After the storm [Finished]

22- Christmas (Part 1)

Christmas approached fast. This time we were going by car.

Ryan was driving while I sat in the co-driver seat reading webtoons. He was super quiet since the previous day. That made me a bit uncomfortable because I didn't know if he was angry, upset, or what. I tried to talk to him before leaving the apartment but he said he wasn't in the mood to talk at that moment so I left him be.

Midway to Boston, we stopped at a gas station to grab something to eat. Both overslept so didn't have time for breakfast.

"Ryan, did something happen?". I asked sipping my latte, we were in the car.

"Nothing, why do you ask?"

"You know you have been moody since yesterday".

"Yeah, but it's not like something happened. I just don't like Christmas".

"Can I ask why?" He sighed and I knew it was because of Alex.

"It's not easy to explain, every Christmas was heartbreaking for me since I was 17. I've realized that there are so many things I got to hate because of Alex... I actually liked Christmas before".

"What else do you hate because of him?" I adventured to ask.

"Valentine's day. He was always with someone different that day, I never spent Valentine's day with him... I can understand it though, we weren't together either".

"I see.. But yeah, your relationship was cracked. If it comforts you, I hate it too".

"Why?"

"I was actually in a relationship and never spent Valentine's day with him either. He always had an event or something".

"That's sad... I don't like New Year either, Mother's day either, Father's day too".

"Is there a festivity you like?" I giggled since he was mentioning all of them.

"Halloween is fun". I nodded.

"You're spending Christmas with me this year though, can you try to be a bit more open-minded? Maybe you end up like it again".

"Oh... you're setting expectations". He laughed for the first time in days.

"Oh, shut up. I'm just saying that maybe you'll have fun this year". I munched my donut.

"By the way, what did you bring in that bag?" He looked at the back seat.

"Gifts".

"Gifts?"

"Yeah, gifts for your parents, your brother, and you". Yes, his brother was coming from England for Christmas.

"Cute", he giggled.

"Don't try to mess with me. How is your sandwich?" I looked at his breakfast.

"Do you want some?" I nodded and he took it to my mouth. I bit it.

"It's good".

"We should stop here tomorrow too".

"Yeah! Let's do that".

When we got to Boston, his brother received us. Ryan got super happy; he hugged Marcus with a huge smile on his face. It was the first time I saw him acting like that towards someone. We introduced each other and I followed them into the house.

His parents welcomed me politely; it felt weird but nice. The conversation went smoothly while we had dinner. I could feel stares at me every now and then but that was completely expectable since it was the first time I was there, and more importantly, the first time Ryan went with a girlfriend to his parent's house.