Problems Under the Mistletoe

Chapter 5

*December 17th*

Anxiously checked the window for the hundredth time today. Any minute now, I knew it, I could feel it. They were almost here.

"Lanie! My mom called from the kitchen. "Stop staring out the window and come help me in the kitchen!"

I sighed and tore myself away from the cold pane and stepped into the warm kitchen. Mom stood at the counter making homemade applesauce while a pot of water was waiting to boil on the stove. The whole house smelled like cinnamon and apples and for a moment, I took and deep breath in and was completely content. There were no troubles in my life, everything was perfect. However, it only lasted that moment, because after that, the doorbell rang.

"I've got it!!" I screeched, rushing to the door as my mom laughed.

I was super excited to greet whoever it was until I opened it and saw Devan standing out in the cold with his jacket that was hanging over one on his arms.

Slowly, I opened the screen door and greeted him, saying, "Hi."

He maintained eye contact, attempting to look strong. However, I could tell that he really didn't want to be here.

"Here," he said, thrusting a pan into my hands. "My mom made this for you guys for Christmas. Its peppermint brownies."

"Thanks..." I whispered. He nodded at me and turned to leave, but I stepped out onto the porch, calling, "Wait, Devan!"

To my surprised he actually stopped but kept his back to me and let me talk.

"First, why don't you have your coat on? It's freezing out here." I asked.

"Suddenly you care about me?" He asked back.

I sighed and replied, "Devan, just because we broke up doesn't mean that I don't still love you. I care about you and it's not suddenly."

He paused for a moment or two, then shrugged his coat on lazily, asking, "Better? What else did you want to tell me?"

I smiled slightly at the fact that he paid attention to what I was saying, and said, "Um, can we at least act like we're friends? I had to tell my mom that we were getting better so she would be happy and now she can't wait until we get back together. She's getting suspicious, though and I'm sure she will figure it out soon if something doesn't happen."

I heard him huff and I thought he was mad, until he turned back to me and was slightly smiling.

"I had to tell my mom the same thing..." He admitted, looking me in the eye again.

I smiled and giggled, our relationship feeling somewhat normal for a moment. We could be so much alike at times.

"Can we try again? I miss you." I asked carefully.

He watched me for a moment but slowly nodded his head saying, "I'm willing to try it. I miss you too."

I smiled again and looked at him, thankful for everything that was happening right now.

"My family should be here soon. Do you want to wait with me? I'm sure they would love to see you." I invited.

He sighed and nodded, walking into the house with me. I led him into the kitchen and put a grin on my face for my mom.

"Devan's here." I told my mom as my dad walked into he kitchen too.

My mom's face lit up and she came over and hugged Devan, telling him how much she missed him. Dad glanced between my friend and I, asking with one look if I was okay with having him over. I guess he was the only one that could see through my lie but he didn't say anything, probably to protect Mom's feelings and to keep the family happy. I gave him a nod and his face softened as he greeted Devan.

I looked around at my parents and Devan all together in the same kitchen again. It felt as if it had been forever since we were all together. The last time this happened was before our relationship blew into little pieces. For once, things felt normal. That is, until my cousins arrived and changed everything for that Christmas.