Post by cjcross on Dec 24, 2017 15:38:08 GMT -5
Growing up with parents who did not care, Christmas was not the great Holiday that most people get to take part in. There were not many presents under the tree, no big family gatherings… half the time we would not even have a tree… Guess that’s what happens when most of the family budget is spent with dear ol’ dad at the bar.
This Christmas though, it was going to be much different. While he is still poor and not a lot of gifts will be exchanged between him and Celeste, he made sure to try his best to take part in the festivities leading up to the Holiday. Their apartment was decorated, their small pre-lit artificial tree sits near the balcony window of their apartment along with other decorations he let Celeste pick out that day she was really feeling the Christmas spirit.
Christmas morning 2017, CJ was the first to wake up, the living room of their apartment has the local commercial free Christmas radio station playing softly in the background, the blinds to the balcony are closed to let the lights they hung for Christmas light up the room, and in the kitchen CJ is preparing two mugs of hot chocolate with a candy cane inside to stir as well as flavor the drink with peppermint. A pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt is his Christmas morning wardrobe, but he has topped it off with a santa hat.
Hearing the bedroom door open, CJ jumps into action. He knew it would not be too much longer that she would wake up. One, she has been anticipating this day since November 1st it seems. Also add in the fact that he was no longer by her side in bed, she would wonder where he went off to.
Merry Christmas babe.
He makes his way into the living room with the two mugs of hot chocolate and gives a little shrug after setting them down on the table.
Not much of a tradition, but Christmas morning hot chocolate was one of the things I did back in Boston, you can give it a try if you want.
Celeste looks up at him sleepily from her position on the couch. Her white cotton robe was one of the few extravagances she could afford with their tight budget and it hung loosely and open off her shoulders. The Goodwill couch creaked as she leaned back to stretch with a yawn. CJ could see the old XWF logo in large letters printed on the equally large shirt. A pair of pink sleep pants fit snugly around her hips and ended just above her ankles.
Christmas hasn't been all that great for her either during her youth. Celeste's foster parents in Australia included her in their traditions and she appreciated it, but each holiday brought up the memory of her mother...and how she was no longer here. It got easier through the years though. Then came the recent couple years of her adolescence spent with her adopted father, Jason Spirit.
The man was not big on holidays, though he too tried his best to give Celeste something special. His gifts came in the form of a hunting knife one year, a book on edible plants the year before...if nothing else, Celeste was fully ready for the apocalypse by age 16.
Then there were the Christmases her father was simply gone. Christmas of 2015 came to mind. Last year she was living with her Sensei, Josh Elliot. Between him and Ashe Draven, owner of the ECWF, Christmas was a lavish affair.
Celeste took a look around her modest apartment and sighed happily. It felt good to have something of her own. Even better to share it all with a man she loved. Grasping the hot chocolate carefully with both hands, Celeste brought the mug to her lips and sipped.
It's wonderful CJ.
She smiled while putting the mug back down on the coffee table. The lights and the music playing softly in the background set the mood perfectly. This actually felt like Christmas.
CJ almost did not catch her words as he was caught in his own world wondering how someone who just woke up, free of makeup and in a bathrobe could look so beautiful. What in the world did he do to get this lucky?
I am glad, but you know what? Something is still missing!
A perplexed look appeared on her face. With everything almost perfect at the moment, what could really be missing?
I am not going to be the only one wearing a hat, I got you one too.
He spoke as he reached over the side of the sofa and grabbed her hat out of the grocery bag. Instead of handing it to her, he places it on her head for her.
There, it hides the bed head.
A chuckle escapes his mouth as he puts his hands up to avoid the swat from her to his chest. But the swat never comes. Celeste smiles instead. She felt included, like she belonged instead of simply just being there. She adjusts the hat on her head and giggles.
Thanks. Come sit with me.
She pats the cushion next to her. CJ returns the smile before he takes a seat on the old couch next to her.
It’s almost perfect isn’t it? Our first Christmas together.
They have been through a lot to get here. Many bumps and bruises, hospital stays…. They would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Only thing that is missing is to open those blinds and find out it snowed last night.
If that happened in Miami, it really would be a Christmas miracle. Celeste finished another sip of her hot chocolate and got up from the couch. She walked over to the blinds and poked two fingers between the folds. Quickly she turned back to look at CJ.
Um, let's just leave them closed and pretend.
She laughs. It was another Floridian day in Miami. Just looking out onto the beach and ocean made her feel warmer. Celeste shed the robe and left it in a pile on the living room floor. Taking a seat next to CJ again, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
This is as perfect as it gets for us. At least for this year. I can't believe we've been together almost a whole year. This is the longest relationship I've ever had.
She nibbled on her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed by the revelation. Once again memories of Christmas past flooded her mind. Standing in that posh Draven mansion, watching everyone open expensive presents, and receiving the occasional frown from her “step-mother”. Standing in a smokey, crowded gymnasium watching her father fight for not even an eighth of the pay ECWF used to give him...then swabbing his cuts with hydrogen peroxide and putting her own makeup over his bruises so they could go spend the money he did earn for their Christmas without people staring and judging…
...the next Christmas after finding out he wasn't actually dead…
Most of this CJ has yet to learn. Considering how protective of her he is, Celeste isn't sure about telling him, but eventually the truth will come out.
I'm glad you put up with me.
She says while still nibbling on her lip. She is right, if CJ were to know about the stuff that happened, especially with Ashe Draven, who knows what CJ may do… It’s best being covered up for now.
Me put up with you?
He asked in a questioning tone. He always figured it was the other way around. Here she was working for three wrestling federations while he only worked for SAP, as well as act like a goofball every chance he got.
I do not see myself putting up with you at all. I enjoy spending every minute we are together with you. I know it is the other way around. I am not always the easiest person to be around, but its just with you, it is easy to be myself.
That's why I love this so much. I can be myself too. But I think you are easier to be around than me. So uh, did you call your mom to wish her a Merry Christmas or are you going to?
It has been months since CJ has had any contact with his mother. When he was in ECWF and got injured she came backstage and tried to see her son but CJ did not want to have nothing of it. He always wondered how a kind hearted woman could come up with every excuse under the sun for his Father? CJ noticed the bruises she got… You would think after a while she would scoop him up and take him away from the home, but that never happened. Once CJ graduated from school, he left on his own and never looked back. It is a ball of rage that still sits in the pit of his stomach, it is one that will probably never go away.
She sent a text this morning...
It was the same every morning. When CJ’s eyes adjust to the morning light, he reaches over on the nightstand and grabs his phone to see if there are any texts, tweets, or other notifications that he might have missed… There was a text that read…
“Merry Christmas my little man, I miss and love you.”
CJ will admit, he did stare at that message for a moment, and his thumb even did hover over the tap here to reply, which would bring up the keyboard. Instead he deleted the message… Not sure if he is proud of that.
I deleted it…
Oh…
Celeste stared at the floor, gathering her thoughts. When she looked back up, she stared into her boyfriend's eyes.
You should text her back saying Merry Christmas. It doesn't have to be more than that.
I….
CJ glances away from his girlfriend for a moment before taking a deep breath as his mind races what sending a text back like that could open up, in his mom’s mind at least.
I don’t think I can bring myself to do that.
Celeste reaches over and takes his hands in hers. She doesn't look at him as she speaks.
I only say that because I wish I could still talk to my mother. My real mother. But she's been dead...gone for twelve years. Your mom is still here. Still trying. I'm not trying to make you feel bad or guilty or anything. I just want what's best for you.
Another deep breath came from CJ. He knew she was right, no matter how bad of a Mom she was, he would not want her to be totally gone..
I would do anything to take that pain away from you Celeste. I would move mountains if I knew it was possible to bring your Mom back to you…
CJ glances over at his cell phone which sits on the coffee table with the always on display showing the time, date and battery life. He gently takes his hands away from Celeste and reaches for his phone.
I think I can muster up a Merry Christmas text…
Celeste scoots closer to him and wraps her arms around his shoulders and waist in support. She watches him type the text and send it with an apprehensive push of the ‘send’ button. Once done, Celeste pushes her lips against his cheek to kiss.
I'm proud of you.
The kiss to his cheek brings a small smile to his face as he watches the phone turn the message to “sent” before setting it back down on the table.
Yeah?
He turns his attention back to Celeste before he lays his head gently against hers.
Thank you.
She shares another kiss with him, this one lip to lip, before turning her attention to their fake Christmas tree. Besides some garland, lights, and a few ornaments, there is an angel on top which glows brightly. But underneath the tree lies bare. She and CJ spent most of their money on presents for others. The gifts had been given or sent out by mail by Christmas eve. Once they knew they'd be together at home for the whole holiday it made them both so happy.
They didn't get anything for each other because they already had what they wanted. Now all that was left was to enjoy the day. Tomorrow, Celeste had to leave for Poland.
We can watch Christmas movies all day or sleep some more. All the essentials are here: cookies, eggnog, potato chips, and frozen pizzas.
Gummy Bears!! Don’t forget the bears! In honor of today I will only eat the green and red ones out of the tin! I’d rather not sleep anymore, why sleep away this perfect day? Why not sit right here and watch A Christmas Story.
You'd look so adorable in a pink bunny suit.
She pinches CJ’s cheek and laughs. He bats her hand away and gives a playful shove. She shoves back, he pushes her shoulders harder. Celeste falls back onto the couch. CJ's hands are underneath her shirt quicker than you can say “You'll shoot your eye out kid.”
It's obvious where his hands are going as they glide past her stomach. The playfulness pauses suddenly as Celeste's phone chimes and buzzes on the coffee table. Her eyes dart to her phone. She can hear CJ sigh a bit as she reaches for it. His hands stay where they are though while she puts the phone to her ear and answers.
Hello?
A voice comes through the phone that even CJ can hear because of his close proximity.
“Celeste…”
The tone is gruff, deep. Her eyes widened. There was no mistaking the sound of it. Celeste sat up so quickly, CJ almost toppled off the couch. She nearly shouted into the phone.
Dad?!
She clutched the phone with both hands now, cradling it to her ear.
Dad? Daddy?!
Her eyes darted more frantically. CJ heard no response. Neither did she as she listened, trying to tune out the sound of her heart beating against her chest.
Nothing still…
Celeste tore the phone away from her ear to look at the screen. The number was anonymous and the call had just been ended. She sat there staring at the screen, unable to speak or act.
CJ really did not know what to say either. He saw the screen read “anonymous” but wouldn’t a call from jail have some sort of number?
Celeste… are you sure that was your Dad?
He did not want to ruin her moment. But he had to wonder.
If it was, why didn’t it have a number?
By her actions or lack thereof, he could tell she was sure who was on the other end.
It was him. I know it. I don't know why the call got cut off though. Maybe something happened? Maybe he...didn’t know what to say and just hung up?
She wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. Celeste put the phone back down on the coffee table.
He could at least have said Merry Christmas before chickening out.
She said with a sigh. Her hands rubbed her face and forehead as she groaned and tried to put it out of her mind.
Of all the times...I swear…
Celeste shakes her head. Then looks at her boyfriend.
So uh...how about that movie?
CJ knew not to press, instead he gave her a small smile and places an arm around her. He knew just being there with her is enough.
Sounds like a plan babe.
They turned on the TV and enjoyed each other’s embrace. The year was ending and what a year it had been. At least it was ending on a good note. Celeste rests her head against him to let her mind wander.
This Christmas though, it was going to be much different. While he is still poor and not a lot of gifts will be exchanged between him and Celeste, he made sure to try his best to take part in the festivities leading up to the Holiday. Their apartment was decorated, their small pre-lit artificial tree sits near the balcony window of their apartment along with other decorations he let Celeste pick out that day she was really feeling the Christmas spirit.
Christmas morning 2017, CJ was the first to wake up, the living room of their apartment has the local commercial free Christmas radio station playing softly in the background, the blinds to the balcony are closed to let the lights they hung for Christmas light up the room, and in the kitchen CJ is preparing two mugs of hot chocolate with a candy cane inside to stir as well as flavor the drink with peppermint. A pair of sweatpants and a white t-shirt is his Christmas morning wardrobe, but he has topped it off with a santa hat.
Hearing the bedroom door open, CJ jumps into action. He knew it would not be too much longer that she would wake up. One, she has been anticipating this day since November 1st it seems. Also add in the fact that he was no longer by her side in bed, she would wonder where he went off to.
Merry Christmas babe.
He makes his way into the living room with the two mugs of hot chocolate and gives a little shrug after setting them down on the table.
Not much of a tradition, but Christmas morning hot chocolate was one of the things I did back in Boston, you can give it a try if you want.
Celeste looks up at him sleepily from her position on the couch. Her white cotton robe was one of the few extravagances she could afford with their tight budget and it hung loosely and open off her shoulders. The Goodwill couch creaked as she leaned back to stretch with a yawn. CJ could see the old XWF logo in large letters printed on the equally large shirt. A pair of pink sleep pants fit snugly around her hips and ended just above her ankles.
Christmas hasn't been all that great for her either during her youth. Celeste's foster parents in Australia included her in their traditions and she appreciated it, but each holiday brought up the memory of her mother...and how she was no longer here. It got easier through the years though. Then came the recent couple years of her adolescence spent with her adopted father, Jason Spirit.
The man was not big on holidays, though he too tried his best to give Celeste something special. His gifts came in the form of a hunting knife one year, a book on edible plants the year before...if nothing else, Celeste was fully ready for the apocalypse by age 16.
Then there were the Christmases her father was simply gone. Christmas of 2015 came to mind. Last year she was living with her Sensei, Josh Elliot. Between him and Ashe Draven, owner of the ECWF, Christmas was a lavish affair.
Celeste took a look around her modest apartment and sighed happily. It felt good to have something of her own. Even better to share it all with a man she loved. Grasping the hot chocolate carefully with both hands, Celeste brought the mug to her lips and sipped.
It's wonderful CJ.
She smiled while putting the mug back down on the coffee table. The lights and the music playing softly in the background set the mood perfectly. This actually felt like Christmas.
CJ almost did not catch her words as he was caught in his own world wondering how someone who just woke up, free of makeup and in a bathrobe could look so beautiful. What in the world did he do to get this lucky?
I am glad, but you know what? Something is still missing!
A perplexed look appeared on her face. With everything almost perfect at the moment, what could really be missing?
I am not going to be the only one wearing a hat, I got you one too.
He spoke as he reached over the side of the sofa and grabbed her hat out of the grocery bag. Instead of handing it to her, he places it on her head for her.
There, it hides the bed head.
A chuckle escapes his mouth as he puts his hands up to avoid the swat from her to his chest. But the swat never comes. Celeste smiles instead. She felt included, like she belonged instead of simply just being there. She adjusts the hat on her head and giggles.
Thanks. Come sit with me.
She pats the cushion next to her. CJ returns the smile before he takes a seat on the old couch next to her.
It’s almost perfect isn’t it? Our first Christmas together.
They have been through a lot to get here. Many bumps and bruises, hospital stays…. They would do it all over again in a heartbeat.
Only thing that is missing is to open those blinds and find out it snowed last night.
If that happened in Miami, it really would be a Christmas miracle. Celeste finished another sip of her hot chocolate and got up from the couch. She walked over to the blinds and poked two fingers between the folds. Quickly she turned back to look at CJ.
Um, let's just leave them closed and pretend.
She laughs. It was another Floridian day in Miami. Just looking out onto the beach and ocean made her feel warmer. Celeste shed the robe and left it in a pile on the living room floor. Taking a seat next to CJ again, she gave him a kiss on the cheek.
This is as perfect as it gets for us. At least for this year. I can't believe we've been together almost a whole year. This is the longest relationship I've ever had.
She nibbled on her lip, feeling a bit embarrassed by the revelation. Once again memories of Christmas past flooded her mind. Standing in that posh Draven mansion, watching everyone open expensive presents, and receiving the occasional frown from her “step-mother”. Standing in a smokey, crowded gymnasium watching her father fight for not even an eighth of the pay ECWF used to give him...then swabbing his cuts with hydrogen peroxide and putting her own makeup over his bruises so they could go spend the money he did earn for their Christmas without people staring and judging…
...the next Christmas after finding out he wasn't actually dead…
Most of this CJ has yet to learn. Considering how protective of her he is, Celeste isn't sure about telling him, but eventually the truth will come out.
I'm glad you put up with me.
She says while still nibbling on her lip. She is right, if CJ were to know about the stuff that happened, especially with Ashe Draven, who knows what CJ may do… It’s best being covered up for now.
Me put up with you?
He asked in a questioning tone. He always figured it was the other way around. Here she was working for three wrestling federations while he only worked for SAP, as well as act like a goofball every chance he got.
I do not see myself putting up with you at all. I enjoy spending every minute we are together with you. I know it is the other way around. I am not always the easiest person to be around, but its just with you, it is easy to be myself.
That's why I love this so much. I can be myself too. But I think you are easier to be around than me. So uh, did you call your mom to wish her a Merry Christmas or are you going to?
It has been months since CJ has had any contact with his mother. When he was in ECWF and got injured she came backstage and tried to see her son but CJ did not want to have nothing of it. He always wondered how a kind hearted woman could come up with every excuse under the sun for his Father? CJ noticed the bruises she got… You would think after a while she would scoop him up and take him away from the home, but that never happened. Once CJ graduated from school, he left on his own and never looked back. It is a ball of rage that still sits in the pit of his stomach, it is one that will probably never go away.
She sent a text this morning...
It was the same every morning. When CJ’s eyes adjust to the morning light, he reaches over on the nightstand and grabs his phone to see if there are any texts, tweets, or other notifications that he might have missed… There was a text that read…
“Merry Christmas my little man, I miss and love you.”
CJ will admit, he did stare at that message for a moment, and his thumb even did hover over the tap here to reply, which would bring up the keyboard. Instead he deleted the message… Not sure if he is proud of that.
I deleted it…
Oh…
Celeste stared at the floor, gathering her thoughts. When she looked back up, she stared into her boyfriend's eyes.
You should text her back saying Merry Christmas. It doesn't have to be more than that.
I….
CJ glances away from his girlfriend for a moment before taking a deep breath as his mind races what sending a text back like that could open up, in his mom’s mind at least.
I don’t think I can bring myself to do that.
Celeste reaches over and takes his hands in hers. She doesn't look at him as she speaks.
I only say that because I wish I could still talk to my mother. My real mother. But she's been dead...gone for twelve years. Your mom is still here. Still trying. I'm not trying to make you feel bad or guilty or anything. I just want what's best for you.
Another deep breath came from CJ. He knew she was right, no matter how bad of a Mom she was, he would not want her to be totally gone..
I would do anything to take that pain away from you Celeste. I would move mountains if I knew it was possible to bring your Mom back to you…
CJ glances over at his cell phone which sits on the coffee table with the always on display showing the time, date and battery life. He gently takes his hands away from Celeste and reaches for his phone.
I think I can muster up a Merry Christmas text…
Celeste scoots closer to him and wraps her arms around his shoulders and waist in support. She watches him type the text and send it with an apprehensive push of the ‘send’ button. Once done, Celeste pushes her lips against his cheek to kiss.
I'm proud of you.
The kiss to his cheek brings a small smile to his face as he watches the phone turn the message to “sent” before setting it back down on the table.
Yeah?
He turns his attention back to Celeste before he lays his head gently against hers.
Thank you.
She shares another kiss with him, this one lip to lip, before turning her attention to their fake Christmas tree. Besides some garland, lights, and a few ornaments, there is an angel on top which glows brightly. But underneath the tree lies bare. She and CJ spent most of their money on presents for others. The gifts had been given or sent out by mail by Christmas eve. Once they knew they'd be together at home for the whole holiday it made them both so happy.
They didn't get anything for each other because they already had what they wanted. Now all that was left was to enjoy the day. Tomorrow, Celeste had to leave for Poland.
We can watch Christmas movies all day or sleep some more. All the essentials are here: cookies, eggnog, potato chips, and frozen pizzas.
Gummy Bears!! Don’t forget the bears! In honor of today I will only eat the green and red ones out of the tin! I’d rather not sleep anymore, why sleep away this perfect day? Why not sit right here and watch A Christmas Story.
You'd look so adorable in a pink bunny suit.
She pinches CJ’s cheek and laughs. He bats her hand away and gives a playful shove. She shoves back, he pushes her shoulders harder. Celeste falls back onto the couch. CJ's hands are underneath her shirt quicker than you can say “You'll shoot your eye out kid.”
It's obvious where his hands are going as they glide past her stomach. The playfulness pauses suddenly as Celeste's phone chimes and buzzes on the coffee table. Her eyes dart to her phone. She can hear CJ sigh a bit as she reaches for it. His hands stay where they are though while she puts the phone to her ear and answers.
Hello?
A voice comes through the phone that even CJ can hear because of his close proximity.
“Celeste…”
The tone is gruff, deep. Her eyes widened. There was no mistaking the sound of it. Celeste sat up so quickly, CJ almost toppled off the couch. She nearly shouted into the phone.
Dad?!
She clutched the phone with both hands now, cradling it to her ear.
Dad? Daddy?!
Her eyes darted more frantically. CJ heard no response. Neither did she as she listened, trying to tune out the sound of her heart beating against her chest.
Nothing still…
Celeste tore the phone away from her ear to look at the screen. The number was anonymous and the call had just been ended. She sat there staring at the screen, unable to speak or act.
CJ really did not know what to say either. He saw the screen read “anonymous” but wouldn’t a call from jail have some sort of number?
Celeste… are you sure that was your Dad?
He did not want to ruin her moment. But he had to wonder.
If it was, why didn’t it have a number?
By her actions or lack thereof, he could tell she was sure who was on the other end.
It was him. I know it. I don't know why the call got cut off though. Maybe something happened? Maybe he...didn’t know what to say and just hung up?
She wouldn't be surprised if that were the case. Celeste put the phone back down on the coffee table.
He could at least have said Merry Christmas before chickening out.
She said with a sigh. Her hands rubbed her face and forehead as she groaned and tried to put it out of her mind.
Of all the times...I swear…
Celeste shakes her head. Then looks at her boyfriend.
So uh...how about that movie?
CJ knew not to press, instead he gave her a small smile and places an arm around her. He knew just being there with her is enough.
Sounds like a plan babe.
They turned on the TV and enjoyed each other’s embrace. The year was ending and what a year it had been. At least it was ending on a good note. Celeste rests her head against him to let her mind wander.