My Only Wish // Asa Butterfield Fanfiction

Chapter 33

Chapter 33 ~ Rowan

Our first Christmas in London seemed to be a success.

I woke up at 6:30, and after a few minutes of staring at the ceiling I texted Kayla to ask if she was awake. About half an hour later, I got a reply, and soon after she came into my room

"Let's go check on Mikey." She whispered, and we both quietly walked to his bedroom. Inside, he was sitting on the floor playing with legos.

"Mikey, let's go get our stockings yeah?" I whispered, and he got up eagerly, an excited smile on his face. The three of us tiptoed down the carpeted stairs, headed towards the living room.

"Woah." Kayla whispered, and my eyes widened. The only lights illuminating the room were the tree lights, a pile of presents stacked underneath.

"I feel like every year, it just gets prettier." I said, and Kayla nodded, as Mikey bounded over to the fireplace for our stockings. The three of us sat down on the floor and emptied our loot. Makeup, a new phone case, and a TopShop gift card. I carefully examined the new candy that I wasn't used to getting, my stomach churning.

No, not on Christmas. I thought to myself, and then rememberd what I had talked to Ashley about, to Asa. I picked up a box of Cadbury Chocolate fingers and stuffed my stocking back with the other things. Kayla choose a candy bar and Mikey took some m&m's and a box of legos and then the three of us got up and headed back up stairs. We decided to go sit in Kayla's room, and while Mikey played, Kayla opened her laptop and we both scrolled through the TopShop website, choosing things we could get with our gift cards.

"It's eight! Cmon!" Mike suddenly jumped up, and I glanced at the clock. Kayla shut her laptop and we both headed out into the hallway.

"IT'S CHRISTMAS! WAKE UP!!!!" Mikey yelled, running to Mom and Dad's room. I could hear laughter and Dad say "Okay, okay." and then all of us headed downstairs.

I didn't let the voice get to me. Mom prepared cups of hot cocoa and brought each of us a cinnamon rolls. I sat down and took a bite. It was sweet and soft, and the heat of the cocoa spread through me like a fire.

For the next 30 minutes we reached for packages, me carefully unwrapping them, Mikey ripping the paper into shreds. Christmas music played from the radio and the fireplace crackled. I turned my head and watched my family members, laughing, smiling and talking.

No, the voice couldn't get to me anymore. And I'd do everything to never let it return.

* * * *

"What time are they coming?" I asked for the hundredth time, drying a plate with my rag.

"Row." Mom sighed, placing a glass in the dishwasher.

"I'm excited!" I protested, and she chuckled.

"Yes, but you could remember the first time! They'll be here in an hour." She said. I rolled my eyes.

"Ugh. That's ages."

"The food isn't ready yet."

I glanced at the oven, where mom was baking her special lemon pound cake with green and red icing. The smell of vanilla and fruit wafted through the kitchen. It looked so nice. You don't need it. Or deserve it for that matter. The voice hissed. I shut my eyes.

I did deserve it. It was Christmas. Ashley's family was coming over, and we were gonna have fun. I totally deserved it.

"Just our luck that your best friend's sister is my worst enemy, huh?" Kayla asked, walking into the kitchen. I watched as she reached for a slice of cheese and a few crackers from a nicely arranged plate. I want that freedom, I thought. Mom leaned over and gently smacked her hand.