"All I want for Christmas iiisss yooooou!!!" Alex sang loudly while spinning around in a circle, making Emma smile. She was happy that putting up this Christmas tree seemed to be lifting his mood. It wasn't hard putting up the tree together. Alex even told her he was happy she was there to help them. She never put up a tree with her family before; they never really celebrated the holidays. It was definitely a fun experience to do with Alex and Blake—no pressure to put ornaments in a particular spot or to use certain colors.
The ornaments they chose to place on the tree were a mix of red, green, and silver—the classic Christmas colors. The lights were warm and dimly lit.
The tree was almost fully decorated now. The ornaments were all on the tree along with the lights; the only part that was missing was the star on top.
Blake took a step back, nodding in approval of the tree before picking up the star from one of the boxes. "You wanna put this star up, or what?" Alex grinned as Blake passed him the star. The tree was much taller than him, but he began trying to jump to put it on top. She laughed behind her hand before gesturing Blake to help him out. If he didn't, they would be here all day. As Alex jumped, Blake put his hands on his waist, lifting him up to place the star neatly on top.
As Blake set him back on the ground, he stepped back, grinning. "It looks so good, guys!" Alex looked between them before running up to her, hugging her tightly around the waist, surprising her. She looked down at him "Thank you, Miss Pear," he whispered into her shirt. She smiled slightly before looking up to meet Blake's eyes.
He smiled, looking at them before walking into the kitchen. She wrapped her arms around Alex. "You're welcome, Alex." He pulled away, grinning. Blake came back with a bottle of water, sitting on the couch, taking a sip.
Alex walked over to the boxes of decorations sitting on the ground, putting the extra decor back into their boxes. "I hope Blake marries you and you stay around forever. I usually don't like girls, but you're alright," he said casually as if it was the most simple thing to say.
Blake choked on his water, bending over slightly, coughing while Emma stared wide-eyed at Alex. Alex turned his head, looking confused at them. He was confused at why they were suddenly acting so weird. "What?... What is it? What did I say? You guys are dating, right?" Blake shook his head at his brother's sudden question, unable to even talk.
"Well," this conversation had definitely taken a quick turn. "No... no, we're not together, Alex," Emma said for Blake while he wiped his mouth. Alex scratched the top of his head. "But you're always around, and you're so nice to me. Isn't that what couples do...?" Blake rubbed his hands over his face, not wanting to have this conversation with his 9-year-old brother.
Emma shifted from side to side awkwardly. "I mean, yes, but it's more complicated than that," Blake started to say before Alex cut him off "What's so complicated about it?" The room fell silent a moment while Emma looked between them. Alex looked over at her innocently. It's not like she could just tell him, hey, my parents literally hate your brother and the times I am over here, I'm not even supposed to be over here... like right now.
Now she couldn't tell him all that. "Um, I should really get going home now. My parents are probably having a fit right now." She looked side-eyed at Blake as he stood up, blowing out a breath. He looked down at Alex as Blake continued to watch him "Will you be okay here on your own a few minutes?"
Alex nodded, putting an ornament back into the box. "Yeah, I'll be alright. I'll see you later, Miss Pear. I didn't mean to make it weird; I just thought you guys were together," he pouted cutely, looking up at her.
She ruffled his hair lightly. "It's alright, Alex. All it was, was a question you didn't know. I'll see you later, okay?" She smiled, and he returned it while Blake opened up the door for her. She waved at Alex before walking outside. As soon as they got inside Blake's car, he leaned his head against the wheel "I can't believe he said that." She laughed softly, rubbing his arm.
"He's just a kid; he doesn't understand," she said, which was true. Alex was only 9; she would probably think the same thing if she was him. She didn't mind not having labels or anything with Blake. Sure, it would be nice to have, but she knew how he felt, and she would hope by now he would know she really liked him. Blake wasn't the player type, so she really didn't have anything to worry about.
"Yeah, a nosey kid... you sure you're ready to go back home?"
She nodded. She had to go back home at some point. He started the car, and he headed towards her house.
"Yeah, I have to go back at some point, plus I have work tonight and need a change of clothes." He pulled up outside her house; the lights were on. She guessed her parents were home. Just the thought alone made her anxiety go to 100. Her hands slightly shook on her lap.
He reached over and gripped them softly. She looked up into his eyes.
"You still have the phone I gave you. If you need me, call me, and I'll come running." She smiled, nodding her head before opening the car door "Wish me luck," she whispered.
"Good luck." She stepped out of the car, walking up the stairs to the front door. She looked back at him, still watching her from the car, before knocking softly, honestly hoping no one was home so she could turn and run back into Blake's arms. But this was reality, and she had to face this head-on. As the door swung open, she honestly didn't know if she was ready to face reality or not.
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...
