Choices | calum hood & luke hemmings ✔️

twenty-nine

alexandra

Christmas music echoed loudly throughout the whole house, which was filled with frantic bodies for the upcoming holiday. Some were preparing for the feast, while the others decorated the beautiful tree. We were missing a few members of the household due to last minute shopping, but we tried to make the best of it.

Wiping the glitter off of my hands, I take a step back to catch my breath after hauling the contributions to the certain pile under the tree. Thankfully, I finished wrapping presents late last night because we ran out of wrapping paper and tape a little before noon today. Everyone here demanded and made it a rule to have personal space before the sun sets in the middle of the sky so uncovered gifts are not seen. However, I think we will need to extend the time a few hours due to Hunter going out to buy more essentials.

Most of the family members had the holiday weeks off so it was louder than usual. Our humble abode felt more complete, though, which is nothing to complain about. We all seem happier, less stressed, and most of all, festive.

I mean of course, since us college folks are able to get a break from all of the worries about homework and projects. Cringing, I cradle my head at the thought. Even thinking about it gives me a headache.

"Final ornament!" One my band friends shout above the jolly jingles playing from the speakers.

She carefully placed the thread loop, that allowed the ball to hang, on the branch and raised her hands up high in success. I closed the box that held the decorations as Madi collapses on the couch in relief. After two hours, we completed our task on making our living room as merry as we could.

"Polar Express and hot chocolate time!"

I cover my ears from the noise from behind me.

"Wow, that was loud." I mention about the tunes that were silenced mainly for the film we prepared to watch, but also so we could actually hear each other perfectly fine. There was no need to scream.

Each of our mugs filled with the delicious, warm delight and topped with mini marshmallows are gripped in content with both hands as we crowd around the screen. Snuggled into several blankets, we watch the classic movie. At this time of the year, the air grew chilly and it was a total three hundred sixty since the weather in Houston is extremely humid. Sometimes, though, it does not get cold enough to enjoy the traditional sitting by the fire. Plus, this city snows every ten years it feels like, but the most recent time the snow was more of a hail type than the usual flakes.

"This has to be my favorite part." I heard Madi say on the ground in front of me. I shimmy a little in my seat, while Jacob recites some words of the song.

I chuckle when I notice Julia hiding her face in his chest in embarrassment; mentally awing at the sight of my cousin and his girlfriend sitting among themselves on the love seat. They are so cute together.

"Why?" Calum shifts on the couch beside me and I feel goosebumps go up my arm when our hands barely touch under the blanket.

"Every winter of elementary school, we would watch this movie, wearing pajamas and all." I talk quietly to him and smile at the good moments I had before living in middle school hell. "When this scene came on, the teachers would pass out the hot cocoa." I lean my head on his shoulder and continue to enjoy the animation. The waiters set down a cloth for a magically appearing table and dance around in the train as the conductor sings into the intercom.

"Man, I guess I drank mine too fast." I muffle my giggle in the cotton of Cal's shirt, trying not to interrupt the others, at his statement.

"That was me back then. Luckily, you can have seconds here." I began to unravel myself from the covers and uncross my legs, careful that I don't hit my best friend in the head with my foot. I held his cup and was about to stand when Cal grabs my hand. I turn around taken aback.