It was getting close to seven pm when the two walked in. Getting in out of the cold December air, the two took off their coats, and the leads off the dogs, Brock shut them in the small living room, that was separate to the one the family were sitting in.Elaine looked over to them when they walked in, “Hello lovely’s, are the dogs okay?”“Yeah they enjoyed their walk and even chased a squirrel.” Melissa said laughing.“It’s okay for you Sully pulled me into a bush.” Brock said with a smile.“So we thought we’d have a few drinks, and perhaps play a few more games?” Elaine said.“Before you do I have something for you.” Melissa disappeared into the kitchen and then returned five minutes later with the mince pies. “I Erm...... I made these for you guys, they are kind of a tradition in the U.K. we have them at Christmas and in my opinion they are delicious.” She said opening the biscuit tin, that she was holding, to show mince pies with icing sugar on top.“You can eat

THE NEXT MORNING - CHRISTMAS DAYMelissa woke up to bad breath, opening her eyes blearily, she saw a drooling, brown and white muzzle in her face “Urgh Sully you stink.” The St Bernard gave her a sloppy lick on her face. “Stop. I’m up.” Melissa said pushing the dogs face away gently.Sully got up and onto the floor, Melissa, sat up, scratching her head a little confused and woolly headed as to where she was for a little while.Getting up, she walked up to the back door, the dogs hot on her heels. Opening it, they ran out only to come to a sliding stop on the entryway floor, when they saw the snow. Storm looked out at the white blanket that now covered the previous lush green grass. Sully watched Storm eyeing him. He always made sure that it was safe by watching Storm in situations like these.Taking a couple of cautious steps forward he stuck his nose into the snow, sniffed, and growled at the cold white stuff, deciding it was safe, he ran off into the garden, chasing in

CHRISTMAS DAY EVENING Melissa was changing getting ready to go to bed, she smiled as she thought back to earlier in the day. They’d had an amazing dinner, and gone to relax. Elaine had opened some alcohol and Brock suggested that they play some drinking games, with their parents, Andrea could drink soda and join in. Elaine and Tony had passed on that idea so that just left Blake, Brock, Andrea and Melissa. Andrea said that it’s weird to play drinking games with her brothers, so she left to go up to bed. Which loosely translated she was going to go FaceTime her friends. That left Melissa, Blake and Brock. “Ok so how about we play monopoly with a twist?” Blake suggested. Brock and Blake explained the rules. When you land on another’s property the owner of said property tells you how much the rent is and what to drink, you pay the rent and chug a drink

A FEW DAYS LATERMelissa is back at home. Her family were back from the U.K. pulling into the car park. She had to nip in the office and deal with a break in. The burglars had stolen inconsequential items, files of her trade deal in Australia it was essentially research not that it was good for anything. The company’s profit and loss statements, also a few items of importance to Melissa they wouldn’t fetch much money but to Melissa they were priceless. Nobody had seen anything the cameras never picked up anything either. Brock and Melissa was having dinner later, so she needed to get ready. As Melissa approached the door she noticed it was a jar. Cautiously she dialled 911, leaving the phone now connected to the emergency services “Hi police please, my names Melissa Hartford I’ve had a break in.” “Ok Miss Hartford stay on the line and don’t go in under any circumstances. There will be an officer with you shortl

Brock walked to where the temporary bar is. “Hey you’ll be waiting forever and a day to get some service here.” Came the voice to his left. Brock looked and saw a good looking guy about his height, with blonde hair and green eyes. “Christopher but my friends call me Chris.” The stranger said offering his hand for a shake. “Mrs White has made it her mission to try and set me up with single, successful women. I’m CEO of a construction business, I don’t have time to date. Are you here by yourself or with someone?” Chris warned him of inevitable doom from Mrs White. Brock pointed over to Melissa who was now being bored to death by some old guy who wanted to discuss the stock exchange.“Wow she’s gorgeous. You’re really batting above aren’t you.” Chris said jovially “Yeah I know dude. I count my lucky stars she said yes to going out with me.” They carried on talking and Brock said “Listen I’ve always wanted to try something but I wondered how you feel about it.” Chris Listened to the othe