What Comes Next

Chapter 24: Antoinelle

Feel free to hit that play button right now. Hint: Don't put it past 50% volume on headphones. A mistake I made all the time. And maybe put it on repeat too, just in case. :)

Chapter 24: Antoinelle

I flapped my hands up and down. "It's Christmas Jessica! It's freakin' Christmas Day and I'm just so excited!" I bounced up and down on the balls of my feet. Who can be still when it's Christmas?! Jessica rolled her eyes and placed her hands on my shoulders. I was still, until I started jittering underneath her.

Jessica raised her hand as if to slap me. "Chill chica. I swear I love you but I can't handle it if you're going to be like this all day." She let go of me and mumbled under her breath. "I feel sorry for that boyfriend of yours when he comes." I frowned but I slowly turned my lips. Christmas is a day for cheer!

Jessica had come and slept over yesterday so we could prepare for our little Christmas bash. I fixed Christmas lights all over my balcony screen door so you could basically see nothing but lights on that wall and rearranged my living room so people watching TV could still see outside. I heard that we'll have a great view of the Christmas fireworks.

My tree was standing in this weird alcove of the condo that I never had much use for, not counting the untouched desk that was there before. But now the alcove had found it's purpose, housing my real, handpicked Christmas tree that smelled of Evergreen and was adorned with all sorts of decorations: from popcorn strings to pictures to precious ornaments. I had told everyone to bring a decoration of their own that we'd add to the display before opening the presents and placing the star.

Beep beep beep. I turned my head towards the oven and sighed. "Jessica, please be a dear and check the turkey." She looked at me and I pouted. "You want me to do all of the cooking now don't you?" She scoffed and walked over to the kitchen. "What ever happened to Christmas spirit now?" I grinned. 

The bell rang and I ran to open the door. "Leo!" I shrieked and jumped at him to give him a bear hug. He stumbled but then held my face and kissed me.

"Gross." I looked behind Leo and saw Max. I rolled my eyes and Leo squeezed me, grabbing my attention again. "Merry Christmas Nel." He smiled at me and I replied, "Merry Christmas, Leonardo." I leaned forward to kiss him again when Max coughed. "No love for me?" He held out his hands and puckered his lips. I rolled my eyes but went to him to give him a hug. "Merry Christmas babe."

"Merry Christmas Max. Remember this time last year?"He pulled away. "You mean when we cried like fools and visited our dead families' graves? Yeah. It was a particularly joyful season." I shoved Max. "This one's going to be better. Way better." I smiled at him. He returned the gesture.

This was a wonderful, sentimental moment but Jessica called out, "Antoinelle Florence Rye! Come here and help me make lunch!" I flinched at the use of my full name. Leo wrapped his arms around my waist and put his face right next to my cheek. I could feel his breath entering my every pore. I shivered when he asked me, "Your middle is Florence?" I paused. Oh, he so didn't deserve my attention anymore. I called out to Jessica, "I'm coming Jessy-Bell!" and detangled myself from Leo's arms. I didn't turn around to see his face but I heard Max say, "You don't play with her middle name." I chuckled and walked into the kitchen.

It was hot and Jessica handed me the mashed potato and macaroni boxes, then went to season the ham. I emptied out both mixtures into separate pots, setting two timers for when I needed to check on them. I looked around. The cranberry and drinks didn't need to be touched until we were ready to serve. The turkey was in the food warmer tray. The ham, macaroni, and stuffing were in the making.

I thought about the deserts. Sure we bought a bunch of junk food but it's always nice to have something fresh. Then there was everything else. How were we going to do everything...I smirked and walked back to the foyer where I saw four more people: Brittany, Anthony, Amber, and a dark skinned girl with braids. I grinned and waved to welcome them saying, "Hey! Merry Christmas guys!"