#sh:chapter1

Solomon: Welcome! Everyone make yourselves at home. Cece: Hey, this is still our home even if we don’t live here anymore! Chantal: Pops is just trying to be a good host. We have a guest, you know.

David: Lexie, it’s wonderful to see you again, especially under the circumstances! I have to say, Solomon and I were really happy to hear that you and Johnny started dating. You’ve always been so lovely when we’ve come to visit Cece. Lexie: Thank you, Mr. Owens-Haim! You’ve raised some really great kids. I’m pretty fond of this one in particular! Johnny: Oh, stop! You know how I hate being fawned over.

Solomon: I see you’re starting with the jokes already! David: Alright, I’m going to go ahead and get the first movie started. Feel free to change into your pajamas if you want to be more comfortable. We have popcorn and other snacks, and Pops is going to make his famous hot chocolate in a little bit.

Johnny: He makes the best hot chocolate you’ll ever taste. Lexie: Mmm, I can’t wait!

Everyone settles in and begins their movie night. The sun starts to set as everyone fills up on savory snacks and good conversation.

Sisters reminisce about holidays past and share their hopes (and fears) for the coming year.

Longtime lovers find solace in each others' arms as they always have, even when an uncertain future looms around the corner.

Apprehension fades away as a new relationship blossoms into something more substantial.

The lonely feeling dwelling within Lexie over the past couple of weeks begins to subside. It’s comforting being surrounded by a warm and loving family, even if it’s not her own.

In the morning, the family exchanges gifts and then gathers for a holiday breakfast before they start heading their separate ways.

Lexie: I really want to thank you all for letting me intrude on your family tradition. I’ve had a really great time. Solomon: It’s no intrusion at all! We’re glad we’ve been able to get to know you better. David: You’re all welcome to stay a little longer if you’d like. We don’t mind the company.

Cece: I think Dad is trying to tell us that he’s not ready for us to leave yet. Chantal: I can stick around for a while. I don’t have anything else planned for today.

Johnny: Lexie and I would like to stay, but we have a few things to do. We still need to exchange our gifts with each other.

Solomon: Well, don’t let us stop you from having some alone time. David: You’re both welcome to stop by any time. Lexie: Thanks again for such a warm welcome!

Later, Johnny and Lexie arrive back at Johnny’s apartment and begin exchanging gifts.

Johnny: Thanks, I love the hoodie! It’s super soft. I’m sure I’ll get a lot of use out of it. Lexie: You’re welcome! I’m glad you like it. I wasn’t sure what to get you, but I figured I couldn’t go wrong with a hoodie. Johnny: You know me well! Thanks, baby. Now it’s your turn.

Lexie: I’m excited to see what you got me. I have no idea what it could be. Johnny: I’d be surprised if you guessed. It was hard to track down. Lexie: My curiosity is piqued…

[Lexie opens the box and peers inside. As she pulls the gift out, she can’t quite believe what she’s seeing.]

Lexie: What? Is this…? It's Snowflake! H--how did you even find this?

Johnny: Like I said, it was hard to track down. The company hasn’t been producing them for over a decade, so I went searching on some auction sites. I lost out on a couple until I finally outbid someone on this one at the last minute. It’s not exactly brand new, but it’s in pretty good condition all things considered.

Lexie: [eyes filling with tears] Johnny! This is the sweetest thing anyone has ever done for me. And all I got you was a hoodie! I don’t know what I did to deserve something like this. Someone like you.

Johnny: Hey, you’re worth it. You make me happy, so I want to make you happy. And I love my gift. It's special because it came from you. 

Lexie: Thank you so much. You have no idea how much this means to me.

Johnny: You have no idea how much you mean to me.

Lexie: You know, I can think of one way we can show each other how we feel. That is, if you’re ready.

Johnny: I definitely am.

[Lexie and Johnny head to Johnny’s bedroom. I’m sure you can figure out what happens next…spicy PG-13 pics below]

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Cece: That’s a really nice melody. I wish I wasn’t stuck on this line. Does “soul” rhyme with “all?”

Ben: Technically, no. But you can get away with it as a slant rhyme. Poetic license and all that.

Cece: Ugh, I don’t think it sounds right. What’s a better rhyme for “all?” Ball, fall, stall, call…

Ben: Why don’t we take a break? Give our brains a chance to rest for a bit.

Cece: My brain never rests. The wheels are always turning.

Ben: Have you ever tried meditation? When I find myself overthinking, cleaning the slate helps me focus on what’s actually important.

Cece: I haven’t tried it, but I might as well add it to the list of new things to try while I work on the new and improved version of me.

Ben: I don’t think you need to be new or improved. I think you’ve just stopped getting in your own way. It’s not the New Cecelia, it’s just the Real Cecelia shining through.

Cece: That’s a good way to look at it. You know, no one really calls me Cecelia. I’ve always gone by Cece.

Ben: Oh, I didn’t know. Should I start calling you Cece then?

Cece: No, I like when you call me Cecelia. It feels special.

Ben: Well, you’re special.

Cece: So are you. Speaking of not standing in my own way…there’s something I’ve been wanting to do, but I’ve been too nervous to go for it.

Ben: Hmm, what’s that?

Cece: I wanted to ask if you’d like to go out with me sometime. Like on a date.

Ben: I’d be honored.

Cece: Great! Wow, that was a lot easier than I thought it was going to be.

Ben: Well, I’ve been wanting to ask you out, too. But I had a feeling I shouldn’t try to rush things.

Cece: Good call. So when are you available to get together? Ben: It might be best to wait until after the holidays. The end of the semester is always hectic, and I’m visiting my brother over the break.

Cece: Sounds good. That will give me plenty of time to overthink it in the meantime.

Ben: Or this could be a good opportunity to get started with meditation!

Cece: That might be a better idea. Start off the new year with a clear mind.

Ben: I’m proud of you, Cecelia. You’re more adaptable than you give yourself credit for.

Cece: Yeah, I guess I am.

Bonnie: Any sign of the twins yet?

Trinity: They’re heading to the staircase now.

Bonnie: Oh, good. I was starting to get worried that they wouldn’t show. I never know about your brother. That reminds me, don’t say anything to him about your dad being out of jail.

Trinity: Why not?

Bonnie: Because I’m really trying to work on our relationship and I feel like it’ll just set him off. I’ll tell him later, but I don’t want to make this situation any harder than it already is.

[The doorbell rings and Bonnie lets Johnny and Chantal inside]

Bonnie: It’s so good to see you!

Johnny: You too!

Chantal: You look so grown, Trin!

Trinity: Yeah, right. I need a growth spurt already. I’m the shortest kid in my grade.

Johnny: It’ll happen before you know it.

Chantal: Yeah, I grew a few inches practically overnight when I became a teenager.

Bonnie: Are you sure neither of you will be able to come for Christmas?

Chantal: Sorry, but we just have a lot going on with Dad and Pops.

Bonnie: I know, I know…I just don’t see why you can’t come here just one time. You’ve spent the past few Christmas’ with them, and I just think–

Johnny: Mom, you know we don’t like it when you meddle into our relationship with our dads. Besides, I have plans with my girlfriend, too.

Chantal: Look, we’re here now, so let’s just try to enjoy our time together, ok?

Bonnie: You’re right. So, Johnny, is this the same girl you were telling me about before?

Johnny: Yeah, her name is Lexie. She’s really great.

Chantal: You should see them together. They’re so into each other. It’s adorable!

Bonnie: I’d love to get to meet this girl you’re so smitten with.

Johnny: Sure, maybe one day. 

Bonnie: Do you know what you’re getting her for Christmas yet?

Johnny: I’m not sure. I had an idea, but shopping is harder than I expected.

Trinity: You should get her a ring. That’s what Demarcus is getting me.

Chantal: A ring??? You’re not trying to get engaged at your age, are you?

Trinity: No way, I’m still a kid! I just like jewelry. 

Johnny: Wait, how do you know he's getting you a ring?

Trinity: Um, because I told him to!

Bonnie: Are you seeing anybody, Chantal?

Chantal: No, I’ve been too busy with work and school and everything. I’ve really been liking my job, though. I already got my first bonus!

Bonnie: That’s wonderful, baby! And don’t you worry, you’ll find a man when you’re ready. You’re too beautiful to be single for long.

Chantal: Ok, mom.

Bonnie: I’m just so glad that all of my kids are doing so well. I know it hasn’t been perfect, but I feel really blessed right now.

Johnny: Yeah, so do I.

Chantal: Me too!

Trinity: Oh my God, you guys are so embarrassing. I’m going to go to my room before you make me sick.

Johnny: Aw, don't go Trinity! We love you so much, our little pookie bear!

Trinity: Ugh, gross!!!

Lexie: So I guess this is Christmastime in Del Sol Valley.

Johnny: Yeah, it’s no winter wonderland. I bet it’s more festive in Brindleton Bay. Are you going there for Winter Break?

Lexie: Well, I was supposed to, but my mom just told me that she and my dad are going skiing on Mt. Komorebi this year. 

Johnny: Oh, that sounds nice. Are you going with them?

Lexie: Nope. It was pretty last minute and they won’t be getting back until after the new semester starts.

Johnny: You sound disappointed.

Lexie: I am. I didn’t get to see them on my birthday, and now this. I’ve never not spent Christmas with my parents. It’s extra hard because I’ve been feeling a little homesick lately. I’ve never been away from my family this long.

Johnny: I’m sorry, baby. You’re welcome to spend Christmas with me and my family if you want.

Lexie: Are you sure? I wouldn’t want to intrude.

Johnny: Yeah, my parents would love to have you over! They’ve been hounding me to bring you around.

Lexie: Well, in that case, I’d love to come! I have a feeling your family knows how to entertain.

Johnny: Oh, for sure! There’s never a dull moment when we get together. I know it doesn’t make up for you missing out on time with your family, but I’m glad we’ll get to spend the holiday together.

Lexie: Me too. Christmas has always been a big holiday in my family. I was just thinking about my favorite Christmas memory. When I was 6, my parents surprised me with my favorite stuffed animal. You remember that little white dog from the dog food commercials?

Johnny: Yeah, he was so cute!

Lexie: I was obsessed with that dog. Apparently they made him into a stuffed animal and that’s what my parents gave me that year. I named him Snowflake and I took him everywhere. After a while he was more of a dingy gray.

Johnny: Aw, that’s cute! Do you still have him? Don’t tell anyone, but I still have my favorite stuffed cat from when I was a kid and I still sleep with it every night.

Lexie: I think that's sweet! Unfortunately our dog mistook Snowflake for a chew toy. My mom tried her best to salvage it, but it was a lost cause. I wish I still had him, though. Maybe having Snowflake to cuddle up with would help me feel less homesick.

Johnny: I’m sorry you’re missing home so much. I know I can’t replace Snowflake, but if you ever need a cuddle buddy, you know I’m here.

Lexie: Hmm, well, you’re not as soft and fluffy, but you’re still pretty cuddly. What’s your favorite Christmas memory? 

Johnny: Well, Christmas growing up was pretty rough. We didn’t have much money and my mom usually had to work so it was never much of a thing in my house.

Lexie: Oh, I’m sorry. I keep forgetting you didn’t grow up like I did.

Johnny: That’s ok, I haven’t really talked about it much. Maybe I’ll tell you more about it someday. But things were much better once I moved in with my dads. 

Lexie: That’s good. What do they do for the holidays?

Johnny: Well, Dad is Jewish and Pops grew up Protestant so we do a secular “Chrismakkuh” thing where we combine traditions from Hanukkah and Christmas. On Christmas Eve we make cookies and popcorn and hunker down in the living room for the night to watch cheesy holiday movies. We get our sleeping bags and make snarky comments about the movies. 

Lexie: Oh, like those movies where a woman goes back to her hometown and discovers the true meaning of the holiday season, which always involves a guy?

Johnny: Yep. Our first Chrismakkuh together, my parents kept trying to get me hyped up, but I wasn’t having it. I was just being a typical 14-year-old who was too cool to hang out with his family. But I ended up having a great time. That’s probably my favorite memory. 

Lexie: It sounds like a lovely one.

Johnny: It was. I remember waking up the next morning with the TV still going and seeing the rest of my family still snoring away in their sleeping bags. That was the first time I really felt like I was home.

Lexie: I’m glad you finally got to make some positive holiday memories. That must have meant the world to you.

Johnny: It did. And it means the world to me that I’ll be making memories with you this year.

Upon arriving at the bar, Chantal greeted Nico and ordered a drink, hoping the alcohol would help dissipate some of the nervous energy surging through her body. As predicted, the bartender didn't bother asking her for ID.

For a brief moment, Chantal questioned if it was really a good idea to go out for drinks with her boss. She quickly pushed the thought away. It wasn't really like her to make risky decisions without thinking of the consequences, but tonight she didn't feel like being cautious.

Nico was unlike anyone Chantal had met before. She was never interested in the boys she met in high school; she found them immature and unsophisticated. But Nico? He was a man with a successful career and unwavering confidence. He was intelligent, attractive, kind, and above all else, he liked her.

The drinks continued to flow and Chantal and Nico made their way to the dance floor. They kept getting closer and closer, until their fingers intertwined and she could feel his breath warming her skin.

Before long, Chantal's back was up against the wall, with Nico's body pressing into her body and his lips lingering close to her lips. Despite her efforts she still felt nervous, intimidated even; she tried her best to push the feeling away and just enjoy the moment.

Nico: I have a feeling this is a bad idea.

Chantal: I don't care.

Nico: Fuck it.

[Nico and Chantal kiss]

Nico: Hey Chantal! Your first review is performing wonderfully! I have a feeling that bonus Ambrose promised is just around the corner.

Chantal: That’s great news! I can’t wait to start working on the next one.

Nico: Which product are you thinking of reviewing this time?

Chantal: Probably one of the face serums. Ambrose gave me a lot of product samples. I don’t think I’ll be able to review all of them, though. Hopefully that won’t be a problem.

Nico: I’m sure she doesn’t expect you to review them all. Which ones do you think you won’t be able to review?

Chantal: Well, some of them are uh, meant to be enjoyed with someone else. Like the couples’ lube set. I’m no prude, but I’m not really dating right now. I don’t want to review something I’m not actually using.

Nico: That’s fair. But why isn’t a beautiful young woman like you out on the dating scene? I would have been lucky to have classmates as stunning as you when I was in college. 

Chantal: Wow, thanks! I have been asked out quite a lot, but I don’t have time for dating right now between school and work. I don’t want a relationship to get in the way of my career goals.

Nico: That’s very admirable, Chantal. You have a great head on your shoulders. A little word of advice, though. Don’t waste your youth on the hopes of a great career. It takes most people a while to truly succeed in this field. I have coworkers who never married because they kept waiting for their big break. I’m just glad I never fell into that trap. There’s still plenty of time for me to build both a professional and personal life I’m proud of.

Chantal: I guess you’re right. I do want to find someone eventually, I’ve just always seen myself achieving my career goals early on and then focusing on the rest. People do tell me my goals are a little unrealistic, though.

Nico: Look, I’m not trying to discourage you from dreaming big. Your drive and confidence are unlike any I’ve seen from someone your age. I have no doubt you’ll be a great success. Just don’t get so hung up on a plan that you can’t adjust for a surprise here and there. 

Chantal: That’s definitely something I need to work on. I’m learning not everything can be planned for. Sometimes things happen that are beyond your control, both good and bad.

Nico: Exactly! And who knows, you might meet someone with similar goals that you can achieve together. Sometimes it’s easier to get the things you want when you collaborate.

Chantal: That’s true. Thanks for the encouragement, Nico. I’ll definitely take your thoughts into consideration.

Nico: Good. I don’t think you’ll regret it.

Nico: Chantal...

Chantal: Oh, hey Nico! I had a really great time with you last night.

Nico: I did, too, but...I feel the need to apologize. The way I acted last night wasn't appropriate.

Chantal: Hey, I was there, too, remember? And I don't think you were inappropriate. We're both adults, after all.

Nico: True, but I just wouldn't want anyone to get the wrong impression, what with us working so closely and all. The last thing you need when you're starting your career is someone accusing you of anything unscrupulous. Trust me, people talk. And I have a reputation to uphold as well.

Chantal: Yeah, I guess it would be too much of a risk. I certainly don't want either of us getting a bad reputation.

Nico: Good, I'm glad you understand where I'm coming from. I would appreciate your discretion about what happened last night.

Chantal: Sure thing, you can trust me.

Nico: Thanks for being so mature about this, Chantal. Please know that this isn't a reflection of my feelings for you as a person or anything like that. If circumstances were different, we'd be having a completely different conversation right now.

Chantal: Of course. I understand completely.

Nico: Great! So how's your review of the face serum coming along?

Chantal: It's almost finished, I just need to do a final revision and I should have it to you within the hour.

Nico: Sounds good! I'll give it a look once I'm done with my 10 a.m. meeting. Two hours of listening to these suits droning on about about something that could've been an e-mail. Just how I wanted to start off my morning!

Chantal: [laughs] Try not to have too much fun! I'll catch you later.

Nico: See you around.

Sidney: So, Cece, when do we get to meet your boyfriend?

Lexie: Boyfriend? I didn’t know you were in a relationship with someone.

Cece: I’m not! Sidney’s just working on her creative writing skills.

Sidney: Whatever, you’re totally into him! You don’t spend all your free time with someone who’s just a friend.

Cece: We’ve been hanging out a lot, but that doesn’t mean anything. I don’t even know if he likes me like that.

Sidney: Oh, he does, for sure! I’ve seen the way he looks at you.

Lexie: Who is this guy anyway?

Cece: His name is Ben. He’s a senior and he’s in the Music Department with me and Sidney. He works at the radio station. He’s a great singer, and he plays a couple of instruments as well.

Sidney: See, you’re smitten! 

Cece: I don’t know. Sometimes I think I’d like to pursue something with him, but other times I’m not so sure.

Sidney: That’s your insecurity talking. You always talk yourself out of pursuing guys. You’re a great catch, Cece. Take a chance!

Lexie: Well, if you’re having doubts, maybe your intuition is trying to tell you something.

Sidney: You don’t know Cece like I do. Her gut could be screaming at her to ask him out, and she’d still find an excuse not to do it.

Lexie: Well, as the only one of us who’s in a serious relationship–

Cece: Serious relationship? [laughs] I know for a fact you and Johnny haven’t even…uh, become boyfriend and girlfriend yet. Anyway, I hate to admit it, but Sidney might be right. I think I have been trying to talk myself out of taking things further with Ben. I've really been trying to get out of my comfort zone lately, so maybe I should just go for it.

Sidney: I promise, you have this in the bag!

Cece: You really think so?

Sidney: Have I ever led you astray?

Cece: Well, you did convince me to get that horrible haircut in the 9th grade.

Sidney: Let’s just leave the past in the past.