Page 17 of Jasha
“We have theme parties. Sometimes, we have puppy play races. We also have skits. I mean, each couple performs a scene in front of everyone. You do it makeshift style. We play with toys and do art projects.”
“That sounds fun.”
“By the way, what’s your major?”
“Law. I don’t know if I’ll be going back though.”
Just as they were talking about school, Mr. Bronson and Daddy Arlo walked in with carrying presents in bags.
“Why wouldn’t you be going back to NYC?” Mr. Bronson asked as both he and Arlo placed the presents under the tree.
“I didn’t know if I could.”
“We’ll be back before school begins. You’re going to finish your law degree. One day I might need a lawyer.” He winked at Jasha.
Jasha felt relieved when Mr. Bronson said he would attend school. He wondered if Mr. Bronson would hire security for him like Daddy Arlo had for Frankie.
“I see Daisy found you,” Mr. Bronson said. “She’s a recent addition to our home,” he told Daddy Arlo as he picked up Daisy and held her.
Once they found a seat, Frankie eagerly climbed onto Daddy Arlo’s lap, ready for a cozy snuggle.
Miss Nadia brought a tray of snacks before dinner.
“Would you two like a drink?” she asked Jasha and Frankie.
“Can you make me that Christmas punch?” Frankie asked.
“Sure, I can.”
“Sounds good. I’ll have that too.” Jasha got up from the chair and sat beside Mr. Bronson on the couch. He didn’t know why he had, but here he was. It had nothing to do with him holding Daisy, but it was a good reason to move. Mr. Bronson looked lonely. Something in his eyes made Jasha think he was sad about being alone and needed a hug. He wouldn’t go that far, but he didn’t have to sit alone on that big couch while his cousin had his boy on his lap.
Chapter Ten
Jasha
Now that Jasha had moved to the couch next to Mr. Bronson, a sudden wave of awkwardness fell upon him. The mouthwatering aroma of a roast and spices wafted towards him. His stomach let out a loud, rumbling growl.
“Jasha, you can go into the kitchen day or night, whenever you’re hungry. You don’t have to wait for dinner time,” Mr. Bronson said.
“My stomach gave me away.” Jasha began giggling, and it was so contagious all four of them were laughing.
“No one starves in this house,” Arlo said.
Miss Nadia, with two teenage girls, returned to the living room. All three were dressed in red holiday uniforms like Miss Nadia’s from earlier. The two girls looked like sisters. They both had flowing golden hair that cascaded down their backs, perfectly complementing their piercing blue eyes. They were around five foot three, just a tad taller than Miss Nadia.
“Merry Christmas.” Miss Nadia said, then she introduced the girls to Arlo, Frankie, and Jasha. “I want to introduce my two nieces from Russia, Helina and Kira. They are here thanks to Mr. Bronson; he made it possible to have them go to school and work. It truly is the best Christmas present ever. They will be helping me during the holidays and on the weekends when we return to New York.”
“It took me a while, but this time, all the paperwork went through. I’m happy to have the girls join our family,” Mr. Bronson said.
“We all appreciate what you’ve done for us. By the way, dinner is ready in the main dining room.”
Mr. Bronson stood and hugged Miss Nadia, then he welcomed Helina and Kira. Everyone got up and welcomed the girls, including Jasha. Mr. Bronson’s decision to bring Miss Nadia’s nieces to the United States left Jasha utterly shocked and unsure how to interpret this generous gift to Miss Nadia.
They went to the dining room and found there were place cards on the table. Jasha found his name beside Mr. Bronson and across from Kira.
Jasha sat at the long wooden dining table and looked around. The dining room was a festive wonderland, adorned with twinkling fairy lights and garlands of pine and holly. Another large Christmas tree stood in the corner, its branchesheavy with ornaments and lights casting a warm, golden glow across the room. The scent of pine mingled with the mouthwatering aroma of the feast laid out before them.
Miss Nadia, with her continuous warm smile, moved gracefully around the table, assisted by her nieces, who giggled and chatted as they helped serve the food. Each person was served a dish of perfectly roasted prime rib, creamy mashed potatoes, and an array of colorful vegetables. The rich smell of the prime rib made Jasha’s stomach rumble again in anticipation. Once they’d served the dinner, they took their places at the table, along with Adam and Mr. Wells.
