Family Ties
Chapter 9
"Brrrr...." Aaron shivered hurrying inside the warm cabin.
Angel examined his soaken frame. "What the heck happened to you?"
"I---I---tripped in t--tt--he snow," he studdered.
Nick entered carrying their equidment. "Aaron, you crazy munchkin, go take a
hot shower before you catch pneumonia!"
"O--ookay."
Angel sat down. "BJ called while you were out."
"How is she?"
"Okay, she got a role in an Off-Broadway production, so," the girl paused,
"she won't make it home for Christmas."
"What?!"
"The rehersals start the day after Christmas. She won't have time to fly to
California, then, back to New York."
Nick noticed the sadness in Angel's eyes. "Figures, we'll never have all of
us together for Christmas again."
"At least, BJ has a good reason."
Nick became silent, what was he suppose to say? Besides, she had a point. He
cleared his throat. "Maybe we could all fly to Florida."
"Geez, can't we just stay in one place for a month, at least? I hate all this
stupid traveling."
"I know, sweetie, but I think I have an idea that will make it perfect for
all of us. What date is it, Ang?"
"The 22nd."
"Perfect, I have enough time!" He walked toward the main room.
"What are you doing?"
"Calling Mom and Dad."
*****
"Great news," Nick smiled as he set the family's dinner against the table.
Aaron lifted the lid from the macorni&cheese. "What?"
Nick piled his plate with hot dogs. "We're all going to be together for
Christmas!"
"We are?" Angel exclaimed.
"We are indeed. Mom and Dad are coming back to the house and I'm flying BJ
in. We're going to celebrate the holiday early giving BJ time to get back to
New York!"
"Great!" the twins agreed.
Leslie set down her fork. "So, we came out here for nothing?"
Nick shrugged. "Not really. I got to hear your beautiful voice and play some
winter sports with Aaron and Angel."
"Yeah, it was really-really," Leslie was caught offguard by a coughing spell.
Nick raised an eyebrow. "You okay?"
"Fine. I think I just caught a cold."
"Oh, great! I'm incharge of you for a couple of days and I take you back to
Mom with a cold. She's really going to love me for this one!"
Leslie coughed again. "Sorry."
Chapter 10