Welcome Home Beautiful (Book 2)

Chapter 10: Christmas suprise

Rowan's POV:
I've been getting better at accepting the fact that me and Peyton will only be acquaintances. It's still hard, but it's getting easier.

Today is Christmas Eve and we're spending the night at the hospital so that for Christmas morning we can be with my dad. It really sucks that r can't spend Christmas together at the house. He just reached stage for and their telling us if he's going to be okay tonight. I'm hoping for a Christmas miracle.

I'm getting a knock on the door so I answer it to see a happy Tanner. "Oh my god! Tanner, what are doing here?!" I said as I gave him a tight hug with a wide smile. He laughed, "I was in town so wanted to surprise you. It's fun to have a friend over for Christmas." I motioned for him to come inside of the apartment. "How long are you staying here?' I asked. "Only today and tomorrow. We wanted to be here for Christmas, but we have to leave right after. Since I was here, I decided to stop by."

"Well it sucks that you aren't staying for that long, but since you're here, you want to go watch a movie or something? I have maybe 3 hours until we have to go to the hospital," I told him. "Yea sure."

We left for the movies right away. We went to a special movie theatre. It was only open for Easter, Christmas, Halloween, stuff like that. All of the holidays. We decided to watch elf so we could laugh a little. It's always been one of my favorites. When the movie was done, I had an hour left to do whatever I wanted.

We decided to drive to the cafe since it'll be the last time I'll see him in person in Florida, and that's our go-to place. When we got there, we sat in our usual seats. I had 30 minutes until I needed to be home, so I needed to ask Tanner my favor now.

"Hey, Tanner?" "Yea?" "Could you do me a favor?" I asked him. "Yea, what's up?" "Can you please call Peyton or try to get ahold of him? Ya know, just see if he got my message. Tell him that I really want to be with him and to please give us a chance, or for us to be friends at least." "Of course, I'll call him tonight, but I have to go." "Alright, thanks Tanner."

We walked up to the apartment door again. We gave each other a hug and wished each other a happy holidays. Hopefully Peyton answers.

Tanner POV:
When I got back to my house, I called Peyton once, but he didn't answer. I called a few more times, but still no answer.

After maybe 30 minutes or so, Peyton calls back. "Hey Tanner, you called?" "Yea I did. I was just wondering um..when is the third season for the show starting again. I want to be there to watch your guy's first episode of the next season." "I think around March or April. I'll let you know, don't worry." "Thanks man, talk to you later," I said. "Alright, bye."

When I set the phone down, I felt so bad for what I just did. It's just that if Peyton really cared, he would've called her back. She deserves better if he can't be there for her and understand what happened. This is a mistake, but it's what's best for Rowan.