After a few weeks, everyone at the zoo knew that Robert and I were formally dating. Terri and Bindi were both overjoyed for us. Terri had said that if her kid was going to date anyone, she was delighted it was me. Despite my gratitude, I was still handled in the same manner as previously. I continued to do my job and pull my weight around the zoo.
It's officially December 22nd, and this was my last shift before Christmas vacation began. Almost all of my school buddies left yesterday when the university closed for the summer. A kiss is planted on the back of my neck, and a set of arms wrap around my waist. The familiar touch makes me grin.
"I just wanted to wish you a Merry Christmas before the holidays started; this might be my last chance before you head back to NSW for Christmas."
I hadn't told anyone that I would be spending Christmas alone this year. I didn't want to be pitied. Everyone thought I'd be home for Christmas, and I didn't correct them.
"I want to meet your family, so why don't you introduce me to them over FaceTime?"
Okay, now I have to be honest. I turn around to face Robert. Who instantly loses his smile when he sees my glum appearance.
"I have something to confess." If I didn't have his undivided attention before, I certainly do now. "I'm not actually going to be in NSW for Christmas; my parents are taking me and my younger siblings to visit my eldest brother in Oregon, and my other siblings are spending time with their significant others." Robert's smile had faded completely.
"So, you're going to be alone for Christmas; then why did you tell people you were going home for Christmas?"
"Technically, I never said I was going home; people just assumed I was, and I didn't say anything."
"But why wouldn't you tell me?"
"Because I don't want anyone's pity." Robert draws me close and holds me tightly. I bury my face in his shirt, which smells faintly of perspiration but also of Robert.
Later that evening
I received a phone call from Robert as I was getting ready for bed.
"You must pack your belongings."
"Excuse me?"
"You'll be spending both Christmas and New Year's Eve with us." So, on Christmas Eve, you all come to us, and you'll take the guest bedroom till New Years."
"Robert, please slow down; you're confusing me."
"Well, after you left, I went and told my mother, Chandler, and Bindi about your Christmas situation, and they all wanted you to spend it with us." We typically spend it with my mother's family, but this year we're staying here with you. Bindi is already excited about it."
"I'm not getting out of this, am I?"
"No."
"Well, then, I'd be honored to spend Christmas with you and your family."
Christmas Eve
I go up the path towards Irwin's house. With my bag in one hand and a suitcase in the other, the door opens and out comes Robert before I can even knock.
"Hey, and Merry Christmas Eve." Robert embraces me. I return the embrace as best I can with my bags. Robert hastily takes my luggage from my grasp and carries it into the house, leaving me with only the container. The Irwin's' home mirrors their personalities; it's welcoming and welcoming. There is a large house with a combined kitchen, dining area, and living room. The steps are located on the opposite side of the wall.
"Mum, Bindi, and Chandler are just out doing some work; they'll be right back." I swiftly gave the container to Robert, remembering it in my palm.
"I wasn't sure what to get you for Christmas, so I baked you and the others some cookies." I went shopping yesterday and bought the ingredients. I even came across some animal cookie cutters.
"Wow, the others are going to love it; I'm sure of it, especially Grace." Robert quickly took me up the stairs to the bedrooms. He pointed out the bathroom, his room, Terri's room, Bindi's former room, and the guest room at the very end.
"We're having a barbeque tonight; Chandler's cooking steaks, burgers, snags, and tonnes of other stuff." Robert places my suture on the bed.
"I'll go ahead and leave you to unpack and get settled." This Christmas will be fantastic. I can tell already.
Christmas with the Irwin's was incredible-better than any other Christmas I'd ever experienced.
January 2nd
I had just returned to my aunt and uncle's apartment complex. I now lived just next door to them in my own flat. My school pals were all returning in a few days. It had been an incredible Christmas with Robert and his family. They treated me like I was a member of the family from the moment I arrived.
Chandler put on a Christmas Eve BBQ that could serve 500 people. And then there was Christmas. It was fantastic because the park was deserted, which meant I could assist with all of the exhibitions. I swear I'm in love with the park more than ever before; if I could, I'd spend the rest of my life there. We all chipped in for Christmas lunch; you couldn't have asked for a finer Christmas break.
New Year's Eve was also a fun time, with another BBQ, champagne, sparklers, and so on. I was also celebrating my 88.4% on my examinations, which equated to an A on all of my papers, and my 3.8 GPA, which qualified me to continue for the autumn term. My mother had given me a large box. It had gifts from her, my father, siblings and sisters, grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and some from my pals in New South Wales. Overall, it was a wonderful Christmas. Let us hope that the coming year is filled with wonderful events.
YOU ARE READING
Working at Australia Zoo
AventuraTara, a young woman of 18 from New South Wales, is passionate about saving animals worldwide. She moves to Brisbane to live with one of her aunts while she begins her new educational path. But for her, a lot is about to change. She is now travelling...