“I know what’s going through your mind right now. You just can’t wait can you?”
She looked at him with a face full of excitement and smiled as he reciprocated.
“Maybe we should make a quick stop at the grocery store. Mom would surely be happy to see us with a basket full of surprises.”
Dora said to her brother Richie as they drove past the grocery store leading to their home.
Richie and Dora are siblings who have been away in college for awhile. Aside from their bond as twins, they enjoy each other’s company and have always loved doing things together. Every year, their family of five have a tradition of coming together to spend time with each other.
It’s almost 12 noon. Richie had been driving the rental they got from the airport after their arrival to the county. The sun is at its highest and the wind makes a few passes as it blasts through the half open windows of the vehicle.
“I bet you it’s going to be fun”. Richie said to Dora who was admiring the trees along the road leading to their estate.
“No doubt”. She retorted
She increased the volume of the song playing in the car stereo, leaned back and closed her eyes as though she was about to take a nap.
One hour later, the car pulled to a stop in front of a very large Duplex with beautiful buds of flowers around the front yard. The hibiscus flowers of pink, purple, red and yellow colours scattered around the front porch added an eye-catching aesthetic to the overall architecture of the house.
The door flew open and Tara ran out in great excitement to meet her siblings who seemed to have grown a bit taller from the last time she saw them
“It’s so good to see you guys!” She hugged them both with a heart full of joy. It’s been almost a year since they left for college.
“Where’s mom and dad?” Richie asked as he took out their bags from the trunk.
“They’re inside. Both mom and dad have been waiting patiently for your arrival. Mom even made your favourite dish.” Tara said. She then held them both as she led them into the house.
“Hey kids welcome home”. Mrs Dawson quickly rushed over and hugged them both.
“I missed you guys so much. I’m glad you both are able to make it home in time for our special night.” She added.
“Thanks mom. Richie couldn’t wait either. It’s literally all he could think about on our way here.” Dora winked at her brother and gave him a smile that exposed her perfect white teeth.
The family got acquainted and they continued to chat about their many experiences in school. The friends they’ve made, the clubs they are happy to be a part of and Richies new found love in football.
Few hours later, at 6:30pm the family got together for dinner and the special event that they’ve all been waiting for. It’s December 23rd and like the previous years of the same day and month, the family had developed a system of deriving great excitement with one another by letting out any hidden anger between one another. This holiday celebration gives them ample chance to reveal anything to anyone without holding back. It’s the one night where they have the opportunity to look back and correct any mistakes, apologise for past wrongs and dine with a heart free of anger but full of love.
“Richie, I am not entirely happy with you.”
Dora began the night as they all sat around the dinner table. The mouthwatering, well seasoned roasted turkey took its position on a tray at the centre of the table waiting patiently as its aroma covered the room.
“Oh come on, what did I do?” He asked her humorously.
“You often leave me to hang out with your football team after training without considering taking me along with you.”
“Come on sis, the team’s hangouts are exclusive to players only. You know there’s nothing I can do about that.” He answered and gave her his usual puppy eye look that always makes her giggle every time.
“Okay. I forgive you”. She said as she sat down and looked at her mom who seemed deeply happy to have her family together again at the dinner table.
“Mom? Do you have anything to say?” Tara asked as she noticed the fixed smile on their mother’s face.
“Umm… no. I’m just glad to have you all here.” She said and looked at her husband who was happy to take the baton from her.
“Well I have an issue to address”. Mr Dawson began.
“You both hardly ever call. I know you keep a busy schedule in school but your mom and I would very much appreciate it if you could call more often.”
“My apologies dad. I’ve been so busy with classes and training, I haven’t really considered the hurt I’m causing by not keeping in touch with you.” Richie said and Dora nodded in affirmation
“Well, to accept your apology, you’ll have to follow the tradition of our holiday celebration and wrestle me. Don’t forget, I’m stronger than ever.” He raised up his sleeves and showed them his muscles.
“Jesus dad!, have you been working out?”
Richie and Dora both asked in shock.
“You bet I am. Try not to lose. You know the rules” he laughed in anticipation.
They finished their dinner and moved to the living room where the floor had already been cleared of all furniture in preparation for the fight of the night.
While Richie, Dora and Tara tried to pin their huge dad to the ground, the doorbell chimed and Mrs Dawson opened it and received a box from the delivery man.
She opened and saw a congratulatory note. She's won a 100 million dollar jackpot.
“Oh my God” she screamed. “I won”.