Dahven twisted her hands nervously. Wringing them out in front of her trying to calm herself down a little bit.
Today was Christmas Eve. Tomorrow was Christmas… and her birthday. She groaned at the thought, not being one that actually enjoyed celebrating their birthday.
Slowly she started to pace in her bedroom. "Herb went to get Tay's gift, which will basically be the same as Randy's…. Rosie is making he big dinner… I got my own, plus everyone else's is already wrapped up and under the tree…" She knew there was something missing. If only she could put her finger on it.
Near thirty minutes later her front door rang, and she took Angel out of her crib, and then started down the steps.
Dahven's hands and arms were trembling slightly, but Angel didn't seem to notice. Or she didn't seem care. She was too busy being fascinated by the large chandelier above her head.
Slowly Dahven opened the door and smiled brightly at her guests. Mr. and Mrs. Hanson were the first to walk in. Their kids following behind them.
She was greeted with hugs and kisses and smiles. Excitedly she led them into the large library and around the fireplace.
She lay Angel in her spare crib, that was next to her chair, and she grinned when Mrs. Hanson placed Zoë next to her.
She turned her secret grin at her family. "Well, I take it all of your things are still in the van?" She questioned.
Mr. Hanson nodded his head and gave an exaggerated smile. "It was a task just getting them in there." He said rolling her eyes and they all laughed quietly.
"I'm glad you all came to be with me tonight." Dahven said smiling softly at them. "It really means a lot to me."
"Of course we would!" Mrs. Hanson stated quickly. "Well, with you being in the big house all by yourself, on Christmas… as well as your birthday."
Isaac squeezed her hand affectionately and gave her a private wink.
"Well, my gift for Taylor has not to arrived yet, but I guess we could do all the big presents tonight and do the small ones tomorrow?" She asked unsure of their holiday custom.
Mrs. Hanson looked toward her husband as the kids all cried out in excitement.
"Well, we can't say no now." Mr. Hanson said smiling.
Taylor snorted, "Speak for yourself!" He said laughing.
Mr. Hanson laughed as well. "I was."
Grinning like the Cheshire cat Dahven went and removed sheets from two chairs in the library that were filled with gifts. Laughing as Mackie's jaw popped open she handed him one of the large presents, "Merry Christmas Mack." She said kindly.
He squealed in delight and took the spot near his parent's feet. Tearing madly at the wrapping paper.
She handed out everyone else's presents and watched gleefully as they opened them in front of her.
Jessica showed her new make-up kit to her mother, and Avery having a ball with her bead maker and designer kit. Mackie was demanding attention as Taylor helped him to show off his new remote control racecar, while Zac was attentively going through the new art supplies and photo book on renaissance to modern paintings from around the world. Isaac was already reading the directions a new video camera with tons of digital buttons.
Mr. and Mrs. Hanson were watching their kids before the glanced at each other and each opened their gifts. Removing the crystal goblets from the thick layers of tissue paper she looked at Dahven questioningly, but Dahven shook her head and smiled while Mr. Hanson pulled out a chess set with a marble board, and ebony and ivory pieces. He grinned appreciatively at her.
Then they unwrapped Zoë's present, a soft teddy bear that wasn't furry, but a dark green color that had her name scrawled across its tummy. Gently they lowered it into the crib and smiled softly when their daughter clutched to the soft animal.
Clapping her hands together, Dahven sat back in her chair, satisfied with the scene displaying before her. Her family was sitting happily before her.
When Herb showed himself in the doorway, Dahven stood up and called for Taylor. He looked up from Mackie and his racecar and nodded when he saw her motioning for him to come with her.
Once they were out in the hallway Dahven turned to him and smiled as they continued to walk towards the kitchen. "I hope you like your gift." She said softly.
Taylor laughed. "Well, with everything everyone got in there," He said motioning to the library, "I doubt that I can't not like it."
She grinned again and opened the door slowly; Randy pushed it open from the other side and hugged him tightly.
Being caught off guard Taylor stumbled back slightly, but laughed when he gained his balance and her back as well.
Giving them their privacy, Dahven went into the kitchen to get a tray of hot cocoa and the rest of Randy's family, before she ushered them all back into the library.
Zac laughed as he hugged Randy and Mr. and Mrs. Hanson introduced themselves to Randy's parents, Mr. and Mrs. Davis.
They all settled down and started talking in-groups, each laughing and carrying on when Taylor stood up, "We forgot to give you our present, Charm!" He stated loudly.
Dahven's eyes went large. "Uh, no you didn't!" She replied quickly.
Isaac laughed and hugged her lightly, "Don't worry!" He whispered in her ear.
But Dahven was already shaking in her sneakers.
Taylor, Zac, and Isaac made Dahven stand and walk towards her front door.
"Guys, my door does not constitute as a present." She said trying to be humorous.
They snickered quietly but still continued to push and drag her towards it. Then they stopped.
"Now what?" Dahven asked curiously.
Taylor peered down at his watch and started counting, "Five, four, three, two," Then he pointed to the door and it rung.
Dahven laughed, "I wanna learn that trick!" She teased.
Zac swung the door open and Arie walked in with his wife Essence and their baby girl, Jessobel James, whom no one had met yet.
"Oh my, God!" Dahven whispered.
Arie and Essence smiled and yelled, "Merry Christmas!" in unison.
"Oh my, God!" Dahven yelled before she ran to them and hugged them tightly.
