Just The Boy Next Door

~16~

Waking up bright and early, I smiled and got out of bed, taking care not to wake my sweetly sleeping fiance. It was finally Christmas morning.

And fiance? How in the hell did I get so lucky?

Making my way downstairs, I made a beeline for the coffee mugs. My mom had been up for about an hour by the look of things, so I could only guess my dad was awake only a tad earlier than that. Receiving a loud smooch on my head from my mom and a hug from my dad, I know this was going the way I had hoped it would.
"That was a nice little surprise last night, huh?" My mom's smile hadn't broken since the "I Do".
Handing me a full cup, she winked at me, making me grin.
"I honestly had no idea he planned all that," I slid carefully onto on of the barstools arranged around the breakfast bar, taking care no to spill my coffee.
"Well, we are quite impress with him, honeybee," My dad ruffled my already messy black and red tufts, "It reminded me of how I asked your mom to marry me."
"And how was that, daddy?" I looked at him over the rim of the mug, taking a sip and sighing happily in the process.

My dad went on a trip down memory lane, explaining how he and mom met and it was pretty much love at first sight. After knowing one another for only one week, they began dating, to the dismay of their shared group of friends. He was in love with her and she with him, so he didn't see any issue with asking her for her hand. My grandma, Barb, my mom's mom, loved my dad instantly and gave him the okay. So, on their one month anniversary, he popped the question; they were married three months later as 23 and 24.
"Some times, dear," mom smiled and patted my cheek softly, "You just know."

The stairs made their usual creaking sound that announced someone was on them. A sleep Andrew made his way into the kitchen, with an equally messed up bedhead that my dad thought was comical. Rubbing his eyes, he stretched.
"Merry Christmas, everyone," he spoke mid-yawn only to lean down and kiss my forehead.
"Good morning, my love," I spoke, bright eyed and busy tailed.
He giggled lightly, shaking his head at the peppiness.
"You know, it amazes me how quickly you wake up..." he stopped himself as he stared at the big gulp coffee mug on the counter, "... sometimes."
"You know me; I don't function well without it!" Smiling, I picked up the mug and took another sip.

Soon enough, Liana was awake but just barely. The fourteen year old was eager to open gifts, however. Stopping her mid-stride, Andy bent down and picked her up, hugging her tightly.
"It is going to be awesome have you as a brother in law." She yawned sleepily, welcoming the affection.

After a large breakfast of eggs. sausage. biscuits and gravy, and mimosas, out troop of people made out was to the den where out tree was placed. Tearing through wrapping and tissue paper, each member was happily surprised with their gifts. Liana, being a teenager, received a whole new wardrobe, a brand new sound system, and more than enough make up to last her for a few years. Mark and Amada received gift certificates to Babies R Us, a new changing table, and a home foot spa for when walking began to get too tiresome for Amada. Jocelyn received clothing for Joshua, baby blankets, post-pregnancy clothing she desperately needed, and a gift card to a spa that was located by the house; she read the name softly enough for me to be unable to hear. The twins received a five hundred dollar check a piece, which was all they asked for; being seventeen and constantly going through different interests, my parents played it safe this year. Mom and dad received a new microwave, a flat screen television for their bedroom, and a new son-in-law, courtesy of Andy himself. As for Andy and I, I get a new laptop, gift card to shops around Cary Town, and recording software; And received more than enough family members than he had ever asked for, and gift cards to various shops, as well.

While it might not seem like much, my parents didn't skimp out on anyone; Andy and I capped about two thousand dollars in gift cards alone. Liana's sound system was top of the line, and Jocelyn's spa trip was for the ultra deluxe treatments which included child card while she got pampered. Mom and dad's television was over a grand, itself.

While we visited for a few more hours, my phone started to vibrate. Checking it, I had a text message from Naomi.

NayNay: We are hoooommmmmeeee!!!
Me: Awesome! We are wrapping up things here; I have so much to tell you, about Christmas and what I have planned for Andy's birthday tomorrow.
NayNay: Well get your asses back here then. Love you both to the moon!
Me: Love you too; see you soon.

Heading up to my room, I found a half dressed Andy fixing his hair in the mirror. Place my phone down, I shut the door and pulled out my outfit for the day.
"Was that Naomi and Jake?" Andy looked up from lacing his boots, clad no in grey skinny jeans, white t-shirt, and a cut-off denim vest.
"Yep," I chuckled and shook my head, "The are home already. The Sparks' finished early this year."
Andy looked at the clock and back towards me in confusion; it read 12:45 pm.
"Early?" he grimaced.
"Yea, the usually get up at like... four in the morning to open gifts and don't finish until roughly two-ish. Chaz and Natalie are more child-like than their children, I swear."

Turning back to my outfit, I began to pull on my leggings and stepped into my long-sleeve jumper dress. Shoving my feet into my combat boots, I was ready to go; well, soft of. As I bounced off the bed, a boob came flying out of its place in both my bra and dress. Andy was a mused and watched me snag my own denim jacket, a bright red hue thick on my cheeks.
"You look beautiful," Andy approached me and put his arms around my waist, kissing my forehead after looking into my eyes longingly.
"Thank you, baby," I cooed, smiling up at him," I guess it is time for goodbye's and such, then, right?"

After the boys loaded up my car, my mom and dad smooshed me in a hug between the two of them. Moving over to Andy, mom hugged him tightly, as well, and received a fist bump from the twins as they wandered back inside.
"It has been nice having you both here," my mom smiled and began to walk to the porch, "I love you, Deanna Jeanne."
"Love you, too, momma."
Finally in the car and buckled up, I stopped to gather my thoughts. Sighing, I started the ignition and began backing out of the driveway, heading back to our side of town.
"Well, I shook my head as I merged onto the highway, "Time to go home."

When we arrived, Naomi was standing on the front porch waiting. Before I could even open the rear down on the driver's side, I was tackled into the parked vehicle, Namoi squeezing excitedly.
"Oh my God, Deege," she squealed, "I missed you!"
Andy took the liberty of grabbing our belongings, new and already owned, and headed into the frat house for the time being, excited to see his friends.
"So, what did you want to tell me?" Naomi bounced in place like a hyper chihuahua, "And what about Andy's birthday?"
"Let's start with that while I have just you," I put my arm around her shoulder and brought her closer.
"I am taking him to a studio tomorrow afternoon and paying for him to record a single song CD," I gushed, "He has been talking about singing professionally for months, and I know it would mean so much to him!"
"Oh my God, DJ, look at you," she shoved my arm playfully, "Spoiling your man and shit. You go, girl."

We broke into a mild fit of laughter before Andy came back onto the porch, waving for us to come in.
"... what about this thing you wanted to tell me?" Naomi trailed behind me as I entered the house, confused and eager to hear the news.
I held out my hand and presented the ring to our friends; everyone but Jinxx, whose plane hadn't landed yet.
"Oh my God," Naomi screamed and looked at Andy, "Biersack, no fucking way!"
He giggled and nodded, receiving a hug similar to the tackl I had received outside. Jake hugged me tightly and congratulated Andy with a handshake and hug combo. CC jumped up and down for a few minutes before hugging me with the same force of Hurricane Naomi, and tackled Andy to the ground.
As I smiled, I glanced up to look into the eyes of Ashley.

Oh my God, I had forgotten about Ashley.

"Grats, chica," he smiled and pulled me in for a hug under Andy's watchful eye.
"Thanks, honey," I gave him a squeeze and fluffed his unkempt hair, laughing.

After retrieving Jinxx, and hearing about how he and Sammi were on a trial-based separation as of that day, we decided Chinese food was in order. Everyone with their favorites, we sat down together at the frat house kitchen table and ate.
Just as conversation was starting to get hysterical and slightly out of hand, the door bell rang. Andy was about to get up but I waved him to sit and visit with his best friends.
Not knowing who it could be, I wore my biggest smile as I swung open the door to stare into the blue eyes of my cousin.
Selena was standing on the front porch, bags in hand, with her normal colored black hair, nose ring, pentacle necklace, and ricpped skinny jeans.
Smiling widely, I freaked out.

The cousin I knew and loved was back.

Notes

Selena is back, and after DJ and Andy had such a great Christmas, too. What is in store for the ever growing band of misfits?