Flash of Red

Chapter 13

Betty parked her car, walking up the steps to her dad's house. She knocked on the door and he answered, smiling wide and pulling her into a hug.

"Oh, I've missed you so much. I feel like I haven't seen you in ages." She laughed and he pulled her back, holding her shoulders to take a onceover over her. "God, you've grown so much. It's really been nine years, hasn't it?" She sighed sadly and he hugged her again. "Okay, come in! Come in!"

She followed him inside, biting her lip. "The place looks great, dad. You look like you're doing really good."

"Not to toot my own horn, but I am." He smiled at her and she smiled back. "We can discuss me later. How have you been? What have you been up to?"

"I-I graduated - high school and college. I was top in my class in high school and I was third in college." He sat down next to her at the island, nodding.

"That's great! I always knew you would do good, it's... it's why I did what I did. I wanted to be there, I wanted to see you become... you, you know?" She frowned a little, seeing the pain in his eyes. "I'm so sorry for putting you through all that, Betty. You were 15, you shouldn't have had to watch me drink myself away."

"Hey," she grabbed his hands, giving them a heartfelt squeeze. "You got better, you got help. That's what matters, and now you're six years sober, that's amazing in itself. Just because mom gives you a hard time, doesn't mean Polly and I will. Mom will always hold a grudge over you, it's just how she is. But she doesn't matter, I'm proud of you. Pol is, too."

"Oh, I'm so glad it's all of us back together for Christmas again. I've missed this so much." Betty smiled, laughing a little. "Okay, actually tell me what you've been doing now."

~

They talked for hours, Betty helping him with dinner. Polly had come later in the day, bringing Juniper and Dagwood, along with Jason. Their dad was overly ecstatic to meet the twins, spoiling them the moment they got there. Betty and Polly were happy that he was happy again, also being happy that he was well enough to host Christmas like this again.

They spent the day laughing and catching up, spending much needed time together as a family. It had gone by quickly and before any of them knew it, the sun was down and it was approaching the kids' bedtimes. But, the doorbell being rung had all of them turning their heads with a confused look.

"Can you get that, Betty?" Hal asked it with a nod and she sighed, pushing herself up off the floor.

"You know," she rested her hand on the knob, shaking her head. "You're closer." She turned and her breath came out in a gasp. "Jug,"

He smiled, tears welling in her eyes. "Merry Christmas." She sobbed, throwing her arms around him. He froze for barely a second before he squeezed her tightly, burying his face in her hair. "I've missed you so much."

She pulled back and laughed lightly, wiping her tears. "You're real?"

"Yeah, one hundred percent." She continued to cry, hugging him again.

She pulled back again after another long moment, sighing as he wiped her face, reaching up and holding his wrists. "When did you plan this? How long have you been planning to come out here?"

"A month, maybe. Not that long." She frowned and he brushed stray hairs off of her forehead. "I wanted to surprise you. Your dad and Kevin helped me, too. And-And the dogs, they're all with me. They're waiting in the truck."

Her face lit up and it cracked a smile. "Really?" He nodded and she sniffled. "Can we get them?"

"Yes, of course." She walked forward and he stopped her. "You want shoes?"