Counting Stars

Once Sidney is out of sight I take a quick turn to go towards the visitor’s area of Consol. A few workers smile and acknowledge me as I walk. By the time I get to the Flyer’s locker room some of the players are milling around. Truthfully, I barely know them in their uniforms and now that they are wearing suits there is no chance of me identifying any of them. A reporter is leaving the room and spots me. His eyes light up in a way that only journalists who get a scoop do. Immediately he approaches me, “Brooklyn, here to fight the rest of your boyfriend’s battle?” I simply smile and try to maneuver around the man. He blocks my path, “Come on, just a little scoop about your chicken boy toy.”

The journalist has cornered me against a wall and if there’s one thing I hate, it’s people who don’t respect my personal space. I glance at his press credentials; he works for a paper in Philly. “We both know that your readers couldn’t care less about this story. I’m just trying to see my sister.”

“One quote then about your sister dating your boyfriend’s mortal enemy?” Geeze, this guy just can’t take a hint.

I open my mouth to challenge the reporter once last time when a hand appears on his shoulder, “Leo, you know that you can only harass me and the other players. Not beautiful actresses who happen to have deplorable taste in men.” The journalist turns to the man,
“Fair enough Scott, can’t blame a guy for trying.”

He shrugs and walks away and I get a good look at my savior. Sure enough, it’s Scott Hartnell, another one of Sidney’s biggest fans. “Thanks for that. People just don’t respect privacy.”

“The least I could do,” He sticks out his hand. “Scott Hartnell.” I stick out my hand and try to introduce myself. “Oh, I know who you are.”

“Scottie, please don’t be harassing my sister,” Brianna emerges with Claude. The two are entangled in one other and I smile. I love seeing my sister happy, even if it is with a Flyer.

We quickly hug and then even Claude gives me to quick kisses on my cheeks, “Good to see you again Brooklyn.”

“I was actually her knight in shining armor,” Scott looks at me. “Go ahead, tell them.”

Claude interjects before I can, “You don’t have to lie for him Brooklyn.” Now that Claude speaks I take a good look at him. Amazingly, he actually looks worse than Sidney. His left eye is already turning blue and I wince on his behalf. Of course, he notices. “Really, it looks worse than it feels.”

Brianna kisses him on the cheek, “It will be a great story for Christmas I’m sure.”

“It will be an interesting conversation starter to say the least. How is Sidney doing?”

Out of the corner of my eye I see Scott pull back in slight surprise, and I have to agree with him. Claude’s response isn’t what either of us was expecting. “He’s no worse for the wear. He’s excited for Christmas actually.”

Scott mumbles under his breath, “Sure he is.” Claude smacks his teammate upside the head and Scott at least looks apologetic.

“Anyways, since dinner isn’t happening. We were thinking that you and Brianna should come out with us.”

Claude’s face is genuine, but his question still startles me. Before I can answer though my sister chimes in, “That would be great, you have to come. Hockey players party hard and I know you love to go out.”

I send my sister a look. Both of us are dating hockey players so I know how ‘hard’ they party. Once again she has to be better than me, but this time I refuse to bite her bait, “Really, if I’m not going to spend time with you than I should be with Sidney. We don’t get to spend that much time together.”

“You can’t spend a night without him? Seems a little controlling doesn’t it?” Brianna exchanges a look with Claude that makes it seem like she feels sorry for me. Sorry for me? I have the superior relationship. I do, don’t I?

Barely, I restrain myself from rolling my eyes, “Bri, can I talk to you for a second?” We walk a few feet away and I stand near her. “Seriously, I told Sidney we were going to spend time together tonight. He wouldn’t be too thrilled to hear that one I lied to him and two I would be with guys that he doesn’t really care for. I know you see the problem here.”

“When was the last time the two of us went out?” Truthfully, I can’t remember. When we were growing up I was always the one who wanted to go out and have fun. Brianna stayed in, worked hard, and earned good grades.

“Since when did you like to go to bars?”

She averts her eyes to Claude and the answer is clear. “It doesn’t matter. This just seems a little unlike you.”

“And this seems a little unlike you, honestly.” The two of us are quiet for a solid minute and I wonder if I have offended my older sister.

“Remember in my last year of college you told me to let loose and have fun because it might be the last chance?” I nod. My sister was a goody two shoes and I was the complete antithesis. “Well, I didn’t take your advice then and now that I’m dating Claude I think I finally can. So, can tonight be a makeup for all of our lost opportunities?”

I take a deep breath. She makes a good point and I’ve always wanted to share these types of nights with my sister. “Fine, but we can’t stay out too late.”

“Great,” She pulls me back towards Claude and Scott. “Let’s go out boys!”

My sister and I change into the clothes that we were going to wear to dinner and then we are on our way. I’m elected driver since I have the car and know where I’m going. The four of us walk into one of the edgy bars that I know Penguins fans don’t populate too often. When we get there the bouncer instantly recognizes me and escorts our party to the VIP section. We sit and the guys decide to order us a bottle and then drinks for Brianna and I.

The bar is fairly crowded for the day before Christmas eve, but no one really bothers our small group. We make small talk for a little and I notice my sister knocking back the drinks while Claude is about one behind. Compared to Scott and I the two are definitely ahead. Brianna looks at the full glasses in our hands and raises her hand for the waitress, “We need 6 shots please.”

“Six shots?”

Brianna nods enthusiastically, “For you and Scott. The two of you are too far behind. Besides we have a family meal in 48 hours we need all the alcohol we can get.”

The waitress appears with the shots. “I need to drive, so only one.”

Claude waves dismissively and practically yells, “We will get someone to drive home; our teammates are on call tonight. Let loose a little Brooklyn. My future sister-in-law needs to be able to drink.”

My eyes widen at Claude’s admission and I look to my sister for any sign that she is surprised, but both her and Claude are unfazed. I try my luck with Scott instead and he simply shakes his head and slides me a shot, “You need this.” I throw it back and the burn in my throat tells me that I’m still fairly sober. In another minute the next two are gone and I hear Scott whistle next to me, “Damn girl.”

I shrug, “Sorority girl.”

Now that I’m starting to feel it a little I enjoy the company a lot more. My sister is definitely drunk and it’s nice to see the perfect daughter let loose a little. She stands up from the table, “Let’s take a picture and then dance!”

She wobbles on her feet and I can’t help but smile. Brianna tosses her phone to Claude and we pose like all good white girls and then my normally responsible sister drags me to the dance floor. The bar has become considerably more crowded since we first arrived, but I’m officially too drunk to care. We work our way to the center of the dance floor and let the music move us. Surprisingly my sister can actually dance pretty well. I try to focus on night teetering to much in my heels though as I drop it low. A guy comes up behind my sister and she backs away while signaling for Claude from the VIP section, “The guys will come dance with us.”
I know this is a bad idea somewhere in my brain. People have definitely noted my presence and are trying to get closer to me, whether to confirm their suspicions or to take a photo I don’t know. Claude and Scott join us and Claude immediately pulls my sister into his chest. They make no effort to try to dance as a group instead immediately pairing off. And the two of them are into it, not wanting to watch my sister grind on her boyfriend I turn to Scott. He shrugs and steps a little closer to me. We dance with a respectable distance between us for a little and then the DJ plays my song. You know that one song that turns you into an absolute slut. Well, they play it and I fall into that persona. Scott and I make eye contact and I make the drunken decision to dance with Scott and I mean really dance. His hands are confident running over my hips. We move in sync and I’m struck by the realization that Sidney and I have never danced. I turn to face Scott and can’t help but laugh. Then a flash goes off and I know that it’s time to return to the safe haven of the VIP area. I pull away and Scott gets the hint paving the way for us to make it safely back.

We collapse into the booth and I’m still laughing, “That was a lot of fun. Thanks for dancing.”

“You don’t have to thank me Brooklyn. I should be thanking you, you’re a great dancer.” His compliment is friendly on the surface, but there is something dangerous lurking beneath it.

To take my mind off that look I drink more of my mixed beverage. We sit in companionable silence for a little while and then I hear Scott swear, “What’s wrong?”

“Your sister took your keys and they called one of our teammates to take them back to the hotel. They just left.”

Instantly, I’m furious. My sister doesn’t pull this shit. She is the responsible one. “Well, we can just call a cab. I’m ready to go really.” Scott nods and waves to the waitress to get us a cab. While he is busy doing that my phone beeps and I see a text message from my sister, Scott is definitely a better option than Sidney. Have fun tonight. I groan and clearly realize that the entire night has been a setup. I’m standing by the time Scott comes back and tells me the cab is by the emergency exit. We walk to the cab in silence. Once inside the cabbie asks for the address, “Scott, we can drop you off first.”
He shakes his head, “No, I’ll make sure you get home safe. Don’t argue.” I relent and give the cabbie my address. The two of us are silent for a little. Now that I have that text from my sister I’m conscious of every movement. Hopefully, he doesn’t have the wrong idea about this. “So, you and Crosby?”

“Yes.”

“How is that working for you?”

“Great.”

We are silent for the rest of the ride and I hope desperately that Scott will stay in the car when it drops me off. Of course he doesn’t though. He walks me inside and I turn towards him at the elevator, “Thanks for making sure I get home okay.” I stick out my hand, “It was nice meeting you.”
He looks at my hand and then in my eyes. When he grabs my hand I sigh in relief and then the elevator opens and he pulls me inside. I gasp in surprise and Scott backs me against one of the walls as the door closes. His lips are suddenly on mine. Pushing him away I slide over to the other side of the elevator, “What the fuck was that?”

It looks like a bucket of cold water splashed on him. He leans back against the wall and scrunches his eyes tight. “Shit, I’m sorry. That was,” he runs a hand over his face. “Wrong. I’m sorry.”

“I think you need to go.”

“You’re right,” And then he curses again. “My room is occupied though. Claude is my roommate.”

I curse my sister to a horrific demise in that moment. “There is an extra bedroom in my suite. It’s a little bare, but it will work fine.” The elevator dings and I walk out of the elevator only to see that Scott isn’t following me. “Are you coming or not?”

“Are you sure?” he has the decency to look a little ashamed.

I rub my eyes and forehead, “You were drunk, shit happens. As long as you can promise to keep your hands to yourself, I don’t see why this would be a problem.”
He mumbles his thanks and we walk into my suite. I point to the extra bedroom and then go to mine without another look.

Noises in the kitchen wake me up the next morning and I groan feeling the slight headache pulse in my brain. It has to be pretty early and my phone confirms that. I send a text to my sister berating her and then walk into the kitchen. Scott Hartnell is making breakfast in his clothes from last night. He notices me and smiles sheepishly, “Apology breakfast?”

“This is going to sound horrible, especially now that you did this, but I would be more comfortable if you just left.” As soon as I say it I feel like a bitch, but the sooner he gets out of here the less likely we will get caught. If anyone walked in right now they would get the wrong idea.

Scott just nods, “Fair enough. I’m sorry, but I can’t promise it won’t happen again. You really are a beautiful girl Brooklyn.” We make eye contact quickly, but I look away. “A beautiful girl with a boyfriend.” He quickly kisses me on the cheek and then leaves.

Once he is gone I eat the food that he made and am surprised to find that it is actually delicious. While I’m tidying up the guest room my phone beeps and I see it’s a text from Sidney, Interesting quiet night in with your sister. I groan and debate calling him, but Brianna walks in the door instead. It’s obvious that she is hung over, but I feel absolutely no sympathy for her. “What the hell was last night?”

She collapses onto a couch, “I need all of the coffee.”

“Again, care to explain last night.” She doesn’t acknowledge my question. “Bri, come on! Your text about Scott.”

She spares me a glance, “Well, Claude hasn’t been saying the best things about Sidney and the guys all agree. That being said, Scott is a huge fan of yours and I know what alcohol does to you.”

I cross my arms, “What do you mean by that?”

“It makes you kind of slutty.”

“So you decided to force Scott on me via alcohol and hope that I screwed up my relationship?”

“Well when you say it like that, it sounds bad.”

My brain cannot actually comprehend that Brianna would do something like this. “Are you fucking kidding me? You are supposed to be the smart sister.”

Now Brianna is in the game, she stands up from the couch, “What do you mean supposed to be?”

“Think about it, why the fuck would the guys say nice things about Sidney? The teams hate each other especially Sidney. I haven’t heard good things about Claude, but I’m giving him a chance because you like him. And I trust your judgment.”

Her expression changes and she knows that she has made a mistake, but she doesn’t agree with me. Instead she walks toward me, “Well of course you trust my judgment, I’m the good daughter always have been. You are the one with the shitty choices.”

“Really? Enlighten me.”

“Let me see, the boyfriend who dropped out of school, the arrest for underage drinking, or the most recent one the guy who turned out to be a druggie,” Brianna claps, “Well done, really. Why would you pick a good guy now?”

I’m shocked, that was low really low. When I don’t respond immediately Brianna realizes she went too far and opens her mouth to apologize, but I stop her. “Don’t even bother. You said what everyone has been thinking since we were little. Isn’t it time for you to go?”

“Brooklyn, please. I’m sorry that was low of me and completely untrue. I didn’t mean it really.”

I toss her a set of keys, “Here, lock the place when you leave. I’m going over to Sidney’s to talk to him because he apparently knows that we went out, so maybe you will get your wish after all. I’ll see you at Christmas.” I grab my already packed bag and head out the door without looking back. Luckily my sister doesn’t follow me.

When I get to Sidney’s place I let myself in and Sidney is already sitting in the kitchen with a glass of orange juice. I walk over to him timidly, “Good morning.” He simply nods and I place a quick kiss on his forehead. “Look, about last night.”

He shakes his head, “I don’t want to talk about it right now.”

“Sidney, I’m sure you’re mad, but it’s really not what you think.”

His head snaps and makes eye contact with me, “Oh really? What part don’t I understand? The part where you lied to me? Or maybe the part when you spent the night with guys who delight in beating the shit out of me.” He pulls his phone out and slides it toward me. “Or my personal favorite, the part where you made out with another guy?”

I look at his phone; it is a text message from whom I’m assuming is Scott. First it says that I’m a great kisser and then sends a photo of my apartment, “Sidney, please.”
Sidney stands, “I’m going to the gym. We can talk about it after the holidays.” He leaves without another word, and I’m left in his huge home feeling utterly alone. I walk up to his bedroom and collapse under the covers.

*****


When I return from my workout Brooklyn is watching TV. Once again she tries to talk and I stop her. My workout helped at first, most of the really serious anger is gone, but I know if we talk about it again the next two days will be ruined. I don’t want to meet her family pissed. We get ready for the Christmas party in silence and then make our way to the Fleury household. Brooklyn looks beautiful in a simple red, loose dress. Once we pull into the driveway Brooklyn puts her hand on mine, “Sid, I need to hear that you aren’t mad at me.”

I take a deep breath and clench my left hand on the wheel. She is clearly upset about this and I take that as a mostly good sign, “I don’t know if I’m mad or not. Just want to hear your story.”

“Then let me tell you,” she looks me in the eyes and her blue orbs are glassy with desperation.

“And if I don’t like the explanation?” My mind has gone to the worst case scenario already. Maybe I’m not enough for this women, it’s a fear that I’ve had from the beginning. “We break up on Christmas Eve and I spend the holidays without someone special, for the umpteenth time. It’s selfish and I understand that, but I don’t care. I refuse to let you go at this moment.”

She is quiet and I see that her cheeks are wet, “Please, let me explain. This is killing me Sidney. Killing me to see you like this, let me put your mind to ease. Let me put both of us at ease.”

I shake my head and gently wipe her cheeks, “Tonight, after the party or in the morning I promise.” She nods and gathers herself together. In a few moments we get out of the car and I hope that we can convince my teammates for the next few hours that everything is fine.

When we leave the party two hours later I’m exhausted and Brooklyn is as well. We talked and talked trying to convey that we were happy and not in the middle of a fight. I couldn’t even eat anything and I’m not sure if Brooklyn did either. “Hungry?”

“I couldn’t eat a thing,” I make a quick turn to take us to the nearest drive through that’s open on Christmas Eve. “Do you think it worked?”

I shrug, “No idea.”

The two of us are silent for a few beats and then Brooklyn takes a deep breath, “Sidney can we please discuss?”

“At home,” I’m avoiding this conversation and what I am positive will be the news that she no longer wants me. We order food that will clog our arteries and finally get back to my house. I walk to the bedroom desperate to change into comfortable clothes and Brooklyn does the same thing. While she changes I unwrap the burger and flip on the TV.

Brooklyn emerges from the bathroom and sits down on the bed, “I don’t care if you are ready to discuss this or not, but we are. It’s eating you alive and it’s doing the same to me.”

I prepare myself, “Okay, go ahead.”

She takes a deep breath, “Originally, we weren’t going to go out I promise, but my sister pulled the sentimental card and I couldn’t say no. So we get there, and I choose a bar where y’all never go, figuring that there will be less pens fans.” I smile a little, she was at least thinking about me. “Anyways we start drinking and Brianna and I dance and then Claude and Scott join us. One thing leads to another.”

“You dance with Scott,” It’s not a question, it’s a statement. And Brooklyn confirms with a head nod. “I don’t care that you dance with other people.”

“Then what do you care about?”

“Why the hell was he in your apartment?”

“We took a cab home, not for the reason you think. And he walked me up.”

She bites her lip, “What aren’t you telling me?”

“He kissed me in the elevator,” I practically jump off the bed. “It was quick and I pushed him away I promise.”

I’m going to murder that fucker. “So he wasn’t lying.” Brooklyn’s silence confirms it. So they kissed, but one kiss while drunk isn’t a big deal. I try to calm myself down. “How did he end up inside your suite though?”

“He didn’t have anywhere else to go.”

I laugh, any guy would say that to get an invitation inside. And once a guy is inside his job gets a lot easier, plenty of flat surfaces to utilize. My mind runs with the idea. “Let me get this straight, he assaults you and you still decide to invite him? Make up your mind Brooklyn!”

She is standing now, “Make up my mind? Like I was actually going to sleep with him? Give me a break Sidney or at least a little credit. Have I ever given you a reason to suspect that I would cheat on you?”

“Well, you have so many damn options to choose from. Men throw themselves at you!”

Now Brooklyn laughs, “Because no one ever tries to sleep with you Sidney. For Christ’s sake an entire website exists to berate me as your girlfriend. Trust me if either of us have options it’s you. Every father in Canada would kill to get you to marry their daughter.”

“Don’t turn this on me.”

“How are you going to handle me kissing people in scenes if you can’t understand this one thing?”

“That’s your job, I understand that. I just,” I pause looking for the right word. In every other relationship I was never worried about the girl cheating on me. And if I’m being honest I know that Brooklyn isn’t the girl that would cheat on the guy. “Every day I hear another person tell me that you’re too good for me.”

All of the fight deflates from my girlfriend. She sits down on the edge of the bed and pats the spot next to her. “And you believe them?”

I try not to sound pitiful for this part of the conversation, “In a world that makes sense there is no way that a guy like me would have a chance with a girl like you.”

“A girl like me?”

“Gorgeous, smart, funny, caring,” I take a deep breath. “You are the definition of perfection Lynn. Every day I’m with you I feel like I’ve won the lottery all over again.”

Brooklyn lies back, “And I suppose, you think you’re less than me.”

I lie back as well as turn my head to face her, “Well yeah.”

“You have it completely backwards Sid. I’m the lucky one and if I didn’t think cheating was deplorable I would still say faithful because I there is no one better than you. Sidney, you are wonderful and for reasons that have nothing to do with your occupation.” Her last sentence strikes a chord. I didn’t realize it, but that was the biggest fear. Brooklyn rests her head on my chest, “You are amazing, Sidney. You have a huge heart and a great sense of humor, even your laugh is wonderful. I love that you play hockey because you love it not because it defines you.” We are silent for a moment, “I’m sorry Scott kissed me. Trust me it was horrible.”

I laugh and kiss Brooklyn on the forehead and feel like everything is back to the way it’s supposed to be. Hopefully at her Grandfather’s house tomorrow I’ll be able to keep it together and not punch Claude in the face. I sigh though, refusing to think about that while I have my perfect girlfriend in my arms.

She turns toward me, “Sidney, there’s something I need to tell you about Zac.”

I pull her back to my chest and brush some hair away from her face, “Babe, I don’t care. Let’s just move forward from here.” She looks at me and I can tell she wants to say something more. “Shh, it’s fine.”

*******


Sidney and I leave at about noon the next day. He drives so I have to sit there and replay our fight. It was pretty typical and if I’m being honest not that big of deal. What concerns me more though is that I almost told him about my past with Zac. He stopped me, but part of me just wants it out in the open. Zac will be getting out of rehab soon for the awards season and who knows what he is going to say. Sidney deserves to hear about it from me not in the news. “What are you thinking about Babe?”

I smile at Sidney, “Nothing. Are you nervous?”

“Not really,” Sidney closes his eyes for a split second. “Okay, yeah of course I’m nervous.”

“They will love you Sidney, don’t worry.”

When we get to my grandad’s house I see that most of the usual cars are already there. “Looks like everyone is just about here.”

“Wait, how many people are going to be here?”

I shrug, “Maybe 20 or so.”

“And this happens every year?” I nod and Sidney whistles. “The biggest family meal that I had ever had was six.”

“Oh you are in for a treat Sid.” We get out of the car and Sidney grabs our bag and the gifts, while I grab the pies that I made this morning. I walk up to the door first and walk in, “Hello!” Most of my family is gathered in the family room. Sidney and I make a beeline for the kitchen and I put the pies with the other desserts. Quickly I greet everyone and then turn to Sidney. “Follow me, upstairs.” Once upstairs I go one of the extra rooms, “Through our bag in there and I’ll take the presents downstairs by the tree.” I grab Sidney’s hand, “Ready?”

He kisses me on the forehead, “As I’ll ever be babe.”

We walk back downstairs and I’m called into the kitchen. My mom is there with my aunts and one of cousins. We hug and my mom even hugs Sidney, “You must be Sidney, that we have heard so much about.”

Sidney blushes slightly, “Yes, lovely to meet you Mrs. Donahue.”

“Oh please, call me Lisa.” My mother leads the introductions around the rest of the room. Once all of them are made she turns back to me, “Better see your father next, he is watching the basketball games with the guys.”

I nod and lead Sidney into the other room and straight over to my father. He is a quiet man and actually a few inches taller than Sidney. To my dad’s credit he stands when we approach. “Dad, this is my boyfriend, Sidney Crosby. Sidney this is my dad, Doug.”

They shake and my uncles and Grandpa join as well. Sidney holds his own through the more difficult introductions. Once again I hear my name being called and I leave Sidney with my dad and male members of the family. I squeeze his hand then slip away. On my way back to the kitchen I pass by Claude and Brianna. They are sitting on the couch with a few of my guy cousins. Claude’s eye looks a lot better than the last time I saw him. “Hey, Lynn.”

“Brianna, Claude,” That’s the only interaction I feel like having right now. Back in the kitchen I help my mom get the food ready. In about thirty minutes we are ready to eat. Instead of sitting around a table like most families we all just find seats on the couch or on the floor around the TV. Naturally I sit next to Sidney. “So, how’s it going?”

He takes a bite of ham, “Absolutely no clue, your dad doesn’t say much.”

“That’s a good sign. If he was saying a lot than you should be worried.”

My cousin comes and sits next to us and we are slowly integrated into the conversation. Of course we only talk during commercial breaks. The Heat are playing against the Spurs and during the break my cousin turns to Sidney, “Thoughts on Lebron?”

I bite my lip, Sidney doesn’t know this, but it’s a test. We are huge Ohio sport fans and as such we despise Lebron. The room has gotten significantly quieter waiting on Sidney’s response. Hopefully, Sidney hates Lebron or at least is ambivalent about it. “Well, he is a great player, but kind of a poor showing when he left the Cavaliers.”

It wasn’t outright hate, but definitely enough to win my family over. I smile as my family agrees with Sidney and my granddad speaks up, “Smart man that you brought with you Brooklyn.”

“I like to think so,” I grab Sidney’s hand and smile.

The game goes to halftime and Sports center discusses the happenings of the Sports world. Eventually they get to the NHL. The anchor speaks over highlights from around the league and then the worst thing happens, “Well, the Flyers and Penguins game on Monday became physical, but that wasn’t too surprising. What is surprising is the fact that the Claude Giroux and Sidney Crosby decided to take it upon themselves to settle the score. If you’re surprised to hear those two names in a fight situation we have the tape to show you.” And then they proceed to show the fight. Watching it again it’s clear that Sidney won the fight and I squeeze his hand. Claude and Sidney are looking everywhere but the TV during the video. Once it’s over the anchors talk again, “Surprising right?”

His co-anchor chimes in, “My favorite part is that these guys are dating sisters. They are probably having Christmas dinner together at this moment.”

“I’m sure that must be awkward.”

And with those words the atmosphere in my granddad’s tiny living room changes dramatically. It is awkward. All of us are silent for what I swear feels like an eternity. “Please, if the two of you decide to fight again take it outside at least.” My granddad interjects and the tension evaporates immediately. We all chuckle and then get back to the dinner. By the time for presents rolls around Sidney is no longer by my side. He is charming my guys cousins talking about God knows what. We organize the presents and Sidney sits on the floor in front of me. I run my fingers through his hair, “There are some for you.”

“Your family didn’t need to give me anything.”

“They wanted to Sidney. And it’s small stuff don’t worry.” I pause for a second and whisper in his ear, “I put your names on the presents that I got for people, hope that’s okay.”

He looks at me, “I wish I could have helped you buy them is all. Also, your present is in Pittsburgh. We forgot to exchange them this morning.”

I slap my forehead, “Oh my God you’re right. We can do that when we get back tomorrow.”

After presents we all eat more and more food. I’m surprised to see Sidney eat so much and so many desserts. Overall I really think it’s going well. Around midnight people are starting to fall asleep so my mom approaches all of the cousins and their significant others. “Alright you know the drill. Girls upstairs, boys downstairs.”

I laugh at Sidney’s face and simple shrug. This has been a rule since high school and doesn’t change unless you get married. Sidney and go upstairs to change and there’s a knock on the door. We are both decent so I unlock it and Claude and Brianna enter. “I need to apologize, to both of you.”

I don’t say anything at first and then Sidney places a hand on my shoulder, “Okay, what do you want to say?”

“I was out of line on Monday night and in the morning. I didn’t mean any of that stuff I said. Mom and Dad love us equally and God knows I’m anything but perfect.” She takes a deep breath. “Just don’t be mad at me too long okay? I love you a lot and I never want to lose you.”

We hug for a second, “Thank you for apologizing.”

Our men are awkwardly looking at each other from across the room and I cough. Sidney scratches the back of his neck, “I’m um sorry for instigating the fight on Monday.”

“Well, it’s not like I wanted to back down. We are both at fault and it’s part of the job.” The guys shake hands and I can’t help but smile. Overall this Christmas turned out surprisingly well.

Notes

Wow, that was a long one, so much happened though! I debated cutting it off at multiple parts, but ultimately decided to keep it all together. Let me know what y'all think!