Finding Her Way Back.

It's beginning to look a lot like Christmas (50)

Christmas was around the corner and Aunt Verna had called to have the place professionally decorated for the holiday season. Her and Uncle Fernando has taken a quick get away trip to Europe to enjoy some 'quality time' and the rest of us were stuck at home buying presents, shopping and sipping hot chocolate.

"Hey boo." Alana said as she finished off sticking some gifts.

"Hey Cherie, how are things?" I asked her as I pulled the sheets further into me.

"Things are good. I actually handed in all my assignments on time for once." She smiled proudly and continued wrapping.

"Well done girl, I have one outstanding and my exams after the new year then all I have left to do is finish my dissertation and I am done!" I exclaimed. I couldn't believe four years were coming to an end.

"It has gone so fast." She pouted.

"Honestly babe, we are nearly graduates." I smiled.

"And our birthday is coming up." She teased and made a face.

I rolled my eyes but laughed, "you know I don't want to do anything big. 22 isn't anything special."

"Every year is special okay? Plus it's my birthday too and you know I don't miss an opportunity to celebrate. We will do something. Anyway, what's going on with New Year? I'm flying back to you on the 30th." She stuck her last celotape on the gift and put it under a tree. Alana and I were literally just three days apart. Since we got to know each other we usually celebrated together.

"Mmm, you've never spent it in London so let's do it here. I think Malcolm and Bella are gonna have a mini gathering at his flat. It's basically their apartment now, he's basically moved out of here and she's moved in."

She nodded, "they are so getting married soon." She grinned.

I laughed, "seeing as Mal only has two more years to fully qualify as a doctor, I don't think he's ready for that just yet."

"We'll see what happens," I smiled. "So we can hang out here, go to Church then head to Mal's after? No one truly celebrates New Years without sleeping at sunrise."

She laughed and shook her head, "doesn't Mason have a game?"

"That's his business. I am celebrating." I laughed.

"Mm, then we can fly out for your birthday? I'll organise something." Alana said and no doubt I knew she would.

There was a knock at my door and I looked up, it was Lucas.

"Lilah, mum said if you're coming down for breakfast to come down now or you aren't getting any pancakes."

I rolled my eyes, since I'd left the hospital Aunt Verna had been on me about eating regularly, especially breakfast.

"Plus Tard, Alana." I waved her off and grabbed my dressing gown.

We wandered down the stairs and I grinned as I saw who was sitting there.

"Isaiahhhh!" I exaggerated. He was looking freshly tanned and sun kissed in a Nike tracksuit and sweatpants.

I hugged him and he hugged me back. "Wow you are really taking this holiday thing seriously huh?" He commented on my appearance and I rolled my eyes and laughed.

"Whatever, where is your wife?" I asked him and took the plate from Esme. I kissed the side of her face and thanked her.

"Duty calls, she went back to work to sort something out. You know I make my own hours so I'm going back just after Christmas." He said and I nodded and took a seat next to him.