Being Grassi-Hoying

Chapter 31

(I'm just saying, I really want to be sleeping right now.)

**Mitch's POV**

"I just don't know, Scott." I whisper to him in the car. We're back in L.A., and after talking with Scott's parents, Rick thinks it would be best if we stayed here in California for Karlie's first Christmas with us. "It's a day before Christmas Eve and we don't have any decorations!!" Scott, for once, is the one smacking me in the arm. "I can remember when someone argued that Christmas isn't about material things, that it's about being with the people you care about most. That's why, for him, it used to be tradition for him to grab his two friends and sister to dr-" "Drink hot chocolate on Christmas night, and watch Christmas movies." I smile at the memories of Scott, Kirstie, Natalie and I staying up late, exchanging gifts we had gotten one another, then watching Christmas movies and drinking hot chocolate. "We'll be okay Mitch, we'll figure it out." The rest of the ride home was quiet, at least until I catch Karlie quietly singing Where Are You Christmas, 

" Where are you Christmas, 
Why can't I find you?
Why have you gone away?

My world is changing,
I'm rearranging.
Does that mean Christmas changes too?

Where are you Christmas?
Do you remember
The girl you used to know?
 You and I were so carefree..."

She cuts herself off, and I play When Christmas Comes to Town, making not only her smile, but Scott too. I'm guessing he heard her too, because he wiped some tears away. We sing along, and make it home. "Todrick??" Scott looks down at his phone as I hear Karlie continue to sing, "That's all I want when Christmas comes to town." She finishes as I get her out of the car seat, "You have a good memory kiddo." I smile, "Thank you Daddy. Can I ask you something??" "Go for it." I answer, scared a little by her sudden questioning. "Is Santa real??" I smile, "Well, do you think he is??" "I do now." "Well he is real to those who believe in him." I carry her up the stairs, "Okay." She nods. "Mitch!! Mitch come quick!!" My eyes go wide as I jog over to Scott, "What, what is it?!" "Oh my gosh!!" He grabs my hand, pulling me in the house, I put Karlie down as Scott turns on the light. "Gahh!!" I scream, our house has turned into Christmas. In our dining room the table was moved and in it's place is a huge Christmas tree that is perfectly decorated, and fitted perfectly in the corner. There's garlands and Christmas lights everywhere. On the table, there's a plate of carefully decorated gingerbread men, "What happened to house??" Karlie asks the same question Scott and I are. "I don't know, Kar." I walk into the living room, "There's a gingerbread house kit in the kitchen!!" Scott exclaims excitedly. I walk into the living room, and Wyatt is sitting on the couch, "You're supposed to be with Todrick, Wyatt." I stroke his head then pick him up, "He is with me." Toddy walks out of Scott and my room. "Toddy!!" Scott yells, "You did this??" I whisper, I see stockings hung on the wall, "Well, yeah." He laughs. "I did do this, with help anyway." Chester and Nicole walk out, "Nikki!!" Karlie screams, running to her, "Hey cupcake." She picks her up. "But how??" I say, still shocked. "Well," Chester smiles, "Santa called Todrick and said that this is Karlie's first Christmas with you two." Todrick continues, "I said I knew that but he told me you were gonna be home and had like no decorations. So, I told him we could help y'all out." I smile at Scott, "Well, thank you." I say, fighting tears. "I hope you don't mind we broke in." Chester says as we all laugh. "Nope, we don't." Scott walks over to me, grabbing my hand. "I found the presents in Scott's closet, you really need to find a better spot." Todrick laughs, "I know, I'll change it every year." Scott laughs. 

The next day, I wake up next to Scott on the couch, Karlie in my lap. I look to see Toddy and Nicole asleep on the floor, on a huge pallot. I can hear humming and realize it's Chester. When he walks into the living room, he notices I'm awake, "Oh!! Good morning!!" He whispers, "Morning." I whisper back, moving Karlie onto Scott, letting them get comfy before I get up. "There's eggs and sausage in the kitchen, with pancakes." Chester smiles. "Wow. How long have you been up??" "Long enough to go home and shower, then come back and make breakfast. And get a couple of last minute gifts." I raise my eyebrows, "It's almost noon." He quietly laughs as I join. "Oh." "Yeah, by the way we left our presents to you guys under the tree too." I nod. "Hey Chester??" I ask walking into the kitchen and pour myself a cup of coffee. "Yes??" "Thank you." He blinks a couple of times, "You're welcome..." "I was really stressed about not having decorations or anything. It's Karlie's first Christmas with us, and well... we wanted to make it special." Chester smiles, "Here." He hands me a small present, "Merry Christmas Eve." I smile, "Open it!!" "Oh." I laugh, ripping into the paper, it's a snow globe, and inside is a picture Natalie took before we left Texas, insisting on a photoshoot, she loves being a photographer. It's an adorable picture, Scott and I both smiling down at Karlie, who's looking up at us. "Cute." I shake it a bit, seeing little white sparkles go everywhere, "Thanks Chester." I hug him, "We all have Christmas Eve gifts." Todrick smiles, "Morning." I laugh, then little Karlie walks over to me, hugging on my leg. "Come here." I pick her up, holding my sleepy daughter. "I brought all your stuff in, Scott left his keys in the door." "Idiot." I laugh again. "Thank you Cheeto." He smiles at Karlie. "You hungry??"