AllFreeNovel
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* * *
It’s the night before Christmas, and we’re home surrounded by our families. The Christmas tree is decorated, and lights flash on and off. Presents are stacked under the tree. Caroline has made eggnog and pumpkin pie. She’s in the kitchen because it’s too loud in the family area with Rose and Faith’s boys playing dramatically.
Jake, Samuel, Dad, and Christopher are on the balcony enjoying the sunset, each holding a crystal glass with their favorite alcoholic beverage on ice. Samuel, like his father, is drinking whiskey on the rocks. I doubt it’s the best thing for Samuel’s stomach, but it’s the holidays.
Mum and Faith are sitting on the floor near the Christmas tree—the present police. Not one has been opened under their watch. My phone dings, and it’s a message to unlock the door. I do so from the kitchen and wait for my brother to ascend the stairs.
Mum screams. Will is standing in the doorway wearing a black shirt and chino shorts, grinning because he loves making an entrance. Faith and I roll our eyes, and we joke about him being the favorite. Mum and Dad are the first by his side. They never admit it, but we know they miss Will terribly. Sometimes I wonder if he’s a younger version of Dad with Gran’s blonde hair and blue eyes like me.
If only our grandparents could see us now…
“Have you grown again?” Hands on hips, Faith chastises him like he’s still our little brother. Younger brother, yes, only Will is far from little. He is now taller than Samuel.
“Hey, sis.” He leans in and kisses Faith. “How are the rug rats?”
“Ha. If you babysit while you’re here, you’ll understand why I already have gray hairs.” Faith tilts her head at him. “Come here, ya big teddy bear.” She pulls him back for a hug and leans her head against his chest. “I’ve missed you.”
“No one to boss around?” He pats her back. “Talking of being whipped, where’s Jake?”
Jake emerges from the bathroom, and his face lights up when he sees Will. They shake hands. “Good to see you, Will.”
For a few seconds, I watch Will chat while looking around, taking in my home and the people surrounding us. He rarely comes home these days, and my parents have made trips interstate to see him during university breaks. Making Melbourne his home, he rents a house with other friends and has part-time employment. He plays football for a local club and hopes to get drafted. With all his commitments, I understand why he can’t come home whenever he wants. I should arrange to visit him with Samuel and take him to an Aussie football match at the Melbourne Cricket Ground. The atmosphere alone would be worth the trip.
Will turns his blue eyes on me and gives me a cheeky grin. “Here’s my jungle girl. Where’s Tarzan?”
I shake my head. “Your jokes are lame.”
He leans down and squeezes me. “I do it to get a bite, but you’re boring now you’re a mum.”
“Is that so? Then maybe I should tell you to get a haircut sinceyoulook as though you’ve emerged from the wild and not brushed your hair for a month.”
“It’s because I don’t own a brush.” He runs a hand over his head. “It’s a certain look, sis. Only you wouldn’t know because… boring.”
“Ha. You didn’t see me when I was in the jungle.” I bump him in the stomach in a playful way. “Come and meet Samuel’s parents.”
After all the introductions are made, the night passes quickly, and I constantly refill my champagne glass because this mum isnotboring.
* * *
“How’s the head?” Samuel asks as soon as I open my eyes.
“What time is it?” I lick my lips, only my mouth is dry.
“Almost eight. Rose is entertaining my parents.”
“Oh shit. I better get up and get organized.” I push up and cringe before flopping back and holding the side of my head. “It hurts.”
Samuel chuckles. “So, it’s a no to a champagne breakfast?”
The thought makes me want to heave. “Why do I do this to myself?”
“Hmm.” He taps the side of his cheek as though he’s thinking. “Word was someone called someone boring?”
“Ugh. Right.”
Samuel chuckles. “Baby, you’re far from boring and, at times, you were entertaining, although it’s going to be a tough day.”
I groan again.
