Chapter 13 Chloe
CHLOE
Yesterday was the weirdest day. An hour after my parents arrived, my brother and sister-in-law knocked on my door with the kids.
I cried when I saw them, and they were so happy when they found the presents Santa had left behind for them, stacked underneath the new–perfect–Christmas tree my parents brought.
Lucky for me, the boys had a lot of pent-up energy after the drive, and I happily went outside with them and my brother to have an epic snow fight.
I snuck away to Ced, and we had a very thorough smooching session, secured by their branches from curious eyes.
I felt all giddy, like I was sixteen again, when I promised them I would sneak out when everybody went to bed.
That did not take that long since everybody was tired from the drive, but I need a new plan for tonight.
When I told Ced how worried I was about the cold weather, they just laughed and admitted their little white lie to stay inside.
I couldn’t even be mad because I would have never let them stay if they hadn't.
We shared some very hot moments out in the cold, and it took everything and then some more to keep silent. Nobody says anything about it now, so I guess I’m good.
It’s lunchtime, and I am happily reheating the chicken from the freezer when the bell rings. My aunt Gemma arrives with her husband and the kids.
“Couldn’t stay away from you, pumpkin,” my aunt winks as she gives me the warmest of hugs.
I was tired from staying out late, but the love my family gives me takes away all the fatigue, and I am so glad I can use the cheeses and hams I bought for the charcuterie plates.
We are wining and snacking when there’s more commotion, and Grandma and Uncle Ron enter.
And I end up sobbing all over my mother’s hand-knit Christmas sweater.
Tears of joy because I am so happy to be spending the holidays with them.
But also—maybe—tears of frustration, because this means an abrupt end to my Christmas fling with Ced.