𝐢𝐧 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐦𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐥𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐢𝐭 𝐚𝐥𝐥 • 𝐜𝐨𝐥𝐛𝐲 𝐛𝐫𝐨𝐜𝐤

four

The next day, I didn't really do much except prepare for Christmas at the Golbachs'. I'd thrown on a black sweater and tucked it into my burgundy skirt, as for shoes I had chosen a pair of velvet heels. I had written everyone's names on the presents and stuffed them into a bag. I had also put the contents from yesterday's backpack in my purse once again.

When it was finally time, I got into my car and made my way over to Sam's. I gathered my purse and my present-filled bag from my trunk and rung the doorbell.

"Oh, hey Ellie!" Sam's mother exclaimed when she opened the door. "I haven't seen you in forever!"

"Hi Mrs. Golbach," I smiled at her and hugged her quickly.

"Please, Ellie, it's Cindy. Come in," she said and opened the door for me to come in.

"Ellie? Wait, it's really you? Woah, you grew so much!" Allison exclaimed as she walked over to me and gave me a hug.

"That's what ten years do to a person," I chuckled. "It's good seeing you."

I went to greet Ben and Mr. Golbach (who had me call him Kirk), and then Sam ran down the stairs.

"Ellie! I thought I heard your voice," he said and hugged me as well.

"Hey Sam. It's been so long since I've seen the inside of this house! It's changed," I laughed as I looked around.

He nodded and chuckled, "Yeah, my mom likes reorganizing."

Two hours later, we had eaten the delicious dinner and I was sitting on the soft rug in front of the Christmas tree. Sam and his parents were discussing stuff in the kitchen, while Ben and Allison were seated on the couch next to me. They were talking about random things that I wasn't really paying attention to. My phone dinged.

[Messages]
Colby🐨: sam isn't replying so i guess his phone is somewhere laying around, could you ask him to come help me carry my stuff ellie? i'm outside :) x
You to Colby🐨: sam is talking to his parents, i'll come help you out x

I chuckled and stood up. I looked at Sam but it seemed he was having a deep conversation with his parents, so I decided to leave them be. "Hey guys, I'm quickly going to help Colby with his stuff," I told Allison and Ben and they nodded.

I quickly walked towards the front door and stepped outside, seeing Colby in the driveway.

"Hey Ellie," he smiled softly and opened his arms, so I walked up to him and embraced him. He chuckled, hugging me tighter, "You're so warm, I'm literally freezing. My dad drove me here with all of the windows open. He said fresh air is good."

I let out a chuckle too and stepped back. His bags were on the driveway as his dad had already left. "Let's get you inside then," I smiled and grabbed a couple of his bags. He had brought quite a lot.

He followed me inside with the remainder of the bags and we put all of them down near the staircase. "Sam I'm here!" Colby called out, and Sam came from out of the kitchen. "I texted you but you didn't see so Ellie helped me out."

"Hey man, and yeah I was in the kitchen," Sam laughed. "Now we can begin unwrapping gifts!"

Everyone took place around the Christmas tree, under which all of the presents were laying. Colby had quickly added his to the collection and we began.

"I think Sam should do the honors of picking the first one," his mom smiled and Sam picked a random package. It was one of my presents. He read the name on it. "For the Golbach parents, from Ellie."

He gave his parents the gift and I watched as they opened it. "Aw Ellie that's so sweet! Thank you!" Sam's mom said as she uncovered the Dom Pérignon champagne box. I thought they deserved it, for hosting this lovely party.