Chapter 28: Homesick

It's Christmas morning. She's snug in her bed, but her bed doesn't feel right. It's missing something or rather someone. It's missing her husband. Husband. The word stuck in her mouth. Husband.

What is a husband? A married man. The steward of a household. The master of a house. What makes a house? A place of residence. One can have a house but not have a home. Alternatively one can have a home but not have a house. However it's better to have both, a house and a home. Home is not where you are from, but where you belong. For Ava, it's with her husband, who's not here. Now she's homesick. And therein lies the problem.

She has a husband. She has a home. But she needs a house. She cannot have her husband until she has one.

She's adamant about that. When they were still in Vegas and he gave life to the words "You feel like home to me", their marriage hung heavy around her neck. But she's determined to do this right. They have to have a house. She will not rest until it's so.

If they don't have a house and they're kicked out onto the street, which is a HUGE probability, then where will they go? What will they do? So no. She'll keep this secret until then. No matter how crappy she feels inside for keeping it. She's doing this for them.

Getting up, her feet hit the floor and went to her dresser. On the top of her six-drawer, grey wood, dresser sits a Faberge egg jewelry box. It's a beautiful pearl and diamond egg. Her grandmother, Edith, bought it for her thirteenth birthday. It's possibly the most expensive thing she owns, besides the bracelet. Touching her bracelet, she twisted it on her arm. Then she took her egg and opened it.

Nestled inside are their wedding bands. She took hers out. It's simple but not too much. It's fourteen karat gold with milgrain detailing and a vintage-inspired look. Eight round pave diamonds are set around the outside. It's precious and she loves it. One thing she remembers about the choosing of this ring is his voice saying "It looks like you, sweet and pretty."

In the quiet of her own bedroom, she put it on her finger. Walking over to the window, she admired it in the light. It's brilliance and sparkle shone clear. And again she felt homesick. But it's Christmas Day. No time for petty pitty parties.

Tamping down the urge to call Johnny and wish him a merry Christmas, she got up and ready for the day. Besides she'll see him later at her grandparents Christmas dinner. Dressed in red and white fair isle Christmas leggings, a black sweater, and comfy grey slippers, she walked downstairs. She twisted her hair up as she went and secured it with a band.

Downstairs the triplets were playing with Santa's gifts. "Ava, Ava, look what Santa brought us," Vera told her big sister. Ava sat on the floor by her. "Ava look it's a pretty dolly." She gave Ava the doll. The box says it cries like a real baby. It does look pretty lifelike.

"That's so nice Vera. Santa knew exactly what you wanted," she remarked as she handed the doll back.

Toby, the quieter of the three, showed her his new GI Joe action figures. "Look Sissy. More GI Joe."

She took them and ooohed and ahhhed over them. Then Clara said, "But Ava Santa came for you too." She pointed her little fingers to two big boxes.

With a huge smile, Ava said "Oh wow! Santa must have thought I was good this year." The triplets agreed.

But then she heard a dreadful voice. "Santa is senile. If you're good, then I'm perfect." Chase plopped down on the sofa bare feet, bare chest, and all.

"Oh look kids, it's the Grinch. He's come to steal your Christmas fun," she announced to the room. The triplets laughed.

Rolling his eyes, Chase commented. He pointed to each of his siblings. "Coal for you, and you, and you, and especially for you." Then he broke wind in right behind Ava's head.

She gagged, held her nose, and fanned the air. "You're so disgusting." The triplets shouted "Ewww!" They ran to tell their mother.

While they were gone, Chase asked "Rat Face get you something nice? Wait. He doesn't have a clue. He probably gave you one of his old, worthless, karate trophies. No wait. He gave you his crummy black belt, as useless as he is. You're dating a loser. Therefore you're a loser by default." He laughed at that.

That's it. She's not going to sit here and listen to this stupid idiot talk trash. "He's not a loser. He's an incredibly hard worker. Daniel just got lucky. Johnny could take him in a street fight any day of the week. Just like he could mess you up really badly if I asked him to. And believe me I'm almost ready to ask." Every time she's around him he spoils her mood.

Their father came into the living room. "Chase didn't we say to be nice to your sister today?" He gave his son a stern look.

Chase let out a sigh. "Fine I'll behave." Ava snorted at those words. "Dad, where does Mom keep the medicine? My head hurts."

Laughing, Ava told him. "That's your brain trying to comprehend its own stupidity." She continued to laugh, even as her father gave her a stern look. Don't blame her. He set himself up for it.

After the two of them left the room, Ava turned her attention to her "Santa gifts". First she took the biggest box and unwrapped its pretty paper. Just as she was about to lift the lid off, the triplets returned. They sat around her, watching to see what she got.

Inside the heavy box are several gifts. A navy blue and pink rose duvet cover, a mint green sherpa pom pom throw blanket, waterfall string lights in ombré pastel purple, and a Louis Vuitton signature canvas wristlet. She loves it all.

The next box is lighter, but sill big. Inside it is a pair of new pajamas (white with pink dots), a pastel pink and gold ring (it's stackable if she wants to buy more), bath bombs and body lotion, her favorite perfume (ironically named Unconditional Love), a new coral pom beanie hat with matching gloves, and new slippers. Everything is perfect for her.

Her parents plus Chase came back into the room. "Ava there's two more things. Your stocking and that big gift over there," her mother told her.

Of course her eyes were drawn to the big gift, leaning on the wall. Her father presented it to her. She couldn't help but say, "Wow! Looks like Santa went all out this year." Tearing the paper off, she discovered it's a wall mounted get ready beauty station. On the box it shows a place for everything: a holder for her curling iron, straightener, and hair dryer, a place for her makeup brushes, a drawer that opens where she can store her makeup, and it has a clear top so she can see inside the drawer.

"Oh my gosh! This is so perfect," she exclaimed with enthusiasm.

Chase snickered. "Santa knew you needed that, so you don't have to walk around looking like a reject from a horror movie anymore." His mother pinched his side at his words, while Ava narrowed her eyes at him.

Ignoring his nastiness, she got up and went to get her stocking. Inside it are gift certificates (to Nordstrom and Macy's), passes for an exclusive dolphin encounter at Sea World, lip balm, toothpaste, and candy.

While the triplets weren't paying attention or listening, she held up the dolphin encounter tickets, and said "Thanks Mom and Dad."

With smiles on their faces, Nick spoke for them. "We wanted you to have a little fun. You love dolphins, so we thought why not? It's something you would never tell us you wanted, you're always so practical that way. It's OK to live a little."

Her stomach  sank to her feet. Oh if they only knew how completely impractical she's been. They would be embarrassed, disgusted, and truly disappointed. Their daughter a married woman.

The morning passed by at a snail's pace. Ava lay on the sofa watching Christmas movies, eating Christmas M&M's. A thought occurred to her. Picking up the phone, she called Rachel. The two talked for a while. They shared their Christmas gifts and made plans to meet the next day. When she hung up, she called Dawn. They talked about the same things and made plans to go golfing over the break. She really needs to introduce Rachel to Dawn.

It was towards the end of watching Miracle on 34th Street, when her heart clinched. All the little girl wanted was a house. She also needs a house. But then there's the factor of money. Going upstairs to her room, she began thinking this through. Taking out pen and paper she wrote down a list.

On the list are money amounts. Her savings account, savings bonds, and her rainy day fund. It all totaled less than what they would need to buy a house, although it might be enough for an apartment. However, all of those things are supposed to go to her college education. With that in mind, she realizes one thing. She HAS to get a full golf scholarship somewhere. Before it wasn't a necessity, but now it is.

Knowing the country club is open today, for golfers, she threw on a pair of boots. Down the stairs she raced and into the kitchen, where her mother was making some kind of cake. "Mom, I'm going to country club for a little bit. I need to look at the golf message board. I'll be back in maybe thirty minutes."

Her mother nodded and said "Could you please pick up some cream cheese and fruit cocktail from the store?"

Ava said she would and grabbed her keys. On the way out she put on her maroon wool coat. Off she drove to Encino Oaks. Her eyes noticed several cars there. Parking and stepping out, she high tailed it to the message board. This board is amazing. Tournaments are always posted and kept up to date.

Scanning the board, she noticed there's a lady's tournament in January. The grand prize is... Wait! Did she read that correctly? It says the grand prize is fifty grand. Fifty grand would go a long way for a house down payment, or at the very least a town house unit. Which is perfect if her plan A doesn't pan out.

She has to enter. Stepping inside the golf shop, she ringed the bell on the counter. Tom, who runs it, greeted her. "Merry Christmas Ava. What brings you by?"

With a smile on her face, she greeted him too. "Merry Christmas Tom. I hope you're not working too hard today. I'm here to inquire about the lady's tournament posted on the board outside."

Tom rubbed his chin. "Oh yes. Almost all of the spots are full, but there's still a few remaining. Do you want to enter?"

Her eyes beamed and her whole face smiled. "I sure do. How much is the entry fee?" He told her fifty and she paid on the spot. After filling out the paperwork, she thanked him and left. On the way out, her heart felt overjoyed. If she wins, then it's one step closer to securing their future. She just has to win. If she doesn't, then she's back to where she is now... with no real money.

The rest of the afternoon was pure Christmas joy. The only thing Ava could think of was the golf tournament, fifty grand, and a down payment. Even while getting dressed for Christmas dinner, nothing could spoil her good mood. When she went downstairs to get a sparkling water, her mother complimented her outfit.

"Ava, your black leather skirt and red plaid shirt, look really Christmasy." But then Linda noticed her daughter beaming from ear to ear. "What's got you in such good spirits?"

Leaning on the counter, she told her mother. "This afternoon I entered myself in a golf tournament. The grand prize is fifty grand. Can you believe that?"

Her mother's eyes grew wide with surprise. "No, I can't. That's a lot of money. What will you do with it?"

Oh brother. She didn't count on her mother asking that. In the spirit of honesty, she answered "Secure my future with it." It's the truth.

Linda is impressed. "How very wise of you Dear. Now hurry up and finish getting ready. We need to be at your grandparent's in about an hour. Johnny will be picking you up soon."

How very wise... if her mother only knew the half of it. Taking her water, she went back upstairs to complete her look. On her legs she put on sheer black stockings and black booties on her feet. Then she took the rollers out of her hair and shook it out. The perfect amount of volume and curl, unlike the horrible big 80's hair for her wedding. She sprayed Rave hairspray all over it and spritzed perfume on her arm.

Clasping the promise bangle secure, she opened the Faberge egg one last time. Taking the wedding band out, she put it on her finger. This would look SO great with her outfit. She was so busy admiring it, that she didn't even hear Johnny's voice in her doorway. "Merry Christmas Babe," he greeted.

In an instant she sucked in air, her eyes were huge as coconuts, and she hid her hand behind her back. Her heart is beating so fast she's sure he can hear it. "Merry Christmas to you too!" With her hidden hand, she did a quick switch and moved the ring to her index finger. It will have to do for now.

Walking over to him, she admired his Christmas outfit. Navy blue slacks and blazer, red and navy plaid shirt, with a navy blue silk tie. They kind of match. "You look handsome."

He smiled a soft smile. "Thanks I tried. You on the other hand look hot." Admiring the sheer black stockings kind of made the room hotter. He sat on the edge of her bed and loosened his tie a little. Her coming over and sitting on his lap did nothing to help the matter. When she put her arms around his neck, he may have groaned.

"Did you have a good Christmas?" She felt him nuzzle her neck. Her heart continued to beat fast, but now not from being caught.

Inhaling her scent, he said "Mmmhmm, did you?" He planted a tender kiss on her neck.

"Yeah, but it's better now that you're here." Her fingers caressed his jaw. "I entered a golf tournament today. The grand prize is fifty grand. It's in January. Will you go watch me, be my cheerleader?"

She could ask him to do anything right now and he would. "Uh-huh." He went back to nuzzling her graceful neck. But then the light caught his eye and his attention was drawn to the ring on her finger. "That's a pretty ring," he whispered.

Oh crap! The ring! "Yeah it is isn't it?" She's got to take this off.

With his hands full of her, he wondered "Who gave it you? Was it a Christmas gift?"

"Someone very special to me gave it to me. You could say it was kind of a Christmas present." She placed a kiss to his temple and cheek.

Her words made him suspicious. "Someone special?"

He's too curious for his own good. "Yes. Remember I told you I'm secretly in love with Bobby. He gave it to me. We've made plans to quietly marry before the New Year."

With a huff he mocked her. "Ha, ha, ha. You're so funny. The only guy you'll be marrying is me." He felt her tense up. Did he say something wrong?

That hit a little close to home, considering she is married to him already. Unwinding her arms from him, she tried to get up, but he wouldn't let her. "What's wrong? I said the word marry and you froze. Do you not want to marry me? Is that it?"

She kissed his neck and he froze. That's one of his sensitive spots, she knows all of them now by memory. "No. That's not it at all. I want you. I want us. I want all the things with you. It's just—-" Her words were cut short by her mother's voice telling they need to leave.

Except he's not going anywhere until she finishes her thought. "Just what, Ava?"

"What if we decide to go to different colleges? I have to have a golf scholarship. It's of the utmost importance that I do." She felt him relax at her words. He might be relaxed but she's super stressed.

That's it? That's what she's worried about? "Babe if we go to different colleges, I'll still love you. And let's say you get a scholarship, full ride, from some college on the East Coast, then I'll follow you. No matter what. I'm sure there would be community colleges there. That is if you want me to." His words are laced with hope.

Disbelief and a lump formed in her throat. It's hard to speak. "You'd do that, for me? You'd leave this all behind?" She saw him nod. If that didn't cinch her admiration and make her heart melt then nothing would. Curling her fingers around the hair at the nape of his neck, she caught his blue eyes, and moved her mouth toward his. Just as she was going to kiss him silly, Chase came in.

"Why you'd want to kiss Rat Face is beyond me. Mom says we need to go now. Not after you're done making out." He burped on the way out of her room.

Johnny's narrowed eyes followed him. "He bothers me." And not because he was in the middle of going to kiss his girl either.

Huffing out a breath, Ava got up and went to her dresser. "Not as much as me. I can assure you of that." She took off her wedding ring and put it back in its place, along with his. Closing the egg, she got her purse and they held hands out the door.  Stopping by the Christmas tree, she grabbed his gift and put it in her bag.

"To grandmother's house we go," she sing-songed. He smiled at her face and loaded up in his car. She sang along to the Christmas songs on the radio. In a shocking move, he allowed her to listen to Christmas music.

To which he said, "The Grinch's heart has to grow at some point right?" She smiled at his smirk. Then he asked her about this dinner. He wanted to know who would be there and would kissing her be out of the question.

With a thoughtful expression, she answered him. "As far as I know, it's my grandparents, my family, you and me, and my out-of-town relatives. This may or may not include my stuck up cousin Misty." She can't stand Misty.

They're the same age, but Misty thinks she's better than her. Yes, Misty has bigger boobs, matured earlier, has had more boyfriends, and may or may not look prettier. But, she's a total pain in the rear. She always wants her own way and tries to get Ava into trouble at every turn. Everything Misty does is "better". Her handbag is better. Her clothes are better. Her grades are better. Her car is better. Her house is better. You name it and it's better.

Ava tries to get along with the girl, but it's very difficult. The last time she was visiting, Ava ignored her. Much to her mother's displeasure, she did not include her in any activities. She did not take her to Golf 'N Stuff with the girls. She did not ask her to go to the movies. She did not take her after Christmas shopping. And she for sure did not allow her to meet Tommy across the street, or any of his friends (especially Johnny). Not that Johnny would have been interested anyway, since he was still with Ali at that time.

Having detected a bit of hostility, Johnny stated "Well I'm sure I got the better, hotter looking cousin." He reached over and held her hand. "And after dinner, since we can't go to the Malibu house, I'll take you to one of my favorite spots. I think you'll like it. We can exchange gifts there." She nodded trying her hardest to not think about her godawful cousin.

When they arrived at her grandparents house, in Bel Air, the Christmas lights were all aglow. Her grandfather insists on putting them up, despite living in a stately mansion. "The little ones love them," he says with glee. And they do. The triplets love anything Christmas, especially lights.

They got out of the car, and walked to the door. Knowing her cousin would probably be here, Ava walked as slow as she could. Johnny noticed and raised an eyebrow at her hesitation. As soon as they reached the front door, her Aunt Kimmy let them in. She greeted Ava with a kiss to the cheek. "Don't you look taller," she said eyeing her niece. "And who do we have here?"

With suspicion, Ava introduced her boyfriend. Although knowing they're married, made it felt strange calling him such. Her aunt fawned over him. Words of "Aren't you a charmer," came out of her mouth.

Pulling Johnny away, from her aunt, the two moved into the family room. They always open gifts before dinner. There was no where to sit, so she and Johnny pulled two chairs from another room in. As they sat, Ava noticed the lack of her cousin. What a shame.

However, before the gifts were passed out, and Grandfather reads the Christmas story, her cousin entered the room. All eyes turned to her, due to her loud heels. And there's her cousin, one upping her again with a silver sequined skirt, black sweater, sheer black stockings, and black high heels. It's basically her whole look except for different skirts and tops. Ava looked away before she barfed.

Again Johnny noticed his girl's tension. Like he told her in the car, he got the better deal. Her cousin may be pretty, but she's not Ava. Not in looks, who's beautiful with or without makeup, and not in personality (as he came to find out). No. He's one hundred percent in love with his own hot chick. He took her hand and held it a little tighter. If she's feeling self-conscious he can help her with that, like she did him.

The presents were passed out. One to each person, along with an envelope. Even Johnny received an envelope, which he wasn't expecting. Loving Ava is full of lots of surprising things. One the count of three everyone opened their gifts. Ava opened hers. She got makeup, expensive makeup. Then she and Johnny opened their envelopes together.

The contents of the envelopes were not what they thought it would be. Inside were plane tickets and money. Both received a thousand dollars each, which is far too much (at least in Ava's mind). But the plane tickets had her confused. "Grandmom, Granddad what are the tickets for?"

Her grandfather responded. "They're round trip to anywhere you want to go in the world. We thought, with this being your Senior year, you might like a trip." He and his wife smiled.

Heck yes she'd like a trip. This is perfect actually. It could serve as a honeymoon, kind of. And the money, well that can be saved. Every little bit she gets now is going towards their housing fund. But Johnny doesn't know that and his thoughts centered on outfitting his bike with new tires, new riding gloves, a new leather jacket, and new decals.

During dinner, is when an announcement was made. Her Uncle Tim raised his glass and said "In other news, Kimmy, the kids, and I are moving here in two weeks." Everyone started speaking at once.

Ava wanted to know what this meant. Is Misty moving too? Where is she going to school? Where are they going to live? Why are they moving from Seattle? All of her questions were answered.

"OK everyone. We know you have lots of questions. First we're moving here because I took a new position. I'm still a DA, but now for the city of Los Angles. It was an opportunity I couldn't pass up. All of the kids are moving with us, even Misty, who is sad to be leaving her friends behind. But we know she'll make new ones here." Her Uncle Tim turned to look at her. "Ava, we thought you could help your cousin. She'll be starting at your school in January."

Oh God! This is her second worst nightmare come true. Before she could even respond, her mother spoke. "Oh Ava will be delighted to help Misty. She can start tomorrow, by showing her around. Won't you Dear?"

Ava could not believe her mother. "Mother, I have plans with Rachel." Her mom gave her the mother look. "But I'm sure Rach won't mind if Misty comes along." Yes. Yes, she'll mind. She, herself, minds a great deal! She felt Johnny's hand grip her thigh. If she weren't so upset, she'd blush.

And then her uncle said the one thing she didn't want to hear. "Mother, Father, Kimmy and I were wondering if we could live in the Malibu house until we find something for ourselves?"

Her grandparents were thrilled at the idea. They offered it up on a silver platter. No, no, no, no,  no. This is not how it's supposed to go! This next week she was going to talk to her granddad and ask if she could have the house. It's supposed to be hers, hers and Johnny's. Crap! There goes plan A out the window. Now she has no choice but to win that contest and get a full golf scholarship.

Her whole world is crashing down in front of her eyes. Doesn't anyone care? But how could they. She hasn't told anyone she's married, not even her own husband. Looking at him, made the lump in her throat return full force. Looking at her family made it increase in size. She's going to be poor and penniless and on the streets once they all find out.

She was so lost in her own thoughts that she didn't hear her mom call her name. "Ava. Ava can you hear me?"

Looking at her mom, she said "Hmm?" Johnny squeezed her thigh and took her hand, under the table, and laced their fingers together.

"I said, there's the New Year's Eve party at the country club. That would be a great way to introduce Misty to your friends. Johnny agreed," her mother told her.

Squeezing her hand, and knowing Ava is not alright, Johnny spoke. "Ava and I will take care of her. We'll introduce her to our friends and make sure she has a good time Ms. Linda." He brushed his hair off his forehead with his free hand and flashed a smile.

After dinner, Ava told her parents she wasn't feeling well and wanted to go home. Johnny excused them both and they left. In his car, he asked "Do you really feel bad or did you just say that?"

"I just said it. I was ready to leave," she confessed. He gave her a look and started the car. They drove all the way to Santa Monica. Sid owns a beach house there. He took Ava to it.

She's never been here, much less knew this place existed. Johnny says it's a beach house, but it's a real house that happens to be on the  beach. When she went inside, she noticed a little Christmas tree. Turning to Johnny, she asked "Did you do that?"

"Yeah. I wanted it to feel like Christmas when I brought you here. Before I stayed with you at the Malibu house, if I didn't want to stay with my friends, I'd come here. I have a lot of clothes in the master bedroom." He looked off in the distance like he's remembering something. "Anyway, I wanted to bring you here because in the mornings the sunrise is really something spectacular. I hoped you'd want to watch it with me."

Taking his hand, she told him "Of course. There's nothing more I'd rather do."

Then he took her hand and led her to the sofa. While she sat, he took a box from under the tree. He sat beside her and gave it to her. She tore off the paper and opened it. Inside is a heart necklace. It's actually a set of three hearts. A big one outside, with a medium sized one nestled to it, and a heart shaped diamond in the middle.

Practically speechless, she stated "This is gorgeous. Thank you so much." She held it lovingly in her hands.

"Wait. There's a reason why I got that for you." He took her hand in his and rubbed it with his thumb. "There's three hearts. One because you hold my past. Another because you have my present. And the third because you hold my future. My future is with you." His eyes locked in on hers. "This is not a proposal, yet. But I want you to know where my heart lies. It's with you."

With tears in her eyes, she remarked "It's beautiful and I love it. But I love you more." The knot in her stomach and lump in her throat returned. She's homesick for him. "I need to tell you something."