How to Kill a Man in Thirty Seconds

Chapter 37: Christmas With the Family

"Mum?" I called, as Adrian and I stepped through the front door.

There was silence.

"She's probably drunk right now," I sighed, "It helps her forget that it's his death anniversary. I don't blame her."

Adrian nodded as I picked up a now awake Lily from the sofa. She instantly wrapped her arms around my neck and snuggled into my chest.

"You want to stay over for dinner?" I asked, sinking onto the couch, "Honest warning though, Christmas Eve at the Green household usually tends to get a bit melodramatic."

"I'm sure it's still better than an empty house."

My brows furrowed, "I thought you lived with your dad."

"I do. He's... um, working today."

"For real?"

Adrian shrugged, face expressionless, "I don't mind. He's...not the most fun guy to hang around."

"Daddy issues, huh?"

There was a long pause, "We just... don't see eye to eye."

My brows creased in bewilderment but Adrian explained no more.

I watched him making his way towards the Christmas tree, which lay abandoned on its side by the front door. His hands wrapped around its bark, the muscles of his arms visibly tensing as he hoisted it up over his shoulder with great effort and carried into our living room.

"Thank you?" I said, surprise lacing my tone.

He shrugged, sinking into the couch beside me, "Wouldn't want myself tripping over it on the way out. "A corner of his lips kicked up. "This face," he said, pointing to his, "Is beautiful. Wouldn't want it tainted by bruises."

"Is that what you tell yourself each time you get into a fight?"

His mouth opened in disagreement, but I pushed Lily into his arms before he could continue, "Hold her while I make dinner."

I was setting the table by the time mum made her way downstairs. I smiled at her, needing desperately for her to feel some of that weight lift off her shoulders.

Sensing movement, her gaze darted around before it landed on Adrian.

He was still carrying Lily, who had fallen asleep in his arms. Her arms were wrapped around his neck, her small face buried in his chest, her tiny body curled against his. My sister's lashes fanned her cheeks as she slept, a peaceful smile lingering on her face.

Adrian was staring at my mother, the same suspicious stare he had once directed at me, lingering on his face. His panicked gaze flickered to me, emerald eyes full of uncertainty, before his gaze returned to my mother. He fidgeted awkwardly.

I nearly laughed, "Mum, this is my friend Adrian. Adrian, this is my mother."

The corners of her lips tipped upwards as they shook hands, "Charley never mentioned you."

"I moved into town just a couple of months ago, Mrs. Green. That's probably why."

A moment passed before her smile widened, "You're a good looking lad." Her gaze met mine, "You two dating or something?"

"Mum!"

My gaze shot to Adrian, who was still staring at my mother and I was horrified to find that his expression wasn't a reflection of my wide eyes. He just looked... surprised.

"No! Of course not!" I cried, hands waving about frantically, "We're just friends! Tell her, Adrian."

His startled gaze darted to me before it returned to my mother, "Um, well-"

My lovely mother cut him off, grinning unimpeachably at me, "Then why does your face look like cherry red tomato, dear?"

I saw Adrian's shocked gaze flicker to me and he must have found what he was looking for, for one side of his lips kicked up just the tiniest notch, before he quickly averted his gaze, knowing I was staring daggers into him.

"It does not!" I retorted, "I'm not blushing. I don't blush!"

For God's sake, I didn't have feelings for Adrian. The boy was narcissistic and rude and a complete rule breaker. I- logical Charley- had not ever and did not ever intend to date him. And yes, he was kind and nice and understanding and all kinds of other good things but hell, that didn't mean I had feelings for him!

I inhaled sharply, fixing my mother a glare, "We're friends, mother. Nothing more."

A chuckle escaped her lips, "Okay, fine. Forgive me. It's just that he's not Oliver or Brian and well... he's a boy. So..."

"Oliver and Brian aren't my only friends!"

Both Adrian and my mother had their eyebrows arched this time, staring at me in disbelief.

Just then, the doorbell dinged and Brian's cheery voice called through the front door, "It's us. We come bearing gifts!"

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A/N- Firstly, I'd like to apologize for having taken so long to update. I was going through a bit of a slump and was feeling completely uninspired, like this story wasn't worth completion. I also generally take ages to write a couple of paragraphs, which doesn't help. 

Either way, it was when all of you guys started leaving likes and adding this story to your favorites that I felt inspired to keep writing. I just wanted to say thanks! It's a beautiful feeling to sign in and find 25 notifications from your readers. THANK YOU<3 <3 <3 You guys are just frigging AWESOME and I can't thank you enough for reading this story. I am already working on the next update so you'll see the next chapter up soon:)