Anger Issues

twenty six

Christmas

Austin

Tiny hands and a small body against mine woke me from my sleep. Opening my eyes, Brianna was standing beside my bed, and Isabella was placed gently on top of me.

"Wake up, boy, it's Christmas," Bri said with an accent. "Cismath," Bella attempted to say.

I smiled before putting Bella into my arms and standing up. "Merry Christmas," I tiredly stood up, hugging Brianna.

"Alright, get ready and come downstairs, we're waiting for you," she said. I nodded as Bella was taken from my arms.

Brushing my teeth and putting on presentable clothes, I went downstairs. Almost everyone was there, except Caleb who was probably also asleep.

"Merry Christmas!" I shouted over everyone. I got a few responses back, before I took a seat on the ground next to Rebecca, Lexi, and Justin.

We immediately got lost into a conversation about the snow. As soon as we did, I got even happier.

We were having a white Christmas.

"Alright everybody is up!" Dad announced. "Go wild with your gifts," he chuckled.

I got up and handed everyone the gifts I got them, then sat back down. I was more of a giver than a taker. I never felt the need to have people give me things.

I handed everyone's out and then sat back down in my spot. I got the female side of my family clothes and a few got jewelery, while the guys got video games, cologne, or whatever I managed to find for them.

"Austin, take your gifts too," mom said over the various conversations. I smiled, and began opening the gifts from various people.

I got a variety of things. Clothes, shoes, video games, things for my bedroom and even things for the studio, like speakers.

Hugs were exchanged between everyone, along with thank you's. All in all, the day came off to a great start.

When we finished with the presents, we went to the kitchen and began piling plates with food on them. On Christmas, my mom and aunts always made so much food it was like a buffet. Crazy, but amazing.

Jessica

"Wake up! It's Christmas," my little cousin, Timothy jumped on my bed. He easily woke up the three of us from our amazing slumber.

"We're up, we're up," I forced a smile. "Hurry up!" He excitedly said. "We will. We'll be down in a few minutes, Tim," Lily told him.

He jumped off of my bed with enthusiasm, and his footsteps were heard going down the stairs. He was a crazily adorable little boy.

I got up first, knowing the other two would take forever in the bathroom. Freshening up, I put on my glasses and waited in my room for Lily and Nikki to finish.

"Get the number," Lily told me, as Nikki dispersed into the bathroom.

I shook my head. "If she walks in she'll be suspicious. When we're downstairs, talk to her about something she'll get lost in. I'll take her phone then," I explained.

Lily nodded her head in approval of my plan.

When we all got downstairs, we passed around gifts and opened them all. Nothing but joy fully filled the air. Everyone was smiling, and making the best of the given circumstances.

"It's snowing," Nikki mentioned. I looked outside as a smile appeared on my lips. Even better.

After we exchanged gifts and ate breakfast, we settled in the living room again.

I grabbed my phone and wished everybody a Merry Christmas, but saw that Austin beat me to it, as I read his texts.

Austin
Babyyyyyy

Austin
Merry Christmas 🎄

I smiled at the messages, and typed a response.

Me
Merry Christmas ♡😘

Me
Can you sneak a few minutes later?

Not expecting a response immediately, I set down my phone and went along with whatever conversations were happening.

Then, Lily caught my attention. She nudged her head to Nikki's phone which was beside me, then mouthed words to me. "Now?"

I nodded, and subtly slid Nikki's phone into my pocket so she wouldn't take it.

"Nikki, come help me with something," Lily stood up. Nikki followed, stepping away from the living room.

I acted quickly, typing in her password before scrolling through her contacts.

Angelo had already texted her, but I didn't open it just in case she would notice. So, once I found his contact, I texted it to myself, then deleted the text, and set her phone where it originally was.

I shot a thumbs up towards Lily, who, of the two, was able to see me from where she was.

They continued whatever conversation they had going, until they sat down again.

But little did I know, I made a mistake. A really bad one.