Underneath the Tree (gg)

Chapter 12 - Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree

Summary:
Beth heads out to the Home Depot to pick up a Christmas tree.

Driving carefully in the light snowfall, Beth continues down the road to the Home Depot. Sitting in silence, staring straight ahead. Pulling towards the parking lot, she finds the nearest parking space near the tree selection. Exiting her car, she makes her way into the gated area containing trees, approaching a man with an orange shirt.
"Hi, I was wondering if you could help me," Beth taps his shoulder, causing the man to turn quickly, almost dropping his clipboard.
"Oh yeah I- of course." He stumbles on his words as he places a hand out towards Beth's to shake.
Receiving it and shaking back, she continues, "So, I kind of want a big one. I have a good amount of space in my living room." Continuing a light stroll, looking at each tree.
The man nods and waves his hands towards every one as they pass, continuing to glance downwards as they pass through.
Walking towards a good sized tree, she looks it up and down, taking in every detail, "Actually this one looks pretty nice."
The man nods, but he's not paying much attention to the tree, "Oh yeah, that one is a good choice. Really pretty, nice and green, very full." His eyes glance down towards Beth's chest, her green sweater hugging her curves.
Noticing his stance she calls it out, "Are you fucking kidding me. I can't go anywhere by myself. Stop staring at my breasts asshole!" She points her finger up towards his face, making a slight scene, causing others around them to stare.
"I- I'm sorry ma'am! I ju-" His hands flail upwards, making sure not to touch her on accident.
"I would like it if you'd stop talking. Stop trying to justify your pervertedness, it's sick. Now, you're going to strap this tree to the top of my car, and you're never going to disrespect me ever again." Walking away slightly, then turning to scowl at him. Storming off towards her car, she stands near it waiting for the tree.
He follows behind shortly, her tree on a wheeled carrier. Strapping it to the top of her van, he glances back in her direction only to be met with another glare.
"I- I'm sorry alright." He shrugs his shoulders, finishing the last knot on the tree.
"Yeah, you better be fucking sorry! You're mother must be so proud." Beth says this as she pulls money out of her pocket, practically throwing it at the man. Hopping into her car, she puts the key into ignition and speeds off, still fuming from the recent encounter.

---

Now on her porch, Beth takes a long deep breath, calming herself down before entering the house. Putting on a faux smile, she makes her way inside.
"Hey kids, I got a tree!" Standing in the foyer, the kids running to give her multiple hugs. Annie following behind, instantly clocking her demeanor.
"Where is it?" Kenny holding a tube of Christmas ornaments.
"Well, we're going to set it up in a minute. How about you kids head upstairs and change into your pajamas!" Beth motions them towards the staircase, leading them away.
Annie stares towards her in a funny way before beginning, "I can read you like a book, what happened?"
Before Beth can form a full sentence, she's breaking down, tears flowing from her eyes. Leaning in to pull Annie for a hug.
"That bad huh?" Annie hugs her back, still confused as to what even happened.
Beth pulls away and makes her way towards the couch, "The worker at Home Depot was a weirdo. He called the tree very green and full..." making air quotes with her fingers, "Yeah... you know what else is green and full?"
Annie follows her towards the couch, glancing downwards to Beth's green sweater, "Oh wow... he was starin-"
"Yeah, literally the entire time. Men are so shitty, first Dean, now that asshole." Beth rubs her forehead, noticeably stressed, Jane comes running down the stairs.
"Mommy where's the tree?" The other kids following behind her, "Are you okay?"
"Yes Janie, I just need aunty Annie to help me get the tree inside." Beth stands up, rubbing the tears out of her eyes.
Annie feeling slighted, reluctantly follows behind, "Yeah I guess I'll help."

---

"Wow, it's looks better than I expected." Beth stands with Annie, looking at the tree from the star to the skirt. The kids had gotten tired before finishing, Beth having to put them to sleep half way through.
"Well, now all we have to do is the rest of the house?" Annie looking around, the house still bare, the only illumination being the tree.
Beth crosses her arms before walking towards a big box, "Well, it's not going to do itself." Grabbing tinsel, she walks towards the staircase, wrapping the railing.
Annie following suit decides to hang up a small mistletoe, placing it near the end of the staircase. A random spot, it probably wouldn't be used much, unless everyone gathered for a picture in that area. Rummaging through the box, Beth pulls out a big clump of Christmas lights.
"How the hell am I supposed to..." Beth pauses, finding a piece that unravels the entire knot, "Oh..."
Annie laughs as she reaches into the box finding glittery snowflakes. Taking each one, she hangs them delicately in every room. Smiling in satisfaction at what she's done.

---

"Wow, we really made that happen huh?" Beth and Annie take in each detail of the house, every decoration placed in the perfect spot.
"Yeah we really did." Annie's hands held to her hips, taking in a deep breath, now reaching to grab bar phone. 11:56pm, "Oh wow, it's really late, I gotta get home. Ben's probably already sleeping."
"Alright, I'll see you next time, thanks for helping." Beth leads Annie towards the door, watching as she walks to her car, making sure she gets in safely. Annie waving from her window, she speeds off.
Beth closes the door, locking it behind her, moving towards the big box. Now empty, she closes it up and takes it back towards the closet it was once in. Contemplating what to do, she heads upstairs, realizing that she had still been wearing normal clothing. Slipping into a set of pajamas, Beth climbs into bed, letting out a long breath. This was the longest day ever. Make that the worst day ever. Tucking the blanket up to her neck, she closes her eyes, allowing herself to drift into sleep.

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(This chapter is hella short, sorry for that!)