How could I forget?

Christmas

*there are multiple time skips in this chapter

Ariana's POV

It's Christmas, AKA the best time of the year. I'm in a onesie, leaned against a windowsill and looking out at all the snow. The fireplace is lit, the lights are on, and dinner's in the oven. I can hear the music playing downstairs, Nonna laughing at something dad said, and mom scolding Frankie for eating the dessert. I never once thought that this was possible.

I feel a few tears fall, quickly wiping them away.

"What's wrong?"

Ah, I was too late, he must've seen them fall in the reflection of the window.

"I just miss him is all."

His arms go around my waist, his head leaning on my shoulder, "Me too. Miss my nan as well. It's like the holidays make us miss them even more."

I turn around in his grip and hug him back. Last month, Harry had lost his grandmother. He took it really hard, but I was patient, he was there for me when I lost my Nonno, I wanted to be there for him.

We heard the door open causing us to pull away.

"I'd apologize for intruding, but I haven't seen you in what feels like ages so I'm not sorry."

I laughed at her words and stepped away from Harry, instead, pulling his sister into my arms.

"It's been too long, Gems. I don't think we've ever gone this long apart."

She playfully glared at Harry, "Gonna have to kill my brother for keeping you away from us."

"Hey!"

We laughed at his response.

Gemma grabbed my hand and guided me downstairs, Harry following us. Once downstairs she let go and went to the living room whereas I continued on into the kitchen. My favorite part was helping nonna cook.

Mia was sat up on the counter banging two wooden spoons together and singing the ABCs loudly.

"Sing it, baby." I praised her. She laughed in response and stretched her arms out towards me. I gave her a hug and pecked her cheek, placing her on the ground. She ran out still singing, yelling out Gemma's name once she saw her.

I went and hugged nonna from behind, today must be super hard for her. None of us wanted to overwhelm her, but she still wanted to celebrate everything as before.

Today was kind of Harry's idea. Since nonna and mom were in Florida and Anne and Gemma were in England, he suggested we just rent out a house so we could all spend it together.

Harry and his dad made up, he was actually supposed to be here any second. I don't think we'll ever be friendly, but when we are around each other, we're as civil as can be. He's nice to the twins, has even taken them out a few times.

Just as I made it to the living room, the doorbell rang, and none other than Harry's dad and his spouse came in, carrying gifts. I smiled politely and greeted them. Calling out to Mia and Danny, having them greet them as well.

Our Christmas ended up being as cliche as the films. And for once, that was okay. There was no drama. No fighting. Just love. Pure, honest, love.

***

"HAPPY NEW YEAR!"

It was only half a kiss since I was in the middle of laughing at the end of the countdown. I pulled back and gave him a better one, lacing my arms around his neck.

"Happy New Year, baby."

"Indeed it is, I have a good feeling about it."

I smiled at his response, I had a good feeling about this year too. 2015 was going to be something else.

We got home at around 2:30 in the morning, both babies fast asleep in our arms. We laid them in bed and stood at the doorway, just admiring them. We were in our early twenties, but we've been through so much, and yet here we were. Life comes at you quick.

***

"I bet ya tour will be a lot more exciting now that you're at legal drinking age in the states." I told him.

He shrugged his shoulders, smirk on his face, "That didn't really stop us before now, did it?"

I rolled my eyes in response. I went to stand up but got pulled down onto his lap before I could even think of where to go.

"Don't leave me." He pouted, hiding himself in the crook of my neck. "It's my birthday."

"I'm thirsty, babe. Was just going to get a glass of water."

"I know, you can't resist, you're always thirsty when it comes to me."

I opened my mouth in a playful shock. He was finally getting a hang of all the new twitter slang. I'd been teaching him for a while, he's never on social media so someone had to catch him up.

I smacked him playfully and unwounded myself from his grip. I grabbed my glass of water and rejoined him on the couch.

We were in Australia, on a mini vacation before both of our tours started. It was early morning and we were enjoying the peace before the twins woke up.

We ate breakfast and enjoyed a bit of tv before deciding it was time to go out. I gave Mia and Danny a shower, dressed them, and let Harry do their hair. He doesn't do it often, but with practice I think he could be decent.

What came out of the bedroom was Mia with crooked pony tails and Danny with half of his hair in a bun. I gave Harry a look, but didn't say anything. If that's how he wanted their hair, it would stay that way, no matter how much the unevenness bothered me.

We ended up spending his day at an animal rescue. We didn't support zoos, poor things taken from their homes and put behind glass for others to stare at them. What this place did was take hurt or neglected animals, rehabilitate them, and if possible, release them back into the wild. We did our research.

I was pushing the stroller when Mia wanted to jump out and look at the kangaroos. We got closer and I helped them both out and we stared in awe. Animals were amazing. Harry pulled some strings and we were even able to feed the babies. We walked around some more then decided to get lunch.

"You know what this place makes me think of?" I brought up.

"Don't say it, please don't say what I'm thinking you're going to say."

He knew me too well.

"That we should adopt another dog."

He let out a big sigh, whereas Mia and Danny yelled in agreement.

"We've already got a lot of dogs, Ari."

"Yes. We do. But there's always room for more."

And that's how we got to where we were. Months later, standing in front of a kennel, waiting to sign the papers to adopt a sweet little bloodhound puppy. She was abandoned on the side of the road with a broken leg.

He wasn't giving in at first, but one look at this sweet little girl and he couldn't resist.

Happy Birthday, Mia and Danny, mommy's got us a brand new puppy.

Hoping to end this story soon so I don't keep leaving you all hanging with my shitty updates. Sorry :(