My "Three Kings" of Christmas

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***