What did he mean by that? Wait for him to do what? I lay on my bed in the dark keeping my eyes open. The feeling I had grew stronger so I knew this was the night. If this was the night I was leaving, I hoped Angus wouldn't try anything. He said he wouldn't but-things have happened this holiday season.
He didn't show up until around midnight after everyone was in bed asleep. I was lying on my bed when I heard the door open slowly and close just the same. His small dark figure crept over and I sat up in bed. He stopped. "Hannah?" he whispered.
"Yeah?" I answered. He came over to the other side of the bed and sat next to me. We sat in silence a while which had become one of our pastimes. I leaned on him and he wrapped an arm around me like we'd known each other forever. And to be honest, it felt like we had. I felt myself being shaken awake as I nearly dozed off on his shoulder.
"Hey, not yet," he said.
"Sorry," I yawned. "Why'd you want me to wait for you?"
"...do you-remember Christmas Eve when we opened our presents-and there was a piece of paper left in the bag?"
"Yes..." He reached into his pocket and pulled out a crumpled, tampered with envelope.
"This is-for you," he said clearing his throat and handing it to me. "But-don't open it till you get home." I held it between both my hands as a second arm wrapped over me. "I uh, saw you shiver."
"Before or after you hugged me?" He smiled.
"Before unfortunately." I laughed and yawned again. "Tired?"
"...no..."
"A little birdy told me otherwise."
"What birdy? The screech owls?"
"No, the gossip birdy who comes to your window and gossips."
"Sounds like you."
"Sounds like you."
"Sounds like Mal."
"Yeah, that's him. More like the gossip-uh, whatever bird that squawks really loud."
"Chickens."
"Yeah."
"Parrots." He laughed a little louder.
"Yeah, the gossip parrot! I'm gonna tell him you said that."
"Me? You started it."
"No I think you started it."
"No, I-"
"You started it."
"No-"
"Yes." Every time I tried to object he'd cut in with a 'yes you did'.
"No I didn't!" I laughed as he started tickling me.
"Yes you did! Yes you did!" I squirmed out of the bed sheets and tried to pry his arms away but he wouldn't let go. "Uh-uh, you're not getting away."
"Yes I am!" I pulled his arm away enough for me to scurry out of his grasp. He came after me and I ran to the other side of the room, laughing from the nervousness of being chased. I wasn't going to let him catch me but he's quicker than a rabbit and he grabbed me from behind and sat on the edge of the bed, me on his lap, and he continued to tickle me. I covered my face while I laughed and he laughed a bit too at my attempt to break free again. Finally he stopped and released me and I stood up in front of him with my face still covered. I peaked out of my fingers to see him sitting on the bed staring at me so I covered my eyes again. I felt him pull me down to sit on his lap again and he only held me there.
"You're safe, the tickle monster's on his lunch break."
"His midnight snack break?" I asked taking my hands away.
"Yeah. But he's watching his figure, so he might be back soon," he said whispering the last part in my ear. I covered my face again and laughed a little too loud, which came out as a snort.
"Sorry."
"That your special occasion snort I hear tell about?"
"Maybe."
"Hmm," he said thoughtfully gently rocking back and forth. "You drop your envelope?"
"Probably."
"I know. Here." He handed it to me and I held it in my hands again.
"Thanks."
"You still tired?"
"Yes. And exhausted from running and laughing."
"'M tired too. Should get some sleep." It was quiet a while. "Don't want to though."
"I won't be here tomorrow," I said and he hugged me a bit tighter.
"What if you stayed up the whole night? You wouldn't still leave would you?"
"I have a feeling I'd still fall asleep no matter how hard I'd try not to."
"That tired huh?"
"...yeah." He rocked back and forth a little while longer before letting me stand and stand up on his own.
"Guess I'd better get back to bed," he said rubbing the back of his neck and heading towards the door. I grabbed his hand before he could leave and gave him a puppy look-or at least attempted one. He gave me a sideways glance in return. "Alright, if you insist," he joked. I got in my original spot and he climbed into the other side, but he scooted to my side and held me again. "I still love you," he said.
"I still love you too," I answered closing my eyes. "Why would you think I stopped?"
"Just wanted to tell you before-you know." I nuzzled into his shoulder again.
"You smell nice..." I murmured. He chuckled a bit and stroked my hair.
"Thanks." I held the envelope in my hands and his left arm underneath me held my hand closed tight so I wouldn't drop it before I got back home. Before I knew it, I was asleep. Before I knew it, I was home.
