04 // christmas
Two hours into Christmas day and I was sitting in my car thinking of how I was going to transfer all the last minute presents upstairs and under the tree without waking Alice or Cara. After the movie ended at the office, Liam and Megan had taken her back home and Liam texted me that they had tucked her in and left her with her mother. I began texting Liam but found no immediate responses as he usually did. I left the phone on the passenger side seat and looked behind my shoulder at the heaps of gifts in my back seat and trunk. I hated to be that kind of father to think that since I wasn't able to spend as much time as I wanted to with my child that materials would fill the space. Alice knows I love her regardless of the time we do spend together or the things I buy for her. I was ripped out of my thoughts when my phone vibrated on the seat.
New message 2:45AM – Liam
Little busy mate... talk tomorrow
Message Sent 2:45AM –Liam
You still with Megan, you cheeky bugger? Is the Payne train her early Christmas present? ;)
I chuckled to myself as I locked my phone and decided to start carrying the presents indoors. First, I walked up to the front door and unlocked it before running back to the car, grabbing presents by the arm fulls. I jogged into the house –making sure to be as quiet as possible- before placing them on the couch. I repeated this process three more times until the car was empty and ran back inside. I locked the door and turned back to the living room. The Christmas tree was lit, cookies and milk were out on the coffee table and I looked up and over towards the staircase in the front hall. I looked back at the cookies before slowly going to grab one. I stuck it in my mouth and started to place the presents under and around the tree. Most of Alice's gifts said either Santa or Daddy&Mummy. The cookies I remember Cara and Alice making started to dry my mouth out and I took a sip of the milk before placing it back on the table. Once everything was complete I checked my phone not only to check the time but also to see if Liam had messaged me back. I collapsed on the couch as I read.
New message 3:20AM –Liam
Wouldn't you like to know you kinky bastard...goodniiiight
I smirked and shook my head deciding to leave the message blank before locking my phone again. I grabbed another cookie, turned the tele on low and finished the glass of milk by the time the final ten minutes ended. I sighed and turned off the tele before getting up, hearing my knees crack in the process, and walked towards the stairs. I slowly walked up them before cringing when I stepped on the wrong spot. I stopped in my steps, waited to hear if Alice had woken up and then when I confirmed that she didn't, I continued up the stairs. I walked down the hall to Alice's room and peeped in to see her sound asleep and smiled before continuing to my room. I saw Cara hidden under the covers and smiled again before walking over to the dresser. I pulled out my wallet, my keys and my badge and placed them down. I pulled off my tee shirt and chucked it into the laundry bin before unbuckling my jeans. I let my pants pool around my ankles before picking them up and chucking them in with the shirt. I rolled my belt up and placed it by my wallet. I picked out a white tee shirt and pajama pants and slid into my fresh clothes before heading into bed. I sat down, peeled off my socks and exhaled loudly as I rubbed my eyes with my palms. I slipped under the covers and cuddled closer into Cara's frame before falling asleep.
I was awoken by Alice jumping up and down on the end of the bed saying "It's Christmas!" repeatedly in an excited tone. I smiled sleepily at her before motioning her to come over between me and Cara. She stopped bouncing and plopped in the space between us two, out of breath. I kissed the top of her head and closed my eyes again with her in my arms.
"Merry Christmas, bug." I said to her and she laughed.
"Daddy! Don't go back to sleep!" She said as she giggled while shaking my shoulders. I popped my eyes open and made a funny face.
"I'm awake, I'm awake." I chuckled before we both got up. "We'll be downstairs in a minute, bug. Promise." I said as Alice got off the bed and raced towards the stairs. I looked over at Cara who rubbed her eyes and looked at me. I smiled and squeezed her hip gently.
"Merry Christmas, love." I said before planting a kiss on her lips.
"Merry Christmas, babe." She said back with a smile before turning over towards the windows.
"I'll put on the kettle." I said as I threw the covers off of my body and stood to my feet. I scuffed my feet across the hard wood floor and down the stairs. Alice was on all fours looking at the names on the presents and when she heard me she rested back on her heels.
"Daddy look!" She said as she pointed to the plate of cookies and milk, "Santa came last night!" She said excitedly.
"Wow bug! Do you think he liked your cookies?" I asked as I stopped in the archway to the living room. She smiled and hunched a little, her hair a mess.
"I hope so." She shrugged before looking back at the presents. I smiled at her before walking into the kitchen and putting on the kettle.
"Hey bug..." I said loudly out to Alice.
"Yes?" She asked from the living room.
"Want to open presents first then have breakfast or the other way around?" I asked as I walked towards the hallway to hear her better.
"Um..." She thought, elongating the 'm' and I could see her put her hand on her chin as she looked up at the ceiling. "Breakfast after."
YOU ARE READING
The Boston Slasher (hesxljp).
Misterio / Suspenso[ON GOING] "Styles." I spoke into the small Nokia. "There's been a reported homicide on Logan Way just off of Old Colony Avenue... We need you to report to the scene as soon as possible." "I'm on my way." cover is edited by me. ©faux...
