"Good morning!" I shrieked, running into the kitchen.
My dad jumped and spilled some coffee and my mom laughed and enveloped me into a hug. This time of year at the Dawson residence was always chirpy and full of love. Even if we lived in a state where it was usually too hot to go outside on Christmas, we still liked to get into the usual spirit.
We even had a tree set up in our living room.
"Merry Christmas, sweetie," Mom said, smiling at me. "Here, I made some cookies."
I grabbed one and shoved it into my mouth. Then, I started jumping. "Come on! Let's exchange gifts! I can't wait for you to see what I got you guys!"
Grinning, we all left to the living room. The Christmas tree was set up near the large window and small, colorful lights illuminated it. I grabbed the gifts I got for my parents.
"Mom, this is for you," I said, handing her the gift. "And this one is for you, Dad."
We always did it. We would exchange gifts and eat some cookies and watch a couple of old movies. It was a tradition for us.
The sound of a bell went off. Mom got up from the couch. "That's my last batch of cookies!"
Then, the doorbell rang. I sprung up from my seat and raced towards the door, flinging it open when I reached.
"Hey!" I grinned. "Me—"
"Can I enter?" Dylan interjected. I opened the door wider and he entered. "Is your mother home?"
"Yeah," I said, closing the door. "She's in the kitchen."
Before I could follow him into the kitchen, the doorbell rang again. I flung it open and greeted Amber and Tymon with an eager smile.
"Merry Christmas!" they chorused, entering.
"Merry Christmas!" I grinned.
What I liked about Christmas was that I got to spend it around people who made me happy. My parents, Amber, and Tymon were definitely a huge part of my life. Dallas was, too. What saddened me a little was Dylan's nonchalance. He didn't seem to care about Christmas. Christmas was all about love and happiness and he was so bitter and angry.
"Here," Amber said, winking. I took the gift from her and Tymon.
"Thank you, guys!" I squealed. "Come on! Your gifts are in the living room!"
"What's up, Mr. Dawson?" Tymon asked, settling down on the couch.
I smiled and as my dad set up the movie, I exited the living room. Dylan came out of the kitchen just then. He walked towards the front door.
"Hey," I called out, folding my arms.
He stopped and turned around, one hand on the doorknob. "What?"
"Lighten up," I said, giving him a brief smile. "It's Christmas."
"Not for everybody," he mumbled, opening the door. He was gone in a second.
Sighing, I entered the kitchen and folded my arms. I gave my mother a brief smile. "What was Dylan here for?"
Mom was arranging the snacks onto trays. She gave me a wide smile. "Oh! Molly invited us over for dinner. That is very sweet of her, you know."
I smiled. "Yeah, that really was. We're going, right?"
"Of course!"
I followed my mom into the living room and sat down near Amber. I pulled my knees to my chest and looked out the window.
What I would give just to see Dylan smile for once...
I laughed. "You're kidding, right?"
"No," Dallas replied, giving me a goofy smile. "That happened. My brothers and I always liked to play tricks on one another. And on people. Gosh, my mother would always get so angry. She would get even angrier when she realized that Dad used to help us with the schemes, too."
I smiled. "Do you guys still goof around?"
"Not much," he said. "They're away at college. But they do visit on holidays. They're actually here – you know, since it's Winter break. Are you nervous?"
"A little."
I was going to meet Dallas' family for the first time. Any person would be nervous, right? It was a big step – meeting your partner's family. I mean there was always a chance that they wouldn't like me. That terrified me.
"Oh, my goodnes, you're Aubrey! Oh! You're absolutely beautiful! Come in, come in!"
Never mind.
Dallas and I exchanged grins and entered the house. Dallas resembled his mother strongly. She had light brown hair that fell in curls. Her eyes were a honey brown and she had a thin, aging face. I smiled. She was still talking and her hands were moving around, making gestures.
Their house was pretty big. It was also decorated for the holiday. I observed a couple of family photos. They were all over the place. His mother muttered something in Spanish and Dallas' eyes widened and he grinned. "I know what that means! I know what that means!"
I couldn't help but laugh. His mother was of Spanish descent and although Dallas didn't know how to speak Spanish, he told me he usually tried to learn a few words to speak with his mother. That made me smile.
His mother was pretty easy to talk to. She was always so chirpy and happy and always full of excitement. I felt comfortable within mere minutes.
"Aubrey, you're absolutely beautiful," she said. "Dallas is a very lucky guy."
Dallas and I looked at each other and when his mother turned around to tend to something, Dallas quickly leaned over and kissed me.
I couldn't help but grin.
The day was still young and I spent a portion of my time getting to know Dallas' family. They were all such wonderful people. Easy and fun to talk to.
"So, what do you think?" Dallas asked, closing the front door. It was actually quite chilly today.
"I loved them," I smiled.
He smiled back. "Trust me, they loved you, too."
Dallas got closer to me and took my hands in his. He bent his head down and planted a soft kiss on my temple. I felt my body radiate heat from the contact. I closed my eyes and leaned against him, his arms wrapping around me.
"You guys make me barf!" Tommy, Dallas' brother, screamed.
"Don't listen to the brat! You guys are adorable!" Danny, the other brother, yelled.
"Language, Danny!" their mother yelled back.
Dallas and I pulled away and laughed. We exchanged goodbyes and I was on my way back home, a smile never leaving my lips.
