Break the ice

Chapter 11: No boy trouble. Only alcohol

Estelle's POV

Aaa. Home sweet home. Charlene was kind enough to let Huxley and I go home for the holidays. The next week I'll be far away from Huxley, finally some time apart from each other. I'll get to clear my head and maybe get him out of my head. Or at least I hope. It's been tough keeping my distance from him. Every time I see him at work, I miss his softened eyes when we make eye contact. After our phone call he's been avoiding eye contact, when we do share a look, his eyes seem to harden. His laugh is gone and replaced with a frown when I come near him. His husky voice that calls my name ever so sweetly is gone. I'm only left with a harsh tone.

And I know that I was being unreasonable when he called me. But I just can't let him get too close to me. It's not good for my head. I hate that I have to act so coldly towards him. But for now it's what I have to do. If he's really so into Cami, then I need to distance myself from him. I'm not getting between two people who like each other. I'm not like that.

''Estie! You're home!'' My little sister calls out for me. Her curly hair is dancing in the wind as she's running out of the house towards me.

I give her a big smile and open my arms for her.

She runs into me and I put my arms around her. I've missed her. Maybe even more than she's missed me.

''Estie, I've missed you like crazy!'' She says with her big blue eyes looking up at me with endearment.

''You missed my birthday!'' She says faking annoyance. Yeah I missed her birthday. I didn't forget it tho. We videocalled for almost two hours.

''I'm sorry Melissa. But I brought your present with me! I can't believe that you're already seventeen!'' I look at her. She's not so little anymore, she's almost as tall as me, but in my eyes she'll always be my baby sister.

''Okay, what did you get? Tell me Estie!'' She says enthusiastically.

''Okay don't be too impatient. Let me settle in and greet mom and dad. I promise you after that you'll get your present.'' I say.

Melissa obliges and helps me get my stuff into the house. It feels weird to be back home. I only ever go back for the holidays and weeks off. But being back feels familiar as well. The same green walls in the living room. Mom's kitchen filled with herbs and our old coffee maker. The random blue couch in the living room that doesn't fit with the rest of the interior. The tropical plants that barely get enough sunlight. We have windows, of course, but direct sunlight is rare here. My town is located near the forest. Cold winters and somewhat warm summers. But I do miss the smell of nature when I'm at my dorm. Growing up in a small town surrounded by greenery has it's perks. The air feels so fresh. The scent of trees and grass that enter your nose once you open a window. Ugh, I love it.

I walk upstairs to see my mother cleaning the bathroom. She seems so serious while scrubbing the tiles. I don't even dare to interrupt her. I start to walk towards my room but she notices me.

''Estelle, you're back already? I thought you'd be here tomorrow?'' She says being surprised, yet happy to see me.

Mom gives me a quick hug before looking at me.

''What made you come back a day early?'' She asks sounding curious.

''Oh, you know. I missed you guys so much. I couldn't handle another day of waiting.'' I say jokingly.

Mom laughs at me. ''Okay, now an honest answer.''

''Well, the train ticket was cheaper for today. But I did really miss you guys.'' I say giving her an innocent look.

Mom gives me a kiss on the head and tells me to get my stuff to my room.

Before I go to my room I ask her where dad is.