TELEKINETIC │ p.p

Chapter Thirty Eight

Vanessa slid on the long sleeve red shirt and her black leggings before adding loose curls to her washed, dried, and brushed hair. She smiles at herself in the mirror before rushing back into her bedroom and collecting the things necessary for a sleepover. She snatches her bag, her phone, and the two presents before running out to Peter's car.

"Ready," she grins after tossing everything in the backseat and pressing a kiss to her boyfriend's cheek.

"Hello to you too," Peter chuckles, watching her buckle. "I saw you like two hours ago."

"Feels like longer," she shrugs. "Christmas music?" she questions as she relaxes in her seat. Peter smirks and hands her the AUX cord.

"You have a better playlist." She nods, scrambling to find the perfect song. She grins as she selects said song. As the tune started up, a smile spread across Peter's face. It only widened as Vanessa belted out the lyrics to the song "All I Want For Christmas Is You" by Mariah Carey and her sharp points toward him every time "you" was sang.

The ride continued, Vanessa's mood escalating faster than she expected throughout the day as her highest hopes were already being met.

May watched the two bake cookies and cook up dinner, helping whenever she was asked, and setting the table for three. All was well as they ate with comfortable discussion topics, Vanessa now beginning to get anxious as the end of the night loomed over them.

"Present time!" May sang after finishing her second cookie. Another reason for Vanessa's high anxiety levels, but she grabbed her presents for the two and sat on the couch beside Peter nevertheless.

"May goes first," Vanessa smiles, Peter nodding happily in agreement. May tried to argue but neither of the teens were having it.

Peter pulled Vanessa into him, wrapping his arm around her waist tightly, as May ripped open the present from the young girl. He could feel her body shaking, quickly placing his lips to her temple before resting his head on hers.

"Vanessa!" May gasps. She holds up the necklace in the light, an unshakable smile placed on the woman's face as she admires the karats that etch out fancy lines of a heart.

"I've been doing jobs for Tony since I moved," Vanessa responds, explaining how she could afford something so valuable. "I'm a good saver."

"You didn't have to spend so much on me, or anything, in fact!" May shrieks. She stands quickly as she swats at the falling tears, Vanessa breaking her healing hold from Peter to embrace his aunt. She giggles, thanking everything from above and beyond that May liked her present. It was the least she could do in return for everything the woman had done and sacrificed for her and Peter. She was the reason Peter is the way he is, and Vanessa wanted to thank her for molding him into the perfect gentleman.

"I don't want you to open mine now," Peter huffs. Vanessa and May scoff, both of their eyes rolling.

"Shut up," Vanessa responds as she retakes her seat and falls back into their previous position.

"I'm actually super embarrassed now," Peter grumbles as he watches May tear into his present for her.

"Peter," Vanessa whispers, looking up at him, "stop."

May's smile doesn't falter as she pulls out the pristine, white trainers and a small rectangular book made of printer paper. "Peter," she says through suppressed sobs. She sets the shoes down and inspects the book, amused and touched by the thoughtful gift. There must have been fifty 'One free hug' coupons stapled together. "Thank you," she whispers, the only volume she could manage as she stood and hugged her nephew.