Pressure [hs au]

20 - Unannounced

Word Count: 3905

The next few days go similarly: I wake up, go to my classes, hang out with Hannah and sometimes Valerie, eat, work, sleep, and then it starts all over again. 

Today was her last day with me, and the first day she actually agreed to go to the museum with me. 

The Institute closed at 5 on Saturdays, but I was able to pull some strings, because I knew the women working that night, and Hannah and I were allowed to stay for another hour after everyone left.

The museum during the winter season was absolutely gorgeous, like the showcase, there were lights draped from the ceilings and everything just radiated 'happy holidays'.

There was only 5 days left until Christmas, and I still haven't talked to my Mom about any plans. 

I knew Valerie was going back to be with her family, and I could only assume Jason was heading back as well. 

I was never really into Christmas growing up. I found out about 'Santa' a little early and after that it became just another day to me really. Call me a downer, but I had no 'Christmas spirit'. 

There was a visiting Van Gogh exhibit this week, and I was ecstatic to see it all. He was by far my favorite artist, and to see so many of his pieces, though not the one's I would have picked, in person was an amazing experience. 

I was slowly walking through, taking my time at each and every painting, whereas Hannah was speed walking, wanting to get to the modern art section as soon as possible. 

Something about cool pictures for her tumblr.

After much complaining on her part, we finally made our way upstairs to the modern art wing. It was completely silent on the upper floor, the only noise being our shoes against the flooring and some janitors echoing from downstairs. 

That is until my phone began to ring, obnoxiously loud might I add, frightening both Hannah and I.

I answer the call immediately, not checking caller ID. Thank God we were the only two around here.

"Hello?" I whisper, nervously, staring directly at the no phone calls sign. 

"Abby, hi." Mom. She sounded exhausted, like just calling me was draining her energy.

"Yeah? What's up Mom?" I've said this before, but she never calls me. Only when she has bad news. 

"Um, I don't know how to say this really, but we aren't doing Christmas this year."  What?

We aren't doing Christmas this year?

"Okay?" Is everyone going to just do they're own thing then?

"I know grandma is doing something, and you can visit her if you'd like, but I just can't host anything this year."

"No, no, I get it. It's totally fine Mom." I don't really know if it is fine though. 

I mean, I was never that into Christmas, but it would just be weird to not do anything this year. I'll just end up staying home by myself really. 

Maybe I can buy myself a fish?

"Thanks for understanding. Jack and Mary are just going with their boyfriend and girlfriends families this year. And the Lawley's invited Tommy and Hannah over. Your Father and I are just planning on staying home alone."  Emphasis on alone. Meaning she didn't want me to come back.

This whole situation was just depressing, but I understood at least. I feel bad for Tommy, he counted down the days every year until Christmas, it was his favorite holiday. And now he has to spend it with the neighbors?