desertion

33

Christmas break. The happiest time of the year. For some people. This year, there's no festive feeling to Christmas. I don't think anyone feels festive this year.

I don't. That's for sure.

"Lydia. It's time to get up." Carla says from my doorway. "Ten more minutes.." I say, sitting up with a sigh. "You said that twenty minutes ago. Get up, sweetie." Carla says, leaving my room and shutting the door.

I fall back onto my bed, sighing once again. My phone dings making me sit up. I pick my phone up and check the text message. It's from Miles.

"Can we talk? Please. Dahlia misses you. I miss you, I'm sorry." The message reads. I sigh before lying the phone in my lap. I miss them both too. I just don't know. I don't know.

I could give him a chance. I was the one in the wrong. Why am I acting like I'm the one right?

I get up from my bed and get ready before putting my shoes on and walking out of my room. I walk into the living room and Chris is on the couch. "Hi Lydia!" He says. "Hey buddy." I say, walking over and ruffling his hair, making him laugh. "Carla!" I call.

"Yes?" She says, coming into the room from the kitchen. "I'm going to Miles's house for a moment. I'll be right back." I say. "Okay, sweetheart." She says before walking back into the kitchen.

"You'll be back for dinner, right?" Chris asks, looking up at me. "Yes. I will. Promise." I say with a small smile. "Okay!" He says before looking back at the tv.

I walk over to the front door before walking outside and heading down the street.

*********

I walk up the stairs before knocking on the door. The door opens. "Lydia!" Dahlia says excitedly, running into my arms. "Hey!" I say, picking her up and resting her on my hip. "Lydia." Miles says, stepping into the doorway.

"You wanted to talk.. so here I am." I say with a small smile. "Come in." Miles says, stepping out of the way. I walk inside and Dahlia gets out of my arms. "I have to show you the gift Hen got me!!" Dahlia says excitedly before running off.

I smile as I watch her before turning to Miles. "I thought about what you said. You were right." Miles says. "We didn't know if he had tried to stop them privately and we judged him anyway. Isabelle and Julian both agreed with me." Miles says.

"We all also agreed that we missed you. Even after the things we've said to you.." Miles says. "I've missed you guys too." I say with a small smile. "I know it won't ever be normal again, but we could at least attempt, right?" Miles asks. "And maybe even Nathaniel could start hanging out with us.." Miles says.

"Maybe." I say. "Lydia. It's good to see you again." Karen says as she walks into the living room. "You too." I say, looking over at her with a smile. Dahlia runs back into the room, holding up a stuffed animal. A dolphin. Dahlia's favorite.

"That's really cute." I say with a small smile, leaning down in front of her. "I really like it." Dahlia says. "I'm glad." I say. Denny comes from the kitchen. "Hi Lydia!" He says. "Hi Denny." I say.

"Do you want to stay for dinner? We have plenty." Karen asks. "No ma'am. I promised Chris I would come back home and eat with them, so I'll have to leave in a little while." I say. "That's fine! Stay as long as you'd like." Karen says before walking into the kitchen.

"Can I show you my room?!" Dahlia asks, rocking on her feet in excitement. "Sure!" I say. She takes my hand and pulls me to a room in the back of the house. A bed is in the corner and a nightstand beside the bed. She has two stuffed animals on the bed, now three as she lays the dolphin down.

"This is beautiful, Dahlia." I say as I look around. There's a few drawings hung up around the room with thumbtacks holding them. "Thanks! I put the drawings up there!" Dahlia says. "I drew them too!" Dahlia says.

"They're amazing." I say with a smile. My phone dings and I get it out of my pocket. "Dinner's ready." The text from Carla reads. "Well, I'll see you later, okay? I need to go back home." I say.

"What? No! You just got here." Dahlia says with a frown. "I'm sorry, sweet girl. How about this, how about I come back tomorrow and I eat lunch with you guys? If it's okay with Karen." I ask. "Yes!!" Dahlia says, a smile forming on her lips.

"Okay, come on. Let's go see." I say. Me and her walk back to the living room. "I have to go back home." I say to Karen and Miles. "Okay. It was nice seeing you." Karen says. "You too. Could I come back for lunch tomorrow?" I ask. "Of course! I'll make extras." Karen says.

I nod my head before giving Dahlia a hug. I walk over to Miles and hug him as well, catching him by surprise. "Bye Miles." I say, pulling away.

"Bye Lyds." He says. I walk towards the door before walking out.