Little Things

Chapter 32

9am 26th December 2022

Leah POV

As the first light of Boxing Day morning seeped through the curtains of my childhood bedroom, I stirred awake, the familiar surroundings imbued with a newfound significance. Beside me, Bella's presence was a comforting weight, her steady breathing a soft counterpoint to the distant sounds of the house awakening. Just hours before, amidst the festive glow of Christmas lights and surrounded by the walls that had witnessed my journey from girlhood to the woman I was today, Bella had intertwined our futures with a simple, heartfelt proposal for us to move in together. Lying there, I felt the layers of my past and my hopes for the future blend in a beautiful, complex tapestry. This room, once a cocoon of my individual dreams and solitudes, now held the promise of shared dreams, a testament to the journey of love we were embarking on together. As Bella shifted closer in her sleep, unknowingly seeking my warmth, a profound sense of peace and anticipation enveloped me. This was more than just waking up beside the woman I loved on Boxing Day; it was waking up to a new chapter in my life, right where my story began.

The morning began with the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingling with the scent of bacon from the kitchen, where my mum would be bustling about, a conductor orchestrating a symphony of breakfast dishes. My dad and brother would be lounging in the living room, entangled in a debate about the football match upcoming this afternoon, their voices a familiar hum.

Leaving Bella fast asleep, I made my way downstairs and helped set the breakfast table, my heart danced to a rhythm of nervous excitement. Bella's presence in my family home felt like a delicate thread weaving through the fabric of my two worlds, intertwining them with hopeful vulnerability. I had shared snippets of my life with Bella, but today was about unveiling the full tapestry, each thread a story, a memory, a piece of my soul.

Bella came down the stairs, dressed my PJ's, which drowned her. She sleepily rubbed her eyes, whilst giving my dad and brother a welcoming smile. I watched as she wearily strolled into the kitchen. "Morning Amanda!" "Morning Bella darling." Mum responded whilst giving Bella a tight cuddle. Bella locked eyes with me over my mums shoulder, shooting me a wink. "Coffee love?" my mum asked, Bella simply responded with an eager nod.

Bella came and placed herself on my lap, giving my cheek a soft peck "morning my love" Bella spoke softly. I stared at her for a minute, taking in how absolutely perfect she was. "Morning Bels.' I responded, placing a gentle kiss on her forehead.

11.30am

B and I stepped out into the crisp winter morning, a sense of serene anticipation hanging in the air. Wrapped in our warmest coats and scarves, we were ready to embark on a cherished holiday tradition with my family dog, Bella, a lively golden Cocker Spaniel whose excitement for walks knew no bounds. The streets of the neighbourhood, still quiet from the holiday slumber, sparkled under a thin blanket of overnight snow, setting a picturesque scene for our outing. As Bella pranced ahead, her lead gently tugged in my grasp, we fell into an easy, comfortable rhythm, our breaths visible in the cold air. This walk was more than just a stretch of legs; it was a shared moment of tranquillity and connection, away from the buzz of family festivities. A chance for some alone time before our traditional family gathering that was planned for this afternoon. The world around us felt paused, suspended in the beauty of winter's embrace, as we moved through the landscape, our laughter and conversation weaving through the crisp air. It was in these simple, unguarded moments that we found the deepest joy, a testament to the strength and beauty of our bond, reaffirmed with each step we took together on that peaceful Boxing Day morning.

1.30pm

My family were due to arrive imminently. As I finished applying my mascara, I took a glance over at Bella. She had dressed carefully for the occasion, her outfit a thoughtful blend of comfort and style, perfectly in tune with the casual yet intimate tone of the day. Bella opting for a cream oversized jumper but a black skirt. She look hot. I giggled softly whilst catching her snapping a quick outfit pic.

I opted for blue jeans and a cream vest.

My family welcomed her with open arms, their warmth enveloping Bella like a soft blanket. My Grandma's hug was especially tight, infused with the silent message, a welcome that said, "You are family now."

Lunch unfolded with an ease that surprised me. Bella's charm was undeniable, her laughter blending seamlessly with my family's, as if it had always been part of the melody of our gatherings. We exchanged stories and shared jokes, the air thick with the aroma of baked goods and the warmth of shared smiles. I watched Bella, a sense of pride swelling in my heart. I had been anxious about how Bella would fit into the dynamics of my family, but it was clear that she was weaving her own thread, bright and strong.

As the day progressed, the Boxing Day traditions unfolded. We lounged in the living room, shared stories of past Christmases, and indulged in the comfort of being together. my father, a man of few words but deep emotions, pulled Bella aside to show her the family photo albums. I observed from a distance, my heart full. The gesture was a rite of passage, a silent nod of acceptance into the family.

As the day carried on into the evening, the sky painted in hues of pink and orange, I felt a quiet resolution settle in my heart. The day had been more than a series of traditions; it had been a journey of merging worlds, of reaffirming love, and of recognising the beauty in shared moments. Bella, now not just my girlfriend but a part of my family, was beside me, a testament to the power of love in bridging worlds and weaving new stories into the fabric of life.

I knew that the memories of this Boxing Day would be cherished, a chapter in our story that spoke of acceptance, love, and the beauty of shared traditions. As we moved into the warmth of living room, I felt a profound sense of belonging, not just to my family, but to a future Bella and I were building together, thread by delicate thread.