Bound To Falling In Love // Sadie Sink

17. To The Moon And Back

The following night played out similarly to the first one. Except, this time, Sadie had to restrain her girlfriend from going outside and making an igloo, by her words. The Redhead reasoned that they can play in the snow in the morning, which was met with a playful scoff from both Annabelle and Jacey.

Other than the urge to play in the still snowing weather outside, the whole family and Elle played games together, laughed and decorated the house. Something that Annabelle never thought she would enjoy, was now one of the best Christmases ever.

And yet, despite all the hot chocolate, the wrapping of gifts and hanging of stockings, 10 pm came faster than the previous night, and everyone was sent back to their rooms. With no one around the blonde to talk, the silence was almost as excruciating as the night prior. This time, she knew there would be no one to hold on to, no plushie to keep her company.

And the process began again, this time with tossing and turning and little sighs here and there. Her mind was preoccupied with loud thoughts about her family, despite knowing her brother was on her side. For the longest of times, she was jealous of his freedom, the fact that he managed to build his own life without having to rely on her family. She was very little when he left them, so the only thing she heard were her parent's versions. Which, at this point, she shouldn't have ever trusted.

Before she knew, her eyes were watering and the tears were beginning to get heavier with every single passing second. Should she just let it go, allow the panic attack to engulf her and control her body? It sounds easier, to just let go, but every time it happened her body shook violently with no signs of ever stopping.

Barely able to stand on her own, she got up from the bed and leaned on the wall. Annabelle wasn't just going to allow this to happen without putting a fair bit of fighting. Her left arm instinctively went to remove all the wet trails from her face. She had only one thing in her mind at this point, and she would do anything to make it happen.

Going as quietly as possible down the stairs, she soon found herself knocking on Sadie and her sister's door, praying to all the possible Gods that it would be her girlfriend answering and not her little sister.

Thankfully, her prayers were heard.

"Hey– oh, hey, Ellie, what's wrong?" The yawning Redhead in front of her questioned, her hands going to hold Bella's face and inspecting all the dark circles below her eyes.

"C-Can you be Mr. Robin for tonight?" The blonde whispered, her speech a bit slurred like she was drunk. And in a way, she was, her tears were drowning her voice entirely, and the sight almost broke the little composure Sadie had remaining. She immediately agreed, knowing exactly what her girlfriend wanted.

She slowly guided her to her room, both careful enough not to wake up anyone else in the house. The Redhead helped her get back in the bed, getting a warmer blanket from the dresser and joining her there. Her hands were wrapped tightly around the blonde girl's body, afraid that her fragile state would lead to something worse if she lets go.

"Thank you." The blonde girl whispered, her breathing finally beginning to even out. The Redhead hummed, just tightening the grip she had on her body and holding her like a stuffed toy in her arms.

"It's Christmas tomorrow, you know?" Sadie's soft voice filled the otherwise black surroundings, almost lightening the corners with how warm she was. "We get to play in the snow, make snowmen, eat cookies, put on warm and ugly christmas sweatshirts and watch stupid movies. Sounds fun, don't you think?"

"Yeah." Elle sighed, her head resting in the crook of Sadie's neck. Her voice sounded broken, most likely due to all the quiet whimpers that managed to find their way out before she went to her room.