A FAMILY CHRISTMAS TERROR

 

CHAPTER 5

 

“Dad, you were right, I didn’t see that ending coming,” Jack said.

Nancy said, “I like the way you read that, Daddy. It was really scary.”

“You’re such a baby,” her twin sneered.

“Be nice, you two,” their mother said. “It’s Christmas.

“Fine,” Nick said. “Hey... can I have some more brandy?”

“No.”

“Please.” He held up his mug to her. “Just for the next story.”

“C’mon, Judy,” Dan said from the couch. “It’s Christmas.”

Judy rolled her eyes and relented. “That’s it, though.”

“Thanks, Mom. You’re the best.”

“And put some more coffee in there. You’re not your Grandfather.” She pointed to the pot on the table.

“How did I get in this?” Grandpa said and sipped. “But as long as you’re pouring...” He proffered his mug.

“Thank God Christmas is only once a year,” she said and poured. Then, as an afterthought, poured into her own mug. “What the heck, if you can’t beat ‘em...” She took a healthy swig. “Go ahead, Dan. What’s next?”

Dan glanced at her mug and said, “This one’s called The Gift That Won’t Stop Giving.”