The rest of the week went by quickly - thank God. I turned in my sweater, and for extra credit a beanie, for Home Ec and passed phenomenally. But school is now behind me. I am currently on vacation! No worries of stupid school for the next three weeks!

Right now I am currently baking cookies for everyone. We are throwing a little good-bye party for Joshua and Dani before their flights. Dani is going home to New Jersey and Joshua is going to San Diego to see his aunt. Greyson is also leaving soon. He and his family are leaving for the UAE because that is where the Expo 2020 is being held. The Expo is basically where countries from all over the world showcase themselves and provide business opportunities. They are going to see if they can find new partners and things to invest in. This is mandatory for Greyson to go. Family problems don't look good in the press, you know.

Tomorrow though, on Christmas Eve, he has a family dinner to attend. His brother and his wife - Greyson's sister-in-law - are flying in from New York to come to the dinner then the whole family is leaving at night. The invitation said he could bring a plus one and we all kind of knew who he was taking. It was going to be so much fun, I can't wait. An evening with a bunch of people who don't really like me for valid reasons, sign me up.

Though tonight we really are throwing a goodbye party for Joshua and Dani, it was also serving as a distraction for Greyson. He is always tense during the holidays. With the pressures of business and the tension of public festivities, it can get to his head. I don't think he really celebrated the holidays without breaking down.

"Rudolph the red-nosed reindeer, Had a very shiny nose, And if you ever saw it, You would even say it glows-" sang a father who was sporting a holly jolly holiday cheer. He was wearing a ridiculous Christmas pajama set that looked like an elf. If you only lightened the color of his wavy hair he would look like a tamed version of Buddy the elf.

Dani made a pit stop in the kitchen and checked up on my baking process. "Those look delicious!" She was "complimenting" my annual attempt of Pinterest and Instagram worthy cookies. If you do not know, Santa is a skinny legend, Christmas trees say "dress to make a mess", and Elves are misshapen globs.

Dad stole a finished cookie from the plate and took a hearty bite from it. "Little too "golden" on the edges for my liking." I give him a death stare that is just so hysterical that he laughs very stupidly. Okay old man, you are on.

He walks away to the pantry to grab something. I finished about 2 more cookies before I decided to launch the plan into action. I put down all my stuff and said, in the most serious face I could make, "Dad, can you come here?"

"What happened?" he yelled from the pantry.

"Come!"

He came out holding some candy and extract. It looks like he spilt something on his shirt which was making him smell like vanilla. Just need to add the icing to finish the gingerbread man.

"What?" he asked as he read the bottle in his hand.

I pulled the bowl of frosting towards us and asked "Does this smell funny to you? I think the eggs are bad or something." I kind of let that last part trail off to make it convincing.

And just as I hoped he bent over and put his face right in the bowl. His little sniffer was about a centimeter or two away from the frosting.

With my hand on the back of his head I pressed it into the frosting. I make sure I press hard enough to get some frosting on his face. When he picked it up my hopes were high, but the results were off the roof. It had covered every inch of his face! It was my turn to laugh, and boy did I laugh.

"Well played, young lady, well played," he said suspiciously.

Holding my spatula to his face I said "Do not insult my baking again."

"Are you threatening me with a spoon?" he asked, a smirk coming to his frosted face.

I devilishly smiled back and spread the frosting more around his face. He backed away trying to get out of my grip, and I let him. There are times to pick your battles. I handed him a towel and he stepped about a foot away from me to avoid any more damage.

"Lesson learned," he said offhandedly. He was not looking at me but above me.

I scoffed and got back to what I was doing. I need to make more icing due to my plans. I got the tub out again and took out some into the bowl. I was mixing all the colors again to finish the cookies. You know this was actually supposed to be something we were supposed to do while we watched the movie but we got some lazy people in the house. There was some commotion around me, they were opening and closing a lot of stuff and I heard something down another long shot of whipped cream - they aren't completely lazy -  but I was too busy to notice. I turned around to do something but karma hit. Messy and hard. 

Greyson, my lovely, dear boyfriend, pied me in the face with whipped cream. He pushed it hard in my face, like how I demonstrated it earlier, and the whipped cream receded all the way to my hair. As the plate fell off my face it revealed a white, shocked face underneath. Joshua and Dani could not breath while the Dorky Duo congratulated themselves on a sweet victory.

"Instant - Karma!" Dad said to my messy face.

"This battle is not over," I said. Grabbing the spatula with red frosting I jabbed it on the right side of Greyson's chest and smeared it all over. There was a bit of silence then an all out war was ignited.

Frosting and eggs were the main weapons used in the fight, although Joshua showed his strength on the field and used the forbidden water hose. That was just the beginning of the fight. Dani and Greyson made an alliance at one point but Dani, being the power hungry one, brutally stabbed Greyson in the back at the last second. Dad was being the gunner and flinged powder sugar in everyone's face making it hard to see your enemy.

"You guys are cleaning this up!" I yelled as I aimed an egg for Greyson.

"Never!" Joshua yelled as he returned to the water hose.

We all kept on fighting for dominance until there was one winner. There was bloodshed and backstabbing, losses and wins. War was corrupted over the island. Peace was needed.

Standing on the north side of the island I threw my weapons and towel towards the middle. Holding my hands in the air I shout "I call a truce." Everyone froze in midair; we all looked at each other, seeing who would lay down their weapons next. To our surprise it was out-law ol' Dad who wanted peace and followed my lead. Dani followed suit and the boys pulled up right behind her. Greyson did have to take Joshua out of his head lock first before coming to our agreement.

"Everyone grab a towel," I said, retrieving mine. The rest grabbed a different instrument and cleaned up our mess. We salvaged any food that could be saved and disposed of the rest. Pizza was going to be ordered anyway so not a lot of harm was done. Dad was putting up the food, Dani was brooming, and the boys were ferociously scrubbing the counter. There was nothing left for me to do so I went to wash up.

The pajamas held all the stains of honor but one quick wash in the washer would fix it up in no time. I washed off all the excess from the clothes and put it with the dirty clothes. I hopped in the shower real quick to wash my body and changed. I went back to the living room after feeling very fresh and squeaky clean.

It was empty, so I guess everyone else went to wash up. I pulled out all the throw blankets from the cabinet under the tv and tossed them on the couch. Tonight for entertainment we will be decorating the Christmas tree and watching How the Grinch Stole Christmas. Dad and his brothers, when they were younger and still a whole family, started this weird tradition where we decorate the entire house on December 1st, you know like any normal family. Except we decorate everything but the tree. It is decorated at 12 A.M on Christmas Eve. If you are wondering how we keep our ornaments so clean, that is the secret.

Slowly everyone got to the living room frosting, egg, water, and powder sugar free. Dad was still rocking a pair of stupid Christmas pajamas. This time he was in a Rudolph onesie.

Now the real festivities began. Dani played the movie - the 1966 version - then we started to decorate.

We all had our roles in decorating the tree. Dad was sort of the cleaner, the person who is trying to fix and contain the mess; the boys were doing a cop and robber situation, Joshua was the robber and Greyson was the cop; Dani is the person who is decorating beautifully; and I am the person who is trying but failing. We all had so much fun decking out the tree and enjoying the movie, sometimes reenacting a scene.

"Joshua, do not hang that there!"

"Daisy, can you fix this please?"

"You really asked me out of everyone."

"Stop taking off the ornaments!"

"Never!"

While bickering and quacking were happening loudly the doorbell rang. "I got it!" Dad yelled over the crowd.

While he was getting the pizza Greyson and Joshua started another argument that happens every year before food. Greyson suspected that Joshua messed up the bottom row of ornaments but Joshua claimed he was innocent.

"Joshua, you are the only one messing this up!"

"Dude, I messed up the candy canes, not the ornaments!"

"You literally were messing with them 5 minutes ago!"

"Was not!"

"Was too!"

"Was not!"

"Was too!"

"Was-"

"BOYS!" Dad yelled. The pizza was high in the air. Me and Dani had to stop laughing at their 5th grader fight to look at it in awe. It was like we were worshipping it. Oh, Pizza Gods, thank you for your gift from the warmth of your hands. 

"Let's eat," Dad said, putting the boxes on the table and opening it. We all left the tree, and the argument, and went to eat.

We were at the part where the Grinch is thinking about the meaning of Christmas. We all ate and watched the best part of the movie while our hearts grew in size. I really love this movie. It means a lot of things to me but the thing I love the most is that everyone is capable of showing love and compassion to others. We all laughed and even cried to such a heartwarming story. We finished the movie with satisfaction. You know, if you really think about it, the people who can make a children's book into a 2 hour movie is pure genius. If you can literally turn a book with less than 2,000 words into a money making movie, you have raw talent.

Anyway, we all sat around, talking, after the credits. The tree would be done later. Give us a break, we have been working for forever!

Right now Dani and Joshua were the stars of the show. Both were talking about what they were going to do over the holidays. Joshua is leaving by himself, I would be checking up on his dad who was at his other sister's house right now, and Dani is leaving with her family. It was a bit unwise to stay up late before a flight but they got it.

"Aunt Jenna is really excited to have me over. She has been dying to talk to someone who isn't a toddler and has some common sense."

"Yeah, same here. Abuelo had been nagging us to come visit. He says that Abuela and Tia Carla have been annoying him to fly us out."

"When are you guys coming back?" Dad asked as he sipped his hot chocolate.

"January 2," Dani said.

"December 28," Joshua said.

"Why so soon?" I asked Joshua.

"One, I cannot stand her kids. They are little monsters. Two, her boyfriend and her got into a fight so I don't want to deal with it. And three, she is leaving for Hawaii for a friend's wedding. Their bachelorette party is on New Year's Eve."

"And Dani, you too? School doesn't start till the 8."

Unlike Joshua, who had his extended reasons, she simply said "Dad and Alex have work. But that may change. Alex's boss is still not letting him take too much time off right now."

"Well, you both have a wonderful Christmas with your families." Dad said.

"Cheers!" We all drunk to a wish of happiness. 

"Let's finish the tree?" Dad asked, putting down his can.

We all stretched and got up, slowly walking over to the tree. Dad played some King of Christmas Michael Bublé and rekindled that spirit from earlier.

There is only one person who tried to hide his feelings throughout the entire conversation. Greyson excused himself and stepped out onto the porch. I got up and Dad gave me a look. I nodded and stepped out.

It was cold out right now. The roads looked a bit icy. But Greyson was getting in his car though. He was going for a little drive. He only does this when he has a hard time talking. It helps clear his mind.

"Mind if I join?" I asked as the engine roared. I had my arms folded close to my chest to warm myself up but the air around me was warm from the roar of the engine. He nodded and unlocked the doors. I got in the front and we left.

We drove around for a bit in silence. I turned on the seat warmer on my side and snuggled deep into my seat. I looked at him and saw he was very tense. One of his hands was on the steering wheel while the other was clenched tightly in a fist. He was muttering to himself and kept on running his free hand over his face and hair.

The roads were kind of empty so it willed Greyson to relieve some tension by speeding. The decorations around us were so beautiful but disappeared in a blur. There are 1 or 2 cars on the highway but it could be much worse. Every time Greyson sped past them they gave a look but relaxed. It was surprising that there were no police out right now.

We stopped at a Starbucks after he grew quiet for a bit. He almost crashed into the board thing in the drive thru. He ignored it and placed his order.

"Can I get a black coffee, no sugar, and-" he turned to me, "What do you want?"

"Nothing"

"That will be it."

"Second window please."

He pulled up and paid and did that whole thing. However, now is the time to worry.

As he pulled out of the Starbucks and back on the road I said quietly "Greyson, that was your sixth cup today." I was going to wait until he said something first, but he seemed to be too out of it to do so.

"I am fine," he said as he took a sip. I pursed my lips and sat there. I did not want to upset him but he needed to hear this.

After a while Greyson was driving like a maniac. He was driving 50 miles over the speed limit. The car felt like it was going to fly at any moment. He could not keep in one lane and came close to crashing about 4 or 5 times. I was gripping the handle of the door very tightly, feeling very scared. He had a focused face on and had both hands on the wheel. His eyes were open very wide but looked very tired and red. I saw his left leg bouncing and kicking the other leg. When we were about to hit a light post I finally said something.

"Greyson."

"What?" he had his jaw locked, looking like me circa a week ago.

"Greyson, pull the car over." Fear was stitched into every single word.

"Why?" he said as he made a wild change to the left lane.

"Greyson, you cannot drive right now."

"It is okay. I got this."

I looked over and saw him falling asleep.

"Greyson, for the love of God, pull over!" 

He jerked awake and realized where he was. Sighing, he reluctantly took the next exit. He whipped into the empty parking lot and parked. He sat back in his seat, letting go of everything. I took his cup and dumped the coffee out onto the road.

He sat up, looking upset. "Wha- Why? I was going to drink that!"

"Greyson, look at your hands." I slammed the door shut and looked at him.

He looked down and saw his hands. He could not keep them still. He closed and opened them but they were still going. In a blind panic he grabbed the steering wheel to keep them still. I saw his chest rising very fast and his eyes opening and closing.

"Daisy, I don't think you should come to dinner tomorrow."

"Greyson, you know I trust your word. Whatever decision you come up with I trust you think that is the best decision. If you are going to ask me what I want to do, I don't mind either or. I can handle them, but I can stay behind too."

He ran his shaky hands over his face again. I heard him trying to keep his breathing steady. I raised my hand and slowly gave him a head scratch. This helped him make sense of a situation out of his grasp. He was trying to do something but kept stopping halfway. I let my hand fall to the back of his neck and held him upright. His head was starting to sag sideways.

"Switch with me. Let's go home." I took off my seatbelt and took out my glasses from the dashboard. He nodded and actually got out without arguing.

I got in and started the car again. I put on my glasses and headed towards home. We were driving for a while before he finally opened his mouth.

"I want you to come, but it hurts to see them treat you like how they do." His voice was cracking as he said this. He looked towards the ceiling, hiding his face away from me.

I stopped at the now turned red light. I thought of my previous encounter with his family, all more horrible than the last. It was always a difficult thing for the both of us to face. He has to face everyone saying "Why are you with her? You could do so much better!" - and there was some truth to that - and I had to sit back and let it happen. There is always fighting, physical most of the time, and each time he is met with disappointment from everyone. He says that he doesn't care but I know deep down it is the most painful thing that happens to him. 

I kept quiet. He was left in a prison of his own thoughts. I looked over once and saw the tears. I wiped them immediately with my sleeve and left him alone. I would talk to him but silence is maybe what he needs. Or maybe he needs me to talk to him. If I do talk, should I continue about the dinner or about a different thing? Wouldn't it be awkward to start a different conversation with this thing over our heads? I mean, I could continue about the dinner but it would not help us. You know, you could be with a person for an eternity but still have butterflies in your stomach every time you want to start a conversation.

He was knocked out by the time we got home. I got out and opened his door. His head was leaning against the window so when I opened his door his head snapped, waking him up. He got out of the car and rubbed his face for the thousandth time. He got out and looked like he struggled a lifetime's worth of misery.

"So?" I asked, leaning against the hood.

He grabbed my love handles and sighed. I hesitated for a second but relaxed at his touch. Greyson, not Grease. He threw his head back and finally talked about everything in his head.

"I am so sorry for everything that is going to happen tomorrow."

"You don't do it right?" I asked. I cupped his cheek and he fell into it. My angel.

"Still. If anything happens, I am sorry for it," he said as he stared at me.

Steering the conversation a bit away from these waters I said "I have a wonderful outfit for tomorrow."

He pulled me in closer so that our faces were about an inch away from each other. "Can't wait to see it." He kissed the palm of my hand and closed his eyes, pulling in a deep breath.

"Let's go inside?"

"Yeah."

I swung my arm around his neck, dragging him down.

We walked in laughing to a comment made from Greyson. However, the scene inside was even funnier.

All three of them, Dad the most, were getting down with their bad selves to "Santa, Tell Me" by Ariana Grande. Dad was literally on the ground supported by Dani. Dad signaled to the other two. They saw us and we all froze for a second, acknowledging the scene, then just burst out into laughing. We closed the door and walked to the dance floor.

"Finished with the tree?" I asked as I grabbed a cookie.

"Just the star," Joshua said as he paused the music. 

Dad got off the floor and handed it to me. I looked at the tree then the star in my hands. So many things ran through my mind. It resulted in me handing it to Greyson. Love and family. He needed it, and we are all here for him.

He took it with so much gratitude and happiness. This time he let himself cry. I have to remind him from time to time to do it. It isn't a bad thing if he does it. He is human just like the rest of us. He finally regained his conciseness and placed it on top of the tree. Once it was settled, he smiled shyly and took me in his arms. He whispered a "Merry Christmas" very softly in my ear and planted such a sweet kiss.

"Father in the room. The person who changed your diapers since you were a little girl." Dad said in an attempt of disgust. But as we turned to face him, he had such a loving and happy and accepting look on it. It also looked congratulatory. He knew what this meant.

I let go of Greyson and gave him a kiss and hug. Everyone took the hint and bombarded Dad with so much love.

"Merry Christmas to all-" I said

"And to all a good night!" my family shouted back to me. 

...

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