Love at First Sight? - Walker Scobell

Chapter 8

Christmas break was finally here. Even though that first semester was arguably the best one I've had, I was still exhausted and was excited for Christmas break.

Eva was going to her grandparents' house in the mountains. Teagan was going to Kansas to see her cousins. Charlotte was going to Boulder to see her family. Eloise was going to Washington because that's where the majority of her extended family was from. Adam was going back to Minnesota to see some of his old friends and family.

However, Walker and I were staying at our own houses for the break. Our family was coming to us.

My mom was interested in getting together with Walker's family sometime during the break, so she scheduled a dinner with Mrs. Scobell. Their family was going to come over and have dinner at our place on the 28th.

That Christmas was just like every other one; we woke up, ate a celebratory breakfast of cinnamon rolls and hot cocoa, and then opened stockings and presents. I got a handful of books, clothes, and things like that.

But I would say that the best part of my day is when Walker called me to say merry Christmas.

When I picked up the call, I heard a loud, "Merry Christmas!" I could just imagine Walker's huge grin as he said that.

"Merry Christmas," I said back. "How's it been for you?"

"Pretty good. My grandparents are over, so it's a bit chaotic, but it's not too bad," he replied. "How about you?"

"Just like every other Christmas," I said.

"What does that mean?"

"I just got a bunch of books and clothes and stuff."

"Ah, I see."

"Did you get anything interesting?"

"About the same as you, but I still am super happy about what I got."

"Yeah, me too."

We talked for a little while longer. Leena took Walker's phone at one point and wished me a merry Christmas, which was sweet.

Eventually, I had to go, but it was okay because I would be seeing him again in three days when our families met up for dinner.

My mom was going to be making spinach ravioli, one of my favorite dishes. The Scobells were bringing dessert, and I had a snack stashed away in my room for only Walker and I to share.

I was setting the table when I heard the doorbell ring.

"I'll get it!" Dillan exclaimed and rushed over to the door.

When the door opened, I saw the five Scobells, Walker's little brother Tanner, who was around Dillan's age, holding a platter of brownies.

"Hey guys!" My dad greeted them and introduced himself to Mr. Scobell.

"Hi Aaliyah," said Walker, as he slipped off his Air Jordans.

"Hey," I replied. It was kind of awkward talking to a guy in front of my parents, considering how strict they were about that sort of thing. However, both my parents were occupied in their own conversations.

"Hey, Aaliyah!" Leena greeted me cheerfully, holding out her arms for a hug. I hugged her back, and it really did feel like having an older sister.

Walker's little brother Tanner was already bonding with Dillan, so that was a good sign.

"You all can take a seat, dinner's about ready!" Said my mom.

We all sat down, Walker on one side of me, and my brother Theo on the other. We said a quick prayer and dug into the delicious meal my mom had made.