Chapter XV: A Different Christmas
“Elle, you coming?” Sierra shouted from the living room.
“I’ll be right down.” I said patiently.
“If you’re not down in five minutes, I’m taking the cab and you’ll have to get another one on your own.” She threatened.
As promised, I was down by the lobby in less than five minutes. I knew she wouldn’t leave without me, so she was talking to Rob at the front desk.
We walked along the endless aisles of the giant supermarket. I would push the cart and read from the list. Sierra was more of a professional cook, so she knew what she was looking for.
“Are you sure you’re to be fine without me? You know I can tell Ken that I won’t be able to go, he understands the situation.” She gave me a serious glare as she set the gallon of milk down into the cart.
“I will, I’ll be fine.” I assured her. Deep inside, I was dreading tonight.
She didn’t appear too convinced. “You know that I’m just a phone call away. Just don’t put yourself through this crap.” She gritted as set down more groceries.
“Elline?” A masculine voice said my name. “Sierra?”
Sierra was blocking my view but when she turned, there stood Max with a basket full of groceries as well.
“Hi, Max.” I said nervously. He flashed me a smile. “What are you doing around here?” I asked stupidly.
“Oh, I was just stopping by for some last minute ingredients for my mother before I leave town.”
“You’re leaving town?” I asked, now sad.
“My mother lives far from here, so I doubt I’ll see a supermarket on the way.”
“Ah, I see.” I lowered my head in embarrassment.
“We were wondering if you had any plans for New Year’s Eve.” Sierra butted in.
He wasn’t expecting a sudden change of subject. “I don’t think so.” He said, perplexed.
“Well, if you’d like, you can join us. It’ll just be you, Elline, Ken and I. But remember, if you’d like, you don’t have to.” Sierra gave him a convincing smile.
“Alright, I’ll be there. I better run though, I’ve got a long road ahead. Merry Christmas ladies.” He smiled and stalked past us.
Still in shock of his rapid presence, I was stiff next to the cart. “What, was that?”
“He’s invited and you’re going to have fun and ring in a different year with a different person. Now, let’s keep moving, we’ve got a lot to cook this afternoon.”
Sierra did most of the cooking. I just stood by, checking on the stove and oven, occasionally handing her some ingredient she needed.
My parents arrived shortly after Sierra left with Ken. She had warned me to keep an eye on the roasting chicken in the oven. I promised I’d be careful but my parents had distracted me.
“Merry Christmas Ellie.” My father hugged me when I opened the door.
“Merry Christmas, dad.” I mumbled.
I wasn’t expecting my mother to come up and hug me nor wish me a Merry Christmas. It was a hypocritical move if you asked me.
“Merry Christmas darling.” She cooed but gave me one of her distant hugs, barely touching me.
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Coincidental Couple
Novela JuvenilA Las Vegas Bachelorette party gone wrong. "How was I going to explain to him everything that happened? I screwed everything up. So much for having fun. I mean, there had to be a bright side to all of this? Wasn't there?" Elline Knight, a woman ove...
