Halfway In Love (#Wattys2016)

36 - Not good, brilliant!

<Update : 11/02/17>

A/N: Hey there guys, really sorry for the late update! I hope you are all doing awesome! 

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Happy Reading!!!

*****

Chapter 36 - Not good, brilliant!

"Steph, come dance."

"No."

"Steph, come dance."

"No."

"Steph, come dance."

"No."

"Steph, come dance."

"No."

"Stephie.."

"No."

"Come dance."

"No."

"Fine!" I felt the rustle of his coat against my bare arm as he turned to leave and whipped around, but he hadn't left. I faced away from him again, towards the town. It looked like a little fairy village from up there with all the decorations and lights. The party was on the terrace of Dave's dad's office aka the tallest building in town and I couldn't loved it any more than I did. There was just this one hindrance, I wasn't on good terms with my supposed 'date'. He sighed exasperated.

"I'm sorry okay? I shouldn't have marched out on you like that."

"Duh." I made a face.

"But you did end up having a great time."

"Duh," I repeated, "I was alone, I always have a great time when I'm alone."

"So what are you angry about?"

What was I angry about?

The pictures of him surrounded by those girls, sitting in the corner booth of the cafe flashed in front of my eyes like a bad movie and I grimaced. Dave sighed and grasping me by the shoulders turned me around, standing very very close.

"Stephie," he began, holding my chin to make me look up at him. His warm breath fanned my face leaving me breathless in its wake. "I am really really really sorry that I left you for those girls, I am really really sorry that I left you alone at the station yet again and I am really really sorry for any other stupid thing I might have done, but you look so absolutely breathtaking that it would be really really really unfortunate for me to miss dancing with you." He stepped back, took my right hand in his and bowed, looking at me through his lashes. "Will you please please please, do me the honor of this dance and make it a Very Merry Christmas? Literally?"

Oh look, there goes my heart, pirouetting in a way I could only dream of, leaving my body on fire.

As I nodded and saw the shine in his eye light up his face when he led me to the dance floor, I saw my brain happily skipping over to join my heart. Because if not then why would have I enjoyed the feel of his arms around me? Or the rhythmic beat of his heart in sync with mine? I'm pretty sure my head wouldn't have allowed me to look at him when he was gazing down at me like that. Like I was the only person in the room. Like all else was just a blur, insignificant. Like if could, he would whip us both away to a place of fantasy, places I have only ever read about, places my brain has always forbidden me to think about. Because my head wouldn't have allowed to do me what I did next.

Slipping away my hand from his grasp as the song changed to a slow one, I slipped both arms around his neck, pulling myself closer. I felt his heart rate go up. Or maybe it was mine? He seemed confused. Of course he did. But it didn't matter. Taking a firm hold, I started moving to the music. The lights dimmed but his eyes shone brighter than any star out there tonight. I couldn't for the life of me look away. They captured me, captivated me, bewitched me; mind, body and soul. His hands inched towards my waist, his touch, only there, lightly. But it was enough. Enough to make my brain knock the door and head inside. Enough, to make me start think.

"Don't think tonight, Steph." Dave whispered, his lips inches away, "Just enjoy. It's Christmas!" He smiled the way he always does, but somehow it felt different. He felt different.

We felt different.

And I had this sudden urge to do something. I didn't know what or why. But something. So I stood up on my toes and pulled myself even closer, burying my face in his neck.

Wow... this feels good.

Not good, brilliant!

I sighed contentedly before realizing Dave had gone stiff as a rod.

"Wha...Steph? What are you doing?" His voice shook. But it was probably the cold. I tightened my hold and felt his breath catch.

"I know what I am not doing, thinking!" I smiled in his neck. His hesitant fingers, not so hesitant anymore, hugged me back.

It was a perfect world. Swaying and dancing with just the two of us.

Callum

This night couldn't have been more beautiful.

I looked down at her, snuggled in my side, eating ice cream and watching a B grade netflix movie with no parental guidance whatsoever.

The situation couldn't have been more cliche.

But as I said, this night couldn't have been more beautiful.

Alicia

Oh my God!!! I couldn't keep the skip out of my steps.

In my wildest dreams had I never thought, a stroll around the town at night on Christmas eve would be so perfect.

In my wildest dreams had I never imagined, it would be Dylan beside me, making it so.

Greg

"Mom, I can't eat anymore!"

"Of course you can! Just a little more, my baby bwoyy."

"Mom, stop it!"

"You look so cute, I'm.. I can't believe my Greg is so grown up!"

"Mom!!!"

"Just one more piece.... for me?"

"Listen to your mother, Greg."

"Fine!"

"That's my baby!"

Emily

"Oh for God's sake! Will you two stop bickering for just a moment!" I yelled, wanting to tear my hair my out. Two pair of eyes turned to glare towards me with anything but love. I had thought, maybe this time, just this once they would not do this. For my little brother and sisters. For me.

Who would've thought, my own parents would look at me with contempt. With so much hate.

How did my family end up like this?

They ignored me, my outburst, my tears and left the living room, deciding to prey their bedroom next.

I rushed, my siblings were in the one beside it. I gathered them all and for once they didn't trouble me. I think they understood. I think they were afraid too. I could see it in their eyes, burning up with questions. Emma's lips trembled, breaking my heart and I picked her up in my arms. Fishing out my phone, I dialed, struggling to keep my voice from shaking.

"Merrrrrry Christmas!!" The voice chirped. I could hear the TV, the other person in the room, but most of all peace from the other side.

"Cal," I choked and instantly felt him go rigid. "I need help."