Mistletoe (A Christmas Romance)

"Holly Jolly"

*Beep beep beep beep* I wake up to my alarm at 6:00 AM. I am exhausted and just ready to get this day over with. It's Saturday, December 1st. It's going to be a busy day. I have to cater to the animals, decorate the house, and put up the Christmas tree.
I roll out of my bed onto the creaky wood floor. I spring up like a chicken on steroids and head to my bathroom. I brush my teeth, tie back my hair with an old discolored scrunchy, and put on my farm attire.
I meet my folks down stairs for bacon and eggs.
"Good morning sweet pea how are you?" My mother Grace McCoy. She's an angel but if you mess with her babies she goes off on you like a bull in a rodeo. "I'm good mama." I say as I sit down at our small wooden dining table that my parents had since the 50's. We are that type of hand me down family. My dad is greedy with his money.
"Sweet pea, make sure you feed Sally Mae extra good today. She's looking a little skinny." I chuckle as I look down at my delicious looking breakfast. "Will do mama. But you gotta remember Sally Mae is an old cow."
"I know baby, but she needs to have her comfort."
I roll my eyes and almost spill my milk on the table not paying attention to what I am doing.
My dad Travis McCoy is sitting still in his chair reading the newspaper chewing on his bacon.
My mom walks up to the table and throws down her dish rag and says," Well family."
My dad is still has his eyes glued to the newspaper and my eyes are focused on my phone screen. "Family!" My mama yells in frustration. We jump and look at her . I almost drop my phone on the ground and almost spill my dog gone milk again. She then proceeds to turn red like a tomato trying to keep her laughter to herself.
" Travis... Jessie.. this year we are going to grandma and grandpas for Christmas!"
My eyes widen as my heart starts to pound. I hate traveling for Christmas I like when it is me my mama, daddy and Aunt Lucy. She since she passed away earlier this year my parents think it would be lonely. Don't get me wrong I love my grandma and grandpa but I just hate traveling especially during Christmas. It gives me the worst anxiety.
"Excuse me." I say depressed
I walk outside into the fresh country air. My mama follows me.
"Look Lacey, ever since Aunt Lucy died Christmas can't be the same. It would crush your father. He misses his sister dearly and this year he needs to get things off his mind. He's been through a lot."
I put my head down and rest my arms on the front porch railing. "I know mama, but why can't they come see us?"
"Because their old honey." She says as she pats my back. "They can't travel on a plane all the way from Hickman. Plus they are having a huge Christmas get together this year at their property. They can't disappoint their guests. "
"Ha great! So now the whole dang family is going to be there!" I yell and throw my arms up.
My mama gets a stern look on her made up face and she grins her teeth and snarks back," I will not be treated like that young lady! This Christmas you will visit your grandma and grandpa and you are going to be nice!" My mom lets out a small puff and turns around giving me the southern belle evil eye. She slaps her apron on that's covered in flour. And walks back in the house.
I begin walking to the barn to start my day. I don't even want to think about it. I begin my chores and nurture my animals. I'm trying not to mess this whole Christmas situation up on my head.