December 18th - 1:08pm

It was quiet in the Bright's household that day. The most noise could be heard from outside where the 'Disney Prince' played with the young ones, mostly allowing them to win, but if he got specifically competitive none of them stood a chance. Sitting on a chair nearby was Mia, reading as usual, but often lifting her eyes to watch the others with a soft smile resting on her lips. Yes, she disliked noises and always enjoyed solitude, but moments like these were nice.

Inside, the grandfather clock ticked away, a rhythmic noise that has become a background noise for everyone who lived there - as soon as they focused on it, it became Hellish. On the ground floor Amelia hummed a gentle tune as she prepared a light lunch, not wanting to fill everyone up as their dinner would be quite grand (with Charlotte coming over today, and all). Usually she would get help from Samuel who adored to cook, and she was honestly looking forward to it.

The room over Matthew sat at his desk, working away as even over the holidays his job didn't give him much slack. Yes, he could stay home, but that didn't mean he wasn't going to be given homework. It irked him sometimes, he felt like a bloody child in high school! But he also knew this wasn't some useless piece of paper with a few math equations, this was important, and if he wanted to keep up his rank climbing, he had better finish it in time.

Aria and Aiden sat in the garage where they parked their car, it was big enough for two, but no more, unfortunately everyone else had to leave their's outside in the snow knowing they'd have to physically fight the couple for the spot. They cared for their car as if it were a baby, which was why the two were currently cleaning it. Well, mostly cleaning it, often purposely stepping closer, and closer and closer until they were 'accidentally' kissing and making out against the bonnet of the car. Completely accidental, of course.

In the living room, Camila and Samuel cuddled, her mostly sitting on his lap, content with sharing soft spoke words of affection, sometimes even sharing brief kisses across different spaces of their face. They acted like this quite often, cute, cuddly, affectionate - her sister, Aria, would often grunt and leave the room when she witnessed it, but Camila didn't mind, being so in love with someone she didn't care if the entire world turned away in disgust - she was with Samuel, and that was all that mattered to her. And Samuel felt the same.

In the same room, Abigail sat on an arm chair, leg crossed over the other, book in hand, face stone cold as she read, but that was her usual expression. She wasn't much for emotions, as if that couldn't be any more obvious, she was lucky to meet Mason those years ago, for he was very similar. The two were content in their relationship being on a little to no affection basis, which was a tad awkward for Oliver as he grew up, a boy longing to be cuddled and such, but he became used to it, he had to. He usually got his fix over holidays when he'd see the rest of his family, he just wished his parents were a tad more affectionate towards him - he did finally admit that to them, which was why he was sitting on the floor before the coffee table, Mason opposite, the two playing a board game together. It's not a hug, or an 'I love you' but it still brought a smile to Oliver's face, and his parents would be lying if they said they weren't happy to see it.

Olivia, Michael, Harper and Gabriel lounged around in their respective bedrooms, the teenagers bunking in the basement, the rest upstairs - Harper and Gabe honestly didn't mind, if one of the children wouldn't shut up they'd threaten to force them to sleep on the couch where the 'monsters rested' - it shut them up pretty quickly, every single time. And when they had the room to themselves, or with each other, it was a comforting big space with comfy mattresses and array's of blankets you'd never sleep with the same one twice. Plus, the television down here was the best in the entire house.

Upstairs, Olivia and Micheal were currently having a pillow fight, their laughter bouncing off of the walls and surrounding them, but their relationship was often filled with moments like this - meaningless fights and competitions that were completely unnecessary but they did it anyway, because why not? They were spending the rest of their lives together might as well do something to keep it entertaining! Most of that not entirely being PG if you pick up what the author is putting down.

A few rooms over, William was sitting on his bed, back slouched comfortably against the pillows, laptop laying on his thighs, it was hot but they had become so accustomed to it William didn't even notice. Across the room Elizabeth sat on an arm chair, in her hands sewing needles, moving in such an intricate and delicate way it was obvious she has had quite a lot of practice. It was a favourite pass time of hers, many times she has tried to show William how but the man just doesn't have the patience for it. He was a workaholic and while it took a lot from Elizabeth to pry him away from his work, when she did she couldn't be more in love with the man she was able to cuddle up to, or spend time doing activities with, such as sewing. She and Mia would spend hours laughing at William's poor attempts, and while he seemed disgruntled on the inside he was bursting with joy.

And finally, Virgil, who would testify to what he was currently doing. Sitting in front of his window, leaning heavily on his arms, eyes watching Roman and the kids move around in the snow, firing snowball after snowball, their laughter so loud he could faintly hear it. Roman acted like this around his own younger siblings and family members, too, not exactly with snow (side note; Virgil found it hilarious to watch Roman try and fail to create snowballs, living in a desert all of his life would do that to him) but in other ways, no matter what they were all happy, joyous, as if nothing in the world was wrong. Virgil rolled his eyes as Roman dove head first into the snow - he loved his idiot, that was for sure.

And just when the world seemed at peace a heavy knocking echoed throughout the foyer and down the hallways, under the doors of rooms and through the floorboards. Everyone who was with someone shared a look, everyone who was alone tensed and straightened up. The sound resonated with everyone in that house - she was here. Charlotte was here. Amelia's old but strong mother.

Amelia quickly set everything aside, took in a breath and hurried through the house to the front door. Before she opened it, she looked around her, seeing the doorway to the living room filled with Abigail, Mason, Oliver, Camila and Samuel, each looking as uneasy as the other. In another hallway stood Aria and Aiden, both with their arms crossed over their chest, oil stains remnant on their clothes and skin. They looked cold. Amelia wasn't surprised. The door to the basement stood Gabriel and Harper, both worried - even if Gabriel had a grudge, that didn't mean he was any less concerned for what could happen to his brother.

Behind her Matthew took a few steps close, but stood close to the staircase, silently asking Amelia if it was who he thought it was, but no one needed confirmation to know. She nodded slightly anyway and Matthew straightened up, turning to look at the top of the stairs where everyone else stood, all of them turning their attention away from the door and to Virgil who left his room, hands stuffed into his pockets, clenched into fists behind the fabric.

Slowly, Amelia turned back to the door, unlocked it, the click sending a shiver through Virgil's spine. He watched, mostly hidden from view by the family around him as the door was pulled open and she stepped through. Her hair pulled into a tight bun atop of her head, body covered with thick coats, jackets, hands adorned with gloves, a long scarf around her neck and a small bag hanging from her shoulder.

Her eyes surveyed the scene, flickering from person to person, luckily grazing over Virgil who took a step back into the wall behind him. Finally, her dark eyes, almost as dark as night, stopped on Amelia, and behind the scarf a smile rose on her face, crinkles becoming more prominent, but never make that something to point out if one wants to keep their life.

"My beautiful daughter" she whispered, arms outstretched for a hug which Amelia accepted, hugging her back but not as tightly. "How are you?" She asked, leaning back and tilting her head to the side. Amelia swallowed nervously, nervous for she knew this wasn't going to last.

"I'm good, mother" she responded. Charlotte nodded and turned her head to the nearest man close to her. "Ah, Samuel! Mind being a gentleman and getting my bags?"

"Um-of course" he responded, Camila not hesitating to go with him, holding hands as they passed by the older woman, shivering as the cold air nipped their skin, but they made no complaints.

"Now, Matthew, I'd like to have a word" Charlotte began to unravel the layers around her, taking a few steps closer to Matthew who walked closer, too, still needing to be polite and such. "I think you know my views on lying" she began as if scolding her own child, Matthew glancing at Amelia who hung up her coats and jackets once handed to her.

"Especially about something like Amelia's child coming back" Matthew opened his mouth to argue, for he was standing just upstairs, but Abigail got in before he could. "Someone you said was coming back ten Christmas' ago"

Charlotte turned sharply to stare at her second daughter, her youngest, and quite obviously not her favourite. "Did I ask for your input, Abigail?"

The woman smirked, staring directly at her. "No, mother" he responded in a voice that gave away she didn't give a single shit. She and Mason being the only people in the house that would ever treat Charlotte without an ounce of respect - for she certainly didn't deserve it. They were just those type of people. If they believed something they weren't about to act like they didn't. For instance, believing Charlotte shouldn't receive kindness from anyone.

"He is back" Gabriel piped up, Amelia shooting her son a look that told him to quieten down, he didn't need to fight their battle. But no one could really stop Gabriel, apart from one. Harper didn't swat him, not this time, instead she lightly pinched his wrist, a silent warning.

"Gabriel, you too?" Charlotte tutted in disapproval, Harper gripping his hand to hold him back. "And Harper, what have I told you about wearing such boyish clothing?"

Harper's eyes darkened. She suddenly stopped holding onto Gabriel's hand.

"Grandmother, I would believe us" William started, walking down the staircase with Elizabeth in tow, her dress swishing around her gracefully with every movement. One by one, each family member added their own comment, all agreeing with each other - Virgil was here, they weren't lying.

"Please, everyone!" She sighed, waving her hands around in a flurry. "He is not here!"

And finally, Virgil stopped hiding. He moved to stand at the top of the staircase, eyes narrowing on the woman who stood in the middle of the foyer, surrounded by their family. He was about to ruin this whole woman's career.

"Hey, Charlotte" he called with a smirk playing on his lips. Everyone looked up at Virgil, then back to Charlotte, watching as her face dropped her annoyed expression, it was blank for only a moment until it was filled with rage. Her eyes darkened, and her hands clenched at her sides, watching with beady eyes as Virgil walked down the staircase nonchalantly, body no longer stiff, instead he found amusement out of all of this.

"You" Charlotte whispered as soon as Virgil was on the ground floor, standing only a few feet away from her. "Why are you back?" She demanded, but she didn't raise her voice, more like deathly low and steady. Virgil glanced at Olivia who gripped Michael's hand tight.

Virgil looked back to Charlotte, "I was invited" he told the truth, not daring to tell her by who, however.

"All of this time, boy!" She suddenly roared, arms flinging into the air. "Not a single message, letter, text, anything! It's disgraceful!"

Now it was Virgil's turn to become mad, "disgraceful?!" He repeated to make sure he heard her correctly, "you sent me away!" His voice rose, too, taking a few menacing steps closer, but truly nothing could scare the eighty year old woman before him.

"We did nothing of the sort!"

Virgil snorted, barking out a laugh in pure disbelief. Oliver winced, hiding behind his mom who dropped an arm from over her chest, picking up Oliver's hand in a rare sign of comfort. "Fucking bullshit!" He accused, a few gasps ringing through the room at his flare of temper, Harper grabbed her brother's hand, but not to hold him back, this time in fear, and Gabriel held it back too, but he wasn't scared, no, he was...proud. And entertained.

"Excuse me-!" Charlotte tried, offended to the highest degree of his language, but Virgil carried on.

"I still have the scars you gave me, want to see them? I'm one hundred percent fucking sure they wouldn't make you upset - fuck, they'd probably make you smile! Knowing you permanently scarred a sinner like me" Virgil spat his words like each was a curse, filled with venom that laced the room with a thick tension.

"Huh, in fact" he turned to his two youngest siblings who stared straight back, "I don't think Harper and Gabriel remember that night, do they?"

Everyone knew what he meant. "Virgil-" Amelia tried but nothing was stopping him.

"Why don't you tell them, huh? Why don't you explain to them exactly what happened that night - that night you found me in the bathroom, near death because I couldn't take it anymore"

"What!?" Gabriel yelled in disbelief, walking closer and Harper had no choice but to follow. The adults stared at the ground in shame.

"That's right, Gabe, and no one in this room tried to stop her. I mean, you saved me, thanks for that, by the way. I forgot to say while in hospital- oh wait!" He glared at everyone who dared to look up at him, "no one came to visit"

"Are you fucking serious?" Gabriel whispered, the grudge lifted as soon as the secret was out.

"Completely" Virgil crossed his arms and glared at Charlotte. The room was silent, as if the noise of crickets was expected, or a lone tumble weed blowing through the breeze. The argument wasn't done, oh, it wasn't near completion, but suddenly everyone heard a noise, and the silence was shattered, destroyed by a scream, and more. Screams so terrifying everyone's eyes widened and fear struck their hearts.

It came from outside.

"Roman.." Virgil whispered before he took off, everyone following apart from one. They raced to see what had happened, but none as fast as Virgil who leaped over the island counter, swung the back door open so hard the window in it nearly smashed, but Virgil didn't care, he was out and running across the snow in socks, staring at his boyfriend who lay on the ground on his side, the kids surrounding him, all crying and yelling incoherent words.

"Roman!" Virgil yelled, skidding to his knees, sinking into the snow like Roman was. He had tears dripping down his cheeks, one arm cradled to his stomach, his body curled up into a ball. "Roman, hey, Ro, Puppy, look at me" Virgil quietly urged, able to get Roman sit up, removing his hand to see his other one, the adults around them gasping at the sight - it was black and blue, swollen a little around the wrist.

The children were in their respective parent's arms while Amelia was by Roman's other side, whispering words to console him as she and Virgil helped him stand up. Everyone entered the house again, only Mason following the three to the bathroom. He knew more about injuries and such than anyone in the house, so he was most suitable to help.

Roman was able to compose himself but stayed silent throughout the entire time, Virgil knew what that meant, he was embarrassed, Virgil honestly couldn't see why - the injury (thankfully) wasn't too severe, just a sprained wrist - but still, it was okay to cry a little from the pain. But, alas, his ego was fragile, and the best thing for it would be cuddles and quiet words of reassurance.

Once it was bandaged and Amelia gave him a quick hug, the two were upstairs and away from watchful eyes. Inside their room, Roman laid down with Virgil, resting his head on his boyfriend's chest, favouring his wrist to keep it from getting hurt more. "What happened?" Virgil asked, running his hand through Roman's hair.

The man shifted a little, hiding his face further into his chest. "I fell...poor Sebastian flew a frisbee into the tree and was distraught about it, I agreed to get it and a branch wasn't as strong as I originally thought" Roman sighed, one eye gazing across the room, the other forcefully closed from the way he laid. "I hope I didn't scare them"

Virgil hugged him tighter, "I'm sure they're fine, you can see them later, yeah?" Roman nodded and the two settled back to silence, every so often Virgil murmuring what made Roman feel better about the entire situation.

Awhile later, Roman finally didn't feel as bad as before, sitting up to stare at Virgil's face. "Gracias, Querido" he murmured and Virgil found himself smiling.

"So, get up to anything while I was outside?"

The sudden memory made Virgil's pushed aside anger come back at full force, eyes darkening so much so Roman's smile dropped to a worried frown.

"Roman, we're going home"