FALLING IN LOVE AT A COFFEE SHOP | D.H [✓]

Twenty Seven

(Aria's POV)

Christmas was finally here and my excitement had escalated drastically. I felt like I was a little kid again waking up early because they knew there would be presents waiting under the tree for them. I don't think it matters how old you are, everyone should get excited on Christmas.

Last night, Grace and I had spent the night together and had an early Christmas since she would be spending time with her family for the next few days. Of course with my lack of family interaction, I wouldn't be doing the same, but spending it with Dan wasn't an alternative I would ever complain about. Though I told myself I would call my mother before Christmas, I still hadn't. Procrastination at it's finest.

I knew I should be calling her today but I still felt like I was unable to. Part of me didn't want to call because I was still angry that she left without giving her reason, and another part of me didn't want to call because I was scared. I was scared to call and start our relationship over only for her to find another reason to leave me. What happened between us was the main reason I never ended up letting people in.

To me the risk was too strong and not worth it but I also knew being lonely wasn't an option. That's why I was so grateful for Grace, Dan, and Phil. Who knows what I'd be doing right now if I didn't let them into my lives. I doubt I'd be on my way to spend Christmas with someone I cared about more than I thought I ever would, that's for sure.

Dan and I had agreed on not getting gifts for each other but I caved in. There was no way I'd be able to not get him something on Christmas when he meant so much to me. Besides, cologne and a new video game wasn't much of a heartfelt gift in the first place, but a gift nonetheless.

I put on my jacket and boots and exit the apartment. The icy air instantly surrounds me but I don't complain, cold weather was allowed during Christmas time. I was disappointed in the lack of snow however, the small amount we had got this morning hadn't met my expectations. I was probably too used to Canadian weather still. The clouds looked promising though, hopefully it would snow more before the evening was over.

Before I know it, I'm entering the cozy atmosphere of Dan's building and the butterflies in my stomach start to become known at the thought of seeing him. You'd think I'd be used to seeing him by now and the nerves would go away, but everyday I was with him felt like the first.

I impatiently bounce on the balls of my feet as I wait for the elevator to take me up to Dan's floor. I'm surprised to see him leaning against the wall when the elevator doors open and even more surprised when he picks me up and spins me around while yelling "Merry Christmas."

I can't help but laugh at his over the top excitement, "Merry Christmas to you too!" I say the moment he places me back down.

"Sorry, I got a little bit excited there."

"Hmm, you don't say?"

He sheepishly grins while grabbing my hand and leads me to the flat. Once inside I'm overwhelmed by the scent of something cooking in the oven. I inhale the general scent of Christmas and sigh. This was already the best Christmas I've had in awhile.

Dan takes my jacket off of my shoulders and hangs it up in the closet. "I'm attempting to actually cook nicely for you so if it ends up tasting bad just pretend you like it to make me feel accomplished, okay?"

"I can't lie on Christmas, Dan! That won't keep me on the nice list."

"That's okay, we can be on the naughty list together."

My eyes widen and my face turns beat red as I nervously laugh. Dan realizes what he just said and clears his throat before changing the subject.

"So, how about this weather huh? Lovely Christmas weather."