0 comments/ 8224 views/ 1 favorites At Home for the Holidays By: humantouch Tina sits beside her friend Charise as they crawl along the snowy roads. She is happy that her best friend of many years is a skilled winter driver. As it turns out, they are both competent in a lot of things and within similar interests, that is why they have been so close. They had met four years ago when Charise had started tutoring her in chemistry. It was Tina's first year of college and she had been struggling. Charise had made it look so easy. They have been friends ever since. Their interests have always been common, and that includes their shared love for Tina's father. This is in different ways of course as Tina loves her father as a protector and as the man who has raised her. Charise has had a romantic interest for a long time. They met at Christmas two years ago when Charise accompanied her best friend home for the holidays. It was a happy holiday for Tina because they had hit it off so well. She knows that he has been so down and defeated within his personal life ever since her mother had run off five years ago. She had left him and her two kids very quickly after falling in love with a foreign teacher at an education conference. Her father had been devastated and crawled into a deep personal hole. To this day, he has never quite crawled out. "You're quiet," Tina smiles, "You haven't talked in over an hour." "Hmm," Charise uttered, "Just thinking about what I am going to say." "You've been emailing, calling each other, and you even came for a visit three times over the past year," Tina says, "It's not like you've lost touch." "Yeah but," Charise sighs, "Tina your dad is so shy, or closed off with his feelings." "Just tell him," Tina says. "He is so deep in regrets and all that," Charise says, "Do you really think he can get past that and forget enough to have a relationship?" "Yes I do," Tina answers. "Well we are almost there, and I told you this time I am determined to find out, or else forget the whole thing," Charise says. "Patience hon," Tina says, "You're going to need some to get through to him." "I can do that," Charise says. "Because?" Tina prods. "I love him," Charise sighs, "That's all there is to it. But is it enough?" Tina doesn't answer because she really doesn't have one. On this trip she is hoping for the best. She has seen her father have an entire mid-sized city smiling, who last month elected him mayor. But when it comes to relationships, he is damaged. She only hopes it is not beyond repair. Tina knows that he and her mother married very young. Her own father is only eighteen years older than her and he will be forty next year. Her best friend Charise is several years older than her at thirty. She comes from a mixed heritage with an African American father, and Thai mother. Tina has always found her quite striking. Tina knows there will be a few boundaries in this mostly white community. They have discussed this, and there was just one simple response from Charise, 'They'll get use to it.' Tina has always admired her friend's confidence and how she was able to work so hard and get her PhD last spring. She has used her friend as a role model for her own life and has tried to work as hard as she can. Now thinking about it, Tina knows that this seems to be one last hurdle for her friend, creating loving happiness. Tina knows they will both do all they can to pull her father back from the abyss so that he can be happy too. Charise will become a member of this community soon anyway as she takes up a local job position, and Tina hopes with her father, she can complete her next big step. "We're here. Wow look at the house," Tina says as she perks up as she sees hundreds of colorful lights decorating the house. "You're Dad is home already," Charise says as she slowly pulls in to the snow covered driveway, "That is pretty." "Yeah he's off until the new year," Tina says, "Maybe that's a good sign he isn't out." "Why?" Charise asks. "Anxious to see you," Tina grins. "Probably you hon," Charise says. "Oh I doubt it's just me," Tina smiles. Tina looks toward the house as Charise turns the car off and opens the door. As the two gather their bags they see Tina's seven year old brother appear from behind the house. He seems to have been playing in the snow in the backyard and doesn't notice them right away. She hasn't seen him in three months and she sees he has grown. She smiles as he still approaches without seeing them. "Hey kiddo," Tina says as she grabs him. "Ahh!" Tim exclaims. "Watch where you're going," Tina laughs. The three exchange hugs and pleasantries as they head toward the back of the house. Tim shows them a snow fort he has been building. As they round the house they hear Tim's father's muffled voice from inside an elaborate fort. As Tim hollers to him he is talking so much about how to reinforce it, that he doesn't hear them. Tina smiles at Charise, knowing her father has always been playful with them as kids. "We'll go into the house," Tina whispers to Charise, "You go see if you can get his attention." "Oh here we go again," Tim sighs, "She's going to get all weird isn't she?" "Come on kid, let's go in and start some hot chocolate," Tina smiles as she pulls her brother toward the house. "What do I do?" Charise asks quickly. "Whatever you want," Tina grins. "Oh man, can we close the window shades when we go inside," Tim says as his voice trails off toward the house. Charise watches the two go into the house then she looks over at the mound of snow with a familiar voice inside on an unending lesson on structure reinforcement. She smiles thinking about what Tina had told her one time. She has always raved about his parenting abilities and that he is the type of dad that gets right on the floor and plays too. She walks a little closer but still doesn't see him. "Ah Thomas," She says without a response. Just as she starts to move even closer, the roof of the fort collapses as she hears a loud grunt from inside. After this happens there is no movement. Charise looks at the snow nervously and runs forward. Starting to call his name loudly, she digs in the snow looking for him. Without gloves her fingers start to feel the effects of the sub zero temperatures. Frantically she digs harder. "Thomas!" Charise exclaims as she uncovers his hand. "Oh um hello Charise," Thomas says as she brushes snow off of himself. As she helps him up from the ruined fort, he looks at her in his so familiar gaze. She knows how he feels about her. But Charise also knows that for some reason he cannot make his move. They have been talking for so long that she believes she would accept any move at all at this point, just as long as there is some advancement, if it is even to happen at all. At no time during her eight year road to her doctorate had she ever had this kind of challenge. "Are you ok," Charise asks, as he stands and she continues to brush snow off of him. "Um, maybe that fort wasn't such a good idea," Thomas smiles weakly. "Do you think?" Charise giggles. "I um," Thomas stutters, "It's um good to see you." "Good to see you too," Charise smiles enthusiastically. As they hug for a moment and she lets go of him, she looks into his eyes, with his the hat on his head still covered with snow and smiles deeply. She sees the nervous expression on his face as he looks back at her smiling weakly. It seems as if they are about to finally have the romantic moment that is long overdue. As she looks over his face nearly a foot taller than him, he seems to almost lean forward to kiss her, but then stops. "I um, maybe we should go inside," Thomas says as the moment completely deflates. "Ok," Charise smiles with a patient look as she walks with him to the side door. Charise frowns but maintains her patience. She has a lot of it and will likely need more in the coming days. In all their conversations they have had, it has come close a few times. The last time she was here they had stayed up nearly all night watching an old monster B movie from the 1950's. They had a lot of fun with it, even wrestling for a moment on the couch, acting out one of the scenes. She remembers that then too it seemed as if he would kiss her, but he still backed off. She knows after what happened with Tina's mother he is damaged in a way, but it seems that everyone around him knows he should move on. If only he would see that, or if he is just not interested, just tell her so. "Hey Tim," Thomas says as they enter the house, "Let's not build a fort like that until we think it through a little first." "The castle has collapsed. Alas, it is in ruins, King Timmy," Charise adds. "Oh go change Dad," Tina says as she takes his jacket. "Can I help you," Charise asks as she pulls on his gloves. "Um change you mean?" Thomas says apparently without thinking, then looks at her embarrassingly, "I mean, well I'll go change." "Dad hot chocolicious when you get back," Tim smiles from the table. "Maybe if you actually offered," Tina smiles at Charise after her dad leaves the room. "Oh stop," Charise says. "Offered what?" Tim asks, "You know how to make snow forts?" "Ah no buddy," Charise smiles as she takes some hot chocolate. Tina looks over at her friend sipping her hot chocolate. To her, she seems to be deep in thought and she doesn't need to ask what it is that is occupying her mind. As she has told her before, she should just not wait any longer and make her intentions known. As Tina thinks about this, something occurs to her that she had never thought of before. "You're not sure are you?" Tina asks as she sets her cup down. "I don't know," Charise whispers. "Tim if you are finished maybe Dad wants you to go take a shower and warm up," Tina says. "Ok, yeah because the weird talk is coming. I get it," Tim says as he heads for the stairs. "You're right hon," Charise says as she watches Tim climb the stairs. "Unbelievable," Tina says, "I know he is interested but he is so damn reserved and timid about it, and you don't know if that is a game ending thing or not." "Basically," Charise says, "What if I were to tell him. But then he is always reserved, non-affectionate, and all that because he is still hung up on your mother?" "He isn't hung up on her," Tina says, "He despises her for running off on us. You know how it happened. One night they were laughing at dinner, the next day she went to the conference, came home in a strange mood, and left the next day. It's a lot to take." "Yeah, did he ever check to see if she was replaced by an alien at the conference?" Charise jokes. "Yeah funny," Tina says, "But it was her. I could see the look in her eyes and heard her words when she said in front of us all that she was leaving. I was shocked, but then began to resent her as much as him." "Yeah I know," Charise sighs, "You refuse to talk to her every time she calls." "Speaking of that, tonight is the night she does," Tina says, "Christmas Eve every year. Well sometimes it's Thanksgiving instead. Who knows." "Lots of effort there I see," Charise says. "Look, I really hate to say this but I've wanted to for a long time," Tina starts, "You know that if you are with him you have to sort of take on a motherly role right out of the gate." "I know and that's ok," Charise says, "I love the kid too." "Well my hopeful future stepmom, I have no trouble saying this but," Tina says with an assertive tone, "From what I've seen, you could be ten times the mother she has been. They love you too. I know it." Charise watches as Tina walks past her and toward the stairs. She almost gets chills from the finality of her friend's statement. For someone to say what she did probably takes a lot of nerve, or perhaps the need to just have it said. She knows that it has always been a little difficult for her friend to talk about her mother. What she just said is more than she has ever said about her. It occurs to Charise that Tina just wants her Dad to be happy. She knows how that can happen. But she still has doubts. She feels bad thinking it, but decides to say it out loud. "Yeah I love him," Charise whispers to no one, "But can he be a man again?" Charise sips her hot chocolate and gazes out the window to the now darkening winter wonderland. She knows that she can make this rather nice home, a happy place. But she stresses over her own reservations. Is he so finished and mentally beaten by Tina's mother that he can't have a normal relationship? Charise doesn't know at this point, but clenching the cup handle tight, she feels determined to find out. This visit will answer this question once and for all. She will either leave here in a few days only to return to be with him, or she will simply leave. One of these two things will happen. She will see to it. "Thank you um, for rescuing me," Thomas says as he enters the kitchen and takes some hot chocolate. "Anytime," Charise smiles as she turns around. "Did you um," Thomas starts, "Have any trouble on the roads?" "Oh it was a little slow in parts but it was ok," Charise says. "Good," Thomas says nervously, "But it wouldn't be Christmas without a ton of snow." Charise watches his expressions, and it seems as if he wants to say something more. Staying hopeful she just smiles at him while she sips her hot chocolate. There is a long silence as she can almost see his mouth start to move. She knows he has something in his thoughts but he just can't get the words out. Charise wants so much to just say what she wants. But her heart tells her that she needs to wait just a bit longer for him to do it. In a way, it is her way of figuring out if he really wants it or if he can even deliver in a relationship. But just when she thinks he might say something, she sees his shoulders slump and he says nothing. "Dad," Tina hollers from upstairs, "Can you come here?" "I um, I'll go see what she wants," Thomas says as he turns and heads for the stairs. Charise sighs deeply as she rests against the sink. She had just seen the expression on his face. It was almost as if he felt relieved to be called away. As she stares into her cup, she starts to realize that it may be hopeless. She looks outside to the slowly darkening cold and wonders if the same is about to happen here. Will this grow cold and dark or will it warm their hearts this holiday season. "Yeah Teeny," Thomas says as he enters the hallway. "I'm going out a while," Tina says as she adjusts her shirt in the hallway mirror. "But its Christmas Eve," He sighs. "Yes," Tina smiles, "Nathan called and wants to meet for coffee and I haven't seen him for like 3 years." "Yeah but you are going to be here for six days," Thomas replies. "I need to go, ok," Tina says as she pulls his arm, "Come here." "What?" Thomas says as he is dragged into Tina's bedroom. "I'm going out until ten or so because you and Charise need to talk, or whatever," Tina says with an assertive voice. "But," Thomas starts. "Get a clue Dad," Tina says, "Mom's gone." "I know that," Thomas sighs, "Regardless of what you think, I don't want her back." "Good, then move on with the next chapter of your life," Tina says. "I will be mayor in January," He smiles. "I don't get it," Tina says, "You can win over a small city with forty three thousand people in it, but you can't talk to a beautiful woman who thinks the world of you." "What do I have to offer her?" Thomas asks her with a hint of frustration, "I couldn't make it work before." "You were caring, loving, and a provider," Tina says as she tosses her hairbrush on her bed, "So that wasn't enough for Mom. It is not your fault. Get that through once and for all and don't let this slip away, because it's about to." "I know how she feels, and how I feel," He sighs. "Then do something about it," Tina says as she yanks a scarf off of a coat hanger. "All she has to do is smile at me and I am happy beyond belief," Thomas says, "But it's so hard to get the words out also thinking that I failed before." "Get the words out and be happy," Tina says with her hands on her hips, "It's probably safe to say, that's all she wants for Christmas." "I got her that suede jacket she was crazy about the last time she was here, oh and an auto club membership in case she is alone and breaks down," He sighs. "Something she wants and something she needs," Tina smiles, "Good job. See you can do this. It's all very thoughtful. Now give a gift to both of you. Someone to grow old with." "I love her," Thomas whispers. "Does she know that?" Tina asks. "No I guess not," He sighs. "So I'm giving you an early gift," Tina says, "Timmy is going to bed soon, and I am out for the next 4 hours. If it will ever happen for you two it needs to be now or just forget it and be miserable." "When did you get so tough?" Thomas smiles. "I'm not," Tina sighs, "I am just irritated knowing that you both want this. So get it done one way or another. Either start or finish it." "Yes Ma'am," Thomas mocks. "Ok bye, love you. I'm taking the truck down to the coffee shop near the Pavillion," Tina smiles as she leaves the room. Thomas watches as Tina walks past him and then down over the stairs. He turns and heads to the hallway, glancing at an antique mirror. He sees the expression on his face and it seems to glare back at him as if his own soul is also asking what his problem is. Every time he thinks of her and a future together, he gets floored in his own mind by reminders of the past and the woman that walked out on her entire family. He despises her for what she did but always feels as if there is blame to go around. He loves Charise but deep in his thoughts he thinks she can do better. For the next hour, Thomas, Tim, and Charise sit on the couch, enjoy a nice snack and watch a holiday special. They share some cinnamon cookies that Charise had decided to start making when Thomas was upstairs talking to Tina. She smiles at both Thomas and Tim as they seem to like them. They laugh, and enjoy a wholesome family moment that has been increasingly rare in recent years. Thomas remarks inwardly at how well his son and Charise get along. She seems to know just what to say and do. She had even asked him to go up and get ready for bed before they sat down. As the time grows short, Tim sits out his usual cookies and milk on a small table beside the couch and skips his way up the stairs. Charise smiles at his excitement knowing that he is growing up and there probably aren't too many years left that he will believe in the mystical bearded man that delivers gifts. As he goes upstairs, Charise turns to Thomas. "He's a great kid," Charise says standing right in front of him. "He is," Thomas says, "Hopefully he'll be surprised tomorrow morning at the crack of dawn." "Ah so how early will that be exactly?" Charise asks with a smile. "For him um, 5 or so," He answers. "So he doesn't hang out in his room with a stocking or something for at least another 3 hours?" Charise smiles. "Maybe an hour, then he starts bugging us to get up," Thomas says. "Ah 6 then, ok," She says. "Oh you can do it," Thomas smiles. Charise looks at him and his sudden happiness and confidence. It seems like such a turnaround to her. She wonders if the wholesome family moments of the past hour snapped something on in him. She smiles thinking that maybe the cookies had something to do with it. Staring into his eyes, she makes her holiday wish. Again he seems to want to say something but then breaks from it again. However she is somewhat confident because at least she sees some progress. "Um, I want to set things up so they are ready for morning," Thomas says as he starts heading for the garage, "Be right back." At Home for the Holidays Charise watches him a moment with a deep smile then turns to look over at the TV. She picks up the remote and starts thumbing through the channels. Eventually she finds a familiar holiday movie that she had seen many years ago. She remembers that the only reason why she likes it is because of the singing and dance parts. But she sets the remote down to wait for Thomas, wondering if he ever dances. "Here we go," Thomas returns with the gifts. "Wow," Charise laughs as she sees him using a hand truck to wheel in a box full of mostly wrapped gifts. "Oh it's not too much, just looks like a lot," Thomas says, "There is a big blanket in here for Tina." "You seem to really like Christmas," She smiles as she helps him unload the gifts. "I do," He smiles as he places gifts around the tree. "Oh um one for me too?" Charise smiles as she picks up a small box with her name on it. "Of course, actually about let's see, four more I think," He says as he takes the box and places it in the tree branches, "One from Tim that he picked out himself. That one is already under here somewhere." "Sweet boy," Charise smiles. "Ok now this video game," Thomas says as he holds up a white box, "I want to have it hooked up and ready, but still have him open the box and be surprised. Any ideas?" "Well we could set it up, then put this red runner over it so he doesn't see it then wrap the box," She says. "Yeah ok," He says as he sets the box on the coffee table and opens it. "Oh let me look," Charise says as she takes the instruction booklet. "There is a lot of parts in here including this long bar thing," Thomas says then reaches into the big box again, "But I got these extra controls too." "Oh so more can play," Charise says as she takes one of them. "Yeah most of these games many people can play together," He says. "So I have this remote," Charise says as she holds out one in her hand, then grabs another, "Then I take another one." "Actually I think you only use one and sometimes this thing with the cord," Thomas says. "But if I hold one Wii remote in one hand and one in the other I have two," Charise grins. "Yeah but I don't think you need both," He says. "But if I have both then it's a Wii Wii," Charise laughs. "You have a what?" Thomas asks with a smile. "Oh but it's only these remotes, I don't really have one," Charise smiles. "One what?" Thomas asks. "A Wii Wii," Charise laughs. "Well probably not," Thomas laughs as he understands the joke. "Probably?" She laughs, "Watch it or I'll prove it." Charise laughs a few more moments at the unintended ice breaker. As the two set up the video game console, they work together to get it right using the instructions. After it is done they give it a try to see if they got the set up correct. Charise watches as Thomas tests it out by creating his little on screen character. She smiles as he has to get the hair and expression exactly perfect. When he gets done and names it, Charise gives it a try as well. "Oh I can look like I'm supposed to," Charise says as she gives her character a darker tone. "Yeah but you don't wear glasses," Thomas smiles. "Well I don't have these ball things for hands either like this thing does on the screen. See I have fingers," Charise says as she holds her hand up. "Yeah mine has balls too on his hands, or whatever," Thomas says as he looks at the screen. "Yeah good luck with that," Charise smiles. "How is he supposed to grab things or whatever with those?" Thomas asks. "Maybe his controller has balls enough to try to challenge me at this sports game?" Charise laughs. "Well I don't," He starts to say, then smiles at her, "Funny." Thomas takes the sports game that came with the machine and puts it in the front of the console. For the next hour the two have a lot of fun with a bowling and tennis game. There are laughs all around and some wonderful moments in between. Charise enjoys the time, feeling so happy knowing that he can smile so well and have fun. For so long she has never been sure if he could just let loose and just simply relax. Feeling more confident, she takes his remote and sets both of them down on top of the console and turns it off. Switching the TV back over to cable, she catches it at the right time as a dance and singing number is playing. "Show me what you've got," She smiles as she assumes a dance position. Thomas smiles as he puts his hand on her hip. As the dance starts, Charise develops a deep smile. Looking into his eyes, she lets him lead her around the family room floor. Amazed at his skill she gets lost in the moment and it is almost as if they are really out dancing somewhere. The lights from the Christmas tree add to the wonder of the moment, as if they are really out dancing. As he looks at her she can see him studying her face. She knows that she does this herself but only if she really has feelings for someone. Moving her hand around, her fingers lazily play with his short brown hair on the back of his neck. As they seem so lost in thought, the music stops but he does not stop dancing. The mood makes him continue, and Charise thinks this is her moment. As her expression softens and she moves a little closer to him, she feels him moving closer as well. She closes her eyes in anticipation. "I um, maybe set the rest of these things up so that we can get some rest huh?" Thomas says as he stops his moves. "Yeah ok," Charise says dryly. Over the next several minutes, they set up the rest of the Christmas morning offerings. Charise does not say anything as they finish their job. She wants to scream and does so within her own mind. But at the same time she is nearly on the verge of tears. She could just say what is on her mind, but her goal has always been to see if he can love again and be in a relationship. She knows that it starts with making the first move. As she watches him turn out the main light and the TV so that it is only the soft glow of the Christmas tree filling the room, she walks over to it and examines one of the ornaments. She listens to him speak and as he does, then her silence turns vocal as she can take no more. "I like to leave the tree on so it's a nice mood when everyone wakes up," Thomas says. "Thomas what do you think of me?" Charise asks. "Well um, you are very nice," Thomas says nervously, "We have a lot of fun." "Fun? I mean how do you feel about me?" Charise asks. "Well I," He starts, then stops and looks at the floor. "Do you love me or not?" She asks with determination. "I um, yeah," Thomas whispers nervously. "Then just tell me, show me or something," Charise says, "I know, I feel it from you, so what is wrong?" "I well, I don't know," Thomas says softly. "I think you do," Charise says plainly, "Just not enough to, well you know what I mean." "I do, I um, I love spending time with you and I think about you all the time," He says. "Me too, you are in my thoughts all the time, but the difference here is I can say it," She says with her hands crossed, "I love you Thomas and I want to be with you." "I do love you," Thomas says. "Really?" Charise says with a doubtful expression, "All you have to do is tell me, show me like the man I know you are and you have me. It's really that easy. Or is it not?" "What if," He starts then pauses. "I am not her," She says with tears in her eyes, "You are hurt by that I know. I understand, but can you really dwell on it so much that you can't see what is slipping away from you right now?" "Slipping away?" Thomas asks as he looks at her. "Thomas, I am here right now in this perfect start to a great family Christmas with all that we just did together," Charise says changing her tone with sincerity, "It was so happy wasn't it?" "Yeah, I loved every second of it, so much like a family again," He whispers. "What about next year, or the year after?" She asks with a serious expression. "Well, you can come too. I um it will be fun or um," Thomas says, then stops as he watches her walk past him, "Are you going to sleep?" "Yeah I think so," Charise says as she turns back to look at him. Thomas looks over at her in the dim light and the sad expression on her face. He knows how he feels but has been clouded so much by his own past. It has damaged him so much that he has been afraid to try to make himself happy. He sees the tears in her eyes and senses the heartbreak surround her entire face. It is at that moment that his stomach starts to roll and he wakes up, figuring out what is really happening. He has been so casual and at times keeping his distance from turning their friendship into more, even though they both want it. He also realizes finally that it has been for no reason at all. As he watches her turn, he quickly goes to the edge of the stairs and takes her hand. "As I was saying," Thomas starts, "You can come too. Or you can perhaps come down here to the family room next Christmas morning after a good night's sleep in our bedroom. But maybe not much sleep, depending on how much you enjoy unwrapping me the night before." Charise looks at Thomas and grips his hand tightly as she smiles into his eyes. Without further hesitation, she lurches forward and puts her arms around him. With tears in her eyes, she holds him tightly. Feeling his arms around her, she nervously convulses an auditory cry for just a moment before wiping her eyes. He returns the gesture by kissing her for the very first time. It is a sensation she has sometimes thought about. Now this it is happening it is much better than she expected. Backing away a little she looks at him again. "That line," Charise sniffs, "The most well crafted, witty but cheese ball line I have ever heard." "Do you disapprove?" Thomas asks. "No," She smiles, "It shows that my Thomas is really in there, and now out here among the living." "I guess you could say that, wait, what?" He says as he looks at her strange expression. "Just wondering something, but perhaps it's just a little too forward of me," Charise says as she bites her lip. "I think we both know how we have felt for a long time. It's not as if we have just met or something," Thomas smiles, "No need for secrets." "Ok I hope it's not too soon, but um," She started nervously, "That whole, not much sleep thing next year and all." "Ah well," He says nervously, "Something to look forward to." "Tell me," Charise says, "Please." "Well maybe we can just let that happen someday and find out," Thomas smiles. "No not that," She giggles, "Tell me you love me." "I love you and have for a long time," He smiles. "I love you too," She says as she kisses him. The two sit on the couch and eat the snack left out by Tim, and chat about their plans. As they talk, they come to the realization that in all their communication and time together it has always been as if they had been dating. They have had long conversations over the phone, online, and in person. They realize suddenly that in all this time they have become so familiar with each other that they are comfortable enough to be casual in their approach. "Well I know you are curious about what is in the box, so I hope you'll like it," Thomas says as he sits closely beside Charise. "Oh I'm sure I will, "She smiles, "I hope you like mine." "I'm sure I will," Thomas smiles as he holds her hand. "I'm actually excited about the morning," Charise says, "Can't wait to see how Tim likes his game." "Yeah he plays it at a friend's house," Thomas says. "I'm going to challenge him to some bowling," She smiles. "Oh he'd like that," He smiles. "Plus I'm already excited for next year," Charise grins. "Really?" Thomas asks. "Yeah, I already know what I'm getting and I get to have it early," She laughs. "Know how? I don't even know. Oh never mind," Thomas laughs, "Funny." "Yeah something to look forward to," Charise says. "Yeah I hope it fits," He smiles. "Oh there you go!" She laughs rolling to her side a little, "Too funny." "You bring it out in me," Thomas grins, "Again and again I hope." "Oh you are full of it," Charise smiles as she puts her hand on his shirt, "Oh wait, it's me that will be full of it." "Ahh, you're catching on," He smiles, "This could go on for hours." "Oh I hope so," She grins as she unfastens his top shirt button, "Then I can sleep well after." "Oh better put the Christmas gifts out first then," Thomas says, "Then let you open yours." Charise smiles at him as she unfastens another button. She kisses him gently and looks into his eyes. As they have been talking, she starts to feel like they have been together all along. Even though it was completely casual and unstructured, she knows now that they have always been building something. It just needed a gear change. "Ah," Thomas utters with a smile as Charise puts her hand inside of his partially unbuttoned shirt, "Can I help you with something?" "Can I open my gift early?" She asks. "You don't want to wait until the morning?" Thomas asks. "If it's not to forward of me, not really," Charise replies. "I guess it's ok, I'll go get it," He says as he tries to get up. "No, not yet for that one. I am talking about what you said is next year's gift," She smiles as she looks at him as she unfastens the rest of his buttons. "Oh," Thomas says as he finally understands, "Really?" "I love you and I can wait," Charise says, "But moving forward, and this whole new assertiveness of yours. Well it really has had an effect on me." "Really?" Thomas asks. "You have no idea how much. I can't hardly believe it myself," She says with determination. "It's been a long time," Thomas whispers. "Good," Charise smiles as she unfastens the front of his pants. "I like this shirt, so thanks for not tearing up the wrapping," He says. "Oh Thomas I've never in my life been this, wanting someone so much," She pants as she runs her hand down the front of his pants. "Wait, I know what you are going to think but I just need to ask this. This one thing and then, well the past is behind me," Thomas says. "No I will never walk out on you for some foreign teacher," Charise smiles. "Yeah something like that," Thomas smiles, "That answers it." "I would never do that to my family, including the two that aren't here yet," Charise grins. "The two that?" Thomas starts confused, then finishes, "Oh yeah I get it." "Most girls dream of it, love," Charise smiles as she kisses him. "Of course," He smiles. "But, I just can't keep my hands off you," Charise says as her hands explore his chest. "Then don't," Thomas says as he hears his zipper being pulled down. "It's almost like I am on fire, I can't explain it. I've never felt this way," Charise says as she stands and pushes her casual sweat pants off onto the floor. "Wow, I can see that. Am I in trouble?" He smiles. "Yeah a little, well maybe more than a little," She pants as she pulls her night shirt off. "You mean right here?" Thomas asks. Thomas looks at her standing in front of him fully exposed as she simply nods. The dim lights from the tree directly behind her shine just bright enough that he can see her expression. Looking at him with desire he sees now what he has been missing for not coming out of his shell sooner. But he realizes in his mind that this is the way it is supposed to happen. Everything works this way. As Charise quickly approaches him, she sits on his lap with her legs out to the side. Pulling his shirt off, she tosses it to the side. Kissing him passionately and with quite a bit of pressure, she lets her passion flow into him. As Charise kisses him, her hands explore his chest. She has waited so long for this and it almost seems like a dream. But she knows it is not, as he kisses her back and runs his soft hands down her back. Sitting on him with his dress pants still on, her emotions and senses are so in tune that she can feel the expensive cotton fabric as her legs press against them. Reaching down, she sees that they are still unfastened in the front, but as she tries, she cannot get her hand inside. Thomas smiles as he looks into her eyes. He watches as she stands again in front of her. As her smile continues, she slowly lowers herself to her knees in front of him. Reaching forward, her hands skate along the fabric of his pants until they reach the top. As they do, Charise grasps the edges and pulls downward on them taking his boxers with them. Still looking into her eyes he gets the hint, and moves his torso upward allowing her to pull them off of him. Because of her advances, his manhood had pressed quite well along his right leg. As his pants cleared them, it springs upward. Even though the action is quite noticeable, she never takes her eyes off of his face. Now with one hand she finishes the job and pulls them off to the side, dropping them on the floor. Charise slowly moves her hands up his leg while still looking into his eyes. She wants to savor the moment and take her time, even though after glancing at the clock on the wall a few moments ago she knows she has over two hours until Tina gets back. As her hands move up his legs she senses his nervousness. She knows how long it has been and she understands. Even though to her it seems more than just being a little rusty, she continues her advance. Charise loves looking into his eyes, but she decides that she wants to look at the rest of him. As she does, her eyes widen and her mouth drops open. "Woah," Charise gasps as her soft fingers grasp him appendage. "Um, everything ok?" Thomas asks nervously. "That's a whole lot of it," Charise says as she softly explores his shaft with her fingers. "It's just me," He whispers. "Yeah," She smiles as she runs her fingers softly over his tip. Charise looks at Thomas's surprise. It is all she can think about to describe it at this point. Smiling lightly, her fingers gently explore his length. She studies it as much in desire as lust over the gift he had been given. She feels the power and elegance of it. Softly touching the edges of his head she longs for what it will feel like when they make love, but at the same time is a little intimidated by it. Her fingers start down the bottom side and as she touches just under his head, his entire shaft flinches upward a moment. Charise smiles, knowing that this is a spot worth remembering. Focusing in that place just a moment longer, she looks up at his face to see his mouth open just a little as he watches intently. Then continuing her slow journey, she reaches the base and down over his scrotum. Gently brushing around his hair, she becomes intimately familiar with the man she loves. "I love it," Charise whispers as she again caresses his shaft. "I can tell," Thomas says, "I think it loves you too." "Let's see," Charise smiles. Charise lowers her head a little until she feels his light throb on her cheek. As she moves him along her skin she closes her eyes. She thinks about how soft it is as she brushes her lips along his shaft. As her lips reach his head, she kisses it lightly. Her soft dry kisses trail down his shaft and she feels him flex in anticipation. His energy excites her. When she reaches the bottom of his shaft, her nose brushes over his scrotum, then she slowly opens her mouth. With her tongue slightly extended, she slowly licks upward along his shaft. When she reaches the top she cups her lips around him, flicking her tongue just under his head in the spot she remembers from a few moments ago. "Oh wow," Thomas gasps as he feels her soft tongue. Charise feels his head flex strongly just above her lip. His added yet brief addition to his size excites her even more even though she knows it is already the biggest she has ever seen. She has never been one to measure, but she is almost tempted perhaps just for curiosity, and maybe a little pride. Slowly opening her mouth more, she slips it over his head and down onto him. Hearing him gasp again, she knows she needs to take it easy due to his self admitted hiatus from this kind of activity. As her lips slide over him, she feels him pass over her tongue and rub along the roof of her mouth. Feeling him flex again, his head tickles the back of her mouth. With her hand around the rest of him, she realizes that she only fit about half of it inside her. Pushing it in just a little further, she tries her best, but reaches her limit. As her mouth begins to slide over it back and forth, she feels the soft skin throb inside her. After several moments she feels his head enlarge and tense, so she backs off. It seems he is not use to this, and she needs to make sure he can last. She enjoys pleasuring him so much and lightly moans as she pulls out and licks him from top to bottom. At Home for the Holidays "Oh baby I love it," Charise says as one more time, she takes him in as far as she can, then releases him. "Wow," Thomas grunts and in his new found assertiveness takes her hand as he stands up. "My man, what are you doing?" Charise asks as he faces her. "Something I have been thinking about for a while," Thomas says as he gently guides her down and lays her on the couch. Pulling her leg up, Thomas lays Charise down with one foot still on the floor. As his lips touch the soft skin on her breast, she moans slightly at his sensual touch. Circling his tongue over her swollen nipple, she arches the center of her back as a reaction. He lingers for a long time as she enjoys his attention. Just when she thinks he will never leave the spot, his lips trail down her abdomen. For a moment she thinks about herself and hopes that he will find the small line of hair she left intact, an appealing sight. She watches as he kisses where she had neatly trimmed with is finger lightly touching the remaining hair. She starts to realize that he is as gentle as he is handsome, as the tip of his tongue grazes gently over her wetness. "Oh Thomas," Charise gasps as she squirms lightly. Thomas feels her wetness on his nose and lips as he gently moves his tongue. He feels her sensuality flow through him from his face and to the rest of his body. It energizes him as he revels in her beauty. Although he can only see her a little in the dim light of the Christmas tree, he still knows. In all their conversations they have gotten to know each other, and now he knows all of her beauty. Gently he kisses her from top to bottom feeling her excited breath and movements. He feels her muscles tense and wonders how long it has been since she has had this treatment or if she ever has. As he cups his lips over her swollen clitoris, Charise gasps in pleasure. It almost seems like she might laugh a little as her tonal quality is just short of breaking into song. As he flicks his tongue, she comes even closer to creating music. He loves the sensation as much as he thinks she does. But seeing her reaction he knows he will have to do this often. As he feels her back arch upward, he backs off as she cups her hand between her legs and closes them on it. Her elongated tone tells him all he needs to hear of her enjoyment. "Sorry I'm so loud," Charise says panting loudly. "I'm happy you enjoy it," Thomas says. Charise looks at him in the dim light, and quickly moves forward to kiss him. As she does so, she sits him up on the couch and crosses his legs again with hers. She kisses him again as she feels his hands gently touch her breasts. Then reaching down, she strokes his length gently. Charise sees the glow in his eyes from the dim colorful lights and the loving expression on his face. She knows that she can't possibly be in a better place than she is right now. Lifting her legs up, she brushes his head along her wetness then lines him up. She gives him an expression and waits for approval. As he nods, she slowly sits back down. Thomas looks into her eyes and sees her mouth slowly open as she surrounds him. Her eyes blink several times quickly as it looks like to him she is feeling a little discomfort. He feels the tightness as well, and though he knows she has been with someone before, perhaps like him it has been a while. A long drawn out breath of air from Charise blasts his forehead and waves his hair around a little as she seems to let out a sigh of relief. "Are you ok?" Thomas asks. "Almost like losing one's virginity a second time," Charise smiles. "You're wonderful," Thomas says as he kisses her. "And you're a monster," Charise says, "I mean, well not you, I mean, well you know what I mean." "If you say so," Thomas smiles as he flexes upward a little. "Ah! Ha well," Charise sings, "Um, let me lead this dance for a while, k?" Charise begins to move her hips up and down slowly, feeling him pulse inside of her. With every move she makes on him, it gets better and better. She looks into his comforting eyes as he expresses his feelings without saying a word. His soft fingers skate along her hips as his warm smile helps her to relax. But it also manages to excite her at the same time in a tug of war with love and lustful feelings. As she gets more and more use to it, she feels his gentle right hand move toward her mid section, then up to his mouth, where he licks his fingers. Gently he places it on her exposed clitoris, and rubs it gently. Charise closes her eyes a moment with the sensual treatment. As his fingers dance along her swollen spot, he looks at her loving expression. With her hands now on his shoulders, she moves with even rhythm. Slight moans start to escape her mouth as she begins to tense. In an instant, her head jerks forward as her hips move sharply up and down. Feeling her elongated, deep sounding moan next to his ear, he feels her insides press and contract. Smiling deeply he is silent to let her enjoy the sensation. As she rests motionless on him with her thick breath on his neck, he puts his arms around her gently. As her sharp hip movements begin to slow, he kisses her forehead. "I love you so much," Charise whispers. "I love you too", Thomas replies. Charise enjoys the sensation of his love inside of her so much that it seems she can sit here all night connected in love with him. As she indulges herself more, he is so patient and gentle with her. Each time she slowly closes to the edge, he is there to hold on to her. She has always known that he is such a good man. Now she knows he is a caring and giving lover too. Thomas motions for Charise to move, and as she does so, her mouth opens wide again as his length escapes her. Standing now, he takes the blanket off of the back of the couch and lays it on the floor. With just a simple look, she knows that he wants her to lay down. As she does so, he lays down sideways beside her and leans over for a deep passionate kiss. As his kisses connect with her neck, then her breast, she feels his love all the way down to her feet. Thomas begins to move his leg over, and she dips hers down. Soon he is between her. As their abdomens meet, he feels once again her love as he slowly enters. Charise closes her eyes a moment as she feels his love. It seems much easier this time. Perhaps she is relaxed, or else her body has physically welcomed him more. Her breath rate increases as she feels every bit of him slide through her. Along with the growing arousal, she feels it with every part of her body, right into her soul. Her mind and body soar with emotion as she feels something she wasn't sure existed until now. As she has felt for so long she is now sure of. She is in love. Thomas starts to push just a little faster. He is careful not to go too fast. But as he does he feels her tense. She looks into his eyes as her pants turn to long soft moans. As she looks back at him, he sees something he has been missing for so long, and for a moment wonders why he had waited so long. As her long moans, turn shorter and higher pitched, she stares at him a moment, then closes her eyes and jerks her hips up and down. Her movements are rhythmic, and every time he feels her compress around him, her hips jerk slightly upward to match. After resting a moment, Thomas starts again, but sees a small reservation from Charise. "Thomas, oh my," Charise pants, "Let's take it easy the first time." "Ok," Thomas smiles as he pulls out of her and starts to stand. "Wait, no way you are done, babe," Charise smiles as she grasps his length. Charise sits up and motions for Thomas to lie down. As he does, she leans down and kisses his head one time before devouring him. Wrapping her lips tight, she presses onto him lovingly. Feeling him tense a bit, she pulls away and licks his shaft from top to bottom. She knows what is in her mind but she is not sure she can do it. It is highly intimate, and she has never done this to completion, so she is a little timid about it. She feels him tensing every time she moves her tongue on him. At that instant she decides that someday she will take it the distance, but for tonight, she will work into it. "I know what you are thinking, and you don't have to," Thomas says. "I know," Charise smiles as she looks at him, "Someday I will be the best lover you ever had, but for now, I have to get use to it." "You are already the best," Thomas smiles. Charise appreciates the compliment and knows she will be. As she lowers herself to the floor in front of him, she examines his somewhat nervous expression. She sees the deep concern and gives him a smile to try to help. As she reaches the floor, she takes him in her hand, then puts her lips around him. Cupping his scrotum, she feels him tense rather quickly. He lets out a long moan, as she readies herself. Feeling the power of what she thinks is so magnificent, she knows that she is rapidly starting to love doing this. As she feels his head getting larger, suddenly a grunt is heard from him as his shaft convulses. Quickly she pulls out just as he ejects onto he lips with surprising force. Tasting the half that had reached her tongue, she feels the force of what remains as it covers her cheek and chin. As it seems to go on for a long time, she closes her eyes and starts to enjoy the sensation. As Thomas slows, she opens her eyes and looks up to see a flushed expression on his face. Charise smiles and she opens her mouth to lick his head once. Taking a moment to examine what she had taken, she begins her first steps of getting use to her senses. "Not bad," Charise says as she rolls her tongue around in her mouth a little while stroking him softly. "Nobody has ever done that," Thomas grunts as Charise stands to face him. "Good then if it wasn't good you have no idea," Charise smiles, covered with what he had given her. "But it's all over you," Thomas says with concern. "Be right back," Charise says as she heads for the downstairs bathroom. During her brief walk to the bathroom, there is one thought on her mind. She did it because she loves him, and it would give him pleasure. She knows that is what it is really all about. As she looks in the mirror she is surprised at the amount he had expelled. Taking a good glance, she smiles before washing herself. When she finishes, she takes a paper cup and a swig of mouthwash, spitting it into the sink. Leaving the bathroom she thinks for a moment and wonders when they will make love again. She senses that she will perhaps have a lot of interest in doing so. As she reaches the family room, Thomas is laying down on the floor resting. "Maybe go upstairs," Charise says as she kneels down beside him lying on a blanket on the floor. "In a minute," Thomas sighs, "It's so nice here with the lights." "It is," Charise says as she lays down beside him and pulls another blanket over them, "Just for a minute though. Don't want to fall asleep here. It wouldn't be a good sight if someone sees." "Yeah," Thomas says lazily. "Just don't fall asleep," Charise smiles as he puts his arm around her. Thomas begins to let his mind wander. He hasn't been this happy in a long time. As he strokes her hair, he thinks of the future and having Charise by his side. He knows how they both feel now, and they just need to talk about what comes next. He wonders how she would react if he simply asks her to stay here when she starts her new job in town. But the way he is feeling now, he has all the confidence in the world. Of course letting one's mind wander at night tends to work in the same way as perhaps, counting sheep. Charise feels his arms around her as she gazes as the colorful lights on the Christmas tree. She smiles as she thinks of next year making it a family event when they set it up. Looking a moment at the front picture window just beside the tree with its frost covered corners she feels the joy of the holiday season and hopes for many more. Her lazy thoughts soon turn into more, until she closes her eyes in holiday bliss. "Oh my, you couldn't start all that upstairs?" Tina exclaims as she stands just inside the family room entrance. "Oh crap," Thomas says with a rasp as he looks up at his daughter in the dim light. "Oh hi Hon," Charise smiles, then looks at Thomas, "You fell asleep." "Yeah I guess so," Thomas says as he starts to get up. "Stop!" Tina says, "You are both, um. You're not wearing anything are you under there?" "Not a thing," Charise giggles. "Well ok," Tina says nervously as she walks past the two and heads for the stairs," I'm going to bed. You should probably not be down here when Timmy wakes up. " "Yeah no kidding," Charise says as she looks over at her friend. "Oh and one more thing," Tina says with her foot on the bottom stair, "It's about frigging time. Love you both." Thomas watches as Tina climbs the stairs and as he hears her bedroom door close, he looks at Charise, kissing her softly. With a deep smile, he puts his hand on her cheek and watches her close her eyes. As he kisses her again, she smiles back at him. "Again?" She grins. "We really need to get upstairs," Thomas smirks. As Thomas and Charise tiny up the family room, they gather up their clothes as well. Deciding to just carry them, they head for the stairs. Thomas steals another kiss as she passes him. With a slight giggle, she leans back to kiss him back feeling like a young lover after her first time. "You didn't answer my question," Charise says as she whispers on the stairs. "Hmm?" Thomas utters. "Again?" Charise smiles. "Ah wow, um maybe too soon for the encore," Thomas whispers as they approach his bedroom door. "Yeah I know, I was kidding," Charise says as she pulls blankets back. As the two lay down to get as much rest as they can before Timmy makes his early Christmas morning rise, Charise begins to think of the future. She is just a few weeks away from starting her job nearby. She knows she can see Thomas often. But she also starts to wonder if it would be possible for her to just come here. It would allow them to be together and save her from finding a place. If she gets up the nerve in the morning, perhaps she will broach the subject and see what he says. "Merry Christmas sweetheart," Charise says. "Merry Christmas," Thomas says half asleep. With a smile on her face and a strong arm around her, it does not take her long to start dreaming for real. ***** Happy holidays to the readers for whatever holiday you celebrate. Be thankful for what you have, and not regretful for what you don't.