Christmas With Kris Kringle

Chapter 19

Snow softly fell in the early morning of Christmas Day. Belen lay next to me, dead to the world, her arms and leg intertwined with mine. Brushing the dangling end of her head scarf from her eye, I watched her sleep, mouth half open, snoring softly. With a kiss to her forehead, I proceeded to extract my body from her limbs without disturbing her. Two minutes later I was completely out of breath but finally free.

After a quick stop in the bathroom, I poured myself a hot cup of coffee. In the family room, I found my mother fussing with the Christmas tree. All her kids were grown but she still worked herself into a state trying to make the day perfect for us.

“Morning,” I whispered.

“What are you doing up?” She was on her knees rearranging the boxes and packages.

“I could ask you the same thing?”

“Just checking on the presents Santa left behind.”

I held out my arm so she could grab hold and bring herself back to standing. “Mom?”

“Yes.”

“I don’t know how to break this to you, but I don’t believe in Santa anymore. I haven’t for a while.”

She swatted at me playfully. We both moved to the couch, taking a seat. “How’s Belen?”

“Sleeping.”

“Is she okay … really? I could tell she was putting on a brave face during dessert.”

“Yeah, she was just feeling a bit overwhelmed. And the holidays are difficult for her.”

“How long has she been taking care of her sister?”

“All her life, but without help for the past few years.”

“I’d imagine that is the bulk of her stress.”

I offered a clipped nod. “She’s been handed a lot of tough breaks around the holidays. I just think being surrounded by all of us was a lot.”

“The Kringle crew is an acquired taste.”

“She likes you guys, but I think it just stirred up feelings about what her life could’ve been if her parents were still alive. I don’t know what I’d do without you and Dad. I mean who would break up the fights between Rayna, Matthew, and me?”

“I would hope you three would have better sense than to quarrel after your dad and I are gone.”

“Have you met us?”

My mom laughed. “Celeste is sweet.”

“Isn’t she? She’s so curious and funny.”

“And she doesn’t bite her tongue.” My mother took a sip from her mug.

“No she has no filter, which I think makes me like her more.”

“She is also a huge responsibility. If you’re going to date Belen, Celeste will be a big part of that relationship.”

“I know it. Trust me, Belen has made it perfectly clear she will pick her sister over me any day of the week.”

“And you’re alright with that?”

“I expect nothing less. I’m just hoping over time she’ll trust me enough to help her with Celeste.”

“Help her how?”

“Celeste is interested in living on her own. And Belen is concerned about that prospect for a multitude of reasons. Maybe I can help to find a solution that would give Celeste the freedom she craves while still providing Belen with peace of mind.”

“How would you do that?”

I hopped my shoulders. “I mean I have an entire empty apartment next door. Maybe I could renovate it, create a space for Celeste with separate access.”

My mother pursed her lips and rolled her eyes.

“Don’t look at me like that.”

“You’re ready to have Belen and her sister move in with you?”

“I’m just throwing out ideas.”

“What does Belen think about that?”

“I haven’t told her.”

“You are just like your father. When he sets his mind to something, there is no talking him out of it. We just have to go through it.”

“It worked. He ended up marrying you.”

“I know you care for her, baby. But I just want you to be mindful. And respect Belen’s boundaries. You have all these plans in your head but maybe she won’t be on board.”

“Why wouldn’t she want to move in together? I’m not talking about next week but in a few months. It’s a smart solution.”

“Not everyone needs or wants to be saved.”

My mother’s words gave me pause. I’d thought this through. I wasn’t one hundred percent decided, but living together was a viable option and the natural progression of any relationship. I didn’t care about being hurt or moving too fast because all I wanted was to love her.

“How did Belen take the news about California?”

My face turned sour. It was Christmas morning and the last thing I wanted to talk about was LA.

“Kristoff, you haven’t told her?”

“I plan to.”

“Kristoff, you leave in three weeks.” My mother’s tone was like an alarm.

“I know. I know. I have every intention on telling her. But it’s Christmas and it doesn’t feel like the right time. And truthfully, I don’t want her ending things before they really start because of the distance.”

“So you plan to lie to her until she is too attached to let you go?”

“I’m not lying to her. I’m withholding information.”

“Information that will impact her and your relationship. If you ask me, omission is still lying.”

“When you say it like that you make me sound like an asshole.”

“Well, if the shoe fits.”

Celeste came padding into the living room. “It’s Christmas morning and everyone’s asleep.”

Celeste was my lifeline, rescuing me from an increasingly awkward conversation with a mother who wasn’t afraid to tell her kids they weren’t shit when it was warranted. Rising from the couch with a big stretch, I said, “These lazy bums. I’ll start knocking on doors and waking them up.”

“While Kris acts as a human alarm, why don’t we make some pancakes?” my mother suggested.

“Can we add chocolate chips? Belen always adds chocolate chips.”

I turned to my mother for confirmation. “Yes, that sounds delightful,” she agreed.

“Merry Christmas, by the way. I noticed Santa left a lot of gifts with your name on it under the tree,” I added.

“Santa isn’t real, Kris.”

“Shh, not too loud, my mother is still a firm believer.” I winked at Celeste.

Belen

Each of Kris’s family members gifted Celeste with something from Disney because she was a huge fan. Anything associated with the mouse, and she was all in. I didn’t expect gifts, so the fact that they went out of their way to ensure there were gifts under the tree for us meant a lot. Did I want to cry ? Yes. But I managed to check my emotions.

“I think there’s one more gift behind the tree for Belen.” Kris gestured to Matt to retrieve it.

“You and your family have already gifted me more than enough.”

“Well this gift is special.”

Matt placed the box in front of me.

Kris pointed to the top of the wrapped box. “There’s a card?”

“I noticed that. I wonder who it’s from.” I nudged him with my elbow before removing the envelope from the front of the box, reading it aloud.

“For Belen, My apologies for the delay. Better late than never, Santa.”

I eyed Kris suspiciously. “I thought I heard reindeer hooves on the roof in the middle of the night.” A smile eased over my face.

“Open it. Social media has stunted my attention span,” Rayna said.

I ripped into the wrapping paper. When the contents were revealed, I sat in a stupor frozen with shock. “It’s a Barbie Dreamhouse,” I whispered in disbelief. Regaining my senses, I grabbed handfuls of discarded wrapping paper and chucked it in Kris’s direction. “Kris.” My voice was thick with emotion.

“Are you going to cry again?” Matt asked.

“No,” But tears were already falling down my cheeks. “How did you remember this?”

“Like the card said, it’s from Santa.”

I could hear Kris’s dad whisper, “What the fuck is she going to do with a dollhouse at her big age?”

I’d mentioned this dream house one time. One time. Before this man even knew my name and he’d bought it for me. I wiped at the rapidly falling tears. I don’t think I’m capable of processing this level of love and intention.

“What’s the story about this house?” Rayna asked.

“It’s private,” Kris said.

“Looks like somebody is trying to get laid tonight,” Matt said.

Kris’s mother snapped her fingers at Matt. “Matthew Kringle, would you please mind your tongue.”

Matt wasn’t wrong because Santa was going to be handsomely rewarded later.

“I’m honestly lost. In my day women liked gold jewelry. Now you’re over there crying over a plastic toy. You do know Kris is rich, right?”

“Dad, hush. It’s clearly some sentimental moment we don’t understand,” Rayna chimed in.

Gerrit stood with a sigh. “Now that we’re done with gifts and Belen is wiping away the last of her tears, it’s time for the annual snowball fight.”

“What?” I tried without success to hide a frown.

“It’s tradition. We eat breakfast, open gifts, and then try to maim one another in a snowball battle,” Kris informed me.

“You know good old fashion family fun,” Rayna said, plopping next to us on the floor. She fondled my arm looking for muscle definition. “You can be on Kristoff’s team.” She patted my knee sympathetically.

“Well then Kris’s team will be the winning one. How could we lose with Hulk on our side?” I tugged at his beard and when he smiled at me, my insides congealed.

“Ahh, thanks baby.”

“Kristoff doesn’t have the fire in his belly to win. He’s a big teddy bear,” Rayna said.

Kris leaned in whispering, “Rayna’s right, my siblings are pretty hard core.”

“Backyard in fifteen minutes. Dress warm,” Gerrit’s booming voice commanded.

In our room, I pulled out thick socks and a heavy scarf preparing myself for the Annihilation in Ottawa.

“Hey, before we head out there, I wanted to give you one last gift.”

“Kris you’ve already done enough. You gifted me a spa day at the Regency Hotel a tennis bracelet, and a Brandon Blackwood bag. I don’t need anything else.”

“I know, but this gift is less about the present and more about the future.” Handing over an envelope, he urged me to open it.

My face shifted from confusion, to surprise. “It’s a plane ticket to Los Angeles.”

“Yep.”

“What’s in Los Angeles?”

Kris’s lips tensed into a straight line. “Have you ever been? The weather’s amazing all year round even though it can be a bit chilly. But February in LA still beats February in Minnesota.”

“You want to take a trip to Los Angeles? You don’t have to do stuff like this. I’d be just as happy curled up in your arms on the couch.”

“I know. But at the start of the year I’m going to be working again and I wanted to make sure we carved out time to be together. So don’t think about why we shouldn’t go and just tell me you will.”

“Okay.” Walking into his arms, I planted a kiss on his lips. The type of kiss that begged for him to bend me over and destroy my walls from the intensity of his thrust. It was also the type of kiss that sent my brain matter scattering, making it difficult to form complete sentences.

“One more thing, I picked Los Angeles for a reason, not only the weather and great restaurants …” I was only half listening, more concerned with nibbling on his ear. “For the next few months or so I’ll be spending?—”

“Oh my God are you two going to be in here all day playing hide the sausage?” Rayna interrupted. “It’s time for snowball wars. Celeste is on my team by the way because she has strong arms.”

Reluctantly I pulled away, rushing to finish getting dressed. I planned to aim for Rayna’s head when I got outside.

Kris

In bed Christmas night I said, “I know my family can be a lot.”

“No … I mean yes they can. But I like it. It’s like something out of a movie. Everyone talking over each other and good-natured ribbing. It’s nice.”

I rubbed Belen’s shoulder, her head leaning against my chest. My family was loud and obnoxious, and I was happy she could see past all that. For all our jokes and bickering, we loved each other. And as the big brother, I was the first to tease my brother and sister, but I was also the first one to come to their defense.

“Was your yearlong micro retirement all you hoped it would be?”

My grip on her shoulder tensed. “Yeah, when I decided to take time off I wasn’t sure what I was going to do with my days. But somehow, I managed to stay busy. Plus, I wasn’t completely MIA from Virtual Labs. I still checked emails and chimed in when needed. I was just less available.”

“Are you ready to go back?”

I shifted my position so she couldn’t hear my heartbeat accelerate. “Yep, I have a ton of gaming app ideas and hope to hit the ground running when I return.”

“Is it harder overseeing a company from out of state?”

What was with all the questions? We barely ever talked about my job and now Belen seemed interested in every minute detail. But maybe this was a blessing in disguise. Another opportunity to break the news to Belen. “It can be. Not everything can be handled remotely.”

Belen let out a yawn. “So you’ll have to travel some?”

“Yes, I’ve racked up a ton of sky miles. I’m always catching a flight.”

“What are you like as a boss?”

“You are just full of questions, tonight.”

“There’s just this whole piece of your life I don’t know about. I’m just trying to get up to speed.”

“Yeah I think you should I’ve been meaning to talk to you about upcoming job commitments.”

“It’ll be weird not seeing you at the mall every day. But at least we have the evenings together.”

“You can always come and visit me at work?”

“Do you have an office in Minneapolis?”

“No—”

“Then why’d you pick that city to live in?”

“I like the snow.”

“Bullshit, no one likes the snow.”

“I do, it reminds me of home and it’s less expensive than other major cities.”

There was a knock on the door. “Come in.”

“Just checking on you. Are you all settled in for the night?” my mother asked.

“Yes, thank you.” Belen sat up in bed.

“Do you need another blanket?”

“No, we have plenty, Mom. Thank you.”

“Is Celeste all settled?”

Belen nodded. “Yes. When I checked on her she was already fast asleep. Probably exhausted from the excitement of the day.”

“Alright then, goodnight. See you both in the morning.” My mom closed the door, her footsteps padding to the next room to check in on Rayna.

“That was thoughtful.”

“It’s the Canadian in us. We like to make sure our guests are comfortable.”

“It’s sweet. It’s like being in a cozy bed and breakfast.”

“Don’t let my mother hear you say that. She hates the word cozy.”

“Why, this place is kind of the definition of quaint and cozy.”

“It triggers her.”

“Noted.”

I played with the straps of Belen’s tank top. “What about you? Are you exhausted?”

“What did you have in mind?”

“Awkward sex in my childhood bedroom.” My hands were already feeling for her thigh underneath the covers.

“Are you sure? Your parents are right across the hall.”

“My parents don’t care about that type of stuff.” I removed her top before rolling my tongue over her breast and nipples. My hands fumbled with her shorts and panties until her brown skin was bare.

“Hurry,” she whispered, splayed out on my bed like a goddess on an altar.

I sank into her warm and wet center, our bodies intertwined as I did my best to keep the lustful moans at bay. As we worked up a rhythm the bed squeaked louder than that Ying Yang Twins song.

Slowing the pace, I planted my face in the crook of her neck so only she could hear. “I’m so happy you came with me.” Belen kissed the side of my face. I plunged deeper, groaning louder than intended. “How is it possible for you to be this wet?” My thrust grew more intense.

“It’s all because of you.”

My bed squealed with each stroke, but I pressed forward. The sound an old bed made when two people were fucking was uncanny. It was easy to clock because the springs whined in a way that was different from someone rolling over in bed. While Belen softly begged for me to fuck her, the full-sized bed settled into a series of creaks and cracks. I sucked on Belen’s collarbone, ready to come but waiting for her.

Matthew, whose bedroom shared a wall with mine, banged on the wall screaming, “Yo, are y’all having sex in there?”

My stiff dick that had been practically ready to bust reverted from the Hulk back to Bruce Banner. Defeated, I rested my head in between Belen’s chest and whispered, “I’m sorry.” Pulling out, I collapsed next to her. Sex in your parents’ house was always better in theory than in real-world implementation.

“It’s fine.” Belen kissed my cheek, trying to massage my bruised ego.

I was an only child for four years. Four glorious years and then Matthew came along and I haven’t known peace since. “When he falls asleep, let’s fill a bucket with snow and dump it on his head.”

“Yes.” Belen’s smile was wickedly delicious.