Page 24 of Resolution
“The kids are with me until Christmas morning. Devin’s going to pick them up around ten to visit his parents in Seattle for a few days. With this being my niece’s first Christmas, my parents are spending this year with my brother Blake in Montana… So yeah, I guess I’ll be alone most of the day.” This is the first time I haven’t spent the holiday with my kids and the thought alone has my heart clenching.
“Well, we’d love to have you come spend the day with us. Everyone does their own thing on Christmas morning, but they all end up here around noon. You’re welcome anytime.”
Truth be told, I’ve been dreading spending Christmas alone this year. My plan was to do something to keep my mind off the fact my kids are so far away. Don’t even get me started on Enzo. Who knew I could miss someone so much in such a short time? “That’s really sweet of you to offer. Is there anything I can bring? I’m used to doing all the cooking, so I’d been wondering how I was going to fill my day since there’s no use cooking for just me.”
“Oh, you can just bring yourself. Relax and enjoy the holiday for once. Unless there’s something you can’t live without?” A holiday to sit and relax, what kind of alternate universe have I landed myself in? But I can’t show up empty handed.
“I do make a great seven-layer dip I can bring as an appetizer,” I offer. “Are there any food allergies I should be aware of?”
“None that we know of.” Sara chuckles. “Whatever you like is fine. There will be enough to feed an army, so it’s your own fault if you go away hungry.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.” I laugh in return.
“Well, I’d better rest while the wild child does, or I’ll be paying for it later. I’ll let you get back to work. I’m looking forward to seeing you on Christmas Day, Samantha,” Sara kindly states before we say our goodbyes.
Just as I’m leaving for lunch, the package Enzo mentioned arrives. As much as I want to rip it open now, I know I should do what he said and wait until I’m home alone. Lexi and Brenda have been in and out of my office helping me with all the last-minute things that need to be done before we take our holiday vacations. Who knows what he has up his sleeve. I place it in my bag to take out to the car later.
I spend the rest of the afternoon wrapping up things with clients before rushing out to pick up the kids from school. I’ve never been more thankful to have an entire unplanned evening ahead of me. I’m dead on my feet, and as soon as dinner is dealt with, I have a date with my couch. A jammies and movie night sounds amazing.
Apparently, word gets out about movie night. The next thing I know, Maddie has Soren over and Dec has invited his friend Jacob for a sleepover. I make things easier on myself and order pizza. I also pull out the air popper to make popcorn. Once the pizza arrives and we have our food and drinks, we all get settled to watchGuardians of the Galaxy II.
The atmosphere in the room hums with excitement. Maddie and Soren are on the opposite end of the couch as Frankie. They are close enough to hold hands, but still have enough distance between them to not cause me to worry. I’m sitting in my favorite recliner, and Dec and his friend lounge across the other couch in the room. I’m apparently the only one in the room who has yet to see the movie already, but we’re all looking forward to it. I let them turn the lights down and the volume up as the movie begins, and I snuggle into my blanket.
That might as well be my demise.
The next thing I know, the lights are being flicked on and the kids are all raving about how great the movie was and what their favorite parts are. I didn’t even watch any of the credits, the beginning or the end. I glance at the clock and realize nearly two and a half hours have passed. Holy crap! How could I have slept that long?
Soren stands and stretches. “Well, I’d better get going if I’m going to make my curfew on time.”
“Okay.” Maddie reaches out her hand to have him assist her in standing. “I’ll walk you out.”
I extract myself from the comforts of my recliner, placing my blanket to the side, as Maddie makes it to her feet. Then Soren turns to me. “So, what did you think of the movie?”
“Uhhh…” What am I supposed to say? I feel embarrassment spread through me as my ears heat.
Maddie lets out a sound that is a cross between a cough and a snort. “Uh, I guess you didn’t see her sawing logs… I’m not sure she saw much of the movie.” Maddie rolls her eyes as she shakes her head in my direction.
I inwardly cringe, feeling worse that she noticed my unplanned nap. So much for family night. I try to pull it off with a light laugh. “Uh… she’s right. I don’t think I saw that much of it.”
Soren grins wide. “Well, you missed a great movie. You should watch it sometime when you’re not so tired. Are you feeling all right?”
Maddie suddenly looks very concerned in my direction. “Yeah, Mom, are you feeling all right? You’ve seemed really wiped out lately.”
Not wanting to give anything away, I brush my hand in the air with denial. “No. I’m fine. Just had a long couple of weeks.”
“Are you sure?” Dec chimes in. “You never fall asleep before us.”
Great, now they’re choosing to be extra observant?
“Guys, what’s with the Spanish Inquisition? I was tired and fell asleep. No big deal.”Yeah, I’ll keep feeding them that lie and watch it bite me in the ass.
Thankfully, they let it go when I look over to see Frankie’s reaction and realize she’s zonked on the couch. She’s at that awkward age where if I wake her, she might be up all night. I opt for just covering her with the blanket I’d been using as she stretches and takes up most of the couch. Dec and Jacob say goodnight to Soren and make their way upstairs. Maddie walks Soren to the door, then heads upstairs herself. I’m left with locking up and turning off the lights. I’m still exhausted and ready for more sleep. I drag myself up the stairs and get ready for bed.
Just as I’m about to fall asleep, I hear my text notification. I reach out for my phone on my nightstand and can’t help the smile that spreads across my face.
Enzo: Night, beautiful. I can’t talk but want you to know I am thinking about you. Love you all.
I tap out a quick response, not knowing if he will receive it.
