Close As Strangers

Twenty-Two.

Now Playing... Christmases When You Were Mine

Crimson and emerald filled my vision as I stood in front of the Christmas tree, the lights and sparkly ornaments twinkling brightly. Christmas had arrived quicker than I expected, and by the time I knew it, I was helping mom prepare for our traditional Christmas party. We cooked an enormous feast for both sides of the family. It was also a tradition for the girls to wear red dresses, while the guys wore a green shirt. The party took place on Christmas eve, and the whole family celebrated Christmas together the next day.

Even though it was my favorite time of the year, and the party was my favorite tradition, the one part I was loathing was dancing. In our family, especially during the Christmas party, you had to share a dance with someone your age. There was only one other person my age, and since we hadn't spoken to each other, I wasn't too keen on the undeniable fate.

"Molly, grab the turkey out of the oven!"

I walked into the kitchen, grabbing the oven mits so I could pull the turkey out of the oven. Steam smacked my face as I opened the door, and I quickly grabbed both sides of the roaster and placed it on the stove. As I slid off the oven mits, the Christmas music flowing from the living room grew louder, and as I walked in, I saw mom decorating the rest of the tree, smiling brightly. When she faced me, her smile grew wider, and she grabbed my hand, spinning me around the room. Soon enough, we were laughing so hard that our stomachs hurt. When we turned around, dad and Wes were staring at us with amused smiles plastered on their faces, and mom walked over, kissing dad. Wes continued to stare at me, but I stared at the ground, my hair hiding my blush. I walked past him towards the kitchen.

"It smells delicious in here." He complimented, and I glanced over my shoulder to see him leaning against the archway, staring intently at me. I focused on the food again, and he sighed. "We have to talk eventually."

I shook my head, wrapping my arms around my waist. "I don't think I can."

"You can." He grabbed my arm and pulled me towards him, caressing my cheek. "But I understand. Take your time."

Wes tilted my head towards his, and I raised my eyebrows in confusion, but then his eyes looked above us. I followed him, my heart dropping in my chest.

Mistletoe.

"Rules are rules, Molls." He smirked before planting a small, tender kiss against my lips. As he walked away, I brushed my fingers over my lips, my head spinning.

***

"Molly! Wes!" My aunt Hayden greeted as she entered the house, squeezing us both in a tight hug. "It's so good to see both of you again."

We pulled away, and her eyes ran over my dress, which had a sweetheart neckline and reached mid thigh. She looked at Wes, who was glad in a dark green button up nad jeans. She smiled. "Molly, you are so beautiful. I love that dress. And Wes, you're so handsome! You two really are the perfect match."

"O-Oh no, he's not--"

"It's good to see you too, Hayden." Wes cut me off, smiling at my aunt, and she walked away to find my mom while I let out a breath I didn't know I was holding.

Dinner went as smoothly as it could. It was nice seeing the whole family together again, and I enjoyed spending time with them, but somehow, I had ended up by Wes, and the air between us remained tense and silent. It hurt to see everyone around me so happy, so cheerful, when I felt so small with the one person who used to know me best.

The time to dance arrived, and as everyone headed into the living room and mom turned the music up, I stood in the archway, watching people pair together. Mom and dad began dancing, and the smile on her lips proved her undeniable love for my step dad. He treated her so much better than my biological father ever had, and seeing her so happy made me happy. I watched as everyone found a partner, and a hollowness filled my heart. As my eyes grew blurry, I decided to go to my room, but then someone held their hand out to me, and when I looked up, Wes was shyly smiling at me. For a moment, I hesitated, but then I placed my hand in his, and he led me to the room.

As we swayed, I held him tightly, my head pressed against his shoulder, and he held me close to him. The song playing was a slow Christmas love song, and as I stared up at Wes, watching how his piercing green eyes seemed to sparkle in their competition against the Christmas lights, my heart skipped a beat. He smiled down at me, and I wrapped my arms tighter around him, allowing myself to soak in every second I spent with him. Because for just a moment, everything was okay. He was there, and he was mine.

***

The next morning, I ran downstairs to see mom and dad sitting on the couch by the fireplace. Presents were stacked around the tree while Christmas music played, and Nova sat on the floor beside the presents, smiling widely when she saw me.

"Merry Christmas, Molly." Mom said as I sat beside Nova, and I smiled at her, but not before noticing how empty the room seemed. Something was missing.

"Where's Wes?"

Mom sighed, frowning. "He's not coming back for a couple of days. He wanted me to give this to you."

She handed me a red box. I held it in my hands, staring at it for a couple minutes, and then I opened it. Inside, I found a huge bag of skittles, a silver bracelet, a picture of us when we were younger, and an envelope that said, "Open When You're Ready".

But if we were being honest, I didn't know if I would ever be ready.

Mom and dad handed Nova and I our gifts, but I couldn't focus on anything except the music flowing from the radio, which was conveniently playing the song I danced with Wes to.

Christmases When You Were Mine.