12 Days Until Christmas✔️

6 Days until Christmas

After recovering from my shocking discovery, the gang decided that it was time to go home since it was kind of late and they had family plans for tomorrow. As soon as they were all gone, I jumped into my pyjamas and went to sleep.

^^^^^

Nothings better than waking up to the smell of pancakes. Especially chocolate chip pancakes. And being the lucky person I am, I was woken up by the smell of pancakes. My feet, clad in bunny slippers, shuffle across the floor and down the stairs towards the kitchen. There standing by the stove, is my mother making her famous chocolate chip pancakes. I feel like I haven't seen her in ages, what with my schoolwork and her work. I walk up behind her and wrap my arms around her waist. She must have known I was behind her because she didn't seem shocked.

"Morning Mom." I whisper, still a bit sleepy.

"Morning my baby. How many pancakes would you like?" she asks.

I awaken completely at the question and reply with an enthusiastic. "All please." She lets out a small laugh and puts 2 of the chocolate pancakes on a plate for now. I hear footsteps behind me and turn to see Kate walking into the kitchen. Her hair is a bushy mess and her usually matching pyjamas are mismatched. I've hardly seen her this week and every time I see her she looks a mess. She might be sick because I heard that she went to the doctor yesterday. Mom puts 2 pancakes on a plate for Kate who sits down next to me without a sound.

I pick up my fork and start to devour the heavenly pancakes in front of me. The chocolaty goodness melts in my mouth and I let out a satisfied moan. Without knowing, dad comes into the kitchen to get his helping of chocolate chip pancakes and moves into the lounge with mom. After 3 extra servings, I sit back and pat my full stomach. Kate is still eating next to me and this whole she hasn't said anything. She looks deep in thought, staring into space.

I start to feel thirsty, so I make my way to the fridge to find a red note taped to it. With a smile I take it and open it. On the note it says:

Juliet,

This is your 7th clue:

Your favourite animal.

Your secret admirer xoxo

That's an easy one. My favourite animal is a dog. Dog? Jack! Quickly, I make my way outside in search of Jack. Finally, I find him lying under the shade of the tree and make my way towards him. As soon as he hears my footsteps, he lifts his head and makes his way towards me. Something on his collar shines in the sun light so I bend down to investigate. A cute dog paw charm hangs on it and the red card is rolled into a scroll around the material of the collar. I unclip the charm and unravel the note from the collar to read it.

Juliet

You are an amazing girl with a love for animals. Most girls wouldn't go near and animal but you're different. In a good way, of course.

Your secret admirer xoxo

P.S. dogs are my favourite animals too.

With a smile, I look back at Jack. He's looking a bit chubby so a walk will do him good. I quickly go upstairs to change and put the charm onto the bracelet. I put the red card along with the others in my bottom drawer. When I'm ready I go back outside to fetch Jack. He went back to lying under the tree. I go to grab his leash and start making my way over to him. "Jack!" I call. He immediately perks up at the sound of my voice and comes running towards me. I put his leash on and make my way through the back door leading back into the kitchen.

Kate's still in the kitchen but now she's dressed and she looks as if she's waiting for someone. When she sees me coming inside, her eyes drift from me to Jack as if deciding on something. When she's made her decision, she looks back at me.