Christmas

After breakfast, I went into the room and called my mom. I had missed her so much. I wanted to wish her the best in this Christmas day. It was the first time that I was not around family during such an occasion. I got a chance to also talk to dad and my brothers.

“Hey dear.”  My dad called out.

“Hi dad, merry Christmas.” I said.

“Merry Christmas to you too.  How is everything going on?” He added.

“Its great dad. The family is really nice and I am enjoying the visit.” 

“That’s good. We will talk to you later on.”

“Okay dad.  I love you.”          

“I love you, sweetheart.” He said and hung up.

I got some texts from friends, relatives and work mates wishing me a happy Christmas day.  Ann called and told me that she was still at her parents’ home. They were having a low key celebration.

I felt a tap on my shoulders. It was Fred. He asked if I could change into something a little more comfortable. Apparently this family usually had its holidays in a big way as I was soon to find out. Around one in the afternoon, we drove up to the lake nearby where we found two of the chefs had already prepared lunch buffet for us under a tree. We indulged and made merry before some of us decided to go for a swim in the lake. It was such an impromptu decision as none of us had carried any swimming costume. It was fun never the less. I think I am getting used to this!

At dinner time, we headed to a restaurant in town. The five course meal appeared so damn expensive but none of them seemed to mind. I smiled as I tasted some of the food that I only heard about on the food channels. This is life!

Xmas Morning

It has often been said that nothing good lasts forever but as I am watching Fred sleep on the gigantic bed, I couldn’t help smile. I have been standing by the window staring at him ever since I woke up (over thirty minutes ago). I still got love for this man. He has done the most precious thing for me by allowing me to spend time with his family.

I hear the kids shouting downstairs so I check the time. It is already fifteen minutes to nine and we were to be at the breakfast table thirty minutes ago! I shake Fred out of his slumber while I rush to the bathroom. After about five minutes or so, am out. I look over the bed and the dude is still sleeping.

“Hey, wake up!” I shout at him while trying to apply lotion over my body.

“What’s the hurry for?” He murmurs while his eyes are still closed.

“We have to be downstairs right now. We missed breakfast and it is not a good thing.” I say trying to put on a bra.

“Okay. “ He says and finally agrees to shower.   

          

We walk to the dining room and notice all the utensils have been cleared up. Shit! We have to go to the kitchen. I was avoiding that as Fred’s aunt was in the kitchen alongside my mother in law. 

“You two lovebirds, you were late!” The aunt shouts. 

Damn, how did she know we were in the next room?

“Coming!” Fred replying and drags me to the kitchen.

I say my hallo’s to both of them and head to the sink to wash my hands.

“There is hot coffee on the flask, bacon and sausages in the microwave and you can toast some bread if you want to.” Aunt says.

“Thank you.” I say while serving myself to breakfast.  

Naughty Bastards

The first gift was given to Fred’s mom by the dad. It was a small beautifully wrapped box. When she opened it, there was a gold pendant necklace. The gift made everyone clap. It was beautiful! As each one of the house gave gifts to each other, the more I became nervous on how they will accept my gift to them. They were into expensive gifts while mine was so damn cheap. My fears were put aside when she received it. She was really happy.

Surprisingly, Fred’s mom had taken time to get me a gift too. It was a brightly colored small gift box with a ribbon tied to it. I trembled as I opened it slowly. I felt everyone’s eyes on me as I removed the wrap. Inside the red box, there was a ring!

“Do you like it?” She asked.

I was speechless for a moment. “Yes, very much. Thank you.”

“It’s a family heirloom. I would like you to have it.”

“What?” I mumbled

“We are honored to have you in our family.  I’ll be pleased if you accepted that.”

“I’m so honored” I said while trying to hold back my tears. I stood up and gave her a hug. “Thank you.”

As the others continued to open the gifts, I tried on the ring on my middle finger. It was perfect. I showed Fred the ring while waving my hands across his face. He smiled and kissed me on the forehead.  Later on, we had a prayer before guys went to bed. I was to share the room upstairs with Fred. I felt awkward as it seemed odd that we would sleep together in his parents’ home.

“Hey, you okay?” Fred asked tacking himself into bed.

“Yes.” I said turning to face him.

He gave me a kiss but it was so good that we did it for a couple of minutes. With the intensity continuing, we started touching each other.

“Won’t your parents hear us?” I asked still holding to him tightly.

“Nope.” He replied taking his clothes off.

“You sure?” I asked.

I never got the answer.

Christmas Eve

Arriving back, we found everyone on the pouch having drinks around a tree. We joined them by sitting on the logs of trees that were laid out in a circle. Alcohol was amongst the drinks laid out but I chose some fruit juice. I didn’t want to be judged on the choice. Fred took a malt drink.

Was this family this joyful or was it the drinks that contributed to the effect? I had never laughed this hard before as the family cracked jokes on some past events. Fred and his cousin were the center of the topics and I enjoyed this as I didn’t know some of the things about him. The kids were playing some random games that involved running around and something close to hide and seek.

The awkward moment came when Polly started asking us about the wedding plans. We looked at each other with a blank stare as we didn’t have an answer yet.  Some more probing by the family on my wishes on the wedding day was tormenting enough. This is what I was going to deal with in the coming days. Fred tried to save the moment by telling them the date would be set once we go over my parents’ home and tell them about the good news but it didn’t work out as expected. My soon to be mother in law changed the subject when she noticed I was getting uncomfortable to work related stuff. I breathed a sigh of relief.

As the time moved on, it started being chilly so we all moved back into the house only to find some hot cups of tea and coffee already prepared. Each of us took a cup as we waited for dinner. The smell of chicken in the oven mesmerized me and I smiled broadly while walking to the family room. Those chefs know their work! The Christmas tree had been set up which gave the room a festive feeling. Some gifts were set up under the tree and this reminded me of mine that I had bought. I ran upstairs and got the gifts back to the tree.

We had an early dinner on the dining table after which we sat on the couches. The head of the family, Fred’s dad then started the family tradition of opening the presents on Christmas Eve.

All Smiles

After dinner, Fred's mom led me upstairs to a room where I could rest and put the bags that we had in the car. The room was tastefully done with the bed as the main focus of the room. The ceiling to floor windows on the left side of the room gave me a beautiful view of the compound and the hills on the horizon. The baby blue curtains which matched the bed covers fell gracefully on the windows. I closed the door and hurriedly got my phone out.

"You won't believe it!" I shouted at the phone as the call went through and Ann picked it up.

"What?" Ann asked.

"This guys are ridiculously rich! Very rich!" I said excited while sitting at the hedge of the bed.

"Tell me more." She asked sounding more interested in the story.

"The house is huge and they have everything that I ever wished for." I said. "And importanly, the family was really glad when they saw me."

"Awww, thats nice." She replied.

"Yes, it is but I didn't expect this much. I'm really lucky."

"You are." Ann said. "So where are you now?"

"I'm in a room upstairs that I have been given. Its twice as big as both of our rooms." I said.

"I'm jealous."

I let out a big laugh but was cut short when I head a door knock. Fred walked in.

"Girl, have to go but ill talk to you later." I said and hanged up.

Fred walked up to me and gave me a kiss on the forehead. "I'm so lucky to have you baby."

"I'm lucky too and you have a wonderful family."

"They can't stop talking about you. They really like you." He said with a smile on his face while stroking my hair backwards.

I smiled back and gave him a hug.

"So, mind if i take you for a walk around the compound?" Fred asked.

"No, not at all."

"Knowing each other'

"Come this way." I heard my name called by a lady with beautiful hair tied in a pony. "I'm Polly by the way."

"Oh, I'm Kate." I said while being dragged through the house to the family room.

"We all know who you are." Polly replied smiling.

As I was adjusting myself in the seat, everyone followed and we sat around. I was realy tense and I bet Fred saw this as he stood up and started the introductions.

"Everyone, thanks for coming. Glad we are all together at this time. I brought along a special person with me. She is Catherine, my fiance." Fred started. "Catherine, you are welcomed to our home."

"Thank you." I said.

"As you can remember, my parents." He said while pointing to his left where his parents were seated holding hands. "Next to them is my Uncle Pete and aunt Mary. Ann over there by the window is the daughter."

I waved and smiled at her. She waved back.

"This is Polly and Charlie, my cousins and the kids who are outside Kitty and Sean." He said. "You will know the others who are not here as time goes."

Fred's mom directed us to the adjacent room where the dinning table was. The long mahogany table which filled almost the entire room was decorated with cutlery and food served in bowls placed in the middle. I went to the corner of the room and washed my hands at the sink before joining the others at the table. I sat next to Fred and Polly on my side but directly opposite Uncle Pete and the wife Mary. A prayer was made before we started eating.

This family was not without drama. From the laughter that went around during the entire time, to the insults (Sean to his sister Kitty) and the welcome that I was given severally, it all seemed that this was a very tight family. Glad I was joining them!!

The Visit

Ever wondered why days go faster when you don't want them to? Yea, that's my case right now. It is already Friday and my heart is already beating faster as we are going to visit Fred's parents tomorrow for the holidays. I have been packing clothes for the last one hour but kept returning and replacing some clothes as I wasn't sure if they were appropriate for the visit. My phones rings. Its Fred.

"Hey, you home?" He asks.

"Yea. Whats up?"

"Is my blue Polo shirt over there?"

"I think so." I reply with a quized look.

"Mind packing it for me?"

"No problem." I say while walking across the bedroom to search for it.

"Thanks. So ill see you tomorrow. Ill be picking you up by nine thirty."

"Okay, see you."

I hang up the phone and text Ann about our trip to Fred's place. She is still at her parents place for the festivities. She will be coming so back early next year but was glad that we were making this trip.

Saturday morning and the trip starts to his home. Fred had hired a car and we were going to use it until we come back. It was a three hour drive from my place but with the weather being so beautiful, I was really enjoying the whole drive.

As we approached the compound, the view of the house was superb. They had a beautiful house. A lady was standing at the door but I quickly identified her as his mom. She was smiling as we packed the car at the garage and came to open the door for me. I was given a hug and a kiss on the cheek while being welcomed in the house. As Fred opened the door, we were surprised as there were many people inside. Handshakes were passed around but most of them were kind of fixated on me. I felt uncomfortable.