One Christmas Present

4315 Words
The Bully Series Christmas special ft. John and Terry. Enjoy. (๑°꒵°๑)・*♡ I was in my bedroom, putting on a pair of gold earrings, when there was a knock on my door. "Miss Evans." Julie, my personal maid, was calling through it. "They're here." Excitement welled up inside of me. I immediately turned and hurried to put my heels on. "I'll be out in a minute!" I shouted. “Thank you, Julie!” Then with my heels on, I gave myself one more look-over on the mirror. I was wearing a blue chiffon puff sleeve dress with a sweetheart neckline and a high waistline. On my feet were short comfortable heels and my hair was in a half-up, half-down style. It was Christmas Eve and tonight, the Steeles were going to have dinner in my house. Everything had to be perfect. I was practically busy all day making sure everything was going to be perfect. I rushed out of my bedroom and down the stairs. Tonight was going to be perfect. Or so I had thought… Because then I saw the two familiar cars on the driveway. And recognizing both, the excitement turned into a sinking feeling in the pit of my stomach knowing what was to come. Two men were standing at the bottom of the steps. The two men stood in front of each other with almost identical dark scowls on their faces, sizing each other up. The two men stood there for almost five minutes and had still not let up. And I, at my wit's end, stood frozen at the top of the steps, wishing an end to this pissing contest. John scowled then. "Tell me I've imagined you, Haru." Hard, cold and slanted eyes like mine, Haru didn't acknowledge him at all except to fry him with his gaze. He was an inch shorter than John and leaner but was just as meaner when riled. Standing side by side, Haru’s immaculate appearance contrasted sharply with John, as the former was wearing a white linen button-down shirt tucked in beige slacks while John was wearing black turtleneck and black pants. Both were impossibly handsome men and both knew it. Both could be also impossible to deal with and boy, did I know it. "Are you both done?" I snapped, crossing my arms over my chest. It was John who looked away first and he did this grinning at me. I tried not to let his handsome face sway me from my rising anger. "He started it first," was his defense. “He is trespassing," was Haru's remark. “He is a guest in our home," I scowled at the two of them. "And he didn't start it first. You both did. When will you ever grow up? You’re supposed to be a high school senior, John. And aren’t you a university student, Oniisan? Stop being immature." "If your boyfriend wasn't such an infant…" Haru began. "Oh, screw you,” John snapped at my brother. “Sweetheart, it's not my fault your brother is a massive asshole." "Terry, I don't think you should be around such foul-mouthed idiot." "I'm this close to punching your asshole brother, Terry." "We have swords adorning the walls," I snapped at the bickering idiots. "Why don't you just kill each other and be done up it?” I didn't even try to frantically think of a way to ease the situation as I did the first few times these fools started acting like battering rams. The last time we had dinner together had been horrible enough. I’d be damned if they’d ruined tonight too. I chose to go to John first. Giving him a quick kiss and embrace, I stepped back to give him a glower. "You live not more than twenty minutes away. How come my brother from Japan arrived at the same time as you did?" "Blame it on my mother. She was keen on arriving together as family. I just managed to slip away." Shaking my head, I turned to Haru next. He was frowning. Ignoring the frown, I rushed into his arms. If he was surprised, he didn't show it. He returned the hug and when we separated, the expression on his face had softened. "Welcome back, Oniisan," I told him with a smile. His lips curved up. "I'm home, sister. And it would have been a splendid welcome if it weren’t for the filth standing on our doorstep,” he ended with a dark look at John. Fortunately, before the two stubborn men could end up in a brawl, Father appeared from inside the house, welcoming Haru home and welcoming John as a guest. The two immediately put on their best behaviors, being a dutiful son in Haru’s case and being a polite young man in John’s. But they had no qualms showing their worst to me. Throwing my head back, I stared at the darkening sky with a sigh. It was clear the two would resume their argument the moment they found the opportunity. ********* One week earlier... "I'm seriously going to kill them both." Sophia gave me a confused smile as she sat down on the bed beside me. She’d just changed into a pink pajama set that looked adorable on her. "Do you mean your brother and John?" she asked. "Yes!" I exclaimed then lowered my voice. Hannah was already asleep on the other side of the bed, exhausted by our earlier shopping excursion and our late-night talk. "They will not stop fighting each other, Sophia." "Well, who usually starts it?" "They both do. Haru doesn't want him as my boyfriend. John just hates his guts." "I thought they had an understanding?" I snorted. "Yeah, there was an understanding alright. They've given each other an open invitation to insult each other. Do you know the first thing my brother asks me whenever he calls from Japan is if I've broken up with John? And do you know whenever John sees some news about Haru on social media, he asks me why my brother's still alive?" Sophia looked like she was desperately trying not to laugh. I sighed. “John thinks my brother blunt, rude and insulting. Haru thinks my boyfriend is arrogant and aggravating. I don’t know what to do anymore to fix this, Sophia. They’re just so stubborn. And we have this dinner coming up on Christmas Eve...” "Well, despite what you seem to think, they do get along." "Oh, for heaven's sake. You were there at my party. You saw how those two wouldn't quit trying to snap each other's heads off." "Yeah, that got me worried," Sophia admitted. "Leon found it funny though." "Of course, he would. He’s a brute himself and you know it." Sophia gave me a look of sympathy. "Stop worrying." she told me. "It's probably going to be resolved soon." "When? When one of them is dead?" She giggled. "No, silly. Everything's going to sort out okay, you'll see." Yeah, right. I flopped onto my back and stared at the ceiling. Unless they stop baiting each other, there was no way that was going to happen. At first, I thought that there still were some lingering resentments between the two. So many things had happened after all and I wouldn’t fault either of them if they weren’t still pass over some of their issues with each other. So I figured that I should let them solve their differences by themselves. They were once close when we were children, they were bound to get over each other’s mistakes quickly. Or so I thought. It had only been the beginning. "You don't understand, Sophia. John's convinced my brother would break my trust again. And Haru's convinced he'd break my heart. Again. Haru wanted me to go to college in Japan, did you know that? And when John heard that, they almost had a brawl in my living room. A freaking brawl, Sophia. Jesus." Sophia burst into giggles. I narrowed my gaze at her. "I fail to see the humor in this." And I didn’t. I’d been planning to surprise John about going to the same university as he was, something we’d been arguing about for the longest time. But Haru had to go and ruin it since he made me blurt out the truth out to prevent the two men from giving each other bloody noses. Sophia pressed her lips together before answering, "You've got two men who love you, probably even competing who could love you even more than the other. They may be annoying but their hearts are at the right places, aren't they, Terry?" I pursed my lips and sighed. "Well, you do have a point." Sophia reached over to pat my hand. "They were once friends as children. It probably won't take that long for them to grow on each other again.” ******** Fat chance of that happening. I shook my head out of my thoughts when a car entered the driveway. John’s parents had finally arrived. Father came forward to greet them cordially. I too, tried not to let the two men distract (and worry) me as I greeted the couple. Then we were all entering the house. John purposely trailed behind because Haru was still giving him the stink-eye. John rolled his eyes and looked at Julie, who appeared to tell me that all the preparations were done. "He is not very welcoming to his future brother-in-law, isn't he, Julie?" John asked derisively causing Julie to blush. "Terry, are you really going to punish me for all the hurt I caused you by marrying this i***t?" Haru said just as derisively when I told Julie she could run away from my idiotic boyfriend. I lost my patience. "I swear to God if you two keep this up..." "It's not my fault your brother is such a dick." "Language!" I scowled." And don't you dare smile," I snapped at Haru when a smug look crossed his face. "I'm angry at you too." Then my father called John. And with a muttered curse (he didn’t want to leave me), John went to talk to him. While John was talking to my father, I waited for his parents to join their conversation before I addressed my brother and told him I needed to talk to him in the next room. John’s eyes narrowed at us when we left. And I didn’t have to look at Haru to know he was smirking at John. When we were alone, I stopped and turned to face my brother. "You." Haru lifted a brow. "What?" "Stop provoking him, brother." Haru folded his arms and waited a few seconds before responding. "How come I'm the only one getting scolded tonight?" "It’s because I don't see you often." My anger died with a sigh and I pushed close to him, wrapping my arms around him. "It's really good to see you again, Oniisan." Haru held me just as tightly, perhaps more. "And it's good to see you well, Terry." I smiled in his arms. Then I pulled my head back and scowled up at him. "Don't think I don't hear the stories about you in Japan..." "Dinner's almost ready," he interrupted, pulling away. Keeping a hand on my shoulder, he steered me to the dining. "I still can't believe you agree to this whole charade, sister." "It's not a charade. And it's John's mother's idea. Do you really think I'd reject her?" "It's Christmas eve. We both don't want to be both fighting mad before the clock strikes midnight, do we?" "Be on your best behavior then. And I'll put the mask on as well." He chuckled. "Ah, dear sister. With your boyfriend present, how could I be?" John was quick to claim me when we strode in the dining. Even though he was in conversation with my father, he pulled me away from Haru's hold and put me firmly by his side. I thought I heard Haru cuss below his breath. I didn't turn to look, my father was beaming so hard at John and I. "As I was saying, John, I'd really like it if you could join us in Japan for New Year's. Your parents have already consented when I asked them." "No," Haru whispered and hearing him, a smirk crossed John's features. "Yes, sir. I would love to join you." "Brilliant. Ah, your father's back. Excuse me while I tell him." "You're coming with us?" I couldn't hold my excitement. I grinned up at him. John grinned back at me. "It would seem so. Were you ever going to invite me?" "I thought you wouldn't come since Haru's going with us." "And waste this opportunity to spend the holidays with you? I don't care if your damn brother keeps breathing down my neck the whole trip. Just seeing you smile right now is worth it." "And breathe down your neck, I will," Haru declared and we turned to him. He was coldly smiling at John. I sighed. "Oniisan..." "Yeah, asshole. I don't give a f**k about you. I'm only here for Terry." "John!" "I was wondering when you'll drop the performance, John. You know my father may think highly of you but it's only because you had him fooled." "Seriously, will you both stop," I hissed at them both but was once again ignored. "You shouldn't take it so hard if it seems he prefers me to you, Evans. Because at least I'm not a fake asshole like you are. Asshole." "It doesn't matter though. This relationship would end once my sister regains her senses. Soon." "Oh, you bastard—." "Dinner's ready." The three of us turned our heads. John's mother was watching us, looking serene and calm as she may be. I blanched. I hope to God she didn't hear their argument. "I know you're all excited to see each other again but do come now," she added with a sharp look. "Both your fathers are hungry." That got us moving. Haru went ahead of us and John’s mother took his proffered arm. John snorted at the display of politeness and I elbowed him. “You promised you won’t argue with him,” I hissed at him as everyone took their seats around the table. "I'm trying, Terry, I really am,” he whispered back. “But your brother keeps pissing me off." "You still promised. You know that if you don't keep your promise, you're dead meat again right?” "I know. Just..." He took both my hands, squeezing. "It's just that I can't help but feel like punching your brother every time he opens his damn mouth." I couldn’t answer anymore as the appetizers were being served. Conversation was quick to start again as John’s mother had struck up conversation with my father about vacationing in Japan. All was well, or so I thought, as dinner commenced. The conversation turned into stories about our childhood and I didn't know who looked more disgusted by our parents' stories. Haru's grimace was just as identical as John's when our fathers recalled the escapades both got into when they were children. I saw John's mother wink at me then. She must be doing all of these on purpose and the thought made me laugh. John’s green eyes twinkled when he saw me laugh. Haru's lips curved upwards too. Then the two met each other’s gazes and the amusement disappeared, quickly replaced by scowls. I stomped on John’s foot under the table. He winced and glanced at me. I gave him a side-glare. Hearing Haru chuckle low, with just one flick of a finger, I sent a pea catapulting into his forehead. He flinched and rubbed his forehead, muttering about not playing with food. John’s father and mine started talking about John’s side of the family and brought up one of John’s cousins into conversation. “You remember him right, Terry?” my father asked me. “You used to learn piano together when you were children.” I also remembered he was even more arrogant than John. “I do. He was very good.” “Are you certain you’ve chosen the right Steele, Terry?” Haru asked in a teasing tone that belied what he was feeling. “I’ve heard good things about that cousin. Perhaps you should reconsider.” John answered before I could, “There is nothing to reconsider, Haru. Terry is happy with me.” He turned to me. “Aren’t you, baby?” “Well…” “I think my sister just hesitated,” Haru noted with a gloating look. “I think you should wait for her to finish speaking before jumping in, Haru,” John gritted out. “It’s nice to our children get along so well,” my father told John’s father cheerfully. John’s father laughed. “It surely is.” John’s mother looked like she was about to roll her eyes. And I was just so done with tonight that I needed to excuse myself so I wouldn’t stab my brother and my boyfriend with the steak knife. I took a deep breath of the night air as I stepped outside. Then I took another deep breath. It did not calm me. "Terry, wait." John came out the house. "Are you alright?" I turned to give him a scalding glare. But I was surprised to see that my brother had come out too. "Are you alright?" Haru repeated the question himself. "How can I be alright?" I burst out. "Not when you two keep fighting like children!" "Because of John?" "No, it's because of you." "Oh, that's rich of you,” I snapped at John. “Why is it you always blame Haru when your own behavior has been less than exemplary?" “Because he started it!” Picking up one of the rocks lining the pond, I threw it at his head. He unfortunately dodged it. Then Haru started laughing and I aimed another rock at him too. He too dodged it. They exchanged glances but I was too angry to notice something was amiss. Then John disappeared into the bushes while Haru was trying to calm me down. But I didn’t want to calm down. Not when they spoiled my plan of a perfect night with everyone that I loved. Then John came back. Something was wiggling in his arms. I almost didn’t notice it because I was threatening my brother torture in Japanese. But then John dumped it unceremoniously in my arms and stunned, I can only stare at the fluffy wiggling mess in my arms. It was a puppy. My eyes filled with tears. A beautiful white puppy that looked like... "You remember her, don't you?" Haru asked me, approaching me warily. "Shiro, our dog in Japan?" "Yes..." The dog had disappeared one day. I used to think that our mother had something to do with its disappearance because she had been pretty vocal about her hatred for it. "She didn't go missing, Terry. Our grandfather just took her back because well... it wasn't being taken cared of well. This puppy is one of its offspring." I looked up at the two of them. "How…?” “Well we needed to get you away to surprise you, you know,” John cut in. “We’d plan on doing it at the gazebo but then when you get angry, you don’t stop getting angry for a long time.” “I miscalculated your exit,” Haru was muttering. “I told you we should have prepared the surprise here.” “You didn’t shut the door behind you. If you did, she’d have gone through the gazebo.” “But what made you get me a puppy?" I interrupted before they could get into another argument. "It was my idea," they said together. Then they looked at each other in disgust. "Well, I'm so glad you two have something in common," I told them wryly. "You love Hannah's dogs," John went on, glaring at Haru. "Puppy videos make you smile and you’d always stop whenever you see a dog to pet it. So I figured a puppy will make you happy this Christmas and asked Haru about the dog you once had.” “He may have asked about it. But I got it for you,” Haru informed me. “Because I asked you to get it for me to give to her!” And with that, they both started arguing again. ********* “Well, think about this,” Sophia told me as we both got comfortable on the bed to sleep. “Isn’t your relationship with John exactly like your brother and his?” Surprised, I turned my body to the side and stared at her. “What in the world do you mean by that?” “You and John always love to bicker about anything.” “Well, that’s because he can be such a jerk…” “And I think the two of them wouldn't be happy unless they're arguing about something too,” Sophia finished like she hadn’t heard me. I stared at her again, letting her words sink in. Sophia grinned. “And you know what I think?" I sighed. "You've been pretty vocal about what you think so far but go on. Let's hear it." Sophia laughed. "I think they love fighting each other." Staring at her horror, I said, "God, I hope not." ********* Maybe Sophia was right. I stared at the two of them arguing. But this time, I didn’t mind. I could see it now. The relaxed stances as the two traded insults. The enjoyment in their faces. The puppy took my attention by licking the side of my face. And I couldn’t help but laugh with joy, making them stop. "You both tricked me," I accused them. They both grinned. "Don't misunderstand us, Terry. We both still hate each other," John said. "Deeply so," Haru agreed with a nod. I sighed. "For heaven’s sake, it’s Christmas. When will you too ever got along?" "Over my dead body," John said the same time Haru answered, "Never." "Don't get your hopes up, Terry," Haru said, kissing my forehead. "I still hate your boyfriend. But I want you to be happy." Then he returned back into the house, leaving us. "One of these days, I might like him," John muttered before meeting her happy gaze. "But don't hold your breath, sweetheart." I shook my head with a smile. Then I let out a long, drawn-out sigh. Things having to do with the two always ended up being complicated but then again, Sophia was right. My relationship with John wasn’t any different. Yet I was content. We returned to dinner with the puppy and I apologized to our parents for leaving. They didn’t mind. They apparently knew about the surprise. Then dinner was over and gifts were exchanged. John, of course, had tried to outdo my brother and father when it came to the presents. But Haru managed to surpass him by one. And it was to leave me alone and John mostly for the rest of the night. And since he didn’t get John anything for Christmas, feigning forgetfulness, perhaps giving us privacy was his present to him too. I was determined to talk to my brother though. The stories I heard about what he was doing in Japan was concerning and I especially worried about what would happen to him if he kept antagonizing the Sakurai clan. He couldn’t avoid this conversation forever. But it would have to wait until after Christmas. “So what will you name her?” John asked as we were taking a walk around the gardens. I glanced at the porch where my puppy was lying asleep on Haru’s lap. I couldn’t quit smiling. Tonight might not have started perfect but the two men seemed to have rallied to make it end so. “Sachi,” I answered. “Sachi? What’s that mean?” “Happiness.” Something on my expression must have pleased John because he pulled me close and gave me a deep kiss. When it was over, I collapsed against his chest, let out a little sigh and smiled with satisfaction. "I can't believe I'm going to be burdened with your interfering brother for the rest of my life," John was saying with a sigh of his own. I chuckled at his surly tone. "Well, that only means you'll have me for the rest of your life then." "I do, Terry." I yelped when he suddenly dipped me around and leaned in for another kiss. "So don't you ever listen to your stupid brother." ********* "It seems to me like you failed to get them to make up,” Sophia said to me on the phone when I relayed last night’s events to her. I smiled and petted Sachi over my lap. "No, you were right, Sophia." "I am?" "The two are happier when they are arguing." END.
Free reading for new users
Scan code to download app
Facebookexpand_more
  • author-avatar
    Writer
  • chap_listContents
  • likeADD