Chapter Twenty Two
Snow blanketed the grounds around the house, blanketing the outside world with quiet on Christmas morning. Inside the Blackwood house, however, quiet was the last term someone would use. Laughter echoed throughout the downstairs and the rich scent of cinnamon and pine filled the air as Rosa and I fought over presents next to the colossal Christmas tree that towered above our heads. My mother loved to change up the colour scheme each year, and this year, she’d chosen soft pinks and silver. Pink wasn’t really my colour of choice, but it looked beautiful. Our dog Max raced around like some mad psycho, yipping with excitement and tearing into discarded wrapping paper with enthusiasm.
“Paige, come in, my darling, don’t be shy!” My mother stood up from the sofa, tightening the belt of her cream satin robe before crossing the room to where Paige was standing in the doorway, dressed in a clean pair of my boxers and one of my old grey hoodies. Her hair was damp from the shower and the loose golden waves tumbled over her shoulders. Mum threw her arms around Paige, hugging her tightly and I fought to suppress a grin at Paige’s shocked expression. My mother loved everybody and was the eternal optimist, and she had clearly decided she was going to adore Paige.
When we’d arrived last night in the early hours of the morning, my parents had been a little surprised to see that I’d brought a guest home. For starters, I had never actually brought a girl home, and they also had a strict no guests rule for Christmas. I’d texted them before we’d left Nate’s house to warn them I was bringing a guest home, but I could see they were curious. Of course, as soon as we’d stepped in the door, Max had rushed at Paige like a freaking puppy rather than the more mature eight years old that he was, and I took advantage of the fluffy chaos to quickly fill them in.
Nate had called me late in the evening from his bedroom, where he and Paige had been hanging out. She was in the bath, but she was exhausted and in no state to go back to the party. Nate had informed me that Paige was not to go home, but was coming home with me. It wasn’t safe for her there. That was enough for me. I’d made my excuses and left the party, bringing the car around to the back entrance. Nate had carried Paige down the backstairs, and set her gently in the car. She was practically asleep as he kissed her goodbye, and my curiosity grew even stronger at this unusual display of tenderness from the Beast.
As soon as my parents heard about the situation, they’d been absolutely fine with her staying, and after Paige was fast asleep in my bed, dressed in one of my old T-shirts, I”d sat down with them and filled them in on what was happening at home. I hadn”t gone into too much detail, but they”d been horrified. My dad had gone quiet, and I”d felt bad. He”d known Pauline and Neil at Blackvellyn, and although they hadn”t been close, I imagined it was hard to find out someone you knew could act like that towards their own daughter. My mother had blinked away tears, before declaring that Paige should stay for the rest of the holidays, and when I”d gone up to bed, I”d walked past my sister”s room and caught my mother leaning over the bed, placing a kiss on her head. This morning though, she was all smiles as she hugged Paige tightly.
Paige froze for a moment, her eyes going wide and the panic in them had my good mood dipping. Has Pauline ever hugged her daughter? From the way Paige lifted her hand to gently pat my mother’s back, I didn’t think so. I made a resolution to hug Paige as much as I could without driving her nutty.
“Morning,” she said, as my mother pulled back.
“Good morning, and merry Christmas, Paige,” said my mother, beaming at her. “Come and sit down. Would you like a drink? We have tea or coffee, or I can make you a hot chocolate if you’d like?”
Paige glanced towards the tray, biting down on her lip. “I’m fine, thank you,” she said.
“She’ll have tea, mother. With a dash of milk,” I said, knowing full well she’d be thirsty, and what she liked to drink in the morning.
Paige gave me a shy smile as my mother poured the drink and passed it to her.
“Thank you, Mrs Blackwood,” she murmured.
“Oh, don’t be daft, dear. Call me Ellen.”
“Ellen,” Paige repeated obediently. She sank down onto the sofa next to my mum, tucking her bare legs underneath her. Just an hour ago, those legs had been wrapped around my waist. I’d woken her slowly, my hand between her legs, getting her wet, before I’d slid inside her. Fuck yeah, Santa really had come to town this morning. It had been so fucking hot hearing her moan in her sleep as I’d touched and the way her eyes had flown open as I’d eased myself inside her pussy had been nearly enough to tip me over the edge. I’d managed to get a grip on myself, and I’d made her come twice before finally allowing myself to finish.
Now though, I was wondering if I could get away with sneaking her back upstairs after the presents were unwrapped. The sight of her in my clothing did something to me. She might as well have been wearing nothing at all for all the good it did to quell my desire. The hoodie hung down low enough to cover the boxers, making it look as though she was wearing nothing underneath, and her skin was flushed pink from the warm shower. Thankfully it also covered the bruises on her hips and her ass that Nate had left there the night before. I’d noticed them this morning, but Paige had avoided the topic, and seeing that she didn’t seem upset about them, I’d left it alone.
Max suddenly noticed Paige’s appearance and bounded over to her, jumping up next to her on the sofa with a wagging tail, nearly spilling her tea.
“Max, get down,” scolded my mother, but Paige reached out and scratched behind his ears. Adoring the attention, he settled down next to her, laying his head in her lap, and my heart skipped a beat seeing them together like that.
“He’s fine,” Paige said, smiling down at him. He gazed up at her adoringly. Great, even my dog was smitten with her.
Paige looked up and around the room, noticing the chaos that surrounded us.
“Oh, I”m so sorry, I’ve interrupted. I completely forgot it was Christmas. Should I come back later? I don’t want to intrude.”
“Of course not,” said Dad, coming back in from the kitchen where he’d been putting the turkey in the oven, hopefully following the written instructions I’d left him. “You’re our guest, Paige, and you’re very welcome here.”
“How could you forget it was Christmas?” asked Rosa, brown eyes wide.
Paige blushed. “I shouldn’t have, with the Christmas party I went to last night, but we don’t really celebrate Christmas at my house.”
My parents exchanged glances over Paige’s head, and I realised that bringing her here might have been a little insensitive. It had never occurred to me that her family wouldn’t have celebrated Christmas with her, that she might not have had presents, or turkey or cheesy festive TV specials. I looked around the room, for the first time in my life really appreciating what I had. Not just the money, and the house and the cars, but my family. Bast just had his Dad, and they’d always got on, but holidays were still quiet affairs, and Nate, his father, had always been about the show. None of it was real. I was incredibly lucky.
Rosa was still looking at Paige like she’d just discovered a new life form on another planet.
“Are you Jewish?” she asked.
Paige laughed. “No, not Jewish. My family just aren’t that into holidays.”
Rosa shook her head, her short brown curls flying around her face, unable to comprehend the idea of not celebrating Christmas. Paige was looking slightly worried as she sipped her tea, hiding her face behind the rim of the cup, so I threw a cushion at Rosa, it bounced off her head, narrowly missing the tree.
“Tristan!”
“Sorry Mum. Rosa, stop interviewing my girlfriend and make yourself useful. There should be two silver presents under there, with blue ribbons. The little one is for you, and the big one is for Paige.”
Rosa squealed and dived under the tree, coming up with the presents I’d bought and got my mum to wrap the week before. She jumped up and stepped over the piles of loose wrapping that covered the rug, before sitting back down at Paige’s feet.
Paige was staring at me, a strange look on her face, and her eyes seemed glassy, as though she was holding back tears. Had I said something to upset her? I frowned, opening my mouth to ask her, when Rosa passed Paige my gift, before tearing into her own.
Paige looked round for a place to put her tea. Max had shuffled himself forward gradually and now half his fluffy golden body was laying across Paige’s lap. My mother took pity on her, taking the tea out of her hands, but Paige waited for Rosa to finish unwrapping her present first.
“Tristan! It’s gorgeous! I absolutely love it!” My little sister jumped back up like a freaking jack-in-the-box and launched herself at me. I laughed, hugging her back, and gestured towards the charm bracelet I had bought her.
“That one’s for the holiday in Mauritius, that one’s for my first car that you scratched your name into…” I went through a few more, before finally finishing with the best one. “And that one, I’ll let you guess that one.” She looked down at the tiny silver fork hanging from the slender chain, frowning for a second, then turning to smack me on the arms as she realised the joke.
“You’re a dick, big brother, but I love you.”
“Love you too, Thorny,” I said, ruffling her hair in the way that she hated.
She grimaced, pulling away, then looked back at Paige who was watching us with a small smile on her face.
“What did he get you?” she asked. “Open it, Paige!”
“Ok.” Paige looked down at the present, and turned it to one side and then the other. My mother set the tea down on a side table, and leaned over, pointing to the taped flaps at each end.
“Try there, dear.”
My heart suddenly felt heavy as I realised Paige had never unwrapped a present before, and I felt tears prick at my eyes at the sudden surge of emotion inside me. I blinked them away quickly, smiling as Paige looked up, her expression a mixture of wonder and confusion.
“You bought me paints?”
I nodded, my heart starting to beat a little faster. “Are they ok? Are they the right ones? I went back to the art shop and the owner showed me the ones you liked. I had no idea what colours you’d want, so I just got them all, but if you’re missing any I’m sure we can order them…”
My Dad moved closer and laid his hand on my shoulder. “You’re rambling, son,” he said gently. “Give the girl a moment.”
Paige looked back down at the paints, blinking furiously. After a moment, she set the box on the seat next to her, and stood up, gently pushing Max aside.
“I’m sorry,” she said. “I need to…”
She didn’t finish the sentence, hurrying out of the room and closing the door behind her. I watched her go, completely at a loss as to what to do.
“What did you do now, Tris?” asked Rosa.
“He didn’t do anything, Rosa,” my father said, his hand rubbing over my shoulder reassuringly. “I think Paige might be a little overwhelmed.”
“I don’t think Paige has ever been given a gift before,” explained my mum quietly. Rosa’s mouth dropped open.
“Her parents aren’t very nice,” I said, still watching the door. “That’s why I brought her here. I didn”t want her spending Christmas alone again.”
“That’s awful,” said Rosa. “And she seems so nice too. Was she the one you texted me about, Tris?” I nodded, then looked up at my dad.
“What do I do?” I asked.
“Go after her,” he said. “We’ll finish up here and clear up the mess. I’m sure she’ll feel better after she’s had some time to get used to us.”
“Rosa,” my mum said, getting to her feet. “Why don’t we go and find some clothes of yours that might fit Paige. I’m sure she’ll feel more comfortable in clothes that actually fit, and she’s small enough to fit in your size, I’m sure.”
Rosa nodded and reached out, squeezing my hand. “I’ll find her something nice to wear, Tris. Go give your girl a cuddle.”
I squeezed her hand back, then got up and made my way out of the room. My girl. I liked the sound of that.
I headed upstairs, guessing she’d have gone back to my room. I was right. I pushed open the door to find her sitting on the bed, her knees drawn up and her arms wrapped around them.
I knocked softly on the ajar door, not wanting to startle her.
“Paige?”
She lifted her head and when she looked at me, her eyes were red-rimmed from crying. She quickly wiped away her tears and tried to cover up with a weak smile.
“I”m sorry,” she murmured.
I shook my head, sitting down next to her. “You don”t have anything to apologise for,” I insisted.
“But I ruined the mood. I...” She blinked back fresh tears and looked down at her hands.
Lifting a hand to gently cup her cheek, I turned her face towards me. “You didn”t ruin anything, Paige,” I told her firmly. “It”s just new for you, isn’t it?”
She nodded. “We never did anything for Christmas, or birthdays. I’ve never seen a family act the way yours does.”
I smiled, reaching out to take her hand in mine. “I guess we are a bit much.”
“No, you’re not. Not at all. Your family is perfect. It was just…”
“Overwhelming?” I asked softly, and she nodded.
“I love the paints, Tristan,” she said, looking up at me, her blue eyes wide and earnest. “I really do. I’d been saving up for each one cause they’re so expensive, and to see them all like that… it was just so generous of you.”
I smiled, but inside I felt horribly guilty all of a sudden. Those paints had cost less than a tank of petrol for my car, and yet they’d overwhelmed Paige to the point she’d had to leave the room. I really needed to take a good fucking look at my life.
“I just wanted to do something nice for you, Paige. I knew I could have bought you jewellery, or perfume, but I wanted something you’d treasure. Something that would bring you joy.” Something that would remind you of me when you’re gone, I added in my head, pushing away the pain that bloomed inside at that thought.
“I will treasure them, Tristan, so much. I just wish I had thought to get you something. What I said to Rosa, we don’t celebrate at all, and it never occurred to me to…”
“Shh,” I said, pulling her close and kissing her gently. I slid my hands into her hair, holding her face close to me, and leaned my forehead against hers, looking into her eyes.
“Paige, my father is one of the richest men on the planet, and my trust fund would make most of the Forbes list jealous. I can buy anything in the world that I want, but none of it means anything without your smile, your sunshine in my life. I love you. I want to make you happy, and seeing you happy, that is the most precious gift I could ask for. Understand?”
She took a shaky breath, and nodded. I kissed her on the forehead.
“Good. Now, Rosa’s room is two doors down, and she’s come up to find you some clothes to wear. I would suggest you go and give her a hand as my sister has rather questionable taste in clothes.”
Paige laughed, and the light sound had me smiling again.
“She”d kill you if she heard that,” she said, finally looking up at me with an amused expression.
“Probably,” I agreed, ruffling her hair affectionately. “But despite her fashion sense, Rosa”s a great girl and I think you”ll get along.”
Paige gave me a small nod and slowly got up, heading to the door. She paused, looking back.
“I love you,” she said quietly.
“I love you too,” I replied. “Now go get dressed. I’ve got a Christmas dinner to cook.”
***
The rest of the day passed without any more wobbles, and I could honestly say it was the best Christmas of my life so far. Paige had come downstairs dressed in a pair of dark blue jeans and a fluffy white jumper looking positively edible, and then Rosa and Paige had taken Max for a walk in the grounds, with Paige borrowing Mum’s wellies and coat. Dad and I had made dinner as usual, while Mum dressed the table, and we spent several hours eating, drinking and laughing around the table before retiring to the living room in a slightly drunken stupor to crash on the sofas and watch festive television. I couldn”t remember ever feeling this happy and content as I gazed down at the golden curls that trailed over my arm. Paige cuddled into me, her face peaceful as she slept with her head on my chest. I pressed my lips to her forehead, and looked up to find my parents watching me. Rosa was already fast asleep in a fluffy pile of cushions, blankets and dog on the floor.
Mum smiled at me. “You look happy, son.”
I smiled back. “I think I am.”
“She’s special, isn’t she?” My dad asked, and I nodded.
“But she’s your Persephone?”
I sighed. “Yes, she is.”
“So you share her with Bast and Nate?”
I nodded again.
“How do they feel about her?” Mum asked, frowning.
“Honestly? I think they’re as in love with her as I am, but whether either of them will ever admit it, I have no idea.”
“That”s between them and Paige,” said Dad. “Would you be happy sharing her, if that’s how it went after the year is up?”
I looked down at her, then back up at him. “Yeah, I would. Only with them, but yes. They’re already family, but I’d trust them with her completely.”
“Then you need to make sure she knows that,” Mum said.
“And knock some sense into your friends while you’re at it,” added Dad and I laughed.
Paige stirred on my chest, looking up at me with sleepy eyes, and I leaned down, kissing the end of her nose.
“Come on sleepyhead, let’s get you to bed.”
She shook her head. “I don’t want to,” she said as she yawned.
I grinned. “Oh really?”
“Really. I don’t want this day to end,” she murmured.
“There’s another ten days before we go back to Blackvellyn,” I reminded her. “And Mum has insisted you stay here for the whole holiday.”
Paige”s mouth dropped open and she turned to look at Mum.
“Really? I can stay?”
“Like Tristan said, I absolutely insist,” Mum said, smiling at her. “It will be lovely to have you here and get to know you a bit better. And I very much enjoy watching how happy you make my son. It brings me so much joy, thank you.”
Paige smiled, but I saw her blink a few times, and I knew she was feeling emotional again. I faked a yawn and sat up, pulling Paige up with me.
“Right now, what would make me happy is bed.” I got to my feet, pulling Paige up by her hand. “Night Mum,” I said, bending down to kiss her on the cheek. “Night, Dad.”
“Night, Tris. Sleep well.” He waited till Paige turned towards the door before he gave me a wicked wink, and I grinned.
“I’m sure we will.”
I led Paige back to my room, closing the door behind us. Paige stood in the middle of the room, staring at the bed. I crossed over to her and slipped my arms around her, pulling her back against me and resting my chin on the top of her head.
“What’s on your mind?”
“Do you...do you think your parents liked me?”
I laughed lightly at the question.
“Paige, they love you,” I assured her. “They”ve been waiting for years to see me this happy.”
She looked relieved and leaned back against my chest, letting out a contented sigh.
“I like them too. I think if I ever had a real family, I would want it to be like yours.”
It could be one day, I thought suddenly. Once we’d got through this year, and she’d chosen her own path, I could ask her to marry me. I’d never thought about marriage before. I’d always assumed it would happen in the far off future to some girl I couldn’t even picture, but as I stood there with Paige in my arms, softly swaying to the sounds of White Christmas drifting up from downstairs, I realised for the first time it wasn’t just something I was expected to do, it had become something I wanted.
I wanted another Christmas like this, and another, and another. One where Nate and Bast sat around the table with us. Maybe even ones where Paige held a baby in her arms, and our children were the ones tearing into the presents like Rosa and I had done.
In a few moments, the life we could have flashed in front of my eyes, and I wanted to share it with her so badly, but I was afraid it would be too much. I pulled away, and we got ready for bed, Paige pulling on another one of my T-shirts before climbing into my bed. I got in next to her, turning onto my back and she put her arms over my chest, snuggling in with her head on my shoulder. Her body was warm against mine as I pulled her closer, our legs tangling in comforting familiarity.
“Night, Tris,” she murmured.
“Good night, Paige,” I said, turning off the lamp next to me.
I lay awake a little while longer, enjoying the feel of her in my arms as she slept, and turning my thoughts over in my mind. I was moving too fast, thinking about marriage and babies, and I knew that. Paige wanted a career first, and besides I’d only just told her I loved her. She was the first girl I’d ever loved, and as I watched her sleep, I knew for certain that she would also be the last.