An Abnormal Christmas

13: Painful Goodbyes

Meghan opened her eyes, no motivation to slip out of bed coming to her. Carly laid snuggled beside her, still deep in sleep, and Meghan smiled at the sight of her. After what happened the previous night, Meghan had cried herself to sleep for the first time in months. And that time, it wasn't even over Gordon.

A dull ache began drumming through her chest, but there were no tears left at the moment to stain Meghan's cheeks. She shifted slightly and slowly sat up, rubbing her eyes. The clock beside the bed said enough for her to know that - no doubt - Gordon was already up making breakfast. The smell of food that wafted into the room only strengthened her assumption.

Leaving Carly to continue sleeping, Meghan slipped out of bed and walked across the cold floor to the closed door. As she exited the bedroom, leaving the door cracked open behind her, she took a peek into the kids room where Ryder was sprawled on his stomach in bed, his face hidden beneath the blanket draped over him.

"Good morning, Nutmeg," Gordon greeted softly from the tiny kitchen, flipping a pancake on the frying pan. He studied her face as she sat on the couch. "Did you sleep well?"

"What do you think?" she snapped, rubbing her burning eyes again. A texture like sandpaper dried her mouth but she didn't get up to look for water. Instead, she leaned back, sinking into the cushions. "Did Marcus leave?"

"Yeah, he's going to stay at a hotel," Gordon said.

Meghan nodded slowly, glancing at the two bodies still sleeping on the floor in thick sleeping bags. She was surprised they hadn't woken up yet, but then again, Brek was always a very heavy sleeper. Gwen just inherited that from him.

The conversation that took place last night had went surprisingly well. Especially when the fawn named Blitzen decided to take that moment to float in the air; confirming what the police officer was telling them. What happened afterward, however, had ripped away at something inside of Meghan.

"Do you want to talk about it?" Gordon asked, rummaging through the fridge for syrup.

"No, we already made our decision," Meghan mumbled.

"Well, I'm here to talk if you ever need it." He offered her a genuine smile. One that lit his whole face up. Meghan's stomach fluttered at the sight but she quenched the feeling by standing back up, clearing her throat.

"I'll get the kids up," she told him, moving back down to the bedroom doors.

She went to wake Ryder first. He hadn't been disturbed at all the previous night during the late night the adults had and Meghan was happy about that. She knew he was losing sleep over their stressful situation, as well, even if he didn't like to admit it. But that just meant he didn't know that Brek and Gwen were there.

"Ryder," she said gently, nudging his shoulder. He groaned and rolled onto his back, squinting as he opened his eyes to look up at her. She smiled. "Breakfast is about ready."

"What time is it?"

"Time to get up," she said, ruffling his already tousled hair. "Come on. Today is another busy day."

Ryder sat up slowly, wincing slightly. Meghan noted the unusual paleness of his skin. "Busy, but not in the normal holiday way, right? I'm guessing it's going to be another depressing day knowing our lives are on the line."

"No," Meghan assured him. "I have a feeling today will be better."

"Just like you said things would get better after Dad left." Ryder shook his head, yawning slightly. "You can tell Carly all you want, but I'm not fooled."

At least he was saying "Dad" without disgust or anger. Meghan patted his shoulder. "Just get up. There's a surprise in the living room."

"I hate surprises," he mumbled.