Entangled || Sebastian Sallow

37 - Mum's the Word

Cover artist: radical - ghostface

3rd Person POV

'~One Week Before Christmas ~'

"Close your eyes!" Sebastian said excitedly, his hands cupped over Juliet's eyes as he carefully led her out to the deck. "No peeking!"

They had just arrived at Sebastian's favourite pub, the Keenbridge Bar, which was a gorgeous and romantic place for a date, perched on the hillside with an incredible view of the river below. It was a little snowy and cold outside. Fairy lights and Christmas decorations were smattered around the place, and heaters were set up outside so the pub could still host guests on their deck. The chill was worth it for the view.

"What is this all about!" Juliet giggled, as she let Sebastian lead the way. She had a feeling he was taking her out on this little romantic date to ask her to spend Christmas with hi–

"THERE'S MY BABY GIRLLLL!!!"

Sebastian slowly pulled his hands away, and Juliet stared in awe at the sight of her mother bounding toward her, her long wavy auburn hair bouncing wildly around the giant grin on her face.

"Sebastian..." Juliet said in a concerned, questioning tone, not able to tear her eyes away from her mum.

"Yes, sweetheart?" Sebastian answered innocently, a fleck of pride and amusement in his voice.

"Sebastian..." Juliet continued in a low voice. "What have you done?"

"Surprise!" he said excitedly.

Juliet's mother slammed into her, covering her with hugs and kisses, while Juliet stared daggers at Sebastian over her mother's shoulder.

"Merry Christmas, love..." Sebastian mouthed to her, a mischievous twinkle in his eye.

"I'm going to murder you" she mouthed back.

Once Jenny Brooks was done smothering her daughter with smooches, she pulled back to look at her, her eyes glistening with proud tears. "It's only been a few months since I saw you last, but you already look different, so grown up. Ugh, my beautiful daughter." She turned to face Sebastian, holding her arms out wide. "And you must be the man who turned my girl into a young woman, Sebastian!" She pulled him into a tight embrace, and he hugged her back just as tight.

Although Juliet was horrified at the way her mother had just embarrassed her, she couldn't help the swelling feeling in her heart, watching Sebastian being embraced by her mum, his eyes closed and a warm smile spread across his face. It must be so comforting for him, feeling the love of a mother's hug. He probably hadn't received anything like it since he was a child. The thought alone made a lump rise in Juliet's throat.

Sebastian led the ladies over to a table he'd reserved for this special occasion, and then left briefly to go up to the bar. Juliet noticed theirs was the only table on the deck that had crystal wine glasses and a beautiful arrangement of colourful dried wild flowers in the centre.

Classic romantic Sebastian.

"So, how's what's-his-face?" Juliet asked her mum when Sebastian returned with a bottle of wine, referring to the boyfriend Jenny had moved back to California for.

"It doesn't matter, honey. We're not here to talk about Mitch, or about my love life at all..." Jenny looked slightly flustered, tucking her hair behind her ear. "I'm here to see you."

"Broke up, didn't you?" Juliet scoffed.

Sebastian was surprised and feeling slightly uncomfortable at Juliet's attitude towards her mum. He knew she harboured some resentment about the way her mother had moved around and then ultimately left her in Scotland, but this was getting awkward. He thought she'd be happier to see her.