Love Beyond Borders [ON-GOING]

CHAPTER 10: CHRISTMAS EVE

The power of getting to know one another is so immense, eclipsed only by first getting to know ourselves.

― Bryant McGill, Voice of Reason

NOAH'S POV

I woke up early, eager to prepare breakfast for Eileen. She was still sleeping, probably exhausted from her long flight and the time zone change.

I remembered her mentioning that she had taken a two-week vacation for Christmas.

As I cooked, the aroma filled the kitchen, and I couldn't help but smile.

"What is that smell? It smells so good!" Eileen exclaimed as she sat down at the table, her hair slightly tousled from sleep.

"We're having buffalo chicken! It's the only thing I'm really good at frying chicken or cooking the steak you had last night," I replied, trying to keep the mood light.

She laughed, a sound that warmed my heart. "You know, you're cute when you're frying that chicken," she said, smiling at me.

We started eating, and I couldn't stop staring at her. She looked like an angel, sent from heaven just for me.

I wish I had used my own photo when I first chatted with her. She seemed so kind and open, not someone who would judge by appearances.

Should I tell her the truth about my identity? The thought made me anxious. I was terrified that if she found out I was the one she had been chatting with all this time, instead of Draven, it would crush her.

After breakfast, Eileen suggested we go shopping for Christmas Eve. I nodded eagerly, excited for the day ahead.

When she came down the stairs, ready to go, I was struck by how beautiful she looked. My heart sank a little, knowing she was likely shopping for Draven.

We hopped into my Ford 2000 S and drove a few minutes to the shopping center. As we entered, I noticed a fro-yo stand at the entrance and decided to ask her if she wanted some before we started shopping. I wanted to savor every moment together.

Inside the shopping center, the festive spirit was palpable, with holiday decorations and cheerful shoppers everywhere.

But as I watched Eileen enjoy herself, a twinge of discomfort crept in. I felt like an outsider, even though we were together.

We browsed through clothing store after clothing store. Eileen seemed so absorbed in picking out gifts for Draven that I felt excluded.

Needing a moment to myself, I told her I needed to use the bathroom and made a quick detour to a gift store.

I scanned the shelves and spotted a piece of jewelry that caught my eye. It was perfect! I couldn't wait to surprise her with it.

I quickly purchased the gift and headed back to Eileen, hiding the box behind my back so she wouldn't notice.

When I returned, she had already bought a few items for Draven. I decided to help her carry the bags, cleverly tucking my gift among her purchases.

After a successful shopping trip, we headed back to the car.

"Hey, do you think Draven will like the things I bought for him?" Eileen asked, her eyes bright with excitement.

"I think he will. He's lucky to have you! You put in so much effort," I replied, hiding the envy creeping into my heart.

As we drove back, we made small talk, but I was lost in my thoughts. All I wanted was to spend Christmas with her. Was that too much to ask?

Once we got back home, I quickly hid the gift in one of my drawers, glancing at Eileen, who had settled onto the sofa. She looked tired and soon fell asleep. I wanted to kiss her, but I respected her boundaries.

"Eileen, wake up! You can go to your room and make yourself comfortable," I said gently, but she didn't respond. She looked so peaceful.

As I tucked her in, I noticed she mumbled Draven's name in her sleep. Even in her dreams, he occupied her thoughts.

Afterward, I went back downstairs, poured myself a drink, and sank into my lazy boy, daydreaming about what it would be like to have her as mine. I took a few sips too many and drifted off, forgetting the gift in my hand.

AUTHOR'S POV

A few hours later, Eileen returned downstairs to find Noah fast asleep. In his hand, she spotted a small box with a gift card attached that read, "To Eileen." A smile spread across her face as she quietly tiptoed back upstairs, not wanting to disturb him.

NOAH'S POV

The next morning, I woke with a start, glancing down at my hand and the gift I had almost forgotten. Panic set in, and I jumped up, rushing upstairs to check on Eileen.

When I opened her bedroom door, I found her still fast asleep, and relief washed over me. "She didn't see the gift," I thought, feeling a little foolish for worrying.

Today was Christmas Eve, a day I could spend with her one last time before she returned to Draven, the man she had fallen for.

I cooked breakfast, and when I looked up, Eileen was standing by the table, her eyes wide with hunger.

"Are you excited to see Draven?" I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.

Her face lit up, and she replied, "Yes! I've been waiting for this for so long. I traveled all this way just to meet him, even leaving my job back home."

Hearing those words peeled my heart. I wished I could be the one she loved, not Draven. But how could I compete with a guy she had been dreaming of for so long?

AUTHOR'S NOTE: Special mention to the person who helps me to build this chapter; his Instagram is @mighael_vd_westhuizen. He will help me to make the whole story. But I hope you guys love reading this chapter.