The Harder I Fall

by Jessica Gibson

  “I like the school a lot. It’s so different than what I’m used to back home.”

  “Ruth told me you got a 4.0. That’s awesome!”

  “It’s a lot easier now that I don't have to worry about taking care of Mom and making sure we have food.” My heart clenched; I had felt guilty all along for leaving him. “Stop it.” He looked angry. “I can see you beating yourself up about it. I would never have let you stay and you know it. So knock it off.”

  “Tell me what else is new,” I said.

  “I kind of have a girlfriend.”

  “Oh yeah?” I grinned at him.

  “Yeah, her name is Macie. She’s in a few of my classes. She’s really cool; I think you would like her.” Sometimes it was hard for me to believe he was a teenager. He felt more like my son than my brother.

  Samuel was walking up the steps when we got back. “You guys made it.” He smiled warmly. “We’re so happy to have you both with us.”

  Ruth was waiting at the door with a smile on her face as we all walked up the stairs.

  CHRISTMAS WITH THE KLEINS WAS something to behold. The tree was amazing. I had expected a color coordinated tree, but Ruth had put up ornaments from when her boys were growing up as well as the traditional balls and garlands.

  Both of Levi’s brothers had come the night before. Seth and his wife, Sienna, arrived right before dinner. I could see a lot of Ruth in Seth; he had the same green eyes and dark hair. He was probably one of the nicest guys I’d ever met aside from Levi. Sienna was gorgeous, and very British. Tall and leggy with almost white blonde hair and pale skin. It was her eyes that got me, though; they were an icy grey color that was mesmerizing.

  Joseph had a house in New York, but Ruth liked having all of her boys at home for Christmas so he came as well. He was a lot more relaxed this time; he gave me an easy smile and a warm hug.

  The morning brought the delicious aroma of baking cinnamon rolls and coffee wafting through my door with Levi. “You ready for the insanity that is Christmas with my family?” He pulled me out of the warm bed I was cocooned in. Instead of getting up, I pulled him down on the bed with me and rolled on top of him, covering us with the blanket.

  “Merry Christmas,” I whispered before kissing him.

  He moved his hands to my hips and held me firmly against him as he claimed my mouth. I fisted my hands in his hair and let myself feel the kiss. He took my breath away.

  “Come on, she’ll come looking for us if we’re not downstairs soon.” He sighed and rolled me off of him.

  “If we must.” I was surprised by the reluctance in my voice.

  He was, too. The look he gave me spoke volumes, full of heat and longing. I could tell he would rather be in bed with me under the covers. “We’ll finish this later,” he said as he ran his fingers along my jaw. I shivered; he had a way of pushing my boundaries in the best way.

  Chad was passing my door and poked his head in. “You guys coming?” He flushed when he saw the look Levi was giving me. “Erm, I’ll see you down there.”

  “No, wait, we’re coming, too.” I slipped my robe on and rushed to catch up with Chad.

  “Sorry, didn’t think I’d be interrupting anything this early in the morning, and with the door open.” He gave me a look.

  “You weren’t, and didn’t. And I can't kiss my boyfriend on Christmas morning in his parents’ house?” I giggled.

  “I’m pretty sure there’s a law against that somewhere.”

  I bumped my shoulder against his. “You're probably right.”

  I gasped when I saw all of the presents piled around the tree in the family room. They extended so far into the room, I couldn’t get near the tree if I wanted to.

  “Wow.” Chad looked at me.

  “Wow is right. I’ve never in my wildest dreams imagined anything like this.” Levi came up behind me and put an arm around my waist. “Is this normal?” I looked at him incredulously.

  “No. I think mom went a little nuts because you and Chad are here.”

  “Levi, Becca, Chad! Breakfast,” Ruth hollered from the kitchen.

  “What did I tell you?” he whispered. “Bet you’re glad we left when we did. Not that I would have minded getting caught.”

  I gave him a quick kiss and we followed Chad into the kitchen. Everyone else was already seated around the table, heaping their plates full of the mounds of food on the table.

  “Morning, kids; did you sleep well?” She dropped a kiss on Levi’s cheek as he walked past.

  “Like the dead,” he responded as he pulled my chair out for me.

  “How on earth did you find time to make all of this?” I asked.

  “Oh honey, that’s simple. I don't sleep during the holidays. I survive on coffee and sugar.” She winked at me and took her place next to Samuel.

  After breakfast, Ruth herded us all into the family room to open the mountain of presents. “Becca, these are yours.” She gestured off to the right.

  “Which ones?”

  “All of those, honey. This is your side of the tree. I have it all separated out.”

  My jaw dropped. There had to be at least twenty presents in the area where she pointed. I tried to stop my eyes from filling up with tears but I wasn’t successful. I quickly excused myself to the restroom so I could compose myself. Ruth knocked on the door.

  “Becca, honey, can I come in?” she asked gently.

  I opened the door and let her in.

  “Are you upset?” she asked.

  “No.” I shook my head. “The opposite. Chad, my neighbor, and Levi are the only people who have ever given me a present before. I’m just overwhelmed with emotion right now.”

  A tear slipped down her cheek. “Levi told me a bit about your past when we agreed to take Chad. Chad filled us in on the rest after he came with us. My heart breaks for you both, what you’ve had to endure. Sam and I only want you both to know love from here on out. No matter what happens with you and Levi in the future, I can promise you that we will be there for you and Chad.” She hugged me, smoothing my hair as I cried.

  “You’ve already given us the best present possible. Chad is a different kid now. He’s happy. That means more to me than any present under the tree.”

  “We really do love him. It’s been a month, but I honestly can't remember what it was like without him here. He’s brought youthful life back into the house.”

  “Chad has a way of doing that. He’s always been that way. Even when things were at their worst, he always made me laugh.”

  “Are you ready to go out with everyone else?” She wiped at her own tears.

  “Yeah, I’ll be out in a second.” I splashed some water on my face after she closed the door.

  Someone else knocked. I opened the door to find Levi. “You okay?”

  “Yeah, totally okay. Just had a moment, that’s all. Your mom is pretty great; you know that, right?”

  “I do. She’s something, isn’t she? Even at my douchiest, she was there for me. I don't know why she put up with me.”

  “Because that’s what family does. They put up with us at our douchiest.” I smiled. “Come on, let’s go open some presents.”

  We decided to let Chad open all of his presents first. I grinned as I watched him open the new Xbox console and a slew of games to go with it. He also got an iPad, a laptop, and everything else a teenage boy could dream of. He looked up at me, and the smile on his face made my heart clench. He deserved this, all of it and more. I would lay the world at his feet if I could.

  After Chad was done, Ruth announced that we should all dig into our presents. I sat, cross-legged on the carpeted floor, watching a family love each other. I watched in wonder as Ruth and Samuel opened up a present from Seth and Sienna. They held up small white baby onesies that said Grandpa and Grandma on them.

  “Really? You’re making me a grandma?” She flew to them and hugged them, pressing kisses to both of their cheeks.

  “I was dying to tell you last night, but Set
h said this would be better.” Sienna wiped at the tears on her cheeks.

  “This was perfect. You both have made me so happy.” She beamed at them.

  Samuel hugged Seth and they talked quietly off to the side.

  Levi nudged me and pushed a present at me. “Go on, you know you want to.”

  I tore through the paper and found a brand new MacBook Air. I gasped, looking at Ruth who was smiling brightly.

  “Levi said you could use a laptop so you didn't always have to go to the library to study.”

  It was such a thoughtful gift. I got up and hugged her tightly. “Thank you.”

  “You are more than welcome, honey. Now scoot over and open the rest of those gifts.”

  An hour later, we were all still in the family room, surrounded by piles of wrapping paper, and all of our gifts. I had gotten the laptop, an iPad, a brand new iPhone with the service contract already taken care of, a leather messenger bag, and a gift card for new pointe shoes from the little ballet store in town by campus. I also got tons of leotards and tights, more than I’d ever owned in my life. Levi got a lot of the same things except the ballet stuff. He got a new laptop and iPad and iPhone. He also got a mountain of clothes and a ton of books.

  “Are you happy?” he whispered.

  “My heart is so full of love right now, Levi; you have no idea.”

  “Good, you deserve all of this, and more. I love you so much, Becca.” He slid a small black box over to me.

  “What is this? You already got me my present.”

  “Just open it.” I did, and inside, nestled against the velvet, was a beautiful diamond solitaire necklace that matched my earrings perfectly.

  “This is too much.” I covered my mouth with my hand.

  “No, it’s not nearly enough.” He kissed me. “Do you like it?”

  “It’s amazing, Levi, truly perfect.” I turned so he could slip it around my neck.

  “Come with me?” He pulled me to my feet and we slipped out of the room while everyone was busy with their gifts.

  “Where are we going?” I asked.

  “To finish what we started this morning.” The look of hunger in his eyes made my stomach flip. His lips were on me as soon as we got near my door. He had both hands fisted in my hair and my back against the wall.

  I walked us into the room so we wouldn't be interrupted. He had his shirt off before the door was fully clothed. “What’s gotten into you?” I giggled as he stripped off my robe and tore at my shirt.

  “You. You’ve gotten into me, under my skin.” He crushed his mouth against mine with such primal energy it made my toes curl.

  “ARE YOU READY TO EXPLORE some more?” Levi asked me over breakfast the next morning.

  “Yes! I’m so excited to see everything. Where are we going first?”

  “I thought we could go see Times Square and all the stuff over there before the ballet tonight. Sound okay?”

  “Sounds perfect.” I grinned.

  “Don’t tire her out too much. I want a shopping day tomorrow.” Ruth winked at me.

  “Shopping?”

  “Yeah, I want to take you everywhere.” She patted my hand.

  I nodded and took a sip of my coffee. More things? I already felt spoiled after Christmas.

  “Stop thinking so much; just go with it,” Levi whispered

  After breakfast, Levi and I set out into the city to explore. Times Square was amazing. So much activity and color. There were people everywhere. I didn’t think I’d ever been in a crowd that big.

  “It’s something, isn't it?” he asked.

  “Yeah, kind of overwhelming. I didn't expect so many people.”

  “Well, it’s New York, kind of par for the course.”

  “Yeah, but you saw where I grew up.” I laughed.

  “Point taken. How about lunch? I want to take you to a little place down the street. Best burgers around.”

  “I’m game.”

  We strolled hand in hand through the busy streets and I was in Heaven. Levi was so good for me; he brought me out of myself and let me feel again. I stopped and pulled his lips down to mine for a quick kiss.

  “What was that for?” he asked.

  “Nothing. I’m just really happy, and you’re the reason for it.”

  “I always want to make you happy.” He brushed his lips against mine.

  “You’re doing a great job at it.” I smiled.

  The rest of the day was a blur of activity. We saw everything there was for me to see in the few hours we were downtown. We headed home in a cab so we could get ready for the ballet with his parents.

  “Did you kids have fun?” Ruth asked when we found her in the living room reading.

  “The best time ever,” I said enthusiastically.

  “Becca, I laid out a dress for you on your bed for tonight.”

  I had never been one to get excited about fashion, but I ran up the stairs to my room to see what she got for me. It was a delicate burgundy tulle dress. It reminded me of a tutu, and I had to think that’s what she was going for when she picked it up. The top was simple with a sweetheart neckline and thin straps. At the waist, layers and layers of tulle fell down to just past my knees. It was really beautiful. I ran back down and hugged Ruth tightly. “It’s perfect; thank you.”

  “It’s nice to spoil a girl every now and again. God blessed me with all boys, so I tend to go all out for the special girls in their lives. Now run up and get showered. The hairdresser and makeup artists will be here in an hour.” She kissed my cheek and shooed Levi and me out of the room.

  “Can I see the dress?” he asked just outside of my room.

  “Nope, I want you to be surprised.” I slipped into the room and locked the door. I took a bath in the huge jacuzzi tub in the bathroom and used some ridiculously fancy bath products that made me smell like heaven. Emerging thirty minutes later scrubbed and polished, I dressed in a fluffy robe with a towel wrapped around my head.

  “Becca, are you decent?” Ruth’s voice called from outside the door.

  “Yeah, hang on.” I tied my robe a bit tighter and opened the door for her.

  “The hair and makeup people are here; if you would rather they start with me first, that’s fine.”

  “No, just tell me where you want me and I’m there.”

  “Emile, Amber, in here first, please.” She ushered in a tall, thin man with long dark hair and dark eyes, and a glamazon of a woman with screaming red hair and green eyes.

  “They will take great care of you, darling. See you in a bit.” Ruth winked at me and left the room.

  “I’m Emile. I’ll be handling your hair. What were you thinking you wanted to do with it?”

  “I’m not sure. That’s my dress over there, so whatever you think will look good with it.”

  He settled on leaving my hair loose around my shoulders in soft curls. Amber took over next.

  “Any makeup preferences?”

  “Nope, I’m a blank canvas. Just not too crazy since we’re going to the ballet to see The Nutcracker.”

  She turned me away from the mirror and got to work. This was not a new experience for me; when you dance in enough ballet recitals, you get sort of used to being poked and prodded by makeup artists.

  “Becca, can I come in?” Levi asked from the hall.

  “Nope, you have to wait until I’m all done. Now shoo; I’ll be done soon.” I laughed.

  “Fine, but hurry up. I’m lonely out here.”

  “Lonely, in a house full of people? Get out of here and stop your whining.”

  “Wow, you’re mean now.” He chuckled.

  “See you soon.”

  “He sounds like he’s way into you.” Amber grinned at me.

  “The feeling is mutual. He came in and totally swept me off my feet. I was not at all prepared for someone like Levi.”

  “He’s really hot, too, so that’s a plus.”

  “I couldn't agree more.”

  I let her finish me up, I was e
ager to go to the show. “Ready to see?” she asked.

  “Yes!”

  She handed me a mirror and I was shocked by the girl I found looking back at me. Gone was the shy teenager, and in her place was a sultry vixen. Amber had done smoky dark grey on my eyes and a plum color on my lips.

  “Wow, just wow. You made me look so grown up.”

  “Do you like it?”

  “I really do.”

  “Get dressed and go knock him on his ass.” She waved and went off in search of either Sienna or Ruth. I slipped into the beautiful dress Ruth had bought me and did a little twirl in the mirror. I put on the sky high heels that matched and stood back to look at the whole package put together.

  “Becca?” Levi knocked softly on the door. “I can't be patient anymore; please say you’re done.”

  “I’m done,” I said softly and opened the door.

  His eyes widened and a smile spread across his face. “You look amazing.” He walked around me to see me from all angles. “Those shoes should be illegal.”

  “You like them?” I batted my lashes at him.

  “Very much.” He stepped toward me but I held up a hand to stop him.

  “Oh no, we are not messing up this look, mister. You’re just going to have to wait until after the show for any of that.”

  He sighed. “It’s going to be a long night.”

  The limo ride to the theater was loud and full of laughter. Ruth had gotten us amazing seats; I was practically vibrating with excitement.

  As the curtain rose, and the ballerinas began to dance, I was lost in a trance. They were so beautiful and flawless. Every step, every twirl, was done with perfection. I could imagine myself on that stage with them, dancing.

  “What did you think of the show?” Ruth asked in the limo on the way back home.

  “It was more than amazing. I can't wait until I’m good enough to audition for the NYC Ballet.”

  “You’re already good enough, and I think you’ve probably been good enough since you were sixteen.” Levi squeezed my hand.

  I laughed. “I’m not anywhere near ready. Give me a few years.”

  “I’ll take you for another few years, I guess.” He pulled me closer to him.

  The rest of the trip went by way too quickly. Ruth took me shopping and bought me more clothes than any one person should own. They took me to see the Empire State Building, The Statue of Liberty, and so many other places I couldn't even remember all of them. My favorite part, besides the ballet, was when we went and saw Wicked on Broadway. I annoyed the crap out of Levi by singing all the songs over and over again.