Chapter Twenty-Seven

Kaleb

L ater in the early evening, Kaleb, Jasha, Arlo, Frankie, Miss Nadia, her two nieces, Mr. Wells, Adam, and his boyfriend Emery, were all bundled up in their most festive Christmas scarves Santa Kaleb handed out so they would look coordinated singing. The group set out into the snowy evening; their breath visible in the crisp air as they began their Christmas caroling adventure. Jasha stood close to him while they sang. The thought of him leaving for Russia on the twenty-sixth seemed unreal. They had gotten so close, and he had classes in January. Kaleb couldn’t imagine Jasha leaving him, but he loved his father who’d raised him as a single parent, which might make Jasha feel guilty if he stayed in the States. He just couldn’t see Jasha living in Russia right now, and hoped he stayed with him. What about his education? Would he be willing to throw it away? And his work? He was so adamant about working as a translator in Brighton Beach.

The snow fell gently around them, blanketing the neighborhood in a serene white. As they walked from house to house, their voices harmonized beautifully, singing classic carols like “Silent Night” and “Jingle Bells.” The neighbors greeted them with warm smiles and often joined in the singing, creating a sense of community and joy.

“This is really fun,” Jasha said.

“Have you done this before?” Kaleb asked.

“Never. We didn’t celebrate the holidays like other people. It was just another day for us. I can see I missed out on a lot.”

“We do this every year.”

“I hope I’ll be here next year,” Jasha said.

“Don’t worry about next year. You have enough on your plate today and tomorrow. If you want to be here next year, you’ll be here.”

Between houses, the group chatted and laughed.

“When Kaleb and I were kids, we were supposed to get ready for caroling. Being teen boys, we hid in the basement. The only problem was we got locked in. No one found us for hours. But we got out of caroling,” Arlo shared, causing everyone to burst into laughter.

“It wasn’t funny when we were starving,” Kaleb added.

With rosy cheeks from the cold, Miss Nadia’s nieces giggled and excitedly whispered to each other. Mr. Wells and Emery discussed their favorite holiday traditions, while Adam and Frankie debated the best Christmas movies.

After caroling, they returned home and piled into the living room which was aglow with the soft light of the Christmas tree, and the scent of pine filling the air. Daisy found a comfortable spot under the tree mixed in with the presents. She’d adjusted to the home, and everyone loved her. The tree was decorated with twinkling lights, shimmering crystal icicles, and an assortment of ornaments collected over the years.

Daddy Kaleb showed Jasha the special Christmas ornament from Kaleb’s grandfather. It was a beautifully crafted vintage glass bauble, a deep, rich red color with delicate gold swirls hand-painted around its surface. At the center, there was a small, intricate scene of a snowy village, complete with tiny houses, a church, and children playing in the snow.

“My grandfather gave it to me when I was ten. It has been in the family for generations.”

“It’s beautiful. It reminds me of Lake Tahoe.”

Every year, Kaleb carefully hung it on the tree, always placing it in a spot where it could be easily seen and admired. It was a cherished reminder of his grandfather’s love and the special bond they’d shared.

Beneath the tree there was a plush tree skirt in rich red and gold hues, covered with an assortment of wrapped presents, each one tied with a ribbon and topped with a bow. The fireplace mantel was draped with a lush garland of evergreen branches, interwoven with red berries, pinecones, and twinkling lights. Stockings hung from the mantel, each one personalized with a name and filled with small surprises.

The room was bathed in the warm glow of candlelight, with scented candles placed strategically around the space, filling the air with the comforting aromas of cinnamon and pine. Miss Nadia had also hung mistletoe in the doorways throughout the home.

Soft, cozy blankets and decorative pillows in holiday patterns were scattered across the sofas and chairs, inviting everyone to snuggle up and enjoy the evening. On the coffee table, a centerpiece of poinsettias and holly added a vibrant splash of color.

Kaleb, in his Santa outfit, took on the role of gift distributor. He handed out presents with a twinkle in his eye, calling out each name with a hearty, “Ho, ho, ho!”

Jasha watched as Kaleb passed a beautifully wrapped gift to Miss Nadia, who smiled warmly in return. Arlo received a present and immediately began shaking it, trying to guess its contents. Frankie and Adam exchanged knowing glances as they unwrapped their gifts, while Emery’s eyes lit up with delight at his surprise.

The room was filled with laughter and the sound of tearing wrapping paper. It was a perfect Christmas Eve, filled with joy, warmth, and the magic of the season.

When Jasha handed Kaleb his presents, he kissed him on the forehead and thanked him.

“This is a beautiful bracelet. I’ll always wear it, so I never forget you.” He couldn’t imagine returning to New York without Jasha. At night, he slept so close to Kaleb, he couldn’t move. Yet, there was no denying he loved his father. How much would that affect his decision? He also knew Jasha loved him and wanted him. They had some issues to be ironed out like his working during school in Brighton Beach, but everything else had worked out.

Kaleb bought more clothes for Jasha, which he appreciated. After all the presents were opened, they went to the movie room and watched a Christmas movie. This year Arlo chose Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas . Miss Nadia made popcorn, filling the room with the aroma of butter and salt.

Kaleb invited Arlo and Frankie to his private living room after the movie, where they could relax and unwind. The padded chairs provided a cozy place to sit as they all gathered.

“Who would like a glass of champagne?” Kaleb asked.

They all clamored for a glass. He got up, and with a satisfying pop, opened the bottle. He carefully poured the contents into the waiting glasses.

“Let’s raise our glasses and celebrate our bond!”

They all stood and raised their glasses, clinking them together. Jasha had said little about his decision. Kaleb had made it clear to everyone in the house that he didn’t want Jasha to be pressured. The decision had to be his, and his alone. When Frankie sat on Arlo’s lap, Kaleb noticed Jasha looking out of place.

“Hey, Jasha, sit on my lap.”

Jasha got up from the chair and sat down on Kaleb’s lap. Jasha rested his head on his shoulder.

“Are you okay, Jasha?”

“I don’t know. I have to make my decision tomorrow.”

“You know we all want you to stay, right?” Frankie asked.

“Yes. It’s a tough decision. I can’t be in both places,” Jasha said.