More than a friend

Chapter 9

 "Lottie! You're awake!" screeched Ellie, hugging her by the neck "If you didn't I would teach that doctor a lesson," Everyone had gifts in their arms, the falling snow visible from the window completed the Christmas spirit. 

Lottie felt relieved to wake up from her sleep and see familiar faces. When she fell back drowsing, she thought she would lose all her strength to live. The intimate voices of her best friends relaxed her view, everything she needed was right in front of her; family. 

"Since you're awake, we can exchange gifts now!" Lola squealed, her light hair bouncing as she moved "As of your command, of course." Lottie beamed from her bed, she felt better; stronger even. She gave a simple nod that motioned the entire room. Her eyes locked at Jamie's hesitantly, the golden flecks in his eyes flaring a sweet yet regretful smile. She immediately looked away, feeling her cheeks go hot. In surprise, She turned to see Saskia handing her a red gift box with yellow ribbon tied ever so elegantly on the top 

"Merry Christmas from your Secret Santa!" she smiled, giggling as Lottie tore up the wrapping paper revealing a golden chain bracelet, 10 peachy crystal hearts dangling from it. "Each heart has one of our names on it, see?"  Saskia pointed at the heart with her name on engraved in gold. 

"This is gorgeous! Thank you, Saskia," 

Lottie put the bracelet on her wrist and admired its blinding glow. Ellie had received a black over-sized hoodie from Percy and was putting it on with glee. Lottie locked her eyes on Jamie again, he was handing Binah her gift; a yellow notebook collection. Binah was already scribbling on the first pages. Everyone was still running chaotically around the room, looking for their Secret Santa, it was the perfect moment to say....

"Ok ok, my turn!" Lottie squealed, beaming brightly. Seeing as not all her friends had received a gift yet, it would still be a surprise turn of events to Jamie. They all had paused the moment those words escaped her lips, turning around to face her with a shared expression of concern.

"Lottie, don't think like you need to give this person a gift; whoever they are, they are sure to understand." Micky sighed, squeezing the light pink present box wrapped around in his arms. Lottie smiled "No no, I have the perfect gift planned, just don't exchange any gifts yet, I want it to be a surprise."

Softly, she looked up at Jamie with a hearty gaze; he stared at her back, his eyes showing her. his confusion. She sat up on the hospital bed, eyes following her every step. All movement in her body stopped when she became face to face with Jamie, his messy dark hair falling in front of his hazel eyes. Lottie pushed his hair back and stroked his cheeks.

"Lottie, what are you-"

Before he could finish his question, Lottie grabbed his head and pressed her lips against his. Their bodies melted into a heavenly bond, closing their eyes and letting the happiness taking over them. Lottie no longer worried about everyone's jaw-dropping stares, just the boy in front of her of whom she was in love with. Lottie felt the tight grip of Jamie's fingers on her waist pull her closer towards him, it felt like a warm and joyful paradise. The two pulled away, leaving a bright smile on each others faces. Lottie took his hand and squeezed it hard "Merry Christmas from your Secret Santa. I love you too, Jamie Volk," she whispered, intertwining her fingers with his. Jamie looked perplexed but happy at the same time; her eyes were sparkling with elation. It was perfectly silent until two voices yelled completely different things.

"Aww how romantic!"

"What the hell?!"