CharDawn Snippets

emilarco - MERRY CHRISTMAS

The Christmas celebration has come to an end at the Montenegro mansion. Emily finally tucked Daniel to sleep after spending his day by opening gifts and playing with his new toys. She double checked the house and noticed that the light in the kitchen is still open. She walked over and found Nathan, holding a glass of water, leaning by the glass door.

It's his first night back. Maybe he can't sleep.

It's been more than five years since Nathan started his sessions and therapies and they are glad that finally, he is home with them, celebrating their first Christmas as a complete family. That day, for the first time, Nathan met his baby brother, Daniel, and surprisingly, they got along pretty well. Something that Marco and Emily didn't expect.

Emily wanted to leave him be, but she feels a pull towards him, and she needed to at least welcome him warmly. They have never gotten along since they met and even though everything is settled between them, this is also the first time for Emily and Nathan to live in a house without any conflict. So without second thoughts, Emily approached his step-son.

"Hindi ka makatulog?", she says. This startled Nathan and faced her direction.

Nathan gave her a shy smile, "Namamahay lang siguro ako."

"Gusto mo ba ipagtimpla kita ng gatas?", she asks. Hoping that she can offer a solution.

Nathan shakes his head, "No need. I'm fine. Mamaya, aantukin na rin ako. How about you? Why are you still up?"

"Hinintay ko kasi na makatulog lang si Daniel. Masyado kasing nag-enjoy sa mga bagong laruan niya.", she giggles. "Matutulog na sana ako kaso nakita kita dito. Baka kasi may kailangan ka. Magsabi ka lang, Nathan,", she says, trying to make things comfortable for him.

Nathan smiles at the mention of his younger brother. He knew about him but he never got to meet him, as they never bring him along when his Dad and Emily would visit him. They would share stories about him though, and he enjoys hearing them. So on that day, as he is finally home with the family, his baby brother is the first one he wants to meet, and he did. They played with his cars, robots, dinosaurs, and was even asked if they can go swimming together which he obliged.

"He's a great kid.", Nathan says. "Nag-enjoy po ako na kalaro siya kanina. "

Emily smiles, "Excited siya na makilala ang Kuya Nathan niya. Kinukwento ka namin palagi sa kanya."

Nathan looks at her. "Really?"

Emily nodded. "Sabi namin na may Kuya siya na mabait, mapagmahal, masipag mag-aral, at malambing."

Nathan smiles. "I'm not like that.. baka pinapaasa niyo si Daniel. Magugulat siya kapag nalaman niya yung totoong ako."

"Hindi, Nathan. Para sa amin, ikaw lahat ng yun. Naniniwala ako at ang Daddy mo na isa kang mabuting tao. Kung ano man ang nangyari noon, kalimutan na natin. Magsimula tayong muli bilang isang pamilya."

The Nathan five years ago would never thought of having Emily in his life. He loathes her whole being. But now, here she is, talking to him like nothing happened. Emily has been accepting and warm towards him like a mother. He remembers those days that Emily would visit him alone at the clinic to check up on him even though it was a bad day. He would not talk to her or ignore her, but then she'll be back the next day, trying to check on him again. He realized that Emily never gave up on him and he is thankful because he won't be able to recover if not for her and his family.

"Basta, Nathan, tandaan mo na nandito lang kami, lalo na kaming dalawa ng Daddy mo para sayo. Masaya kami na naka-uwi at kasama ka na namin", she smiles. "Anyway, magpahinga ka na, ha? Kukulitin ka nanaman ng kapatid mo bukas."

Nathan smiles and nodded. Emily was about to leave when he needed to ask her something. "Um.. before you sleep.. can I ask a few questions about Daniel? Para lang may alam pa ako sa kanya? Hindi ko kasi maintindihan yung ibang sinasabi niya kanina."

Emily giggles and started talking about her son. She told him what he likes, his favorites, what he does at home, and what Daniel dislikes. Nathan chuckled at some of them, enjoying all the stories that her step mom is sharing.

Marco has been waiting for Emily in their bedroom for a while now. He knows that she will just put Daniel to sleep and he wonders why she's taking so long. He was about to check Daniel's room when he hears some giggles in the kitchen. He took a peek and there he saw his wife and son, engaged in a conversation. This scene is what he always dreamed about. He has always wanted Emily and Nathan to get along, and now that dream is a reality. He is beyond happy with what he is seeing. So as much as he wants to join, he lets them be, enjoying each other's company, and went back to their bedroom.

Nathan enjoyed listening to Emily about Daniel. He was taking note in his mind all the things she said about his brother. He is looking forward to playing with him and eventually be best buds.

Emily noticed the time and it's getting late. She knows that Marco is waiting for her already and she doesn't want to keep Nathan any much longer. He needs to rest, too.

"Sige na, Nathan. Mauuna na ako, ha? Magkwentuhan na lang tayo ulit. Hindi nakakatulog ang Daddy mo kapag wala pa ako sa kwarto."

Nathan chuckles. "Dad's clingy?"

Emily giggles, too. "Sobra. Kaya magpahinga ka na din, ha?"

Nathan nodded. Emily took a few steps when she hears Nathan once again. "By the way..." Emily turned to face him. "Thank you. Thank you for everything that you've done for me."

Emily gave him a warm smile, "Walang anuman. Pamilya tayo. Good night, Nathan!"

Nathan smiles back. "Good night and... Merry Christmas... Mommy."

With teary eyes, Emily could only say, "Merry Christmas, Anak!"

So far, this could be the best Christmas for the both of them.