10
Veronica
“Merry Christmas, darling.”
“Merry Christmas, Mom. Where’s Dad?”
“Still asleep, of course. I expect him to be hungover this morning, he and your uncle had a few too many last night.”
“My God. How long were you over at Uncle Tim’s?”
“Not long.” Mom tsks in disapproval while I giggle.
“It’s Christmas, what are you gonna do?” I pour myself a cup of coffee, wanting to quickly get out of Mom’s way. The kitchen bench tops are full; she’s got a lot to do for Christmas dinner.
“Do you want any help?” I ask the question as if I don’t already know that she’ll refuse.
“No, your aunt’s coming over soon with Katie. You should go get dressed though.”
“Yes, ma’am.”
Coffee in hand, I hustle my ass upstairs. I walk into my childhood bedroom to find my outfit laid on the chair, all nice and neat, just how I left it last night. I put my cup on the bedside table and click my phone on.
After I left Katie’s yesterday, I came straight home and switched the mocking device off. I didn’t want to deal with the outside world, I also didn’t want to chance any calls or messages from… well, anyone.
Sure enough, there’s a few missed calls from Katie last night, and a couple of text messages from this morning. Instead of responding, I replace my phone on the table and begin getting ready.
After pulling on my clothes, I consider changing my outfit altogether. Apparently, the last month of emotional eating has not done me any good. Quite the opposite, my pants are tighter than feels comfortable.
It doesn’t worry me too much; my figure can handle the extra few pounds.
“Veronica, stop fluffing your hair and get down here.” I laugh at the sound of Aunt Mae’s voice traveling up the stairs. I slip on my shoes before rushing downstairs. My aunt waits for me at the bottom of the staircase with open arms. “You’re just more gorgeous every time I see you.”
Katie giggles and huffs under her breath, “I wish.”
I roll my eyes and give in to my Aunt’s embrace. “Merry Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas, sweetie.”
“God, I’ve missed your hugs,” I say it every time, but I like the way it makes my aunt smile.
I’ve only seen her and my uncle once since being home, which has been my fault. We’re a close-knit little family and I can honestly say that I missed everyone dearly when I was on the West Coast. I should really make more of an effort to see them as often as possible.
Maybe that’ll be one of my New Year’s resolutions. Along with eating less sugar and starting back up at the gym.
“You girls go on through; we’ll be there shortly.” My aunt pushes me towards Katie and we walk through to the living room. It’s just gone nine o’clock, which in the Hall family household translates to present time.
“You seeing Evan today?” I raise an eyebrow and smirk as a blush colors her cheeks.
“You talk to Lane yet?” she snips back as we flop down in chairs on opposite sides of the room.
Touché.
The Christmas tree sits in the corner, adorned in all the red and gold baubles Mom could find. The lights twinkle magically. That’s got to be my favorite thing about Christmas. Everything gets dressed in twinkly lights.
The tree draws my attention in order to avoid her question. Thankfully, Christmas music plays throughout the house, filling the silence that hangs between us.
“You haven’t talked to him yet? I thought that’s where you went after you left mine,” she accuses before pinching in realization, “Thanks for calling me back, by the way.”
