"Do you have any plans for Christmas?" he whispered, gently playing with her fingers as they lay side by side on the grass, still damp from the lake, looking up at the vast expanse of stars. After climbing out of the water, they had decided to lay there for a while, allowing their clothes to air-dry before heading back to camp. Their bottoms still lay to the side, along with her flashlight, now turned off; the stars were enough to dimly light the area.
She smiled, turning her head to look at him. "We never really celebrate Christmas at my house," she said, before looking back up at the sky. "Both my parents are going to be on business trips... so I guess I'll be spending it alone... again." She whispered the last part, a note of sadness in her voice, even though they never truly spent Christmas as a family.
She wished they could be like the families she saw in Christmas movies, decorating trees together, opening beautifully wrapped presents full of excitement on Christmas morning. But sadly, that wasn't the case. She let out a heavy sigh, forcing herself to push the sadness away.
"I'm sure my parents would love to have you over for Christmas. They may even buy you a present or two... I mean, if you wanna come," he said, turning his head to look at her, his voice soft and hopeful. He had to admit, even though his parents worked a lot, they always made sure to have holidays and both his and Alex's birthdays off, which he was always happy for. He was sure his parents wouldn't mind seeing Emma on Christmas.
She couldn't help but smile at the invitation, her heart swelling with warmth. "Thanks, I would love to, but please let them know they really don't need to buy me anything."
He nodded, his eyes scanning over her face before looking back up at the stars. "I'll let them know, but they'll probably still get you something. I'll pick you up Christmas morning." She loved the fact that his parents really seemed to like her.
She rolled over onto her chest, laying her head on her crossed arms. "And you don't have to get me anything either, if you don't want, but if you do, please don't make it expensive, got it?" She pointed her finger at him. He simply hummed, smiling. By the look on his face, she could tell her words went in one ear and out the other, and he would probably end up getting her something anyway.
"My birthday is a few days after anyway. My parents will be back on my birthday for some party they are going to throw for me," she mentioned, rolling her eyes playfully before letting out a yawn. She was starting to feel slightly tired. She was so happy she ran into Blake tonight; it completely took her mind off the scary stories from earlier.
He rolled over, copying her position. "Two questions: When's your birthday? And I'm guessing I'm not invited, huh?"
She laid her face to the side, facing him with closed eyes. "January 1st, and you really don't have to give me a gift, but you're always invited to come to my party. My parents can just deal with it." She let out another yawn, trying hard to fight back sleep, but she was fading.
He grinned, watching as she slowly drifted off to sleep. Leaning closer, he softly kissed her pouty lips. "Night, Emma." He gently cuddled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her to keep her warm and close before his eyes started to slowly flutter closed, succumbing to the peaceful night.
YOU ARE READING
It Started With Hello
Romance***** Emma Pear knew she wasn't the most popular girl in high school. Her nose was usually buried in a textbook, and her grades were as spotless as her reputation for always following the rules. "Nerd" was a label she'd long since embraced. Her pare...
