Mistaken Love

Chapter Thirty-four.

"Come on, Sam Sam! Wake up!" The voice of my 5 year old cousin, Grace groaned, as she sat upon my back.

This is the 3rd time she has attempted to wake me up, and has, unfortunately, failed miserably. Today is Christmas, and my entire family; Aunts, uncles, cousins, and grandparents, from both sides of the family come over to celebrate. All the present and stocking opening, and festive singing and dinner happens at my house each year. It's been a family tradition since my mother and father got married. All the presents, and stockings full of goodies that my cousins wake up to, are quickly bagged up and thrown in the trunks of their cars and brought over here at the crack of dawn. Silly right? Not really. You think this is horrible... just wait till Easter.

"5 more minutes, mother." I grumbled into my pillow, exhaustion filled my voice loud and clear.

"For the last time, it's Gracie! Not Auntie Stephany!" Grace shouted into my right ear, as she began go bounce on my back.

I groaned, as I shoved my head underneath the pillow. All I wanted was some more sleep. Is that too much to ask?

"Sam!" Grace called, as she attempted to pull the pillow away from my face. "Santa came and auntie wanted me to wake you up!" She announced.

My eyes slowly unfolded, as I pulled my head from underneath the pillow. I turned my head, as I peered over my right shoulder, to see Grace, with a large smile upon her face. I couldn't help but chuckle, as I nodded.

"Alright, alright." I cleared my throat. "I'm awake. I'll meet you down stairs." I announced.

Glace stuck her bottom lip out, as she crossed her arms over her chest. "Are you sure you're awake this time?" She asked.

I nodded, as I flashed a small smile. "I'm sure. Now, run along. Sam Sam has to get dressed." I told, as I began to lift myself up from my bed.

Grace giggled, as she quickly jumped off my back, and ran out of my room, slamming the door behind her. I chuckled again, as I sat up straight, and began to stretch my entire body. As I stood on my two feet, I eyed the clock, as I let out a heavy sigh; 7:27 A.M..

I walked over to my closet, as I slipped out of my white t shirt and into the festive outfit my mother had bought for me; a black sweater, with a decorative Christmas tree on it, with red jeans. I slipped on my shoes, as I fixed my hair and sprayed on some cologne, before exiting the room.

As I appeared into the noisy living room, everybody greeted me with warm smiles, hugs and kisses on the cheek, before sitting back down. I took a seat next to Noah on the floor, as mother handed our stockings to us. We thanked her, before exposing the items inside.

"What did you get? What did you get?" Grace, and her 8 year old brother, Jameson asked, as they held onto their stockings.

I reached my hand inside the stocking, as I pulled out the first item that brushed against my fingers; a blue candy cane.

Grace and Jameson eyed the candy, as their eyes grew wide.

"A blue one!?" Jameson gasped with shock. "I'll trade you for my red one!" He insisted, as he held out the candy.

I nodded, as I happily traded the candy. "Here you go."

"Thank you!" He cheered, before he ran over to my aunt, as he showed off his new piece of candy.

Grace sat next to me, as she began to pout. "Want to trade" she asked, as she handed over one of her candy canes.

I hummed, as I reached inside my stocking again, as I pulled out another candy cane, but this time, it was pink. I eyed Grace, as I held it up.