The next morning, the snow lightly fell against Monica's bedroom window. She sighed contently as she smelled eggs and bacon being cooked. She heard carolers outside singing christmas songs. Monica got out of her bed and walked over to the window. She smiled down at the carolers. Nick entered her bedroom with out her knowing.
He snuck up behind her, grabbed her waist and yelled. "MERRY CHRISTMAS!"
"Holy crap! My god, scare the life right out of me Nick. Jeez!"
"Sorry, Mon. I just had to come and get you. We have to go downstairs. It's time to open presents. Come on......" Nick pulled Monica by the arm and she grabbed her robe on the way out.
When Nick guided Monica into the Richardson's large livingroom, she saw Steffany and Brian cuddling and laughing. Mr. and Mrs. Littrell were kissing opening their presents. The Richardson's were doing the same.
"Morning everyone." Monica said as she stretched her arms in the air.
"Morning, sweety." Mrs. Litrell said as she hugged Monica.
"Hey, Mon! This is your present from Steffany and I. Open it...come on, OPEN IT!" Brian said as if he were a little boy.
"Ok, Ok! I'll open it." Monica ripped away the wrapping paper and opened the box. The box read GAP on the cover.
When she opened it, their was a black wool sweater, flared jeans, and platformed boots. Monica couldn't live without any kind of a platform shoe and Brian had grown to know that from his expierences with both Steffany and Monica.
"PLATFOMRS! Oh, you two! I love it, thanks!" Monica walked over to Steff and Brian and hugged them both.
Next, Nick pulled out a tiny box from behind his back. He had contemplated wether or not he should give it to Monica today, or when they got back. But, he voted for today.
"Monica? Here, I got this for you." Nick said as he walked over to were she was standing.
"Nick? You didn't have to get me anything." Monica opened up the velvet box and inside it was a silver ring attached to a silver chain. "Hearts are like Promises. They should never be broken." She read out the inscription, tears started to form in her eyes.
"It's not much, but, I thought of you when I saw that. And, I guess, I know your not big into jewelry, but, it's just a simple chain. I hope you like it."
Monica was speechless. Not once, had she ever recieved something that had actually ment so much to her. Sure, when she was little she would get chains and earings from friends and family. But, the inscription on the ring had a true meaning to it. And Nick knew it.
"I...wow, my gosh, Nick, I love it. I don't even know what to say, I just, oh gosh." Monica walked right over to Nick and hugged him tightly.
"Hey, you two! Your under the mistle toe. Why don't you take that friendly hug to the next level. Go on, Nick! Plant one on her!" Steffany yelled.
It was obvious that both Nick and Monica were a little embarassed by the comment that Steff had just made, but Nick took the initiative anyway. He wrapped his arms around Monica's waste and pulled her in close. This wasn't your average, passionate, Kissing sessions. It was a respectful, caring kiss on the lips. Nothing more. Or at least, they didn't think it was anything more.
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That evening, Monica put on her wool sweater and headed out the back door to the barn. She thought she was alone, but Nick had noticed her leave and he followed her. She petted the horses and fed them carrots. Monica loved all the animals and even spoke to them.
"Hey, their. I know you must think I'm pretty dumb for talking to you, right? Well, it's christmas time. So, Merry Christmas. I bet your pretty happy. You've got your tiny pony's over their, and your husband over their. Your a lucky horse. See, I guess I'm lucky too. I used to think I had no one, except for my cousin Steffany. She was the girl that rode you yesturday. Anyway, I thought I had no one, but then two incredible people entered my life. Nick and Brian. Their regulars here, I'm sure you know them. I feel totally blessed that I have met them. They may have changed my life and the way I approach the world." Monica continued talking to the horse and then Nick appeared.
"I changed your world, huh? Awesome! I knew I would be good for something." Nick said as he pet the horse also.
"I take it, you heard??" Monica said, embarassed.
"Yeah, I heard. And thanks. Because, that is the nicest thing anyone could have ever said. Ya know? Fans tell me all the time, how I change their life and change their outlook. And it always makes me feel so good, ya know? But, I try to be so close to all our fans, and it's impossible. Everything I do, I do it for a reason. I do it with passion and with heart. If my hearts not in it, then I don't enjoy doing it. So, hearing you say that, really makes me realize that god put me hear for a reason. Maybe it was to help people, make people happy, I know our music does all that. But, the fact that my presence has done this to you, is so incredible."
Monica smiled when she heard Nick say that. She really did respect him. Not just for his music. He was a terrific guy, and all of the fans know that. And it's incredible how he tries to make each and everyone of them happy.
"Well, I know your fans love you. And I just wish that I could tell them all, at first hand, what an incredible person you are. Inside and out. Behind that massive head of blonde hair and those baby-blues, their is alot more!" Monica said while playfully pinching Nick's cheek.
"Yeah, yeah! No more pinching, got that? Now, come on! Let's go get some hot chocolate before I freeze to death!" Nick and Monica walked hand in hand back up to the house.