Interwoven (18+)

7

-Dash

Winter was upon us, the days were shorter and the cold would freeze your bones. "Happy Christmas Eve," I said wrapping my arms around Brook. "Back at cha," she whispered against my lips. Her cheeks turning the slightest shade of pink before she turned away facing the tree. I love to see her slightly flustered when it comes to me. It was Christmas eve and Ven's sister Bethany had gotten into town a few days ago. It had been six months since Ven had been living here.

We were up early to decorate the tree in time for Christmas. Looking at her I couldn't help but smile, she was breathtaking and she was all mine. After a fleeting kiss I headed to the garage to grab the boxes from the attic.

________

-Craven

"So where would you like these?" I questioned Brook while she stood in front of the bare tree. "Oh here, let me take some of those, you can set the rest on the coffee table." She beamed as she took a few of the delicate boxes.

Dash and I were brining in tree decorations. Brook and Dash had a tradition where they waited until Christmas Eve to decorate the tree. It felt odd, when my parents were alive the tree and house were decorated right after Thanksgiving. On Christmas Eve we would all pile inside my dad's old pickup and go look at the lights around town. When they passed I kept that tradition alive and drove my sister. 

Brook eyes fall on me, intensely, she stairs as I turned to head back to the garage. Before I took a step Dash emerged. "These are the last of them," he declared placing them beside the coffee table.

________

-Brook

I couldn't help but think what might be on Cravens mind. I know it must be hard celebrating the holidays without his parents. I know how it is not having my parents close any more. They moved to Huston a few years ago and I barley see them any more. I know its not the same I can just pick up my phone and hear their voices. 

Bethany and I unwrap all of the ornaments while Dash and Craven make breakfast. "Are you sure they can be trusted in there?" Bethany teases setting the glass ornament down with care. "Christmas Eve is the only time she trust me," Dash chimes in from the kitchen island. "Why is that?" Craven asks placing down the empty plates on the kitchen table. 

I perk up ready to tell the tale of Dash's kitchen disaster. Dash rushes over looking slightly embarrassed. He tries to silence me with a kiss. Its of no use, I have been waiting to share this story for so long. "Alright spill," Bethany says. 

Dash huffs in defeat and slowly walks back to the kitchen. "It was right after we got married, Dash decided to surprise me with a nice dinner for our month anniversary." Bethany is grinning from ear to ear. "Well, he decided to make chicken and pasta, but... Dash didn't know how to cook. Instead of asking his mom or a friend he winged it. He left the chicken on high heat while trying to drain the pasta. The chicken caught fire and half the pasta landed on the floor while he tried to put the fire out." Bethany lets out several giggles. "Well then, did it at least taste ok?" Se questioned. "Will never know," Dash spoke behind me. " I had to put out the fire with an extinguisher and it got everywhere." I can't help but laugh at the memory. 

Craven and Bethany are laughing hysterically. "I see why she is the way she is with her kitchen," Craven says taking a breath. "Hey!" I retort giving him a small punch to his arm. 

_______

-Craven

After breakfast all of us gather around the tree listening to Brooks instructions. We dance around it zigging and zagging the decorations. "The tree looks beautiful," I say hanging the last ornament. It is immaculate, Brook mapped out the placement of all the lights, ribbon and ornaments. It could be in a magazine it looks so good.