Four Hundred Seventy Two

Four Hundred Seventy Two
"That is a good idea! Maybe I can get her some books and bookmarks for Christmas to go on her self, and maybe a sketchbook and pencils. She's never had decent pencils for class".
"There you go. Something she will like and something meaningful". I kiss the tip of her nose.
"I can thrift the books and throw in some new ones, too", she sighs.
"Okay"...
"And she will need a stocking and Christmas pjs like ours. I just want her to feel included y'know"?
"You are really adorable", I smile.
"I just want her to feel at home here".
"It will take some time, Alicia. I'm sure she will eventually. I just... don't want you to be upset if she's hesitant".
"I know. I still have to get a stocking for the cat", she laughs.

We head to the living room and she pulls the curtains closed.
"We don't have any gifts under the tree"! She frowns.
"It's not Christmas yet".
"I know... it just doesnt feel like Christmas".
"You've been sick, and before that, You were teaching two classes... the kids... the gallery... Me with the restaurant, and the second spot. We haven't had time".
"See this is what I mean, Jonathan! We never have time anymore".
"We already agreed that we were gonna make time remember? No work shit when we are home".
"Yeah, I know, but like you said, we have too many responsibilities".
"Teresa is helping you by teaching your classes until you get well".
"But January is gonna be so hectic".
"We will just tackle one thing at a time, and let's make a deal".
"A deal? Hmmmm. Am I gonna like this deal"?
"You might".
"Ok, What do you propose"?
"Come Spring... let's say April 25th to be exact. We will find a way to delegate some of our shit".
"What do you mean"?
"That will put your gallery being open 90 days. By then, You should be able to let Irene and Jameson handle everything, and you can just focus on being an owner.
I will do the same with the restaurants".
"But Jameson and Jeanette are expecting"...
"Well we also have Teresa, honey".
"And I'm sure John is gonna propose to her".
"Then we find a another person we trust to help, and we will make more time for our family. Deal"?
"Deal"!
I grab Alicia's pinky finger with mine and we make a swear.

Cecily comes downstairs holding a stuffed bunny rabbit.
"How was your bath"? Alicia asks.
"It was great. I can't remember the last time I had an actual soak in a tub. Thanks for the bath bomb".
"You're quite welcome".
"Are you all unpacked"? I ask.
"Yeah I am. I just finished putting the comforter and sheets on the bed".
"Oh! Cecily! I could have done that for you"?
"No. I had it, Alicia".
"If you don't like the color we can definitely pick up a new bedding set".
"Gray is cool. I like gray. It's my favorite color".
"Really"? I ask.
"Yeah. I love light gray and dark gray".
"Well I think that is a perfect color scheme for your room. Maybe we can get some fuzzy pillows".
I" don't need anything extravagant, Alicia. The room is perfect, and if I want to add more, I can order from 'Five Below'. They have cute room stuff".
She sits on the love seat and timidly looks around the room.
"Are you tired"? I ask.
"I'm too wound up, but I didnt realize how late it's getting".
"Well, You've had a long day. Are you hungry? You haven't had any dinner have you"?
"No... I was too busy with packing up and coming here. I had a hot dog".
"I can make you something? Or feel free to grab whatever you like".
"Are you sure it's okay"?
"Of course". She heads to the kitchen and looks in the fridge. "Is it okay if I grab a can of cherry coke"?
"Of course"! Alicia nods.
"You have cheesecake. Can I have a slice"?
"Cecily, anything in the fridge is now yours too".
"Why don't you sit down and relax and I will get it for you", Alicia nods.
"I can"....
"I know you can... but please just relax. Trust me. It's rare having a quiet evening here without kids. Enjoy it", she laughs.
"I think I will have a slice too, Jonathan"?
"Sure".
Alicia pulls out three paper plates and sets the cheesecake on the kitchen table. She grabs three forks and three cans of cherry coke.
She hands each of us a napkin.
"Your stuffed bunny"? she asks. "What's her name"?
Cecily smiles. "Flopsy. I take her everywhere. She was my first stuffed animal. My mom gave her to me. Flopsy is my best friend", she laughs.
"Well... Flopsy. Nice to meet you. And welcome home".

It's a beautiful sunny Sunday morning and I feel quite well rested. I climb out of bed and quietly make my way to the bathroom and head for the shower.
I am in a happy mood. I have a lot to do today. The first is the delivery of clothes we ordered for Cecily. Also, Estella and Dominic are coming home this evening. Jonathan and Kenny are heading out in a few hours to pick up the bookcase for Cecily's room.
Since it is Sunday, I thought it would be kinda cool if we had a nice Sunday dinner with the kids, and then maybe head out to look at Christmas lights.

I rinse the shampoo from my hair and close my eyes as I immerse myself under the hot water and breathe in the wonderful smell of cedarwood from Jonathan's body wash.
I'm so lost in my thoughts that I let out a yelp when I feel a pair of arms around my waist.
"You scared the fuck out of me"!
"I am sorry, baby".
Jonathan kisses my neck from behind and runs his hands over my body.
"I rolled over and you weren't in bed".
He draws my ear lobe into his mouth as his hands cup my breasts.
He slides one hand down my stomach and then rubs and rolls my clit in between his fingers.
"I want you so fucking bad, Alicia. I need you".
Jonathan licks and nibbles behind my ear and slides a finger inside of me.
"I need you too. I will always need you".
I spin around ashe backs me against the tile. He grabs my face in his hands and tangles his fingers in my hair.
"Sometimes I wonder if there's something wrong with me. This isn't normal. Wanting and needing someone so much all of the time"... He rests his head against mine and stares into my eyes.
"It's like I'm addicted to you".
"And that bothers you"?
"No. Thats the problem. It should bother me but it doesn't". He kisses me and my insides are on fire.