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Lori wanted to do good.
Between the Twins and Helena and the club, she was strung thin. That didn’t stop her from providing her kids with the childhood she’s dreamed for them. She would continue to put her kids first, even if that meant she was exhausted.
This year it’s been particularly bad.
Lori wasn’t sure what the catalyst was, but the last few weeks felt like she was playing catch up. It felt like one thing after the other after the other and it wouldn’t stop. When one situation was dealt with, another was already underway. It was so bad that it was currently a week from Christmas and she hadn’t managed to decorate like she normally does.
The kids have been asking, but stopped a while ago. Part of her believed it was Helena who got it into the twins head. She was observant for her age, something Lori has always been proud of. Even if it meant that Helena was trying to protect her mother from more stress, which Lori did not like.
It was Lori’s day off from the club, something she had been looking forward to. It was also the kids last day of school before the winter break as well. It would give her enough time to rest before she settled into the routine of having them home all day.
Right before she left to get the kids, there was a knock on the door.
Lori wasn’t expecting anybody. She had no clue who would be bothering her right now.
When the door swung open, it was Chief standing at her doorstep. Hands deep in their pockets, standing there like there wasn’t a care in the world. Lori could see the slight tension in their shoulders, and how they glanced around nervously, though. She knew better than to believe the Chief was oh so non-chalant about showing up here.
“What are you doing here?”
“Come on, Lori,” Chief said, "can't I come visit an old friend during the holidays?”
“What do you want?”
“I overheard at the club that you were having a hard time recently. I knew that likely meant you might not hate the idea of a few extra hands with the kids.”
“I don’t need your help.”
“Maybe not. But, they want to decorate, don’t they?”
That took Lori back. She had mentioned to Chief that she likes to decorate with the kids input, since she was mostly doing it for them anyhow, but that was years back.
“Maybe. What’s it to you?”
“Let me help. It’ll be easier with two grown people anyway.”
Lori wanted to accept. Of course she does. Not only was Chief offering her something to make her kids happy, but they were also offering her a chance to rest a bit. There was one thing gnawing at her.
“Why are you doing this?”
Chief shrugged a bit, foot scuffing lightly. “To help an old friend. I know how much they mean to you.”
Lori really shouldn’t. She wasn’t sure where she stood personally with Chief just yet.
But, oh how the kids adored them.
“Fine.”
Lori caught the way that Chief relaxed after hearing that, eyes lighting up.
“For them,” she emphasized, “not for me.”
“Of course,” Chief said. “Wouldn’t have it any other way.”
“Are you coming to pick them up too, or are you going to loiter on my doorstep until I get back?”
“Can I get them a treat on the walk back?”
Lori couldn’t believe this. “Depends.”
“Hot chocolate and maybe a cookie,” Chief explained. “From that place on the corner. You know the one. We went to it all the time before… before.”
Lori was going to be late. She had to make a decision. “Fine, but we’re going now.”
“Deal.”
~~
Of course, the kids were elated to see Chief again. The two boys were climbing the Chief's frame like they were a play set as Helena talked the poor things ear off. Chief took it in stride though, laughing and holding conversation easily enough.
The kids started to behave better when they mentioned getting a snack from the baker. It was a short detour from their place, and it’ll be good to let the kids get some fresh air.
As the kids were looking over the cookie case, Chief leaned over to her.
“Do you still go for your usual here, or has that changed?”
“There’s no way you remember my usual order,” Lori said.
“That a challenge?”
Lori wanted to see them try. “Go ahead. See if you remember.”
Chief grinned, and Lori ignored the way it made her chest stir.
“Alright, kids, what’s the final decision?”
~~
Chief did remember. Down the the specific modifications.
Lori sat with the cooling drink in her hand, fingers idly playing with the cover as she watched Chief drag out the boxes from the small storage closet. Helena sat beside her, asking Chief an endless stream of questions, which they answered as best they could. The boys had ran off somewhere to play, but Lori knew they’d be back the second she called.
“Where do you want to start?” Chief asked Lori, eyes kind and earnest.
“You can build the tree,” Helena answered for her, drawing a small laugh out of Lori. “Mama and I and the twins can decorate the rest of it.”
“Why am I stuck building the tree?” Chief asked playfully.
“Cause that’s what you’ve been told.”
“Alright, alright,” Chief chuckled, hands coming up in surrender. “I will build the tree. As long as I get help decorating it.”
“Well, duh.”
Lori chuckled, shrugging when Chief looked at her.
“Alright, let’s get started,” Chief said, clapping their hands together.
The decorating went as smooth as it could with three young kids, but it was still the most fun Lori had had all month. Here, within the walls of her home, there was nothing that could touch her. Just her and her kids having fun together. Laughing together.
And Chief with them, sharing that. It wasn’t so bad having them around.
Once the tree was up and lit with lights, the rest of the place had their usual decorations up as well. The kids immediately pounced onto the task of putting the ornaments on, not slowing down for a second.
Lori had the chance to sit back and watch as the three took turns, lining up so that Chief could lift them to get the higher branches. She admired how easy going Chief looked here. Delighted to be bringing this to the kids.
It looked like they would rather be here than anywhere else in the world.
“Who wants to put the star up?”
Both of the twins started hopping at Chief's feet, arms outstretched to be picked up. Chief had to make a compromise of one putting the star on, and one helping to plug it into the string of lights. The boys were happy to oblige to this.
Helena came over to sit beside her, snuggling in.
“I like this,” Helena whispered to her.
“Decorating?”
“Mhm. With everyone having fun. I like it.”
Lori’s heart swelled, eyes landing back on chief as they lifted Nico to ply the star in.
“Me too, hun.”
The tree was complete, and Lori couldn’t help but feel…happy. Content. There was a lot of words she felt at the moment.
“How about a movie before bed?” Chief proposed.
“It’s already pretty late,” Lori said, hesitant.
That got a groan from the kids.
“Come on, it’s winter break! What’s the fun of having time off school if you can’t stay up a little late here and there,” Chief argued.
“We could watch Polar Express Mama,” Nico proposed, nearly vibrating.
“I don’t know…”
“Pleaseeee,” the twins said in unison, dragging it out.
“Alright alright,” Lori caved. “Go grab a blanket and pillow, and set up in the living room. I’ll go make some pop corn.”
The kids cheered, clambering away to their rooms.
It was silent between Lori and Chief. Both stood there, not really knowing what to say or do.
Finally, Chief spoke up.
“You want me to leave while they’re distracted?”
The question took Lori off guard. She was preparing to say yes to them asking to stay longer. She had hoped they would anyway. For the kids.
“If you don’t have anywhere to be, I’m sure the kids would enjoy your company while we watch the movie.”
Once again, that relief washed over Chief’s features. A shy smile spread on their lips. “Just the kids?” Chief asked.
“Don’t push it.”
Chief chuckled, nodding. “Alright. I’ll stay.”
Maybe the month was starting to turn around. Just a bit.