💋One night in Paris💋

The most wonderful time of the year - Part two

Dianne's POV
"Auntie Dot! Auntie Dot! It's Christmas!" I heard Mia and Billy chant from the end of my bed, Mia jumping up and down excitedly while Billy looked a lot more tired than she was.

"What time is it?" I yawned, before they could answer my question Andrew came through the door, looking a mixture of exhausted and pissed off, not a good combination to have first thing in the morning.

"Mia and Billy Buswell, leave your poor auntie Dot to sleep and go back to bed!" He harshly whispered, giving an accusing finger at the pair of them. They both sighed and went off back to their rooms, Andrew shook his head at the two children.

"And it's half four." He laughed, I sighed deeply, that's the earliest they've ever woken me up any Christmas, I hope next year is a lot later to say the least. I laid back down.

"Jeez, they do it earlier and earlier every year." I yawn, staring up at the ceiling. I remember waking up my parents the exact same way, it feels weird to be on the other side of the fence. Even if they wake me up ten times every night, I would still love them both all the same, how could I not. Once Andrew left I slowly drifted off into a peaceful slumber, the Australian breeze filling the room.

After I had slept in peace for a few hours, it was actually time to get up. Amongst the slight exhausted wave that had came over me, I also had an excitement come through me, at times like these part of me did feel like a child again, the Christmas spirit always made me feel younger, the surprise of what's under the tree when you walk into the living room. I really truly loved Christmas time, it is the most wonderful time of the year after all.

I made my way downstairs where everyone else was sat starting to eat breakfast, Mia and Billy Both trying to eat faster so they could open their presents quicker, I used to do that every year without exception.

"Mia, Billy, you'll make yourselves sick." mum said as she came over and wished me a merry Christmas, I returned the favour. Walking over to my place at the table, I noticed mum grinning to herself, I just brushed it off but I was awfully curious to the meaning behind such happiness. Mia and Billy both sighed deeply, taking a moment to digest their food.

"But we want to open our presents!" they both said, crossing their arms in synchronisation, meanwhile me, Andrew and Brendan all rolled our eyes.

"That was you twenty years ago!" dad defended, turning his attention away from the newspaper and to us three siblings who all let our jaws drop.

"I feel old now." I muttered, we all burst out laughing.

"I got a barbie! I got a barbie!" Mia exclaimed excitedly, bouncing up and down as she held up her final present, a barbie doll. She had wanted one of these for ages and I was so glad to get her one this year.

"That's nice, say thank you to Auntie Dot." Brendan said, she immediately came to me and gave me a hug, my arms wrapped around her small figure.

"Thank you Auntie Dot."

"Dianne, this isn't exactly a present but I think it would be a great time to give it to you." dad started, handing me a box which was white with a red ribbon tied in a bow. I looked excitedly at it, I had no idea what object was inside and was becoming more and more nervous to open it by the second.

"Can I open it?" I asked, more squealed. Andrew rolled his eyes, it was a stupid question to be honest.

"Absolutely not."

"Andrew! And you can." Brendan said, I nodded and untied the bow, it was tied really neatly and whoever tied it must be really skilled at what they do. I opened the box, there was a piece of paper inside. Mum and dad and the rest of the family looked at me excitedly, I looked back at the paper and opened it up, not being able to believe what I was reading.

I burst out into happy tears, the salted water streaming down my cheeks and rolling onto my dressing gown, I wouldn't be surprised if it ended up soaked by the end of today. This was my dream come true, what I had worked so hard for since my ballroom journey began. Ever since I could dance I had wished to go on this programme, it was the most well known and glamorous TV show in the UK, and I was so excited to be a part of it.

"I can't believe it! I'm going on Strictly Come Dancing!" I sobbed, everyone cheering and congratulating me, I was so glad I had my family to support me here, I don't know what I would do without them.

It was also bittersweet in a way, this meant I would have to leave Australia again. I had only really just properly settled into my lifestyle here and now I would have to pick up and move again. However, I know this is what is right and I know my family will support me in my move back to the UK.

"We're going to miss you Dot, but make sure to call me often, you know how I get worried." mum said, I hugged her tightly, somehow a mothers hugs could make the world fall into place.

"Oh definitely, if I make it to the final you'll all have to fly out."