Christmas

[lt_legacy]

The Bradley household is actually somewhat quiet this year. Darius and his partner are here. Joshia called earlier from his work in Africa and Eli's mother called from Scottsdale. Most of the cousins and grandbabies are elsewhere. Faith is still cooking for the small army she's used to feeding though. Leftovers will go to the Church supper in

Comments

[no_not_hawkeye]

Kate felt out of place here. But, anything was better than spending it totally alone in a house that was a waste of money most of the time.

It wasn't like Christmas had been the same in years, anyway. Not after her Mom.

"...Nice place," she said, and meant it. It was...cozy.

[marvel_yafamily]

Faith was humming along to the Christmas music playing on the little, rather ancient (but still functioning) radio, as she finished cooking.

"Darius, set out table, would you?" she asked, but in her house, that was more of an order than a request.

As Eli came in, with guest, she turned and beamed at them, "There you are--just in time for supper," she said cheerfully, and she put down her wooden spoon, and turned to talk to the company. "Now which one of your friends is this, Eli?"

[lt_legacy]

"Grandmother," he steps aside, takes off his hat, and gestures to the girl he came with. "This is Kathrine - Kate. Kate, this is my grandmother, Faith Bradley."

[no_not_hawkeye]

"Nice to meet you," Kate said pleasantly, juggling Eli's presents so she could hold out her hand to shake Faith's if she was so inclined. "I'm sorry to barge in on you like this."

[truths_justice]

He rarely ever visits.

He almost never visits on holidays.

He never stays long when he does stop by.

He can't. If they realize that he's part of the family and not just a friend of it, he is in danger, as are they.

But tonight, the muslim can spare ten minutes to watch a christmas special along side his father.

[lt_legacy]

"I'll get it!"

His face falls just a little.

"Eid Saeed," he tries not to deadpan to his uncle. He knows it's not exactly the right holiday, he's not sure he's mispronouncing it right, and frankly he does not care. He steps aside to let him in. "Thought you were in Africa this year."

[truths_justice]

There are no warm hugs between them. "Happy Halloween," is the deadpanned retort. He stepped inside with minimal acknowledgment towards Eli.

"You wasted a thought." He doubts that's the first time that happened.

[lt_legacy]

Would you know what one looked like? He bite down on that one hard. Grandma and Kate are in hearing range...but, oh, Josiah is going to just love the whole "uptown white girl being a guest," thing.

"Would you prefer, 'Happy Kwanzaa?'" He follows him to the kitchen.