Let's Live In A Castle (A Christian Novelli Fanfiction)

Chapter 11

Hello! I hope you had a lovely holidays!! HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

enjoy :)

-E

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Christmas morning used to be so filled with excitement that my brother and I wouldn't be able to sleep. It was always four in the morning when we decided it was acceptable to jump on our parents bed to wake them up. Now with a 18 year old, 14 year old, and an overworked mother, we slept in till at least 9:30.

The morning was quiet. Classic Christmas music hummed in the background and the gas fireplace was turned on. I sat in the corner of the couch, clutching a warm mug of coffee. My brother watched TV from his nest of wrapping paper. He nibbled on a Christmas cookie and successfully dropped crumbs all over the carpet. My mom sat with me on the couch. She had jumped right into the book I'd gotten her. We were all content with just a quiet unwrapping of gifts and a lazy morning.

My grandmother sat quietly in the armchair watching the Christmas movie that was on TV. Harry laughed loudly, proving you were never to old for the Grinch.

My mother closed the book, using the jacket as a bookmark. She brushed her light brown hair from her face and stretched. "Well, we better get ready. The Novelli's are coming over soon." I perked up a bit. She left the couch and the living room for her bedroom to get ready.

After she left, my grandma spoke up. "What does Christian's mother do?"

"She works in the business department of some huge company. Lots of meetings and stress. I don't know much about it. May prefers to keep work at work."

"Ah, I see. I was just wondering so I had something to talk to her about. Sorry to bother you."

"It's fine." I felt a little bad for the woman. She  was really trying to give me space but it seemed to be hard for her. Then again, she got herself into this position.

My grandma stood slowly, tightening the fancy robe around her middle. She carefully stepped over the wrapping paper and ribbons to the doorway. I sat on the couch awhile longer, curling and uncurling my toes in my new fuzzy socks. Harry offered me a cookie but I declined. "One more of mom's extra sugary sugar cookies and I'll slip into a cookie induced comma." Harry laughed.

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I'd just finished straightening my hair when the doorbell rang. I unplugged my straightener and hurried down the hall to greet the guests. My mom got their first, greeting May and Christian with a loud and cheery 'Hello!' May gave a one armed hug to my mom. Her other arm was holding a large bowl of food. Christian said hello to my mom and brother before hurrying to my side.

"Merry Christmas!" He said with such a happy smile. I wish he would always smile like that. Christian  brought a striped box out from behind his back.

"I have one for you too! Come here," I led Christian into living room.

Harry looked up and saw us coming. He sat up and hurried to get out. "Ew you love birds are here. I'm getting out of here before you start making kissy faces or...cuddling." He did an exaggerated shiver.

I shrugged and laughed. Christian and I moved some wrapping paper out of the way and sat at the base of the tree like children. I grabbed one of the last presents from the tree and we swapped boxes.

"Wait," Christian reached over and found a pre-made ribbon bow. He stuck it on my head, the sticky part clinging to my hair. "There. Now you can open it." I glared jokingly and tore into my gift. Christian was a little more careful with his. I opened the box and lifted a navy and white colored sweater partially out of the box. It was oversized, soft and had a fun pattern. I covered my mouth and started laughing uncontrollably.