Ella — A Very Grand Mountain Christmas

Where’s the Grinch?

“Leo, I said straight! Do I need to grab a level? Is your trained eye not good enough?” I say to my boyfriend as he tries and fails to hang some extra decorations for tonight's festivities.

“Darling, I was only wondering if this was where you wanted it. I was going to straighten it after.”

Oh. “Yes, that’s fine where it is. But make sure it’s straight or else!” I say as I put out an assortment of cheese, crackers, and salami for our charcuterie board.

It’s Christmas Eve, and of course I’m hosting. Leo has been helping me set up for the past few days, and even though he still manages to push my buttons, he’s a great helper.

He steps off the ladder and cages me into my kitchen counter where I’m trying to make a salami flower. He leans down to whisper in my ear, his voice low and fucking addictive. “Or else what, Ella?”

I take a deep breath as he peppers kisses down my neck. “You’ll find out later if my decorations don't look perfect.”

“Oh, I hope I find out.” I spin around and capture his lips in a quick kiss.

“Can you please make yourself useful and make sure the living room is all set?” He continues to kiss down my neck. I even feel a few bites here and there. “If you mark me before our friends come over, I will end you.”

“And what a noble ending that would be.” He presses one more kiss to my forehead before he concedes. “I’ll make sure it’s perfect, darling. I promise.”

A few minutes later as I’m done making salami flowers and setting up all the food, I hear a few knocks at my door. I’m a hundred percent sure that it’s Paige and Oliver, based on the speed of the knocks. I hear Leo open it and greet whoever it is, and I hear Paige’s squeal from my kitchen. “Leo! How wonderful to see you again!”

“Hi, Paige. I absolutely love your outfit. Very festive.” He pauses for a second. “Birthday boy, nice to see you again.”

I laugh as I hear him call Oliver that. Ever since Leo has wormed his way into my life, he’s had a hard time remembering everyone's names. He knows the girls and Grant well, but for some reason Oliver’s name always seems to slip his mind.

I think it’s fucking hilarious. Oliver does not share the same sentiment—especially since Leo apparently flirted with Paige at the Halloween party a few years ago. 

Paige’s bright smiling face finds me in the kitchen, and before I get a single word out, she throws her arms around me and squeezes. “Ella! I’ve missed you so damn much!”

“I missed you too, P. Where’s the Grinch?”

“He’s talking to Leo.” She says as she pulls back. “I brought wine and tequila! I know you told us not to bring anything, but I wanted to. Plus, you always host, so it only feels fair to help out a little bit.”

“Ugh, I love you so much. Have you talked to the others? Are they on their way?” I ask, wondering when Hads and Grant are going to get here. Grant is good at diffusing awkward situations, and Leo has been nervously pacing about this get-together for days.

The two of them come into the room, and when Oliver sees Paige, his features soften. I might give him shit every now and then, but he loves my girl like she deserves, so I’m thankful for him.

“Merry Christmas, you guys. Grant and my sister are on the way. They got stuck in traffic.”

“Ah. I was surprised they didn't beat you here. If Grant’s driving, I bet he’s flooring it to get here and see Leo.” I laugh before I look at Leo, his face all confused. It’s funny how he doesn't realize how obsessed Grant is with him and his accent. 

“Ol, can you go grab the presents from where I set them and put them under the tree?” Paige asks him. He doesn't say anything, but instead he presses a kiss to her head, and leaves the kitchen. “So, Ells, where is Alissa? Is she still back home?”

“Yes, my dear sister is spending some time with her friends back home and keeping an eye on my dad.” Leo says, a pang of something in his tone. Leo’s Dad went through some health stuff at the end of November, and it shook him up. I’m glad his dad is okay, but I know it kills him to be in the states sometimes.

“That’s too bad. I haven't seen her in a while, and I wanted an update on that guy she was seeing!”

“Same! After she told me about that horrible text conversation with him, I was surprised she even went out with the guy, but she did say he had a huge—”

“Darling, if we could refrain from talking about who my sister is shagging at the moment, that would be much appreciated.” 

Oliver comes back into the room just as he says that. “I’d say you get used to it, but you don't. Knowing about my sister and Grant’s sex life is enough to keep me up at night.”

“Oliver, don’t act like a prude. Hads and Grant have definitely heard us having sex a few times. Especially when I lived with you all summer.” Paige smirks over at him.

“Oh, we definitely heard you guys. Oliver is for sure a power bottom.” Grant’s voice infiltrates the room. 

“I didn't even hear you guys knock.” I say as I go over to hug him. Before I can, I notice his outfit, and burst out laughing.

“What the fuck are you wearing?” I ask him.

“That’s an…interesting ensemble.” Leo says.

All I hear from Paige is enough laughter to make certain that she falls from her seat at my counter, and Oliver is just confused as always.

“I’m Carter Claus! It is Christmas, after all. Someone had to be Santa.” He smiles before setting his giant bag down. He’s wearing a fake beard, a Santa outfit, and I’m pretty sure he dyed his hair gray. “Hads, get in here!”

“No.” I hear her sternly say. “I cannot believe I let you talk me into this.”

“Oh fucking hell. What did you do to my sister, pretty boy?” 

“He turned me into Mrs. Claus.” Hads says as she steps into the room wearing a silver wig, big boots, wire framed glasses, and what appears to be a female version of Grant’s outfit. 

I hear Paige clicking her camera at them, wanting to remember this moment for a long time. Only Grant could make Hads do this, and I’m thankful he did.

“I feel like an old woman.” Hads’ boots click across my floor as she sits next to Paige. “You get this from me for one hour. I’m setting a timer.”

“Dinner is almost ready, so why don't we eat and then do presents?” I say, wanting this moment to last forever.

I’ve always loved hosting our get togethers, especially now that all of us are done with college. It was a long road to get to where we all are now, but I’m always grateful that we can all spend time together.

Well, most of us. Amelia is still in another country, but she promised to call while we’re all together so we can chat.

Sometimes it sucks that we’re all not living in the same radius as we used to when we were in college, but moments like these are what I cherish now. Planning time to be together as adults is hard as fuck, and after the fucking year Leo and I have had, this has been needed. Planning things like these calms me down in some weird way. I think I just thrive in the chaos of checking things off of my to-do list. 

“So, how has everyone been? And did you guys get my email invite for Hads’ themed birthday extravaganza?” Grant asks as he takes a bite of a cracker. “Damn, that’s good.”

“I’m sorry, my what?” Hads cocks her head at him.

“Hades, I’m just trying to get a headcount. Jacks and Claire already promised that they would come as Odysseus and Penelope.”

“Oh dear god, what theme are you doing? Greek Gods?” Hads asks as I hear Paige laughing. Leo just throws a look at me, very confused because Grant sent me the email and invited both of us since he doesn't have Leo’s email.

“I’m telling everyone to dress as their favorite Greek God except for Hades and Persephone, obviously.”

“Does that make you Persephone, pretty boy?” Oliver laughs, fully laughs, and I swear a volcano just erupted somewhere.

“Yes. Hads is Hades, of course, so I get to be the lovely Persephone who Hades traps in the Underworld.” Grant smiles as bright as can be. Only he would get excited about being tethered to someone against his will. I’m a hundred percent sure he would follow Hads to the depths of Hell willingly.

“Oliver, I promised we would go as Orpheus and Eurydice. I’ve already started getting fabric for our costumes.”

“Okay, love. I’ll wear whatever you make me.” He throws his arm around her shoulder, and Paige leans into him.

I feel Leo come behind me and brace his arms on the counter, and just the sight of those hands is making me remember all the things he can do with them. “And who do you think we should go as?”

“I will let you know as soon as I figure it out.”

“Don't make me torture you for information, Ells. You wont like what I do.” He whispers only for me to hear, and before I get too flustered in front of our friends, I change the subject. “Let’s eat, and we can talk more about this. Grant, you know how I love a themed party.”

“Of course I do, Ells. I’m going to need help with the decorations, so I’ll need your expertise.”

“Ugh, this is why you’re my favorite.”

“Darling, that better be a joke.” Leo quips from the oven as he pulls out the food.

“It was!” I exclaim back to him, but as Grant sits across from me at the table, I shake my head at him, and the two of us laugh.

I missed this.

***

All of us have congregated in the living room after dinner, and as Christmas music plays softly in the background, we all open our presents. We’ve all done presents with our significant others already, so these are purely just friend presents. 

“Okay, do mine next!” I say as I hand out the gift bags to everyone. I love giving gifts to my best friends to show my love for them. Gift giving is most certainly my love language. I just love them all so much, and giving them things I know they’ll love brings me a joy that I can't explain.

Hads and Paige go first, and when they each pull out an annotated copy of their favorite book, I hear Paige practically squeak. 

“Ella, this is the book we became friends over!” I hear her voice strain as tears flood her eyes. “This book is over 700 pages! How did you do this?”

“I gave blood, sweat, and tears, babe. But it felt necessary.” 

“Thank you, Ells. I love it so much!”

“Hads, that book felt perfect for annotating, so feel free to add it to your collection.” Hads and I are obsessed with this one book that got turned into a movie. I think we’ve watched it about a hundred times, including a few together, and I had to annotate it for her. It’s about a prince from England and the first son of the United States falling in love. We have a problem with this book and our obsession, but neither of us cares. The book and movie are pure perfection.

“I could scream and or cry. It’s perfect! I can’t wait to add it to my collection!” Hads says as her and Paige come over to hug me. 

“We love you, Ells.” Paige says through sniffles.

“I love you guys too.” I smile back at them.

Grant goes next, and when he opens his gift, he screams—like, full body screams. “Is this the collector's edition box set of One Tree Hill? Oh my fucking god, Ella, where did you find this?”

“It’s a secret, but I know how upset you were that it’s no longer on streaming, so I figured this was perfect.” Hads and I both love the show, and Grant got hooked when he watched it while he took care of Hads when she was sick. It was before they started dating, but that night caused an obsession for him and the show, so when I saw this on eBay, I clicked buy immediately.

“I love you as much as Lucas loves Haley in season one.”

“I love you too, pretty boy.” I chuckle as Leo’s eyebrows shoot up. Leo will never understand our obsession, and that’s okay. He watches reality TV with me and Alissa anytime it’s on, but he could never get into a long show. He’s more of a movie guy, or reality TV with some drama.

“Oliver, you’re up.” I say as he looks at the box in his hands. Oliver is without a doubt the hardest to shop for—for everyone except Paige. We all know that he loves anything she gets him, but the rest of us are shit out of luck. Besides brooding, Oliver doesn't have many hobbies, but I think I did okay this year.

He opens it and I see a smirk pop up on his face. “Really?”

“Well at least this time there’s no danger or possible arrests that could happen.”

“Are you guys ever going to let the fact that I was in holding go? I’ve told you a thousand times that I was never actually in jail.”

“Whatever you say, Shawshank.” Grant laughs, and the rest of us join besides Oliver.

“Oh come on, babe. An unsolved case file sounds fun! It’s like we’re headed back to our roots!” Paige’s cheerful disposition tries to soften Oliver’s hard expression.

“Fine. Thank you, Ella, for a much safer way for us to solve a crime.” 

“You’re very welcome, Detective Baker.” I say back.

And for the rest of the night, we laugh, smile, and even shed a few tears as another Christmas Eve comes and goes. It’s been a year full of ups and downs, new relationships budding and old ones thriving. 

Tomorrow, I’ll head over to my Dad’s house for Christmas with him and my sister for our usual family get together. Leo will be tagging along as well, which I’m excited for. My last girlfriend couldn't handle all of my dad’s insane questions, but I have no doubt Leo will do just fine during his interrogation.

But tonight, as I sit here surrounded by my chosen family, I know it’s exactly where I’m meant to be, and I wouldn't trade it for the world.

It’s crazy how something as simple as books can bring people together, and I’ll forever be grateful for the power that words have.

Best Christmas ever.

Grant

June 11th, 2022

“So, your parents like me? Right?” 

“Grant, for the one-thousandth time, yes. They might even like you more than me. Stop asking and start paddling.” Oliver tells me as he swims away on his board.

“I’m just triple-checking! I want to make a good impression!” I tell him, and I do. Meeting the parents of someone you love is terrifying, and my mom always told me that a good first impression is important because you can never make another one. So naturally, I have to make sure. Although, them liking me over Oliver was something I never saw coming.

They’re all so much alike that it initially scared me a little. Now I think it’s kind of funny.

“Grant, you brought gifts and have been helping around the house. I walked into the guest room, and you were vacuuming yesterday. Stop worrying so much.” Oliver grumbles at me while he splashes me with water. Oliver and I have been getting up early every morning to go surfing. Hads sits on the beach and takes photos while we surf. Ol has been teaching me, well, trying to teach me how to surf, but it’s not going very well. There haven't been many waves this morning, though. The ocean has been calm, so we chatted while out here. Well, I’ve been talking. Oliver just listens. He’s good at listening, and I think I’m slowly cracking his outer shell. I’m starting to get more than one sentence out of him. 

“I’m sorry, I’ll stop. But only if you promise to get better at teaching me how to do this. At this rate, I won’t know how to surf before I go back to Vermont, which was on my bucket list for the summer. You know I hate failing at things, but this one would be on you, just so you know.” I throw him a wink, and he just stares at me.

“Of course, you have a fucking bucket list. Also, I’m a phenomenal teacher, so shut the fuck up.” 

“Damn, I used to think you were a morning person. Now I’m reconsidering that statement.” He glares at me again, and I look at Hads on the beach. I throw her a wave, and she waves back at me, her camera in her left hand. She’s been documenting our summer vacation so far, and that camera has been attached to her hip. I’m excited to possibly make a scrapbook out of all the adventures we’ve gone on this summer–if she’ll let me get good enough paper to do that. I’m also equally excited to show her my hometown in Vermont. I’m still teaching her how to skate and cannot wait to do that at my home rink. The one my dad and I used to skate at. I’m excited to share all these bits and pieces of my life with her. 

If I could talk to my past self, no part of me would envision being here. Here with Hads, and even Oliver, learning to surf and exploring California with the girl I love and one of my new best friends.

It’s crazy how much your life can change in just a few months.

“Hey, hockey boy, try this coming wave.” Oliver snaps at me and brings me back into focus. I look behind us, and sure enough, a wave is coming. I start to paddle beside him, and by the time it reaches us, I see him up on the board, and I even get up for a few seconds before losing my balance and falling into the ocean. I breach the water's surface and grab my board before heading toward where my girlfriend sits on the sand. I drop beside her, and she hands me a towel.

“You almost had that one.” She smiles at me. “By next week, you’ll be a natural.”

“You would think he would know how to balance himself, but I guess not,” Oliver says as he drops onto his towel and shakes the water out of his hair.

“Okay listen, it’s a lot different than skating. If Hads were teaching me I would already be a pro.”

“Well, my sister doesn't enjoy it as much as I do, and I taught her how to surf. Looks like you're stuck with me.” He smirks condescendingly at me, and I flip him off.

“Oliver, it’s a pleasure to be stuck with you. Maybe our next outing could be an escape room!” I smile at him, and he just gets up and walks toward the parking lot, the board in one hand and the towel in the other. I turn to where Hads is standing and try to hug her, but she stiff-arms me.

“Grant, you’re all wet. Take your wetsuit off, and then I’ll hug you.” I tilt my head at her. “What! It’s a new skirt!” I smirk at her, and she goes on the offensive because she knows damn well what I’m about to do, and then she grabs her stuff and takes off running. I immediately follow her. I’ll always chase her; she knows that by now. Fortunately for me, she hates running, and my long stride reaches her in a few seconds. I grab her from behind and lift her into my embrace. She fights me for a second, as always. Eventually, I put her down, and she rolls her eyes at me. “You’re going to iron this for me when we get back.”

“Oh, I know. I don't mind though, anything just to hold you for a few seconds.” Her stern embrace softens slightly, and she clicks her camera at my face. “What was that for?”

“You looked cute, and I wanted to remember this moment.” 

When she says that, I kiss her for a few seconds. Every time our lips touch, I silently thank whoever the fuck allowed me to love this girl as I do right now. This summer has contained some of my favorite memories, and being able to do it beside her and even Oliver has been amazing. I feel happiness bloom from my chest like nothing could top these moments, big or small. They're all equally important and memorable to me. Plus, I’d never been to the West Coast before this. Being able to experience that for the first time with Hads is something I’ll never forget. 

“I’m thinking I should change your nickname, Hades. You do have a heart, after all,” I smile at her, making fun of how she told me to get lost when I originally gave her that nickname. I bet she's glad I was so persistent. I always take full credit when she explains how we got together, and naturally, she likes to fight me on that one detail. I wouldn't expect anything less, but she forgot I was the one who needed her help, not the other way around. Therefore, one point for me. Or a million. Either way I always win, but sometimes I concede because I like seeing her face when she thinks she won.

“Don't.” She tells me.

“Oh, are we liking that nickname now? I thought you, what did you say that one time, you loathed being compared to someone as horrible as the God of the Underworld? Did I get that right?” I’ve started to crowd her personal space, and she just looks up at me, fire in her eyes, as always. 

“It might have grown on me a little bit. I still dislike it.”

“Of course you do, but I’ll never stop calling you that because it reminds me of how far we’ve come.” I press my lips to hers again, and Oliver is honking the car horn at us when we pull back, breaking us apart. He does this every fucking morning. He told me a few days ago that he hates PDA, so whenever he honks at us, I kiss Hads again to push his buttons. I can't wait until some girl brings Oliver to his knees one day, and I get to make fun of him for PDA-ing all over the place. I doubt it will happen anytime soon, but a guy can dream. 

Hads grabs her bag and camera, and I get all my shit and shove it into my backpack. I grab her hand, and the two of us jog up to where Oliver is waiting with his car, a black jeep wrangler. He’s leaning against his car on his phone, and when he looks up and sees us, he rolls his eyes.

“Oliver, calm down. Let’s get coffee or something. My treat, okay?” Hads throws her bag in the back seat, and Oliver grunts at her.

One grunt in Oliver's language means yes.

Guess we’re going for coffee.

Oliver orders a straight black coffee, Hads gets a heart attack in a cup, and I get my usual pink drink from the Starbucks around the corner from where we surf. 

“Baby, I don't know how you always drink those. If I had three espresso shots, I think it would kill me.” She gets the same thing everywhere we go, and I asked her once why she never branched out to other things, only to get a smack on the hand and a stern reply from her. She told me it was because if she knows something is good, why risk it? I just nodded at her. “Can I try it?”

“Sure, just don't keel over. I would hate for Oliver to have to drive you to the hospital if you do end up having a heart attack.” She hands me her cup, and I smirk at her.

“I’m sure Oliver wouldn't hesitate to save me, right buddy?” I slap his shoulder, and he glares at me while I take a sip.

“Well, I guess we’ll find out.” He says while leaning back in his chair. Hads’ phone buzzes a few times while we sit at our table. “Jesus, Hads, tell the girls to chill the fuck out for once.” Oliver tries to grab her phone off the table but is too slow.

“How do you know it's them? I have other friends, you know.” Both Oliver and I tilt our heads at her because, of course, it’s the girls. Those four are so attached at the hip that they talk daily while school isn't in session. “Okay, fine, it’s them, minus Paige.”

“Why the fuck do you have a chat without Paige in it?” Oliver questions.

“Yeah, is something going on with you all? Are the girls fighting? Oh God, this is my worst nightmare.” I can't imagine those girls ever breaking apart. They love each other too much.

“Calm down, geez. It’s without Paige because we’re trying to plan a surprise trip for her birthday this year. Amelia made this chat so we could iron out all the details without her knowing. Why do you care so much?” She asks us.

“I don't,” Oliver says, clearly lying, but I don't want to press him about it.  

“That sounds fun, babe. When is her birthday?”

Before Hads can answer, Oliver jumps in and answers. “June 30th.” Hads and I look at him. “What?”

“How did you know that?” She asks him.

“She mentioned it in class once.” Someone has a good memory…

“Ah, gotcha.” Hads sips her coffee and aggressively texts them back. 

“After that, you're coming to Vermont, right?” I double-check with her. We agreed to split the summer between our hometowns, but I would make an exception for Paige’s birthday. That girl deserves to celebrate with her favorite people, and I know a surprise like that would be awesome. I should ask Hads to video her reaction. I love watching those kinds of videos. They just make you feel all warm and fuzzy inside. 

“Yes. I wouldn't dream of being anywhere else.” She smiles at me, and I lean over and kiss her, hearing Oliver grunt while I do, but I don't pull away. 

“I’m going to wait in the car.” Oliver gets up, shoves his chair, and dramatically walks out of Starbucks. I never knew he could be such a drama queen, but it's nice to see a little peek of his personality sometimes. It reminds me that he’s still human. I’ll get him to crack one day, just like I did with Hades. The Baker family isn't fond of talking about shit, they tend to hold it all in, but I’m one for two with the Baker siblings. I think before I leave California, I can crack Oliver. After all, I will live in the same building as him next year, so it’s not like he can avoid me forever.

“Ignore him. He’s been extra moody lately.” Hads smiles at me.

“Yeah, what is up with that?” I ask her, hoping she might have some insider knowledge of Oliver.

“No clue. But forget about him, how are you liking California? Is it everything you thought it would be?” 

“I love it. I love seeing where you grew up and spending time with your family.” I grab her hand from off the table and kiss it. “Thank you for letting me come along.”

“Of course. It’s been nice having you around. I don't hate it as much as I thought I would.”

“What does that mean? Did you think you would get sick of me that quickly?” I laugh at that because it’s very Hads to assume she would double back on her feelings. She took a big leap at the end of the semester, and I’m happy she did. But part of her was scared that she couldn't trust her feelings. I get it. I was scared to put myself out there too. But I think we both have a mutual feeling that only we understand. We both know what it feels like to lose trust in someone that was supposed to be faithful to you, but she knows that I would never do anything to hurt her. I am hers, and nobody can take that title away from me, especially when I wear it so proudly every day. 

“No, I just didn't want to drag your mood down with me, especially when I can be cold sometimes. I’m trying to be better about it.” She sighs. “You're just so good, and I’m me, I don't know. Just forget I said anything.”

“Baby, you should know I love you the way you are. I don't want you to be anybody else, okay? I want all the cold stares and slaps you will give me. Got it?”

“Got it.” She smiles at me. “Should we head back to the car, or do you think Oliver left without us?”

“I guess there’s only one way to find out.” I grab her hand and drag her out the front door, only to notice that Oliver’s car is no longer in the spot it was in before. He left us here. “Damn. I guess we’re walking.”

“Fine by me. Can we swing by the park so I can take some pictures?” 

“Of course we can, baby.”

She smiles at me as I interlace our hands. Together, the two of us walk toward our destination, smiling and discussing whatever comes to mind. 

This has been the best summer ever, and it's not over yet.

Every day with her is like an endless summer; I wouldn't trade it for the world.

Or an endless spring? 

That’s more like it. She is my spring, after all, my new beginning, the person I want to spend every season with. I’m glad I was failing that class because I would never be here right now without that.

I’ll forever be grateful that The Great Gatsby brought me to her. 

Books are powerful, and I’m glad Hads showed me that. We wouldn't be here without them, and as I look down at her, I know she’s it for me. I keep that to myself, though, and just smile at her. 

My girl.