1
ANGELICA
“Dad, I’m totally fine. I’m twenty-three. You don’t need to worry about me anymore.” I indicate to take the country road that leads to my father’s cabin, the snow coming down heavier the farther north I go.
“I know muffin, but this is the first Christmas we haven’t spent together. Are you sure you don’t want to come to Scotland with me and Lorraine? I’ll even pick you up from London if you don’t want to drive or take a train.”
“Dad. I’ve told you. I’m spending Christmas in London with my flatmate. We’ll have a great time. We have a bunch of friends coming over for Christmas dinner.” I tap my chipped nails against the steering wheel, hoping he believes the lie and doesn’t hear the windshield wipers going as I flick them onto a faster setting to clear the heavy snowfall. “You and Lorraine enjoy Scotland. You don’t need me tagging along like a third wheel.”
“Lorraine wants to know you better, muffin. We’d love to have you with us anytime. I wish you’d give her a chance.”
“I like her, Dad. I really do. And I’m happy for you. I just have plans this Christmas, that’s all.” I slow the car down as I take the winding road towards the lakeside cabin. Snow crunches underthe tyres of my little Suzuki Splash. She’s not made for this sort of terrain.
“All right. I’ll have your gifts shipped to the flat.”
“No,” I shout. “I mean, save them for when I see you.” My headlights shine on the trees ahead, dusted with snow like icing sugar sprinkled on freshly baked cookies. Warmth fills my belly, that familiar feeling of home as I drive towards the one place that makes me feel close to my mum.
“But you won’t have them in time for Christmas.”
“I can wait. Really. Plus, I have your gifts too. We can do the exchange in the New Year.” The last thing I need is him sending my gifts to an empty flat I don’t even live in anymore.
“All right, if you’re sure.”
I let out a long breath, knowing I’m going to have to come clean with my father eventually, but there’s no point in ruining his Christmas. If he knew I’d lost my job, and had to give up my flat and was driving to the cabin to spend Christmas alone to wallow in self-pity and binge Ben & Jerry’s while watching cheesy holiday movies, he’d cancel his plans with Lorraine and be there in a heartbeat.
“I’m going to go now, Dad. Call me when you get to Scotland, okay?” The moonlight shines on the snowy road, making it glimmer. The flakes fall like glitter in a snow globe, only this isn’t a Hallmark Channel Christmas movie like the ones I plan on watching. This is my shitshow of a life, and just like the snow that glistens on the outside, it hides a multitude of secrets underneath its crystal white blanket.
“I love you, sweetheart.”
“Love you, Dad.”
The phone falls silent and I’m left alone with my thoughts and my miserable life. Just me, my Suzuki, and all of my belongings.
2
SAWYER
Entering the cabin through the back door, I shake the snow from my sheepskin coat and kick off my snow-covered boots, making sure to not ruin my mate Colin’s wooden flooring. This place has been my home for the last month, and while Colin said I can stay here while I get my life back on track, I have to remember this is still his place.
With a bag of groceries in hand, I head into the open-plan living space, but pause, holding my breath as I train my ear to the sound of running water coming from above.
The carved wooden deer on the wall stares back at me with its all-seeing glass eyes. I’m sure that thing is alive. Either that or Colin has a camera fitted into the head as I swear it watches me.
A huff of a laugh bursts from my mouth at the ridiculous thought. I wouldn’t put it past my mate Dom, who lives in the next cabin along the lake, or even Dan, his brother, but not Colin.
Pipes groan, and the boiler rattles as if the water is on. Floorboards creek with shuffling noises. The deer’s eyes seem to follow me as I prowl up the staircase, listening for anymovement elsewhere, but the only noise is coming from the bathroom.
Different scenarios run through my head. Did I leave the shower on? Is there a burst pipe, a faulty tap? Has the boiler finally packed up? Does Colin have a ghost? A chuckle shakes my chest at yet another silly thought.
If his deceased wife is hiding in these walls, maybe she could keep me company this Christmas while I’m bunking here. I’ll take a ghost over spending another holiday with my ex.
Reaching the top step, steam floats through the gap in the bathroom door like mist on the lake or the Ghost of Christmas Past. Walking through the hot air, I push the bathroom door open. Then freeze at the sight.
Blood rushes to my head and my groin. The pulse in my neck throbs. My Christmas wish has been answered and Santa has come early, delivering a full-figured woman to keep me warm this winter.
Even with the misted shower screen, I take in her curves from the side profile: a round belly and even rounder arse.
She steps back from behind the screen out of the spray of the shower while she lathers her long brunette hair, the scent of a cinnamon wafts through the small space. She turns slightly, showing me the delicious creases in her back. I follow the dripping soap suds to the dimples above her ass and the deep valley that I want to explore with my tongue.
