Hi5 Family

Christmas Blues

It had been about 2 weeks since the whole Thanksgiving thing went down with Gunner and his family. Gunner was still not talking to his mom and it was killing me inside because I didn't want to be the one to tear the family apart. I walked to orange base during my lunch break and knocked on his office door. Pat opened the door and Gunner looked up from his desk smiling. "Hello beautiful." He said standing up as he wrapped me in a hug. "Hey can we go for a walk?" I asked and he nodded grabbing his jacket as we walked outside and started walking around the parking lot. It was quiet for a while and Gunner didn't say anything. I think he was starting to figure out how I was because he knew that when I wanted to talk I would and if I wanted him to talk then I would say so. He took my hand in his knowing there was something on my mind. He pulled me gently as I turned to face him. He wrapped his arms around my back and looked down at me. "I feel awful." "Why?" He asked pushing my hair behind my ear and out of my face. "Because you and your mom aren't talking and I feel like it's my fault." I said and he took a deep breath. "None of this is your fault." he said kissing the top of my head, but at the same time he didn't look like he believed what he was saying. "Gunner...maybe...maybe we shouldn't be in a relationship if it's going to cause this much hurt to your family." I said looking up at him and he shook his head. "No. You don't get to decide for me who I am going to love and who I am not going to love. That decision is for me and my heart only. I choose you and I knew what I was getting into so you don't get to push me away just because my mother doesn't approve of my girlfriend." I looked down at the ground and he tilted my chin up to look at him. "I love you and I'm going to love you through hell and back." A few tears rolled down my face and he wiped them off as he kissed me and then pulled me into a hug. "Plus I figured maybe we would spend Christmas at your families place?" he said and that's when his phone rang. He saw it was his mom and declined the phone call. "I think you should listen to what she has to say." I said as his phone rang again and it was his mother. He declined the phone call, "If she wants to continue to bad mouth you I don't want to hear it." His phone rang again and this time it was his older brother Christian who was calling him. He answered the phone and I could faintly hear Christian on the other side of the phone. "Bro why haven't you been answering your phone we have been trying to get a hold of you!" Christian said clearly upset. "No mom has been trying to get a hold of me and I'm not really in the mood for talking to her right now." "Well maybe listening to her for once won't kill you considering why she's been trying to get a hold of you." "What's going on Christian?" "It's aunt Nora...Gunner she passed away earlier this morning." There was silence on both sides of the phone and he handed the phone to me as I could see him fighting back the tears. "Hey Christian, it's Julia. Yeah I heard I'm so sorry. Yeah of course we will all be on our way home. Okay I'll make sure everything is taken care of no problems. Bye." I hung up the phone and pulled Gunner into a hug. He started sobbing loudly and fell to the ground on his knees. I sat there and rubbed his back as he buried his head into my shoulder and held onto me tightly sobbing. "I know I'm so sorry." I said rubbing his back as I pulled out my cell phone to call someone. "Hey mom it's me. Yeah, well my boyfriend and his family will be joining us this year. Yeah I have everything handled. Thanks mom I'll keep you and dad posted on how everything goes. Love you too. Bye." After a few minutes of Gunner crying I walked back inside and sat him down in my office with Tank. "I'm going to go talk to Tanner and Matt. I'll be right back okay?" He nodded as Tank crawled into his lap to try and comfort him. I walked up the stairs and knocked on Tanner's office door. "Yeah?" I heard him call from in the office. I popped the door open and stuck my head in. "Tanner can I see you in Matt's office please?" He looked at me confused, but stood up and followed me into Matt's office. We both sat down and waited while Matt was on the phone. When he finished he looked at us. "What's up you guys?" he said looking at Tanner and I confused. "I don't know I was just dragged into this." Tanner said holding his hands up defensively. "Gunner just found out this afternoon that his aunt passed away this morning. The funeral and everything will be a week before Christmas. So I was going to see if Tanner, Gunner, and I could leave a couple weeks early." "Yeah of course. Oh my gosh is Gunner okay?" Matt said looking concerned and Tanner hid his face in his hands. "He's a wreck in my office right now, but I told him I was going to help him take care of everything." Matt nodded and I looked over to see Tanner's head still in his hands. I stood up and wrapped him in a hug. I could hear Tanner trying to be silent while he was crying. He wrapped his arms around me and I could tell how upset he was. Tanner was like a 4th son to this family and was practically raised by the Gomez family so I could tell he was also hurting by this. "Of course you guys take as much time as you need." Matt said getting emotional as he was clearly touched by the loss of this family. I pulled out my phone and sent a text to Kierstien so she could start getting stuff ready for herself, myself, and Tanner. Tanner had asked Kierstien out at Thanksgiving and now the two of them were together. I knew that Kierstien was a lot like me and felt like we had to help take care of everything as our boyfriends were mourning with the family. I walked with Tanner out Matt's office and brought him into my office where he and Gunner embraced and both started crying. I made sure no one came into my office to bother them as I let them take their time. Kierstien called me and I stepped out of the office. "Hey what's up?" "Hey girl so I've got some bags packed and everything ready to go. Do you want to take your car or how are we getting there?" "We can take my car and if you want to leave your car in the garage that's fine. Just grab my keys and my car and meet me at blue base. Thanks girl." "No problem. I'll be there shortly." I hung up and walked back into the office. They pulled apart from each other and both of them had red puffy eyes and tears running down their faces. "Guys I hate to break this moment up, but Kierstien is here with my car and our things. We can make the drive today if you two are ready." I said softly and they both nodded too emotional to say anything. They walked out of the office and I grabbed Tank and his things. We all clocked out and walked outside to where Kierstien was standing in front of my car quietly, with keys in hand. She handed me the keys before wrapping Tanner in a hug. He held onto her tightly like she was his rock in this storm. I opened the car and the two of them got into the back as Tank sat behind my seat and Tanner leaned on Kierstien for comfort. I got into the drivers seat and Gunner quietly got into the passenger seat. I left blue base and started heading to Gunner's house. The ride was quiet the whole time and I could tell Gunner was fighting back fits of sobs as he sniffled and stared out the window. I wanted to be there for him, but I didn't know what to say. I reached over and wrapped my pinky around his. He brought my hand to his lips and kissed it. I rested my hand on his tear stained cheek and wiped away his tears. I held on to his hand the whole drive to his house. We pulled into the drive of his house and we let the boys out of the car as there were several cars in the drive way. Kierstien and I got out of the car following the guys as neither of us wanted to cause any trouble. I kept my distance behind Kierstien since I knew that Gunner's mother was going to hate me being there, but I also needed to be there for Gunner. We walked into the house and we saw a man and woman in suits with files in front of Gunner's family. "$12,000? Where are we going to come up with that type of money?" Gunner's mother was saying quietly to the man in front of her. "We can go with another less expensive route if that is what you would like." He said to Gunner's mom. "I can't handle this right now." She said and turned to her husband who wrapped her in a comforting hug. Everyone looked at us as we walked in and Gunner walked over and hugged his mother as did Tanner. I stepped forward enough to grab the arm of the guy with the clip board. "Do you have Nora's final will and testimony?" I asked and he nodded. "She has here everything she wants done for her funeral." I take his clipboard and write my number on it. "Whatever you need for the funeral run it through me. I'll take care of all the finances for it." He nodded and shook my hand before walking out of the house leaving. "$12,000's Jules?" Kierstien whispered. "Yeah I've got it don't worry." She nodded and hugged me as she stepped forward and took a hold of Tanner's hand. I took the moment of everyone focused on the boys to slip out of the house. I leaned against the side of my car and just waited for the guys to get their things. The front door opened and closed and I looked up to see Christian. "Julia why aren't you inside?" he asked pointing back to the house. "I don't want to cause any more trouble." i said sticking my hands in my pocket. "So you are just going to pay for my aunts funeral and leave?" he said looking at me. "No I'm going to be here for Gunner, but it is your mother's sister and I don't want to make her any more upset than she already is." "Why did you pay for my aunts funeral?" he asked confused. "Because my family is lucky enough to have enough money to take care of things like this. I don't want your family to have to worry about expenses. I just want them to be able to take the time that they need to grieve and not worry about anything." He smirked and shook his head. "What?" I asked confused and he came over and gave me a hug. "My brother was right. You're exactly what this family needs." He smiled. "Don't worry if my mom gives you any more problems Gunner, Micah, and I will take care of it." He said and he nodded back to the house asking me to follow after him. I knew I know had the approval of all the men in the house. I followed after Christian, but I still stayed close to the door in case I was asked to leave. Gunner walked over and wrapped his arm around my side. His mom looked at me and didn't say anything. "I can leave if you want me to Mrs. Gomez." I said as I took a step toward the door. "No." She said and all of us looked at her surprised. "My son needs you now more than ever and I am not going to turn around the woman who paid for my sister's funeral." She said and I took a step closer to Gunner's side as he wrapped his arms around me. He kissed my head and his mother walked off to go find comfort in her husband. Micah and Olivia came over and hugged me. "Looks like you have the official welcome to the family." Christian said as he joined the group hug. "Yeah I just hate the circumstances." I mumbled. I stayed with Gunner and his family for the next week and it wasn't till after the funeral that the last will and testament of Nora was presented. Strangely enough it wasn't in documents, but it was in letters. There were letters for everyone: Mr. Gomes, Mrs. Gomez, Christian and his girlfriend, Gunner, Micah, Olivia, Tanner and then what surprised me the most was a letter was also given to Kierstien and I. The instructions were given by the lawyer that we were each to read the letters alone and in our own privacy. Kierstien and I tucked outside letters away as we didn't want to offend or hurt the family by receiving letters when we were not related. The lawyer left and we all sat there in silence. I think no one was sure of what to say or do. Kierstien put her arm on the inside of Tanners and laced her hand in his. I took the moment of silence to excuse myself and walked outside with my letter in hand. I turned it over and broke the seal as I pulled out the letter and read the beautiful writing. "Dear Sweet Julia, I know our time meeting was brief, but in the time that you stayed with me I grew to love you and your infectiously loving personality. I know God has great things in store for you and I hope that you keep your promise. Family should never be alone on Christmas. All I ask is that you take in my family on this holiday. I and leaving you with one of my most precious possessions. The loving heart of my nephew Joshua Gómez. I know you two will have your ups and downs, but I know that you two are supposed to be together. Please take care of my sweet boy because I know he will take care of you. Sincerely, Tia Nora." I wiped away a few tears that had fallen down my face and looked up at the painted sky. "I promise Nora." I whispered before tucking the letter into my jacket and heading back inside. Olivia has gone upstairs and Micah was sitting on the couch while everyone else has basically stayed the same. Tanner and Kierstien got up and put their jackets on as they decided they were going to take a walk.  I sat next to Gunner and took his hand as he looked over at me with a blank expression on his face. I cleared my throat before speaking up. "I know you guys usually spend Christmas here, but I was thinking maybe considering the circumstances I wanted to take the chance and open my house to you and your family. All of you are more than welcome to stay with me and my brother during this Christmas holiday. We have plenty of room and would love the company." I said and Gunner smiled. "I think it's a great idea." Gunner said. "Thank you Julia that's very kind of you. I know Melissa and I will be more than happy to join you." Christian said wrapping his arm around his girlfriend. "I'm down for it." Micah said. I looked over at Gunners parents hesitantly. "We would be very grateful to spend Christmas with you and yours." Mr. Gomez said speaking for his family. I smiled. "Alright we'll I'll go run the idea by Olivia." I said standing up as I left the kitchen and walked upstairs. When I walked down the door I heard soft crying coming from Olivas room. I gently knocked on the door and opened it seeing her sitting on her bed with the letter in her lap. "Liv you okay?" I asked sitting next to her. She hadn't opened the letter yet but just looked down at it sitting in her lap. "I...I can't read." She said. "Want me to read it for you?" I asked and she nodded as she handed me the letter. It was rather heavy, but I thought nothing of it as she climbed into my lap. I opened the letter and in it was a heart shaped locket. Olivia opened it and in it was a picture of herself and Nora. I unfolded them letter and started to read. "My beautiful princesa, I know you might be sad for a little while, but please know that I am no longer hurting. I'm no longer in pain and I'm always watching over you. I remember when you were younger you had given this to me and I loved it so much I wore it every day. I wanted to make sure that this locket found its way into the proper hands. I hope you love and cherish it as much as I love and cherish you. I am so proud of the woman you are going to become and I will always be with you. Te amo mi amor, Tía Nora." I helped place the locket around her neck and fixed her hair after it. "Thank you Julia." She said wrapping her arms around my neck and hugging me. I rubbed her back soothing her. "I was wondering. I am having a Christmas dance at my house and we need a princess to be there. Also I think Tank misses you. Do you want to come with your family to spend Christmas at my house?" "Will Santa still be able to find me?" "He will I promise. In fact I happen to be very good friends with the lady that takes care of his reindeer and I'll make sure to tell her that you will be at my house this Christmas." She giggled and smiled brushing her long black hair out of her face. I looked up to see Gunner leaning against the doorway smiling. I set her down and knelt in front of her. "Okay I have to go make some preparations why don't you start getting your things together okay?" She nodded and I walked out into the hallway. Gunner took my hand in his and pulled me into a passionately sweet kiss. "You're amazing you know that?" "I know." I said smiling. "I love you." "I know that too." I said smiling and he pulled me into another kiss. Once the whole family was packed and ready to go we all got in the car and drove back to California. The car ride was quiet as Tanner, Kierstien, Gunner and I were in one car and Gunner's family was in another. I turned on the radio and we listened to some Christmas music. It took a few hours of driving, but by the time we pulled up to my house Woods had already left the lights on. We parked the cars in the drive and we all piled out of the cars grabbing our things. I walked up to the front door and unlocked it. "Woods I'm home!" I called into the large house and it echoed. Everyone walked inside and looked around amazed. Woods walked in from the kitchen and he looked exhausted. I knew he had been waiting up for us. He wrapped me in a hug and said hi to everyone to be polite. "Do you need help with anything?" he asked and I knew he really didn't want to help, but was just being polite. "No I think I can handle it from here. Why don't you go and get some sleep you've probably had a really long day." He hugged me again and kissed my forehead before bounding up the stairs. "Alright everyone follow me to your rooms. Gunner can you carry our bags up to my room? Tanner and Kiers you two can have the guest bedroom." They nodded and we all started walking up the stairs. I led Mr. and Mrs. Gomez up the stairs and down the hall to our second guest bedroom. Then I led Christian and his girlfriend to a third room. Then Micah and Olivia both got their own rooms. After I made sure everyone was settled I told everyone to let me know if they needed anything. I headed to my room exhausted to find Gunner laying on the bed cuddling Tank. "Hey that's my man." I said and Tank grunted. "Come on up." I said and Tank grunted again. "You little buttnugget get out of my bed." I said laughing and Tank rolled over and crawled off the bed. I got into bed and laid down next to Gunner. He was quiet. "You alright?" I asked as I pushed the pillows aside so we could actually see each other. "Yeah...just thinking..." "About?" "My aunt's letter to me." "You want to talk about it?" I asked as I wrapped his arm around me and rested my head in the crook of his neck. "Maybe someday." I held his hand as we sat there tracing each other's palms in silence. We laid there not having to say anything. "Babe..." "Hm?" "Let's not worry about gifts for each other this year okay?" I said turning on my side as I looked up at him. "You don't want to do gifts?" "No. I think us being together is gift enough. No gifts okay?" "Okay baby if that's what you want." He said brushing my hair behind my ear. I leaned up and kissed him. I got out of bed and we both got dressed into comfy clothes before we both climbed into bed and went to sleep. I woke up the next morning and stretched. I rolled over and saw Gunner was already awake and out of bed. Tank was curled up in a ball in his place sleeping. "Tank come on let's go find daddy." I said and Tank woke up. I made sure I was decent as I stayed in my sweat pants and tank top. Tank and I walked down the stairs and I heard talking in coming from the kitchen and I smelled food. I walked through the dining room to see my brother making coffee and Gunner making breakfast. There was a tray set up and Meg, Wood's girlfriend was already eating breakfast. She turned when she saw me and I motioned for her not to say anything. I walked around the island and I snuck up behind Gunner and wrapped my arms around him. "Noooooo." he said in a whining voice. I laughed, "Well good morning to you too." I said sitting on the counter and bit into a strawberry. "You were supposed to stay in bed so I could bring you breakfast in bed." he said pouting as he walked over to me. "Aww you were making me breakfast in bed? Baby I'm sorry." I said wrapping my arms around his neck as he pouted his lip. I leaned forward and kissed him. "That's so sweet thank you." He went back to cooking and finished making his waffle. He put it on the plate and covered it with strawberries and Nutella. "Mmm that looks so good." I said holding my stomach as it growled and he made my coffee. "Well too bad you aren't going to get it until you take your cute butt back upstairs." I jumped off the counter and he held it above my head and walked toward the stairs. I ran past him up the stairs and down the hall to my room. I jumped into bed and covered myself up so I could pretend to be asleep. He opened the door smiling. "Good morning baby I brought you breakfast in bed." he said as he walked over. I sat up and stretched. "Awww baby you made me breakfast in bed. How sweet!" I said giggling. He put the tray down in front of me and of course he had a camera. "You're the best boyfriend and if this isn't poison then you are an amazing boyfriend." "Oh shush and eat." he said.

I dug into the waffles which were surprisingly amazing!! "Mmm." "How are they?" he asked. "Amazing, but you now how they could be better?" I said with a smirk on my face. "How?" He asked. "With a kiss from my loving boyfriend." He put the camera down and kissed me. "Okay now these waffles are amazing!!" He laughed and I continued to eat while he went to go wake his siblings for breakfast. I finished eating and I texted Kierstien. I was so excited that tonight was the Christmas Eve ball. I was also pretty nervous. I heard a knock at my door. "Come in." I said. Kierstien poked her head in. "I heard someone has some pre ball jitters?" "Girl like you wouldn't believe." "Oo waffles!" She took a strawberry. "Hey those are mine! Gunner made them for me." "Aww you guys are too cute." She said laying on the bed next to me. "So girl can you help me out with my hair and makeup tonight?" "Only if you help me with my dress." "Oh of course I always have back up dresses." "What are you wearing?" "Go check the closet." She walked over to the closet and opened it then gasped. "Shut up! Girl you are going to look so freaking goregous has Gunner seen this?" "No I told him he wasn't allowed in the closet." "I'm so excited to see his reaction." "I have one behind it for you." She moved my dress aside and held up a second dress against her. "Julia this is stunning." She looked herself over in the mirror as she held the dress against her. "Girl you are going to look so good!" "Well let's just relax for right now we will worry about more tomorrow." "Kierstien..." I got a bit more serious and she turned to look at me. "Gunner told me he loved me..."