Problems Under the Mistletoe

Chapter 11

*Christmas Eve*

It was the longest day of the year. The day that no one could handle because they wanted it to be over so badly. Today was Christmas Eve.

Everyone was bustling about the house. My mom was preparing things for the big dinner tomorrow and the adults were sneaking around the house with unwrapped gifts hidden in their arms, occasionally asking the others if they had some tape or extra wrapping paper.

For the majority of the morning, the little kids and my cousins were pushed outside to play in the snow so we were all out of the way for preparation. The cold was bitter but the colorful hats, gloves, and coats eased the pain. The little kids were adorable when they played around, throwing off aimed snowballs at each other and toppling over when they lost their balance.

My cousins, my friends and I were all out too, huddling together on the porch and pouting that we got kicked out. I was sitting between Kyle and Devan, holding my boyfriend's gloved hand. My sigh of contentment became a white cloud as it left my mouth and Devan placed a kiss on my temple. I turned to him and smiled for a moment, taking in his blue eyes that were full of love once again. It seemed to have been forever since I had seen that look and I couldn't explain the amount of happiness that rose in me for it to appear again.

Suddenly, Rachel face planted into the snow and began to cry. The first person to rush over to her was Eva who had been sitting next to Kyle.

As Eva picked Rachel up and cradled her as she cried, I leaned over to Kyle and asked, "So... what do you think about Eva?"

He smiled, his eyes remaining glued to her as he replied. "When I saw her that day that we decorated the house, like first we introduced ourselves and I knew I liked her. Then, though, I watched her put up the mistletoe in the dining room doorway and for some reason, I had this really strong feeling that I she would be my girlfriend. I haven't asked her out yet, but I want to."

There was a shy smile on his face as he looked down to his hands that he was rubbing together nervously. Even though I always felt like Harley and I had a special connection, there was always a place for Kyle in my heart.

"Lanie," he said," I think that I'm going to have a hard time committing to this whole 'rejecting love' thing."

I giggled and leaned forward, looking down the line of cousins and friends, to see Collins and Darcy holding hands, Darcy's head on Collins' shoulder.

"Darcy gave up for the right guy," I told him. "I think you would be giving it all up for the right girl, Kyle. She's an amazing friend and would be committed to you, no matter the distance."

He looked up from his hands and caught my gaze, looking a little unsure. When he saw that I was completely confident, he nodded and looked back at Eva who was laughing with the other kids, working out something in his mind.

All the preparations had been made. All the presents were wrapped and put under the tree. All that was left, was for everyone to wake up for Christmas morning; and that was about to happen.

There was no sunshine in my eyes this morning. There wasn't an opportunity for the sun to even get that high before I heard a dozen of tiny screams echo throughout the house. I was startled awake but quickly realized what it was all about. It was finally Christmas Day.

Everyone was awake within an hour of the kids' screams and we had already had breakfast. Now, we were sitting in front of the Christmas tree and waiting anxiously as Uncle Nathan was knowingly stalling to tease us.

Aunt Jenn was on all the kids' side as she yelled to her husband, "If you don't get your butt out here in the next minute, I'm going to let the kids start whether you're in here or not!"

Everyone laughed as Uncle Nathan quickly walked in and sat down, finally letting all the kids begin tearing open their presents.

All my cousins, friends, and I were sitting on the balcony that evening, playing random games of cards, Collins doing magic tricks for us, or just talking. I was wearing the sweatshirt I had given Devan because it was so comfortable and I had somehow convinced him that I needed to wear it even though my favorite of my own sweatshirts was just in my room, a few feet away from me. He didn't mind though and I was just happy that he was willing to let me steal his stuff again.

We were laughing and having a good time when Darcy cleared her throat and began speaking to all of us. "Guys, I need to tell you something. I'm not giving up on love anymore because Collins convinced me otherwise."

All of us cheered as she looked to Collins and smiled, suddenly leaning in to peck his lips. He looked a bit surprised at first, but after a few moments, he grinned back at her and pulled her close to him.

I looked around and spied on the romances in this circle. Kyle was whispering to Eva and she was smiling, hopefully about getting asked out. Collins and Darcy were wrapped up in each other's arms and occasionally sighing contently. Harley and Naomi were sitting next to each other and, when they thought no one was looking, they stole a couple kisses. Then there was Devan and I who were just plain happy being together once again. This year had brought so much trouble and heartache that for a long time, I wanted the world to just end. However, things ended up fixing themselves and there was no other way that would have worked out better. Either that or I wouldn't have it any other way.