christmas (baby please come home)

you should be here with me

the snow in Denver is different than the snow in New York, it's thicker and not as soft. it reminds him of the snow in Salt Lake and all the memories of holidays growing up.

Ricky pulls his rental car up in front of his dads house in the little suburb of Denver. the house is strung with colorful lights and there's a wreath on the door with a large red bow. there's a snowman in the front yard, curtesy of his little sister he's sure.

he pulls out his suitcase from the trunk along with the three gift wrapped boxes. he carefully makes his way up the driveway to the front door, pushing it open after knocking gently, "hello!"

he immediately warms up at the head in the house, stomping off the snow on his boots in the entryway. Ricky grins when he sees the little bundle of joy he's been waiting for come running towards him.

"Ricky!"

the smile on his face is wide as he pulls the girl into his arms, hugging her tightly, "Allie gator! i missed you so much!"

the little girl looks around for a second before tilting her head a little, "wheres Nini?"

Ricky's smile drops a little as he puts the girl back on the ground and starts to unzip his coat and take off his hat and boots, "sorry Al, Neens couldn't come. she had to go visit her family for Christmas but, she sends her love and i'll let you facetime with us tonight so you can see her."

the girl smiles brightly just as Mike and Jenn come into view, "my boy! oh i'm so glad you could make it!" the older man says as he pulls his son in for a hug.

Jenn smiles brightly, a replica of her daughter, before pulling the boy into a hug, "i'm sorry to hear that Nini won't be joining us but at least we get you this year!"

Ricky grins and walks a little further into the cozy house. he has to admit, it was a little weird in the beginning that his dad got remarried to his high school drama teacher but, he loved Jenn and approved of his dads relationship. the baby was a bit of a shock but a welcomed one, especially after a long talk with Nini in his freshman dorm room after hearing the news but the second that little girl was born, he was a goner. he'd do anything for this family.

the fireplace is lined with stockings, even ones with his name and one for Nini as well. the tree is full and decorated with tons of lights and ornaments. miniature Santa's were all around the room, little elves and reindeer too. it was truly Christmas in this house.

"so," Jenn asked as she took a seat on the couch next to Ricky, "why couldn't Nini be with us this year?"

"her Lola is sick. she's just been kinda ill for the past few months so moms took her out of her assisted living apartment so she could come live with them. Neens has just been worried about her for a bit so i told her to spend the holidays with them this year." he shrugs as he responds.

the woman nods, "ah, i see. i miss her, it won't be the same with out her."

Ricky watches as the mother figure gets up and reaches her hand out for her daughter, the two heading into the kitchen.

"you have no idea." he whispers.

***

Nini wasn't feeling much better in Salt Lake either. it was great to be home, don't get her wrong, it just felt strange not being with her best friend.

the Salazar-Roberts household was decked out in holiday decorations, the warm glow of the fireplace, and the smell of sugar cookies.

the girl sat on the couch, a mug of hot chocolate in her hands as she watched a Christmas movie with her Lola.

"why didn't you bring your sweet boy with you? you didn't leave him alone in New York did you?" Lola asks, looking at the young girl.

she shakes her head, "no i didn't. he's visiting Mike and Jenn in Denver for the holiday, he wanted to go see his sister."

"why didn't you go with him?"

Nini turns to look at her grandmother, "i came home to see you! why, do you not want me here or something?" she jokes.

Lola smiles teasingly, "you know that's not it my dear, i just know that you'd rather be with him than us."

Nini hesitates for a split second before smiling, "i'm just fine where i am Lola, it's okay." she says before snuggling a little bit more into her blanket.

Lola doesn't let that hesitation go without notice though, she'll store that information for later. now, she just cuddles with her granddaughter as they watch their movie.