HWA Message Board: Christmas at the Learners

Date: December 24th 2024
Time: 5:25pm MST
Location: Salt Lake City International Airport

Chaos was the order of the day, especially for travellers and two of those were the newly-betrothed Sean Parker and Michelle Learner. Having spent the morning and afternoon with Butch, Wisdom and their kids, David and Evina, exchanging gifts early and having a beautifully-made lunch, Sean and Michelle were straight back on the road to LAX for their flight to Salt Lake City. Sean’s relationship with Michelle’s parents had improved drastically since he and Michelle had first started dating and they were more happy to give their blessing for Sean to propose. Still, the thought of spending Christmas with them made him nervous.

The two had collected their luggage and were now making their way through the streets of Salt Lake City in their rental car. After coming to a halt at a set of traffic lights, Sean turned his head for a moment to address his fiancée.

(Sean): Are you sure your parents are ok with us staying over? I feel like your dad’s going to be watching me like a hawk…

(Michelle): He promised to be on his best behavior. He likes you, Sean, but I'm the only girl amongst my siblings...so I'll always be "Daddy's Little Girl" to him.

Sean gave an understanding nod as the lights turned green and he put the car into drive and proceeded through.

(Sean): I know and I get it, it’s just this is the first time we’ve spent the night. Is he expecting me to be on the couch? Maybe he’ll be a little less grumpy when he finds out we’re treating him to this Alaskan fishing trip in the spring.

Sean indicated his intent to turn when another car opposite him cut in front without indicating and he motioned towards the driver with a hand gesture that didn’t need any further explanation.

(Sean): Cheers for that, ya bellend! Is that one eh they magic cars that doesn’t have a turning signal?! Prick…

Sean shook his head in annoyance before focusing back on his conversation with Michelle.

(Sean): And what about your mum? She’s going to want to know when we’re actually getting married and we haven’t even discussed that ourselves yet! And I know she’s going to want you to get married in a church and I’m totally okay with that! Aaaand great, I missed my exit!

Sean lightly thumped the top of the steering wheel in frustration.

(Sean): Shit! Sorry! Cursing…

He knew he was anxious about spending Christmas with Michelle’s parents but it had only just dawned on him just how much. Michelle knew too.

She placed her hand on his hip with gentle pats.

(Michelle): You're nervous... Sean Parker, my Amazing Spider-Man, the Sky Assassin is nervous.

She leaned in a little to whisper in his ear.

(Michelle): Your secret is safe with me.

She smiled at him, all along trying her hardest to put on a brave face for his sake while she felt no better and likely ten times worse herself. Her old room only had a twin size bed, so what were the sleeping arrangements her parents had made? They hadn't even talked about a wedding date and would no doubt be bombarded by questions.

And come to think of it, who else did her parents invite? The whole community would be clamoring for answers, or a peak at them. They usually went to services for Christmas, would Sean even want to go? He'd do it for her, but would he even enjoy it, or would it just add to his misery. She tried to push the thoughts away and focus on the good.

(Michelle): Wait until you have some of my mom’s Peanut Butter fudge. She makes it every year for the holidays...it's divine, you'll love it.

Sean gave an acknowledging nod, pursing his lips.

(Sean): Peanut butter’s good for pre-workout, so count me in for that! Do you think your folks would be offended if I got a quick workout on this trip?

(Michelle): Why would they? My brothers would be ecstatic...I've tried to give them pointers myself but I'm "a girl" so they pretend not to pay attention.

She turned her head looking out the window at the familiar landscape. She did miss it...home. She reached over taking Sean's hand. This was her new home, with him, and they could go anywhere, do anything they wanted. How many times had he said to her they could just "leave." The thought had appealed to her more than she admitted to him, maybe even more now that they were getting married, but she'd never pull him away from wrestling. It was her life too and for all the bad things that had happened, she enjoyed what she did. They were getting close to her folks house now, she couldn't tell if it was his hand that was sweaty, hers or both.

(Michelle): If you get overwhelmed just give me a look, I'll back everyone off and let you breathe. I'm so nervous, Sean. I'm going home but I feel like I'm going to a stranger's house where it feels awkward to sit down until I'm invited.

She exhaled a breath and shook her head trying to get herself in gear.

(Michelle): You can do this Michelle, it's just your parents, your brothers, your aunts and uncles, cousins, and however many hundreds of church folk they've invited over.

She gasped, and covered her mouth.

(Michelle): Did I just say that out loud? Oh my gosh...I'm sorry!

She looked at Sean apologetically; her angelic little face a portrait of sweetness. Despite Michelle’s brewing trepidation, Sean couldn’t help but feel a pang of relief knowing she was feeling the same as him, albeit for different reasons. Still keeping his eyes on the road, he pulled their clasped hands up and kissed the top of her’s with a smile.

(Sean): God, I love you, Michelle Learner.

(AI Navigation Voice): You have arrived at your destination.

Sean eased up on the gas a bit, turning into the driveway of the Learners’ home, slowly but surely coming to a halt. He turned off the engine and looked at Michelle.

(Sean): You ready?

Before she could answer, the front door swung wide open and her mom rushed out the door, both her arms wide open and flung up in the air with excitement as she hurried down the steps to the car. Her dad stood in the doorway patiently as he brothers stepped in front with smiles...all except Markus who had a neutral look on his face.

(Michelle): Well...ready or not I guess.

If she had the strength her mother would have ripped the door off the car yanking at the handle. Sean unlocked the doors and a cold burst of air rushed inside as her mom swung the door open wide. Michelle got out of the car into the biggest hug.

(Leslie Learner): Oh Sweetheart....my darling little Michelle....

She released her bear hug and grabbed Michelle's hand and looked at the ring on her finger. Tears swelled in her eyes as she looked over at Sean with a smile, then hurried around the car to grab him. Michelle turned and looked at her brothers on the porch.

(Michelle): Well, don't just stand there, Silly Billies, be gentlemen and help us with our bags!

Spurred into motion her brothers grinned as they headed down the stairs, greeting her and Sean and helping get their luggage out of the car.

(Michelle): The house looks amazing...you put up some new lights this year, and ohhh....look at the wreath, it's huge...where did you get that? It’s beautiful!

(Jared): The Clarien's...they added them to their tree lot this year.

Michelle moved over to Sean trying to rescue him a bit.

(Michelle): Sean, this is my oldest brother, Jared. He's...

(Jared): We've met...good to see you again, Sean.

Jared and Sean had a hearty handshake. She'd forgotten that Sean had met her whole family, they came down earlier in the year when...………….she didn't want to think about that now. She quickly pushed it down and perked back up.

(Michelle): Come on, it's freezing out here. Let's go say hi to daddy.

Leslie looped her arms in Sean and Michelle's and ushered them to the house as if she was introducing them to her husband. Sean took a deep breath in his nose as subtly as possible, chewing on the inside of his cheek as they entered the living room where Gary Learner was standing there, looking ominous, arms folded across his broad chest. Sean had stood up to his uncle, had matches with the likes of Legion and Fallen. He’d performed a shooting star press from 45 feet in the air and didn’t bat an eyelid once. But now, in front of his future father-in-law, he felt his mouth go dry, his heart rate quicken and his palms sweating. He caught Michelle’s eye in his peripheral vision who gave him an assuring wink and half-smile.

(Sean): Merry Christmas, Mr Learner. Thanks so much for allowing me to spend the holidays here with you all.

Gary pulled his daughter in for a hug and Michelle grabbed him like a teddy bear as he kissed her on the top of her forehead, his eyes on Sean. He pulled away from Michelle and looked at Sean. He stood in front of him and put his hands on Sean's shoulders forcing their gazes to meet.

(Gary): Sean, this is gonna be your home now too, son. Gary will do just fine.

Michelle looked on with a smile as her big burly father pulled Sean in for a hug, then looked him in the eyes once more nodding.

(Leslie Learner): You two come on in and sit by the fire, you have to be cold and hungry. I made some tea and sandwiches. Jared...go in the kitchen and bring the platter of chips and pickles....and oh....and bring the bowl of fruit from the pantry too would you, sweetheart?

She turned back to Sean and Michelle forcing them into the armchairs by the fireplace.

(Leslie Learner): Now, Sean, we want you to feel right at home here ok, don't be shy.

Sean couldn’t believe it. I mean, he could because, despite their early reservations about Sean, he knew they were good, decent people. He’d always gotten on well with Michelle’s mom and in spite of not having grown up with one himself, Aunt Diana aside, he truly felt like she cared for him. But for Gary Learner. Big, burly, God-fearing Gary Learner to seemingly accept him as not only Michelle’s partner, but as one of his family, was truly humbling. He smiled at both of them before turning and pulling out the presents he and Michelle had brought for the family.

(Sean): Thank you, Leslie. These are for you all. Obviously you can wait until tomorrow to open them. Just a token of our appreciation for how accommodating you’ve all been in welcoming me these past 18 months. I know how much Michelle means to you and I know the reservations you all had about me to begin and I understand. So I’d just like to say how much I appreciate how you’ve all welcomed me so much, to give me your blessing to marry your daughter. It means so much to me.

He took Michelle’s hand.

(Sean): To both of us.

(Leslie Learner): That's so sweet, Sean. You shouldn't have.

She took the gifts from Sean and placed them on the floor under the tree.

(Markus): Sure he should have, it's the least he could do...right Sean?

Michelle dismissed Markus' jab as playful banter, bumping her elbow into his side telling him to "Oh hush up you!" Meanwhile, Jared walked back in with the extra food and set it down on the small table between the chairs for Sean and Michelle.

(Gary): You two get some food in ya, and we'll get you all settled in your rooms upstairs.

Michelle looked at Sean. He said "rooms" which answered that question they were both wondering about. Leslie looked at her husband and cleared her throat. Apparently it had been the topic of discussion for them as well, with two varied opinions.

(Leslie Learner): We'll worry about all that later...eat up you too.

Sean had a feeling that Gary was going to insist on separate beds for the two of them. Whilst he was more than willing to wait till he and Michelle were married for them to be intimate, they had shared a bed together on more than one occasion with nothing untoward being neither hinted at nor implied. Still, this was Michelle’s parent’s home and he was certainly not going to force the issue. However, Leslie almost hinting that the topic had been previously discussed and may not entirely be out of the question was something Sean had noted. Again, whilst he had committed to Michelle any intimacy between the two of was on her terms and anything carnal was to happen once they were married, both of them enjoyed the intimacy and closeness of sharing a bed, to snuggle into one another and wake up together.

Sean put it to the back of his mind and threw Michelle a subtle wink which elicited a smile in response. Sean then couldn’t help but see a scowl from Michelle’s brother, Markus, something he wasn’t ignorant to that had been consistent from Michelle’s younger brother. Sean stood up from his seated position.

(Sean): Markus, mind I have a word, it’s about your dad’s Christmas present. There’s something I need to check with you.

Markus didn't respond verbally. He simply turned and left the room suggesting Sean follow. He walked just down the hall and into the smaller family drawing room. Sean was mere moments behind him, and he stood next to the large window in the room looking outside. His back defiantly to the door as Sean stepped through.

(Markus): So what's my future brother-in-law got dad for Christmas then, eh Sean?

Markus turned around, arms folded across his chest. As he did, Sean was mere centimetres from him. He spoke to Markus in a hushed yet venomous tone.

(Sean): Cut the passive aggressive shite, Markus. I know what’s going on. You’re pissed I didn’t go full Liam Neeson and take out Erica after what happened to Shell. Well, in case you hadn’t noticed, I’ve had a lot on my plate these past few months without indulging your vengeful machinations.

(Markus): Oh right, losing Ring Master was way more important than my sister. Losing yet another title shot last week was way more important too I guess, huh? She's lucky to be alive Sean! She could have died. You saw what she looked like. You know what that crazy bitch did and what did you do? Nothing!

A frustrated Markus turned away from him and looked back out the window.

(Markus): You know at first dad didn't like you. He didn't think you were good enough for her and we were all like "Come on dad, give him a shot, don't you see how much he loves her, see how much he cares for her, he'll do anything for her dad." Then when he saw you jump off that cage, that's when he started to really give it some thought about everything we said...."he'll do anything for her dad."

I guess I should have said "...Anything, as long as it doesn't get in the way of his goddamn ego!"

Markus gave Sean a nasty look. He was really upset, he relied on Sean, was counting on him to do what he, what the family couldn't and he let him down. Let his sister down. Meanwhile, it took every fibre in Sean’s being not to blow a gasket. How dare he accuse him of letting Michelle down, of putting his own ego ahead of her. If this were any other person on any other occasion, Sean would have him pinned up to the wall, or worse, throwing him through it. But this wasn’t the time.

(Sean): Don’t you dare accuse me of putting anything ahead of your sister. You can’t even imagine how much I love her, what she means to me. Do you know how much I hate myself for the fact I wasn’t there to stop what that b*tch did to her? There hasn’t been a day that’s gone by since then that I haven’t thought about what I’d do to her if given the opportunity. But newsflash, Markus! I’m not John f*cking Wick and this isn’t Hollywood. There’s a way to go about doing things in this world. But what I am asking you to do, is trust that just because I haven’t done something yet, doesn’t mean I won’t.

Sean glanced around, conscious about the volume of his voice before looking back at Markus.

(Sean): So trust me, Markus, let me do things my way. And don’t ruin your sister’s first Christmas as an engaged woman.

Sean was about to turn to go back into the living room but about-turned and pointed a finger into his future brother-in-law’s face.

(Sean): Oh, and one more thing. Don’t ever presume to think that I put my own ego ahead of your sister. This isn’t me cutting a promo on you and it isn’t a threat either. This is just one man talking to another. Be careful what you wish for.

He could see that he pissed Sean off. He felt a bit ashamed of his behavior, diverting his gaze away from Sean.

(Markus): I'm a lot like her, you know, my big sis. Mom and Dad would freak, but I want to get out of here too, see the world. I graduate in June, and I'm supposed to start my missionary work but I don't want to. Anyway...

I've watched you for years growing up, I was so excited for you and Michelle...I knew you were the one.... but then, then that happened and when I called you...I just knew you'd take care of it. I knew you'd make it right, but then you didn't. It seemed like you just moved on and that ##### just kept walking around doing whatever she wanted and nobody did anything...not even you.

He looked back at Sean.

(Markus): Fine, I trust you Sean. But I hope that "yet" is sooner rather than later.

He knew he was being a bit of a brat, but he didn't care. What good was all of Sean's abilities if he wasn't going to use them to put down one nutty ####? For now, peace, peace and the holidays. He wouldn't dare jeopardize the family get together, Michelle's happiness over his frustration.

(Markus): Merry Christmas, Sean.

Markus turned heading to the door.

Some time later…

After dinner it was clear that both Sean and Michelle were tired. Gary and Leslie had slipped off earlier to talk and it seemed a compromise was made.

(Leslie): Alright you too, I'm sure you've had enough of us for one evening, and with all that traveling you two must be...oh what was that word.

Leslie snapped her fingers and tapped her foot before remembering.

(Leslie): Knackered....did I say that right Sean? I pulled a video on the YouTube.

Michelle smiled at her mother's special effort to make Sean feel welcomed. Looking over at Sean who also smiled at Leslie’s attempt at Scottish nomenclature.

(Sean): Aye, knackered is definitely the right word for it. That meal was something else, thank you so much. It was “fair braw” as my Uncle Butch would say. I think I’ll have to do about a thousand push-ups to burn off all those Christmas calories!

(Leslie): Well there's plenty more coming tomorrow.

Gary cleared his throat, an indication to his wife that he'd like to say something, but not really say anything out loud.

(Leslie): Right well...we've made up the guest room for you two, the boys put your bags in there so you just gone on up ahead and get some rest.

(Michelle): This is a lot to take in, you know. But it’s go(Michelle): Let me help with the dishes first, Ma!

(Leslie): I won't hear of it, we'll take care of that now, shoo...the both of you.

Michelle looked at Sean and the moment they had dreaded didn't seem too bad. It looked like her mother won out on them staying together in the same room. She was nervous nevertheless as she hugged her dad goodnight. It was clear from his stone-like posture that he wasn't entirely comfortable but he didn't grumble much as he kissed her forehead goodnight and gave a nod to Sean.

They headed upstairs to the room, the wood floors creaking a bit as they walked down the hall to the room she was very familiar with. It had been the best hiding place in the house. Michelle opened the door and the smell of Pledge was in the air. They walked inside and Michelle giggled looking at Sean as they saw two twin beds spread far apart in the room.

(Michelle): I think they both got their way!

She turned to him with a cute smile and just giggled again. Sean couldn't help but roll his eyes comically as he unbuttoned the dress shirt that Michelle had bought him to wear today.

(Sean): Can you imagine what your dad is going to be like when we’re actually married and we’re living together. We should totally push the beds together and see how he reacts. In fact, no, I’d quite like to stay on his good side come to think of it…

(Michelle): He's as old fashioned as they come but he's adjusting little by little.

Her parents weren't the only ones who had adjusted, she was quite different from who she once was but also much the same. She blushed as Sean took off his shirt as if they'd been living together forever...so casual. Could she dare do the same Sean looked at her and must have known the question she posed giving her a look to go ahead and do it. She waved her hand at him.

(Michelle): It seems naughty!

She looked around as if there was a hidden camera in the room, then slowly undid her blouse, but still covered her chest with her arm across it and smiled at Sean like she was so proud of herself. He smiled back at her.

(Sean): I won’t look if this makes you feel uncomfortable.

Sean looked down at his bare upper torso and back to Michelle.

(Sean): Remember, I have my shirt off every time I go into the ring, you’re used to seeing me like this. But we are going to be married soon and I know you’re new to all this, and so am I… but I want you to be comfortable around me.

He stepped towards Michelle and held his hands out, rubbing them up and down her arms affectionately, looking into her eyes.

(Sean): You’re beautiful to me, inside and out.

Michelle felt the warmth of Sean’s hands through her skin, and her tension started to dissolve. She gave a small, self-conscious laugh, her cheeks still tinged pink.
(Michelle): You always know what to say. It’s unfair how good you are at this.

(Sean): It’s not a line. It’s just… the truth.

She let her arms drop slightly, no longer trying to shield herself, and felt her nerves give way to something softer… trust. It was a vulnerable moment, one she hadn’t expected to feel so safe in. Sean leaned down to press a kiss to her forehead, his lips lingering for a moment as if to reassure her further before he dipped his head and kissed her lips with the same softness. As the kiss broke, Michelle looked at Sean.

(Michelle): This is a lot to take in, you know. But it’s good—a good kind of overwhelming.

(Sean): You’re not in this alone. We’ll figure it out together. One twin bed apart at a time.

They both laughed, and it eased the tension lingering in the room. Sean sat on one of the twin beds, patting the spot beside him. Michelle joined him, the mattress squeaking slightly under their combined weight.

(Michelle): It’s funny… I was so nervous about this, but now I just feel…

(Sean): What?

(Michelle): Like it’s right. Like we’re where we’re supposed to be.

Sean reached for her hand, intertwining their fingers.

(Sean): We are.

The two then smiled at one another, sharing one last kiss before Michelle climbed into her own twin bed as they prepared for the chaotic Christmas morning to come and the scene faded to black.