nefelibata (n.) | ✔️

twenty-seven.

Present. December 25th, 2018.

"Hi Carson, Lenny, girls!"  I greet, clutching onto the door like it will save me from my thoughts.

The gust of cold December air chilled me, and I nearly shivered but held it in to avoid looking foolish. The snow littering Carson's black beanie made him look even more attractive.

Lenny speaks first, Carson holding Cleo back from jumping on me. "Hi Dear, thank you for having us. Where are your parents? Let me thank them."

"Of course, Lenny. They're in the kitchen, just down the hall to the right." He nods and plants a small kiss on my forehead with a smile.

Then before he walks off, he whispers, "He hasn't stopped worrying about seeing you all day." He winks and heads to the kitchen. Was he worried to see me? I try not to smile and squat down to hug Cleo, and also to prevent looking at Carson's curious eyes.

I give the other girls a group hug and ask them how they're doing, but they couldn't be bothered. When Christmas guru Penelope Winters comes into the room, they all look wide-eyed and mesmerized by her sparkly green dress. Cleo tugs on my simple black dress, I wore a red scarf, I'm not entirely heartless.

"Is she a princess, Lena?" Cleo looks up at me with bright eyes.

I chuckle. "Just about. Go on; she's kind." The other girls had already run off which left Carson and I alone, in front of my bland door, staring at one another.

"Still beautiful in black I see." He finally speaks. I look down with a smile.

I better not be fucking blushing.

"Guess so," I respond. "Thanks for coming." I laugh.

"No problem. It's not like I had to beg the family to spend Christmas with their favorite girl." Favorite girl? If only.

"You flatter too much." I rolled my eyes and took his hand, dragging him to the kitchen. It felt natural, no nerves involved.

"Mom, Dad. You remember Carson?" I say, gathering their attention. Dad nods and does the typical guy high five hug thing. 

My mother gives him a welcoming hug, and I can see Carson trying to hide his surprise. Once she let goes of him, she flips herself around and continues stirring her soup, reengaging in her conversation with Dad and Lenny. 

I turn to face him, removing my hand from his finally. Why the hell was I holding it for so long?

"I want you to meet Penelope," I say. 

"Ah, the infamous best friend. Should I be threatened? I thought I was your best friend?" He frowns, pretending to be wounded. 

"As annoying as ever even on Christmas?" I joke. 

"Always on Christmas! Now lead me to this friend of yours." Once again, I roll my eyes and lead the way to where I find Penelope's unamused voice and Carson's three beloved sisters, terrorizing her of course. 

Penelope has always been angel-like. I guess to the girls she's more princess-like. Her stunning long dirty blonde hair and nearly perfect facial structure don't leave room for discussion. I remind her of this all day every day but she doesn't hear me. I don't blame the girls for thinking she's a Disney princess who escaped Disney World.

"Hey P," I interrupt, the girls looking my way. "This is Carson, my friend I told you about." I fiddle with my fingers anxiously. I hope she likes him. 

Carson walks over and shakes her hand. His ever-so-charming smile brightening the room. "Hi, I've heard great things."

"As have I!" Penelope's bright, energetic voice responds. "Should I be worried about you stealing my best friend?" She questions, her beautiful blonde hair covering her left side as she tilts her head curiously.