No Fairy Tale - Chapter 5

The two sat in silence on the couch, Allison’s tears running gently down her cheeks. Her eyes were closed, Chris’s gentle hand running up and down her back, wordlessly comforting her through her tears. This was going to be a long and tough road to cross but both had faith that they’d do it, get through it together.

Weeks passed and life was slowly regaining normalcy for the five. Months came and went and soon it was winter, the coldness of the season, warming the hearts that had begun to chill.

‘’Anyway, Allison said she wants you guys here for Christmas. She’s going nuts on me about this. She says it’s her ‘season’.’’

‘’Don’t worry, Chris, I’ll be there. One question though. Is she inviting Jesse?’’

‘’I don’t think so. She’s just trying to get through this holiday without Frankie. I doubt Jesse’ll help her with that. ‘’ Chris explained to Greg over the phone. He sighed and sat down on the couch.

‘’Is she okay though? I mean this has got to be tough on her.’’

‘’Well she’s dealing. After she cried all day on her birthday, though, I don’t know how she’ll make it through Christmas. But I guess that’s why she wants us here. You, Matt, and me. We’ll take care of her.’’

‘’I just hope she’ll be okay.’’

‘’You and me both, man, you and me both.’’

Allison ran around the supermarket, trying to keep her mind occupied.

‘’Okay I still need stuffing and corn…’’ she looked down at her list and accidentally banged her cart into someone else’s. ‘’Oh. I’m sorry, I’m just kind of preoccupied… Ryan?’’ The person looked at her. He was a guy of about 19, tall, with curly blonde hair and blue eyes.

‘’Allison, long time no see.’’ He laughed, pulling her into a tight hug.

‘’Wow, I haven’t seen you since the summer you graduated. How’s the Marine Corps Band?’’

‘’Fun. So what brings you to the city? What are you doing now? Getting ready for the JAG court yet?’’ he laughed, causing her to laugh back. He was her ex boyfriend, only an ex because of the awaiting Marine Corps for him after high school and her having another year left.

‘’Actually I live here with my friend, I actually am going to college, then law school, and I’m going into the Marines after I finish. So who knows, maybe the next time you see me, I’ll have second lieutenant ranks on me.’’ She grinned and he laughed back.

‘’I hope that’s not the next time I see you. I want to see you way before that.’’ He grinned and she smiled. ‘’Want to help me finish my shopping?’’

‘’Only if you help me with mine.’’

‘’You have a deal.’’ He grinned and took her hand, leading her down the food aisle.