Posted by Lieutenant Junior Grade Vanessa Slade (CNS) in Twas the night before Christmas - First Christmas Calvin and Vanessa
Vanessa looked out the window and let out a deep breath. Normally she would be in the front seat giving the cab driver specific directions overriding to get her home as fast as possible. Tonight she was taking it much slower allowing the driver to sit in the traffic of Boston. Vanessa randomly pointed out landmarks and answered the few questions Calvin tossed out but luckily the man next to her was his laconic self allowing Vanessa to be alone with her thoughts.

Cavlin just had a 50 yard stare on his face. He was absorbing all the information but was only a step away from falling asleep. It was a skill he had learned during combat operations. Any moment was a good moment to get some rest. It also was very relaxing, it was a zen like state.

It was not that she was concerned about her family meeting Calvin. Calvin was a great guy and they would love him. She was more concerned about Calvin meeting her family. To say they could be a bit much was an understatement. The original fourteen members she grew up with were overwhelming at times. Now that the group had swelled to almost forty with seventeen grandkids, five spouses, and three significant others. Biting her nail, she gave Calvin a side glance.

Turning in her seat to face him, Vanessa leaned forward and kissed him deeply but firmly. “Cal I like you,” she started pausing only to bite her lip as she began to measure the words coming out of her mouth.

“I’d assume so, or this visit is ill planned.”

“This is why we need to come up with a code word so that I know when you need to tap out for a bit. I say we go with Mistletoe. There is plenty around the house and when I hear you yelling it I will know to run interference.” It was clear that Vanessa meant every word she was saying as important and need-to-know information for Calvin.

“I don’t think I’ll need a code word. I’ve dealt with Jem’hadar on a swamp world. I think I can handle your mother and a brood of offspring.”

As the car stopped in front of her childhood home, Calvin would have his first taste of what she had been hinting at. Every light seemed to be on in the three-story structure making it appear more hotel than a home. In all of the windows, a wreath with a simple red bow was hung in the middle of each pane. The door was outlined in a thick mass of greenery twisted with colorful lights. The small front yard was a mass of inflatable decorations. It was slightly overpowering and if they were not running on solar power, the nightly bill would probably be massive.

“Are you two getting out or shall I run the block,” the driver asked.

Vanessa Slade

“We’re getting out.” Calvin said quickly. “It a lovely little home. It probably operates like a clown car, considering how many children came out of it.”

Marius.