‘This is going to be one long Christmas.’
Chapter 3: An Incestuous Christmas Eve
“Now you have to pour the hot milk mixture in slowly, and make sure you keep whisking.” The singsong voice of Vivian’s mother Jill sounded from her phone. Vivian looked at her mother’s visual from the video call, as she followed the instructions. One of their traditions was drinking a glass of eggnog on the night of Christmas Eve, and having not much experience making it before she had naturally called Jill, who was more than happy to guide her daughter through.
Once the mixture was ready, she strained out the milk and added the vanilla, spices, cream and a ¼ cup of Bourbon – essential to the spiced homemade eggnog.
“There, that’s all there is to it.”
“That was easier than I expected. Thanks, Mom. By the way, I got the gift you and Dad sent. You know you didn’t have to get me or Jason anything.”
“Ahh, just enjoy it dear, you’ll love what we got you. And Jason’s too. Took us some time choosing it, but mostly because you father kept going back from the checkout screen…you know how he is when it comes to these small computers.”
“Mom, it’s called a laptop. Where’s Dad anyways?”
Vivian saw her mother turn away from the screen for a moment, before turning back. “Oh he’s just cutting up some firewood, the weather forecast predicted we might have some snow today and the rest of the week until New Year’s Eve.”
“That’s wonderful, what’s it been? Almost 3 years since we had a White Christmas. A pity though because of the lockdown.” The disappointment was evident in her tone.
“Now Viv, remember what I used to tell you when you were young. Always count your blessings, and besides it’ll be good for you to spend time with Jason before he’s back at college. Hopefully, this awful disease is gone soon.”
“You’re right Ma, anyways, I better get off the phone before the ham burns. I’ll call you tomorrow. Love you so much, and tell Dad we miss him too.”
“I will honey, love you too.”
“Merry Christmas, Mom.”
“Merry Christmas, Honey.” The smiling face of Jill vanished, as Vivian ended the video conference.
“Jason, could you come down and help me set up the table?” Vivian put on the oven mittens, ready to take the maple glazed ham out of the oven.
“Yeah, Mom, I’ll be down in a minute,” The faint reply came, before she heard the slamming of his bedroom door, followed by the thuds indicating his descent down the stairs. As she brought the tray over the dining area, Vivian noticed the mistletoe was no longer there.
‘That’s strange, but at least it’s gone…’
❆ ❆ ❆
“Mom, look it’s snowing,” Jason shouted, his face pressed against the window pane overlooking the street, watching the snowflakes fall over the blanket of freshly lain snow that covered the lush grass and the sidewalks. Vivian made her way into the living room, two mugs of eggnog in hand. His back was turned towards her, and as he bent down to get a better view she was presented with a view of his muscular butt through his grey sweatpants.
‘Look away Vivian, what the hell are you doing?’ She got up next to him, and was immediately enthralled by the pristine blanket of white that was beginning to engulf everything.
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