Chapter  13 Matt’s truthful words ran through Kari’s mind a million times with each day that passed.  Christmas was two days away.  Jason had flown to his hometown in Canada and Kari sat in an empty house.  She was listening to some Christmas music that played softly in the background, "I’ll be home for Christmas…."  Those words of that song sent chills up her spine.  She was suddenly filled with a nagging desire to go home, to Cameron.  Christmas Eve in Cameron "I told you she wouldn’t come.", Jeff said as he plopped down on his father’s couch.  "She’ll be here.", Matt reassured him. Jeff just stared at the gift that he held in his hand.  He must have read the tag a thousand times - "To:  Kari  From: Jeff".  Gil had gone to bed and Matt sat on the couch with his brother as they watched "It’s A Wonderful Life".  Jeff glanced up at the clock that read 11:00.  He stood up and placed the gift under the tree.  He very disappointedly said, "I give up.  Night bro." "You’re not gonna finish watching the movie?", Matt asked a little disappointed himself.  "Nah.  I’m just not in the mood.", Jeff said as he made his way to his old room. Matt shook his head.  Jeff had never refused to watch all of that movie.  That was something they did together every year since they were little.  Matt’s mind wondered back to the times that Kari had sat and watched it with them.  He missed the days when life was simple. He jumped slightly as he heard a very faint knock on the door, "Who the hell is that?" Dressed in only pajama bottoms, Matt opened the front door and was surprised.  Kari and Matt just smiled at each other.  He grabbed her and pulled her into a tight hug, "I’m glad your here." "Me too.", Kari returned. Matt carried one of Kari’s bags and helped her inside. "Everyone else in bed?", she whispered. Matt nodded. Kari’s heart filled with warmth as she noticed the movie that was playing on the television.  She smiled at Matt.  Without saying a word, she grabbed her bag and went into the bathroom.  She put her pajamas on.  She then took a seat next to Matt on the couch.  They sat there in silence as they watched - both of them had their feet propped up on the coffee table and Matt had his arm around her.  She laid her head on his shoulder.  She felt so safe.  It was just like it use to be when they were kids.  They had sat there like that watching that movie so many times.  There was only one thing missing - Jeff.  Kari was just about to drift off when she felt someone sit down on the other side of her.  She didn’t open her eyes but only smiled slightly to herself as she drifted off to dream.  Matt looked over at his brother and they shared a smile.  It was just like old times. When the movie was over, Matt and Jeff very carefully got up and situated Kari on the couch so that she was lying down. "Night, bro.", Matt called as he went down the hall to his old room.  He wished that Shea was there, but she had gone to spend Christmas with her family.  Jeff gazed lovingly at Kari as he covered her with a blanket.  He kissed her gently on the forehead, "Night sweetie.  I love you."  He turned off the television and went to bed, happier then he’d been in a while.            Last Chapter ..*.. Next Chapter ..*.. Chapter Index ..*.. Home