Demons (An AU Nathan Gardner Story)

Chapter 25 - Amazing

During dinner everyone was cordial, though Emma was punished by not receiving any dessert. Kelly went on and on about the new car Justin leased for her and Justin boasted about winning his last case. Sydney was not a fan of him being a criminal defense attorney, especially since someone like that would try to defend David at some point. Maureen and Henry doted on Sydney a little too much, however it not only made Sydney feel welcome, but gave Nathan a small break. Susan talked about being elected president of the drama club and Sydney chimed in - to the best of her availability - about a short story Susan wrote in class that she wanted her to consider turning into a one act play. It was almost a normal holiday. Almost.

"You're not married," Sage, the younger of the two siblings mused.

Nathan sighed. "No, Sage, we're not."

"So why are you taking care of her?"

Her mother attempted to correct her. "Sage, sweetie, that's not polite to ask."

The little girl was unfazed. "Why?"

Not wanting to hear anymore of an argument, Sydney spoke, "He is taking care of me because he's a good person and a wonderful friend, Sage. He's one of the most important people in my life." She squeezed Nathan's hand under the table, causing him to blush. She wanted to add something along the lines of, "There is that good enough for you?" but she resisted.

"Honey, why don't you go play with your sister in the game room?" Kelly asked, embarrassment evident.

Sage rolled her eyes. "When's it time for presents?"

Justin was becoming uncomfortable as well. "Tomorrow morning when it's Christmas, sweetheart." He said the last word through gritted teeth.

"You said we got something tonight! You said that's why we were sleeping here."

Maureen looked like she was going to hit the ceiling. "Justin?"

"Hey, rug-rat," Susan said, getting up from her chair and swooping Sage into her arms. "We're gonna go play with your sister, got it?" Her tone was no nonsense and Sage didn't argue. Nathan didn't mean to, but he laughed.

"Mom, I'm sorry," Justin began.

"Clear the table," she spat. "Henry, help me get Sydney to the family room. It's a little more peaceful in there."

"Looks like you're helping with the dishes, Bro," Justin said, sounding smug.

Nathan rolled his eyes. "I do it every year without Mom having to ask me."

"I'm going to the bathroom," Kelly muttered, avoiding the task at hand.

Nathan rolled up his sleeves, then began stacking dishes and taking them into the kitchen. Ever since he was a kid, he was the one who helped more around the house, but Justin made himself the center of attention. Nathan longed to be a teacher, while Justin insisted he would be the greatest lawyer the world ever know. As adults, things shifted. Maureen and Henry were quite proud of Nathan; things with him were wonderful until he took the mantel of principal - a move they both knew he didn't want, as well as the beginning of the end of his stable life. As for Justin, boasting as much as he did never matched up with his actual academic performance. He made it into a lower tier law school and was now defending some rather unsavory people, but the cash flow was all he focused on.

As he loaded the dishwasher with what he could, Nathan became lost in his thoughts. He didn't realize his brother called his name several times before smacking him on the arm.

"Where the hell are you, Nate? You haven't said a word to me since we started this crap."

"And your wife hasn't found it necessary to return from the bathroom," he remarked, wondering what the response would be.