Hoax

Chapter fifty-nine

Harry Styles 

It's the big day.

The day of Jesus' birth. 

December twenty-fifth.

Christmas Day.

I have never been a stickler for Christmas, but waking up with Estelle by my side meant that this Christmas was immediately promoted to my favourite one ever.

The snow which settled only a few days ago, had practically melted away by now; slush puddles and decomposing snowmen are the only sign that snow was ever there in the first place.

Estelle was a little disappointed when we woke up to a 'dry Christmas', not a 'white' one, but I didn't mind.

I knew I was spending the day with her and her family, so why would the weather bother me?

This morning, we were greeted downstairs by Arthur and Allie; many 'Merry Christmas' wishes and hugs were exchanged.

We had a lovely breakfast, cooked by Estelle and Allie, whilst Arthur and I spent the time chatting at the breakfast bar and setting the table, getting to know each other a little better.

After scoffing our breakfasts, we moved into the living room to open presents.

I watch as gifts were exchanged; Estelle opening a multitude of presents from her parents, all with a grateful smile imprinted on her lips.

They even got me something, which I didn't expect – a nice set of dress shirts.

It's a step away from my usual black attire, but I really like them; one is light blue and stripped, another is covered in flamingos, and the final one is a long-sleeve baby blue.

Allie and Arthur seemed a little nervous as I unwrapped the garments, but I actually really like them.

I reassured them with a grateful hug; thanking them deeply and telling them that it was too kind of them.

Although I didn't expect presents from them, luckily, I found something from a local market that Estelle and I went to yesterday, on Christmas Eve.

It's a decorative, ceramic bowl, which matches their kitchen perfectly.

It was pretty pricy but a modest gift in itself, so I was relieved when Estelle's parents seemed more than grateful for my gift.

Arthur and Allie then decided to commence preparations for Christmas dinner, which I believe to be a strategic ploy, allowing Estelle and me some alone time, to open our gifts.

During one of our late-night talks, back in LA, we decided to stick to one present each. Mainly because we'd be travelling across the ocean with them and didn't want to be carrying a massive suitcase full of gifts.

It also worked out well because we didn't have much time to get a gift sorted, so I was grateful that I only had to find one thing for her.

It was hard choosing one gift, though.

My mind swelled with ideas; each appealing in their own special way, but I decided that all those other present ideas can be banked.

I'll use them in the future, her birthday or next Christmas, maybe?

Or perhaps the Christmas after that?

We'll see.

All I know is, as I reach for the square box under the Christmas tree, I stick by my decision.

I just hope she likes what I've chosen.

As I grasp the box and resume my position on the sofa, Estelle gets up and grabs a small box from under the tree too.