the Christmas crown

twenty

this one is a long one- and it's kinda a rollercoaster if u will...ENJOY :)

Nini's pov

My eyes squint open as I rub them, trying to clear my vision. My eyes were hurting and dry. I felt absolutely exhausted. I wasn't able to sleep last night...I probably only got about 2 hours of sleep. I couldn't get him out of my head all night. I just wanted to be cuddled up next to him.

I sigh as I get out of my bed and stroll into my bathroom. I wash my face and choose to not put my contacts in. I didn't want to stick anything in my blood-shot eyes. I had no energy to apply make-up so besides the pink lip-balm on my lips, I looked like a zombie. I change into leggings and a large hoodie. I debated on putting my boots on to make me look a little more put together...but I ended up just slipping on my tennis shoes.

After I finished getting ready, I walked out of my bedroom and began walking down the hall. I slow down my pace as I pass by Ricky's room. I take a deep breath and continue walking. I walk into the room where the dinner will be happening to make sure everything is going well. Christmas is in like four days...I'm praying everything is good because I can't handle anything else.

When I walk in, I feel relieved that the place looks neat and clean. But then someone comes running up to me.

"Miss Roberts?", they speak.

"Yeah?"

"I have some bad news..."

I groan, "Great...what is it?"

"You know Kate?"

I nervously nod, "Yes...she's supposed to cater?"

They shake their head, "Not anymore...she had to cancel. Apparently, she got sick, and the workers are all feeling under the weather. The diner is closed through Christmas day."

I run my hands through my hair as my stress levels build up. I stay silent as I try to think about what to do. I really didn't need this...not today at least.

"What meals were the king and queen requesting?", I ask.

"Um...I believe it was steak and mashed potatoes with asparagus. Spaghetti with meatballs and garlic bread. And the last option was chicken parmesan with noodles."

"All of that?!", I exclaim.

The person nods, "Yeah...they said they wanted diversity and options for the guests."

I nod and bite my lip, "Okay thanks..."

I groan as I walk away. When I exit the dinner room, I see Gina and Kourtney walking down the stairs. I immediately put my head down and try to get past them. But, of course that doesn't work.

"Nini?", they question.

I look up and barley smile at them. I just wanted to be alone. There's too much on my mind.

"Are you good, girl? You look like you walked through a tornado?", Kourtney asks.

I nod, forcing a smile, "I'm fine- just...a lot going on right now."

I feel a lump forming in my throat when I think of everything. Although there's only two things happening right now...both of them together is like the weight of a million things. My eyes are threatening to let tears fall but I blink multiple times, trying to push them back.

"What happened now? I thought everything was set?", Gina asks.

I sigh, "I thought so too...but a-apparently Kate got sick, and the diner is closed through Christmas."