The Hamiltons welcomed Lola and Ava to their house hugging them.
" Thank you for taking care of my daughter-in-law," said granny leading them in
" Where's Audrey? Asked Ava
" She's with Lucas. They're decorating the Christmas tree. This way. I hope you're good at decorating. Audrey did most of it but my lovely grandson took her away" said granny as Lola nodded. They dropped their bags to assist them.
Vanessa was helping the butler in the kitchen while the maids were engaged in housekeeping. Everyone was busy.
" Luke, who is supposed to put the star? My dad always does the pleasure. I guess your dad should" she suggested fixing the chimes
" You think? Grandpa was responsible for that. Since he's dead. I think you're right" he said folding his sleeves.
" Alright. This is one big Xmas tree" she giggled dusting her hands
" We've all day. Relax if you're tired I'll do the honors okay" he suggested urging her to sit down
" Nah. I'm fine my love. I want to do it" she smiled throwing a balloon at him
" Audrey, don't start" he complained but she wasn't buying it. She poured the shining pieces of tinsel on him running round to escape his throws. He chases her pouring more of the tinsel on her as she was giggling running from him. He turned around and caught her wrapping a garland around her neck. She took out her phone and snapped them placing a kiss on his cheeks
" Beautiful isn't it? There's one thing missing" she said picking a garland for him. She wrapped it around his neck and took another picture. Lucas chuckled removing the shinning pieces of tinsel from his hair which was vividly shown in the photo
" You look cute in it" she commented tiptoeing for a kiss. He chuckled leaning down to kiss her when Jenny and Adrian walked in.
" Isn't it inappropriate to do that here? Asked a sullen Adrian but Lucas ignored him and kissed her slightly
" I'm in my house. I can do as I deem fit. " He said coldly
" Have you forgotten luke? We always decorate the tree together every year. C'mon Adrian" said Jenny taking the glass balls.
" Whatever." Said Audrey doing her thing.
She and Lucas regarded them as air as they continued to play Around with the garlands and ribbons. The calling birds, turtle doves were with Adrian. He tried to ignore them. It's just a woman nothing he hasn't seen. He concluded.
Jenny was way too jealous to bear it so she stealthily stuck her leg out while Adrian stepped on it lost a footing and bumped into Audrey who hit the Xmas tree and it fell through Lucas's reflexes caught it before it reached the floor. That would have been a huge mess cos it was delivered to them.
Audrey glared at Adrian who looked embarrassed. Jenny grinned and Lucas just positioned the tree assuming it was an accident. He didn't like the way Audrey was glaring at Adrian so he moved her to another spot.
" It's fine. It was a mistake. No damage was done" said Lucas calming her down to prevent her from fighting again
" Aren't there other things that need doing? Luke and I can take care of this. Both of you can shoo. You're distracting us " she stated making Luke scoff.
" No. We've been doing this before your slutty self came into existence" slammed Jenny
" Jenny, get out of my sight. Stella will need your help with the gifts bags. " Said Luke scornfully
" I rather stay here" she insisted hanging the balls.
They finished with the tree and performed the family rites: speech competition, fashion show, couple dance, couple feeding, children display, and drama. The kids performed a drama for Lucas and Audrey according to granny and Fiona's teachings. Audrey laughed her teeth out seeing the boy that portrayed Lucas acting as aloof as he does.
Lucas frowned but was amused.
" I don't act like that. Did you tell them all this? He questioned Audrey who was impressed with the little girl portraying her. They acted the scene where she smashed a jar on Jenny's head. Jenny frowned as Adrian looked at an amused Audrey. She did that? he wondered.
Granny loved the way her grandchildren acted in the play. They applauded them at the end laughing and smiling at them. Mr. Hugh brimmed more seeing Lucas altitude to their play.
" Upset? That's how you talk? Said Hugh tapping his shoulder
" Did Audrey narrate how I treated her the first day we met to you guys? He queried as his mother smirked
" C'mon I was in the play too. Didn't you see them portray grandma.? Stella's kids did well. You should give them a present"
Lucas retreated to another seat to find Audrey and her friends still laughing at him.
" I knew you directed that play" he complained
" Didn't you hear Tyler, it suits the mood I'm in, irritation" she laughed mimicking the little boy who acted as Lucas.
" I can't believe he made you change the curtains severally and picked the first one later on," said Lola in amusement
" Things I do for my job " she smirked. She pretty much told them every detail except the intimate ones. He was sure she told them about it.
" That's enough we still have a lot to do," he said holding her to stand. She excused herself and followed him.
" Didn't you enjoy the show? Don't like your intimidating personality? She said in a coquette tone staring at his embarrassed face
" It was entertaining Audrey. Tyler did the role perfectly. I think Rosa did great too. She had your violent nature. Did you direct it right? He won't stop till she admits it
" No. I wrote a note to Stella and she took it from there. No doubt she did a wonderful job" she said clinging to him fulfilled. Seeing her life on display she realized she has achieved more than enough and it was all because of him.
" Why are you looking at me like that? Smirked Luke
" Nothing. I'm just happy to be here. This is the best Christmas ever"
" Oh yeah? How about I show you something new " he said picking her up
" Luke! Everyone is at the dining table. We should be there" she stated holding his shoulder for support
" Don't you want to know the exit and entrance anymore? He offered as she pouts urging him to go ahead with it.
" Good girl," he said taking her to another side of the house. Showing her how to move around the maze. She made a mental note of his teachings.
" So that's how it works? There are codes, right?
"' yes. " He said leading her into another room
" Your former bedroom?
" Not really. "
" Your grandfather's? She asked as he dropped her down
" Not really," he said absentmindedly checking the room lost in thought
Audrey asked in oblivion" don't tell me you spent your first time here" he didn't say a word perhaps he didn't hear her
" Luke! Did something happen here? She asked touching him as he flinched.
" What's wrong? Are you okay? She asked facing him. Grief was evident in his eyes then it dawned on her that it was his brother's. She didn't know how to console him as he turns into a completely different person whenever she mentions him.
" Hey babe," she said softly hugging him holding him tight
" I'm here Luke. I'm not going anywhere. I'll always be here for you. You still have me and there's more for us to do together. Maybe someday you'll have the privilege to make things right. " She said holding him tightly trying to make him feel better. If it hurts him that much then she doesn't want to hear it.
" C'mon let's get out of here. " She said leading him out of the room
" I'm sorry Audrey. I don't think I can talk about him yet " he said holding her waist
" It's fine. You scared me Luke " she muttered hugging him again
" Let's join the yuletide. I'll give you a tour some other time" he suggested urging her to lead the way. She recalled a few but forgot some. He scoffed she isn't as smart as he thought.
" Show me one last time " she urged as he chuckled showing the easiest way to enter the house
" I think the codes will be better" she suggested pouting
" Baby steps Audrey baby steps"