When Worlds Collide
Chapter 15
By: Bella
*Note from the author*: I would just like to say thank you to the wonderful people who took the time to read my story and send me their responses. It has meant so much to me and kept me excited about writing more. I hope that you all have enjoyed reading my story as much as I have enjoyed writing it, and I hope that you'll stick around for the sequel. I'm a college student and a new semester will begin for me soon, so things might slow down a bit, but I do plan on updating frequently… I just might not be able to squeeze out as many chapters at a time as I have in the past. Thanks once again to my many dedicated readers… you guys rock and your feedback makes my day!
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-Christmas Eve of that same year-
"You'll throw the thought of us away, you'll be alone this holiday …" Benji sang along to "Alone This Holiday" by The Used as he stood in the kitchen listening to music and making a surprise breakfast for Tristen and his family, who had come to stay with them for Christmas. He didn't realize that Tristen had snuck up behind him, so he was surprised when her arms sudden wrapped around his waist. So surprised, in fact, that he jumped and ended up burning himself on the hot griddle that he was cooking french toast on.
"Fuck," he said, running over to the sink and putting the side of his hand that he had burned under the cold water.
"I'm so sorry, babe!" Tristen apologized, rushing over to him and looking at the burn. It was slightly red and she could tell that it would blister a little. It wasn't too bad, but she still felt awful. She left to go to the bathroom to find something to put on it and came back into the kitchen moments later with supplies in hand. She ordered Benji away from the water, which he protested but finally gave in, and he sat at the table.
"Ah, it burns! I need to put it under the water again," he complained.
"Do you plan to spend all day with your hand under the water?" she asked, taking his hand and inspecting it from her seat across the table. She blew on it to help ease the pain as she grabbed the ointment and band-aids to put on it.
"Ooh, that feels nice," he said, smiling.
Tristen laughed. "I swear, you're like a little kid. One minute you're whining, the next you're smiling. Would you like me to kiss your boo boo, too?"
"Yes, please," he said, laughing as she kissed his hand.
"All better, baby?"
"Yes, mommy."
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Later that night, everyone sat in their small but cozy family room and watched "It's A Wonderful Life." Benji had lit a fire in the fireplace and they were all drinking hot cocoa. After the movie, everyone got tired and decided to call it a night. Benji and Tristen retreated to their room and got into their pajamas. Tristen was wearing plaid flannel pajamas and Benji put on a pair of Christmas boxers and a santa hat. Tristen laughed hysterically as he did little poses in the mirror.
"Such a stud," she said, walking over to him.
"You know it," he replied, kissing her. They walked over to their bed and got into it.
"You know," Benji began, getting comfortable in bed and taking his hat off. "My dad left on Christmas Eve. Back then I never thought I'd have a happy Christmas Eve after that, but I was wrong. With you, I know that I'll be happy every Christmas Eve."
She smiled and gave him a kiss. "Life doesn't get much better than this," he said, wrapping his arms around her as they lay in bed. He turned the lamp off on his side of the bed, but she left hers on.
"It might," she replied, smiling even though he couldn't see her face because she was resting her head on his chest.
"What do you mean?" he asked.
She rolled over and reached into the top drawer of her night stand. She pulled out an envelope that had "Merry Christmas Benj" written on it and handed it to him. Confused, he sat up, turned his lamp back on, looked at her curiously, and opened it.
"Merry Christmas, Dad," Benji read out loud what the cover of his Christmas card said. Stunned, he looked over at her to see her smiling.
"For real this time?" he asked, excited. She nodded in response.
"Are you sure?" he asked, not wanting to be disappointed again.
"I went to the doctor and made sure," she said.
"Oh my God," he said, excitedly. "I'm going to be a dad!"
"Merry Christmas, Benj," she said.
"Merry Christmas, Trissy," he said back as he kissed her.
The End