Step

Chapter 11: Christmas Day

"Ani, wake up!" Mila cheered, jumping onto my bed.

"Santa came!" Nika added, jumping up next to her twin. I groaned and put my pillow over my head. I didn't want to wake up yet. "Please Ani! Mommy says we can't open our presents until you wake up!"

"Fine, fine! I'm up, I'm up, now get out of my room. I'll be downstairs in couple minutes okay?" I replied. They nodded and got off my bed. They left me alone and I stood up. I grabbed and oversized zip up hoodie that I had stolen from one of my guy friends, I couldn't remember who, and put my hair into a ponytail. I made my way downstairs to the kitchen and poured myself a cup of coffee. I made it how I liked it and went out to the living room. Perrie, Zayn, and his sisters weren't coming over for a couple of hours still. We were just about to start opening presents when my phone rang. I gave my family an apologetic look and answered the phone.

"Hey Issa! Merry Christmas!" Harry said happily from the other side of the line.

"Hey H, merry Christmas to you too. What's up though? We were just about to open presents so I can't talk long," I replied and walked out to the kitchen so that I was alone.

"Oh sorry love, I didn't think of that Issa. I was just wondering if you wanted to hang out and go ice skating or something today. I need to get out of my place for a little bit."

"I don't know if I'll be able to. Let me open presents with my family then I'll ask my mom and I'll text you okay?" I asked.

"Yeah that's fine. I'll talk to you later then Issa. Bye love."

"Bye H," I replied, hanging up. I walked back out to the living room. "Sorry about that guys," I said. "Let's open presents!" I added, grinning at my sisters. They laughed and ran over to the tree to pick out the first presents they would open. We always opened presents in order from youngest to oldest so I had to wait to open my presents.

"What did Harry want?" my mom whispered as we watched my sisters open the gifts.

"Just wanted to wish me a merry Christmas. He was also wondering if I wanted to hang out with him today," I whispered back and my mom sighed. "I know Mom but I promise it would only be for a few hours. I'll be back in time for dinner, I swear," I insisted. She sighed again and nodded.

"Fine you can go once we're all done opening presents. You don't have to wait for the others to get here," she replied and I grinned, hugging her tightly.

"Thank you Mom!" My sisters finished opening their presents so I started opening mine. I got some clothes, gift cards, and candy. I had also received a plane ticket to go back for a few days when I chose sometime this year. Once my mom and Yaser opened their presents I went upstairs to get ready. I had texted Harry while my mom opened her gifts and he was picking me up in about an hour. I picked out my outfit then went showered. I blow-dried my hair and put it in a loose braid. I did my make-up and grabbed my hat and gloves before going downstairs.

"Where are you going Ani?" Mila asked, looking from playing with her toys when I walked into the living room to wait for Harry.

"I'm just going out for a little bit with Harry. I'll be back for dinner," I told her. She nodded and went back to playing. About ten minutes later there was a knock at the door. "I got it!" I called and went to answer the door. I smiled when I saw Harry. "Hey H," I said, hugging him. He hugged me back.

"Hey Issa, ready to go?" he asked.

"Yeah, just let me grab my coat, purse and your present," I replied, letting him inside. I grabbed his present from under the tree and my purse then put my coat on. "I'm leaving Mom!" I called.

"Okay! Have fun! Don't forget you need to be back by 4:30 for dinner!" she yelled from the kitchen. I followed Harry out to his car and he opened the door for me and I smiled at him.

"So I was thinking ice skating and then we could get coffee or something and exchange gifts?" he suggested once he had got in and started driving.

"That sounds good," I replied. "So why'd you need to get out of your place? I thought you were looking forward to seeing your family?"

"I was and it's great to see them but I was getting a bit bored staying the house. It reminded me of being on tour so I wanted to go out. Thanks for coming out with me."

"No problem H." We got to the ice rink and went inside. We skated for a couple hours once we rented our skates. Harry fell a couple times, making me laugh at him.

"Okay, I think I'm ready to call it quits on skating. Hot chocolate?" Harry asked, slowly skating over to me. I giggled and nodded.

"Sure, go take your skates off. I'm gonna go around one more time," I said, skating away from. I went around the rink one more time then made my way off the ice. I found Harry taking his skates off and sat next to him, taking mine off as well. After we put our shoes back on we walked to a café down the street. We sat at a small table in the corner and drank our hot chocolate. I gave Harry his present first and he chuckled when he opened it.

"Thanks Issa, how'd you know what shoe size to get me?"

"I may have asked Zayn to do some recon for me," I replied, smirking. He shook his head.

"Well, now it's time for you to open your present." He handed me a small bag. I took a small box out and opened it. It was a beautiful necklace (see picture).

"Harry, this is beautiful... thank you so much," I mumbled, looking at the necklace in awe.

"I'm glad you like it. Want me to help you put it on?" he asked, smiling. I nodded and he stood up, walking behind me. I moved my hair out of the way and he put the necklace on me. He looked up as he sat back down. "Hey, we're under some mistletoe," he pointed out, making me look up. I giggled when I saw it.

"I guess we are," I replied. "Should we...?"

"It is like tradition around the holiday... But only if you want too," he said quickly.

"Just kiss me," I told him softly. We both leaned across the table and kissed softly. I blushed when we pulled away. He was a good kisser. As we kissed I realized something. No matter how much I denied it to my friends, I had feelings for Harry. I only hoped that he felt the same way. We stayed for a little bit longer then walked back to the ice rink so we could get Harry's car. He drove me home and I invited him inside for a little bit since there was still like an hour until dinner. Just as I expected the others were there already but Zayn didn't look too happy.