SPECIAL DELIVERY TO: @austincabot
LOCATION: Catalina Casino ─ In concession stand line
DATE & TIME: December 5th, at 6:30 PM
White Christmas is one of the holiday films that know how to diverts Georgina’s attention from one holiday to the next. Just as her mind wrapped itself about Thanksgiving, a few days later, she was on the ladder alongside her father decorating the home as Asher and Joanna giving their honest critiques. This year, the kids insisted on warm white lights sitting on the roof gutters as the flickering array of red to green lights sat in the bushes. It was different than what she had done in the years prior: going the classic warm white route as their home stood out amongst the others with multi-colors. However, seeing how the kids have further taken a liking to the Christmas season and the assortment of Livingston traditions around this time of years, Asher and Joanna begged their mother to take them to the 7 pm showing of White Christmas. It wasn’t hard for them to twist her arm, considering how much she would drop the world for them, but all she can hope is they enjoy it ─ even for their young minds,
As they stood in the concession stand line, eager to see the film, the beam constant on her mouth corners as she witnessed the kids interact amongst themselves on what snacks they’ll get overtook her heart. Luckily, the trio’s somewhat early arrival will grant them a seat somewhere to their liking. It may not be the far back, against the cinema walls, which was requested by Asher. But far enough to be captured in the movies visualizes without having to crane their necks in agony as it turns into a dreadful experience. Though, as they waited, a few people in front of them, a familiar face passed in her peripheral vision. It all happened rapidly before she’s saying: “Austin?” Her falsetto calls out to the backside of a male, who stood out amongst them all in a leather jacket. When Geo finally saw him turn in the direction of his name, the mother’s hues widened as she waved him over, indicating it was her who called him out. “Well.. aren’t you a sight for sore eyes?” She chuckles. “I didn’t know you were even back in town.”
Christmas used to be one of the holidays Austin enjoyed the most. Although he’d never been one to go all out for it, he did enjoy spending this time of the year with his family and ex-wife (still wife whatever; it’s still a lot to wrap his head around). Things drastically changed whenever Austin decided to separate from Elena and Christmas turned into a holiday, he could live well without. Every tradition was pushed off the table and Christmas wasn’t a thing in his world anymore (besides the Christmas dinner because his mom would’ve literally murdered her own son for missing it). Too many painful memories. With this year’s turn of events, Austin found himself helping his parents with their holiday lights in and around the house again; most importantly the outside. A Cabot tradition: flickering lights, soft Christmas music playing in the front yard, accompanied by the many carefully placed deer decorations. Verena Cabot took a lot of pride in her decorations every year and always had new ideas to make it even, in her words, more magical. Back when they were still all children, this was the most important task of the whole holiday season; something the whole family took part in. So they joy in his mothers eyes, this year, when he said he’d be there… it was priceless.
That’s how Austin found himself standing in the Catalina Casino – undoubtedly one of the hot-spots of the Christmas season on Catalina Island. The whole building had been turned into the winter wonderland of every kids dream; which apparently meant it was a good source for Christmas lights to replace the broken ones at his parent’s house. One of the perks of knowing every person on an island. One call to a friend and sending your son to get them and the lights are replaced in the blink of an eye. To his luck, White Christmas was scheduled to play soon, and the place was even more packed than anticipated. He honestly couldn’t wait to get out again. Ever since returning from his failed second term overseas, Austin usually avoided big crowds at every cost. But before he can focus too much on the amount of people around, his name is being called and he’s looking for the one calling. “Geo! Hey, yeah..” Austin smiles a little, a genuine one for her, “I haven’t been back for long.” That and he’s barely left his house. “How are you?”
