You belong to me

Chapter 12 - Charlotte

I can't stop looking at the photo that Parker's uploaded, it's weird it feels so surreal to see me there posted on Parker's page in a very couple like pose. But then I'm also conflicted within myself as I should have always been posted, not necessarily as a romantic interest but at least his best friend, I have known him literally all my life. However, I know a lot of girls would literally kill to be in my position and have Parker looking at them the way he's looking at me. "Have you told your mum you're coming to New York?" Parker asks me as he climbs into bed. If truth be told, I still hadn't told her, part of me was scared to tell her I'm just leaving to go to New York. It's not as if she has to give me permission or anything, I'm grown and it's only for a week but I'm scared that she'll think this is my way of avoiding the real world, just like she thinks I avoid the real world by art. "No I haven't, I'll tell her tomorrow evening or something," I say trying to sound convincing. It seems to have worked because Parker kisses my forehead and begins to fall asleep but I don't sleep, I have so many thoughts about this, about us, the future, I really hope this isn't just a phase, me and Parker that is.

"Wake up now, I've been waiting ages for you two to get up," Jake throws open the bedroom door and flicks on the light causing Parker to hide under the duvet. "What? What time is it?" I frantically ask, getting out of bed and grabbing my dressing gown and slippers, "It's 10 o'clock and it's fucking Christmas Charlotte," Jake snaps at me but then he gives me a big hug, "Merry Christmas loser," he whispers. I love Christmas, I never ever sleep in on Christmas day, this is so out of character, I feel like a child again as I race Jake down the stairs and into the living room where our presents are beautifully wrapped. Parker is still half asleep, I can tell by his blank expression and his droopy eyes and hair that's slightly sticking up. I take my time opening my presents, as expected I get new pajamas, perfume, hair products, and items of clothing. I glance over to Jake who has opened all of his presents and has this beaming smile on his face as he has in hand the latest iPhone that must be his big gift this year. "Open this one Char," my mum hands me a beautifully wrapped present with a delicate pink bow on the top. I carefully pull apart the bow and tear open the wrapping paper and inside is a box, but not just any box. A Tiffany jeweler's box. I look at my mum and she's smiling at me, her eyes fixated on mine. I open the box and inside I find the most beautiful necklace, a rose gold fine chain glistens but I don't recognise the ring on the chain. "It's your grandmother's wedding ring, I thought you would like that," my mum says with a slight tear in her eye. I don't even know what to say, all I can do is wrap my arms around my mum as a thank you.

Once the presents are all open and everyone has exchanged gifts, Nanny disappears off into the kitchen as does mum and Julie to start to cook. Nate is in the corner playing with his latest tablet, Jake is setting up his phone and my dad is having a losing battle talking to his new Alexa. "Charlotte, I have something for you," Parker says with a grin. Shit I didn't even think to get Parker anything, well in my defense I did not even know he would be here. He hands me a present, significantly heavier than it appears. "What is it?" I stupidly ask, "You'll have to open it up to see that, Charles," Parker says still grinning at me, with his hands behind his back, swaying back and forth on his heels. I open the gift and inside is a glass plaque, engraved on it is the song cover of Run- DMC it's tricky, it's made to look like it's playing off your phone but it is on a glass plaque. Engraved under the song is 'to my curly haired girlie, I love you'. Oh my god, this is so personal, I didn't think Parker could be this thoughtful. I guess I haven't said anything in a long time as Parker leans towards me, "well? Do you like it?" he nervously asks me. "Yes, oh my Parker, I love it!" I exclaim, wrapping my arms around his neck and planting a kiss on his lips. "I love you too," I whisper close to his face.

Christmas day was over before I even knew it, I'm so full from my dinner still that I am in physical pain. I do this every year, I completely over eat and then suffer the consequences of doing so later in the day. Parker shoots me a look from across the room and impersonates what I assume in an aeroplane and then points to my mum. I roll my eyes at him and make my way to mum, "I need to tell you something," I say, "Oh god, you're pregnant aren't you?! I knew it," my mum remarks. I'm quite taken aback by her response, and also offended she thinks I look pregnant. "What?! No, I'm going to New York with Parker in a couple of days for a week," I snap. I didn't mean to snap at her but it just happened after she accused me of being pregnant, when the only thing I have is a food baby. "Oh phew," she says wiping her brows, not even reacting to what I said about New York but then I literally see the realization of what I said written on her face, "New York?" she says with an eyebrow raised. I nod, "With Parker, for a week?" she repeats literally what I just told her back to me. "Yes, mum," I sigh. "And where have you conjured up the funds to do that in such short notice?" I knew she was going to comment on that, "Parker got me it, I had no idea," I say looking at the floor, bracing myself for a scolding from her that I should have helped to pay for the ticket. "Well..." she slowly says, "I hope you brought your winter coat, it's cold there this time of the year." I look at my mum and smile, "You're the best," I say giving her a big hug. "I know," she says resting her head on top of mine. "Now go find your dad, he's talking to family in Jamaica," she says ushering me towards the back room.