Christmas
Eve
Nadia had awoken early that day with morning sickness. She should have expected it considering what happened the night before. She wanted someone to talk to, and the only person in the entire house that she wasn’t pissed at was Jack. Nadia slipped out of her door and walked down the hall. She crept in Jack’s room to find her also awake.
“Morning,” Jack whispered.
“Morning,” Nadia replied as she lay down on the bed beside her. “Why are you up so early?”
“Thinking, and you?”
“Morning sickness.”
“Oh, that sucks,” Jack said as her eyes kept staring up at the ceiling.
“Why isn’t Darren here?” Nadia asked noticing how empty the bed was.
“I kicked him out last night after seeing his true colors. I guess he wasn’t any different from Seth and all the other guys I dated,” Jack replied, her heart sinking as she sigh deeply.
“What was that for?” Nadia questioned, noticing her deep breath.
“What was what for?” Jack innocently replied.
“That sigh. I know you’re thinking about something.”
Jack turned to her and reluctantly answered, “I was kinda hoping that Darren really wouldn’t turn out like the others. There was some hope. Last night, just before everything happened, he told me that he loved me. Then he gave me this beautiful kiss that only proved he meant it. I was so ready to pour my heart out to him, but he kissed me again, then one thing led to another, and boom, we were doing the horizontal mambo again.”
“Again?” Nadia asked, surprised.
“Yeah,” Jack blushed. “We sorta did it in the bathtub before moving into the bed.”
“Why don’t you ever tell me these things!” Nadia laughed as she playfully punched Jack in the arm. “So, what’s Darren like in bed?”
“Nadia!” Jack retorted.
“Oh, come on, tell me, please,” Nadia begged.
Jack finally gave in. “Even though I don’t have any other experiences to compare him to, I’d have to say he was a god. The first time was incredible. I have to admit, I was scared, but he was so gentle and sensitive with my body that it made the experience even more memorable. And his kisses are absolutely sinful. He starts off with brushing his lips against mine so softly and tenderly that I get the biggest chill up my spine. Then he runs his fingers through my hair as his lips brush up against my neck or ears. That’s what really gives me goose bumps. When he goes deeper, it gets even more fun.”
“Enough!” Nadia giggled. “I understand, he’s a god. But sizewise, how does he measure up?”
“Okay, that’s where I draw the line,” Jack answered.
“Is it small, medium, large, or extra large?” Nadia persisted.
Reluctantly, Jack said, “Extra large.”
“Cha-CHING!” Nadia exclaimed.
Jack laughed. “You and your libido.”
“Okay, okay, enough joking around. Why don’t you two kiss and make up?” Nadia seriously asked.
“I thought I already told you. He’s exactly the same as all the others.”
“ Jack, listen to me. I’ve seen Darren around you. He cares about you so much. Remember yesterday when we found you unconscious on the floor? I swear to you, he was ready to burst into tears because he was so afraid of losing you. Tell me, has any other guy ever cried over losing you?”
“Well, no,” Jack answered, beginning to feel guilty.
“Don’t let what happened last night run your relationship into the ground,” Nadia said.
“But look what he did to you and Dan. You guys were getting along so well and he completely screwed it up for you guys,” Jack counteracted.
“I know Dan and I are not meant to be, so it’s okay. But you two are so perfect for each other. You need each other. Jack, whatever you do, don’t let go of him. He’s the best thing that’s ever happened to you, and it shows. You used to be so out of your relationships. You never showed the affection that you’re showing now,” Nadia recalled. “I like how you’ve changed. You’ve even inspired me to change. And this might come as a shock to you, but I wanna say I’m sorry for all the shit I’ve ever done to you and I hope you can forgive me.”
Jack gave Nadia a hug and said, “I forgive you. I’m also sorry for being such a bitch.” They held their embrace until the door creaked open.
Dan shyly poked his head into the room and asked, “Nadia, can I talk to you?”
“Sure,” she replied with a warm smile. Nadia turned to Jack and said, “Remember what I told you.”
“I will,” Jack replied as she watched her leave the room. She began looking up at the ceiling again wondering what to do next.
In the room beside hers, Darren was also awake and looking out the window. He never felt so bad in his entire life. He heard the conversation Jack and Nadia were having and realized how big of a mistake he had made the night before. There had to be some way to prove that he wasn’t from the same pond scum Jack was used to. Darren thought for a long time before finally deciding on a plan of action. He got out of bed, dressed, and headed out the door.
Down the hall, Nadia and Dan were softly apologizing to each other. They were in a tight embrace when Darren walked by and descended the staircase. He picked his car keys out of the dish and left the house.