Chapter Text
The Murphy family Christmas party was in full swing. The house was packed with people, and the air was filled with laughter and holiday cheer. Frank was in the kitchen, carving the turkey, while Sue was bustling around, making sure everyone had enough to eat and drink.
As the night went on, more people arrived. The neighbors came over, bringing food and presents, and joining in on the festivities. Maureen was in the living room, chatting with some of the neighbors when she saw Amy Jenkins walk in.
Maureen felt a flutter in her stomach as she watched Amy walk over to the buffet table. She had always been intimidated by Amy in elementary school, but now, seeing her again after so many years, Maureen felt something different. She couldn't quite put her finger on it, but there was something about Amy that made her feel...flustered.
Amy looked up and saw Maureen, and smiled. "Hey there, Maureen! It's been a while, huh?"
Maureen felt her cheeks turn red. "Uh, yeah, it has. How have you been?"
"I've been good," Amy said, taking a sip of her drink. "It's so weird seeing all these people from our childhood again, isn't it?"
Maureen nodded, feeling a little uneasy. She couldn't believe she was standing here, talking to the girl who used to bully her in elementary school. But at the same time, there was something about Amy that was...intriguing.
As the night wore on, Maureen found herself stealing glances at Amy whenever she thought no one was looking. She couldn't help but wonder what it would be like to be with her, to kiss her, to hold her close.
Meanwhile, Kevin was in the kitchen, helping Frank with the turkey, while Bill was in the living room, playing with his kids. Both of them noticed Maureen acting a little strange, but they didn't think anything of it.
After all, it was Christmas, and they were all together. And that was all that mattered.
As the night went on, Bill's oldest child, Edward, began to feel a little left out. His father was busy tending to his younger siblings, and Edward felt like he was being overlooked.
Feeling a little lonely, Edward wandered over to where his grandfather, Frank, was sitting. "Hey, Grandpa," he said, sitting down next to him. "Can I talk to you for a minute?"
"Of course, Edward," Frank said, smiling at his grandson. "What's on your mind?"
"It's just...I feel like Dad doesn't pay attention to me as much as he used to," Edward said, fidgeting with his hands. "He's always taking care of the younger kids, and I feel like I'm not important anymore."
Frank put a hand on Edward's shoulder. "I know how you feel, kiddo. Your dad felt the same way when he was your age."
"He did?" Edward asked, surprised.
"Yep," Frank said, chuckling. "Your dad was a middle child, so he always felt like he was being overlooked. But trust me, he loves you just as much as he loves your siblings. It's just that sometimes, the younger ones need a little more attention."
Edward thought about this for a moment. "Yeah, I guess that makes sense. Thanks, Grandpa."
"Anytime, kiddo," Frank said, ruffling Edward's hair. "Now, how about we go grab some dessert? I hear your grandma made a mean apple pie."
Edward grinned. "Sounds good to me." And with that, he and Frank got up and headed over to the dessert table, ready to indulge in some sweet holiday treats.
Bill was standing outside with his childhood friend, Phillip, catching up on old times when they were interrupted by a familiar face. It was Jimmy Fitzsimmons, their childhood tormentor and bully.
Bill tensed up, ready for a confrontation. But to his surprise, Jimmy was all smiles. "Hey guys, long time no see!" he said, holding out a hand for a handshake.
Phillip looked just as surprised as Bill. "Jimmy? Is that really you?"
"Yep, it's me," Jimmy said, grinning. "I know I was a real jerk back in the day, but I've changed a lot since then. I just wanted to come and say sorry for all the stuff I did."
Bill was taken aback. He had never expected an apology from Jimmy. "Wow, uh, thanks Jimmy," he said, shaking his hand. "That means a lot."
Jimmy nodded. "Yeah, I've been trying to make up for it lately. I volunteer at the local shelter, and I've been doing a lot of charity work. I figure if I can't make up for what I did in the past, I can at least try to do some good now."
Bill felt a pang of guilt. He had held onto his anger towards Jimmy for so long, he hadn't stopped to consider that people could change. "That's really great, Jimmy," he said, genuinely impressed. "I'm glad to see you're doing better."
Phillip chimed in. "Yeah, me too. It takes a lot of guts to come and apologize like that."
Jimmy shrugged. "Well, it's the least I can do. I know I hurt a lot of people, and I want to make things right. Anyway, I won't take up any more of your time. Merry Christmas, guys!"
And with that, Jimmy walked away, leaving Bill and Phillip standing there, amazed by the unexpected turn of events.
As Kevin was chatting with his mother, Sue, he couldn't help but feel a little anxious. He knew he had been keeping a big secret from her for years, and it was eating away at him. But for now, he pushed those thoughts aside and tried to focus on making his mother proud.
"So, how's the band doing?" Sue asked, taking a sip of her eggnog.
Kevin grinned. "We're doing really well, actually. We played at some big venues over the summer and got a lot of attention. And we just signed with a record label!"
Sue's eyes widened in surprise. "That's amazing, Kevin! I had no idea you were doing so well."
Kevin shrugged. "I guess I just didn't want to brag. But I'm really proud of what we've accomplished."
Sue beamed at him. "You have every right to be proud, Kevin. You're such a talented musician."
Kevin felt a swell of emotion in his chest. It was so rare for his mother to compliment him like this. He knew she had always had high expectations for him, especially since he was the oldest child.
"I just wanted to show you that I'm not a failure," Kevin said, suddenly feeling vulnerable. "I know I didn't follow the path you wanted me to, but I did go to college and I did well."
Sue looked at him with understanding. "I know, Kevin. And I'm proud of you for that too. I just want you to be happy and successful in whatever you do."
Kevin felt a weight lift off his shoulders. He had been holding onto so much guilt and shame, but his mother's words gave him a glimmer of hope that maybe one day he could come out to her and she would still love him. For now, he would keep up the facade and enjoy the holiday with his family.
Kevin and Maureen sat side by side on the front steps, smoking cigarettes and watching the snowfall softly onto the lawn. They had always been close, but lately, they had been bonding over something they had in common: their secret sexuality.
"You know, Kev, I always thought you were gay," Maureen said with a smirk, blowing smoke into the chilly air.
Kevin rolled his eyes. "Thanks a lot, sis. And here I thought I was so good at hiding it."
Maureen chuckled. "Please, you're about as subtle as a sledgehammer. I could tell from a mile away."
Kevin nudged her playfully. "Well, I could say the same about you. I mean, the flannel shirts and the short hair? Come on."
Maureen shrugged. "Hey, I just like being comfortable. And I don't see you complaining about my fashion choices."
Kevin grinned. "Nope, never. You always look stupid in flannel."
They both burst out laughing, the tension from their earlier confession dissipating.
"I'm just glad we can be honest with each other, Kevin," Maureen said, taking a long drag from her cigarette. "It's nice to have someone in the family who gets it."
Kevin nodded in agreement. "Yeah, it's a relief. But what about Mom and Dad? Do you think they'll ever accept us?"
Maureen sighed. "I don't know, Kev. I hope so. But for now, let's just enjoy the moment and be happy that we have each other."
Kevin smiled and put his arm around her. "Sounds good to me, sis. Cheers to being the coolest siblings in the family."
Maureen clinked her cigarette against his.
As the night continued, the party began to move towards the living room, where they all gathered around the TV to watch the Christmas night fireworks display. The room was filled with the sound of excited chatter and the smell of leftover food and drinks.
Frank and Sue sat on the couch, surrounded by their grown children and their families, enjoying the warmth and comfort of each other's company. Kevin and Lonnie sat together, holding hands and smiling at each other. Maureen was sitting with her parents, but her mind was elsewhere, still processing the conversation she had with Kevin earlier.
As the countdown to the fireworks began, the room grew quiet. Everyone's eyes were glued to the screen, waiting for the first burst of color in the sky. And when it came, the room erupted into cheers and applause, as if they were all there in person to witness the display.
For a few moments, everything else melted away as they all watched the colorful explosions light up the night sky. It was a moment of shared joy and togetherness that reminded them all of the importance of family and the love they shared for each other.
As the fireworks show came to an end, the neighbors started to gather their things and say their goodbyes. They hugged and thanked Frank and Sue for hosting such a wonderful party, and promised to do it again next year.
As the last of the guests left, the Murphy siblings and their families stayed behind, helping to clean up and put things away. The house was filled with laughter and chatter as they cleaned up.
As the cleanup started to wind down, Maureen noticed Amy Jenkins gathering her things to leave. Her heart started to race as she realized that this might be her only chance to talk to her again.
"Hey, Amy!" Maureen called out, trying to keep her voice steady. "Wait up a sec."
Amy turned around, surprised to hear Maureen's voice. "Oh, hey Maureen. What's up?"
Maureen took a deep breath and gathered her courage. "Listen, I know this is kind of sudden, but I was wondering if maybe we could go out sometime. Like, on a date or something?"
Amy's eyes widened in surprise, but then she smiled. "Really? You're asking me out?"
Maureen nodded, feeling a mix of nervousness and excitement. "Yeah, I know it's kind of out of the blue, but I just feel like we had a connection earlier and I don't want to let that slip away."
Amy's smile grew wider. "I think that sounds great, Maureen. I'd love to go out with you."
Maureen felt a rush of relief and happiness wash over her. "Great! How about we exchange numbers and figure out a time and place to meet?"
Amy nodded and they exchanged numbers.
"Thanks," Maureen says, smiling back. And before she knows it, Amy is leaning in to kiss her. It's a quick, chaste kiss, but it sends a shock of electricity through Maureen's body. She can't wait to see where this goes.
As Maureen and Amy share the quick kiss, Bill, Sue, and Kevin happen to be walking by the door on their way to the kitchen. They stop in their tracks, surprised by what they just witnessed.
"Did you see that?" Bill asks, turning to Sue and Kevin.
Kevin nods slowly. "I think we just did."
Sue smiles. "Well, I think that's wonderful," she says. "Love is love, after all."
Bill nods in agreement. "As long as they're happy, that's all that matters," he says.
And with that, the three of them continue on their way to the kitchen