Every Moment ── TOM HOLLAND²

29. "christmas eve"

The Giraldo house was buzzing, Justin Bieber's Christmas album on repeat as they did last minute setting up. It wasn't too much work, just adjusting decorations, placing mistletoe in places that weren't too obvious, and sneaking a cookie when Victoria turned around. Luna was tasked with watching over Elena while Diana aided Victoria with the cooking, it being too much food for the one woman.

Luna's makeup had covered the dark circles she'd been rocking for the past few weeks now, making her look slightly less dead than usual. She was adjusting Elena's sweater when the door opened, Mia Lancaster poking her head in, Liz Barns directly behind her.

It wasn't unusual for the girls to spend Christmas Eve with the Giraldos, seeing as they were never busy and simply loved her family too much. The two girls stepped into the room, Luna quick to hand the baby to Liz, knowing how much the two girls loved one another. While Liz cooed at the baby, Mia looked over Luna.

"You look pretty," She complimented, offering a small smile. "Are you okay?"

Luna had to stop herself from glaring at the girl. Lately, she felt like she was a glass with a crack in it, the two girls just waiting for her to shatter. And today it was worse than ever. She understood. He was meant to be with her today, he was meant to be holding Elena as she adjusted her sweater and taking control when Luna grew afraid of hurting the baby girl. But he wasn't. She wasn't going to burst into tears because of that, especially because it was her own fault for that.

"I'm fine," She mumbled, taking Elena back from Liz, who immediately pouted. "Don't act this way in front of my family, okay?"

Liz and Mia shared a look of confusion, making Luna sigh. "All over protective, like I'm a porcelain doll or something. Don't do that."

"You haven't told them," Liz concluded, causing Luna to fall silent. She told her mom that Tom most likely wouldn't be attending their Christmas party, and when she saw the deep frown she got in response, she refrained from telling her the real reason why. Her family had grown fond of him, and telling them it was over would be a long conversation she wasn't mentally prepared to have just yet.

Luna was thankful for Elena letting out a gurgling noise, giving her the perfect opportunity to get away from the conversation. "El's hungry," Luna mumbled, lifting the girl higher up as she walked past her friends. She entered the kitchen, Diana immediately ushering for her to hand the baby to her.

She watched with a slight smile as her sister cooed at the baby, lifting her up, emitting a giggle from Elena. "So what time are we expecting Tom?" Diana asked, glancing back at Luna as she swayed the baby girl.

Luna opened her mouth to respond, but Victoria beat her to it. "He's not coming," Victoria mumbled bitterly, causing Luna to frown. Diana looked to Luna for confirmation, matching her frown when Luna nodded. "I made tres leches just for him," Victoria sighed, glancing back at Luna.

Instantly, guilt washed over the girl. If you hadn't broken up with him for no reason, this wouldn't be happening. She didn't respond to her mother, her hand fiddling with the T necklace around her neck.

It wasn't long until their living room was filled with family. Her uncles stood in circles, slapping each other on the arm whenever the other would say something funny. Her aunts occupied a majority of the couches, while the others aided Victoria. Her little cousins kept Andrew occupied, begging him to tell stories of things he'd seen while working at the hospital, all gory details included. Some of her older cousins were circled around Elena, the baby basking in the attention of the adults, a toothless smile on display. Luna made sure to speak to everyone, keeping the conversation off of herself in hopes that Tom wouldn't be brought up.