Post by rsafan on Nov 30, 2006 3:19:24 GMT -5
Chapter 28
“You are cordially invited to attend…”
Victoria, who was reading the invitation over Max’s shoulder, grabbed it out of his hand, “A ball on Christmas? Why on earth would anyone throw a ball on Christmas?”
“Well, for one it’s not just anyone, it’s your grandfather, Victor Kiriakis and for another it’s a sure way to spend Christmas with your family and friends. I’m betting half of Salem received invitations.”
“Are you saying you want to go?”
“I’m saying it would be fun.”
“For you maybe. The dress code says formal, do you know what formal attire means for a woman? It means a dress and not just any dress, a ball gown.”
“And your point is?”
“Have you ever seen me in a dress? I don’t do dresses, pants I love, skirts maybe but dresses, no way and especially not formal dresses.”
“What did you wear to that fundraiser thing you attended with Rex a few months back?”
“A dress,” She conceded, “but it was so uncomfortable and I itched the whole night.”
“No you didn’t.”
“Yes I did. I swear to God, I think I’m allergic to dresses, I break out in this awful rash and...”
“And you’ll look beautiful.”
“I don’t own a single dress, never mind one appropriate enough to wear to a ball.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something, you do love to shop.”
“And what about my hair?”
“What about your hair?” he asked, pulling off the clip that held it up and fanning his hands through her hair so they fell on her shoulders.
“My hair is so unruly; it’ll never stay in a do all night.”
“Then you’ll just have to find a style that suits your hair. Quit stalling, we’re going. You haven’t even considered for a moment that I’ll have to wear a penguin suit.”
“But you’ll look amazing in a tux; you’ll be the best looking guy there.”
“And I’m willing to brave looking like a penguin just so I can see you in a gorgeous dress. And be the envy of every man there.”
“You’re just saying that to convince me to go.”
“And its working.”
“You know,” she said excitedly, “I do believe this is going to be one of the busiest Christmases I’ve ever had. It’s hard being part of all these families, back home we simply spend the day with my dad’s family and then New Year’s with my mom’s.”
Was the greeting Shawn got when he opened the door on Christmas morning. Max and Victoria had been invited to a light brunch before they all headed off to his grandparents’ place for Christmas lunch with the family. Philip, Belle and Claire were joining them before going over to the Black residence for their own lunch and then everyone was meeting at the Kiriakis Mansion for the ball Victor was throwing.
“We almost thought you weren’t coming.” Shawn said as he let them in.
“Well,” Victoria said as she gave her brother a kiss, “We were considering skipping but Philip was kind enough to give us a call this morning and promise that Mimi was doing none of the cooking.”
“Oh you!’ Mimi hit Philip on the arm before walking over to greet the newest arrivals.
“Where’s Belle?”
“Getting Princess Claire ready. I popped over early to see if Shawn needed any help in the kitchen. I better get back in case those two decided to climb back into bed.” Philip left the apartment.
“Okay, I want to see Zach, is he still sleeping?” Victoria removed her jacket and followed Mimi to the nursery; leaving Max to take over where Philip had left off helping Shawn in the kitchen.
Zach was indeed sleeping as was the habit of six week old babies. “He just gets bigger everyday.” Victoria whispered as she gently lifted Zach out of his crib, “And heavier.”
“Hey Zach, it’s your Aunt Tory, are you going to open your eyes for me? I know you love your sleep but just a small peak, to let me know you appreciate my coming.” Zach simply opened his mouth in a huge yawn, as though to emphasise that he was still sleeping and made no other movements. “Okay, I guess that settles it.”
She turned her attention from her nephew to his mother, “So how are things going with you?”
Mimi’s eyes darkened for a second; which surprised Victoria, then she smiled, “About as good as can be expected. Things aren’t fantastic, but we’re getting there.”
“Well I’m glad the two of you are giving it another go.” Sensing that Mimi was uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, she changed the subject. “So how about last night? You know, you could have warned me about how things worked. I thought tree decorating was going to be tinsel and Santa ornaments and squabbles over what went where. I never imagined it would be that emotional.”
They heard the loft door opening and figured the Kiriakis’ had arrived. They made there way out of the nursery to greet, though not halting their conversation. “You mean you never imagined you’d be included.”
“That too. I just… When Mrs. Horton gave me that…”
Mimi smiled at Victoria, at the tears that were in her eyes, “It’s pretty special.”
“What’s pretty special?” Max asked as he and Philip set the table that had magically appeared in the middle of the apartment.
“The Horton tree trimming, Victoria was just telling me how amazing the tradition was and how she appreciated being included in it.”
“Well, that’s only natural,” Shawn replied, “as she is a Horton.”
“I know; it just made me feel like I actually belonged. Like no matter what I did or where I was, that I’d always have a family in them. That I’d always be a Horton.”
“And why,” Shawn asked as he came over to her and placed a loving arm around her shoulders, “should you feel any different?” He took Zach from her and he immediately opened his eyes, staring up at his father.
“Oh great, now he decides to open his eyes.” Victoria complained as Belle walked in carrying Claire, who clapped her hands excitedly when she spotted Victoria. “And she really does look like a princess.”
Victoria said as she went and collected Claire from her mom and was awarded with a huge hug. “Hey sweetie, I’m glad someone’s happy to see me, you really should teach Zach some manners.”
“You know,” Belle said, “I think the biggest surprise of the evening was having Sami’s name on that tree.”
Philip nodded in agreement, “I think the surprise of the year was Sami and Lucas actually getting married. Who would’ve thought they’d elope? When they came back last week, my mom almost had a heart attack when they told her they were married.”
“Well I’m happy for them.” Victoria stated.
“Only you would be,” Belle said, “most people have already taken bets as to how long they’re going to last.”
Victoria was shocked, she’d been clued up on Sami’s history, both with men and the truth but still felt that everyone deserved happiness and a second chance, “That’s horrible. They obviously love each other and I wish them all the happiness in the world.”
“I agree,” Mimi piped up, “Sami and Lucas should be given the opportunity to see if they can make each other happy and dooms day prophesies for their marriage is not going to give them much confidence, especially if it’s coming from their families.”
“Okay,” Max interrupted the little squabble that had started, “Enough talk about Sami and Lucas, I think we should sit down and eat.”
“I totally agree with Max, I’m starving.” Shawn said.
Everyone sat down and quietly enjoyed the food. There was light conversation and everyone was surprised at how comfortable things were given the recent events that had rocked their lives.
“I think that since the guys went to all the trouble of cooking, the ladies should at least clean up.” Shawn declared once brunch was over.
He needn’t have bothered because Mimi had already begun clearing the table, knowing that they’d be leaving for lunch soon and not wanting to come home to a dirty place and a kitchen full of dishes. She’d just run the water dishwater when Zach starting crying. Victoria took over from her as she went to fed him.
“Can’t Shawn see to Zach? It seems unfair that Mimi has to run to him all the time.” Max commented rather naively.
“I don’t exactly have his dietary requirements on hand.” Shawn pointed out.
“You can give it to them at the ball this evening.” he told her as they made their way to the front door.
Caroline opened the door for them, “Merry Christmas!” she said joyfully, “Presents under the tree, we’re having lunch first.”
After placing the gifts under the tree as instructed, Max and Victoria went to greet the rest of the family. Max made his way back to his mother asking, “So when’s lunch?”
Victoria shook her head; she couldn’t believe he was still hungry when they’d just eaten at Shawn and Mimi’s place. “Lunch is ready; we’re just waiting for Roman to arrive.” Caroline replied.
“Good, because I can’t wait till you open your gifts, I picked each one out myself.”
Stephanie snorted, “I find that hard to believe since the only thing I’ve gotten from you for Christmas was twenty bucks.”
“It’s true,” Max defended himself, “I picked out each gift myself. Ask Tory if you don’t believe me.”
“It’s true,” Victoria confirmed, “he was adamant on choosing each gift. He wanted to make sure that he got the very best of whatever had been listed.”
Everyone burst out laughing and Roman chose that moment to arrive. “Great now lunch can begin. Where exactly is everyone seated?”
“We’re having lunch in the pub,” Shawn Sr. stated, “since we’re such a large group this year.”
Lunch was absolute chaos, but it was enjoyable chaos. People flitted from one table to the next, everyone was in great spirits and they had good reason to be. Victoria ended up eating lunch with Carrie, Austin and Stephanie. Hearing about their honeymoon and how great Australia had been. Shawn was stuck with Will and Lucas. Mimi enjoyed lunch with the moms, Sami, Hope and Kayla. People spoke across tables, sometimes shouting halfway across the room and for Victoria; it was all a bit overwhelming. She was used to peaceful Christmases with quiet lunches and afternoons spent ice-skating or having snowball fights. It was different, but it was a good kind of different and the more time she spent with them, the more comfortable she got. When lunch was finally over, they all made their way back upstairs to open their gifts. Victoria hung back, helping Caroline and Hope clean up downstairs.
“You should be up there opening gifts with the rest of them.”
She shook her head, “I’d much rather help you clean up.”
“I’m glad you decided to stay in Salem over Christmas. Hope was telling me about last night. I understand you were extremely emotional.”
“I think everyone was and it was an amazing night, truly memorable. And it’s just getting better by the minute. This has been one of the best Christmases ever.”
“Okay,” Hope declared coming out of the kitchen, “the boys can do the rest, I’m headed up there to open presents; I suggest you two join me.”
“Shawn, I’m tired, all I want is to sit down for a while.”
“Sorry, you don’t have a choice, you either come willingly or we drag you out without your jacket.”
Victoria grudgingly shrugged her jacket on and was busy slipping on her gloves when Austin came in carrying a gym bag, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Shawn replied and hauled Victoria out of the house by her arm.
Max, Mimi, Lucas, Sami and Carrie were all waiting for them outside. “Okay, where are we going?” she asked the group, evidently she was the only one who wasn’t clued up.
“For a walk.” Sami replied.
“Is Stephanie not joining us?” she asked, since Stephanie was the only other cousin missing.
“Sorry, only couples.” Carrie said as she slipped her hand into Austin’s. Victoria did the same with Max and followed everyone else.
“Okay, where are we going exactly?” she asked Max.
He smiled down at her, “It’s a surprise, but don’t worry you’ll like it. Didn’t I promise to make this an enjoyable Christmas?” She nodded, “Then trust me.” He said.
“You do realise we’re the only non-married couple here right?”
“Yeah I know, it’s a pity we have to be stuck with the old married couples.” He said laughingly.
“Hey, we’re not old married couples.” Lucas protested.
“Except maybe us.” Shawn answered.
“First anniversary,” Sami stated, “that’s when you become an old married couple. Then you have to start going out with other old married couples. Until then it’s okay to hang out with us.”
“Then we’ve still got three months,” Mimi said jokingly, “by the way, why’s it first anniversary?”
“Apparently, that’s when the sex stops and the headaches start.” Austin replied and they all laughed.
“Okay, time for this.” Max said as he whipped out a blindfold.
Victoria eyed him sceptically, “You’re kidding me right?”
But Max shook his head and whispered, “Trust me.” before tying the cloth around her eyes. They walked for several more metres, Victoria clinging onto Max for dear life. When finally they stopped and he removed the blindfold, her face broke into a huge smile.
“Ice-skating?” she asked, as Shawn, Mimi and Carrie were already on the ice.
“Yes, we thought you might enjoy it and since its Christmas, there’s no one else here.”
“But I don’t have boots.” She said forlornly.
“That’s okay, I got you a pair.” He said scratching in the bag Austin had been carrying; apparently it had contained all their skates.
“I can’t wear a new pair,” she protested, “I’ll get blisters.”
“They aren’t new, they’re just hardly used. I loaned them from your mother.” he said.
“My mother?” she asked wondering if he’d had it brought in from England.
He nodded, “Yes, Hope lent them to me.”
She smiled at him, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“This, Christmas, everything.”
“I aim to please.” He said before she pulled him in for a kiss, they were just getting really into it when Austin cleared his throat.
“Excuse me, no making out.”
“Yeah, unless it’s on the ice.” Sami said as she ventured out, hand-in-hand with Lucas.
“There are rules?” Carrie asked, coming to collect her own husband, “I didn’t know those were the rules, you’d better get on the ice then.” she said to Austin.
“You mean like those two?” Victoria asked, pointing to Shawn and Mimi who were doing no skating at all. Instead they were playing a game of tonsil hockey.
“Isn’t that sweet…Come on Austin, we have an entire afternoon to waste.” Carrie pulled him onto the ice.
“Shall we?” Max asked as he offered her his arm.
“Lead the way.” she said, slipping her arm comfortably into his.
They all skated for a while, there were falls and tricks and kisses, lots of kisses. And when the skating was done, the guys were sent on an errand to buy hot chocolate but instead started a snow-ball fight. It had been a total accident, Austin had brushed the snow off his shoulder, unfortunately Sami had been removing her boots next to him and the snow hit her on the head. Before he could explain, Austin got a face full of snow courtesy of Carrie, who had witnessed the entire thing and knew that it had not been an accident. Lucas retaliated on Austin’s behalf and before they knew it, all four couples were engaged in a full out war, guys against the girls. The girls won in the end, after they’d gotten a hold of Austin, dragged him to the floor and bombarded him with snowballs till he was begging for mercy. The other guys would’ve come to his aid but feared similar treatment at the hands of the ladies.
Eventually they made their way back to the Pub were there was indeed hot chocolate waiting for them, not the traditional Christmas drink, but something they all preferred.
“Are you okay? Max asked Victoria as they were sitting down in the Pub, each nursing a cup of hot chocolate. She had her legs spread over his lap and was playing with his hair.
She glanced around the room, at Shawn and Mimi whispering sweet nothings to each other, at Sami sitting on Lucas’ lap while they spoke with her father. She smiled up at him, “I’m perfect. Thank you for this Christmas, I love you.”
“It wasn’t all me, it was the family and I love you too.” He said as he drew in for a kiss.
“But you convinced…rather, you ordered me to stay. Thank you for that.” He was looking at her, his heart in his eyes, with such emotion that it brought tears to her eyes; she never imagined she could ever find a guy as great as Max.
“You are cordially invited to attend…”
Victoria, who was reading the invitation over Max’s shoulder, grabbed it out of his hand, “A ball on Christmas? Why on earth would anyone throw a ball on Christmas?”
“Well, for one it’s not just anyone, it’s your grandfather, Victor Kiriakis and for another it’s a sure way to spend Christmas with your family and friends. I’m betting half of Salem received invitations.”
“Are you saying you want to go?”
“I’m saying it would be fun.”
“For you maybe. The dress code says formal, do you know what formal attire means for a woman? It means a dress and not just any dress, a ball gown.”
“And your point is?”
“Have you ever seen me in a dress? I don’t do dresses, pants I love, skirts maybe but dresses, no way and especially not formal dresses.”
“What did you wear to that fundraiser thing you attended with Rex a few months back?”
“A dress,” She conceded, “but it was so uncomfortable and I itched the whole night.”
“No you didn’t.”
“Yes I did. I swear to God, I think I’m allergic to dresses, I break out in this awful rash and...”
“And you’ll look beautiful.”
“I don’t own a single dress, never mind one appropriate enough to wear to a ball.”
“I’m sure you’ll find something, you do love to shop.”
“And what about my hair?”
“What about your hair?” he asked, pulling off the clip that held it up and fanning his hands through her hair so they fell on her shoulders.
“My hair is so unruly; it’ll never stay in a do all night.”
“Then you’ll just have to find a style that suits your hair. Quit stalling, we’re going. You haven’t even considered for a moment that I’ll have to wear a penguin suit.”
“But you’ll look amazing in a tux; you’ll be the best looking guy there.”
“And I’m willing to brave looking like a penguin just so I can see you in a gorgeous dress. And be the envy of every man there.”
“You’re just saying that to convince me to go.”
“And its working.”
“You know,” she said excitedly, “I do believe this is going to be one of the busiest Christmases I’ve ever had. It’s hard being part of all these families, back home we simply spend the day with my dad’s family and then New Year’s with my mom’s.”
*****
“Merry Christmas!”Was the greeting Shawn got when he opened the door on Christmas morning. Max and Victoria had been invited to a light brunch before they all headed off to his grandparents’ place for Christmas lunch with the family. Philip, Belle and Claire were joining them before going over to the Black residence for their own lunch and then everyone was meeting at the Kiriakis Mansion for the ball Victor was throwing.
“We almost thought you weren’t coming.” Shawn said as he let them in.
“Well,” Victoria said as she gave her brother a kiss, “We were considering skipping but Philip was kind enough to give us a call this morning and promise that Mimi was doing none of the cooking.”
“Oh you!’ Mimi hit Philip on the arm before walking over to greet the newest arrivals.
“Where’s Belle?”
“Getting Princess Claire ready. I popped over early to see if Shawn needed any help in the kitchen. I better get back in case those two decided to climb back into bed.” Philip left the apartment.
“Okay, I want to see Zach, is he still sleeping?” Victoria removed her jacket and followed Mimi to the nursery; leaving Max to take over where Philip had left off helping Shawn in the kitchen.
Zach was indeed sleeping as was the habit of six week old babies. “He just gets bigger everyday.” Victoria whispered as she gently lifted Zach out of his crib, “And heavier.”
“Hey Zach, it’s your Aunt Tory, are you going to open your eyes for me? I know you love your sleep but just a small peak, to let me know you appreciate my coming.” Zach simply opened his mouth in a huge yawn, as though to emphasise that he was still sleeping and made no other movements. “Okay, I guess that settles it.”
She turned her attention from her nephew to his mother, “So how are things going with you?”
Mimi’s eyes darkened for a second; which surprised Victoria, then she smiled, “About as good as can be expected. Things aren’t fantastic, but we’re getting there.”
“Well I’m glad the two of you are giving it another go.” Sensing that Mimi was uncomfortable with the topic of conversation, she changed the subject. “So how about last night? You know, you could have warned me about how things worked. I thought tree decorating was going to be tinsel and Santa ornaments and squabbles over what went where. I never imagined it would be that emotional.”
They heard the loft door opening and figured the Kiriakis’ had arrived. They made there way out of the nursery to greet, though not halting their conversation. “You mean you never imagined you’d be included.”
“That too. I just… When Mrs. Horton gave me that…”
Mimi smiled at Victoria, at the tears that were in her eyes, “It’s pretty special.”
“What’s pretty special?” Max asked as he and Philip set the table that had magically appeared in the middle of the apartment.
“The Horton tree trimming, Victoria was just telling me how amazing the tradition was and how she appreciated being included in it.”
“Well, that’s only natural,” Shawn replied, “as she is a Horton.”
“I know; it just made me feel like I actually belonged. Like no matter what I did or where I was, that I’d always have a family in them. That I’d always be a Horton.”
“And why,” Shawn asked as he came over to her and placed a loving arm around her shoulders, “should you feel any different?” He took Zach from her and he immediately opened his eyes, staring up at his father.
“Oh great, now he decides to open his eyes.” Victoria complained as Belle walked in carrying Claire, who clapped her hands excitedly when she spotted Victoria. “And she really does look like a princess.”
Victoria said as she went and collected Claire from her mom and was awarded with a huge hug. “Hey sweetie, I’m glad someone’s happy to see me, you really should teach Zach some manners.”
“You know,” Belle said, “I think the biggest surprise of the evening was having Sami’s name on that tree.”
Philip nodded in agreement, “I think the surprise of the year was Sami and Lucas actually getting married. Who would’ve thought they’d elope? When they came back last week, my mom almost had a heart attack when they told her they were married.”
“Well I’m happy for them.” Victoria stated.
“Only you would be,” Belle said, “most people have already taken bets as to how long they’re going to last.”
Victoria was shocked, she’d been clued up on Sami’s history, both with men and the truth but still felt that everyone deserved happiness and a second chance, “That’s horrible. They obviously love each other and I wish them all the happiness in the world.”
“I agree,” Mimi piped up, “Sami and Lucas should be given the opportunity to see if they can make each other happy and dooms day prophesies for their marriage is not going to give them much confidence, especially if it’s coming from their families.”
“Okay,” Max interrupted the little squabble that had started, “Enough talk about Sami and Lucas, I think we should sit down and eat.”
“I totally agree with Max, I’m starving.” Shawn said.
Everyone sat down and quietly enjoyed the food. There was light conversation and everyone was surprised at how comfortable things were given the recent events that had rocked their lives.
“I think that since the guys went to all the trouble of cooking, the ladies should at least clean up.” Shawn declared once brunch was over.
He needn’t have bothered because Mimi had already begun clearing the table, knowing that they’d be leaving for lunch soon and not wanting to come home to a dirty place and a kitchen full of dishes. She’d just run the water dishwater when Zach starting crying. Victoria took over from her as she went to fed him.
“Can’t Shawn see to Zach? It seems unfair that Mimi has to run to him all the time.” Max commented rather naively.
“I don’t exactly have his dietary requirements on hand.” Shawn pointed out.
*****
“Oh I forgot to give them their Christmas presents.” Victoria exclaimed as she and Max were removing the presents from the back of his car.“You can give it to them at the ball this evening.” he told her as they made their way to the front door.
Caroline opened the door for them, “Merry Christmas!” she said joyfully, “Presents under the tree, we’re having lunch first.”
After placing the gifts under the tree as instructed, Max and Victoria went to greet the rest of the family. Max made his way back to his mother asking, “So when’s lunch?”
Victoria shook her head; she couldn’t believe he was still hungry when they’d just eaten at Shawn and Mimi’s place. “Lunch is ready; we’re just waiting for Roman to arrive.” Caroline replied.
“Good, because I can’t wait till you open your gifts, I picked each one out myself.”
Stephanie snorted, “I find that hard to believe since the only thing I’ve gotten from you for Christmas was twenty bucks.”
“It’s true,” Max defended himself, “I picked out each gift myself. Ask Tory if you don’t believe me.”
“It’s true,” Victoria confirmed, “he was adamant on choosing each gift. He wanted to make sure that he got the very best of whatever had been listed.”
Everyone burst out laughing and Roman chose that moment to arrive. “Great now lunch can begin. Where exactly is everyone seated?”
“We’re having lunch in the pub,” Shawn Sr. stated, “since we’re such a large group this year.”
Lunch was absolute chaos, but it was enjoyable chaos. People flitted from one table to the next, everyone was in great spirits and they had good reason to be. Victoria ended up eating lunch with Carrie, Austin and Stephanie. Hearing about their honeymoon and how great Australia had been. Shawn was stuck with Will and Lucas. Mimi enjoyed lunch with the moms, Sami, Hope and Kayla. People spoke across tables, sometimes shouting halfway across the room and for Victoria; it was all a bit overwhelming. She was used to peaceful Christmases with quiet lunches and afternoons spent ice-skating or having snowball fights. It was different, but it was a good kind of different and the more time she spent with them, the more comfortable she got. When lunch was finally over, they all made their way back upstairs to open their gifts. Victoria hung back, helping Caroline and Hope clean up downstairs.
“You should be up there opening gifts with the rest of them.”
She shook her head, “I’d much rather help you clean up.”
“I’m glad you decided to stay in Salem over Christmas. Hope was telling me about last night. I understand you were extremely emotional.”
“I think everyone was and it was an amazing night, truly memorable. And it’s just getting better by the minute. This has been one of the best Christmases ever.”
“Okay,” Hope declared coming out of the kitchen, “the boys can do the rest, I’m headed up there to open presents; I suggest you two join me.”
*****
Once the presents had been unwrapped, the living room began to clear out as the family took themselves off to various parts of the house. Victoria was sitting on the sofa, relaxing after a fun but exhausting few hours, when her jacket and gloves were thrown at her. “Put these on.” Shawn ordered her.“Shawn, I’m tired, all I want is to sit down for a while.”
“Sorry, you don’t have a choice, you either come willingly or we drag you out without your jacket.”
Victoria grudgingly shrugged her jacket on and was busy slipping on her gloves when Austin came in carrying a gym bag, “You ready to go?”
“Yeah.” Shawn replied and hauled Victoria out of the house by her arm.
Max, Mimi, Lucas, Sami and Carrie were all waiting for them outside. “Okay, where are we going?” she asked the group, evidently she was the only one who wasn’t clued up.
“For a walk.” Sami replied.
“Is Stephanie not joining us?” she asked, since Stephanie was the only other cousin missing.
“Sorry, only couples.” Carrie said as she slipped her hand into Austin’s. Victoria did the same with Max and followed everyone else.
“Okay, where are we going exactly?” she asked Max.
He smiled down at her, “It’s a surprise, but don’t worry you’ll like it. Didn’t I promise to make this an enjoyable Christmas?” She nodded, “Then trust me.” He said.
“You do realise we’re the only non-married couple here right?”
“Yeah I know, it’s a pity we have to be stuck with the old married couples.” He said laughingly.
“Hey, we’re not old married couples.” Lucas protested.
“Except maybe us.” Shawn answered.
“First anniversary,” Sami stated, “that’s when you become an old married couple. Then you have to start going out with other old married couples. Until then it’s okay to hang out with us.”
“Then we’ve still got three months,” Mimi said jokingly, “by the way, why’s it first anniversary?”
“Apparently, that’s when the sex stops and the headaches start.” Austin replied and they all laughed.
“Okay, time for this.” Max said as he whipped out a blindfold.
Victoria eyed him sceptically, “You’re kidding me right?”
But Max shook his head and whispered, “Trust me.” before tying the cloth around her eyes. They walked for several more metres, Victoria clinging onto Max for dear life. When finally they stopped and he removed the blindfold, her face broke into a huge smile.
“Ice-skating?” she asked, as Shawn, Mimi and Carrie were already on the ice.
“Yes, we thought you might enjoy it and since its Christmas, there’s no one else here.”
“But I don’t have boots.” She said forlornly.
“That’s okay, I got you a pair.” He said scratching in the bag Austin had been carrying; apparently it had contained all their skates.
“I can’t wear a new pair,” she protested, “I’ll get blisters.”
“They aren’t new, they’re just hardly used. I loaned them from your mother.” he said.
“My mother?” she asked wondering if he’d had it brought in from England.
He nodded, “Yes, Hope lent them to me.”
She smiled at him, “Thank you.”
“For what?”
“This, Christmas, everything.”
“I aim to please.” He said before she pulled him in for a kiss, they were just getting really into it when Austin cleared his throat.
“Excuse me, no making out.”
“Yeah, unless it’s on the ice.” Sami said as she ventured out, hand-in-hand with Lucas.
“There are rules?” Carrie asked, coming to collect her own husband, “I didn’t know those were the rules, you’d better get on the ice then.” she said to Austin.
“You mean like those two?” Victoria asked, pointing to Shawn and Mimi who were doing no skating at all. Instead they were playing a game of tonsil hockey.
“Isn’t that sweet…Come on Austin, we have an entire afternoon to waste.” Carrie pulled him onto the ice.
“Shall we?” Max asked as he offered her his arm.
“Lead the way.” she said, slipping her arm comfortably into his.
They all skated for a while, there were falls and tricks and kisses, lots of kisses. And when the skating was done, the guys were sent on an errand to buy hot chocolate but instead started a snow-ball fight. It had been a total accident, Austin had brushed the snow off his shoulder, unfortunately Sami had been removing her boots next to him and the snow hit her on the head. Before he could explain, Austin got a face full of snow courtesy of Carrie, who had witnessed the entire thing and knew that it had not been an accident. Lucas retaliated on Austin’s behalf and before they knew it, all four couples were engaged in a full out war, guys against the girls. The girls won in the end, after they’d gotten a hold of Austin, dragged him to the floor and bombarded him with snowballs till he was begging for mercy. The other guys would’ve come to his aid but feared similar treatment at the hands of the ladies.
Eventually they made their way back to the Pub were there was indeed hot chocolate waiting for them, not the traditional Christmas drink, but something they all preferred.
“Are you okay? Max asked Victoria as they were sitting down in the Pub, each nursing a cup of hot chocolate. She had her legs spread over his lap and was playing with his hair.
She glanced around the room, at Shawn and Mimi whispering sweet nothings to each other, at Sami sitting on Lucas’ lap while they spoke with her father. She smiled up at him, “I’m perfect. Thank you for this Christmas, I love you.”
“It wasn’t all me, it was the family and I love you too.” He said as he drew in for a kiss.
“But you convinced…rather, you ordered me to stay. Thank you for that.” He was looking at her, his heart in his eyes, with such emotion that it brought tears to her eyes; she never imagined she could ever find a guy as great as Max.
