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peonierose · 10 months

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Losing Game

Part 1 / 4

Book: Open Heart

Pairing: Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Rating: Mature / Angst

TW: Mental health

Words: 1,000+

Summary: Bryce visits his dad in prison. How will that go? Will they reunite or will they stay apart forever?

A/N: Please note that this is a very personal story. One I wasn't sure I’d ever post. A huge thank you to @ofmischiefandmedicine-deactivat Linds you were a huge help with this story, it’s sad you’re no longer on tumblr but I’m thankful for your help more than I can say 💚 @annieruok94 and @doriopenheart Thank you for cheering me on with this story it truly means the world to me 🧡💚🩵🩷

Sidenote: Here’s some music to listen to for Part 1 🥰

Part 1

Bryce

I wake up not having slept at all. Tossing and turning in bed all night.

It’s my one day off in the whole week. I talked to the chief to get this day off. When she asked me why I just said personal reasons. Not wanting to say more.

I lie in bed and when I turn around I see Lunes is still fast asleep. I push the blue comforter aside and slowly get up to not wake her.

She stirs and I hold my breath but then she sighs, turns around, and keeps on sleeping.

I get dressed and take my surfboard and head down to the beach.

Needing to get my head around how I’m going to feel about seeing my dad after all these years.

Did he miss me? Did he ever ask about me? It feels weird and scary as all get out. It’s as if I don’t even know him. Or at least not the part where he committed a crime.

I don’t like to talk about what my parents did. How many people they hurt with their actions. I sometimes wish I could erase that part. But if I did? I would’ve never met Lunes, and I would’ve never made such awesome friends at Edenbrook.

I sigh. I put my surfboard into the sand and just sat there on the sand, ankles crossed. Digging my toes into the sand.

Not really seeing anyone.

There are just a couple of people around the beach at 5.30 in the morning.

I close my eyes briefly. Just focusing on my breathing.

Hearing seagulls make their morning calls, smelling the sea, almost tasting the salty air and the rich flowery scent. Engulfing me in a sweet embrace.

When I reopen my eyes I can see a bit clearer. I get up, dust off the sand from my shorts, and get into the water.

When I sit on my surfboard and feel the water on my hands I feel more at peace than anywhere else in the world.

Everything fades into the background when I’m in the water. It’s just me and the sea.

I get up and catch a wave just riding it out. I do it a couple of times until I feel I’m ready to face Luna. Look into her eyes and lie to her. I hate not telling her. We tell each other everything. But I guess a part of me is just scared to talk about my past with Luna.

When I get out of the water, I shake off the remaining water out of my hair.

It could use a trim. I haven’t even noticed that it's gotten longer.

I get my surfboard and walk the short distance home. When I get to our beautiful home I just take in the view as I lean the surfboard against the wall of the house and take a shower outside.

Leaning one hand on the wall of the shower for strength.

Water dripped from my hair, past my shoulders. And I watch as the water disappears into the drain.

When the water turns cold I turn the shower off, grab a towel and walk inside.

I see Lunes is up making breakfast. Being her cheerful self. I smile softly.

She’s alone in the kitchen which means Keiki must be still asleep since it’s a Saturday. She’ll probably meet with her study group later.

Lunes looks up.

”Looks like someone was up early,“ she smiles while drinking her chamomile tea with some brown sugar.

”What no coffee?“ I tease her.

She points a finger at me.

”You know damn well I can’t drink coffee. Now you’re just rubbing it in,“ she says, sipping her tea slowly.

I grin and turn towards the coffee machine and my chipper smile fades away. Now that my back is turned I don’t have to smile. I don’t have to pretend to be cheery when I’m not.

My reflection in the toaster stares back at me. My brown eyes, usually so bright and vibrant, seem tired and worn out.

I sigh quietly and pour some coffee into my favorite mug I got from Lunes and Keiki.

”Hot as fuck surgeon“ Making me smile as I put two teaspoons of sugar inside and stir it. The spoon clinks against the porcelain.

Making the sound echo louder in the kitchen than I thought it would. I turn around as I blow over my coffee, to not burn my tongue.

I can hear Lunes talk about some art piece of a student she has to assess but she doesn’t want to give him too good of a grade, but she also doesn’t want to give him a bad one. So naturally, she feels torn.

I listen with half an ear and sip from my coffee.

”Then I think I’ll try out my new sex toy.“

Luna's words get me out of my haze.

I look up and grin.

”Please I want in,“ I say, a bit too enthusiastic.

She grunts.

”What is it about guys getting excited about sex toys,“ she says and gets out some fruit loops from the cupboard.

I watch her but don’t say anything about her eating too much sugar. What’s the point? She’ll eat it anyway. Though I have to grin because her stubbornness is hot as hell.

”Trust me if you were in my shoes you’d find it hot too,“ I say, grabbing a banana from the fruit basket.

She rolls her eyes.

”As if. That’s like asking if I get turned on by you using sex toys,“ she says angrily shoving fruit loops into her mouth.

”And do you?“ I ask, wanting to know if she’d be turned on by it.

But I just want to escape this conversation. Luna sees everything.

It’s why our relationship works so well. Because we talk about everything and anything. We’re each others safe haven.

At least until I decided not to tell her where I’m going today. It’s hard to smile every day when you don’t feel like it.

I look down at my coffee as if it holds all the answers I need.

Luna laughs and I look up.

”I mean yeah sure,“ she’s thinking about it and I just sip my coffee and shake my head smirking.

We finish our breakfast in silence. Each of us hangs on to our own thoughts.

I put the dishes in the dishwasher. Luna gave me her bowl and her spoon and I put both in.

”Wanna watch a movie?“ She asks hugging me.

The perfect distraction before I have to see my dad.

My posture stiffens at that.

She notices my stiffness.

”Uhh or how about a massage? I bought these essential oils. Lavender scented,“ she says, wiggling her eyebrows.

”Admit it. You just want to get your hands on me,“ I say.

She laughs.

”That is very true. Come on, we'll have some fun. Forget the movie. Getting you naked is way more fun than a movie,“ she says and drags me to our bedroom.

A massage sounds really good.

Hopefully, it’ll ease the tension in my shoulders.

Two hours later…

Who knew I’d be this scared? Well, terrified is more like it.

I blow out a breath and hate myself for hiding this from Luna.

We don’t keep secrets. And it’s not for a lack of trust. It’s just I wanted to do this on my own. I know she would’ve come along and supported me if I asked her.

She’s the kindest, most supportive person I’ve ever met. Who gives selflessly without expecting anything in return. I’m fucking lucky to have her.

My heart squeezes when I think of not having her here by my side. To lean on. To draw strength from.

But I wanted to get a feel for the whole situation first. Keiki doesn’t know either.

I stare ahead at the Halawa Correctional Facility. I learned that they put Dad here instead of Maui, fearing someone could attack him in prison there.

The sun is cruelly beating down on me as I’m sitting in my car sweating just thinking of going inside.

I push the hair that’s gotten slightly longer out of my face, get out of the car, and enter the building.

When I’m inside I get patted down and have to answer a bunch of questions. I go through the motions like a robot. Like an outside-of-a-body experience. As if it’s not happening to me. Rather someone else.

I get a visitor's badge, clip it to my jeans, and get directed to the visitor’s area.

When I enter the room I see an older man in an orange jumpsuit sitting at a table. All by himself. Hunched over and completely immersed in his meal.

I look at the guard and he points me to that exact table. I steel myself, gulp down my nausea, and walk in that direction.

When I sit down the man who looks so much like me looks up from his lunch which consists of some rice and beans with some chicken on the side.

His gaze looks gaunt and tired. As if the years haven’t been kind to him. I guess that’s what you get for robbing people of their money.

His brown eyes spark with recognition at seeing me.

”Hey Dad,“ I say, putting my hands on the table. Interlacing them.

He stops eating for a moment. To just look at me.

”Bryce. I didn’t expect to see you…“ he says the surprise clear in his voice.

I rub my neck to buy some time on what to say.

”I wasn’t sure if I would come but I…“ I say and bite my tongue.

He raises his eyebrows.

His former dark brown hair is now tinted with grey. Though it hasn’t lost its shine and wave.

”To what do I owe this honor of a visit from you then?“ He asks.

I sigh.

”Really? This is how it’s going to go? I knew I shouldn’t have come,“ I say about to get up.

His voice stops me in my tracks.

”I…please have a seat. I‘m sorry I didn’t mean it like that. I‘m happy you’re here to visit. Why didn’t you bring Keiki along?“ He asks, looking around as if my little sister will suddenly materialize out of thin air. Yeah right.

I sit back down and stare at him.

He’s a completely different guy. Gone is the arrogant smile. The vibrancy. All that is left is an empty shell of a guy.

I run my hand down my face. Already feeling completely exhausted.

”Keiki doesn’t know I’m here nor does Luna,“ I say and feel a knot form in my stomach. It feels like I’m betraying her trust. Both of their trust.

He looks confused.

”Who is Luna?“ He asks.

That’s right. He probably has no idea what’s been going on in my life. I feel like he stabbed me right in the heart.

Did mom not tell him when she visited? Did she even visit?

Should I have told him about Luna sooner? Maybe written him a letter? Would he have read my letter?

So many questions are circling inside my head. It’s giving me a headache. Maybe I can get some answers to my questions during my visit today.

I wet my dry lips. Wishing I’d had some water to sip from.

”Where to even begin?“ I ask myself.

He leans forward into his chair.

”We’ve got about 25 minutes until I have to go back into my cell. So maybe the speedy version would be good?“ He says a slow smile gracing his face and I can see traces of the dad I once knew. The one I grew up with.

Who took me to my first football game. Who let me throw my first party and wasn’t mad at all the party people and the pricey alcohol we consumed. Who bought me condoms and said just be safe son. I smile at that memory.

I’d like a chance to see that dad again someday. Without ghosts of the past haunting us.

”A lot has happened. I became a surgeon and finished my residency at Edenbrook Hospital in Boston. Moved back to Hawaii where I now live with my fiancé Luna,“ I smile as I talk about Luna.

My dad smiles.

”Tell me, is she good to you?“ he asks with laughter visible in his brown eyes.

I grin in turn.

”She’s the best dad. She’s an artist. She teaches at the University of Hawaii. We’re expecting soon so…“ I finish feeling my cheeks redden for some reason.

My dad has a proud expression on his face.

”I’m really happy for you son. After everything…“ He says.

”Why did you and mom do it, dad?“ I ask a question I’ve been looking for an answer to for a long time.

My dad leans back in his chair and seems to think hard about what to say.

”We did it for our family. We didn’t think we’d hurt anyone. After all, it was just money. Money some people had so much of, they didn’t know what to do with. So we took some of it for our own,“ he says.

”Dad. How could you think you wouldn’t hurt anyone? These people lost their money. Money that we spent. It was dirty money. Money we had no right to have,“ I say hissing trying to not let the past actions of my parents rob me of getting closure and finding some peace in knowing they regret what they did.

My dad nods.

”I know that now. But back then. I…We were selfish and only thought of ourselves, instead of thinking how many lives we would wreak havoc upon,“ he admits his voice gone hoarse as if he was holding back tears.

I have to gulp down some tears of my own. Trying to blink them away. Though some errand tears cover my eyelashes.

”Yeah you and mom screwed up dad. A lot. So many lives were ruined. Keiki and I went through hell in school. We became enemy number one overnight. I finished high school and got the hell out of there. But Keiks wasn’t so lucky. They attacked her on school grounds on her first day,“ I say still angry about that. My fists clench at the table. My teeth grind together.

”They what?“ He says, his voice gotten protective when I mentioned Keiki was attacked.

”Yeah. She told me,“ I say and I’m still angry about that.

He looks at me as if he can sense I’m still angry about it. I mean how couldn’t I be? But I’m trying to move forward. Holding grudges isn’t healthy. Lunes and I are building our life and our future together.

I know she’d love my parents to be in our children’s lives. To have two sets of grandparents for our twins and give them all the love they deserve.

I breathe out through my nose. Trying to reign in my emotions. I can fall apart later. When nobody is looking. This way I show a strong front. Without revealing anything.

”I know if I could go back in time…“ he starts his voice pleading.

”You can’t go back in time dad. There’s no time machine. All you can do now is try to earn back people's trust. Which is going to take some time.“

He stares at me and then looks away. Knowing it’s true.

I move on.

”How much longer have you got?“ I ask, wanting to know when he’s getting out.

It feels weird sitting here. Asking my dad all these questions. As If I’m getting to know him. Again.

After we’ve spent so much time apart. Not because we wanted to. It’s because the circumstances forced our hand.

He sighs as if he’s getting tired of hearing this question, and I bet he can’t wait to get out of prison.

”I’m getting out on parole. Five months and I’m a semi-free man again,“ he says longing in his voice.

His eyes gazed into space. As if he’s picturing getting out and feeling the sunshine on his face again.

I lean forward.

”That’s good to hear dad,“ I say and I’m about to open my mouth to say something when the guard indicates my visiting time is almost over. I nod and gesture for one more minute and he inclines his head.

”I’d like to meet Luna. She sounds nice,“ he looks at me and I can see tears glistening in his eyes.

I don’t answer him, because Luna doesn’t know I’m here today. And I don’t know how she’d feel visiting my father in prison. I feel shame about this part of my life. I haven’t done anything wrong. Though I still feel responsible.

I squeeze his shoulder and he puts his hand on my own for a brief second. I smile and walk towards the exit. Feeling tired. More exhausted than after a ten-hour surgery.

Getting into my car the first thing I do is cry. Where no one can see me. Crying for all the years we’ve been out of each other’s life. Because of one wrong decision. God. What a fucking mess.

I wipe away at my face and start the car, my hands shaking slightly. I sigh. Not again. I fucking hate it when my hands start to shake.

I just drove around for a while. When I sense I’m getting tired I turn towards the road to our house. When I arrived at the driveway I put the car in park and turned off the engine.

Just sitting there dreading going inside the house and facing a conversation with Lunes. She’d be the last person to judge me I know that. But I’m scared shitless.

I draw in a deep breath, gather my strength, and get outside the car.

Things will work out as they always do. I know they will.

#Losing Game #Part 1 / 4 #open heart #Bryce Lahela #Luna Auclair #cfws

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peonierose · 1 year

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Under the Mistletoe

Pairing: Bryce Lahela (M!MC) x Luna Auclair (F!OC)

Words: 2,274

Rating: General

Summary: Luna and Bryce spend some time with their friends Ethan and Hayley and the open heart gang in Boston.

A/N: I’ll be participating in the Holiday event for @choicesficwriterscreations as well as @choicesflashfics I used these prompts they’re going to appear in bold: “Have I told you how much I hate Christmas shopping?” / “You know, when you said ‘Christmas party,’ this isn’t what I was expecting.” / ”You’re lucky you’re cute.“

I used the prompt @choicesdecember2022 You & I

A few days earlier

Hayley

“Have I told you how much I hate Christmas shopping?” Ethan says carrying shopping bags.

I hope he won’t fall. I grin. It would be fun though. I could definitely steal a kiss in the snow.

”Come on grumpy face. Don’t leave me hanging. I want to get Luna something special. She and Bryce will only stay a couple of days before they go back to Hawaii, and I want this visit to feel special for them.“

I can see Ethan sigh.

”Alright, fine. But only because I like Luna.“ He smiles.

”You’re like her big brother, it’s so cute.“

I grin and together we walk through the snow, crunching under our soled boots. White air is coming out of our mouths like puffy clouds.

It’s a beautiful white Christmas in Boston. As Ethan and I go from store to store to find a nice gift for Luna. Bryce’s is already wrapped. But we’re still looking for something for Luna.

Ethan heard of this local artist who makes beautiful art pieces. From handmade jewelry to paintings, even little glass figurines.

There’s something for everyone.

We enter the shop and see a woman with dark toffee-colored curls held back by a purple headband standing in front of a sculpture.

She looks up when she sees us and smiles. Her big brown eyes sparkle with joy.

”I’ll be right with you. Just give me a second.“

Ethan and I nod and admire the craftsmanship she has on display.

I can see that Ethan is standing next to the jewelry cases.

”Something caught your eye?“

I ask him and he nods towards a moon necklace. I admire the pretty golden moon hanging on a dainty gold chain.

The artist just walks towards us as Ethan is about to ask a question.

The artist smiles at us.

”I’m Teresa. How can I help you?“

”We were interested in that necklace. You don’t do engravings by any chance, do you?“

Teresa nods.

”I do. I can do it by the end of the day. Would that work for you?“

Ethan and I nod.

”It’s for a friend of ours she’s expecting twins next year.“

”Oh wow that’s wonderful. I might have an idea in regards to the necklace.“

Ethan and I look at each other and just shrug. Then we nod at Teresa to go ahead.

”Why don’t you combine a silver and a gold moon necklace? That way you can write both names on separate necklaces.“

”That’s a wonderful idea.“ I nod enthusiastically.

”Alright, perfect. I’ll need the names of the twins and an address where I can deliver the present.“

We give Teresa the names.

”It’s Kehlani Mae and Alaia Rose.“

Teresa writes it down, we pay, and exit her shop. I look at Ethan and smile at him.

”This was the easiest Christmas purchase we ever made.“

We pass some Christmas carolers who sing jingle bells on the way to our apartment.

We need to get some last Christmas decorations done. Then later we’ll pick up Luna and Bryce from the airport.

I smile at Ethan. Snowflakes glisten in his dark hair.

It’s so beautiful to celebrate Christmas in Boston.

Luna

Ethan and Hayley picked us up from the airport. And we are on our way to their apartment.

Jenner nestled between us. I pet him and he leans into me.

Bryce just stares at me.

”Lunes kept asking if you guys will bring Jenner along. It’s like I don’t even exist anymore.“ He says and pouts like a three-year-old.

”Look at that Bryce got replaced by a dog. That’s truly precious.“ Ethan grins.

”Don’t worry B. We‘ll have plenty of snuggle time together.“

I grin and he smiles.

”Thank god I bought new earplugs. So go ahead and have fun.“

Ethan mutters.

”Aww Ethan, that's so cute of you.“

Hayley says and we all grin.

We arrive at Ethan and Hayley’s place and Ethan helps us with our suitcases. We rode the elevator to their place. As soon as they open the door we get greeted by our friends.

”Surprise.“

Bryce and I grin. Poor Ethan looks like he just got the scare of his life.

Sienna, Rafael, Elijah, Jackie, and Aurora stand there looking super festive in their ugly Christmas sweaters.

Ethan turns to Hayley as Bryce and I walk inside exchanging hugs and kisses.

“You know, when you said ‘Christmas party,’ this isn’t what I was expecting,” Ethan says.

Hayley smirks.

”I gave them a key. So that they could make this surprise happen.“

Ethan just nods.

We all laugh at that.

Four days later…

Bryce

It’s our last day in Boston before we have to fly back home to Hawaii tomorrow. It’s been a lot of fun. We’ve gone to the Christmas market, been in a snowball fight which I won fair and square. Had a competition for decorating gingerbread houses and made some snow angels.

Though the best part is right now. Spending time with our friends.

We’re all sitting, eating, and having a great time. With some festive Christmas music, Hayley put on.

The Christmas tree is decorated and glows. The presents have been put under the tree. It’s perfect.

Luna grins at me and points to her gingerbread man. The poor gingerbread man looks slightly disfigured as she’s dunking the gingerbread man in her hot cocoa, topped with whipped cream.

”Look at the drunk gingerbread man.“

”More like the gingerbread man enjoying his jacuzzi.“ I grin.

”Filled with cream.“

Everyone laughs.

”You guys are just weird.“ Jackie remarks.

Luna just grins at her while I pull her close.

”Are you ready to pop?“ Jackie asks.

Luna leans back in her chair.

”I still have 2 and a half months to go.“

Luna groans and looks at me while I’m enjoying some whiskey. Courtesy of Ethan getting out the good stuff.

��I had to pee five times last night because your kids decided to sit on my bladder last night.“

”Oh so they’re my kids now?“

Luna grins while I just smile and shake my head at her.

Jackie grins at Luna.

”You know that’s always something I liked about you, Luna. You don’t take Bryce’s bullshit. You serve it right up to him.“

”I have ovaries of steel. I wanted to say balls of steel, but that’ll offend Ethan’s poor sensibilities.“ She smirks and grins her blue-green eyes twinkling with mischief.

Ethan turns in Luna's direction.

”Excuse me?“ He exclaims while everyone else just laughs.

Luna smiles softly at Ethan.

”It’s okay for a man to be sensitive Ethan. We still love you. It doesn’t make you less of a man if you’re in tune with your emotions.“

Ethan stares at her and then just smiles and shakes his head at her.

Luna

Bryce and Ethan stand together talking, not realizing they‘re standing under a mistletoe.

I clear my throat and both guys look up.

Ethan raises an eyebrow. His blue eyes were eyeing me questioningly.

”Do you realize where you’re standing under?“

They both look up with horror.

”Dibs not it.“ Bryce says.

I grin, having the time of my life.

”Oh that won’t work here babe. Just give him a kiss.“

Everyone waits with bated breath.

”Why do I have to kiss him? Can’t he initiate the kiss? He’s the taller one.“

Bryce complains.

”I’m not letting you out of this one. You too Ramsey. Be a dear and give my very hot fiancé a kiss. It can be on the nose too. I won’t judge.“

Ethan just stares at her.

Bryce tries to back up.

”Dude no. Don’t listen to her. Don’t let her bully you into doing everything she tells you, just because she’s pregnant. Lu stop it.“

I laugh and wait for them to kiss.

Meanwhile, Ethan gives Bryce a kiss on his cheek. Thankfully Bryce hasn’t turned around. Otherwise, it would’ve been a kiss for the ages.

I capture the moment on my phone.

Bryce pouts, but soon he smiles again and tugs me towards him to give me a loud kiss.

”I can’t believe it. Your lips almost made contact with Ethan Ramsey.“

Bryce grins.

”Yeah. Yeah. Let’s go get some food and pretend this never happened.“

”Fat chance. I’ll be teasing you over this for a while.“

”Oh, shocker.“

I slap his ass.

Bryce looks shocked, but then he grins.

”You’re lucky you’re cute.“ B says while pulling me close. I grin and kiss him.

Bryce

Elijah and Aurora had to go because they were both on call. The hospital is short-staffed, and with other doctors being on vacation they volunteered to be on call if they were needed.

They both hugged me and Luna wishing us a merry Christmas.

So now it’s Ethan, Sienna, Hayley, Rafael, Luna, Jenner, and me.

We sat around the Christmas tree.

”Is it time to open presents? So freaking exciting.“ Lunes sits there looking super cute in her white cashmere dress and her hair pulled up in a bun.

Sienna grins looking eager to open some presents too.

”Anyone who says they don’t care about the presents is just lying.“ I comment earning a fist bump from Rafael.

Hayley grins.

”Trust me Hayley dragged me from store to store until we found the right gift.“

Hayley rolls her eyes.

”He’s lying through his teeth. He loved every second of it.“ Hayley grins.

I pick a dark green present and gently push it toward Ethan.

”You go first. Lunes and I both chose the present for you. Hope you’ll like it.“

Ethan eyes us as he gently opens the present.

”It’s nothing weird is it?“ He asks afraid, it’ll be some weird shit.

”It’s not sex toys. Just open it.“

”That makes me feel only slightly better.“ Ethan says.

He peels away the wrapping paper.

”Whiskey?“ He asks.

I grin.

”Read the label.“

He sighs but reads the label out loud.

”Only the best friends get promoted to godfather.“

He looks shocked and slightly uncomfortable by all the attention focused on him.

Sienna, Rafael, and Hayley lean closer to Ethan to read the label too.

Even Jenner leans into Ethan, thinking it might be treats for him. Sorry, buddy whiskey isn’t for dogs.

Sienna sniffles.

”That is so beautiful.“ She grabs a tissue.

”I don’t know what to say. I feel very honored. I’d love to be the twin's godfather.“

Ethan says and holds the whiskey bottle close. As if it’s his most prized possession.

”Thank you, I haven't expected this at all.“ He looks so touched as if he’s about to cry.

I smile and have tears in my eyes too. Luna leans into me and I snuggle her close.

Hayley clears her throat.

”I don’t know if we can top that. But Ethan and I got you two something.“

Hayley hands both of us a present.

I tear into mine and hold out two onesies.

When I see the onesies I smile.

One says ”If you think I’m good-looking you should see my dad“

The other says ”Best Daddy ever“

I look down and start to realize March is going to be here faster than we think. It’s all hitting me now. I’m going to be a dad in just 2 and half months. Holy shit.

That’s pretty scary, to be honest, but as I look around and see laughter and love in my friend's eyes and Luna who is so touched I know I can do this. Because I’m not alone.

Luna starts to cry and Sienna hands her the box of tissues. Luna takes one and daps at her eyes.

I am excited to see what Luna got from Ethan and Hayley.

She unwraps the present and sees a box that says Artemis. Must be some jewelry store.

She opens the box and gets out two necklaces.

One silver and one gold moon necklace. She stares at it and then gives it a closer look.

When she hands me the necklaces and starts to cry again I take a look.

The necklaces are engraved.

It’s the names we’ve chosen for the twins.

Kehlani Mae on the gold necklace and Alaia Rose on the silver necklace.

”We bought two pairs for both you and Bryce. In case you both wanted to wear them.“

Hayley says and hands me a golden-wrapped present too. I open it and find the same two necklaces as Luna does.

”Wow, guys. I don’t know what to say. You made this Christmas very special for both of us.“

Ethan and Hayley smile.

”Christmas lost its special side to me a long time ago … but you’ve brought some of that magic back.” Ethan says.

”Aww. We love you too Ethan.“ Luna says and hugs him. He endures it but smiles softly.

When Luna and Ethan break apart everyone else opens up their presents.

Sienna got some lush products she wanted. Hayley’s gift.

A red sweater for Sienna. A blue one for Hayley from Rafael.

Grinch socks for Ethan from me.

Luna and I got Sienna and Hayley matching bracelets with an engraved dolphin. They were both excited, to say the least.

Rafael got a colorful painting made by Luna with all the wonderful places in Brazil. So that he might miss his home less. He was very touched by the gesture.

On the next day, we hugged each other goodbye and boarded our flight back home to Honolulu.

All in all. We had a beautiful exchange of gifts. There were some tears and laughs, but we spent some wonderful days with our friends. Ones that we consider family.

#Under the Mistletoe #Bryce x Luna #open heart #cfws holidays 2022 #cfws

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