The Darker Side Of Me!

Chapter 25 - Merry Christmas Everyone...

It was a miserable day. A torrential downpour caused the rugged country roads to flood in several areas. Potholes were full to the brim with a murky brown liquid. Dark grey clouds invaded the already dull sky and what little sunlight there was, was instantly absorbed by the ghostly atmosphere. It definitely didn't feel like Christmas eve. I thought that Christmas was a time in which families come together. But apparently not. Not this family anyway. Where was the joy in the ghastly weather? Where was the joy in travelling for almost four hours in a car full of hormones?

We had already been through two arguments, a crying Zachary, a whining Leanne and an angry dad. Mum was at her wits end and resorted to hiding her face either her arms. Emilia seemed to ignore all the fighting by endlessly staring out of her window. With all the tension gathered in the confined car, I too tried to block my mind. I had my headphones on and my music turned all the way up. I propped my chin up with my fist while my forehead rested on the car window. In the positioned I was in, my body shuddered as the engine roared down these country roads. I sighed heavily watching the fog created with my breath come and go. Fresh droplets of rain pounded on the glass causing my vision of the outdoors to blur.

As dad drove past the 'Welcome to Leeds' sign, there was a mutual sigh of relief. The four hour journey seemed to last for eternity but we FINALLY made it! We were back in our home city to have the holiday with the family as both my parents had the couple of days around Christmas off work.

My grandparents offered us all to stay at their home but mum refused. Their house was quite large but not quite big enough to home another family of six for a few days. Plus dad and my granddad were forever at each other's throats. They couldn't stand one another.

It was late by the time we arrived at the 'village hotel' we were staying at while we were here. So we got checked in and went to our rooms. As requested I had my own personal space in a single room while Zak shared a bedroom with my parents and the other girls had a twin room. After settling down in our rooms, we all met at the reception to grab some food in the hotel's restaurant.

We all had a fantastic meal at the restaurant and for the first time since leaving London, we all got along. It seemed that with a snap of fingers, we were an ideal family. I secretly wondered how long that will Last. Dad suggested that we all gather in their bedroom to watch a festive movie as we always did on Christmas eve. It was like a Lowther family tradition. We had done that since... well... as long as I can remember.

While flicking through the room tv channels for a good movie, dad removed his phone from his back trouser pocket. I could hear it vibrate in his palm. "Ey up Danny boy," dad excitedly roared as he answered a call to his best mate.

Danny was also my mums cousin so I guessed he was the reason that my parents ended up dating. Dad carried on with his conversation while the rest of still searched the hotel's channel for any good movies. There should be some being shown. It was Christmas eve.

"NO WAY!" Dad exclaimed at the top of his lungs. Jesus! He was being loud. I guessed he was excited about seeing Danny. "Babe, listen to this," he said to mum, inching closer to her as he turned on his loud speaker.

"Alright cuz!" Danny's voice echoed through the speaker.

"Mate you're on loud speak."

"Oh! In that case.... alright Lowther's."

Me and my siblings all gave a little groan in response to Danny. Mum answered him, "hey sweetie."

"Got some exciting news guys."

"Oh?"

"I finally asked Erica out!"

"Oh wow! I thought you would never do it." Mum bounced on the perfectly made double bed, creasing the crisp white sheets. I don't think I've ever seen her this elated before. My siblings all clapped with joy.