Pandora's Box

Christmas Decor

Lazarus 3rd person

Stepping out of the car I got myself together before heading towards the door.

Using my personal key I unlocked the door stepping in.

The house smelled like chocolate chip cookies and there was Christmas music playing through the air.

"Hey cocoa" I laughed looking down at the white lab puppy

Marley had told me she gave Harlow a dog but this was my first time seeing it.

Stepping over the energized puppy I made my way into the living room.

"Harlow" I called out seeing it was empty besides the music that played on YouTube.

"Lyric, Lyres!!!" I called out making my way up the stairs

"What the fuck" I grew nervous as every room came up empty

"BOO!!" I jumped as Lyric ran from around the corner

"Really" I laughed turning around to her

"Where were you guys" I asked lifting her in my arms

"We were in the attic. Did you see the Christmas tree mama bought, it's HUGE!!" She spread her arms

"No i didn't I was too busy trying to find where y'all disappeared to" I sat her back down letting her lead the way

"See!" She pointed at the 6 ft tall Christmas tree

"And it's real, so we have to keep it watered so it'll last until Christmas" she grabbed the yellow watering can going over to the tree

"Wassup" I walked up to Lyres and Harlow who sat on the floor going through a box of ornaments

"Hey dad" lyres looked up at me

"You can't speak" I looked over at Harlow

"Dad I'm staying here tonight, I already have clothes so you don't have to worry about that" lyres stood shrugging

"Says who" I looked down at him

"Mommy said we can stay" Lyric ran over spilling water on the way

"Watch it Lyric." Harlow stood moving the Christmas lights away from the spilled water

"Please daddy" Lyric looked up at me

"I want to sleep in my own room, not on a couch" lyric continued pouting

"Lemme speak to y'all mama first, if she seems fit enough for y'all to stay y'all can" I looked between the both of them

Hanging their heads low, Lyres dropped the ornament leaving but lyric stayed and the waterworks began.

Sending a glare my way Harlow stood taking lyrics hand leading her to the room.

"You're not taking them" Harlow came back a few minutes later stepping in front of me

"I don't want to have to" I sat back patting the cushion next to her

"Don't start this shit like I won't take you to court Lazarus" she angrily folded her arms across her chest

"And you think you gon win" I threw my head back chuckling

"What is it you have to say" she stood back resting on one leg

"I just wanted to talk, and see what's going on with you" I grabbed her hand pulling her down onto the couch next to me.

"Nothing, I can admit I was a little out of it these past few weeks but once I got to see the kids they really help pull me back up" she sat back fiddling with her hands