Title: Christmas Wish

Author: Jessica

Author’s Note: Just a bit of fluff for the holidays about our Nick & Jessica

Disclaimer: I don’t own them just the characters I make up.

Summary: Nick and Jessica married just out of high school, her parent’s didn’t accept them and now they’re forced living on their own, fending for themselves. They have little money so what happens at Christmas time when Jessica sees something huge she wants but Nick can’t afford it?

Started: November 25th, 2004 Finished: January 6th, 2005

 

“Christmas Wish”

 

~*~Nick’s POV~*~

 

I yawned and laced my fingers through hers as we walked through the cold streets of Cincinnati. I was so tired; I ended up pulling through a 9 hour shift last night, that’s normal for me though…it was the 6 hour shift that I had to work AFTER. Where should I begin? I work two jobs because if I don’t I wouldn’t be able to support her…her as in my wife…Jessica. She’s my world, my everything but we don’t have money. I was the “troubled” kid in high school, drinking, smoking, sleeping around getting into any amount of trouble I could…that was me. Jessica…she was the opposite…she was the perfect little miss goody two shoes. So it’s strange how we ended up together but the fact of the matter is we had and we love each other. But when she began seeing me her parent’s immediately disapproved…it didn’t stop her from seeing me but they didn’t like it. My parents…I don’t even know where they are. I’ve been in home after home with new parent’s each year (it seems like it). We graduated high school almost 2 ½ years ago, Jessica and I left and eloped the day after graduation…I never would’ve made it to my graduation if she didn’t push me to work hard. So we eloped and her parent’s kicked her out…on the street; we had no where to go. No money, no jobs…nothing but each other. At first I kept telling her as long as we had each other that was all that mattered but unfortunately in the real world being in love doesn’t pay the bills, buy the food, and keep you clothed. I ended up getting 2 part time jobs. I spent more hours working down at an auto body shop and for a couple hours a week I’d work at our local grocery shop. I’m almost 21 and the best job I’d ever have in my life was working in the auto body shop. I worked 2 jobs because even though I didn’t go to college, I didn’t want that for Jess…she deserves better than what I can give her…if I have to work my ass off to get her in college so she can get her teaching degree…I’ll do it. She works too…at a local daycare place.

“I’m cold…” My angel spoke pulling me out of my thoughts. I took my jacket off and draped it over her shoulders. “Now you’re cold…” I shook my head and kissed the side of her head.

“I’m fine…c’mon let’s head home.” We walked in the direction of our small 1 bedroom apartment. When we got inside I held her against me as the elevator went up to our floor. We lived in a 6 floor crappy, run down place…it was all we could manage. It had a living room, one bedroom, small kitchen and a bathroom. It was enough for us…I took the key out, turned it in the lock and motioned for her to go in first. I looked at her and sighed, closing the door I watched her walk slowly into the bedroom…this was no place for her to be living. It was Christmas time for crying out loud…I have to do something special for her…something to make her happy. I threw the keys on the table and fell back onto the ratty old couch closing my eyes. I had to work in 3 hours and needed as much sleep as I could get but spending time with Jessica is more important. I sat there thinking about what I could do to make this holiday special for her and I looked up and smiled at her when I saw her coming out of the bedroom dressed in my oversized t-shirt and sweatpants. She sat next to me and laid her head on my shoulder. I wrapped my arms around her, closed my eyes, kissed the top of her head and hugged her tight.

“I love you…” She hummed.

“Love you too…” She cuddled closer into my and eventually fell asleep in my arms.

 

End of chapter 1.

 

Chapter 2

 

~*~Nick’s POV~*~

 

I was walking to my run down antique car after another long shift at work. It was finally time to head home and see Jessica. We had to go shopping for food when I got home; every Thursday is shopping day because that’s when they have some of the largest sales. When I got home she was lying on the couch reading a book waiting for me. Her face lit up when I walked in the door and I smiled.

“Hey Nick…” She got up and gave me a hug and kiss.

“Hey princess…how was your day?” She shrugged.

“It was alright…I’m glad you’re home; I missed you…” I gave her another kiss.

“I missed you too…ready to go shopping…?” She nodded and grabbed her jacket. We walked to our car hand in hand and went on down to the grocery store. We got just enough groceries to last us the week and headed back home.

“You know they’re having this local band play tonight at Skyline…I was thinking maybe we could go and just get out?” I looked at her with a look reminding her we can’t spend our money on things like that. “It’s free…I read about it today.” Then I nodded…

“Okay…well maybe we could check it out…” She smiled and I saw this, I reached for her hand and smiled back. That night after we put the groceries away we bundled up and walked down the Skyline, it wasn’t too far from our house. I held her close to me to keep her warm as we walked along the city streets. We passed the stores along the way and saw couples doing some window shopping. Jessica just looked on smiling. When we passed a diamond jewelers store though she stopped.

“Can we just look at these Nick…please?” She looked at me.

“Of course…” She practically ran over to the window and pressed her hands against the glass. She looked like a little girl in a toy store. I smiled watching her but a tinge of guilt and sadness rushed through me when I realized I’d never be able to get her any of this…any of what she really deserved. I saw her looking at the diamond bracelets and the rings…the ring I promised she’d get one day…when I could afford it. I wanted to get her an engagement ring. The night we eloped I told her I was going to get her a nicer ring and engagement ring one day but she told me she didn’t need it. Watching her now I could see just how much it would mean to her to have it. She looked at while more before tearing herself away from the glass and we held hands again.

“They’re so pretty Nick…” She was glowing just talking about it.

“Yeah they definitely were…” We walked the rest of the way in comfortable silence and found a seat by the window inside Skyline.

“What can I get you two this evening…?” A young waitress came by. We hadn’t planned on buying anything because we’re watching the money. We were going to eat when we got home but I figured Jess was probably really hungry.

“Jess…” I questioned her. “What are you having baby…?” She looked at me unsure.

“Umm…I’ll just have a medium size bowl of your Chili please…with the hamburger in it and not the beans…” She said politely.

“And for you sir…?”

“I’ll just have a medium Diet Coke please…” Jessica looked at me but didn’t say anything till the waitress was gone.

“Are you sure honey…?” I nodded.

“Yeah…”

“Well you can have some of mine okay…?” I smiled.

“Thanks…” We talked until the waitress came back with the food and my drink. The band was just starting to get playing and I enjoyed it…it was…calming. Jessica took a spoonful of Chili and leaned over the table to feed me. We laughed and I took a bite before handing my drink over to her; and we did that the whole time we were there until they were both empty. It was an enjoyable evening…not something we’re able to do every night. The band was very good and Jessica seemed to like it a lot. We walked home around 11pm and as soon as we got in the door Jessica headed for the bedroom. She changed into her pajamas and came back out to join me on the couch. We watched the 11 o’clock news together; my arms wrapped securely around hers. Afterwards Jessica fixed me a quick sandwich and I ate that before the two of us headed for bed. I had tomorrow off for once but Jessica had to go to work. She was working from 9-1:30pm. She fell asleep curled up in my arms. The next morning after dropping Jessica off at work and giving her a kiss goodbye I drove down to the jewelry store she had stopped in front of last night and I walked inside. There was an older man behind the counter sitting there reading a paper. He looked up when I walked in.

“Good morning…can I help you…?” He looked at me and checked me over with his eyes…he knew I “didn’t belong” in a store like this.

“Yeah…I just wanted to look at two of your items in front of your window on display please…”

“I’m sorry young man but I think those items are out of your league…maybe you could try the jewelry section at Wal-Mart or perhaps Target…?” I glared at him upset. Not wanting to cause a scene I left the store. I drove around for a while until another jewelry store caught my eye. In front of the store there was a sign in big letters with the words: HELP WANTED on it. I quickly pulled over and got out. I walked in and this time came face to face with a nice young woman in her mid 20’s early 30’s. She smiled and looked up.

“Good morning sir…is there something I can help you with…?” I nodded.

“I couldn’t help but notice your help wanted sign…I was wondering if you’re still looking to hire…?”

“Umm…I think we are but I need to ask our manager. Could you hold on one second please…?” I nodded and as she walked in the back somewhere I looked around at the diamonds, ruby’s, emeralds. They were all beautiful. Not five minutes later the manager; a middle aged man walked out.

“I am told you’re looking for a job…?” I nodded.

“I want to buy my wife a bracelet she saw but I need to get another job to help pay for it.” The young woman ‘awed’ and the manager nodded his head but I could’ve sworn I saw a small smile on his face.

“Well usually we have to take in somewhat experienced people in this field…someone who knows about the carats, gold types etc… but I can give you a part time job working with Lindsay here…” He pointed to the young woman. I smiled.

“Thank you so much sir…”

“I’ll just need you to fill this application out and I’ll give you call.” I took the application and filled it out. When I handed it back to him I asked him;

“Do you mind calling me at my current job…? I don’t want my wife to know. This is all a surprise for her…” He nodded.

“Will do…” He shook my hand.

“Thank you so much…”

“Have a good day...” He looked at my application. “Nick…” I smiled.

“Thank you sir…you too…” I walked out and back to the car with a huge smile on my face. I drove back to the apartment thinking about what just happened and thinking about my Jessica. ‘Maybe this Christmas will be something special for her after all.’ I thought to myself and walked up into the apartment.

 

End of chapter 2.

 

Chapter 3

 

~*Jessica’s POV*~

 

December 23, 2004,

Dear Diary,

Nick’s gone again today…I haven’t seen him at night in almost over a month. A part of me thinks he’s having an affair but I know him…and I know he’d never do that to me. Nick loves me, Nick respects me…right? I’m just getting paranoid over all this. But seriously, I’ve only seen him twice at night in the past month and I’ve only fallen asleep with him at night once…ONCE in a whole month. I miss him…I feel like I don’t know who he is now, but tonight he promised to be home tonight…I know I shouldn’t spend the money on it but I went out and bought what I needed for his favorite meal and I’m going to make it, then I treated myself to a nice piece of lingerie for him…I just hope he likes it. I have to go cook now…write you soon.

 

Love,

-J-

 

I closed my diary and sighed looking at the picture of Nick and I on my side of the bed. I had it resting there so I could see it every morning when I woke up. My eyes began to glaze over at the thought of how little I’d actually seen of Nick lately. I wiped the tears away and got up. I headed into the kitchen and began on the steaks, stuffed mushrooms, potatoes and sweet baby corn. It took me an hour and fifteen minutes to cook everything and when I was done I set the little table and used our best plates (which didn’t mean much…just that we used glass instead of paper this time) I finished setting the table and went in our room to change into a cheap “dressy” outfit I’d bought at WalMart yesterday. It was a black miniskirt that fell above mid-thigh and had a three layer ruffle, my top was a simple red tight fitting shirt that came down at the neck in the shape of a V and showed off a lot more cleavage than I was used to showing. I put on a pair of black strappy pumps and left my hair down with little makeup on, Nick doesn’t like it when I wear makeup and he always complains that I wear my hair up too much…tonight was all about him. I put in a pair of earrings he bought me the first birthday I had when we were dating and I looked myself in the mirror one more time before turning the bedroom light off and walking down the hall to the kitchen. When I walked by the front door and into the kitchen I heard the door opening and smiled…he was actually home.

“Whoa…” I heard him say and felt his eyes pouring into my back. I slowly turned, smiled wide and ran into his open arms like a little kid missing his dad.

“Nick…”

“Hey baby…” He kissed my hair. “How’s my baby girl…?” I pulled back, smiled and kissed him again.

“I’m good…I’m so happy you’re home. I’ve missed you so much.”  He kissed me and held me tight.

“Me too…god baby if you only knew how much I have missed you.” He held me tight a moment longer and then put me down. “And look at you…you look so beautiful…” He walked over to the table where I had everything set. “What’s the occasion honey? What’s all this for…?” He looked at me and I just smiled and wrapped my arms around his waist.

“I did it for you…c’mon let’s sit and eat.” I pulled his hand and sat him in the seat across from me.

“Thanks baby…it’s my favorite…” I smiled and watched him dig in serving himself food as I got mine.

“I know that’s why I did it…” We began eating. “Nicholas, I love you…I wanted to do something for you.” After we finished eating, I cleaned up the dishes and food and Nick sat in the living room with the champagne I’d asked him to buy a couple days ago since I wasn’t old enough yet. I joined him in the living room a little bit later and sat on his lap. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed the side of my head. I snuggled into his neck and rest my head on in the base of his neck. I stroked the back of his neck for a while until something made me stop abruptly…a smell; women’s perfume.

“What’s wrong pumpkin…?” He asked me and I pulled away looking him in the eyes. ‘How could he sit here and lie to me?’ He’s lying right to my face. I thought.

“Don’t what’s wrong pumpkin me you jerk!” I stood up furious and he looked at me stunned.

“Jessica what are you talking about?” I couldn’t believe him.

“Don’t play stupid with me…!” I started crying and Nick reached out to me but I slapped him. He got up and instead of concern in his eyes…I saw rage and for the first time I was scared in front of him.

“What the hell was that for?” He screamed at me and reached toward me, grabbing my hair and slapping me. I cried and pulled away running into our bedroom and slamming the door locking it. I was terrified. I shouldn’t have hit him, I had no reason too but Nick…he’s never lain a hand on me. I collapsed onto our bed crying. This night was supposed to be full of romance and love; instead it took a turn that never in my life I would’ve thought of it taking. I laid in there crying for over an hour when I heard him knocking on the door.

“Jessica…baby please. I’m sorry pumpkin…I love you.” I cried harder and laid there.  “Baby…” I thought about letting him in. I was scared. I slowly got up and walked over to the door. I unlocked it and opened it ajar peeking my head out only a little. He looked at me and I actually saw guilt and remorse in his eyes. He stepped forward quick and I jumped back. He held his hands in the air. “I promise…I’m not going to hurt you.” I stood there crying harder. I sunk to the floor and heard him walking in the room more, for a second I was scared. He knelt down beside me and put his hand on my shoulder. At first I flinched, but I felt his gentle touch and caved into him. He held me and kissed my head.

“Baby…I love you so much, I’m so sorry buttercup. So sorry…I don’t know what happened but I’m hating myself for it right now.” I hugged him but said nothing. “I didn’t want to tell you…” ‘Oh god, here it comes.’ I thought. “I was saving it for Christmas, but I don’t want you angry or thinking I’m having an affair. I would never do that to you. I hope you know that…I’d never look at another woman.”  I couldn’t look at him, I was ashamed this time. He picked me up and put me on our bed. He left the room and came back in with a little box. He sat next to me and handed it to me.

“Here…” I looked at it and finally up at him. Slowly, I opened it and cried harder when I saw what it was.

“Nicholas…” I managed to whisper out, tears falling freely. I took hold of the beautiful diamond ring and I turned to him. I flung my arms around him. “Baby…I’m so sorry…I hate myself right now, I’m such a bad person.” He held me and kissed my head.

“No, no sweetie…I understand and it still wasn’t an excuse for me to hurt you the way I did. I’m sorry.” I kissed him.

“But how did you—“

“I’ve been working a couple extra jobs; one of them is at a jeweler which is the reason for the perfume smell. I work with a girl named Lindsay all day. Honey, I should’ve told you. I just wanted to surprise you.” I leaned against him.

“No, I never should’ve accused you…I know you better than that.” I was quiet.

“So you like it…?” I smiled, it was beautiful.

“I love it…thank you…” He hugged me.

“You’re welcome, I promised you when we got married that you’d have a diamond ring for that finger because you deserved it. I don’t back on my promises, I’d never start doing so with you.” I smiled and kissed him. I yawned.

“Nick, I’m sorry…” I started.

“Not now baby, we’ll talk in the morning.” He grabbed my pajamas, I changed and he tucked me in.

“I love you…” I cuddled against him.

“I love you too…” He kissed my head and slipped the diamond ring on my finger, fitting perfect next to my wedding band.

 

End of chapter 3.

 

Chapter 4 (The End)

 

~*~Nick’s POV~*~

*December 23*

 

“Thanks Lindsay, have a good holiday…” I smiled and left work at the jewelers with a bag of my second purchase in my hand. It’s the day before Christmas Eve and I had a break from working for the next week. When I got home Jessica was wrapping some of my presents in the living room.

“No…go away…!” She jumped up and pushed me out the door. I laughed and stood in front of our apartment door. Five minutes later she opened the door and smiled.

“Okay…all good…” I smiled and kissed her.

“Okay…” I put the bag behind my back and she looked at me.

“What is that…?” I gave her a confused look.

“Whatever are you talking about…?” I played dumb and went into our room hiding the bag. I walked back into the living room with Jessica.

“How was work…?” She asked.

“Good…how was your day?”

“Alright…” I sat next to her and wrapped my arms around her and kissed her.

“I have to go and wrap your gift so stay put.” I grinned. I got up and wrapped the gift, labeling it with her name. I placed a bow on it, smiled with my handy work and carried it out putting it under the tree.

“Nicholas…what is it?” She whined.

“I’m not telling you, you’ll just have to wait till Christmas morning…” I smiled.

Niiiiick…” She hugged me.

Jesssica…” I mocked her wrapping my arms around her tighter. “C’mon, let’s make dinner together.” We walked into the kitchen and made dinner. After dinner we snuggled together on the couch and stayed in each other’s arms for the night.

 

~*~End of Nick’s POV~*~

 

~*~Jessica’s POV~*~

*December 24*

 

I quietly snuck out of our bedroom on Christmas Eve morning to finish wrapping Nick’s presents. I hope he liked everything I got him. There was one gift in particular I was excited and nervous to give him and I couldn’t wait. I placed his gifts under the tree and crept back into our room. I got back into bed and slept for a couple more hours. Nick and I went to the movies to see “Meet the Fockers” and then he took me to dinner as a treat.

“Thanks for taking me out tonight baby…” I smiled sitting across from him.

“You’re welcome…” We enjoyed a nice, quiet and romantic dinner. Afterwards, we walked home in the snowy scene around us.

“I love you…” I squeezed his gloved hand in mine.

“I love you too…” He squeezed my hand in return. When we got home we baked cookies and placed them on the table near the tree for “Santa.” It was nearing 11:30pm; Nick and I caught the end of the news and then headed to bed. We both fell asleep almost immediately and I didn’t wake up until I felt Nick’s warm, soft lips against my neck. I smiled and rolled over.

“Merry Christmas Mrs. Lachey…” I grinned and opened my eyes.

“Merry Christmas Mr. Lachey…” I kissed him and we got out of bed. When we got into the living room, presents sprawled all over the floor cascading around the tree and the tree lit up the living room. It was only 7am and still a little dark outside. He sat on the couch by the tree and I sat in his lap. I handed him one of his gifts and he moved me so I was sitting on the couch next to him and got up to get a gift for me. I opened his first; it was a new velvet black sweat suit. I’d seen it at Kohl’s and wanted it. He opened his gift after and smiled when he saw the brand new Cincinnati Reds shirt and windbreaker pants. He’d been complaining about needing a nice, new Reds outfit for the start of the baseball season in April.

“Aw…baby…” I smiled and he leaned over and kissed me. We spent the morning opening the rest of our gifts. He got me so much, but I got him a lot too. I saved the one present for him to open last.

“You first…” He said and I opened it gasping.

“Nicholas…it’s just like the one—“

“You saw in the jewelers in the window…I know.” I started crying and flung my arms around his neck.

“I’ve saved every penny for the ring and then the bracelet because I saw how your face lit up when you saw it and I wanted you happy.” I cried harder.

“Baby, thank you, but I am happy. I’ve got a loving, caring, wonderful husband who cares about me more than anything. I have you!” I kissed him. “I love you so much…”

“I love you too…” He kissed me and put the bracelet on my wrist, it was beautiful.

“Open yours…” I was giddy and anxious. He opened it and held it up to read. He lowered it and I saw a huge smile.

“Baby…” He whispered. “We’re…you’re…sure…?” I nodded grinning. He wrapped his arms around me and kissed me. “This is the best Christmas present I’ve ever received. I love you baby…” He kissed me again and looked down at the baby sized shirt. It said I love my daddy.

“Merry Christmas Jessica…I love you…” He held me and rest his hand on my stomach.

“Merry Christmas Nicholas…” I kissed him. “I love you.” We sat cuddling in each other’s arms looking out the window at the falling snow.

 

The End!

*This was pure fluff but it was supposed to be. I know it’s past Christmas but I hope you enjoyed this and all had a sage Christmas!

 

 

 

Hosted by www.Geocities.ws

1