A Little Mad

Chapter 74

Music was playing loudly in Jerome's dream. He couldn't figure out why the song was singing about Santa Clause. His eyes opened and he realized it wasn't just in his dream. He noticed the space next to him was empty. He stood up and noticed his t-shirt he took off before bed last night was missing. He smiled,  shaking his head. He walked out of the bedroom in another t-shirt and sweat pants. He was still a little groggy. The music got louder as he walked through the apartment. He began to notice all the Christmas decorations. He could hear everyone else in the living room. He stopped once he entered the room. As expected, Mercedes was in his t-shirt and a pair of PJ shorts. She was dancing around with Bailey. Jerome clued in that they were playing the Jackson Five Christmas album. Jerome watched as Mercedes and Bailey danced around singing.

"Santa Clause is coming to town!"

Jerome laughed and Mercedes instantly turned around excited. She ran into his arms almost knocking him down. Jerome groaned, but chuckled.

"Yay! You're awake!"

Mercedes pulled away and Jerome looked around. Decorations were all over the walls and they had a Christmas tree that was completely decorated.

"Where the hell did you get all this?"

Mercedes laughed. She smiled the brightest smile.

"You obviously didn't notice I took this from my old house. It's all my family stuff. We always had the most decorative Christmas! I got up extra early and Bailey helped me!"

Jerome looked at her slightly confused. He had only been home one day from his emergency surgery and even though he was supposed to take it easy, he refused. Mercedes eyes widened.

"Jerome do you not even realize we are at the end of December?! Christmas is next week!"

Jerome thought for a minute and then shook his head sighing.

"I guess it is. I lose track of dates sometimes." 

Ash slowly walked into the living room yawning. He stopped and stared around confused. Jerome laughed.

"It's Christmas next week apparently."

Ash thought for a second.

"Holy shit... It is Christmas next Friday."

Ash walked over Bailey and kissed her cheek. Bailey smiled. Mercedes looked up and smiled.

"Uh-oh."

Jerome followed her gaze and smirked. He grinned looking back down at her.

"Am I under mistletoe?"

Mercedes smirked. She traced her fingers down his jawline scars.

"I believe you are. Better pay up."

Jerome chuckled.

"You don't have to tell me twice."

Jerome leaned in and gently pressed his lips to hers. He felt Mercedes against the kiss and he couldn't help but smile back. Jerome pulled away and Mercedes was in such holiday spirit it almost annoyed him, but he thought it was adorable. Mercedes looked behind him and sighed.

"I'm going to wake up TaTyana. I can't believe she's still asleep."

The front door busted open and an exhausted Ed stumbled through the door. Mercedes looked at him surprised.

"Oh I guess she's not sleeping. Where is TaTyana Ed?"

He stared at them worried. He was tired and almost out of breath.