London Has Your Eyes

Chapter 60. Max

Oh, those two drive me crazy. Seriously. How two adults can arrange this constant drama, I never understood. It seems simple to me. They got together, they moved in together, but Mom, like always, starts looking for excuses where they aren't needed.

I'm used to Daniel, to be honest. He's actually not a bad guy. Of course, at first the very fact of its existence infuriated me, but gradually we became friends, found common topics, and somehow it got better. He doesn't try to educate me (and who would let him), but he can help with advice. Well, in extreme cases, I can transfer my mother's fire to him.

I'm out of the house when they start arguing about moving. The cold wind blows in from the first second, so I cringe and head for the nearest coffee shop for a cup of hot coffee.

While the barista makes me a latte, I sit at a small table by the window, peering into the bustle of the city. London is slowly getting ready for Christmas. The decorations were already appearing on the streets. The coffee shop is also dressed up, yellow garlands create comfort, and it suddenly dawns on me that we still haven't put up a Christmas tree.

We used to put it up in the middle of the month, right after Mom's birthday. But then we only celebrated the new year, not Christmas. And now we have an Englishman living with us, and apparently Christmas will pop in for a visit. I have no idea how they celebrate it. I'll have to ask Daniel.

And most importantly, we have to figure out what to get my mom for her birthday. Of course, she'll start waving it off again and saying she won't be celebrating, but I know her too well. Her eyes light up like a little girl's when she accepts congratulations. Deep down, she's excited about the day, even though she's showing off on the outside.

- Anton, hi. I need help, - I say, dialling the number almost my stepfather.

- You don't know how to surprise girlfriend? - he hums. Ha-ha, joke of the year.

- Screw you! It's not about girlfriends. My mom's birthday is coming up. And I'm kind of stuck, I don't know what to get her this year, to be honest. I think she's got everything, and it's kind of late for homemade cards, - I joke.

- Yeah, I've been wondering the same thing. I want to get her something to make her happy all year long. Do you know what her plans are? - He asks.

- I have no idea. Right now she and Daniel are either going to break up or move in together. A lot depends on that.

- They're... they're what? You said they're going to live together? - Anton's obviously nervous.

- Well, sort of. When I left the house, Daniel insisted on calling us to his place, and Mom resisted. I don't know how it ended. I didn't want to be there for their showdown, if you know what I mean. So I'm sitting here in the coffee shop, thinking about the holidays to come. By the way, are you celebrating Christmas? - I ask him.

- I have for the last two years. Usually we used to go to Olivia's parents. But she's not here this year, so I can just hang out in a pub and have a good time. What are your thoughts on New Year's Eve?

- I have no idea. I have to take my exams early. I'll ask my mom to send me off to Russia a little earlier. Maybe right before Christmas. And then she'll fly me in on New Year's Eve. Hmm, that's genius. Then she gets to spend Christmas with Daniel and New Year's with me! I'm smart as hell.

- Haha, modesty is not your strong suit. That's not a bad plan. Okay, find out your mother's plans for the near future, it'll help me with her birthday present. All right? - He asks.

- Deal, man, - I answer, ending the call.

The barista calls my name, and I finally take a sip of hot coffee. It feels so good! My body starts to warm up right from the inside. I put my headphones in my ears, turn on the music and go outside.