Here comes santa claus!

[callmeemily]

The holiday this year is so incredibly different than the last.

Last year? Raleigh was holed up in the boarding house, no one in 300 miles but her shitty boss knew her name, and she was so poor that she was eating rice, beans, and leftovers from the Seaside bakery.

This year, everything's changed. Orchard House is chugging along astoundingly well; Raleigh puts in long hours, but it's paying off. She's been able to hire somebody else to work the register, she's getting custom orders - the whole thing. She has friends. Honest to god friends, and she's got enough money that she's actually got presents for people. For a lot of people - it's a mix of cookies and things, but there's a little something for everybody piled on the table in the back corner, and one mass-text later she's humming through the bakery, music playing from the speakers, warm cider in a carafe, and everything's warm and cozy.

She looks at it, at this business that she's made with the help of this whole town, and she can't help but smile. Tonight? Spending tonight with friends and found-family? That's what this whole thing's about.

Gathering post! Raleigh will tag everyone who tags in, but feel free to tag one another, too. :) It's up to you if they have gotten a text, or just heard the music and seen the crowd. Everyone'll get something!

Comments

[asharpertongue]

“Levi wants me to meet his family.” She said, grinning over her drink. “How insane is that?”

[owenphillips]

Owen smiled at that. Not because Lara would have any difficulty with meeting people but... "Christmas with the Astors? Are you going?" He asked. They were one of the old Siren Cove families. And as far as Owen knew, not too keen on anything considered supernatural.

[asharpertongue]

Lara took a sip of her cider. “I think we’re going to do it over New Year? Might be a bit much for everyone on Christmas day, you know?” She smiled softly. “Pretty big deal though. I’ve never met parents before.”

[owenphillips]

"True, especially if they're a big family." He pondered. As Lara continued speaking, he couldn't help smiling back. "You'll be fine. All they'll want to see is that you make Levi happy - and if they don't treat you that way. Then they don't deserve to know you."

Owen shrugged a little because he couldn't imagine anyone not liking Lara. Not anyone worthwhile anyway.

[asharpertongue]

“Brunch, I think. Maybe at Francescos?” She wondered outloud. “Fill them all up with good food so they can’t move, let alone pick fights.” She said with a wink. Levi’s family might be a tough sell but she hoped Owen was right.

[owenphillips]

With a chuckle, Owen nodded his head, "Definitely one way of doing it. Not many people can be grumpy after Francescos." His smile softened a little bit, "So, things with you are getting a bit more serious? I'm glad, you seem happy." It's all Owen ever wanted for the people he cared about, for them to have long and happy lives. And it often felt too much like they were just clinging on by their fingernails in this town.

[asharpertongue]

“We are happy.” She said, smiling. “I never expected it to be like this. Normally we don’t get this kind of happy, you know?” Of course Owen knew. Owen of all people knew.