Playing With Fire

++++++++



"How's everything going?" Kelly asked as she paced the room.



"It's ok. I mean, every one can tell something's wrong because you aren't here," Jason replied over the phone.



"What's mom telling them?"



"She's not really talking much," he admitted. "But I told them you had some last minute things for work that you just couldn't get out of."



"Thanks," she sighed. "So..."



"She's not doing well, if that's what you're trying to ask."



"I'm not going to feel guilty for what happened," Kelly replied, although that wasn't entirely true.



"I just hope you know what you're doing."



"I talked to Carrie. You and Ashley were wrong."



"She told her parents?" Jason asked, worriedly.



"No, but she said she will before we leave."



"Good," Jason smiled. "You know, I just want you to be happy, right? And that I was just looking out for you?"



"I know," she nodded. "It would just be easier for all if you would trust my judgement."



"I tried that once, and you got blindsided by some jackass."



"Carrie's not like that."



"I know," Jason admitted. "And I'm gonna trust her."



"Who's that?" Carrie asked, walking up behind Kelly and placing her chin on her shoulder.



"Jason," Kelly laughed.



"Can you tell him to stop putting crazy thoughts in your head, please? We have enough problems without you doubting us."



"Carrie said--" Kelly began, but Jason interrupted her.



"I heard," he chuckled. "And point taking. Tell her I'm sorry."



"He said he's sorry," Kelly relayed.



"Well, tell him thank you."



"Thank you?"



"Thank me?" Jason asked.



"For looking out for you," Carrie smiled.



"Aw," Kelly smiled, turning to kiss her softly.



"Ok, tell me you did not just do what it sounded like you did," Jason groaned.



"Um, did it sound like I kissed her?"



"Yea," he frowned.



"Then yea, I did," Kelly laughed.



"And that's my signal to go."



"Alright, I'll talk to you later Jay."



"You too," he replied. "And try not to get into too much trouble."



"Yea, sure," she smiled. "Hey, Jay..."



"You want me to tell her you said hi?"



Kelly sighed, "Um, no, never mind. Just have a good break. Give me a call on Christmas, k?"



"Alright, bye."



"Bye."



Kelly hung up her phone, putting it on the dresser.



"You ok?" Carrie asked as Kelly turned around in her arms to face her.



"Yea," she smiled. "Just in need of a hug."



"Well, that my dear," Carrie said, pulling her into a warm embrace. "That I can do."



++++++++



"So, is your family very big on Christmas?" Stephen asked as the four of them started to decorate the tree.



"Um, yea. I mean, it wasn't always the most beautiful Christmas, but my mom always did her best to make it memorable," Kelly replied, as she and Carrie tried to untangle the lights.



"You're not going to miss being with your family this Christmas?" Carole asked, gently.



Carrie looked up at her nervously.



"Um, you know, I've always believed that true friends are just as much a part of your family as brothers and sisters, so I think I'm doing fine right now in the family department," she answered, smiling at the country singer.



Carrie had to fight the urge to wrap her arms around the Texan when she noticed that the smile didn't quite reach her eyes.



"Do you know what tomorrow is?" Carrie asked her, trying to lighten the mood.



"Um, yea, Christmas Eve."



"So, you know what that makes today?"



"No," Kelly said, questioningly as she heard Stephen chuckle.



"Christmas Eve's Eve, duh," Carrie smiled, but it soon faded as she saw the look in Kelly's eyes.



"Nerd," Kelly laughed, half-heartedly.



"Mom, Dad," Carrie said, taking a deep breath. "I have something I want to talk to you about."



Kelly's eyes shot up to lock with Carrie's. There's no way she'd just spring this on her.



"Is everything ok dear?" Carole asked, worriedly.



"Um, I'd say yea, everything's perfect," she replied, holding Kelly's gaze, trying to control her breathing. "But I think maybe you should sit down for a bit."



"Sit down?" Stephen asked, stepping away from the tree.



"Yea," Carrie nodded.



"Um, Care," Kelly said, standing quickly. "I'm kinda thirsty. Can you come help me in the kitchen?"



"Kell..."



"Please."



Carrie stood up and followed her into the kitchen.



"Are you...I mean you're...this is it," Kelly said nervously.



"Yea."



"Care, are you sure?" Kelly asked. "I mean, it's two days before Christmas. Do you really want to do this now?"



"I thought this is what you wanted," Carrie frowned.



"No, it is. It is. I just don't want your holiday to be ruined. I'm fine with waiting a few more days."



"I'd just be lying to myself and them if I waited. Besides, it's not like your holiday isn't ruined. Why should I have it any easier?"



"You don't have to--"



"I want to," Carrie replied, stepping forward and taking Kelly's hands in her own. "They need to know."



Kelly nodded, "You want me there?"



"I'd rather it, yea. But you don't have--"



"I'm there," she quickly assured her.



"Good," Carrie nodded, fighting to keep her pulse under control.



"Good luck," Kelly said as they began to make their way back to the kitchen. "And remember, no matter what happens, I love you, and I'm gonna be here for you."



Carrie just nodded as she felt both of her parents turn towards the two of them.



"So what's got you so worked up, sweetie?" Carole asked, brightly, completely unaware of what was about to happen.



++++++++



"Um, well, you see," Carrie began, sitting on the arm rest of the chair that Kelly had sat in, then standing back up and starting to pace.



"Carrie?" Stephen asked carefully.



Carrie took a deep breath, calming some, "Mom, Dad, you guys are the ones that taught me how to love. I remember when I was younger there were times when I was supposed to have been asleep, but I'd hear this music, so I'd follow it into the living room where I'd see the two of you dancing together. Just the way you two look at each other, it's enough to make any heart melt. And, I've always wanted that. I've based all my relationships on that, trying to find someone that when I look at them, it's like they're the only other person in the world, you know?"



Kelly struggled to swallow the lump that was rising in her throat.



"So, you see, the thing is, I've found that someone," Carrie explained, her hands fidgeting nervously.



"That's great, sweetie," Carole smiled. "So then what's all this about...wait, you didn't get married, did you?"



"No," Carrie quickly replied.



"Pregnant?" Carole squeaked.



"What's his name?" Stephen said angrily. "I'll kill him. I swear. Where's my shotgun?"



"No, no, I'm not pregnant," Carrie assured them, trying not to laugh at how completely wrong they were.



"Then what is it?" Carole asked.



"Well, you've also taught me some other things about love," she said, her nerves returning. "One of the most important being that you can't help who you fall in love with, right?"



Carole nodded.



"Well," Carrie gulped, chancing a glance at Kelly who tried her best to give her a supportive smile, while she herself felt sick to her stomach.



"No," Stephen said, looking between the two of them.



"But Dad--" Carrie began.



"No," he repeated firmly, standing.



"Stephen, dear, what's going on?" Carole asked, looking around the room worriedly.



"Tell her," Stephen said, taking a step towards Carrie. "You tell her who it is that you love. Go on and break her heart."



Kelly jumped up protectively.



"Stay there," he warned her, and Kelly froze in her spot.



"Carrie?" Carole questioned.



"It's Kelly," Carrie answered.



"Kelly?"



"I love her," she explained, breaking eye contact with her dad and turning to her mom.



"You mean..."



Carrie nodded.



"For how long?" Carole asked, emotionlessly.



"We've been together since this summer."



"Kelly?" Carole called softly.



The Texan continued to look down at the ground nervously.



"Kelly," she repeated, a little more firmly.



"Ma'am?" Kelly asked, looking up at her as she chewed on her bottom lip.



"Is this true?"



"Yes ma'am."



"And do you...love my daughter?"



"Yes ma'am."



Carole nodded, looking between the two of them, "Ok then."



"Ok?" Carrie choked.



"Yes, it's ok."



"Carole," Stephen interjected.



"No," she said firmly. "It's ok."



"Mom," Carrie said, tears falling down her cheeks as she joined her on the sofa.



Carole put a protective arm around her daughter.



Stephen just shook his head at the pair of them.



"Daddy, please," Carrie begged.



"Not now," he put up a hand. "Not now."



Kelly watched fearfully as he walked out of the room.



"Don't worry," Carole assured Carrie, patting her knee gently. "He'll come around."



"You sure?" she sniffed.



"He loves you."



"Mom, I don't understand," Carrie said, after a moment of silence.



"What don't you understand?" she asked carefully.



"You," Carrie replied, folding her hands in her lap. "I mean, I didn't think you'd...I thought you'd be mad."



"Sweetie," Carole soothed, moving Carrie's bangs out of her eyes. "I'm your mother. I can't be mad at you for falling in love with someone, especially someone as great as her. Like you said, you can't help who you fall in love with."



Kelly could feel her own tears start to fall at the loving words.



"Besides," Carole continued. "I knew something was up. Mother's intuition I guess. I think your dad may just be shocked."



"He looked really hurt," Carrie said softly.



"He'll come around," her mom insisted, her eyes rising to look at the Texan who was still standing in the middle of the living room. "Kelly," she said, patting the space next to her.



Kelly walked nervously towards the sofa, sitting on the side of Carrie's mom, "I'm sorry."



Carole smiled gently, "It's ok."



"I'm sorry about Stephen."



"It's not your fault," Carole assured her.



Kelly sniffed.



"I'm going to ask you this one more time," Carole said carefully. "Do you sincerely love my daughter?"



"With all my heart," she nodded.



"Do you promise to treat her right?"



"Yes ma'am. You have to know that I would never do anything to hurt her."



"I believe you," Carole smiled.



Kelly could feel the tears forming again.



"It's gonna be ok," Carole promised her, pulling her into a half hug, her free hand still holding onto to her daughter's. "It will all work out."



Kelly couldn't help but cry harder on Carole's shoulder at the motherly gesture, wishing nothing more than to hear those words coming from her own mom's mouth.



"What about your parents?" Carole asked. "Do they know?"



Kelly nodded against her shoulder.



"How'd they take it?" she questioned, rubbing her back, soothingly.



"That's why she's spending Christmas here," Carrie explained, when Kelly didn't reply.



"Oh," Carole said in understanding. "Well, their loss, right?" she laughed, trying to lighten the mood.



"That's what I said," Carrie said, watching Kelly lovingly.



Carole nodded, smiling in recognition at that look.



"Here," she said, gently lifting Kelly off her shoulder and standing. She handed the Texan to Carrie who immediately welcomed the embrace. "Why don't you two get some sleep? I'm gonna talk to your father."



Carrie nodded, watching as her mom left them alone in their room. She lifted Kelly, sliding her onto her lap so she could hold her closer.



"I love you," she whispered in her ear.



"Are you ok?" Kelly asked, pulling back to look her in the eyes.



"Torn, I guess, and a bit confused. I mean, I don't know what I was expecting. I hoped that it would go good, but I never dreamed that it actually would."



"Your mom's pretty great," Kelly nodded with a sniff.



Carrie nodded in agreement, fresh tears forming.



"Hey," Kelly soothed, bringing a hand to her cheek. "Your mom was right. He's gonna come around."



"How do you know? I mean, your mom didn't."



Kelly closed her eyes at the pain that shot through her heart at the reminder.



"Sorry," Carrie said softly.



"No, you're right. But you're dad's different. He just looked confused and surprised. He loves you way too much to just let you go."



Carrie nodded again, pulling Kelly into another embrace. Kelly wrapped her arms around the country singer, turning to kiss her cheek.



++++++++



"Care," Kelly mumbled as she turned over the next morning to find the bed empty.



"I'm here," Carrie called from the closet. She walked out, slipping on a shirt.



"You're up early," she commented, rubbing the sleep out of her eyes.



"I didn't sleep well," Carrie admitted, walking to the edge of the bed where Kelly was laying.



Kelly reached out for her, tugging her towards the bed. Carrie laughed, getting the hint and climbed on her bed, lying down next to the Texan.



Kelly turned over to her side, wrapping her arms around Carrie's waist and snuggling into her neck. Carrie kissed the top of her head as she held her close.



"What about you?" Carrie asked. "You slept well?"



"Not really," she sighed. "Do you think your mom had any luck? With your dad, I mean."



"I hope so," Carrie replied.



Kelly tilted her head, kissing Carrie's neck affectionately.



"Love you too," Carrie smiled.



+++++++++



"Hey Mom," Carrie greeted cautiously as she and Kelly walked into the kitchen to find Carole there, making breakfast.



"Good morning," she replied with a smile, but it was obvious from the circles under her eyes that she hadn't gotten much sleep the night before.



"Is everything ok?"



"Everything's gonna be fine, dear," she said, placing a plate on the table in front of either singer.



"Where's Dad?"



"He's working on some stuff out in the barn."



Carrie frowned as she picked at the food on her plate. It was never a good sign when her dad was "working" on something. That usually meant he was taking out his frustration by banging on something with his hammer.



"Um, how'd it go last night?" Carrie asked as Kelly looked up as well, hoping for a good answer.



"Well," Carole said, thinking her words over carefully. "I think it may take a little longer than I originally thought."



Kelly reached under the table and gave Carrie's hand a reassuring squeeze. The country singer smiled at her, appreciatively, but pushed her plate away from her.



"Not hungry?" Kelly asked.



"Not really," she shook her head.



"Do you maybe want to go for a walk or something? It's really nice outside," Kelly suggested.



"Yea," Carrie nodded, pushing her chair back and standing.



Kelly made a move to pick up their plates, but Carole quickly shooed her away, "You two go ahead. I got this."



"Thanks," Kelly smiled as she linked her hand with Carrie's, and the two of them walked out of the house.



+++++++++



"It really is nice outside," Carrie commented, breaking the silence.



"Kind of ironic, huh?"



Carrie let out a slight laugh, "Yea."



"Hey," Kelly said, trying to get the country singer's spirits back up. "Do you maybe want to go for a ride?"



"I don't have any go-carts," she replied, quickly.



"No," Kelly laughed. "I was thinking something more natural," she said, nodding before them where the horses where walking lazily around the pasture, basking in the sunshine that was rare for this time of year.



"Yea," Carrie nodded. "That sounds fun."



++++++++



"So, you've ridden before?" Carrie asked as Kelly placed the reins on one of the horses.



Kelly looked at her blankly, "I'm from Texas."



"True," Carrie laughed, watching as Kelly hoisted herself up onto the horses back and into the saddle without so much as a helping hand.



"He's gorgeous," Kelly commented, looking down at the creature beneath her.



"Yea," Carrie nodded as Kelly held out her hand.



"I got you," she laughed as Carrie looked at her fearfully.



Carrie nodded, taking Kelly's hand and placing one of her feet in the stirrup and her free hand on the back of the horse. She bounced once before jumping up and landing safely behind the Texan.



"Ready?" Kelly asked as Carrie wrapped her arms around her from behind.



"Let's go," Carrie replied.



+++++++



"This is what I want," Carrie commented after Kelly had slowed the horse down to a gentle walk when they had reached the outskirts of Carrie's parents' property.



"A horse?"



"No," she laughed. "Just me and you, together, just free to live our lives."



"That'd be nice," Kelly smiled.



"I mean, how beautiful is this? Seriously," Carrie said. "And there's no one I'd rather share this moment with than you, you know that, right?"



"Of course."



"Let's move in together."



"What?" Kelly choked in surprise.



"Yea," Carrie smiled. "I wanna move in together."



"Care, this is kinda sudden."



"You don't want to?" she asked, her smile fading.



"No, that's not it," Kelly quickly replied, wrapping an arm around Carrie's that were still holding her tight as she held onto the reins with her free hand. "I just don't want you to do this for the wrong reason."



"The wrong reason?"



"Ok, I know how you're feeling right now, with your dad. You're scared because you don't want to lose him, and that's perfectly normal. I understand that feeling completely, trust me. So, I don't want you to want to do this just because you're trying to hold on to something, anything that can give you that sense of family."



"Kell, that's not it," Carrie assured her. "I mean, it's not that big of a deal. We practically live together already."



"Ok, then this can wait," Kelly replied.



"Kell--" she protested.



"Just until you get everything straightened out with your dad," Kelly explained. "Please. I want nothing more than to live with you. I just want to make sure that I'm gonna be living with you, and not just part of you, while your heart is still out here in Oklahoma."



Carrie sighed.



"Please."



"But you do want to move in together?" Carrie questioned.



"I'd give anything to be able to move in with you," Kelly replied honestly.



"Alright," Carrie smiled. "We'll wait."



"Thank you," Kelly smiled, turning around just enough to kiss her softly. "I love you."



"Love you more," she grinned.



"I don't think that's possible," she laughed, kissing her again before turning back around.



++++++++



"Kell," Carrie said thoughtfully as they walked passed the barn on their way back to the house. Stephen's clanking could be heard from where they stood.



"Yep?"



"Um, you go ahead. I'm gonna go talk to my dad."



"You sure?"



"Yea," she nodded. "Why don't you go help my mom with lunch?"



"Sure," Kelly replied, kissing her cheek.



Carrie smiled nervously as she watched her walk away before turning towards the barn. She knocked on the door before entering. She found her dad working on an old tractor. He seemed to be doing more damage than good.



"Dad?" she asked, nervously.



Stephen looked up to find his daughter standing there. His jaw clenched, and he went back to what he was doing beforehand.



"Dad, please, at least talk to me," Carrie begged, walking closer.



"So, you've been lying to us for the past five months?" he asked, not looking up, but the hurt evident in his voice.



"We were still trying to figure everything out," Carrie explained. "I mean this hasn't exactly been easy on us."



"It's not exactly rocket science," he replied.



Carrie sighed, kicking at the dirt with the tips of her shoes.



"Are you...I mean...I'm guessing you two are...together," he said, the meaning of the term perfectly clear from the tone of his voice.



"Yes sir," Carrie answered softly.



"So, you seemed to have no trouble figuring that part out then."



"Daddy, please."



Stephen closed his eyes, hearing the hurt in his daughter's voice at the use of the term.



"I don't want you seeing her anymore," Stephen said, trying to hide the emotion in his voice.



"I'm not a kid; you can't do that."



"No, this is her fault," he replied angrily.



"No, it's not," Carrie said defensively. "If you must know, I'm the one that made the first move."



Stephen sighed, rubbing his eyes tiredly.



"Dad..."



"You should go inside. Your mother probably needs help around the house."



"But--"



"Now."



Carrie let out a deep breath as she turned around, exiting the barn. She frustratedly wiped away the tears that were forming in her eyes..



+++++++



"So, you girls having a good Christmas Eve?" Carole asked as the three of them sat around the living room.



Kelly looked at Carrie worriedly, and Carole caught her gaze.



"Carrie, dear, is everything ok?"



"I talked to Dad," she replied.



"Hunny, you just have to give him time," Carole assured her.



"Mom, tomorrow's Christmas," she said, her eyes void of any sign of hope. "What's gonna happen when everyone comes over? Is he just gonna hide out all day?"



"I don't know," her mom answered honestly.



"Merry Christmas, huh?"



"Carrie, please don't be like this."



"I'm gonna go to bed," she said, standing.



"It's only nine," Carole pointed out.



"Santa can't pass if I'm awake," Carrie said dryly.



Carole looked at Kelly worriedly as the country singer walked away, towards her bedroom.



"I'll talk to her," Kelly promised, standing up.



"Thank you," Carole smiled.



"Get a good night's sleep, ok? You deserve it," she replied, sweetly.



"Kelly," Carole said, putting a hand on her arm to stop her.



Kelly turned to face her.



"Your mom...I mean...with what happened...," she looked at the girl before her, the hurt clearly visible in her deep eyes. "You are always welcome here, ok? No matter what, you have a place in this family."



Kelly nodded, wiping away a tear.



Carole pulled her into a comforting hug before letting her go.



"I'll get through to her," Kelly promised before following Carrie into her room.



+++++++



"Hey, you," Kelly smiled, kicking off her shoes and sliding under the covers to join Carrie.



Carrie just looked at her in response.



"You're not being fair to you're mom, you know that, right?"



"Well, what does she expect?" Carrie asked. "It's freaking Christmas Eve, my family is falling apart, and it's all my fault. She can't possibly think I'd be happy go lucky right about now."



"Care, this is going to pass," Kelly assured her, linking their hands together. "And you're right. It is Christmas Eve, and tomorrow you're going to spend a wonderful Christmas, surrounded by people who love you so much."



"Are you including my dad in that?" she asked, sulkingly.



"You're dad is being stubborn right now," Kelly agreed. "But he's only human. We all have our flaws. In the mean time, try lightening up on your mom, ok? She's been really great through all of this."



"Christmas is going to be ruined tomorrow," Carrie shook her head. "And she's gonna blame it on me."



"Oh, come off of it," Kelly snapped.



Carrie looked at her, shocked.



"Be happy you even have parents right now."



"Kell--"



"No, I finally got reunited with my real dad, only to find out that he was just using me for my money, and right now my mom thinks I'm the most revolting thing on the planet. Now, you have two parents who love you so much, and tomorrow you will be surrounded by all your family who also are head over heels for you. Some of us, don't have that luxury, so how about you stop this pity party, and start being thankful for what you do have," Kelly said firmly, her eyes stinging from the tears that were threatening to spill.



"Kell, I'm so sorry," Carrie replied, her voice small. "I wasn't thinking."



Kelly took a calming breath, "No, I'm sorry. I shouldn't have snapped at you like that."



"No, you had every right to," Carrie assured her, wrapping her arms around her. "Because you are right. I do have a lot I should be happy about, and I'm sorry for acting like a brat."



Kelly sighed, "I know how much it hurts to have your dad acting like this. But believe me, he's going to get over this, ok? I swear it."



Carrie nodded, looking down to where their two bodies were pressed together. Kelly brought up a soft finger to her chin, lifting it up so that they were looking at each other. The Texan leaned forward, pressing their lips together in a sweet kiss. She felt Carrie open her mouth slightly, and she sighed into the kiss as Carrie pulled her even closer. Their lips moved together in perfect harmony as Kelly wrapped her hand in Carrie's hair, deepening the kiss.



Eventually, they slowed down, Kelly leaving one last, chaste kiss on the country singer's lips before smiling at her.



"Tomorrow is going to be great," she assured Carrie. "And so is the next day, and the next. I'm gonna make sure of that."



Carrie smiled, kissing her once more.



"How about we get some sleep? I mean, you were right, after all. Santa can't pass when we're awake."



Carrie laughed softly, "Yea."