One Hell Of A Life

chapter thirty four: january.

Em POV:

The Christmas of 2018 was spent at the Sidemen House with JJ, Tobi, Manny, Vik, Kon and Kirsty.

I was invited home by Deji, I was invited home by Simon as I know his parents so well from childhood. But I chose to sleep on Christmas Eve, waking up on Christmas Day with my brother and our friends.

This wasn't me taking sides. I just didn't want JJ to feel like he had nobody with him on what's supposed to be the most bringing-together day of the year for those who celebrate.

We had a blast, suffice to say. We all exchanged gifts on the morning, and then I cooked a dinner for us to eat at around three.

JJ and Deji called it quits with their argument shit on Boxing Day. Only once before in my life have I ever felt such relief - when JJ and I made up. I'm glad that we're back together as a family, though. It's bare stress being apart.

So, on the 2nd of January, whilst everyone was hungover from the party at the Sidemen House, I drove home to see my parents and Dej, deliver their presents, and to wish them a happy New Year.

"Hi, bro." I barely had chance to greet him as he flung his arms around my neck. "Woah, there. Steady." I chuckled.
"I feel like I haven't seen you for ages." Deji exclaimed, still his arms were around me.
"Same here." I replied, "Good Christmas?"
"Yeah, yeah. Really great, thanks. How was yours?" He led me into the house as I shut the front door behind me.
"Lovely." I peered round a corner to see my parents in the kitchen.

"Hey, Emmy's here!" My mum rushed over to me, "How are you, darling? I've missed you so much." She kissed my cheek, embracing me.
"I'm fine, thanks, are you?" I returned.
"Great, great. Anything to eat?"
"I'm good for now, Mum, thanks." I nodded. "Hi, Dad." I went over to where my father was stood.
"Happy New Year, Em." He hugged me.

"Oh, shit!" I remembered, "I have your Christmas presents in the car. I'll be right back." I sped back out of the front door, and made several trips back and forth from my car and through the door.

We exchanged gifts, and I stayed for a cup of tea.
"Would you like me to do your hair?" Mum said, out of the blue.
"Would you?" I looked up, hopefully.
"Yes, why not? Go and choose the colour you want. You must know where the hair is by now."

And, with that, I raced upstairs, into Mum and Dad's bedroom, and grabbing the chair that was positioned near the desk, opened the doors to the wardrobe. I stood on the chair, peering on the top shelf where she kept the false hair for my braids.

After a while of pondering my options, I decided on a deep teal shade that would run from my roots all of the way to my hips in thick plaits.

"I was wondering when you were finally going to pick that one." Mum laughed, motioning for me to sit on the carpet in front of her. I sat down in front of her, then handed her the hair, and let her work her magic.

"So..." Mum began.
"Huh?" I perked up.
"Anything to tell me?" I could almost see her wiggle her eyebrows.
"Did you hear it from J?"
"Yeah."
"Right."

Then...

"I actually can't believe that you and Simon got it together! I mean, after all those years of knowing each other..." Mum burst out. I let her talk and marvel, all the while smiling to myself at how much she approved.
"You're happy with me being with a guy like Simon, I take it?" I chuckled.
"Yes! Very! He's so lovely, and honest, and he's got a good sense of humour, too. You haven't done bad, looks wise, either."
"Mum!"
"What?" She laughed, "I'm just excited, my dear; you've not been in a relationship for quite some time now."

Little does she know...

Would you call the fling I had with Freezy a 'relationship'? I feel like it was, of some sort. Not a boyfriend-girlfriend type of relationship, but a friendly romance thing.

It's hard for me to explain. God only knows what he reckons about the whole thing - the way he just brushed me off when it ended–

"Do you think you'll marry him?" Mum interrupted my thoughts.
"W-What?" I actually rubbed my eyes.
"I think that it's a bit early for you and Simon to be thinking about marriage, isn't it Em?" Dad cut in the conversation. I mouthed a thank you to him.
"Yeah, Mum, it's early doors, yet. It's only just been a week!" I pointed out.
"And counting." She tugged deliberately the strand of my real hair she would merge with the false hair. Nevertheless, I couldn't help but blush.

"When are you coming back next?" Deji asked, hours later after Mum had finished up with my hair. I was gathering my given gifts to take back to my flat.
"Whenever you want me." I grinned, "Three weeks? Texting and calling in between?"
"Sound good." We met fists. "Here," Deji picked up a couple of the presents, "I'll help."
"You don't need to–"
"Em, I'm literally out the fucking door!" He laughed.
"Alright; fair's, fair's." I smiled.

"I guess I'll see you all in a bit." I gave my mother, father and brother each a hug in turn before I walked over to my car.
"Bye, baby!" Mum waved.
"See you later!" Deji yelled.
"Goodbye, Emmy!" Dad shouted.

I pulled out of their driveway, and as I shifted from reverse to neutral, I took a glance at the closing door of the house.

It's about fucking time Deji made the trip to Canary Wharf, I thought.

Maybe I'll invite him there sometime.

a/n:

happy new year!

i'm so glad that 2018 has finally bit the dust. 2019's an opportunity to start afresh and let go of all the shit that's happened before and turn over a new leaf.

i am planning to complete this book this year, which you'll be glad to hear. it's near top of my priorities for this year.

thank you for all of the lovely support throughout 2018! i hope that everyone has the best year of their lives.

thanks for reading,

lee x