build me up. (ON HOLD)

EIGHTEEN

chapter eighteen
i love you
december 25th

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THE SNOW FELL HARDER THAN USUAL this winter. Despite being one of the warmer states, the most we'd expect is cold air and a little ice on the roads; however, the snow never seemed to stop falling.

We, my family and the Kim-Szymański family, were huddle around my father. The heat was working overtime in the small nursing home room, but it was the coziness and warmth of the laughter that made it all bearable. We presented my dad with a few gifts that we got him before cracking open our own.

My mom got my brother, Peter, and I gift cards to a local steak house. In return, the three of us, with some reluctance in my brother, paid for 6 months of full body massages at fancy spa downtown for both my mom and Mrs. Ashley. My mother, brother, and I got Mrs Ashely and Mr. S some new dish ware for their kitchen as well as some gardening supplies, they both wanted very practical things which made simple. Of course we added in some other things but that was the most important of it all.

It was the least we do for them.

Mrs.Ashley gifted me a few unique paintings she found on facebook marketplace along with a self-care kit. She got my brother a gift card since he was quite nonchalant and disinterested with anything non-food or money related, so she opted to go with an easier option. Mr. S on the other hand only came baring gifts for my dad, but he did speak of planning all of us a get away trip when my dad was in a better physical condition, so that's a win in my eyes.

The only gift I was nervous to give was Peter's.

It had taken a while, but I had finally found the perfect gift for him.

"Here," I shyly speak. We were standing up, closer to the door of the room within view of the scene before us.

Our parents were deeper in the room crowding my father's bed, distracted as they were deep in conversation. My clueless brother sat slumped in the only chair the room had while staring mindlessly into the screen of his phone consumed in some film. This was our only time for solace.

Our parents have not been officially told about our countless dates and blooming relationship, but we both suspected some curiosity from the bunch. We haven't really spoken about the goal of our dates and the intimate moments we shared, but one thing I knew is that I never want this to end and I want more than just few kisses and cuddles.

Both of my hands held onto the handles of the medium-sized blue paper bag. The light blue tissue paper i used was neatly placed to hide the surprise inside. A small smile graces his face and his cheeks and eyes brighten with curiosity.

"Oh gosh, you didn't have to," he says lowly, trying to suppress his already toothy smile as he latches unto the handles and gently holding onto the bag.

Recently, I learned that he loves giving gifts, and like me, he struggles to receive them.

We had recently went window-shopping at a new mall that had opened about an hour south of huntsville, only with the idea of simply looking around. He ended up buying me a pair of new shoes, a terrarium from a plant shop, and even  offered to pay for a dress for an upcoming wedding I am to attend in the spring.  Thankfully I stopped him before he spent more money.

I hate when people do things for me, especially buying me things. I don't feel like I deserve that kind of treatment, if anything I love giving to others but i simply can't receive it back. That day, Peter would not stop talking to me about how he wants to do things like that for me because it makes him happy.

It was strange hearing someone repeat what I say to others in an attempt to not make them feel guilty or shamed for receiving something i gift them.

But it's weird being on the receiving end.

Without opening the gift, Peter takes my left hand in his and sneaks a kiss on the top of it. Immediately, my cheeks heat up as my eyes advert to our still distracted family, worried that someone caught a glimpse of his affection. Even though he's body shielded the gesture, his tall frame reaching down to my shorter one would've been noticeable. But then again, no one seemed to notice.

"Oh!" He exclaims

He releases my hand, suddenly leaving me feeling colder than before, and walking toward our family, breaking their conversation. He politely asks his mother for something, eliciting a small squeal and excited smile on her face. Curious, my eyes search for what was held in the giant's hands. He was holding a small green box with my name plastered on its side and dozens of hand-drawn hearts on it.

My lips drew into a small put and my eyes turning up into a smile. The gleeful look and bounce in his steps caused me to awe at his adorableness. He was but a large, burly man with a cutness about him that could soften the hearts of the coldest people.

"Thank you," i say with warmth spreading across my cheeks.

His beautiful eyes stared into my deeply, my eyes wavering to his full lips and wishing to plant mine against his. If it wasn't for our family, nothing would have stopped me.

"You're welcome, I-" he started. stopping as his lips drew a line and redness spreading on the tips of his ears.

Without a second thought he drew me in for a deep kiss. Our family, still chattering, as surprise overtook me. I couldn't deny him, all k wanted was his lips on mine. The sweet taste of his lips and the softness yet firmness of his hands creased the sides of my face.

I was in love with this man, more than i'd like to admit.

When he pulled away from me, his bright blue eyes captivated me, as if conveying a feeling almost indescribable.

"I love you," he spoke.

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hi baddies,

i'm back. it's been a while and i am so sorry. life has been crazy, but at least i got to publish!

mwah 🫶🏾