Our Secret

Our Secret Christmas Part 4

"Coral Bug, Santa came," John B called, shaking his sister awake. Blinking Coral yawned, "You do realize Santa's not real, right?" she questioned, rolling over to look at her brother. "Shut up. JJ finally got here and Pope should be here soon. I thought maybe breakfast..." her brother responded trailing off looking hopeful.

Rolling her eyes Coral sat up, "I assume I'm needed for the breakfast," she deadpanned. "Well I mean I could give it a try but last time the eggs were rubbery and JJ could try but I'm not sure where the fire extinguisher is," her brother replied. Huffing Coralina threw the covers back as she climbed from her bed.

Dumping scrambled eggs onto three plates, she added bacon, and toast before yelling for the boys. "You're awesome, Coral Bug," John B told her coming into the kitchen JJ hot on his heels. "Ten out of ten, Babygirl," JJ told her, winking as they both sat at the table. "Yeah yeah. Eat up so when Pope gets here you can give me what better be fabulous presents," she replied, taking her seat in between the boys.

"Speaking of presents you'll never believe what my old man had waiting for me when I went home last night," JJ said, "A dirtbike," he told the twins. "What?!" the twins exclaimed together. Nodding JJ shoved more eggs into his mouth, "Beats the fuck out of me. It was sitting on the porch. Told me he got it from the junkyard. Fucker doesn't run but he said if I get it running it's mine," he told the twins after he'd swallowed his eggs, "I pushed it over here and put it in the shed out back in case he goes on a bender and tries to take it from me."

"Hey man I'll help you get it running. Hopefully we can get it going by your birthday. Any luck getting Luke to agree to take you for your license?" John B asked. "Nah, man. I can't ask him something like that right now. Gotta wait for the day and see what mood he's in before asking that," JJ explained.

Taking a bite of her toast Coralina bit down on her anger for JJ's dad. Luke Maybank was an abusive alcoholic who Coralina believed was doing more then just drinking alcohol, but JJ had yet to confirm that. Anytime JJ would go home she'd worry until he showed back up at The Chateau where she'd discreetly check him over for any new bruises.

"You could always sign up for the class they offer at school. It's offered tenth period and as long as you pass the class you get your license," she spoke up. Furrowing his brow JJ looked confused, "You want me to give up my sleep period for a class on driving?" he questioned. "As a last resort," she shrugged.

"Guys! Merry Christmas!" yelled the voice of Pope as he came through the back door. "Merry Christmas," the three at the table called back. "There's some leftover eggs if you're hungry," Coral told the boy as he came into the kitchen. "Oh no I'm good; already ate," Pope replied.

Glancing at the boys empty plates Coral smiled, "I think it's present time," she squealed, clapping her hands. "Alright, we'll clean this up later," John B decided, "Let's do presents," he agreed laughing when Coral jumped from her seat and took off into the living room.

Surrounded by torn wrapping paper Coralina had opened both Pope and John B's presents saving JJ's for last. Picking up the small rectangular box she glanced up finding his blue eyes already watching her. Smiling she bit her lip as she tore the paper off and lifted the lid.