Chapter 16

12/25/2056

Justin woke up earlier than everyone else and took a hot shower. He made sure that there was enough hot water for Chad. He dressed in a light blue sweatshirt and gray sweatpants. When Justin peeked out the window, he noticed that the ground was covered with snow. He grabbed his medications and headed into the kitchen. He grabbed two slices of white bread and put them in the toaster. He then took the container of butter from the fridge and sat it on the counter. As the bread toasted, Justin poured himself a glass of orange juice. As soon as he grabbed his breakfast and sat down at the dining room table, the kitchen door opened.

Chad walked in wearing only his pajama bottoms. He opened the fridge and grabbed an apple from the crisper.

"Merry Christmas," Chad said, smiling as he sat down beside Justin. With his mouth full of food, he nodded his head. Swallowing his food, Justin said, "Merry Christmas," with a big grin.

"So, where is my present?" Chad asked.

"It'll be here," Justin said. "So, where is mine?" he asked.

"You'll have to wait until we open the presents," Chad said.

Selene and Nicole walked into the dining room a few moments later. "Hello, boys," Selene said.

"Merry Christmas," Nicole said.

"Merry Christmas," the boys said in unison.

"Don't eat too much right now," Nicole said. "We're having a big dinner," she said.

"Let's start fixing the ham," Selene said.

"Can I help?" Chad asked. "I'd like to learn how to cook," he said.

"Sure," she said, nodding her head.

Justin stood up when he heard a knock on the front door. "I'll get it," he said. He turned around and headed to the door.

"Hi there," Justin said, seeing the person who had Chad's present. "Thanks for bringing it," he said, stepping aside to let the delivery person inside.

"Who's at the door?" Chad asked, rounding the corner.

"Don't come in yet!" Justin yelled. He turned back to the man and whispered, "Sorry, he doesn't know." The man nodded and brought the items inside.

Justin thanked the man and took everything into the living room. He made sure that Chad's present was in a corner of the room, out of sight.

"Sorry for yelling," Justin said, entering the dining room. "I didn't want your surprise ruined," he said.

"No harm done," Chad said, smiling at him.

"No opening gifts until our guest arrives," Nicole said.

"Who's coming over?" Justin asked.

"Captain Daiki," she said. Justin's eyes lit up, and a big grin crossed his face.

"Daiki is coming?!" he said, excitedly. "When is he coming?" he asked.

"He should be arriving around noon," Nicole said.

Christmas music played in the living room, and the four of them were watching movies when a knock was heard. Nicole stood up and headed to the door.

"Justin, someone is here to see you," his mother said. Justin stood up and headed down the hallway.

"Hello, little prince," Daiki said, standing in the entryway.

"Daiki," Justin said gleefully. "I'm so happy to see you," he said.

"I made smoked salmon and cranberry sauce for our meal," he said.

"Thank you," Selene said, following him into the kitchen.

Everyone gathered around the table. The food was placed in a row on the counter.

"The salmon looks delicious," Justin said.

"Better grab some before it disappears," Chad said. Justin laughed as he stood up and walked over to the food. He grabbed a plateful of ham, salmon, cranberry sauce, and berries. Chad filled his plate next, then the others filled theirs.

"If I eat any more, I think I'll burst," Justin said, leaning against the couch and rubbing his full stomach.

The others couldn't resist chuckling at his remark. "Let's start opening presents," Selene said, stepping up to the tree and grabbing the gifts she bought. "This is for the both of you," she said, giving Chad and Justin an envelope. They opened it and found keys and ownership documents for a house and a car.

"Thanks, Nanna," Justin said, hugging her. Selene turned to Nicole and said, "For your present, I'd like you to stay here with me." "This house will be quiet when the boys leave," she said.

"I'd be glad to," Nicole said.

Chad rose from the couch next and headed to the tree. "I wasn't sure what to get you, so I got a card for both of you," he said, handing it to the two women. He left the room and returned with a small box in his hand. "Justin, this is for you, but I need to ask you something first," he said. Opening the box, Chad asked, "Justin Musa, will you do me the honor of being my boyfriend?" Tears streamed down Justin's cheeks when he saw the personalized necklace.

"Yes," he said, smiling big and wrapping his arms around Chad's neck. They shared a tender kiss. Chad clasped the necklace around Justin's neck and said, "I love you,"

Justin was the last to stand up and go over to the tree. "This is for you," he said, handing Selene a silver star ornament.

"Thank you, I love it," she said, hanging it on the tree. Justin stepped up to his mother and said, "I'm sorry for not getting you anything,"

"Seeing you happy and having someone who cares deeply for you is good enough," she said. "And you," Nicole said, facing Chad. "Be sure that my son is happy, healthy, and always feels loved," she said.

"I will, ma'am," Chad said.

Justin walked over to the tree and scooped up a large box. "This is part one of your surprise," he said, handing the box to Chad. Chad unwrapped the box, and his eyes grew wide when he saw what it was.

"I love it," he said, glancing over the contents. "Now I can paint," he said.

"Not without this," Justin said, bringing out an easel.

"I could kiss you," Chad said.

"What's stopping you?" he asked. Chad stood up and kissed Justin on the lips. Justin smiled and returned the kiss.