Growing Pains

Chapter Forty-One

Courtney

Duncan didn't come to my room last night. I didn't lie to myself as to why I stayed up past one am waiting for a knock on my door. I knew why I stayed up. I even knew why I felt my stomach pool with warmth when I thought about holding his hand or his lips pressed against my cheek. And no matter how many times I felt my brain reject them, three priceless words rang in my ears.

It felt impossible, this feeling I had burning in my heart. I had just ended things with Justin, and yet... I wasn't sure. I kept having this mental conversation play on loop, badgering myself with my budding guilt and feelings.

But I still made sure to put myself together before I went downstairs, brushing my hair and teeth, putting on a bra, and making sure my cutest pajamas, a pink crop top and pink short shorts, looked perfect. I smiled as I noted all of the presents piled up in front of the fireplace, my own filling up my arms.

Today was Wednesday, which meant it was our Christmas. We each got presents for each other and celebrated after breakfast.

So as I smelled the warmth of coffee and heard the bells of laughter ringing in the air, I felt myself smile.

"Need any help there, Court?" I heard Bridgette ask from down below.

I shook my head no, but after realizing she couldn't see me behind the stack of presents I practically yelled, "Nope, I've got it all under control."

"Mhm, I'm sure," she laughed.

I treaded oh so carefully down the stairs, worrying about tripping and sending my stack of presents flying with my potential tumble. Luckily, I made it down without crashing. I gave Bridgette a content noise that said, I told you so, causing her to let out a sigh as I made my way to the fireplace.

I placed down the stack with a sigh of relief, smiling proudly at my accomplishment. I turned around ready to tell Bridgette to never underestimate me, when I locked eyes with a beatiful set of teal eyes only a couple steps from me.

"Hey," I breathed, feeling winded, which was definetly not from the presents.

"Hey," he responded with a small smile, shoving his hands into the pockets of his pajama pants. That smile always made my heart race. I knew he never smiled, but he did for me. He always smiled for me, and that made me feel so... it was hard to explain.

"Good morning," I said in that same breathy tone, not sure what else to say. He noticed my awkwardness and his own smile grew. It only faltered when Bridgette gave a pointed cough from behind us.

I felt my face heat and I quickly said in a squeaky voice, "I'm going to get some coffee." I was being an idiot. I was so ruffled and nervous, which was never like me. I was always so strong and sure, but with the way things were with Duncan... I didn't know how to feel.

The morning seemed to speed by quickly and then we were suddenly in the living room, each eager to open up our presents. Gifts were doled out and we each took turns opening them. Some were funny, like DJ's gift to Bridgette, which was an ugly sweater with hot pink dolphins that lit up at the click of a button. Others were sweet and sentimental, like Trent's gift to Gwen, a scrapbook with tons of photos of them and a expensive sketchpad she had her eye on for awhile.

They were back together. After swearing us to secrecy, Trent explained everything over breakfast, and we were all so proud of him for taking his band to the next level. And just like that, the final piece of our puzzle clicked in.

The world seemed back to normal.

"Alright, I have a surprise for you guys," Gwen admitted after we all opened our presents. I hoped it was a good surprise because Duncan got me a candle and a coffee mug. I had to act my ass of to seem like I actually liked it.