Forevermore

19

My dad stops playing the piano and we all clap as he takes a mini bow then stands up.

"Selena, why don't you give it ago." He says and I shake my head.

"I cannot play anymore, I forgot!" I exclaim as my brother pushes me toward the piano.

"That's fine, I can." Hayden says and I look over at him shocked.

"How the- I didn't know this, why?" I ask and he laughs taking my hand and pulling me over to the piano. I sit beside him and he gets his hands ready then starts to play without needing the sheet music. Instantly I know what song he's playing and I laugh listening to the riff. I suddenly remember how to play it and play the opposite side of the piano to harmonize and I catch him smile as the song begins and I sing.

"The First Noel, the Angels did say, was to certain poor shepherds in fields as they lay. In fields where they lay keeping their sheep on a cold winter's night that was so deep. 

Noel, Noel, Noel, Noel, born is the King of Israel!  

They looked up and saw a star, shining in the East beyond them far. And to the earth it gave great light and so it continued both day and night. Noel, Noel. Noel, Noel. Noel, Noel. Noel, Noel. Noel, Noel. Noel, Noel born is the King of Israel! Born is the King of Israel."

He ends the song and I smile looking over at him then at my family as they clap.

"And she's back!" My brother exclaims and I laugh hugging Hayden's arm as he starts to play Oh Holy Night. Everyone joins in this time and we laugh and sing and I feel my mother looking down upon us. I smile as we all continue to sing and Hayden continues to play. He's a man of many mysteries so it seems.

~~

The Chinese delivery service gets here and Justin answers the door then brings our food over to us.

"Another Christmas Eve tradition, begun." He says and we all clap as he puts it down on the table. 

"Dig in." Believe that's exactly what we do. We all grab our orders then laugh and talk; just having a great time together. I missed them so much, but the longer I'm with them the more I forget the problems we've had in the past, and the more I see the love and relationship we all once had begin to bloom again. My brother shoots his gaze to me and I smile then look over at my dad. I forget the last time I saw him so happy. Hayden throws his arm over my shoulder and pulls me against him.

"You okay?" He whispers into my ear and I nod.

"Yes." I say and he smiles as we finish up eating as my dad stands up and puts on Polar Express; my favorite and final Christmas Eve tradition. I stand up and take everyone's trash to the kitchen then smile looking out at the snow. It's always so beautiful around here.

"Movie's starting!" My dad shouts and I quickly look away then head outside of the kitchen and sit back down beside Hayden.

"Alright, I am here, and ready." I say then my dad un pauses the movie and I cuddle against Hayden as he throws a blanket over us. 

~~~~