Hurt Me Twice

Chapter 16

“Loving someone is such an inherently dangerous act, and yet, love, that’s where safety lives”- Gayle Forman.

I woke up around noon of Christmas day, Meaghan and Brian where in the kitchen, laughing and shoving each other playfully as they prepared food for the day.

“Good morning, MacyBelle” Meaghan chanted

“Mornin’ there, princess.” Brian added

“Merry Christmas” I said groggily

“Merry Christmas!” They said in unison as they came and have me hugs and kisses, with me standing there barely awake.

When they pushed apart, they left me off balance; I swayed and smashed into the wall to my left.

“Damn it!” I muttered as I made my way to one of the kitchen chairs. “What’s for breakfast?”

“Pancakes” Brian said as he handed me a hot cup of tea

Minutes later Jay was knocking on the kitchen back door “Let me in, it’s freezing!!”

I got up and opened the door for my brother, giving him a warm hug “Merry Christmas, Jay.”

“Merry Christmas, Mace. I love you, always, little sis” he said giving me a squeeze before he let go, but I pulled him in tighter

“I’m not done.” I closed my eyes and held on to my favorite family member. When I hug Jay, I know that despite my dysfunctional family, he’s always been my one constant. He never left, he always took care of me, hurt whoever hurt me. Loved me unconditionally, and joked around with me carelessly. My brother will always be the center ground of my rocky universe.

“You okay, Mace?” he whispered

“Yes.” I stated simply as a minute later I let go of him. “I just needed a hug from my favorite big brother.”

“Your only big brother.” He raised an eyebrow at me and I rolled my eyes laughing.

“Alright family, let’s eat!” Meaghan clapped when she set everything on the table. Just as we were about to sit down the doorbell rang.

“Expecting anyone else? You didn’t invite mom and dad, did you?” Jay asked

“No,” Meaghan answered frowning. I got up and opened the front door to find Nathan looking pale and sad.

“Nate? What’s…” before I could finish my sentence he grabbed me and pulled me into his tight embrace, burying his face in the nape of my neck. “What’s wrong, baby?”

“Come in, Nathan” my sister invited him in “I’ll set you a plate. How do you take your tea?”

“2 spoons of sugar.” I answered instead, moving my eyes towards the kitchen signing for her to leave. She raised both hands and retreated. “Tell me, what’s wrong…”

“Let’s not ruin Christmas morning,” he whispered, his fingers brushing my cheeks. I nodded and we made our way to the kitchen, where everyone welcomed him warmheartedly.

We held hands beneath the table the entire breakfast. And once we were done, Meaghan suggested Christmas movies marathon, and told Jay to go get Alexis, while she and Brian go to the nearest shop to buy the DVDs. I realized it was her sweet way of leaving me and Nathan alone to talk.

After they all left, we sat down on the couch, near the fire place and cuddled beneath a warm blanket.

“James took Skyler to the mall, because my parents can’t stay civil to one another on Christmas morning. Sky couldn’t even enjoy a quiet breakfast and it took everything in her not to cry. It tore me apart looking at her face. She didn’t even open her presents… she just asked me to take her away from the house. James offered to do it instead so I can have a proper Christmas with you…”