FTB

Andre opened his door to a grinning Holiday. She had an envelope in her glove-covered hand. She leaped at him, winter attire in all, kissing his lips. He held her close as they kissed. He had no idea why she was so excited. She pulled away, still smiling. She closed the door behind her then grabbed his hand. She dragged him to his bedroom. He sat on the edge of his bed. He was confused. She slowly pulled the contents of the already opened envelope. He watched.

"So I've been applying to schools already." She explained as she stared at him. "I know it's only my junior year, but I just felt I needed to apply."

"Did you get in somewhere?" He asked.

Holiday felt her heart sink a bit when he didn't sound as enthused as she was. "Yeah, I got early acceptance to a law program." She said, showing him the papers. "I can start next year."

Andre read over the papers. Yale? Yale was not in Canada. Yale wasn't even remotely close. He read through all the papers. They were offering to pay for practically everything for her. There was no way she was going to turn it down. But there was no way Andre would be able to go on without her around. He packed all the paper's together before slowly looking over at her.

"Connecticut is really far, Hol." He frowned.

She sighed, resting her head on his shoulder and placing her hands in his thigh. "But it's what I've always dreamed of."

"But why? You're never going to work." He chuckled.

She sat up. "What do you mean?" Her brows furrowed.

"One day, I'm going to be making enough for me to supply for both of us. For our family." He explained.

She growled. "Andre, I don't want to do that. I want to go to school so I can work one day."

"I'd really prefer if you didn't go." He stated, rising to his feet. He walked over to his dresser. "I'd rather you stay here and support me. You don't need to go off on your own and work."

Holiday was pissed. She stood up and turned her back to him. She started shoving all the papers into the envelope. She got accepted to Yale and Andre was being a complete asshole. He was making this all about him. She huffed as she turned around and walked to the door. He noticed.

"Hol, wait," He called.

She spun around. "Fuck you, Andre!" She spat.

"What?"

"Fuck you!" She repeated. "You're a selfish asshole and I can't fucking believe you're acting like this when I just shared something so important with you."

"Babe, I'm so proud you, and I'm happy for you, I just,"

"It's not about you!" She screamed, cutting him off. "You keep telling me what you want but you don't give a shit about what I want!"

"I just want you to be happy and never have to work again." He said calmly.

"I like working. I want to work." She breathed. "And I will be accepting this offer."

With that, she left. Andre growled, dropping onto his bed. He always fucked up. He always said the stupidest things. He texted a few of the guys to ask for help, but none of them knew what to do. He was really stuck this time.

That night, Audrey was having her ugly sweater Christmas party. It was mandatory to wear an ugly holiday sweater. Andre frowned remembering that. He and Holiday had bought matching sweaters. He didn't know if she'd even go now. Well, she'd probably go, but probably not in the sweater. He sighed as he got ready.

Audrey chuckled when Sam came into the kitchen. He looked so cute in his holiday attire. He grinned at her, leaning in for a kiss. Their lips touched for a second before the doorbell rang. He sighed but went to answer it. Audrey had decorated, and even baked, she deserved a break.

He opened the door to Dana. She gave him a small smile as she walked in. She went to the kitchen where Audrey was. She could right away tell that something was off. She side eyed Dana. Dana could tell Audrey was onto her.

"What's up?" Audrey crossed her arms.

"I think Zach wants to make it official. I'm scared he's gonna do it tonight." Dana whispered.

"Don't stress." Audrey waved her off.

Everyone started showing up. Drinks were flowing and everyone was having a good time. The sweaters were comical. Some people had even gotten into arguments about who had the ugliest one. The door opened and Jack Eichel walked in, wearing a team Canada jersey. Audrey rolled her eyes. Everyone gave him weird looks.

"It's an ugly sweater party, right?" He spoke, looking around. "I'm American."

"If it's an ugly sweater, why is yours so nice?" Jake said from behind him.

"They're both ugly, just like the kids wearing them!" Dana called and Kylee covered her mouth.

Jack turned and saw Jake in a team USA jersey. The pair laughed, bro-hugging before they went to get drinks. The house got smaller as more and more people arrived. Beer pong was happening, as well as various other drinking games. Audrey was content so that meant it was time for her to get wasted. The most current beer pong game was the Jacks against Curtis and Josh.

"Didn't realize the entire cabbage patch was making an appearance tonight?" Curtis teased, his usual smile on his face.

"I'm about to rid you of the grin, Lazar." Eichel threatened as he tossed his ball.

He sunk his but Glover missed. Curtis and Josh both drank then moved the cup. Josh threw first. He hit the back right corner. Curtis cheered. He threw and hit the very top cup. They cheered. Glover started shaking his head.

"Your elbow!" He hollered. "Your fucking elbow was w,"

"My elbow was not too far in. Relax, Glover." Curtis scoffed.

"Are you calling me a liar?" Glover spat.

"That or fucking stupid because my elbow was clearly not over." Curtis laughed.

The argument went back and forth for a while. Glover was convinced Curtis had cheated but Curtis was well aware he hadn't. They had ended up beside the table and in each other's faces. Josh was positive a fight was about to break out, so he stepped in. He shoved them apart gently.

"Hey, it's Christmas!" He hollered. "No fighting!"

Everyone was buzzing so everyone cheered along with Josh. Christmas had everyone feeling good. Dani and Audrey were screaming the words to Christmas songs, people kept dragging others under the mistletoe hanging around just for fun. Sam picked Audrey up like a child. Her legs were wrapped around his waist and her arms holding onto his shoulders as he carried her through everyone. He stopped at the door frame. He gestured up. She looked and saw the mistletoe.

"Lame." She rolled her eyes before she kissed him.

He pulled back slowly. "I love you. Do you love me?" He slurred.

"Always and forever." She smiled and kissed him again.

He set her down and she staggered into the kitchen. She could hear Grubber barking. She let her dog out the back door. Her head looked to the right. She gasped. Dana and Zach were making out against the wall. Zach had a headband with mistletoe hanging in front of his face. Audrey giggled. They heard.

"Oh, shit." Dana muttered.

"Is it official?" Audrey mumbled as hands grabbed her waist.

Zach looked at Dana with a smile. "Hopefully."

"Leave them alone." Sam whispered to Audrey, pulling her away.

Holiday and Andre had arrived together. Holiday was still mad at him but it caused a scene if you showed up at a party without your boyfriend. She was standing with him, but she hadn't said more than a greeting to him. She was really mad. Andre understood why.

"Excuse me!" Audrey screamed, running over to them. Sam grabbed her to slow her down but he didn't. "What should you be doing right now?"

Andre looked at Audrey in confusion. Holiday looked at Andre then her friend. Sam snaked his arms around Audrey's waist, resting his chin on top of her head. He smirked at the confused couple. His eyes wandered up before he nodded. Andre and Holiday both looked up. Mistletoe. Holiday let out a long sigh. Andre just grabbed her and gave her a long kiss. She kissed back. Audrey cheered as Sam dragged her away.

"I'm sorry." Andre spoke over the music. "I didn't mean to make it seem like what you want to do with your life is less important than what I want to do. I just can't imagine being without you."

Holiday gave him a small smile, playing with the hair on his neck. "It's okay. It's a lot to take in, but we still have some time to figure it out."

He nodded. "Are you still coming over for dinner on Christmas Eve?" He bit his lip.

"Only if you come to my house on Christmas Day." She teased.

"Of course." He smiled then kissed her.

Notes