In the heart of Wales, behind the walls of the grandest estate in the city, lies a hidden gem: sixteen-year-old Anna Hussain. With her mother as serene as the morning mist and her father a vibrant burst of color, Anna grapples with her identity-caug...
It's been a week already without Liam Payne in this world and the pain still lingers in my chest. I didn't realize it was Thursday and I had to update an episode.
Enjoy this last 'calm before the storm episode', before the finale.
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As we waved goodbye to Dad, I blew him a kiss before closing the door behind us. The air outside was freezing, the snow still falling gently. It was a true 'White Christmas.'
Mason and I hurried to Dad's car, now blanketed in white. I quickly climbed in, grateful for the warmth once Mason started the engine. Dad's kindness in lending us his car was a lifesaver, especially since Mason only had a bike.
"It's bloody cold."
Mason complained, and I couldn't help but giggle. From the corner of my eye, I saw him shooting me a glare, which only made me laugh harder.
"What's so funny?" he grumbled, and I shook my head, deciding it was best to keep quiet before he kicked me out of the car. He groaned in response before accelerating down the road toward central London.
Soon, we reached the shops, and my excitement surged when I saw a few boys dressed as Santa. I squealed and rushed over to them, urging Mason to take pictures. After capturing the moment, we dove into the shops.
It took us a while, but we finally bought all the gifts, a beautifully decorated tree, and cards for Dad, his friends, Mom, my cousins, and our friends outside of school.
Mason also picked out gifts for his family, and I snuck away to buy him a present. After finishing our shopping spree, we treated ourselves to some new clothes, and Mason generously footed the bill, much to my delight.
Since Mason's family was out of town, we decided to post their gifts, which was a great idea. We made a quick trip to the post office, and while Mason was busy at the counter, I seized the opportunity to send his gift as well.
However, I couldn't send a gift to Mom since she didn't know where I was. We'd told her we were all going to Mason's grandma's house across Wales, a lie that weighed heavily on my conscience. Mom didn't like me being in contact with Dad, which I couldn't understand, why. Their ongoing feud was tearing me apart, and I wished Mom would consider my feelings. It hurt to see them apart, but thanks to Mason, I could spend this day with Dad.
With our shopping complete, Mason drove us back to Dad's place. Luckily, there were no cops around to catch Mason driving without a license-he was only seventeen.
The road was mostly clear, with just a few patches of snow. As we passed decorated front doors, the joy of the holiday season filled the air.
Finally, we arrived at Dad's street, finding the same parking spot empty once again. Mason parked the car, and I stepped out, clutching my half-eaten burger and strawberry smoothie. Just as I headed toward the house, I heard Mason yelling at me from behind.
"What?"
I asked as I returned to the car, only to find Mason glaring at me, which somehow made me laugh. I'd been trying to be clever by avoiding picking up the shopping bags, but there was no escaping Mason's watchful eye.
I stood behind him as he gathered all the bags. The snow had stopped falling, and darkness was descending with the advancing night.
Glancing at my phone for the time, I was taken aback to see 16 missed calls from Mom and a text asking, 'Where are you?' Why was she so concerned? Then it dawned on me-I'd forgotten to inform her once we arrived.
With Mason now holding an equal number of bags in each hand, his expression turned concerned.
"Is everything alright?"
I sighed before slipping my phone back into my pocket. "Just checking the time, but I noticed Mom's missed calls. She's wondering where I am. I forgot to message her once we got here. I think she's worried."
Taking a few bags from Mason's hands, I shrugged.
"So, did you respond to her?"
Shutting the back door with my foot, I glanced inside the car to ensure we hadn't left anything behind-Dad hated dirty cars.
"No, not yet. But I will once we're inside. What's the rush?" Mason nodded before locking the car and leading the way home.
As we walked down the passage and approached the main door, Mason knocked, then turned to face me. However, his expression was one of shock, as if he'd seen a ghost. His pallor and wide eyes alarmed me, prompting me to turn and see what had rattled him.
