ethereal

misunderstanding

It was Christmas Day. I woke up to the piping hot smell of coffee and muffins coming from the kitchen. As I got older, I usually didn't wake up as early on Christmas morning, but today for some reason, I wanted it to last. My alarm clock read 7:32. I sprang out of bed and slipped on my grey slippers. Before walking downstairs, I checked out my "outfit" in the mirror. After taking a look at my reindeer pyjama pants, black shirt, and messy hair, I pranced down the stairs.

Everyone was down there. I guess I totally forgot about my cousins, aunts, uncles, and grandparents taking over the basement and living room last night, after our Christmas Eve dinner.

The kids have already started opening presents. I waited, and sat down with the adults to eat breakfast. We talked about our nights, what we got the kids for Christmas, and the planned day ahead. After finishing, I put my plate in the sink and walked over to where my little cousin, Elle was ripping the striped wrapping paper off a big box.

We opened our presents, thanking each other and the kids, playing with what they received. To be honest, I had missed my family so much, but I was more than excited to see the love of my life today.

Everyone left after a couple of hours and I started getting ready for dinner with Shawn's family. I'm not worried about making a good impression, his parents are my second mom and dad. I get along with everyone so well, considering we see them so much.

"Amara! Karen just called me." My mom yelled from downstairs. I waited for her to say anything else, but I guess she was waiting for a response from me. "Okay! What did she say?" I yelled back. I heard footsteps and my moms voice appeared to be louder. "Shawn is coming to pick you up at 4. Make sure you're ready!" She said. I checked my alarm clock. It was 2:30. Am hour and a half was enough to get ready, right?

I washed my hair the night before, so I threw it into a bun and jumped into the shower. After a good 5 minutes, my curling iron was ready, and I got dressed. The dress I wore was a tan/gold colour and had lace long sleeves. I put on my black flats with a bit of a heel and began to curl my hair, humming to Drummer Boy, as it blasted from my speakers.

Looking in the mirror at my outfit and light, but effective makeup I put on, I nodded in approval. It was 3:55. Perfect. Shawn lives three houses down from me, but we were going to his grandparents house. Otherwise I could have walked. I sat on my bed, thinking about Lauren. I would ask Shawn if she was coming, of course, not wanting her to. She was really really good friends with one of his second cousins. My thoughts were interrupted by a loud ring and a few knocks, coming from the front door. Running down the stairs like a little kid on Christmas morning, even though part of that might be true, I had the biggest smile on my face. I swung open the door to see him. Looking as amazing as ever.

"Amara you look... gorgeous." He blushed, staring me up and down. "And you don't look to bad yourself, Mendes." I said softly, lacing my hands together around his neck. He slipped his around my waist, kissing my forehead. "Let's go." He took my hand, and with my free one I grabbed my clutch and waved to my parents. My mom and Karen are actually best friends, so of course my parents would come. However, she asked for Shawn to pick me up early, just for help in the kitchen.

He picked me up bridal style, waltzing me to the black Jeep Wrangler sitting in our driveway. He placed me gently into the seat, and he walked over to the drivers side. I took his hand, admiring the way he looked in his navy tuxedo.

How did I get so lucky?

Shawn's POV

She looked gorgeous. She was a distraction. Her long, caramel coloured hair was curled perfectly and flowed down her back. Usually the girls are the ones to feel butterflies, but honestly when she grabbed my hand, I felt a whole zoo in my stomach.