December was upon us, snow covered by a chill enough to bring about the color in ones cheeks. At least, that was the case for Christine and I, flushed by the cold. We hurried to carry ourselves from the recently 'parked', realistically stuck, car and into the welcoming warmth of her parents place. I couldn't help but to notice that her sister's car was just further down the street. It had been months since I had last seen Steph, in an almost familial way I found myself reflecting on how cheery it would be to see her.
"Fuck, is it ever cold! They better be listening for the door," Christine yammered in an agitated state of chill as we waited on the door step.
She had every reason to be bothered. The cold was, to say at the least, unsettling. It was sharp even for the winters we were regularly accustomed to in these parts.
The group residing within the, by comparison, toasty walls could be heard conversing only muffled from outside. It was following Christine's exclamation of frozen extremities, and the several rings on the doorbell which proceeded, that we heard reciprocated tones of exclamation and excitement regarding our arrival growing all the clearer as her mother approached.
The frustration was visibly building on Christine's face as she continued to stand outdoors, in this all-too-frozen-abyss. She inched closer into me, despite her being as close as one could get, desperately seeking further warmth. She extended her free arm, rapping against the door, grumbling, "Are you fucking serious? Open this fucking door." A light trickle began to maneuver its way from her left nostril approaching the top of her lip, freezing in the process.
I gave a chilled laugh that appeared to have frozen right before our eyes before leaning down and kissing Christine atop her toque covered head saying, "Play nice, but I agree, it's about damn time."
It was then the door swung open, the warmth hitting us immediately. Her mother, Candice, invitingly beckoned us in.
"Brrr, it's too fucking cold out there! Get in, get in, and close this door!" Candice quipped as we entered her face ablaze with the most sincere of smiles. I had always found it humorous how openly Candice engaged in the use of such foul language, it was a running joke on their side of the family that Christine had a 'truckers mouth', but Candice swore all the more frequently.
"How was the drive? The roads didn't give you too much trouble I hope," Candice began asking as we eagerly removed ourselves from the daunting layer of so-called winter wear.
"Knowing those two the roads were given more trouble than they ever could of hoped to have dished out," chimed Christine's step father Will as he made his way around the corner, Steph on his tail.
Grinning across the board, free from our burden of outerwear, we all exchanged greetings and pleasantries. I watched as Christine and Steph embraced one another for the first time in months, it truly kindled feelings of Christmas season. I couldn't help but admire just how different the two were as far as appearance was concerned, never mind their personalities.
Christine, my girlfriend, at twenty was slim with a slightly less then athletic frame. Her dark brown hair was cut just past shoulder length. In simplest terms, she was a sight to behold. I smirked to myself as I thought of how much I adored her pert firm breasts, which fit my hands like a glove.
On the other hand, Steph stood a couple inches taller than her younger sister. At twenty two I couldn't believe she was still single, her hair had been dyed to a color I could best describe as a hazel-ish maroon. Like her sister her frame was slim and approached athletic, I couldn't help but wonder how her slightly smaller breasts looked unsheathed.
It was then their hug ended and Steph made her way towards me, arms spread wide.
"I'm so glad you both could make it, I mean it's about time you were here for the holidays, seeing as how you're practically family," Steph teased as we embraced, this elicited a chorus of chuckling from the rest of the family as they all had come to accept that I was here to stay.
"We were just in the kitchen. We've been nursing down some festive ciders and the like. What can I get you two?" Candice inquired as she directed our wee ensemble back towards the kitchen, linked arm to arm with Christine. As we all turned to move to the next room, I stood back allowing Steph to gain a couple steps on me, I had always fondly admired her firm peach shaped bottom, which was currently adorned in a pair of leggings. I love a lady in leggings.
"I could go for some wine, do you have any out?" Christine began. She had clearly recovered from the harsh weather conditions of only a moment ago.
"I'm not sure that merits so much as a response, of course we have wine on the go," replied Will in his always readily sarcastic tone.
In this way much of the evening was spent, assembled in the kitchen or seated in the adjoining living room aside the fire in the presence of their carefully adorned tree. Casually drinks were started and finished, from initial sip to the emptying of container. We spent the evening charmingly conversing and reminiscing, catching up with those we whom we failed to see often enough.
Will and Candice made sure to take extra care each year in decorating their amiable abode in the most comforting of holiday decorations. I was currently admiring their attention to detail and handy work while lazily sipping away at what was the last of my final beverage that evening.
"I've got to say, I'm blown away by how contagiously cheery your decorating is, well done." Corresponding forms of agreement were offered in unison by both daughters as the home owners reciprocated with their thanks.
Christine, nestled into my side, head resting on my lap, lying along the couch offered up a yawn. This spurred Steph to yawn additionally, Steph being nestled into Christine's side on the same couch.
"I hate to be a party pooper, but I'm about to pass out here," Christine exhumed, "I know I'd asked earlier but I don't think a clear answer was given. Where are we to set up shop for the evening?"
"Oh, that's right, we did get carried away, didn't we," Candice thought aloud. "Tonight the two of you have the spare room to yourselves. Steph will be out here on the couch. But tomorrow, as Will's brother will be arriving, the three of you will have to share the spare room."