Story Time!

Words to Sights (Part 3)

I sighed as I placed yet another gift on the pile of never ending gifts. "Thanks for helping with these donations, Dustin."

Dustin stuck his hip out dramatically as he danced along to the Christmas music playing. "No problem! You're letting me stay here for the holidays so I need to do something helpful."

Thunder rumbled above us and the rain pelted against the windows of the house. "Not very Christmas like," I noticed.

Dustin paused in his dancing. "Bro! Today is the day! I can feel it. You're gonna meet your girl. Ah, this is so exciting." He ran around the room happily.

"Woah, there buddy. You can't know that—"

A frantic knocking at the door stopped us.

Dustin ran over to the door and flung it open.

"Wait!" I chased after him. "It could be an evil—" 

"Hello, Jade." Arabella smiled warmly at me as she entered.

"I'll give you two lovebirds some alone time." Dustin winked at me. "Sail, my ship!"

I cringed as he walked away. "Sorry about him."

Arabella laughed. "I think he seems quite delightful."

"Oh, come here." I grasped her wrist and dragged her over to the roaring fireplace. "You can lay your coat and bag here."

Arabella shrugged out of her coat and rested it on the back of the chair. She laid her bag on the floor and turned to me. "Thank you for having me."

"Yeah, of course. Do you want a drink?" I offered.

"Ah. If you have something hot I would like that."

"Sure. Why don't you have a seat." I gestured to the living room before rushing to the kitchen.

Dustin immediately popped his head in. "Sooo... How's it going? You sailing yet?"

"Can you calm down? And lower your voice. She might hear you."

He grinned at me. "So you care about what she thinks. That's cute."

I busied myself with making hot chocolate for all three of us. "I didn't say that."

"But your heart did."

I cast an exasperated look at Dustin. "She might not even like me. Or like girls. We just met."

He hopped up onto the counter. "You, my friend, are hot. How could she not like you? Also, didn't you say that you've been having more dreams with her?"

I blushed as I poured the hot chocolate into the mugs. "Well, yeah, but—"

"Nope. No excuses. Go out there and win her heart!" Dustin shoved me back into the living room.

"Hi," I greeted awkwardly as I handed Arabella her drink.

"Thank you."

There was silence for a moment until she said, "It appears you have quite a lot of gifts this year."

I followed her gaze to the donation pile. "Oh, no. Those are being donated. My parents do it every year."

She sipped her drink. "Speaking of, where are your parents?"

I shrugged. "Some business trip."

Arabella studied me. "You don't see them often, then?"

I looked off to the side. "Not really but it's okay." I hurriedly grabbed the remote to change the topic. "Do you want to watch a movie or something?"

"Sure." Arabella settled herself more comfortably on the couch as the TV played some random cliche Christmas movie.

I awkwardly glanced over at her a couple times but she seemed content with silence. From the kitchen Dustin gestured for me to make a move. I shook my head frantically at him.

"Is something the matter?" Arabella turned her head to look at me.

I couldn't stop the fluttery feeling in my stomach as our eyes met. "N-No. Everything is fine."

Arabella raised one eyebrow. "If you are wondering whether I am attracted to you the answer is yes."

I nearly spit my drink out. "What? I don't... I never asked?"

"Then you should have kept your eyes up here," she teased.

I sank down into the cushions. "Sorry," I mumbled.

Arabella hummed thoughtfully before scooting closer to me.

"What are you doing?"

Arabella gave me an innocent look. "Just a little cold, that's all."

Without any warning she laid down on the couch and rested her head on my lap. "Much better."

I swallowed nervously. "Right."

A loud crash sounded in the kitchen. "Don't mind me," Dustin called. "Carry on with your date."

Arabella turned slightly to look up at me. "Is he your brother or your friend?"

My eyes met hers before nervously darting away. "Friend."

"I see." She turned back towards the TV.

Dustin walked over to us, tripped on the rug, and spilled his drink on Arabella. "Oh, no! I'm so sorry. If you go upstairs I'm sure Jade can help you out of your wet clothes."

Arabella sat up and surveyed the damage done to her clothes. "Alright."

"What!?" I exclaimed.

Dustin smirked at me. "Cuz' her clothes are wet and she should take a shower before changing her clothes. Your clothes should fit her."

Arabella stood up from the couch. "Yes, I agree."

I dazedly led Arabella upstairs and into my room. I picked out some clothes I thought might fit her. "Here," I said as I handed them to her. "The bathroom is that door right there."

"Thank you. Would you care to join me?"

"In the shower?"

A smirk danced on her lips. "Yes. Or help me out of my clothes as your friend put it."

I suddenly pushed her back against the wall. "You're such a tease."

"Oh, but I'm not. What I'm offering, you can get. A tease will bring you to the edge, but not help you fall, if you know what I mean."

My lips crashed onto hers and Dustin's ship officially sailed.