Love in Death

Chapter 8

 Chapter 8

 We walked back to the house after that, both of us silent in our happiness, our hands swinging contently between us. I couldn’t remember a time when I was this happy, this excited for whatever the future held. Maybe I was naïve to jump into this so quickly, but staying distant felt wrong and I wasn’t going to let Trevor slip through my fingers.

 We agreed to keep this a secret from my family for the time being. I didn’t want to draw so much attention to us just after what happened in the barn, after we decided to be together. I knew they were already suspicious, so I would let them think what they wanted for now.

Trevor kissed me once more before we walked inside the cheery and warm home. The rest of my family was sitting in the living room, all cozy by the fire. That looked way too inviting to pass up so I quickly tore off my coat and boots and joined them. I sat on the rug right next to the fire and lifted my hands to it, warming them. I didn’t realize just how cold I had been, but then again, I wasn’t exactly concerned about that at the time.

Trevor joined me on the floor next to the Christmas tree and I smiled at him, our eyes communicating a secret that only we knew. My grandma was currently telling some story about when grandpa cut down their first Christmas tree as a couple. I knew the story well, but listened intently anyway. She told the best stories, even when I had heard them many times before.

Trevor reached for my hand and I didn’t deny him, I couldn’t. Grandma eyed us knowingly, making me blush. She was too observant for her own good. Thankfully no one made a comment about it.

My mom made us all hot chocolate and we enjoyed listening to my grandma play some holiday tunes on the piano. I was content to stay there all night, but eventually we had to leave. I gave my grandma a fierce hug, letting her know I would definitely visit more often.

“Of course! You know you’re welcome any time, and make sure to bring that handsome man of yours too.” She winked at me and I just laughed, Trevor joining in as he put his coat on. I knew he loved this place too and wouldn’t mind coming back here with me.

“So, I was thinking…” I began, looking at Trevor as he drove us home, “That you should come over tomorrow.” He sighed and my stomach dropped, knowing he was about to refuse.

“Nora, as much as I would love to, you need to spend some one on one time with your family. I’ll be fine, don’t worry about me.” I mentally scoffed, knowing that was an impossible task.

“Trevor, really, my family won’t care. They really like you and I couldn’t let you be alone on Christmas.” He didn’t say anything for a while, simply thinking about my proposition.

“Ok, I’ll go but not until the afternoon.” I sighed, knowing that’s probably the best I was going to get. I consented, already feeling giddy about the next day. I couldn’t wait to give Trevor his gift. I know he’s going to absolutely flip out.

He walked me to the door and gave me a lingering kiss goodnight; one that I seriously wanted to continue in my bedroom but I knew that would definitely be moving too fast. Take things slow, Nora. One day at a time.

* * *

It’s a known fact that everyone is a kid on Christmas day. Whether you’re eighteen or eighty-five, you are allowed this one day to act like a child again. Every member of my family was awake at seven in the morning, sitting around the tree surrounded by wrapped presents.

We all sat there in our pajamas and eschewed hair opening and passing presents to the respective person. I got a scarf and a sweater from Dad, who always gives practical gifts. My sister got me an iTunes gift card and some candles for my dorm. I was a little shocked but happy with her gifts. I leaned over and gave her a one-armed hug, which she begrudgingly reciprocated.