The snow had stopped finally, Aubrey was relieved that the actual amount was far less than predicted. Aubrey enjoyed being at home, but she had to move, get fresh air and enjoy life beyond the walls of her home. She decided it was best to go shopping, bringing Clara and Beca along with her.
"Absolutely not." Beca declared in protest.
"Beca come on it'll be fun." Aubrey tried.
Beca never had a 'girls shopping day' simply because she was alone and homeless. But she also knew that Aubrey was wanting to take pity on her and buy her some stuff.
"I don't need you to buy me stuff Aubrey. I'm perfectly happy with what I have."
"So you have all the necessities? Shampoo? Warm clothes other than what you have on? How about a tooth brush? Soap? Food? How about…"
"Ok I get it…" Beca said caving. She knew Aubrey was doing it out of the goodness of her heart and she could appreciate it, so she tagged along.
Christmas was days away and the mall showed it. It was crowded as predicted, even after the snow fall. I guess living in Baltimore, it was a mere after thought. Aubrey drug Beca around store after store until the smaller girl couldn't take it anymore. She had collapsed on a bench outside of a shoe store and waited for Clara and Aubrey to return,
"Beca get up, that bench can't be comfortable, especially the way you are laying on it."
"It's ok, I use to sleep on one like it all the time." Beca never put much thought in her words. Aubrey had a tear in her eye but Beca quickly pushed on.
"Mommy food!" Clara demanded.
Aubrey checked her watch first, "11:26. It's still early sweetie."
"But I'm hungry now!" Aubrey sighed, "You hungry Becs?"
"Yeah, I could eat."
Aubrey returned with a basket full of chicken, enough to feed a family of 10 by the looks of it. The girls ate their food and watched all the other shoppers go on with their day. Beca noticed a man sitting by himself by a trash can. He didn't have much himself and was more than likely homeless. She looked at all the remaining chicken and the stuffed girls with her, so she snatched a few pieces.
"Beca? Where are you going?" Aubrey yelled in worry. Her heart melted when she saw Beca giving the food to another homeless man who gave her a smile and a hug. Beca returned to the table and apologized.
"Don't you dare Beca. That was awesome." Aubrey gloated. Clara however didn't think so.
"She gave him our chicken." She pouted.
Aubrey couldn't take it any longer, "What has gotten into you? Do you need to be reminded of our lesson the other night?"
Clara bit her lip, thinking back to her spanking, "No."
"Good. Now behave."
The girls were on their way out, each loaded down with gifts and items for Beca. Aubrey went way overboard with Beca's items, but she wanted to shower the girl in appreciation and love.
"Clara? Come hold mommy's hand, I don't wanna lose you in the crowd. Have you seen Beca?"
"She's over there." Clara pointed but quickly drew her finger back, but instead nodding in the girl in questions direction.
Beca was standing outside of a music store, pressed against the glass drooling over what was in the window. She wanted it so bad, but the price was out of question. Aubrey stepped over and broke her out of her dreaming, "Ready to go Beca?"
"Yeah." She replied and finally jerked her eyes away from the window.
Aubrey took a long look at what Beca was looking at and took a mental note of the store before catching up to Beca and Clara.
The trio made it home safely, (Aubrey hated driving in the snow) and the women indulged in wrapping gifts and sorting through Beca's newest items. The day was a success in Aubrey's eyes. Even Clara was warming up to Beca. She watched as her daughter helped Beca stow away her things and for once, she was happy with her actions.
Sure it was all going fine until it happened, Aubrey's phone rang, and it was her mother. She hadn't spoke to her mom in nearly six years, she hesitantly answered,
"Hello?"
"Aubrey it's your mother."
"Yes I know. What do you want?"
"Is that anyway to talk to me? I'm your mother."
"You didn't have any problem talking to me like that when you kicked me and my unborn child out."
"You mean my granddaughter?"
"No I don't. What is it that you want? I'm very busy."
"Well I won't take too much time then. Me and your father are joining you and Clara for lunch on Christmas."
Aubrey dropped her phone in horror, there was no way in hell they were going to be here for Christmas,
"Do you think that is ok? After all you did to me. I don't like that idea at all, so if you don't mind, I've got to go."
"Aubrey wait!" Her mother yelled stopping Aubrey from hanging up.
"What?"
"Please honey. Six years is long enough and me and your father feel guilty for what we've done to you. We miss you and hope we can make it up to you and Clara." She did sound convincing, but Aubrey was still skeptical.
"Ok. I'll text you my address."
…
Beca and Clara noticed Aubrey's anxious attitude. Beca hasn't been around long but she knew Aubrey well enough now that when she was nervous, she cleaned in a nonsensical manner.
"Is something wrong Aubrey?" Beca skeptically asked.
Aubrey stopped her cleaning and looked at Beca with a fake smile and an awkward eye twitch, "Why do you think that Beca,"
"Never mind." Beca slowly left the room and joined Clara in the kitchen. "Is something wrong with Aubrey?"
"Something about my grand mommy and daddy coming to eat at Christmas."
Beca knew this must have been a sensitive subject with Aubrey. No one cleans like a possessed maniac for no reason. Come to think of it, Aubrey hasn't mentioned anything personal about her life at all.
…
Beca cooked the Christmas Eve dinner, she's been cooking every night as payment to Aubrey for letting her stay, although Aubrey insisted she didn't need to. So cooking the big meal wasn't an issue to her. Clara didn't mind it all, she had openly admitted now that Beca was a way better cook than Aubrey.
She sent Aubrey and Clara to bed, "Santa comes tonight girls, best get some rest." She stayed behind and finished cleaning up her mess before she would slip in Aubrey's room and ask her something important.
"Beca? What are you doing?"
"I need to know the story behind your parents."
Aubrey clammed up, "There's nothing to tell. Go get some rest."
"Aubrey…Spill it."
Aubrey sighed and sat up, "They kicked me out when I was pregnant with Clara. They cut all ties with me and sent me out on my own with the clothes on my back."
"What about Clara's dad?"
"Hell he was a drunken one night stand. I don't even remember what he looked like."
Beca's face fell, "Well if you don't need me around tomorrow I can find someplace else."
"What makes you think that? Of course I want you here!"
"Well with your parents and all. Figured they might not like me or something."
"Beca sweetie listen, I don't give a damn about what my parents have to say. My life, my decisions. You owe it to me and Clara to at least stay for Christmas."
Beca smiled and agreed, giving Aubrey a loving hug and heading for her room. Christmas came fast and Beca woke early to cook her favorite gals a big Christmas breakfast in which they all indulged in together. Christmas morning was beautiful, white rooftops lining the neighborhood, smoke bellowing from the chimneys. Aubrey turned the fireplace on and the three sat cozily in the Living room.
Clara desperately wanted to open presents, but Aubrey made the girl wait until after lunch. She protested because the vast majority of the gifts were hers anyways, but Aubrey held firm. To keep her occupied while Aubrey prepared lunch, Beca took the girl in her lap and they watched A Christmas Story.
The doorbell rang, and Aubrey's heart and courage shrank with each footstep towards the door. She slowly opened it to reveal her parents who hadn't changed a bit.
"Aubrey darling! Merry Christmas!" Her father cheered as if nothing was wrong.
"Merry Christmas dad." She managed. "Please come in, lunch is ready. Mom I'll take your coats and put them upstairs"
Aubrey returned downstairs and ushered her parents into the kitchen where Beca was busy tickling Clara.
"You have a beautiful home darling." Her mother stated stepping into the kitchen.
"Thank you." Aubrey cleared her throat trying to gain Beca and Clara's attention. The two straightened up immediately and froze in Aubrey's glare.
"Mother, Father this is Beca. She has been staying with us for the duration of the Holidays. And this as you may have guessed is Clara."
"Oh Walter, she looks just like Aubrey."
"Remember when our little Aubs was this big Darlene?"
"Oh of course I do! And now our grandbaby is!" Both parents went to engulf the girl in hugs, but she latched on and hid behind Beca's leg.
"Come on now Clare. Don't you wanna hug your grandparents?" Beca asked sweetly. Clara shook her head and hid again. Beca shot a sweet smile to the duo who didn't look impressed with her. They took their seats and Aubrey pulled the Turkey out of the oven. Beca quickly helping set the table and side dishes.
Lunch was delicious. Aubrey took Beca up on some of her cooking tips and it appeared to be working.
"Aubrey honey I must say this was wonderful. It looks like my cooking tips paid off after all." Her mother added.
"Actually Beca here showed me a thing or two." She said smiling at Beca who hid her blush.
"Oh." Darlene added unimpressed. Tension slowly rising.
"So Beca what do you do for a living?" Walter asked. Aubrey really hoped this wasn't brought up and hoped Beca didn't flee.
"I am actually unemployed…." Before she could finish she was cut off.
"Beca how do you plan on supporting my daughter and grandchild if you have no job?" He said with a tone that went straight through Beca. "And Aubrey I must say I'm not pleased with your choice in partner."
"Well actually, father, me and Beca aren't dating. She's my friend. She's just staying for the holidays." Aubrey replied without thinking. Beca felt like shit now. So Aubrey was just doing this for sympathy?
"If you must know, I'm homeless. I have nowhere to go and Aubrey offered me her home for the holidays. But don't worry, Christmas is over, so I must be getting back to my alley." Beca stormed out the door and Aubrey wasn't fast enough to stop her, she knew she messed up.
"Beca!" Clara cried as she tried to get the girl to stop, but it was useless. Beca was gone.
Aubrey stomped into the kitchen and grabbed Clara to get her dressed,
"Aubrey dear where are you going?" Darlene asked.
"To find the woman I love."
"Honey let her go. She's not worth the effort. She has no job, probably no education, practically nothing to offer you and Clara."
Aubrey got right into her father's face, "First off, you're in my house now. So you will not tell me what to do. Secondly, that little homeless girls has the entire world to offer me. Just because she doesn't have anything doesn't mean she's worthless. And lastly, that girl cares more about those less fortunate than her and that's saying a lot. And I just so happen to love the hell out of her for it. So if you don't mind, I'm gonna go beg that homeless girl to come back because I love her!"
Walter took his lashing and he felt like shit after, "Aubrey I'm…"
"Sorry?" Aubrey finished. "You're damn right you are." She slammed the door and she and Clara went on the search. Sure it was like trying to find a needle in the haystack, but it would be worth the effort.
The two searched all afternoon for the little brunette and just about called it quits as they passed by the Salvation Army Banquet Hall. Aubrey knew it as soon as she saw the building and the full parking lot.
"Come on sweetie Beca has to be in here."
They entered the hall and nearly became heartbroken by the homeless and less fortunate families gathered around sharing a Christmas dinner. These people had practically nothing, everyone form toddlers to elderly. But each of them had a smile on their face and shared a laugh with their tablemates.
Joy and pride flowed through Aubrey, know she understood why Beca volunteered,
"Mommy look! It's Beca!" Sure enough, wearing a red apron and serving food to the guest was Beca herself.
"Come on honey."
"Beca?" Aubrey hesitantly asked.
Beca rolled her eyes and walked away.
"Beca wait!" Aubrey yelled. But Beca wasn't too concerned about her. She was happy where she was and didn't want any more of the blonde's pity.
Clara shot off after Beca, Aubrey hot on her heels, "Clara stop!" Clara reached Beca nearly knocking her down.
"Beca please come home! Please I miss you!" The little girl cried. Beca wanted to cry but she held it in.
"Sorry little dude. I'm happy here."
Aubrey pulled Clara back and watched Beca walk off. "Mommy do something!"
"I'm sorry honey. I'm afraid I can't." But the Aubrey smirked, maybe she could do something. She leaned down and whispered her message in Clara's ear and off she went nearly tackling Beca again,
"Ok blondie you gotta stop that!"
"Please come home momma I love you." Clara protested.
Beca shot back in confusion, "What did you say?"
"I love you momma please come home."
"Wow, I'm not your mo…" Beca made the mistake and looked down into the fluffy green eyes of the little girl. "Damnit." She mumbled.
"Mommy misses you too. She wants you to come home. She loves you so much."
Beca's heart exploded and she jerked Clara up for a big hug, Aubrey joining in quickly.
"Beca I'm so sorry for what I said earlier. I wasn't thinking." Aubrey said.
"Its ok Aubrey. Apology accepted."
"So can we go open presents now?" Clara asked with the cutest smile.
"Well I kind of volunteered for the duration of the event." Beca said.
"Well why don't we help to? Would you like to help out Beca, Clara?"
"Are there cookies?"
Beca nodded and Clara agreed. Beca was so happy that her new family gave up their Christmas to help others less fortunate. If she didn't love Aubrey before, she definitely did now.
The newly formed family made it home late and sat around the fire and watched Clara open up her gifts.
"Clara, this one is from Beca."
Clara ripped open the box and pulled out a teddy bear that was bigger than her. And oh did she love it. She ran and gave Beca a kiss on the cheek thanking her for the gift.
"Aubrey this is from me." Beca said handing Aubrey her present.
"Oh wow Beca you didn't have to."
"I know but it's Christmas. Everyone deserves a gift on Christmas."
Aubrey smiled and delicately pulled the wrapping paper off revealing a Mariah Carey Album. "How did you know she was my favorite!?"
"Lucky guess I suppose." Beca smirked earning a light kiss on the cheek.
"Beca this is from me." Clara stated shocking both women. "I know I was hard on you at first, but It was because I liked you."
"Wow thanks. I'm glad you didn't hate me then!" Beca laughed along with Aubrey.
Beca opened the gift and it was a hand drawn picture of three girls inside a house by a Christmas tree. A tall blonde on the left labeled mommy, a little blonde in the middle labeled 'me' and on the right was a short brunette labeled momma.
Beca cried, she never cries but she cried her eyes out and she kissed Clara to death and Aubrey held the brunette contently.
"Last but not least, this is from me Beca I hope you like it."
"Its certainly heavy" Beca said straining to lift the gigantic box. Aubrey pulled Clara onto her lap and waited for Beca's surprise.
Beca wasted no time opening the gift. Every emotion rushed through her at once and she was shocked beyond recognition.
"What is it?" Aubrey teased.
Beca's tears returned as she revealed her gift, it was the mixing equipment she was drooling over at the music store. Everything was there. The controller, speakers, headphones, and a brand new apple MacBook with mixing software. Beca was speechless. All of this was professional grade and must have cost a fortunate.
"Aubrey thank you! Thank you oh my god thank you!"
Aubrey and Clara looked on with tears of joy, "There's one more box Beca."
Beca looked and sure enough, there was a box in the bottom of the big box. She opened it up revealing a new iPhone which she was also grateful for.
"Open it up Becs." Aubrey stated.
Beca did as instructed and opened the box revealing the phone and charger. But there was something else in the bottom rattling around. Beca pulled the cover out and in the bottom was a key. She pulled it out and inspected it.
"For our home." Aubrey said answering Beca's thought.
Hell with the other stuff Beca thought, this key meant more to her than anything. This key represented more than you would think. She was now a proud welcomed member of this home, something she has wanted for so long. And having two people that loved her for who she was to share it with.
Beca attacked Aubrey's lips with fury, wanting to show her how thankful she was. Clara ran off to go to bed and when Aubrey and Beca were done, they laid entwined naked on the couch, listening as the bells on the grandfather clock rang signaling midnight.