Secrets And Lies

Chapter 36: Christmas and Caroling

Axel

"Okay this is how it works.." Dad started. He was trying to school the Fitzpatrick's on our Christmas morning tradition.

Did he have to do it this year? I mean we had guests.

"Dad, why don't we skip it?" I suggested hopefully.

Our tradition was a little embarrassing.

"Lad, let your da' have his fun." Sheamus  chuckled.

I rolled my eyes, then grinned. Yes why don't we let my dad have his fun.

"Don't say I didn't warn you.." I shook my head.

Ryan cocked her head wondering what was going to happen.

"Please don't dump me when this is over." I laughed, and kissed her temple.

"What could be so bad that you would think I would want to do that?"  She drew her brows together.

"Let your father speak, or I'll take you over my knee for interrupting." Kelly warned with a smile.

I liked her she was funny. It was hard to take her seriously, when she was so small. But I knew she wasn't bluffing. She would sure as hell try. Last night after trying to steal a cookie she made, she smacked my hand with the spatula. I made the mistake of laughing at her, and stole another one.

Ryan warned me not to do it, but I didn't listen. She was a small frail woman. What could she possibly do? Well, Kelly chased me around the kitchen with the spatula held over her head, yelling obscenities in Gaelic. She backed me into a corner, where she whacked me on the back of the head. She had to jump to do it, but she made good contact. It didn't hurt, but I wasn't going to tell her that. She might try to do it harder.

I realized that taking the cookies was a mistake on my part and not because she chased me. When I shoved one in my mouth I nearly broke a tooth. I wondered if my girlfriend was trying to warn me about Kelly or her cooking. Probably both.

I shook my head and with it the memory.

"Sorry dad." I said lowly. He smiled and nodded at Kelly.

"As I was saying, we have a tradition each year. We will be working in groups of three...." He paused as my mom handed Mike and Ryan small red envelope.

" Inside you'll find a clue. That clue will lead you to the next one, and that one will lead you to your final destination. There, you will find items labeled with your name, you will wear those items all day. Fail to do so, and you will not be able to open your gifts until tomorrow."

Loraine  and my mom  grabbed presents from under the tree and gently put them into bags.

"What? Your holding our presents hostage?" Quade asked with a laugh.

I don't think he took my father's warning seriously

"Dad thinks its a good way to learn the fun and joy in Christmas. And adds a little humiliation."  I put a hand on Ryan's knee.

She was beaming with excitement. I should have known that she would be all for this.

"Humiliation?;no, son it's to keep you humble." James corrected.

"I like it, maybe we will adopt this tradition next year." Mike rubbed his hands together.

"Okay. Sheamus, Kelly, and Mike, You are a group. Kids you are a group."  Dad looked at his watch. "You must figure out the clues and put on the outfits with in a half hour. If you don't you will have to wear your outfits and go caroling at the neighbors."