Fairytales & Lullabies

Kris led the group up the front steps of the porch. His parent’s house was small on the outside and had plenty of landscaping around the structure that was still prominent with all the snow. His mom opened the door and immediately pulled him into a hug and kissed his cheeks. They talked in rapid French and I caught very little. It was times like these that I regretted taking Spanish in high school.

She opened the door father, allowing us to walk in. She hugged Marc and Max as they came in. When it came to me she just smiled and looked at Kris. He said something in French and my name. Her face immediately brightened and pulled ms into the biggest hug of my life. "It’s nice to meet you Mrs. Letang."

Kris leaned towards me and in a low voice said "She doesn't speak any English. She’ll just smile and nod along. But I can tell she likes you."

The house was warm and inviting. I could smell several types of food and desserts. The radio was on playing carols that I recognized. It was a small house, but his parents didn’t care. They looked happy just to have their son back for a few days.

Kris grabbed my bag for me and led me up a flight of stairs. He opened the first door on his right and I walked into a part of his past. There were posters of former Montreal Canadians hanging above his bed. Trophies and medals covered the shelves with pictures of teammates. There were a few pictures of Kris when he was younger playing hockey.

I unzipped my bag to reveal several wrapped gifts, "Does your mom have a tree set up?"

He nodded, "It's downstairs in the living room." I grabbed my large my pile of gifts and struggled getting them out the door. Kris grabbed a few from me and led the way to the living room. "Who are these all for?"

"You, Marc, Max, and I got your parents something. I have more for some of the other guys, but I left them in Pittsburgh." I put down all the gifts and arranged them under the tree. Everyone came and joined us a few minutes later.

We passed around presents and just enjoyed each others presence. I had gotten Marc and Max some video games they had been talking about and got Kris some movies he had wanted to see. Marc and Max combined their efforts together to get me a spa day with Vero that I was looking forward to.

I watched as Kris and his mom interacted. They spoke rapidly in French. Kris was a momma’s boy and I had no problem with that. “You better start learning French soon ma chérie.” Max held out a book for me. French For Dummies. Of course. “Although Canadians have some different slang, it’s basically the same.”

I gave Max a hug, “Thank you. I really need to start learning, but it may be difficult with the little free time I have.”

He shrugged. “I’d say you have a while to learn. I think he’s going to keep you around for quite some time.” Max’s gaze shifted over to Kris who was still talking with his mom.

I blushed, “Thanks again.” He brushed it off and went back over to Flower and Kris’ step dad.

Kris waited for everyone else to go to bed before giving me his gift. “You didn’t have to get me anything.”

“I wanted to. Besides, you got me something.” He pulled a small box from his pocket that I opened. Inside was a beautiful charm bracelet with a heart hanging from it.

I held back the tears and pulled him into a hug. "Thank you. It's beautiful."

"I was hoping you'd like it." Kris was careful as he put it on my wrist. He kissed me before standing up. "We should go to bed."

I agreed and got ready for bed. I pulled back the sheets of the bed when I realized Kris was still downstairs. I walked down quietly, being careful of the steps that might make noise when I stepped on them. Kris was wrapped in a blanket on the couch with his eyes closed. "Kris?" I whispered. His head turned towards me. "What are you doing down here?"

He sat up, "My mom wants us to stay in separate beds. She said she didn't need anything going on in her house." We both blushed.

"But you have a game in a few days." I moved to sit next him on the couch.

"That’s why Flower got the guest room; he needs the rest. And Max has the pull out in the basement." He shrugged like it was no big deal.

"Take my bed." He looked at me and laughed, "What?"

"We aren't fighting about this again. I will not have you sleep on this couch alone." I crossed my arms over my chest.

"Alright," I smirked at him. "You either take the bed upstairs or you're sharing this couch tonight." I squealed in surprise when Kris grabbed me around the waist and pulled us down so we were lying on the couch.

"I guess you're just going to have to stay right here tonight." I felt the smile on his face as he kissed my shoulder. I didn't take me long to fall asleep with Kris' arms around me.