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Hero

2 years ago

My "Three Kings" of Christmas

Hey everyone! 😀

🎄 MERRY CHRISTMAS! 🎄

I am SO excited to share my 2022 Christmas story with y'all this year. 😊 I've been working tirelessly on it since October and it has been a real joy. It - and the characters - are already holding a very special place in my heart. 💗

There are a few "firsts" for me as a writer in this story so I hope that will add to the excitement of it all for you. 😊 Thank you for being here and thank you always for your support in my work. It means so much. 😘

****PLEASE NOTE THAT I HAVE MOVED THIS STORY OVER TO MY BLOG WITH REVISIONS AND HAVE MADE IT TONS BETTER! 😀****
That's where you'll want to go to enjoy it fully!
Read it all HERE 😉

However, if you still wanna stick around here and read it...

**Since the migration of this thread to the brand new Sims 3 forums (July 2024) all the pictures to the story don't show up. 😢 It will take me some time to remedy that and the goal is to have it done before the end of the year! (If anyone is still reading it on here by then... ) Thank you for your patience - if it's not done - and do enjoy. 💜**

And now, without further adieu, here is, "My 'Three Kings' of Christmas."

--------------------------------------------------------------

Introduction

Ok, so you all know the song. And you’re probably wondering who exactly are these “three kings?”

Well they aren’t the three wise men who brought gifts to the baby Jesus, of course, nor are they literal kings for that matter. But they may as well have been. Because they were the most handsome, lovely, heaven sent men to come out of the Orient and into my life that Christmas that I had ever laid eyes on! Yes, I said Orient. So shoot me! Because I'll have you know that I too come from the Orient…and I’m not ashamed to say it. Nor find silly offense in hearing someone say it. It’s all good everyone. Life's too short to be getting offended by every little thing.

Anyway, my mom has always encouraged me to keep a journal; to preserve my life story. “For posterity's sake,” she would say. “They will learn much from your life experiences and gain wisdom for their own.” Well…I'm ashamed to admit that I haven’t always been the best at keeping a journal. We live in such a busy, fast paced world. There’s way too much we're “supposed” to do on a daily basis and honestly, journaling has always been at the bottom of that list for me.

However this story…a piece of my story…was too amazing and wonderful not to pen down and share for the generations to come.

Let me start off with a quick introduction about me.

My name is Malai Reataza. I come from a family of three children. I am the youngest, aged 28, and I am half Thai, half Filipino. Bet you’re wondering the story behind that. Well…my father, Sergio Reataza, was born and raised in Cebu City, Philippines. During his early adulthood, he accompanied his father on a business trip to Thailand. While at the airport, waiting for their flight home, his eyes caught hold upon “the most beautiful woman to ever grace planet earth,” working at the flight desk. Long story short, he bravely approached the woman and they struck up a conversation - both having learned English in school thankfully - and clicked instantly. He learned that her name was Nin which he also thought was the most beautiful name in the world too.

When the plane arrived, both couldn’t leave without the thought of ever seeing each other again. The bond between them was too strong; clearly driven and directed by a higher power, they would say. So they exchanged addresses and kept in touch through letters for almost a whole year. They even called each other on rare occasions, because that was pretty expensive to do in those days. Eventually my father saved up enough money to fly, with a simple ring in his pocket, to Bangkok to ask Nin, my mother, to marry him. And the rest, as they say, is history. They immigrated to the United States when my mother was pregnant with my oldest sister. My father got a job in the simple town of Maplewood Falls, Maine and it’s where I grew up and where they’ve lived ever since.

Currently I am living in Brooklyn, New York. Living out my childhood dream in the big city. I still can’t believe the dream actually came true. And it was NOT easy getting there, I’ll have you know!

After high school, I was accepted into the University of Maine where I spent four grueling, yet super fun years pursuing a degree in Graphic Design. So yeah, I’m a Graphic Designer! Designing for the critically acclaimed Chic Magnifique interior design Magazine. It’s right up there in popularity with Better Homes and Gardens - of course CM is 1000x better.

Landing this epic and honorable job wouldn’t have been possible without a little help from my best friend, Landon Adams.

Dear Landon…the story between us I could write pages about…but these aren’t the pages for it to be written on.

But suffice it to say, he and I were a couple once. And it really was one of the happiest times in my teenage life. We were friends first, and maybe that’s why the love we had for each other flowed so deep. And part of that love still exists between us to this day.

We dated for a little over 7 months between our sophomore and junior years of High School. It was towards the end of our courtship that Landon revealed to me that he had been developing feelings for men…and that he didn’t want to “lead me on” when he couldn’t give me all of his heart; in that way. I appreciated his honesty and thoughtfulness, but my heart broke that day. And it took a while to get over. We were both afraid we wouldn’t be able to stay friends, but we parted on good terms and our friendship still thrived throughout the rest of our high school years. He dated other guys and, well, so did I.

We kept in touch mostly through Facebook - and you know how casual that is - throughout our college years. But we went a good long while without speaking to each other as we worked to earn our degrees. In a way, we lost touch.

Not long after earning my degree I made a post on Facebook about how I was looking for a new job and it somehow caught Landon’s attention. He reached out to me saying that he was just hired on as an “Assistant to the Editor” for Chic Magnifique magazine and I about died! SO LUCKY! He told me they were looking to hire a new Graphic Designer and that I should totally apply. Then he added, “And I could put in a good word for you.”

“YES PLEASE!” was my immediate response. Of course, I thanked him for letting me know about it.

I don’t know how it happened, it was a legit miracle, but I was soon invited over to Brooklyn for an interview and out of 50-something other applicants, they chose ME! Malai Reataza! To be their newest Graphic Designer. It was the BEST day of my ENTIRE life!

Until Christmas break four years later...

And this is where my story with the “Three Kings” begins…

❄❄❄

Chapter 1

*Two days before Christmas*

Allow me to illustrate exactly how everything happened.

It was a typical weekday morning for me. Get up - after hitting snooze on my phone alarm about five times - shower, get dressed in one of my cute business casual outfits and stylish boots, blow-dry my hair, curl my hair, put on make-up, throw my coat on, grab my purse and keys, and head out the door. The crisp, cold air of winter instantly bit at my nose and ears as I rushed down the front steps to embrace the new day.

First stop, The Coffee Cottage for my morning pick me up. And breakfast. It’s a lovely little walk up shop, shaped and colored like a humble cottage in the woods, nestled tightly between a gas station and a laundromat. Starbucks is much easier to get to, but their coffee is super overrated if you ask me! Mediocre tasting at best. If I’m gonna spend darn near $8 for a 20oz cup of coffee every morning, it’s gotta be good, rich coffee!

Landon agrees with me, which is why I pick up a cup for him as well. And because I like to do that for my buddy anyway. He pays me back the moment I hand it to him. Faithfully. I love him.

It takes some serious skill to hold two cups of hot coffee while briskly walking to work, weaving through crowds of people, and then going through the rolling door into the office building and up the stairs.

Speaking of Landon, he was promoted to Editor in Chief just two months ago after the previous EC left to work for another magazine. So now he’s my boss! It’s kinda crazy, but super cool at the same time. No worries, he doesn’t give me any special treatment over the others for being his BFF. He’s very professional.

I walk down the hall surrounded by cubicles and greet my co-workers with a smile. We’re all friends here and pretty much a family away from our own.

Never did I ever think that Landon and I would be the two people in charge of the famed Chic Magnifique Magazine in our future. Heck I didn’t think we would even have a future together, ever since we broke up, but I can’t even begin to express how wonderful it feels to be best friends again. We’re both where we’re meant to be at this stage in our lives and everything feels right in the world.

As I approached Landon's office, I blissfully thought, I love my life. And there’s not a single thing I’d change about it.

Of course my parents would love if something in particular about my life changed…and soon before I become an “old woman past child bearing age.” Can you practically hear my eye roll?

Getting married.

I mean, sure, it’d be lovely to find the perfect guy someday, get married, and maybe have a few kids, but…is it SO wrong for a girl to focus on her career before doing all of that? You know, have some financial stability in this ever changing world and economy? I guess that’s what always set me apart from my parents and siblings, and why I’m the child my parents worry the most about. My sister Liezel got married at 19 and my brother Direk, at 21!

Sure my parents have always shown support in my decision to go to college and earn a degree, but I could always sense that deep down they just wished I would’ve done things the more traditional way, or in my personal opinion, the outdated way. It’s not their fault though…It was just how they were raised and how society was when they were growing up. And they do mean well by it…

But every single time I go home to visit, mainly at Christmastime, they continually ask me:

“So how’s dating life?”
“Met anyone special yet?”
“Are you becoming too busy to date?”
“You still want to have kids don’t you?”

ARGH!

And what really gets to me is when we’re at church and people say to my parents, “Oh it’s so lovely to see Malai again. Is she engaged yet?” And then of course one of my parents will give the painful response in the most tactful way possible while the other looks over to the side with an inaudible sigh.

I’m sick of it.

I’M the one that’s in charge of my life and how I want to run it. I know what’s best for me and if people don’t like that, then…tough! It’s not like I don’t date. I do…when I have the time. And aren’t we always taught - mainly in the religious aspect - that everything happens “in its own due time” and that we should just trust God/Buddah/Fate/etc in ALL things. Well, that’s what I’m doing! For some of us, marriage and kids aren’t meant to come right away in our life! Why is it not more accepted that that’s OK!?

Alright, breathe. Calm yourself Malai…

Sometimes, I just don’t get it. Life.

So I just go with the flow and see where it takes me; striving to be the best person I can be - in virtue and success - at the same time.

That is why for the past 4 years now, I’ve utterly dreaded going home for Christmas…

The pushing inquiries from my family have gotten worse because here I am, pushing 30, and I’m still single and childless…

But I’m not going to focus on that right now. I’m at work and I need to get Landon’s coffee to him.

“Hey! Good morning!” I greet him after a light knock on his office door.
“Hey Mai,” he usually greets me in return, quickly glancing up in acknowledgement from his computer. Mai is the nickname he gave me back in high school and even when we broke up it still stuck. I don’t mind it.
“Here’s your coffee,” I approached, placing it on his desk.
“Great! Thank you. You’re the best,” he winked, sipping and slipping the payback cash to me between his other two fingers like he always does.
And as always I promptly swiped those folded bills. “You’re welcome.”

“I was just going over your final design templates for January’s magazine,” he informed, sipping again. “They look fantastic, as usual, buuuut…there are a few subtle changes I’d like to suggest in some areas; if you don’t mind?”
“No, of course not. You’re the boss,” I winked at him now.

So we discussed that and finalized everything.

“Guess that’s a wrap!” Landon declared, slapping his hands on his thighs and then getting up from his chair. “I’ll send it off to the printing department this afternoon.”
“Awesome! I’ve got a few more things to wrap up for the year so I’ll be–”
“Hang on a sec,” he kindly interrupted, passing by me to close his office door. Then he turned around with a smirking smile on his face. “As fun as it is ‘bossing’ you around,” he grinned, “I’d like to switch back to being your best friend now.”
I smiled.
“Soooo…you heading home for Christmas this year?” he asked in that tenderly inquiring, all knowing tone.

I slightly rolled my eyes. “Probably…”
“Probably?”
“Ok, most likely.” I shook my head at him with a quick grin. “I’ve been trying to come up with a way to get out of it, but…I dunno,” I lowered my head, picking at my fingernail. “I just feel like it would hurt their feelings if I didn’t come. Especially when I’m unable to visit them any other time of the year…”
He nodded. “I get it. You do have some great folks.”
“I know,” I replied with sincerity, “but not when they’re overtly and inadvertently shoving marriage down my throat every time I visit. Is it so hard to ask how it’s going with my job or–”

“I know…,” he hushed.
I heaved a sigh.
“Well, I had this thought that I wanted to run by–”

He was interrupted by my phone ringing.

“Sorry,” I expressed, reaching into my pocket to answer it. It was my mom. Coincidentally enough.

She was calling to confirm if I was for sure coming home for Christmas - since it was two days away and they hadn’t heard from me yet. Oops. I meant to call them after work today. By this point, I told her yes.

“Good! Now remember that Liezel and Direk are spending Christmas with their in-laws this year,” she informed.
“I…don’t remember that…,” I uttered, shooting a glance at Landon.

Although what I really felt like saying was, “Fantastic,” in a very sarcastic tone through a fake smile. Now all the attention would REALLY be on me; and all my “flaws.”

“But I have a surprise!” my mom exclaimed.

“Oh?” I was honestly afraid to ask.

“I’ve invited the new neighbors to join us for Christmas dinner. They came from Canada and are originally from Japan. It’s so nice to have another Asian family in Maplewood Falls.” We both chuckled. “Mami is just the sweetest lady and we’ve become fast friends. She and Hoshi are a lovely couple; they’re about the same age as me and your father.”
“Great.”
“They told me their three children and granddaughter will be joining us for dinner as well so...I wanted to give you the heads up.”
“Oh…uh…ok.” This was different. But good.
My mom agreed by saying, “I figure, the more the merrier! I can’t wait for them to meet you, and you to meet them.”
“Yeah, me too, mom. Sounds great.”

“Alright, well you let me know when your plane lands ok? You coming tonight?”
Guess so…, I thought. “Yes, and I will mom. But right now I’m at work, so I have to go.”
“Oh yes, yes, sorry honey. Finish work. Say Hi to Landon for me and we’ll see you tonight. I love you!”
“Love you too mom. Bye.”

Landon gave me an incredibly curious, wide-eyed look as I tucked my phone back into my pocket.

“Guess I’m heading home for Christmas…,” I mumbled.

“I heard that.”
“Oh and my mom says Hi.”
He smiled, then pressed, “So?”

I told him about the new neighbors joining us for Christmas dinner.

“Cool! Maybe then with guests around your parents won’t bug you so much about not finding a man and getting married and stuff,” he said.

I nodded slightly. “True…or it just provides them with more people to gossip to about it behind closed doors…” I don’t know why I was feeling so negative.

“I doubt that. They love you, Mai. They wouldn’t offend you like that.”
He was right, and I said as much.
“Just relax,” he kindly assured, placing his hand on my shoulder. “It’s going to be great. I can’t wait for you to tell me all about it later.”
I gave him an appreciative smile.

“How about you?” I inquired. “Are you coming home for Christmas too?”
“I dunno,” he looked away with a sigh. “Probably not because there’s still a lot I gotta finalize here at work for the end of the year. Plus…I have a date tonight.”
I gaped. “What!? But I thought things were going so well between you and Chris–”
He shook his head in answer to that before I could even finish.
“Oh Landon…,” I frowned. “I’m so sorry.”
“Don’t be,” he assured with a shrug. “It just wasn’t meant to be. Seems that’s how it’s been with me and my partners for years now…,” he trailed off, staring at the wall for a moment. He returned his gaze to me and concluded with, “Hopefully I’ll find a potential future with Justin tonight.”

“Oh so that’s his name huh?” I winked. “Where did you meet him?”
“Online. We hit it off pretty quickly so we thought we’d meet in person.”
I smiled in happiness for him. “Well,” I started, placing a caring hand on his chest, “I hope you have a very wonderful time with Justin tonight and that he’ll be ‘the one.’ You deserve a good partner Landon, because you’re a good partner. I hope you find all the happiness in the world in that regard.”

I could see a little glistening in his eyes. “Thanks Mai. Love you.”

“Love you too,” I expressed, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek, and then headed for the door.

“Merry Christmas,” he wished to me, which made me stop and turn for a moment. “And don’t worry, your Christmas is going to be great. I know it.” He smiled.

I really appreciated it; and his confidence. “Thanks Landon. Merry Christmas to you too. See you later!”

❄❄❄

Since I was for sure heading home for Christmas, I booked the first flight I could get my hands on that evening of the 23rd. I don’t know how I got so lucky because normally it’s almost impossible to find a flight home for Christmas last minute! (I guess nowadays they have special seats reserved if one is willing to pay out the wazoo for one, which...I ended up doing. Because I had to…Sigh…) It was ok though. I just kept reminding myself of Landon’s confident assurances.

My parents were overjoyed to see me, as I always am to see them. Even if they do drive me crazy sometimes.

Honestly, all the marriage nagging aside, I couldn’t have asked for better parents. They've always set a good example to me and my siblings, in word and deed, and I owe much of who I am to them.

It was also great to see my old room again, still unchanged from the last time I lived in it.

I love that they haven’t changed it into a sewing room or a home gym or something. (Because they totally could!) It gives me the warm fuzzies and reminded me of their love for me all the more.

There’s just something about being in your parents home that instantly wraps you up in a cozy, secure blanket, shielding you from all the cares of the world for a time and permitting you rest. It’s a feeling unlike any other, one you never forget, and one you long for over and over again in your adult life. Why I didn't go home more often for that much needed feeling…well…you know. Perhaps someday that would change. Or maybe it was my perspective that needed to change...

But no matter. I quickly threw on my PJs, plopped myself right down onto my bed, and basked in the feeling of "home."

Ahhhh.

Wow. I’m surprised mom and dad didn’t immediately ask me about my love life when I walked through the door…, I thought, my eyes popping open. Or looked down at my hand in hopes of seeing an engagement ring.

Hey DON’T JINX IT!

❄❄❄

🎄

Stay tuned for Chapter 2. TBA. 😊

KevinL5275
Rising Traveler
2 years ago
Woohooo! New story! And its something different from the usual. :) I can't wait to see what these three kings are.
graceymanors
Rising Hotshot
2 years ago
I commented on the other thread.But will be following here to.

@emorrill
Yes! I been waiting for today. I always love your stories.
I actually never heard the song we three kings before, but now
I might go listen to it.
The way her parents met was so beautiful! Sometimes you just know huh?
I'm so glad he perused her and finally had a beautiful daughter.
Maplewood falls is that an actual Sims 3 world for downloading? And did that
gorgeous little house come with it?
Landon is such a handsome fella and I'm so glad he decided to tell her the truth
instead of leading her on, but I bet that stung a bit.I laughed at the bit about starbucks,
Its true. Their coffee is overrated. XD Wow! Landon being her boss. Who would have
saw that coming. I love how you set up the office. You always do such a great job setting
the scene. No, its not wrong to focus on your career dear, I am. And my fiance knows that.
Poor Malai, sometimes parents can be so pushy. Oh new neighbors? Hmm I wonder if they are
gonna be good looking guys!
meerkattime
Seasoned Novice
2 years ago
@emorrill

Yay! I came the the forums yesterday to read the first part of your story, but I was here too early ;) . But now it is here, so I'll take a cup of coffee, a comfy position and start reading :blush: .

Aww, this warms up my hopeless romantic heart - I love how Malai's parents knew instantly that they belong together. Their house in Maplewood Falls looks so pretty surrounded by the fall colors of the trees, and the water behind it.
Landon is such a cutie :love: ! Just a friend, huh? I see, an ex then. I'm glad they managed to stay as friends. It was fair of him to tell her honestly what the situation was. She was lucky he could help her to get her dream job! :star:
Hehe, who wouldn't agree with her about Starbucks :lol: ! I don't particularly like their coffee either, especially not for that price :confounded: .
Wonderful to see Malai so happy with her life. I think something will change soon though - maybe some interesting guy getting in picture ;) .Ahh, I see, I think like her parents, lol!
Malai is right though. Financial security makes life easier, and she still has time to get the family too. (Would be such a waste
not to pass on those beautiful sim genes she's got :p - I know I'm not going to see her babies in your Christmas story, but I hope
I'll see them some other time).
Lol, poor Malai. I think her parents should stop asking about her love life and just believe their daughter knows what she's doing.
It's her life anyway!
New neighbors coming over for Christmas... Well well, we'll see where this goes...
I love that almost teary-eyed picture of Landon. I hope his date with Justin will go well :heart: .
Malai's mom is very beautiful and Malai's teenager room looks very cute. Love the bed with the lights.
emorrill
Hero
2 years ago
@KevinL5275
Woohooo! New story! And its something different from the usual. :) I can't wait to see what these three kings are.

^Yes. :blush: Writing in the first person for the first time in my life. :lol: Glad you like it so far. :)
Gosh I can't wait to reveal the "three kings." :mrgreen:

@GraceyManor Lol! Your comments were the first I read on the other thread. :lol: :blush: Sorry I wasn't able to respond as soon as I would've liked, but I appreciate your sweet words. <3
But yeah I responded to you over there. :)

@meerkattime Hey girl! :smiley: Great to see you and thanks for being here. <3
Yeah, I meant to get the story posted much sooner on the 1st, but man all this stuff came up yesterday and it was driving me nuts. :grimace:
Aww, this warms up my hopeless romantic heart

^Always what I love to hear. :mrgreen: <3
Oh Landon is hot! :love:
Lol! I think it's funny that you (and GraceyManor) agree about Starbucks as well. :lol: And YES they are so so expensive! :confounded: Even for the non-coffee stuff.
Wonderful to see Malai so happy with her life. I think something will change soon though - maybe some interesting guy getting in picture ;) .Ahh, I see, I think like her parents, lol!

^Hee hee, maybe. :smirk: Oh I love her parents too. ;)
I might have to show Malai and - whichever guy she ends up with - babies after the story. :blush: (I think she and Landon would make some pretty babies honestly. :no_mouth: :lol: <3 )
I think I got Malai's day bed with lights from TSR, if you're curious. :)
Thank you for the sweet comments as always. <3 I can't wait to post the next part! :smiley:
graceymanors
Rising Hotshot
2 years ago
@emorrill
I wanted to comment on here so I could keep track lol of updates in case I miss one on the other thread.
KevinL5275
Rising Traveler
2 years ago
"GraceyManor;c-18207740" wrote:
@emorrill
I wanted to comment on here so I could keep track lol of updates in case I miss one on the other thread.

In the upper right corner of the post, there is a star you can click on that will bookmark this thread for you. When someone replies, it will notify you.
cocokayla
New Scout
2 years ago
@emorrill I've so been looking forward to reading this! Malai is stunning and Landon is a sweetheart (and a bit of a hearthrob too.. ah those green eyes) :love:
I really liked the humor of Malai's inner dialogue. I can tell that she is going to be feisty! :smiley:
I can relate to her so much with me also being a single 28 year old... :lol:
I'm so curious to find out more about the neighbours. Will Malai get along with them or will there be drama? :naughty:
Maplewood Falls looks great! Do you happen to have a link?
Can't wait for more updates :kissing_heart: :heart:
emorrill
Hero
2 years ago
@coco Hey girl! :smiley: Great to see you and thanks for being here. :kissing_heart: I'm glad you're enjoying the story so far. :blush:
I can tell that she is going to be feisty! :smiley:

^Oh yes. That's what I was aiming for. ;)
I was thinking you were younger than 28. ?
Maplewood Falls is the Hylewood world by Nilxis. ??

Chapter 2 is coming in about an hour! :mrgreen:
emorrill
Hero
2 years ago
Chapter 2

*Christmas Eve Day*

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I was awakened by a light knock on my door; hoping it wasn’t earlier than 8 o’clock.

“Good morning Malai,” my mother greeted softly, cracking open the door. “Merry Christmas Eve!”

“Merry Christmas Eve to you too momma,” I mumbled under the bed sheet wrapped over my nose and mouth. I was comfy. I wasn’t ready to get up just yet. However the smell of coffee rushing through the narrow opening of the door and straight into my nostrils caused me to reconsider being awake. That’s why I found it interesting when my mom said:

“I made some hot cocoa, along with your favorite breakfast quiche.”

Ohhh yes. That glorious combination of eggs, sausage, bacon, spinach leaves, bell pepper and onion with just the right amount of cheese nestled in a pie crust baked to perfection. Mmm. And no one could ever make quiche as good as my mom, not even in New York City. She was really trying to get me up. But why?

Before I could ask, she beckoned, “Come, before it gets cold,” and headed back down the hall.

I pulled the bed sheet away from my face and turned to look at the clock on my nightstand: 7:32

“Really?” I grumbled, throwing all the covers off me now and sitting up. I had hoped to get to sleep in for a bit on this first morning of Christmas break, but I guess my mom had an important reason for tempting me awake so early. At least I hope she did…

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I yawned while shuffling towards the kitchen, scratching at my messy hair. Light Christmas music chimed from the CD player in the living room. My parents are still “old school” like that - using CDs - but I think it’s cute.

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“Morning beautiful girl,” my dad lovingly greeted as he poured himself a cup of coffee. Naturally I blushed while thinking, Oh that’s right. Dad can’t have momma’s hot cocoa. He’d been trying to cut back on his sugar consumption since he was diagnosed with diabetes. But how he can drink coffee black - and not use stevia or something - is beyond me! He came over and kissed the top of my head before sitting himself down on the couch and reading the newspaper.

Mom handed me a heaping serving of quiche on a plate with a fork before getting started on washing the breakfast dishes. For some reason she only used the dishwasher for really big meals. I think it feels satisfying to her to clean the dishes herself. And really, that’s what she was always used to doing for most of her life.

I stood in the kitchen and gobbled down that delicious quiche faster than I had intended while my mom and I made a bit of small talk. She still hadn’t said or hinted at the whole me still being single thing. I could get used to this…

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“Anyway, since we invited the Yamamoto’s over for Christmas dinner, Mami insisted that she and Hoshi host us for Christmas Eve dinner,” my mom added.
“Ok,” I casually acknowledged with a mouth full of deliciousness.
“To which of course I insisted that I help her prepare for dinner tonight, since she insisted earlier that she help me with Christmas dinner.” She grinned, clearly loving the relationship she had with her new best friend. It was really cute.
“Ok,” I said again, only this time I had swallowed. My eyes pleasurably rolled into my head as the flavor made my taste buds dance. “Mmm, gosh this is so good! I’ve missed it.”

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“I knew that would get you out of bed.” She flashed me a smirk.
“Actually, it was the coffee that did it.” I chuckled, to which she playfully gasped at.
“I’m offended!” she teased. “You’ve been living in New York City for too long…”
I shook my head with a smile.

“Well hurry and get dressed,” my mom pressed, while drying her hands on the kitchen towel. “We have a big day ahead of us.”
“Oh?”
“Yes. Mami and Hoshi’s children are arriving this morning and when they are all ready, we’ll be heading over to meet them and then help with dinner.”
Wha–? I thought with a halt. Does she mean like ALL day at the neighbors house? On Christmas Eve? But what if I don’t–
“We’re just so anxious for you to meet them, Malai.” She widely grinned.

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“And they’re anxious to meet you,” my dad chimed in from the couch. “Hoshi and Mami I mean. I can’t speak for their kids, but,” he returned his gaze to the newspaper, “surely they’ll think quite highly of you.”

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For a moment I didn’t really know what to say. “Uh…Ok." I blinked. "I’ll just…go get ready then.” But not before washing my plate and fork and setting them in the dish drying rack. And I totally needed to shower first.

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I wasn’t exactly sure how I felt about spending most of Christmas with the neighbors (I mean they were simply joining us for Christmas dinner from what I understood!) but…at least I wouldn’t be getting an extra concentrated dose of “when are you going to finally find a man, get married, and have children already” from my parents at the dinner table; being the only one to come home for Christmas and all. I was honestly experiencing some crazy distress over facing that scenario so…I should be thanking the new neighbors for sparing me from that, if anything.

This sure was a different way to spend Christmas for us. But there’s nothing wrong with different. It can be a welcoming change sometimes. And I was soon to learn just that.

❄❄❄

It was a hair after 10:30 when the three of us approached the Yamamoto’s front door. I might’ve glanced down at my watch to see how long it would be until dinner. I sighed. Apparently the Yamamoto’s would be hosting us for lunch as well…I wasn’t sure what to expect this Christmas anymore.

My mom’s new best friend opened the door and greeted her with a giant smile and tight hug, as if they hadn’t seen each other in years. It was so beautiful. Then she turned to my father and gave him a bow, as well as to me. “Welcome Reatazas,” she said, then beckoned with her hand, “please please come in!” It was a bit chilly out, especially with the light breeze going on.

As we stepped into the foyer and hung up our coats and removed our shoes, I half expected to see Japanese decor and furniture all around us, but no. It was a normal, simple, and humble setting. Much like a cozy foyer scene in CM magazine.

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My parents placed their hands on my shoulders as my mother said, “Mami, we are so pleased to introduce our youngest daughter, Malai.”
I shyly smiled.
Mami immediately took my hand into hers and said in the sweetest, most soft spoken way, “It is such a pleasure to meet you Malai. You are every bit as pretty as your mother described.” I might’ve blushed, but mostly out of dismissiveness. “I’ve heard so many lovely things about you.”
“That’s good to know,” I joked, smiling again.

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Mami chuckled, just as lightly as the tone of her voice. My first impression of her was nothing but a kind soul with a sincere heart. A beautiful woman inside and out - who aged well I might add, as most of us Asian ladies do - with long, straight, jet black hair, partially pulled back with thin bangs flowing down the sides of her fair face, framing it. She was simply…lovely. Just like my mom.

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“Hoshi and our children are waiting in the living room. Come.” She beckoned again. It was a short distance to the room, just past the stairway and through the arch to the left. The arch to the right led into the kitchen.

When the four of us entered the living room, the others stood from their seats in unison to greet us. The Patriarch of the family promptly stepped forward and warmly greeted my father with a handshake and then my mother. His gaze then rested upon me with a welcoming smile, surrounded by light wrinkles. Age marks aside, he was an attractive older man.

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Mami introduced me this time. “Hoshi, this is Sergio and Nin’s beautiful daughter, Malai.”
My heart was pounding as he took my hand in the same way his wife did. “Welcome to our home Malai. It is a pleasure to finally meet you.”
“The pleasure is all mine Mr. Yamamoto.”
He slightly bowed his head in appreciation and then outstretched his arm to the side. “Allow me to introduce our sons…”

Sons?

With Mr. Yamamoto fully out of the way, my eyes met with three adult men, not too far apart in age, standing side by side, and they were utterly…GORGEOUS! Oh my! I lost a breath.

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My eyeballs practically popped out of my eyes and my heart skipped a beat in those few fleeting seconds of staring. I think my jaw dropped further than I had intended it to as well. And they seemed just as equally surprised to see me.

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Timidly smitten, I inched forward while Mr. Yamamoto continued with the introductions.

“This is our oldest son, Aizen…”

Aizen gave me a firm handshake with a slight nod, giving off a hint of a smile. He was a tanned, well built, muscular man, with a mysterious aura about him. His black hair was long - barely touching the base of his neck, mostly parted to one side, with bangs partially shading his equally dark eyes. The beard he wore complimented and adorned his finely defined jawline.

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He appeared to be single; in his older age. Because no woman stood beside him or anywhere around him. Interesting.
I smiled and continued on to the next brother.

“...our middle child, Kai…”

Kai took my hand wearing a much brighter, closed mouth smile, but not with as firm of a handshake as his older brother. No biggie. There was a hint of emerald color in his eyes behind his thin framed glasses. He must wear colored contacts, I thought; obviously not for the benefit of his vision. His dark hair was short and slicked upward. Almost that dove-tailed style, but much better looking and sexier. The stubble on his face added even more to his sex appeal.

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I don’t know why I flash-glanced down at his other hand to check for a ring, but…he seemed to be single as well. Wow.
I smiled at him in return with unabashedly blushed cheeks just before moving on to the final brother.

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“...and our youngest son, Ryu.”

“How you doin’?” Ryu surprisingly greeted me in the manner of Joey from F.R.I.E.N.D.S.

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My smile practically exploded. I couldn’t help noticing Aizen shake his head out of the corner of my eye and Kai lowering his while holding back a chuckle.
“Good,” I coyly answered.

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My first thought about Ryu was that he looks just like Jungkook from BTS! (Ok, yes, I listen to K-Pop occasionally…) Mostly because his hairstyle looked exactly the same, subtle brown highlights and all. I don’t know if that was intentional or…I quickly dismissed the thought. He was definitely an attractive young man, thin, just as fair skinned as his mother, and full of spirit, spu'nk, and wits. Clearly unashamed and unafraid of projecting himself to the world, and that spoke volumes to me. Normally I don’t swoon over a guy who is obviously younger than myself, but maybe it was because he looked so much like Jungkook. I might’ve given him a giddy handshake while trying to hide my inner 19 year old fangirl as I moved on to the next person.

A much shorter person this time, and female; probably 9 or 10 years old. It was apparent that she had been sitting in the bean bag chair, away from the boring adults, playing the Nintendo Switch before standing up to greet us.

“And this is our granddaughter, Amaya,” Hoshi concluded.

Amaya very cutely held her hand out to me with big, sparkling green eyes. Her wavy black tresses flowed down just past her shoulders and she had the most beautiful cocoa colored skin I had ever seen.
“It’s very nice to meet you Amaya,” I said while shaking her little hand. “I’m Malai.”
“Wow,” the little girl whispered to me in awe, her eyes growing wider. “You’re so pretty!”

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“Amaya…,” Aizen voiced in a light, somewhat scolding tone, which confirmed to me that he was the one out of the three that was her father.
Little did I know that Kai was thinking, You could say that again… as he gave me a smile of adoration.
“Thank you,” I expressed to Amaya, holding a hand to my touched heart. “You are too.”
The little girl blushed with shyness.

My parents and I sat down in the chairs provided for us, beside the crackling fireplace, and in no time at all we were all chatting, nodding, and chuckling, while getting to know each other better. Japanese Christmas music played lightly in the background and in some moments I found myself being consumed by its melodious tunes. At one point, Mami excused herself to the kitchen and soon my mother followed after her. In what seemed like five seconds, she and Mami returned with chicken salad croissant sandwiches with a side of raw veggies on a plate for each of us. Along with a bottle of our choice of strawberry or melon - Christmas colors, hee hee - Ramune soda! Yum! These soda bottles are the coolest things! Inside the glass spout is a marble, which helps to seal the bottle and keep the fizz inside, and you’re able to drink through it! I mean, I always thought it was cool. No other drink bottle is like it anywhere to my knowledge. Anyway, that was lunch. I couldn’t believe two hours had already passed!

I very much enjoyed getting to know each brother, and intently listened whenever one of them spoke while secretly ogling at them. It couldn’t be helped.

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I still couldn’t believe how handsome they were; some of the hottest guys I’ve ever met in my life, next to Landon. And I also couldn’t believe that I was going to be spending Christmas - even Christmas EVE - dinner with this kind of eye candy displayed all around me! I began to wonder what I ever did to deserve such a gift… (I know, I'm being silly.)

Aizen was quiet and very reserved in his speaking, which didn’t happen much, only when he was addressed to. And he never instigated any conversation, though he’d gladly chime in if one of his brothers was telling a story and he was involved in it; mostly for clarification purposes.

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I could tell Aizen was a very private man, yet loyal, with a little bit of a gruff attitude. One that didn’t easily trust others. Perhaps due to his reasons for being a single father. I get it. It’s a hard and cruel world we live in now. All of us have our own ways of protecting ourselves from further heartache and/or disappointment. The mystery surrounding him though, I must admit, was quite alluring. I did learn that he builds homes for a living, which explains his muscular physique.

Kai was totally sweet in his demeanor and when he spoke. Instantly personable and sociable; a good listener too.

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Which is why when he revealed that he majored in Psychology it came as no surprise to me. For the past two years he’d been working at a counseling center as one of the head therapists and most of his clients were children. “They are my favorite clients,” he said with such sincerity. It touched my heart deeply and honestly, it was quite the turn on. How he wasn’t in a relationship already was beyond me. I dunno, but I felt like he was giving me the same ogling looks and attentiveness in return when I was talking. I hoped I wasn’t blushing too much.

Ryu was hilarious! Constantly talking and chiming in when others were, making silly comments and cracking jokes; definitely an expert at sarcasm.

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It wouldn’t surprise me if he had been voted the “class clown” - or possibly the “biggest flirt” - in high school either. He had me smiling and laughing more than I had in a long time (I think my 19 year old BTS fangirl was still present) and it was quite…refreshing. Something I really needed, interestingly enough. He was still in college, just getting some general studies under his belt while still figuring out his path in life. But man how I love his zest for life. It was so inspiring and encouraging.

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Amaya kept anxiously asking me a bazillion questions in between discussions which I thought was adorable, with a few more light interjections from her father.

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I wasn’t sure why Aizen kept doing that - as if she was annoying me or something. Hardly! It’s been so long since I’ve been around, or even conversed, with a child that it was quite the welcoming change to me. I think the poor girl was just longing to talk to, and be around, another girl besides grandma. Which produced a sting in my heart at the possibility that her mother wasn’t around much, or...deceased. My curiosity there further heightened. I know it might sound bad, but I was greatly hoping it was the latter because…what kind of woman would ignore or walk out on her own child? Let alone one as lovely as Amaya? But I shook my head and reminded myself not to make assumptions or judge when I don’t know the situation.

Mr. and Mrs. Yamamoto were so much like my parents it was crazy! (And they had very similar life experiences.) No wonder the four got along so well and became fast friends.

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Next thing I knew, mom and Mami disappeared again into the kitchen - most likely to start preparing dinner - and that’s when Ryu suggested we play a board game or two. Dad didn’t care much for board games so he kindly excused himself to help the women in the kitchen. Amaya jumped up and down while chirping, “Life, Life, Life! Pleeeeease can we play Life?”

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That was one of my favorite board games too. “I second that,” I said with a raised finger, shooting a wink at Amaya.
Aizen simply shrugged his approval and Kai spoke for them both. “Alright munchkin.” I thought it was so cute that he called her that. “But sometime afterward I want an ‘Uno’ rematch with you.” He winked.
His niece giggled while saying, “Ok.”

“I vote we play ‘Mad Gab’ after Life!” Ryu chimed in.
“Ooh, I forgot about that game!” I expressed.
“I’ll pass on that one…,” Aizen frankly said, while picking at a snagged thread on his jeans.
Did he have to be so ill-tempered? I thought. It’s Christmas for crying out loud!
“As long as we play at least one round of ‘Boggle,’” Hoshi suggested with a smile. “That one is my favorite.”

I was able to give Aizen a little grace from my previous thought as I watched him sweetly interact with Amaya during the game of Life.

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Near the end, he tickled his daughter silly while making playful grumbling noises in her ear as her car full of kids barely put her ahead of him in the final tallies, winning the game.
“You little stinker!”
“I’m not a stinker, I’m a winner! Ahh! Quit tickling me!”
It was adorable and I was happy to see the person inside come outside of his tough outer shell.

I wasn’t sure what exactly was cooking in the kitchen, but boy could I smell it. And oh how delicious it smelled. It made my tummy rumble a little and my mouth salivated. There was a hint of a fir tree scent mixed in with it. I didn’t know if someone lit a candle or if it was just my imagination with all the festive decorations surrounding me. It was a beautiful mix of Japanese and American style decor.

Playing Mad Gab was a hoot! Ryu and I playfully slapped at each other many times amidst our roaring laughter.

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There was one point where my hand and Kai’s touched for a brief moment while picking up a new card, creating blushed glances. (I thought I could see Hoshi smirking through the corner of my eye).

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Aizen was really missing out. I think he got up to use the bathroom and then returned to the couch doing something on his phone that captured his interest much more. To each their own. Amaya’s giggles in the background were contagious.

It was during our second round of Boggle that I took notice of the setting sun’s rays peeking through the frosted window. It’s sunset already!? I exclaimed in my mind, glancing at my watch. 5:26. Wow. What a day! I couldn’t remember the last time a day went by so fast. I had SO much fun! Surprisingly enough, Landon was right…

I had to call him later and tell him all about it!

Next thing I knew Christmas Eve dinner was ready. But before that, we cleaned up the games and moved some of the furniture out of the way so that my dad and Hoshi (Aizen and Kai joined in eventually) could set up the big folding table and chairs. The Yamamoto’s kitchen was too small to hold us all and they didn’t have a proper dining room. Didn’t bother any of us in the least. I helped set the table along with Ryu and Amaya.
“Do you wanna help me pick out the decorations for the table, Malai?” the sweet girl asked.
“I’d love to!”

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That was when Ryu’s cell phone rang. The ringtone was a bit from “Party Rock Anthem.” There’s a song I haven’t heard in a few years, I thought, the corners of my mouth turning up. Of course that song would be his ringtone. It was very fitting to his personality and apparent lifestyle. He kindly excused himself and answered the call in the other room.

When dinner was ready and we all sat ourselves down at the table, one person was still missing.

“RYU!” Hoshi called in a very commanding voice. “DINNER!” Then he turned his gaze toward me and my parents. “My apologies…”
We kindly dismissed it.

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“Sorry, sorry, so sorry!” Ryu babbled, entering the room while tucking his phone away and skittering around the table towards his seat. “That was Tara; I had to answer it.” He plopped his bottom down on the chair and pulled it forward.
Tara? I thought with curiosity.

“Oh how nice,” Mami chimed. “What did she have to say?”
“Her boss made her work today so she said she’ll get here as quickly as she can tomorrow.”
“Wonderful!”
“It will be very nice to meet her,” Hoshi added.
Then Ryu gave my mom a timid glance. “You, uh, don’t mind if one more person joins us for Christmas dinner do you Mrs. Reataza?”

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“Not at all,” my mother assured with a dismissive wave. “The more the merrier.” She was too sweet.
“Thanks!”

I couldn’t help asking.

“So…who’s Tara again?”

All eyes darted towards Ryu, particularly his brothers with intentionally raised eyebrows.

“My girlfriend,” he promptly answered to the group, but then turned his gaze towards me with a nervous look in his eye. “Did I not mention her?”
No…, Kai lipped next to him, holding the “o” shape of his mouth.
Aizen shook his lowered head, but raised it with a hand gripping his lips. I think to hide a grin or stifle a chuckle.
My eyes must’ve answered Ryu within the sudden air of awkwardness between us.

“Sorry. I could’ve sworn I mentioned her…,” he concluded.

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“...No worries,” I quickly remedied with a smile. “I think it’s great that she’ll be joining us tomorrow. I look forward to meeting her too.” And I meant it.

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That seemed to satisfy everyone.

As we all lowered our heads to give thanks for the meal and the season, I slowly released a sigh.

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There I was being all giddy and flirting around with Ryu during the games - with his dad and brothers watching - while he casually flirted back, clearly under the impression that I knew he was a taken guy.

I kind of felt like a fool, but it was ok. Not my fault. It’s all good, Malai.

I was just ready to eat!

❄❄❄

A/N: Forgive the Monopoly game at the table instead of the game of Life, it was all I had to work with. I could've changed it to Monopoly in the story, but I think most people - and kids - prefer Life better. ;) The money looks the same though... :lol:
Did y'all like the item I used to represent the Mad Gab box? :joy:

The pronunciations for the brother's names (especially for Aizen) are as follows:

Aizen:
Kai:
Ryu:

I will be sharing a couple of outtakes from this chapter later. ??

Hope you enjoyed! Especially in getting to see the "three kings." :smirk: <3

***Chapter 3 will be posted December 7th***
KevinL5275
Rising Traveler
2 years ago
Ahh, the three kings are the sons of the neighbors. :) Nice play on words.

I love the expressions you captured on their faces. Nice details and touches there. :mrgreen:

I can't wait to learn more of their backstory, but as Malai said, its not nice to pry. Now which one is she going to end up with?