The plane ride home was less dramatic than the ride going to Savannah. Before it took off, Johnny held out his hand. "Slap some Dramamine on me. Just knock me out, Babe, and wake me up when we land." She gave him some and he was out the whole flight. With no one to talk to, she worked on some literature homework. Once again the assignment is to write in the literature notebook, thoughts concerning the remaining chapters of the book. She decided to focus on something often overlooked in the story. While most people will focus on the fulfillment of Darcy and Elizabeth's relationship, she is going to focus on a different thing. With Thanksgiving fresh on her mind, she took the theme of gratitude. Starting at chapter fifty-one, Ava took out her pink pen and began writing.
Most of the remaining chapters focus on gratitude, either the lack of it or the sufficiency of it. There are many contrasts for this. First are the obvious ones of Mr. Wickham, Lydia, and Mrs. Bennet. They are grotesquely ungrateful. Take Mrs. Bennet, for example, she goes on and on about fake physical ailments. This coupled with her gossipy pride, and how she's willing to over Lydia's reckless, cavalier behavior, shows how senseless she truly is.
It's no shock that Lydia is just like her. She and Wickham reinforce each other's bad qualities. Their relationship is none existent. It's based on shallow, really superficial, stuff. When the storms come it will blow them down. They have no foundation to fall back on. The contrast to this is Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy, who has quietly been laying a foundation in all of the previous chapters. The two of them bring out each other's better qualities and encourage each to change different behaviors. That's what relationships should be like.
Never once did those three self-centered characters say "thank you" or "I'm sorry". Both Lydia and Wickham weren't sorry for putting the Bennet family through pain and suffering. They surely weren't thankful for being bailed out of a reputation crisis. And Mrs. Bennet never said those words either. She's still focused on frivolous matters and continues to treat Darcy with disdain. They are three of the ugliest characters written on the pages of literature.
But then how thankful and grateful are we, in our own lives? How do you say thank you for little things? You humble yourself and say it. Gratitude opens the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough. It helps you see what's there, instead of what isn't there. Every high and every low is a blessing, even if we don't see the lows as such. The setback is a setup for the comeback. Gratitude is everything.
Elizabeth and Mr. Darcy humbled themselves. From their humbleness came their gratitude. Her love of him was thanks enough in itself, for bailing her family out of Lydia's misery. In the blink of an eye, everything could be taken away. That's why we should be grateful every day in every way, for everything we have.
And the truth of it is, nothing will be the same in a year. All things change, they have to. But gratitude will change your sight of vision. If I am not happy, grateful, for what I have then what makes me think I'd be happy with more?
When they returned home, from Thanksgiving in Savannah, the month of December was thrust upon them. December brought many things, but most especially the tournament and Christmas. First, Johnny and Ava helped decorate houses for Christmas.
They started with her family. In their living room, the family tree went up, big and tall and just perfect. Both Ava and Johnny helped hang the family ornaments. There are different ornaments representing different things. There's an ornament for every child. As a family tradition, each child is gifted an ornament, each year, after Thanksgiving. The precious decoration represents them in some way.
This year Ava's is a ceramic circle with a black background and glowing fireflies, all over it. Her mother stated, "We chose this one for you because you light up the darkness with your wonderful light. Your love and light shine bright for others to see."
Johnny agrees with everything her mother said. She lights up his darkness every day, making his life easier and better. After all the new ornaments had been gifted, Nick and Linda presented Johnny with a small box of his own. "For you," Nick told him as he gave him the gift.
Like a deer in the headlights, he did not expect this. His eyes flashed bright as he opened it. Inside is an ornament of a white karate gi and a black belt. On the chest of the gi is the Cobra Kai logo. And underneath is a ribbon with his name. Oh wow. With a shaky voice, he expressed his thanks. "Thank you both so much for this. It means a lot, a real lot."
Ava rested her hand on his leg. "Put it on the tree," she said with eagerness. He stood up and added his ornament to their tree. He placed it beside Ava's new one. It was as perfect as perfect could be.
After decorating the Green's house, they then helped his mother decorate his own house. It was vastly different from Ava's family. While her house is full of family memories, his is not. Words like high-class, grand, and opulent come to mind. At the Weinberg estate, a thirteen-foot tree went up, next to the majestic staircase. Johnny and Ava placed ornaments of red, gold, and silver on it, in various shapes and sizes. Then they stuck golden glittered tree branches throughout. A gorgeous gold star was placed on top. The eye is drawn there with the star's glowing brightness and sparkles.
Along the length of the staircase ran a lighted evergreen garland. White Christmas stockings were hung by the fireplace with care, as well as gold candles set out on the mantle. The same evergreen garland graces the mantle too. Once everything had been decorated, his mother served them her classic eggnog. It's a bit strong. When the women weren't looking, Johnny spat it out.
Last but not least, the duo decorated the Malibu house. For this one, they got to decorate it however they wished. The two raided the local K-Mart and Macy's for all sorts of decorations. Having decided on a bright, festive, colorful theme the couple didn't stray too far from those designs. They bought ornaments in pinks, turquoise, purples, reds, greens, gold, and silver. Their bags were stuffed and loaded down with their treasures.
The best part was going to a real Christmas tree farm and cutting down a tree. Johnny complained about having to do all the hard work, but Ava didn't mind. "You went hunting with my father, grandfather, and uncles after Thanksgiving. This is a walk in the park. Besides just think of how it will look in the living room."
Never once did the thought occur to either of them that this whole thing is very domestic. It's almost like they're practicing for marriage. This didn't occur to them until they had finished decorating and sat on the sofa admiring the fruition of their work.
Ava sat appreciating and gazing at their colorful Christmas. "You know, we need to make gingerbread houses. Colorful gingerbread houses with little gingerbread men. What do you think?"
"I think this is nice. That's what I think," he told her. This feels like them. Bright and colorful and happy. It's full of joy and peace. That's what he wants more than anything, a life full of joy, peace, happiness, and color. She does that for him. "I think you forgot something, by the way." Her face wore a confused expression. He reached in the crack of the sofa and pulled out a sprig of mistletoe. Holding it over his head, he said "This".
Laughing she kissed his cheek. He let out a huff of breath. "Umm no. This is mistletoe not one of your Grandma's hoecakes. Alright, Sweet Pea? Now stop piddling around and get over and kiss me, before I throw a hissy fit."
"Mockery will get you nowhere, Sugar" she explained to him. Then she gave him a real kiss. After which they discussed the country club dinner. "What time are you picking me up again?"
Grabbing a handful of popcorn, he reminded her "Six-thirty. I'm picking you up at six-thirty, Babe." He put the handful in his mouth.
Thinking about what to wear, she asked "What are you wearing? If you tell me what you're wearing, then it will help me figure my outfit out."
Done chewing his popcorn, he remarked "Ava, I'm a guy. I don't think about things like that until I have to. I wake up, grab something, put it on, and go. That's what I do. Whatever you wear will be great. I have no doubt. Heads will turn and I'll have to beat the guys off you."
Now she huffed out a breath. "Oh please. There are no guys knocking down my door for dates. Even before we got back together, there weren't any."
His eyes stared at her. "You truly have no clue how beautiful you are. I think your grandmother said it best. You're a pretty little thing. Guys wanted to ask you out, but I may have warned them away from you." He did, several times.
Her eyes flashed. "Well, that is awful. Leaving me dateless like that." She reached for some of the popcorn.
"No, it's not. It saved me heartache. Plus it was bad enough watching you with that Muppet, Burt." He shivered thinking about that time.
She snuggled into his side. "Poor baby," she mocked. His fingers may or may not have tickled her.
Monday at school, Ava gave each of the guys, and Rachel, a praline from Savannah. Rachel loved hers cause she loves anything with caramel. "This is the best thing I've ever put in my mouth. It's so sweet and the caramel is divine. It melts almost instantly." Then she asked, "How did it go with Johnny meeting your family?"
Picking at a place on her red zebra print sweater, she shared it with her friend. "It was fine. My grandmother loves him. She thinks he's the cutest thing (which he is), polite, and helpful. He helped her carry all of the food to the table for Thanksgiving dinner. On Friday while all of the girls went shopping (we always go to the Hilton Head outlets), he went hunting with the men."
She laughed then continued. "He's never used a gun in his life, so they let him use the crossbow instead. Apparently, at least according to my grandfather and Dad, he's pretty handy with it. He came home with a deer and some quail." She smiled at the memory of Johnny showing her his prizes. He was SO excited. His voice and face, when he's excited, are just the best thing. It's pure joy.
Then she asked how Rachel's Thanksgiving was. "It was quiet. My brother and sister-in-law came into town. They had dinner with us. We ordered food ahead of time, from an Asian restaurant. We knew Mom wouldn't be up to cooking. It was nice despite having non-traditional food. My brother and I put up the Christmas tree together. Then we all went to see Grandma."
The two went to class and planned to meet after school. School was weird. It's like everyone knows there are only two weeks until Christmas break. No one is really focused on anything, except the Cobras. They're focused and amped up about the coming tournament. It's all they talk about.
"Yeah we're gonna pound him," Dutch spoke at lunch. He's talking about Daniel of course. Johnny and Bobby agreed. "He won't even look the same when we're through with him. He'll have to get a whole new face, which would be an upgrade from the current model."
But Ava wasn't so sure. She likes to be prepared for all kinds of situations. "But what if you don't? What if you don't win?" It grew very quiet. Heads turned to look at her.
"What are you saying? You don't think we can win? We've won trophies at all of the past tournaments. Johnny's won it two years in a row." Dutch is surprised at her thinking that.
Shaking her head, she explained. "No, it's not that. I know you can win. It's just what if you don't win? Then what?"
Laughing her doubt away, Dutch declared with authority "There is no what if. We're going to win. I've got two guns right here that say otherwise." He flexed his muscles and kissed the biceps on both arms.
She didn't say anything more after that. Her concern was left to her alone. But the thought occurred to her sometimes a person can get too arrogant and be defeated.
The rest of the week went on in the same manner, in anticipation of Christmas break. By Thursday Ava was ready for the country club dance. It would at least serve to break out of the monotony. She knew exactly what she was wearing, no changing her mind at the last minute either.
Plus she helped Johnny choose his outfit too. He'll look great in his black and white tweed blazer, white button-down shirt, black pants, and skinny black silk tie. He will definitely serve as a contrast to her. They will look sharp together.
After school, Johnny reminded her a final time when he's picking her up. "Six-thirty. If you're late I'm leaving you."
She hit his arm. "You will not. Then you'll be dateless with an upset girlfriend."
Looking into her hazel eyes, he put his arms around her waist and spoke. "We can't have that now can we?" His fingers rubbed circles on her back. He kissed her forehead and she rested her head on his chest. "But seriously, please try to be ready on time. They're going to start serving at seven. I'll be hungry after practice." He heard her mumble OK.
Releasing her from his embrace, they said goodbye. He rode off to practice with the guys and she headed home. Once there she went into the kitchen and grabbed a piece of cranberry bread. It's her favorite. Her mom came out of the laundry room, carrying a basket of clothes, and greeted her with a hug.
"How was your day?" she asked. She began folding laundry.
Ava told her all about it, but prefaced it with an "It was terribly boring." She ate the piece of bread and cut another slice.
Linda reminded her "Save room for your dinner tonight. Your father and I won't be there after all. He called me to say, he has to perform spinal surgery. An accident victim came into the hospital and after examining the patient, they decided it was too complicated to do without the help of someone skilled. Enter your father through the stage door. The surgery is scheduled for six and will take forever, as those always do."
With a frown, Ava commented. "I'm sorry Mom. I'll miss seeing the two of you." She ate her other piece of bread, while they chatted. After which she grabbed a glass of sweet tea and went upstairs.
She lay on her bed and watched some TV before getting ready. However, she did not expect to fall asleep but she did. Upon awaking, there was only an hour and a half until Johnny picked her up. Yikes! Straightaway she got up and rushed to the shower.
Taking the shortest shower of her life, she threw on her robe and began putting the big rollers in her hair. This always takes forever, since there's so much of it. After that came the makeup. Feeling fresh, she wanted a pretty look. Something effortless and fresh-faced. Unrolling her makeup bag, the brushes were whipped out along with all the essentials. When she finished she admired herself in the mirror.
Her makeup is reminiscent of the homecoming dance, but less "done". She's definitely using the same lipgloss though. That stuff is her favorite thing. Shaking out her hair, she then went to the closet. Pulling out the Christmas green dress with black flowers, she swung it around on the hanger. This dress has been hanging out in the closet begging for a special occasion. Tonight is a good reason to wear it.
It's A-line and strapless, not very practical on a chilly winter night. But it's nothing a cardigan can't fix. Plus the dress has pockets, all the more reason to wear it. To cinch her waist she added a black studded belt. With her green and black leather and lace Manolo's, she felt confident.
Confidence is something she's been lacking. Johnny has been helping her to see herself in a different light. One thing about anorexia recovery is it's a slow process, especially viewing yourself as pretty. When negative self-talk is a way of life, it's hard to break out of it. The two of them have that in common. His negative voice comes from his abilities (or what he thinks he lacks), hers comes from her looks. Both are wrong.
Having someone in your corner, speaking words of confidence and love in your ear go a long way. Her confidence isn't based on him, and his isn't in her, but it's nice having someone care enough to tell you sweet things. And because of his love, it makes her want to up her game.
With a final spritz of perfume, she took her black crystal-embellished cardigan and walked downstairs. Her mother was sitting on the sofa, in the living room, with the triplets. She came in and was going to sit in the armchair, but her mother said "No. Don't sit. You'll wrinkle your dress."
Well dang. Now she has to stand until Johnny arrives, in about twenty minutes. "Can't I at least lean on the arm?" her mother nodded and she proceeded to lean.
Of course, her idiot brother would choose this time to come into the room. He's stuffing his face with some sickening concoction of marshmallow fluff and cinnamon rolls. Looking at his sister he asked "Rat Face taking you out tonight?" With narrowed eyes, she nodded. "That idiot is always around. Maybe I need to put a booger in his drink next time like I did to you."
What is he talking about? "What do you mean you put a booger in my drink?"
Laughing he said "This morning. I put one in your coffee. You didn't see it?" He saw her face turn offended. "Classic." He ate his fluffed cinnamon roll, laughing out of the room.
She wants to puke. "Oh my gosh! I drank a nasty booger! I'm going to kill him!" Her insides crawled. She literally feels ill at the thought.
Just then a knock sounded on the door. It's Johnny. Her mother told her "Just calm down. Maybe your brother was joking, surely."
His voice could be heard on the stairs. "I wasn't joking."
Linda narrowed her eyes at that. "He loves you in his own unique way."
The last thing Chase said was "No, I don't."
Despite her nasty brother's meanness, she hugged her mother. In the foyer, she opened the door and reached inside the closet to get her maroon wool coat. Johnny greeted her with a whistle. "Hi. You look hot." He helped her with her coat. Then took her arm to lead her to the car.
In the car, she noticed Johnny had a beer can opened. She took it out of the cupholder. It's almost empty. Perfect.
Johnny noticed she held the beer can to her mouth. "Babe. You don't drink, much at all." Before he could stop her, she had poured some in.
She swished it around and around and around, in the hopes it would kill any booger germs. Booze is supposed to kill germs, she read that somewhere. Then in a completely unladylike move, opened the door and spat it out. Upon returning the can to the holder, she said "Thanks. I needed that."
Starting the car, Johnny acknowledged the scene with an "OK". Although he gave her a curious look. She saw his look, but there's no way she's going to tell him she drank her brother's booger. Absolutely no way.
On the way to the club, she asked about practice. He told her about it. "He's working us hard, pushing us to our limits. Today Sensei thought I was slow, so he made me do twenty knuckle push-ups. I hate those. My arms ache. My legs ache. My fingers ache. I just ache. But it's worth it if I beat that dweeb."
She thought about what she wrote on the plane in her literature journal. He needs to be humble about this. "John just remember to be humble. Be hungry to win and the hardest worker, but be humble about it."
Taking her hand in his, he smiled. "Of course Babe." They drove in silence the rest of the way to the club. When they parked and got out, more cars continued to stream in. "The guys said they'd be around somewhere, probably with their parents. I'm sorry to tell you this but Charley and Kara are going to be here too."
Nodding she mentioned "I figured that. Thanks for letting me know all the same." Before they entered, she straightened his tie for him. "You look handsome, as always." They shared a sweet smile together, then held hands and entered the club. After checking their coats, the two entered the ballroom. It's tasteful and simply decorated. Christmas trees in each corner, simple centerpieces of red cut roses, twinkle lights all around the room, and a big band on stage.
Holding his hand with both of hers, she whispered "You would think they would go all out on the decorations with how much they make off club dues alone."
He agreed and scanned the room for friends and his family. His mom he spotted almost immediately thanks to her blond hair and smile. His friends were harder to find, but Dutch is in a shady corner with some girl, Tommy and Jimmy are dancing with their girlfriends, and Bobby isâ- "Hey, is that Rachel?" he asked his own girl. He pointed to a table.
Turning her head in the direction of his finger, her eyes caught sight of the back of a head. There's a girl sitting at the table with Bobby and his family. When the girl moved, she saw her face. "No. Sadly, that's not her. I thought he was kind of interested in Rach, now, but I guess not." That just makes her feel sad for her friend, and for Bobby because he's missing out on a good girl.
Johnny thought so too, but it's not the first time he'd be wrong. The couple also noticed students from school. There's Ali, Susan, Barbara, Brandon, James, Heather, and many others. After giving a nod, to Dutch and Jimmy, who noticed him, they went to take their seats at the table.
Laura stood up and greeted them both. A kiss on Johnny's cheek and a hug to Ava. "Sit down you two. Ava, you look lovely as always. I love your shoes." She gave her son's girlfriend a wink. They have a love of shoes, and girly things, in common.
"The place is packed tonight," Sid announced before sipping some wine. When it washed down his bite of roll, he added with sarcasm "You would think with what we pay for dues the place would look more put together."
Not helping herself, Ava agreed with him. "I literally said almost the same thing to Johnny. It's really skimpy and sparse in here. It makes you wonder what they're doing with all the money." And then a conversation between the two ensued.
Johnny could not believe his stepfather is actually being nice to someone important to him. And he's also funny. Who knew behind his horrible personality is a sense of humor? For once dinner is pleasant. It's all due to Ava bringing her light to the darkness. The best part of it all is she's seen the worst of him, she's seen the worst of his stepfather, but she's here anyway.
After dinner, his mother insisted they dance. "You haven't danced yet. You're young and in love, so go."
Even Sid got in on the action. "You heard your mother." Behind his wine glass, he smiled.
Standing, he stretched his hand out to Ava. She took it and together they went to the dance floor. As the song started, he danced her around. "Hey Babe, I need to tell you something."
She looked up into his blue eyes and detected a hint of happiness there. It's not uncommon these days, but this is different. This is happiness with content and a bit of satisfaction, which is rare for him.
Seeing her face with all its attention on him, made him want to spit it out. He can't wait to tell her "So, I gotâ"
That's as far as his words went. A huge crash was heard. Both of their heads turned toward the sound. There, for all the world to see, is Daniel laying in a pool of spaghetti and sauce. While the whole room erupted in laughter, Ava felt disgusted. All that sauce covering a person. Yuck. Plus it will take days to get those stains out.
The next thing they knew, Ali punched some guy in the face. Yikes. Nonetheless, Johnny felt thrilled. The scumbag finally got his. He's gonna get it again in a few weeks at the tournament. All the guys came over to him. They all stood there pointing and laughing about the whole thing.
Dutch, however, wanted to know about Bobby's date. "Hey, Man, who's the chick with you?"
Running a hand through his hair, he answered. "She's my cousin, Tara, visiting from Tahoe." He looked at Ava. Something inside him wanted her to know.
"So I have a chance then," Dutch stated. He turned and headed in Bobby's cousin's direction while running a comb through his hair.
Returning his attention to Ava, Johnny hoped their moment wasn't ruined. He took her hand and guided her to a quiet spot. By one of the Christmas trees in the corner, they stood. Her back is to the wall, and he's in front of her. The glow of the tree encompasses them. "Babe I need to tell you something."
She put her hand on his arm for encouragement. "I got my SAT scores back." Locking her eyes with his, she waited for him to tell her with bated breath. "I scored a thirteen hundred."
Pulling him into a hug, she voiced her enthusiasm. "I knew you could do it! I knewâ-" She didn't get to finish her sentence because his lips were on hers. He pulled back and looked into her eyes.
"I couldn't have done it without you. Thanks, Ava." Her only response was to pull him back down for another kiss. Neither of them noticed the mistletoe above their heads. But they didn't need mistletoe to help them kiss.