A Glow Of Happiness

Chapter 20. William

My hands are sweaty, and I'm extremely hot. We are 5 minutes away from Isa's house where everyone from her family already is. Aubrey's family is there as well, and I am more than nervous. Nick seems to be nervous as well, because he keeps on biting his lips absentmindedly, and his knuckles are white on the stirring wheel. It's his first time meeting Aubrey's parents and he is pale as a ghost. It's my first time celebrating Christmas since my father died, and I am feeling weird about it, like I am betraying him. I try to shake this idea out of my head, but the feelings of rage and guilt inside me don't seem to want to leave. When Nick finally turns into Isa's driveway I'm sweating excessively, and my brain is completely gone. I breathe in deeply and I try to calm myself down as I step out of the car. Isa is quick to take my hand in hers and give it a light squeeze. I look at her, and instantly my body relaxes, and I feel like I'm able to breathe properly again.

"It's going to be fine," she smiles.

I nod and we walk towards the front door. I see Aubrey talking to Nick who seems just as nervous as me, and the four of us head inside the house. When we step in people turn to look at us and everyone starts greeting us loudly. The amount of love and happiness in this room instantly makes me feel at ease. I see a man hugging Isa and kissing her on the cheeks before turning to me.

"Hi Mr. Fraser," I say as we shake hands.

"Call me Brian," he smiles warmly at me.

"Alright Brian," I smile politely.

Isa squeezes my arm and she presents me to everyone, including her grandparents and Aubrey's parents. Nick also seems to have calmed down now that introductions have been made. I keep on making small talk with everyone until I see Nick in the corner of the living room and I walk towards him.

"How is it going for you?" I ask.

"Good, I almost shit my pants coming here though," he chuckles.

"I know the feeling," I roll my eyes.

"It's basically your introduction into Isa's family..." he trails off.

"As a friend," I add.

"Sure, because friends make out, and look at each other with stars in their eyes," he says mockingly.

I'm about to reply to his little comment when Isa's father arrives next to us with beers in his hands.

"Who wants a beer?" he smiles.

"I'll take one, thank you Brian," Nick says.

"Thank you, but I don't really drink," I answer.

Brian nods my way before drinking his beer. All three of us just stand there until Nick takes it as a cue and walk back to Aubrey's family. I gulp down, not knowing what is about to happen.

"I just have a question for you; are my daughter and you together?" Brian asks.

This can't go well.

"We are not a couple... yet," I answer him.

There's a moment of silence, and I'm pretty sure I just fucked up.

"Are you planning on making it official soon?" he asks seriously.

"In all honesty, I'm someone who needs time with these things, I'm not one to rush into it. For this reason, I can't tell you when exactly your Isa and I will be official," I answer nervously.

Someone come and save me from this conversation before I say some stupid shit.

"I'm fine with that, but you better take care of her," he says nicely.

I nod, smiling at him, and at the same time Isa makes her way to us.

"Dad, I hope you're not scaring him away already," she laughs.

"Come on Pumpkin, I never scare anyone away," Brian grins before leaving us two alone.

Isa makes her way closer to me, and I hold her in my arms. Her touch soothes my nervousness and my body relaxes. I give her a kiss in her hair, inhaling her overwhelming scent, before stepping away. She looks up at me, a small smile forming on her lips.

"I hope my father didn't put any pressure on you," she says.

"It's fine, we just talked a little bit," I half-lie.

The truth is, I don't know if I'll ever be able for a relationship, which means I'm not entirely sure I'm able to treat Isa like she deserves to be treated. I don't even know how to properly take care of myself and my own inner problems, how can I take care of anyone else. And there she is, in front of me, so beautiful it takes my breath away every time. I don't want to let her go, and it's fucking selfish of me. She must sense that I'm deep in thoughts, because she caresses my arm which makes me look at her.

"Time to eat," she smiles.

We all make our way into the dining room where the table is already full of food. Everything looks delicious and when I sit down next to Isa we all serve ourselves. The first thing Isa does is take maple syrup, and I'm not even surprised anymore.

"Careful with that, Sugar," I whisper in her ear.

She giggles before rolling her eyes. I like her way too much for my own good.

***

We are down with the presents and everyone seems overly happy with their evening. Everyone is talking, laughing, or singing along to the Christmas songs that have been playing on repeat since we got here. I'm holding onto Isa's gift tightly, unsure of when I should give it to her.

"Follow me," Isa whispers in my ear.

We both walk upstairs and enter a room I'm guessing to be hers. Sparkles are dancing in her eyes as she pushes me to sit on her bed.

"I hid your gift here when we arrived earlier," she giggles. "You know I don't have a lot of money, but earlier this month I saw a contest online from a company that sells car mags. I know you already have mags on your car, but I entered the contest anyway, and turns out I've won!" she exclaims jumping up and down.

"Wait? What does that mean?" I ask.

"It means you are going to choose the mags of your choice for free!" she smiles.

"You're the best," I say honestly.

I get up and she jumps in my arms. I hold her tightly and give her small pecks everywhere. She giggles in my arms, trying to get away.

"I have a gift for you too," I whisper in her ear.

I get the small box out of my pocket and give it to her. Her eyes widen as she opens the box.

"Do you like it?" I ask, hopeful.

"I love it," she whispers. "It's too much, though," she shakes her head in disbelief.

"It's not, I'm more than happy to give it to you," I admit.

I take the delicate necklace out of its box and put it on Isa's neck. It looks perfect on her.

"It's a maple leaf..." she smiles. "Is it real gold?" she asks shyly.

"It is... When I say it I instantly thought of you and I had to get it," I admit.

A wide smile appears on her lips, and she steps closer to me. I don't waste a second and I hold her in my arms and kiss her softly.