Sons of Liberty University | Hamilton College AU

Chapter 54 - Christmas

John

I woke up slowly on Christmas morning. The first thing I felt was Alex's warmth against my abdomen, along with the gentle weight and fuzz of the blanket draped over us. My other senses eventually faded into my conscience. I smelled a pot of coffee and heard bacon sizzling on the pan.

Alex shifted, shivering, further into the blankets. I kissed the top of his head, then remembered what had happened yesterday. I ran my fingers through his hair and whispered, "Merry Christmas, baby."

His eyes open a fraction, and he gave me a tired smile, then closed his eyes. "Morning," he said in a deep, groggy voice. "Merry Christmas."

"C'mon, let's go eat some breakfast before the hoard comes down the stairs," I said.

"I don't wanna get up," he whined.

I chuckled. "Okay, baby, I'll get you some coffee and bacon, how 'bout that?"

He gave a little grunt of agreement. I set off towards the kitchen, where Sarah was pouring a mug of black coffee. She saw me and smiled.

"Hi honey," she said quietly. "How's he doing?"

"He's okay," I answered in the same hushed tone. "Just tired. I'm gonna bring him breakfast."

"Alright," she said, then turned back to the coffee machine. "I actually just made a plate for myself, but he can have it. I'll make another." She gestured to a plate of bacon and eggs on the table.

"Thank you," I said, then took the plate, poured a mug of coffee for him, and took it into the living room, where Alex was sitting up and staring at the Christmas tree.

"I've never had a Christmas tree before," he remarked, then took the offering of food and drink. "Thank you, babe. How'd you sleep?"

"I slept well," I said, then sat back down. "You?"

"I slept okay," he said, giving a wistful smile. He gave a single chuckle. "I don't understand what's happening, John. Aren't I supposed to be crying right now? My mother just died. It's like, I'm sad that she's gone, but it's more like homesickness than anything else. I... I feel like there's going to be a time when I'm going to see her again, but... I don't know, I just can't explain it."

After a moment, he said, "I think it's that I know that she's not gonna be hurting again."

And then the screaming.

Eliza practically fell down the stairs, she ran so fast, then immediately screamed again up the stairs at everyone sleeping.

"WAKE UP BITCHES! IT'S CHRISTMAS!"

What followed was a human stampede running down the stairs.

Shrieks and screams and cries and laughter descended and manifested into a tangle of bodies, legs, and arms at the bottom of the flight of stairs, all dressed in pajamas, onesies, and a random Santa hat, which was probably Lafayette's.

Everyone took seats on the couches, and we unwrapped our presents. Cheers, squeals, and thank you's were exchanged as presents were opened and wrapping paper was torn. Soon enough, it was time for only three presents left: mine from Alex, Alex's from me, and Eliza's from her father.

I opened mine first. It was a silver ring with our anniversary date on it. I kissed Alex as he giggled about it, then handed him his present.

With wide eyes, he slowly opened his present, the screamed with joy.

After saving up, I had finally gotten Alex a laptop of his own. As far as I could tell, he liked it.

After I was showered with love, Eliza finally got to open her present.

All it was was a letter, which Eliza read hungrily, her eyes drinking in the words on the page until they widened.

"I love my father," she whispered, then looked around at all of us. "I love my father. I LOVE MY FATHER!"

She jumped up and whooped with joy, the letter fluttering to the ground. "BITCHES, WE'RE ALL GOING TO BICOLLINE THIS SUMMER!"

We all remained silent until she composed herself. She began explaining.

"So, Bicolline is the site for the largest LARPing experience in North America. LARP is an acronym that stands for live-action roleplay. We'll be going in summer, when everyone else is going. All of us are going, plus our little sisters Catherine and Cordelia. But guys, we're gonna have so much fun! It's supposed to be awesome! And we'll share tents and go with the ORDO CERVI! AND MOMO O'BRIEN MIGHT BE THERE, AND LARP GIRL AND HOLY SHIT THIS IS AWESOME!!!!!"

Once Eliza calmed down from her fangirl seizure, we all began resting and chatting. Alex and I cuddled on the couch.

"Merry Christmas, Alex," I whispered.

"Merry Christmas, John. I love you."

"I know. I love you too."

"I figured."

"You're an ass."