✔︎ |𝐂𝐇𝐑𝐈𝐒𝐓𝐌𝐀𝐒 𝐇𝐎𝐏𝐄*𝐀𝐒𝐇𝐀𝐍𝐍𝐈𝐄

Merry and Bright

On the ninth day of Christmas...

"So that Asher guy, what's the deal with him anyways?" Hayden asked sitting next to Annie on the couch. They had just finished making gingerbread cookies.

"Nothing apparently. I used to think there was, cause I mean we kissed a couple of time. But something happened with his family, he lashed out when I tried to help" Hayden put his hand on Annie's knee. "What was it about?"

"Even though he's been acting like a real ass, I think that's his business to tell. Not mine. And now, if you will excuse me. Annie got up off the couch and headed upstairs. "Where are you going?" Hayden called behind her.

"To bed. I'm tired"

"Can I come with you" Hayden said with a smirk on his face once they both reached the top of the stairs. "What? No Hayden"

"Oh come on. It'll be just like old times"

"That's the thing, I don't want it to be like old times" Annie continued walking into her room. "Just this one time then" Annie turned around. "Are you serious? Why do you want to sleep with me"

"I wish that had a different meaning right now" Annie rolled her eyes. "Fine..but your not sleeping in my bed weirdo" Hayden was obviously not going to listen. So he got into her bed once he knew she was asleep.

🎄🎄🎄

"Hey Mrs. and Mr. Leblanc, is Annie home?" Asher said once they both opened the front door to their home. "Oh, yeah. She's sleeping"

"May I speak to her" Billy step aside so Asher could walk in. "Go ahead"

Asher made his way upstairs, but stopped once he reached the threshold of her room. The door was cracked, so he opened it slowly. Revealing Hayden, with his arm around Annie as they slept together.

Asher filled with rage. But didn't do anything..yet.

He made his way back downstairs. "That was quick" Katie said before Asher made his way out the door. "Yeah, um. She's busy"

"Busy? I thought she was sleep" Asher opened the door. "You might wanna go see for yourself" Asher left and Katie and Billy shared a strange look.

They both went upstairs, astounded by what they found. "Annie!" Billy yelled, immediately waking the two of them up. "Dad?"

"What is he doing here" Billy said pointing behind her. Annie turned her head and her eyes widened. "Oh my gosh!" She took her cover and covered herself as if she was naked. "Why are you in my bed?!"

🎄🎄🎄

"Care to explain" Katie said folding her arms. She took Annie downstairs to the kitchen table. "I told Hayden he could crash here since it was late, and I specifically told him he couldn't sleep with me. I was much surprised as you"

"But why was he in our house in the first place Annie? He hurt you.."

"I know. But I just felt like holding onto a grudge was not healthy. He seemed like he was truly trying to change" Katie put her hands on Annie's shoulders. "Sweetheart, you had to give your child up because of him" Annie removed her mother's hands off her.

"No mom. You agreed with dad when he said I couldn't raise the child here, since it was a child of Hayden's"

"I just wanted to do what's best for you"

"But I loved him. And you two wouldn't just be happy for me"

"He wasn't right for you Annie. And you didn't see that, but your father and I did. So we had to help you"

"You think I didn't see that?! He was the worse. But he was changing, and it felt so good to be with him! Why do you always have to destroy my happiness?!" Annie stood up frustrated. "We were just doing what was best for you!"

"No mom! As always, you were doing what was best for you!" Annie stormed out the kitchen and went back upstairs, where her dad and Hayden were talking. "Lets go Hayden" Annie grabbed his arm and started pulling him out the room. "Since I'm not trusted under my own roof, I think it's time to leave"

Once finally getting outside Hayden slowed Annie down. "Annie, think about what your doing. You don't want to leave your family. Trust me, it's not a good thing"

"I just can't anymore. I've always loved this time of year, but something always goes bad along with it" Hayden held Annie's face. "Calm down Anns"

Annie starts breathing slower. "I love you" She blurt out. Almost regretting what she had said.
Almost...

December 20, 2023
Nine ladies dancing💃Eight maids-a-milking🐄Six geese-a-laying🦆Five golden rings💍 Four calling birds🦅 Three French hens🐓 Two turtle doves🕊 and a partridge in a pear tree