That Pivotal Moment

Chapter 27

The First Christmas

Hayden

I left the jewelry store feeling pretty satisfied. With Alex's help, I was able to get Gabby something I think she'll really like. Alex and Brad were way easier to shop for. Probably a guy thing. I was in the process of sending Gabby a text when I bumped into someone who was walking past me.

I turned around to apologize and my body went rigid. Roy. That fucking bastard. He was taunting me and he knew I was itching to beat his ass.

I took a step in his direction when my phone went off. "Hello?" I answered, not even looking at the screen to see who it was.

"Hey babe," came Gabby's excited voice. "Where are you?"

I watched as Roy kept walking away, not taking another step towards him. "Um, headed home. You okay?"

"Yes. I was wondering...is your mom home?"

That got my attention. "No, she's out getting some shopping done since the stores are closed tomorrow."

"Good. Meet me at your place."

I hung up the phone and looked back in the direction Roy left. He was gone now, and thank God for Gabby's call. I wanted to beat the shit out of that bastard. But, it would only get me in more trouble.

I put her present in the trunk and headed towards my house. I had no idea what she wanted, but I didn't care. I was always happy to see her.

My mind wandered on the drive home. This Christmas was going to be a day of firsts. For everyone. First one without my dad, first with Gabby and Alex. According to Alex, they haven't had Christmas in almost 7 years. It was one of the main reasons I planned this. We may be a small group, but we were all each other had. We couldn't let the bad stuff stop us from enjoying this time together.

I pulled up to my house and Gabby was waiting on the steps. She must have already been on her way when she called. I parked behind her 2004 Toyota Corolla and sighed. She needed a better car.

After she got her memories back, we had a long talk. She admitted that she would sleep at rest stops when she couldn't afford a hotel. I didn't take that well.

Thankfully, that wouldn't happen anymore since she was staying at Jenny's. It didn't hurt that, since Alex had a stable place to live, she didn't mind sneaking in my room to sleep over. I didn't mind it either.

She was the only girl I've ever actually slept next to. Now, when she's not in my bed, I wake up sometimes, reaching for her. I never told her that.

I looked up at her through the windshield and she waved to me. Getting out, I walked straight to her, cupping her cheek with my hand as I gave her a long kiss.

"Hi," she said breathlessly against my lips.

"Hey, yourself. So, to what do I owe this surprise?"

She bit her lip before saying, "Let's go inside and I'll show you."

I followed her inside and she went straight to my room. I like where this is heading. The more we had sex, the more confident she's been getting. And it was sexy as fuck.

I followed her inside and she shut the door behind me.

"Okay," she said, "stand here and close your eyes."

I did as instructed with, what I knew, was a cheesy ass grin on my face.

I heard some rustling followed by a shy, "You can look now."