Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forgetting

Goodbye Doesn't Mean Forgetting: Part 26

The days flew by and before I knew it, Christmas Eve was upon us. Otea was running around the house all day, getting excited because Santa would soon be here. JJ and I were like two little children as we too were excited for Santa to come. Ok I know what you're thinking, surely we're old enough to know that Santa doesn't exist, well you're right but I guess that without Santa, Christmas just wouldn't be Christmas. On Christmas Eve morning, JJ and I were woken up to Otea running into our room and jumping on the bed, screaming that it was snowing outside. As soon as JJ and I heard, we looked at each other and jumped out of bed straight away, rushing towards the window, fighting to get a glance at the falling snow flakes. We all ran downstairs, put our coats and wellies on, running outside into the garden. We stood in amazement looking up at the sky. I was trying to catch some snow flakes in my mouth, I got so concentrated in the game that I forgot about the pole in front of me and decided to walk into it. JJ laughed and came to check that I was ok. For the rest of the day, we spent it playing in the snow. JJ and I took Otea to the park sledging, had a family snowball fight in the garden and built a small family of snowmen. However, it was the night of Christmas eve that was the most magical. The whole family gathered around the television with their hot chocolate, cream and marshmallows. JJ's dad pressed play on the remote control and the polar express began to play. It had to be my favorite Christmas film. When it was over, I helped Otea set out her milk and cookies for Santa and then her parents sent her up to bed shortly following her. That left JJ and I cuddling up in front of the fire.

"This time last year, I was sat here thinking about you"

"Really?"

"Mhm, I was sat thinking about what you were doing and how you were, what were you doing?"

"I was at George's house with my mum I think" I laughed.

I snuggled unto him and we watched the snowflakes continue to fall. It was getting later and later so we decided to go to bed. As I walked past Otea's room, I noticed that the light had been left on. As I peeped my head around the door, I saw Otea sat looking out of her bedroom window, trying to catch a small glimpse of Santa and his reindeer's. I sighed and walked over to her, sitting next to her.

"He wont come if he knows your awake you know" I whispered, stroking her hair.

"Bu...But I just want to say hello"

"I know sweetie, but you don't want to wake up tomorrow and for there to be no presents for you"

"No..."

We continued to look out of the window, I was trying to think of a way to get her to bed and to get her to go to sleep, fast.

"Ohh what's that" I gasped.

"What's what?" She asked alarmed.

"Can you not hear the bells?"

"No..."

"He's here, hurry up and get in bed quick, he'll be coming to check you're sleeping"

Otea's face lit up, she gave me a kiss on the cheek and dived into bed. I tucked her in quickly and gave her a kiss on the forehead, turning off her light and leaving her room. I breathed a sigh of relief and got into bed with JJ, his hugs and cuddles warming me up.

"You're a natural with her"

"You think so?"

"I know so, she looks up to you"

"I love her, I treat her like one of my own"

"You're going to be an amazing mum, you know that?"

"And you're going to be an amazing dad" I replied.

I gave him a passionate kiss on the lips and settled down into a deep sleep.