Lesson Learned✔

15

Aspen

We entered December with good spirits, and layers of snow covered grounds. Finishing all my exams before Thanksgiving, I could focus on two things. One, the holidays which was my favorite time of the year. And two, Chris.

I loved Christmas for two things, one because it reminded me of the days I got to see my parents. And two because even though I was out of that Catholic school, I still held dear many traditions.

Back to my days in that school, I only got to see my parents a few times a year and Christmas was one of the few times until I reached my teenage years. I remembered fondly of those days, waking up on Christmas morning in our home. Waking up to the smell of fresh brewed coffee and cookies, seeing presents under the tree. But back then, none of it mattered as much as the time I got to spend with my parents. Those few days I had with them, I tucked them in my mind for the days when I thought they didn't want me.

And now, it did bring back some heartache remembering the long gone days. But it also brought me joy knowing that I'd get to spend my Christmas day's with Chris. To make new memories with him, to kiss and cuddle under thick blankets to keep warm.

This would be our second Christmas, last years we had spent it together. Trying to find out what we both wanted and in the end, Chris had given me free reign to do what I pleased.

Everything had been smoothed out, Nydia's words were long forgotten. Elijah's words were nothing but dust, Chris and I were good.

Finishing with checking in the library books, I checked my phone for any new messages. Taking a seat as I found one from Chris, my stomach grumbling as I did.

God I was hungry, but I just couldn't eat afraid I'd throw it all up like this morning. I didn't know what made me sick, if it was anything I ate out or the food I had been preparing. But either way, my stomach could only muster up very few bites of food. But now I was starving, craving for greasy and sweet.

I opened up Chris's message, frowning as I did.

I have to take care of something else in the hospital, wait for me in the dinner a block from the library?

I pressed my lips together, typing out a message.

Don't forget me

I waited, the little bubbles appearing.

Never. Order what you want while I arrive.

I would have done that even if he hadn't said it. I sent him a heart emoji before pushing myself back on my feet. Rummaging the desk, I picked up my stuff and waited for Ebony to come by.

Minutes later, I pulled on my jacket. Shoving my fingers deep into my pockets as I made my way down the block. Threading carefully on the icy ground, thankful that Chris was picking me up and dropping me off. I didn't hate it here, but I wasn't fond of this weather. Sleek roads covered in ice weren't exactly my favorite thing.

Walking as quickly as possible to the dinner, I almost sagged as warm air hit me. My nose perking up at the smell, my stomach grumbling once more. Finding an empty booth, I slid in and waited for the waitress to come by.

I looked over the menu, but I already had in mind what I would order. "Hey there darling. What can I get you?" Paulina asked, coming over to me, a small smile on her lips.

I was almost a regular here, coming in almost every week either after school or after work. I gave her my order, her brows rising at the amount of food. "Does that also include your boyfriend's order?"

I shook my head, "Skipped breakfast so I'm starving," I answered, giving her a quirk of my lips.

"Alright. Be right back," she pocketed her pen before turning. Pulling out my phone again, I found one message from Chris.