This story is a work of fiction; any similarities to persons in the real world or in another fictional world are purely coincidental. Fore warning: This story has some technical details that only "nerds" will enjoy; but feel free to just ignore and it keep reading, they are not integral to the story.
It's longer than I thought it would be, but I wanted to build the characters up and really explore their personality and relationships. I promise there are some pretty neat (IMO) surprises at the end.
People say that seasonal depression is common around major holiday seasons. I know it's something I would experience when I was single, but I never really thought about it much after I got married and had kids. To be honest, I was just too busy to be depressed! Running errands, shopping, trying to get those last-minute deadlines at work finished so you can actually enjoy your holiday time off without it weighing your mind down...
But as most marriages go, you have your ups and downs; for me, it was currently on the down-slope. We have one daughter and I love her dearly, but there's just no fire between me and my wife anymore. On our 5th anniversary, we went to a restaurant and ... not much else.
To the casual observer we would appear to be a normal, happily-married couple. We hugged, kissed, gave each other back rubs, put our arms around each other as we sit in church every Sunday; we were devoted to each other's needs in all areas except physically.
I grew up in a spiritual home, and considered myself in good-standing with God; we had a good relationship and I talked to Him as you would a wise friend whom you go to for wisdom and guidance. My wife was newer to the faith, but she was on good terms as well. That's why we never seriously considered things like divorce or adultery; we knew we had to stick it out together.
But days turns into weeks, and months, and longer. Unlike most men, sex for me isn't just a good time; it's supposed to be a close inter-personal bonding—an emotional need—even though a lot of men don't realize or won't admit it. So I was just tired of the rejection, and became mentally disengaged. Because of my beliefs I had few options that involved anyone but myself, but I did return to pornography. It was really unfulfilling, though; I found that I really enjoyed written erotica, with one site in particular that I had mentally bookmarked.
So our lives had fallen into a pattern of my wife and I mostly enjoying our own hobbies separately, with the occasional family activity. Speaking of family activities: Christmas is coming up, and our daughter Joy is coming home from college to spend the time with us. I was really looking forward to having someone else around the house for a change.
* * * * *
"Ugh, I can't," I told my friend Beth on the phone. "I always go home to spend Christmas with my mom and dad; they'd be mad if I went to someone else's house. Besides, my dad always mopes around the house and complains about everything whenever we talk; so I want to go cheer him up."
Beth replied, "I knew you were going to say that... But I figured I would offer, being your most amazing friend that I am—"
"You're my only friend," I interjected.
"Well, look," she continued, "it's not my fault you're an introverted nerd. But I'm sure you'll have fun at your boring house with your boring parents, doing nerdy stuff like playing chess and talking about computers."
I laughed hardily, "I will take that as a compliment. I know you don't like doing all that 'nerdy' stuff I like doing, but that's just me OK? That's why I have you around... to get me out of my shell and stuff."
"Oh really? I still haven't got you to even go to first base with a guy. You're going to have like 27 robot AI cats running around the house, and have a garden gnome yell at the neighborhood kids
<imitating artificial voice>
'Please vacate the lawn at your earliest convenience'."
At this point I was falling out of my chair laughing, because it sounded so totally cool—and something I could totally see myself doing. I made some mental notes to investigate modding a garden gnome to install a speaker and a motion sensor, and read some books on AI and robotics.
"Oh crap I gotta go, have a boring Christmas and I'll see you next year!" Beth hung up.
I liked Beth, we had so much fun together kidding each other about our personality differences. She was an extrovert (obviously) and I had a love/hate relationship with the activities and dates she suckered me into.
She was right about one thing, though; I was totally on the dry side when it came to relationships. I don't know why; I just don't feel like it, OK? You know, it's like—when I meet a guy my age, all they want to do is drink and party, and probably have sex and stuff; I want someone who's more intellectually stimulating.
Make no mistake, though, I did have needs; I was no stranger to taking care of business for myself. If you think about it, masturbation is kind of like a same-sex relationship. I wonder how that would work? But not just anyone, it'd have to be discreet; someone I know very well and can trust with a secret and not to make it all weird. I guess logistically that boils down to Beth... oh crap no! Sorry, I got distracted—I do go off on mental bunny trails frequently.
I like to think of myself as straight, even though I haven't had any experience to say for or against. I sometimes wonder how a penis would feel, or even a tongue... Oh man it's getting hot right now, I need to stop.
So anyway, Christmas will be so much fun to get away from college stuff for a bit!
* * * * *
"Oh my God, Rob, you're such a scrooge!" I was surprised; my wife seemed genuinely upset about this. "I got an amazing opportunity for my business, and you want me to just ignore it? We've done Christmas together for 24 years, surely it won't be horrible to just let me go."
"Ok, Karen; if it means that much to you, go ahead. It's your business, and if you've got the funds from sales, go ahead and do it. You can write it off on taxes. It's just that Joy has been off at college for 3 and a half years; this is her last year of school. Who knows where she'll move after she graduates? It might be our last year together for awhile."
Karen groaned. "Look, she's 21; her friend, Beth, is probably gonna try to get her do some kind of party and meet guys and stuff—".
"Oh c'mon, this is Joy we're talking about it," I said, giving her an 'are you crazy?' look.
"Well anyway," Karen continued dismissively, "she needs to grow up and live her own life. It'll be good for her."
I knew there was no point in arguing, so I just shrugged my shoulders. "Alright, whatever; I guess I'll just sleep and do my own thing around here—alone."
Karen smiled and gave me a hug, "Thanks, but that's all you do anyway." And with that, she ran off to pack her suitcase. I didn't try to fight her on it; no point in causing an unnecessary argument. If anything, it'll be more peaceful to have her gone.
Despite her plans not to be around, she still insisted on having me put up a tree and decorating. I liked Christmas decor, so I was ok with it anyway; it was just so much work for nothing...
* * * * *
It was December 22nd, and the weather certainly agreed. I was driving back to see Mom and Dad. We didn't really talk much, but I think it's like an unwritten contract that I come home for Christmas or something. Anyway, I pulled into the driveway as much as I could; it wasn't shoveled, so I figured Dad might need some help with that later. It was 8:23 AM, and Dad usually took this time of year off, so I figured he might be just waking up or something.
I climbed up the stairs trying to keep both my neck and the packages I had brought unbroken. I rang the doorbell—it took several minutes for me to hear someone walking around inside, so I figured Dad was probably asleep and Mom was out shopping or something.
"Hi Daddy! I heard you ordered some Christmas Joy!" Dad was super good at "Dad jokes", so I frequently use my name in a pun.
He looked shocked, "Joy! I didn't expect you here... and it's too early for bad jokes like that."
I smiled obscenely wide, stretching all my face muscles as much as they could.
"Well don't just stand there...come in, come in!" he said, ushering me in with his hand and taking my suitcase and some packages. He set the suitcase down and put the packages under the tree. When he was done with that, he leaned back to stretch his back out.
He was still in his pajamas and I couldn't help but notice something peeking out of the folds of the fabric downstairs. Is that his... oh wow it is. Not to make an awkward scene, I figured I should pretend nothing happened and move on. So I took my coat off, threw it on the couch and went over to give him a hug.
He held me close like he used to when I was a kid, and I just set my head on his shoulder and hugged tightly back. I could tell he missed me a lot. I could also tell he had morning wood, as I could feel it against my abdomen. I wonder if he was also aware of my boobs pressing into his chest?
Funny as it seemed, I actually didn't mind. Don't look at me that way! I'm a girl and I have them, nothing I can do about it. But it was more than just a good feel; something released in my mind and I was transported back to a simpler time. Nothing mattered anymore, I was just a girl who loved and missed her daddy. I felt some tears begin to form at the edges of my eyes and we just rocked side-to-side for what seemed like several minutes.
I was acutely aware of what was happening below; I felt his penis getting harder and pressing into me. I was kind of surprised because I'm his daughter and he shouldn't feel stuff like that about me; but I also know he's a man and there's just biological stuff that happens without anyone's control or intent. But as sick as it might sound... it was my first time experiencing anything like this, so I just kind of... I don't know, enjoyed it for what it was?
* * * * *
I was just overwhelmed by everything. Here my daughter shows up unexpectedly for Christmas, while I was thinking I'd be all alone. My mind was a maelstrom of emotions and thoughts. Just minutes ago I was asleep having a very hot dream about ... someone (I don't even remember who right now, probably just a vague mental metaphor of a woman in general). Next thing you know my little baby girl is there and giving me a hug, and it was just all too much; I was so happy.
