilliant that we can all meet together and enjoy this time of year as a united family under your guidance. May you bless our evening, through your son Christ Jesus, amen.” Opening my eyes I throw Adam a quick smile to let him know he’d done a great job, I knew he’d been a little worried about saying a prayer for us but he’d excelled at it regardless.

As we pile our plates with the food I begin to feel a wave of peace flowing through my mind, everything was going so well right now, for all of us. It was a humbling thought and I sent out a quick pray of thanks.

“Mmm! Brielle this is amazing!” Daniel says after a few mouthfuls of food. I look across at him and throw him a smile as I shrug my shoulders awkwardly.

“It’s nothing much, couldn’t have done it without Adam though.” I say as I flick my gaze to Adam for a second who blushes sweetly, across from the other side of the table I catch Hannah elbowing Laura in the side; they exchange silly giggles.

“Ah. So he can cook?” Daniel asks as he fixes Adam with a critical smile. I let out a chuckle and nod my head.

“Of course he can! I hope he hasn’t been misleading you guys into feeding him lots of food because he can’t cook.” Adam catches my eye and grins at me, his dark eyes lighting up with dancing sparks. I smirk at him and take a bite of the turkey, my taste buds practically melting at the familiar, nostalgic flavours that burst into existence in my mouth. Me and Adam had spent all morning preparing the food, peeling and chopping vegetables, making sauces, that sort of thing. It had been nice to spend the time with him in such a relaxed way as I knew that when the band got here he’d clam up a little, his shyness still clinging to him despite the shows he did and all the people he met at them.

“I’ll bear that in mind next time Adam.” Daniel says throwing him a sly wink. “Anyway Brielle, are you going to share the secret recipe? This turkey is so tender and full of flavour, it’s just-“ Daniel trails off and gestures haphazardly, I smile as I see how happy he is about the food. In fact everyone seemed to be really pleased, all smiling and tucking in with gusto.