Another year wiser

 It felt like yesterday was Christmas. Cori guessed it was best it was all a blur. He got a text from his brother's girlfriend that she'd had the baby on New Year's eve. But he doubted they would go and see it.

It was best just to stay cuddly with Megan. After all, she was thrilled with the engagement ring. It was better to think of the future than dwell in the past. He was glad to be here with her and it was OK to let go what bitterness there still was with his mother. 

But Megan had asked about her and the only story he could think to share was the time when they lived in Texas and his mom got matching coats for him and his brother. They were western down coats with pointy yokes on the front. His mom had ripped one from the stitching while he was wearing it. All she'd said, "Now we know your's is different."

And it was clear to him he would always be different from his brother. His father was good. Cori's father was in jail and never to be spoken of. Cody's father was also dead because of Cori's father.

He wished he hadn't told Megan because she was in tears and he didn't want to be pitied. He told her he didn't want to talk about it. So she nodded and didn't ask any more questions.

Besides, it was the holidays and there was plenty to be happy about.  It looked to him that Wade moved in with Melvin which wasn't all that of a shock to him. Maybe this was who Melvin needed because Wade knew him long before Cori ever did.

But he wasn't coming back to the pizzeria. Wade felt certain between the two of them they'd keep Melvin on track, or so he'd told him rather quietly at Christmas. 

At least, it was calm today. In fact, relaxing. Although, he hadn't gone on the old Mario Brothers game anymore. Another snowstorm had come with lots of inches of cold snow and it was a great time to be indoors. Megan had him working on a shelving unit. Somehow, it was going to be for him in their room, but she kept saying what she would use it for.

"I think you should have got another," he looked up at her as if he knew what she wanted to do to the dining room. It was as if it was there place, not Caitlin's nor Tori's. 

While he was putting together the shelves, Megan got a phone call from Hope.

When she got off her cell she was still in a wince.

"Hope's pregnant," Megan said.

Cori nodded hoping that didn't mean anything to them, but he was afraid to ask. Besides, Tori didn't look to be going anywhere even if Frankie was here and Caitlin still claimed her room even if the last few days she'd been at Dylan's.

"And you didn't tell her about the engagement ring," he would know if she had.

She sighed. "Well, some friends like to do all the talking," she looked at him. "I am sure I have told her plenty. Maybe when she gets over the shock, I'll let her know."

Cori could barely hold in a laugh as he went back to work. She went to put on some tea. She thought they needed less caffeine this new year.