Christmas In California

Day: 3 "Long time no see. "

Faith:

I sigh before getting off the plane. I just wanna run back to San Francisco. I follow behind Cassie as she makes her way out of the crowd, and getting us a taxi.

I am surprised when the taxi driver actually comes in front of a house.

"No no, this is the wrong neighbourhood,sir." Cassie quickly tells the driver.

"Sorry Ma'am.." The driver drives to where Cassie shows him.

I freeze when we come the correct neighbourhood.

It's where my parents and Ryker live. My eyes widen and panic fills me when I realize that we are stopping by Amy's house.

Amy is a sweet lady in her 30s most likely. She was our neighbour since I was born, in fact she was like a aunt to me.

Cassie shakes me, making me startled.

"You okay na? " She looks at me concerned.

"Y-yeah, just cold. " I lie and pass her a nervous smile. She nods suspiciously but didn't say anything. I'm a really bad liar. We get off the taxi and we both share money to pay the driver.

Amy's house is fully decorated with Christmas lights and Christmas decor. Cassie rings the bell and we wait for Miss Amy.

I put my head down and hope that she doesn't remember me.

That hope is crushed when I hear her gasp and go, "F-Faith..?". I pull my head up and give her a small smile.

I knew I shouldn't have come here. Hurt fills her eyes and mine fills with tears along with guilt. I expect her to close the door but when she does that exact opposite, I freeze.

She hugs me.

"Oh faith! I have missed you so much! " She cries. I hug her back tears already roll down my face. I know Cassie is probably confused cause I didn't tell he everything.

"Uh, aunt Amy, do you know Faith? " We tear apart and look at Cass.

"Yes, I basically grew up here. She is like an older sister to me.. " I spill the truth.

"Oh.. I'm sorry for bringing you here Faith, I really didn't know... " She quickly apologizes. It's not her fault.

"Cassie, it's not your fault, I should have told you before.. I'm sorry. " I hug her. She hugs me back and I can feel her smile.

I'm taller than her like she is 5'4 and I'm 5'7.

"Well, I didn't know you were the one my aunt always talked about. " We pull apart and smile at each other.

"Anyways, I hope you guys enjoy your stay here, come on in. " Amy welcomes us in. I have been dying to ask two questions but I think it would be better if I don't.

She served us dinner and led us to our room. When I was younger, I spent most of my time here and so when I left, my room was a bright yellow colour with stickers and painting all around it. My bed had a total of 5 cushions which I dyed myself.

I got the same room and when I walked in the room, nostalgia hit me hard. It was the same exact room and just how I left it. Except it wasn't messy. From this room, I had a perfect vision of my own room, the one at my parents house. I try to look through the window and am absolutely shocked to see, none of my furniture in it.

Tears prick my eyes as I looked around desperately in a want to find anything that was in my room but I found nothing. Even the walls were coloured grey and not the lavender colour. They really threw my everything out.

"Faith, I know its hard for you but.. I tried to stop them from doing that but you know how they can be.. " I hear Amy talk.

"W-What did they do..? " I turned facing her.

"They... " She takes a deep breathe, "Burned it all.. " she finishes. The tears roll down my face and I freeze.

I thought they put it in the storage or basement, but no. They burnt it all.

"It's okay.. " I wipe my tears and smile through the pain passing through my chest. She kept my everything but my own parents didn't?

"Are you sure..? " Her concerned voice reaches me.

"Yep. Fine as ever! " I put a fake grin and show a thumbs up.

"Well, I'll leave you to it.. " Not fully believing. I didn't blame her. I am horrible at lying.

I sigh as I pull myself together and put all my clothes in the closet.

That night, she served us dinner and after that, we went to rest. At least Cassie did. I spent all night overthinking and crying. Wow. What a night.

---

The next morning, I got up and met up with Cassie's cousin, Lucy and we were to go shopping. For a fun girls day out. So I had gotten ready and now I am eating breakfast.

3rd day of December and 3rd day in California.

Once I am finished with my breakfast, I clean my dish and change my clothes. It's yet again snowing. It's usually hot so I'm surprised it's snowing. I get my high neck sweater and a long jacket along with some ripped jeans. I let my hair open and just in case, take a beanie with me. One with pom poms obviously.

I hear Cassie yelling my name downstairs so I put on my boots and run downstairs. I quickly bid Amy a goodbye and off we go to the mall.

There's actually a winter sale going on, which is the main reason why I'm here.
First we went to Macy's to look for some makeup I guess. Then Lucy dragged us into Spencer's so she could shop for her boyfriend, Owen.

Next we were going to Victoria Secret since well, Lucy and Cass. I didn't buy anything from there. It's too expensive for me.

I really wanted to get something to drink so while the other two were at VS, I went to the little cafe thingy in the mall. I got myself an iced caramelized
Mocha frappuccino. I pay for my drink and back I go to them.

I search through my shopping bags to look for my phone when I crash into someone.

"Oh my gosh, I'm so sorry, I wasn't looking.. " I trail off when I see who I bumped into. My eyes widen and I freeze.

Ryker Rivers.

"Long time no see, Faith. " His bitter voice fills my ears and my heart starts beating fast. I'm 5'7 and he's 6'2. Taller than me, causing me to look up to him while silently slurping on my drink.

Oh god, I'm fucked.

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Ooooooo shoot. She bumped into the one and only Ryker.

Ratatatatatata.

Anyways, I know she cries a lot but believe me, her character will be developed for the better in the further story. SORRY I LIKE CRYING A LOT.

Anyways. Thanks for reading! :)

Merry chrimus 🎄!