Family Comes Second | A Bonding Experience

Chapter 1: In Which Anna Is Introduced

It was Christmas night, the lights were a spectacular sight, per the usual at the Hartman residence in such a joyous occasion. Inside, the hearty spirit of the holidays roamed around every corner, mostly from the kids running around playing with toys and such and the sound of music playing. My grandfather was known for his spectacular piano playing throughout the family, so every Christmas we'd all gather around the grand piano and listen to the magical sound, singing along every time we were prompted. It was a tradition. The only one I've ever been bothered to abide by.

Everyone, and I mean everyone, was here in the family manor to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ (even though I was an atheist, I still enjoyed being around family). Even my brother, who was the recluse of the family. He was the one who sulked in the room farthest away from all of the food and fun (well, maybe not the food).

Much to our father's dismay, we were both failures. Saxon dropped out of his second year in university studying law. The only reason he went was because our parents offered to pay, probably because they didn't want to see a failure such as he was. But he couldn't stand it, he told me once on the phone, two months before he was back home, mooching off of parents just like before. I was still in high school, but I didn't plan on going to college. "If my parents didn't, why should I?" I'd often ask myself in the morning, only to skip breakfast because it's too late and run to school.

Saxon didn't like to call us his immediate family. We were just the ones that supported him throughout most of his life, up until he dropped out of school. As a result, all pictures and such that had to do with him were out of the house and into the garage in a box labeled 'FAILURE', courtesy of my father, in the corner covered in dust. I've always thought it a bit drastic, but if my father was fine with it, so was my submissive step-mother.

Back to the task at hand. I glanced around at everyone, shooting the occasional family member a smile as I made my way to kitchen, discreetly trying, and failing, to pour two glasses of champagne.

I was interrupted by my step aunt, Penelope, who gave me a warm smile as she approached me.

"Hello there, Ann." She softly spoke, despite the loud voices pouring into the kitchen. She had a voice as sweet as a honey suckle and wasn't afraid to use it.

I couldn't help but smile as I looked into her hazel eyes, glancing up at her honey brown hair curling around her face. My aunt Penelope and I shared a lot of things, the hatred of crowds, a love for money, and having a big family. But she viewed the world as something that she could change for the better. I, on the other hand, couldn't care less, as long as I could make it by.

The brunette in front of me with wrinkles around her eyes was married, happily, with three children and a Yorkshire Terrier that she loved to death. She raised all three of her children to be responsible adults alongside her husband, Eddy.

Uncle Eddy was a sight to see. He was almost never spotted wearing a floral print shirt, paired with khaki shorts and sandals, no matter the temperature. He was a kind-hearted spirit with gray eyes of steel and hair to match.

I broke out of my hazy thoughts, looking at the round woman in front of me as she poured herself a glass.

"Hi. Merry Christmas, aunt Penelope." I coughed. My voice cracked I let the words out of my mouth. But it was too late to apologize as Penelope began speaking.

"I'm going to assume that other glass is for Saxon, right?"

I nodded bashfully, shyly smiling as I grabbed said objects.

"I'll help you, dear, you seem to have your hands full with that boy."

"No need, I have it all under control."

She smiled as she grabbed a plate with your ordinary Christmas floods on it, plus some of her amazing stuffing. I couldn't stand the stuff, but hers is worth the while.

"He won't last a day if all you bring him is champagne."

"It's all he asks for. I tried to offer him some ham, but he just wants the drinks."

She nodded in understanding, heading for the exit of the kitchen.

I followed her, a glass of champagne to sip on on the way upstairs. I could tell tonight was going to be a long one.

————————

Very first chapter. I'm proud. //cries
But any who, please give me some feedback! I'd love to hear from whoever decided to read this hulking peace of shit. I don't know when chapter 2 is to arrive, but I'll let you guys know!

Love,
Edgar-oppa