Strangers, Again

Specks

Specks by Matt Pond PA

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Y/N's POV

My parents are paying me a visit for the holidays. It's been a while since we spent it together, and I'm more than excited to pick them up later tonight. During the three years I spent in London, my mom was only able to pay me a visit once during the holidays, and my dad was deployed in Germany. A lot of those days were spent with my mom, and of course, Florence. They hit it off and the thought alone made me miss her more. I hope she's doing well.

I was so lost in my thoughts that I flinched out of fear when someone knocked on my door. When I opened the door, a smile lit up on my face. I didn't expect to see her here.

"Elizabeth?"

"Sorry to bother, but Maya practically dragged me in here."

I chuckled, "No, it's okay."

"Mom, I was right!" Maya exclaimed. "She still hasn't decorated her place."

Lizzie gave me a look, "Y/N..."

"I haven't gotten around to it because I've been... busy?" I lied.

"Yeah-yeah." She scoffed. "Can we come in?"

I gave her a slight nod before they entered my living room. I followed them, a bit sluggish because I feel slightly embarrassed that it's Christmas Eve tomorrow and I have yet to decorate my apartment.

"What do you have there, little bear?" I asked, pointing at a box container she's holding.

"Mom woke up extra early and made these Christmas cookies for you."

"She did?" I glanced at her.

Maya nodded, "She did. When I woke up, I found her in the kitchen singing and smiling so much. She looked so happy so I joined her and helped decorate."

I took another glance at her, who was standing awkward behind the little one, fidgeting because she was put on the spot. How cute.

"Can I have one?"

"Of course."

Maya opened the container eagerly, revealing vibrant, adorable Santa Claus and Reindeer cookies. I grabbed one that caught my eye and took a generous bite.

"Do you like it?" Lizzie asked.

"No." I finished chewing.

"Oh, I'm sorry."

"I love it." I smiled. "Loosen up a little, Elizabeth. I'm a sucker for your cookies."

"Her cookies are the best." Maya added.

Lizzie cleared her throat, "Maya brought something else for you. Well, for us."

"Ooooh, what is it?"

I kneeled to her level, and watched her excitedly pull three matching Christmas hats out of her backpack. She handed me one, but insisted she put it on me so I let her. She took hers and wore it herself. I took Lizzie's hat and dressed it on top of her head. She gave me a warm smile, which I reciprocated.

"Do you have Christmas decorations?" Maya asked.

"I do, little bear." I nodded. "Do you want to help me decorate?"

"Can we do that? Please?" She gave me her puppy dog eyes.

"Of course, let's do it!"

I was running around my apartment, in search of the boxes in which I kept all the trinkets and decorations. Lizzie teased me for being forgetful and that I didn't know my own apartment. When she found it, it only added fuel to the fire, and she practically laughed at me for looking with my mouth and not my eyes.