Black and Blue

18 Days to Blizzard

Keith walked down the stairs rubbing his groggy eyes. He stopped at the bottom to take in the smell of Lance's sweater that he had stolen. Lance smelled of pine trees and winter wind. It was comforting. Keith was interrupted when his father jumped into view.

"Merry Christmas Eve!" A red and white Santa hat was placed on his head.

Keith laughed at him, "What are you doing so early?"

"Well," He took his son's arm and led him into the dining room, "I got you a little something."

Keith smiled in curiosity, "Why would you give it to me now?" After entering the room, he looked at the table. Sitting on it was a large clothing bag. Keith eyed his father, "What is this?"

He motioned to it, "Look at it."

Keith broke his gaze and took a few steps towards it. Inside was a white formal suit with a black tie. Keith's eyes lit up. The suit was expensive and he loved it. He picked up the hanger and turned to his father, "Dad, this is too much. It had to be a lot of money."

He smiled and crossed his arms in satisfaction, "It's a gift! I've been in touch with Lance, and I decided to get you a little something for your date tonight."

Keith admired the beautifully sparkling suit, "Are you sure?"

He chuckled, "Of course!" He rested a hand on Keith's shoulder, "And we are going somewhere, so get dressed."

"Wait, really?!" Keith draped the bag over his arm and stared at his father.

"Yes! Go get ready!"

After putting on jeans and his black leather jacket, Keith and his father climbed into the car. Keith watched out the window. Snow sparkled across lawns and tangled in trees. The sun was out, but it was deathly cold. It reminded him of the suit. Lance had prepared a nice date for Christmas Eve; and had been talking to his father about it. Keith had no idea what was planned, but his heart pounded at the thought.

After driving for a while, the car stopped. Keith looked out to find a cemetery. He looked to his father in confusion, "What are we doing here?"

He turned the car off and opened the door, "We've never been here together. I think it's time we said Merry Christmas to your mother."

Keith swallowed hard and got out of the car. The air hit him, causing a chill to creep up his spine as he shoved his hands into his jacket pockets. The cemetery was small, but it looked over the snow-covered city. It was the best place for his mother to rest. The snow crunched under his leather boots as he walked with his father in comfortable silence. When they reached her grave, Keith stared at it for a moment. His father stepped forward first. He let his hand drift over the top of the tombstone as he talked sweetly.

After he finished, Keith knelt down and hugged his knees. "Hey Mom." He swallowed hard as his vision blurred, "Merry Christmas. I wish you were here." He took a long breath, then continued, "There's a boy you would like. His name is Lance."
Keith chuckled, "Yes, he's a McClain. It's shocking, but..." he brought his head down to rest on his arms, "He's good to me. We've been together for a while now, and he's just the sweetest person. He's happy and likes to be around me; and his smile is just..." Keith stopped to smile, "so beautiful."
He brought his hand up to rest on the cold, grey stone, "You would've loved him." He stood and rubbed his eyes, "I miss you."

Keith's dad patted his shoulder lovingly, "Let's head back."

He nodded and they returned to the car.

~

Keith heard the front door open from his room and he peeked out his bedroom door. Keith's father had answered the door with his arms crossed. Lance was standing in a confident and stoic stance with a smile on his face. He was dressed in a black formal suit and had his hair done.