“I like this one,” I said pointing at the silver Lorus watch.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV9nvhBE7fI
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx8IAFFvQ02
“Hm,” Max thought “Yeah, I think he’ll like it.”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBmVURdQlBg
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsUnIIMfeR3
“He can change it if he doesn’t,” I said as the salesman packed the watch.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO3qcvuYKZs
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWmPX3ilVC
“How are you paying? Ask your mom for money?” Max asked. The watch was worth 120 Euros and I still wanted to buy a gift for my mom, Cleo and Max.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4qdG9U1cYi
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv9UcuwGURq
“I told her I needed to buy a few gifts,” I explained “I also told my dad,” I grinned.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbld0RmRgoO
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkdddh4tLBS
Max chuckled because he understood that I got money from both of them. It would be too late until they’ll figure it out. Mom would have given me the money if I told her I needed them to buy Damien a gift but I really didn’t want to confess the real reason. She will probably figure it out tonight though because we were invited to the Simmons house. Mom will know as soon as she sees Damien and me talking. Mom always knows everything.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJkD4zB2Uj
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwd34c9ew0C
I got my mom a literature book, Cleo a red small clutch bag, Max the belt I’ve promised him and a bottle of vodka to drink tonight. I returned home just in time to start getting ready. I decided to wear my seam and heel leggings, my black long sleeve but short black dress along with my red high heels. The only colorful shoes I owned. Cleo would be proud of me. I smiled and decided to call her.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEYnUwb6N7R
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ321gxSzLN9
“I’m already dressed but I thought to run it by you before showing up overdressed,” I smiled. She chuckled and told me tell her what I was wearing.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyivkPIqSoQ
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzFWOGQHRht
“Sounds good,” she said and I could hear her smile. “Come over when you’re done if you want. I need help!” she ordered jokingly. We’ve been spending Christmas Eve together for as long as I can remember and then Christmas Day with our relatives. For the last three years, Mr. Simmons two partners were invited with their families. One family had kids in elementary school while the other had two sons around James age; one or one and a half year older than me and the twins.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSGUIcisztZ
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAQouAbi5Ca
I parked my car, changed from my flat shoes to my high heels and took all the gift bags. I entered the kitchen through the back door as usual.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6HmAjF5Yg
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDQD1sD1XSf
“Santa is here!” I smiled and closed the door behind me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUmlq3jR2dn
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqQOE8BHsAq
“Hello Erica,” Cleo’s mom greeted me with a smile.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5zUtLaxm5O
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOKFSQ2Va4W
“Hello,” I said; still smiling.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡddRAVM3qQ4
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWjEn7CXayn
“I’m impressed!” Cleo said approvingly looking at my outfit. She was wearing a high waist skirt along with a plaid shirt; always fashionable. “I like the accessories,” she pointed out towards my bracelets and necklaces.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEb46tHWGuh
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKOM3EgIlIL
“Come on, it’s not that big of a deal. I’m just wearing black as always,” I winced. “By the way, get this before I break it or something,” I told her giving her the bag with the bottle of vodka.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZpyvO40VjU
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsgasS0pVfw
“Indeed, always black. That’s why what I got you will be perfect,” she smiled and got the bag.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsDNNUYXHM0
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡX35IbgZrqV
“This is for you, Merry Christmas,” I smiled back and gave her another bag. She took it and took out the red clutch I purchased.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsYWWKbHkmX
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ20LYCKi6fb
“Nice! Thank you! Goes with my new heels,” she grinned and kissed me “I’ll give you yours later.”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFg1gCNu7tL
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKDqBKOUTCm
“Where’s Max?” I asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsOMvsVIiJ7
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡciWoZPno6P
“In the living room; he plugged the play station on the big television,” she explained as she continued preparing the salad.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxUZRAWWfvS
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVNay6kKRvk
“I’m going to say hi and l’ll be back to help you,” I told her and moved towards the door.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWYjrMrCGS
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK9E5ojXUh
“Wait,” she called after me and I stopped “Mind taking the bag to my room?” she asked. I shook my head and took her gift to my hands again.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfq3IayE9K1
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLeLPrTgR5X
“Hello gentlemen,” I greeted Max and his dad. “What are you up to?”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Pd6SgJwBj
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr7VHFYFZ57
“Hey dude,” Max greeted. He eyed me and must have noticed the bags in my hands. “Which is mine?” he said and stood up from the couch he was seated.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡte781BbR1L
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡylUkNjt5wN
“Hello Erica,” his dad said “When are your parents coming?” he asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡg0IzRuPU19
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtM8RGaz8V4
“In about an hour I think,” I replied and turned to Max who was picking through the gift bags I was holding.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6nfs6eme5k
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSdhUd1paHN
“Good, because I got bored here,” Mr. Simmons sighed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgCuYZVU3BL
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ78Ve83OfnP
“You’ve already seen it, you weirdo! We’ve bought it together!” I told him and gave him his gift.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡijpmN1vWJu
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbdTJhnmSQM
“I’m wearing it tonight!” he grinned widely.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxwUoJvIY8A
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcRoISgjEOR
“In that case, Merry Christmas dude,” I smiled and gave him the bag. “I’m going upstairs to leave these,” I said showing him Cleo’s gift and my stuff.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLcCPGJxnhk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1zkLCzs31H
“Tell Damien to get the games,” he replied as he gave me back the empty bag and wore his new belt.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ35gziy6tkt
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVHDjM5mJSl
“Okay,” I told him and turned towards the stairs. I smiled to myself grateful that Damien was alone upstairs and I could greet him properly. I stopped by Cleo’s room first and left our stuff there before walking towards Damien’s door.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡesYF9Ri9xY
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6hRVta0Ag8
I knocked on the door and entered when I heard his voice. He was standing in front of his closet, behind the opened door. I saw him wearing a black shirt before turning towards my direction.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgKjoRa2EUo
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtCtanAVk7Q
“Hey,” I greeted. He stopped moving for a moment and stared at me. I closed the door behind me as he recovered and closed the closet door before I turned to him again. He was buttoning up his shirt; gazing at me. I stared at him for a while; taking in all his form. I smiled and walked towards him; never breaking contact with his grey eyes. Those eyes will be the death of me, I swear.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJpQK2znltf
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA0FNvCSjJp
I replaced his hands on the button while smiling. He put his hands on my hips and I saw as his lips curled up a little bit more. My own faint smile turned into a grin as I buttoned the last button. He leaned to my neck and brushed his lips against my skin.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3SODUZwPRQ
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgELfOgHOB4
“You’re very beautiful,” he whispered to my ear as his hands moved up to my waist. I had to breathe out fast. I put my arms around his wide shoulders and hugged him.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡocyoCZ1zQj
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgzDKJBQR0g
“You too,” I mumbled and brushed my nose against his neck. Although he hadn’t shaved in a week, he didn’t have much facial hair. I put my palm against his cheek and jaw line; feeling the rough surface against my skin.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlKZ5AazmQ
“You look hot unshaved,” I pointed out and I felt him smiling beneath my touch. I suddenly became aware of where I was and pulled back; my hands resting on his chest. He leaned towards me and kissed my cheek.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ034M2IUMxn
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMbtkkUzu5
“Max said to tell you to get the games?” I told him and pulled away from him “What’s with the playstation anyway?”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqlEJo46bly
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIoKMGlrx68
“Yeah,” he breathed as he came out of his own trance “He thought it would be a good idea for the Jameson kids,” he explained as he put his shirt into his black jeans.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwSTBESBTW7
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfKIKqMihyb
He told me to get the dvds that were on the coffee table as he looked around for his shoes.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvC8Q0Ip2c8
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKWUerzozBA
“You really need to clean your room,” I pointed out. It was a big room, almost like a studio flat but he had so many things. It almost felt asphyxiated.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdfZUFl7o9f
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKskmj7Syof
“You’re welcome to do that anytime you like,” he smiled; both his cheeks turning upwards and deep dimples appeared. I giggled because of his smile, left the dvds back on the table and walked to him. I put my hands against his cheeks and squished them like he was a little kid.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeaZyAx9oPn
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbxnG2XQV8G
“Dream on Simmons,” I smiled. “Those days are over.” He took my right hand in his and brought it to his lips. He kissed my palm but then moved up to my forearm. And then I noticed that his smile had turned wicked and he bite me. “Ouch!” I frowned but he didn’t remove his teeth from my forearm. “If you make a hole to this dress,” I begun and he raised his eyebrows waiting while his teeth sunk deeper to my skin. “Fuck, Damien!” I almost screamed “No sex for a month,” I clutched my teeth and he released me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡluv0AN3WYk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhsC7pWGwuK
“Yeah right,” he mocked but I was too wrapped up in pain to reply. I pulled my sleeve and traced my fingers over the red teeth marks. Then his fingers were over mine, massaging the tender spot. I looked at him and pouted with watery eyes. “I’m sorry,” he chuckled.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnWDEImKRoK
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSvjs3YMkSA
“A week!” I spit “I’m not having sex with you for a week!” I finished my sentence. It was more realistic than saying that I’ll stay away from him for a month. He scoffed but I ignored him, took the dvds back into my hands and left the room.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMHIuBZojPv
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU6yY5J0oH9
[+++]414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDdNrbFY1B3
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBwOX19B8nX
The Jamesons and the Kanes had both arrived on time. Max actually had adopted the kids; Nick age nine and Julie age six. I don’t know who was enjoying playing Super Mario more, Max or the kids. Damien, Cleo and I were seated with our parents and the Kanes sons in the living room after dinner. Cleo was back and forth between the living room, the television and sometimes the kitchen when someone needed something.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw9JLNmXVwr
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8ZcwUoFfQ
I had almost forgotten that last Christmas I was flirting with Josh Kane; the youngest of the two brothers. He was my age and listened to the same music as me and glowed in Damien’s absence last year. But it never happened anything more because I had asked around after the previous Christmas Eve, and found out that he was playing around with girls, so I never asked for his number.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdlIyLyvqnl
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlhCgIvaLqt
Tonight, as last year, he was excited to see me. He had sat down beside me on the dinner table -Damien across from me- and was also sitting next to me for the past hour that we were playing cards. Damien seemed occupied by little Julie, who seemed to have developed a crush towards him. She was running, her brown curls bouncing up and down as she went, to Damien’s arms every time she beat her brother Nick.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxxnUBIUcrA
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAo3WYPBQN4
“Come and see,” Julie smiled at him, her eyes sparkled. I nudged Cleo who was sitting next to me, to look at them.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8B7UcYtvbW
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVtZFu5j8w
“I’ll come in a second, okay?” he smiled at her sweetly.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHASEfCdgBY
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRl5TC1WPN
“Please?” She kept her smile. Cleo formed a small smile, not like the one I expected, as Damien stood up and I laughed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQmX5IdRkLy
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvN93LZbmN9
“Someone has a fan,” I mocked Damien as he walked behind Julie.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjbB4n39bKo
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMRc5jDRfry
“Can’t help it, she’s so cute when she pouts,” he smiled and squished her cheeks; the kid smiling satisfied.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVG8N7X9zML
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBi0JgYjmtO
“Remember when Erica was about that age,” I heard Damien’s mother saying “And was always following Damien around,” she laughed and we turned our attention towards the parents’ side.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqwZx9uk9Tv
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡndeXuVMbzn
“Yeah, it’s like that boy is made of honey,” my mom chuckled. Tell me about it.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVIbpgP7diJ
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXEHOoB6j5H
“I remember once -” my mom begun. Oh, dear God! I made a face “- that Damien put a ladybug on her arm and she got really scared and started crying,” she said and everyone laughed. I felt the blood rushing to my cheeks and winced.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbERN6a66vn
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡreSo6zULhQ
“So funny,” I scoffed as they all laughed for my ridiculous fear.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSZ2G7gyYN9
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcapbEoHYcv
“Damien panicked because she wouldn’t stop crying after throwing away the ladybug,” my mom kept going “And was hugging her, saying that there weren’t any ladybugs near her. They were so sweet!” Oh, sweet Lord, save me!414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaIT9GuNLWK
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmJCCGUUsp8
“The little monster always did that to the poor girl,” Mr. Simmons said.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYmdtTQON5
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1q1TMGuXfE
“It was so funny!” I head Damien smiling from behind me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyc36YZZWnl
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡb1MDmekdtr
“You’re pressing your luck,” my dad warned him and made me frown as I didn’t understand what he was referring to. And then Damien pinched my arm.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlA3v8r4FCr
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv44FrvxTyF
“Come on!” I exclaimed and shot up from my seat.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVy7BvmmSY2
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNh9ySwkN2D
“Seriously!” he mocked “Who’s afraid of ladybugs?” he asked as he took several steps back from the couch. He just lost another week of sex. I glared at him as I couldn’t voice my decision.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoTgTE8oKaf
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcf27S338nR
“You’re lucky it’s Christmas,” I pointed my finger at him; clutching my teeth. He had a wide smile all over his face while I felt like screaming.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeJHlOp7lZh
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡA1ANiUFGPR
“Come on Erica!” my mom said “He would always save you from Max,” she tried to reasoned with me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhltE6nxS8q
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKAoERt16jR
“Oh yeah!” I exclaimed “Always stopped Max from pulling my hair,” I mocked “And once I was safe, he would start pinching me,” I scoffed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZCIvtRzUYF
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGMgqdciV8r
“It was fun! Such a whiny baby,” Damien mocked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmDMuOyLkwS
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5u8QJFzzsf
“You’re still beating me up!” I complained and pulled up my sleeve. “You’re twenty-five!” I told him; my eyes widening as I patted the already bruised skin on my forearm.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwsqeL6IPrb
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNrgHA8LQOm
“Are you going to run to your mama now?” Damien grinned and took a step forward.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnAeIUO8dln
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2gY1bgxtMp
“Those are war injuries,” his dad said. Why was the joke on me though? Everybody was laughing.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡox8vfBnTN5
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhB2xLCEnAp
“I will!” I pouted and turned around “When they couldn’t bully Cleo, I was the target,” I pouted. Cleo nodded in sympathy as she laughed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbipu4DorPZ
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYo5H5ZKlSP
“Fun times!” Max smiled as my mom opened her arms for me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZKX499Pibr
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJCN3AmoWJW
“Stop teasing my baby,” my mom threatened Damien but I could hear the laughter in her voice.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNxEXR9m0jk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZGJDe0iLgS
“Sleep with one eye open, Simmons,” I told him. Before he was able to reply or move, little Julie appeared again.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡK2KxKAo2Qv
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2IjadBrw2x
“Damien!” little Julie called and he pulled her into his arms.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqJLIiJCtil
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbVeuJyp1Wa
“Hey, Julie,” Cleo asked her and the girl shifted in Damien’s arms to be able to look at her. “Want to take Damien home with you?” she asked her.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTKOW3shcwM
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6slxuOoFBz
“Yes!” she smiled widely.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGILlumy4fk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuYQgMPicn3
“Honey, my ass,” I mumbled; forgot that I was still seating in my mother’s arms.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWxuyFmSEqc
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYweLBiZ5Hg
I sat up from my mom’s lap and walked to the kitchen to get something to drink. As I passed the hallway, I pumped onto Josh that was coming out of the toilet. I waved at him and he followed me to the kitchen. Damien had joined us a few seconds later. Maybe he thought I was alone and came to talk to me. Instead he started making small talk with Josh.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgbOwg8wYbX
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmnvGvavFyL
“So, are you going out tonight?” Josh asked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmON611pvE
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRb8LwATPGx
“Yeah,” Damien replied as he waited next to me to refill his glass.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTlWhkjXTQK
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡY1UnQhLkn9
“No,” I said as I turned around with Josh’s drink and mine in my hands. I left Damien’s glass empty.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhATAFERT1S
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWsVwlKVs16
“Hey, where’s mine?” He frowned.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwLMH4jaeAe
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKC5LviQxR5
“Why are you staying in?” Josh asked at the same time.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNCYp0sZms7
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJWcv64zIf5
“You’re going out and you already had one drink,” I replied to Damien. “Cleo and I usually stay in and -”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ7xytGazXoz
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1kt8RUhmX0
“Watch crappy Christmas movies,” Damien mocked as he walked behind us, without a glass. I really wanted to slap him tonight. If Cleo wanted to go out, I would happily go out or try to join Damien. But I had absolutely no intention of leaving her home alone.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXYE3OYGaAT
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwV4YerGGEI
“Whatever, idiot,” I told him and made a face at him. Josh and I returned to the living room while I was explaining to him that, indeed, we had a tradition of watching crappy movies on Christmas Eve.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiZb7rHc0Do
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5kq1yBGe4q
“Excuse me,” I heard Cleo saying as we entered the living room. “It wasn’t me that proposed to a guy at the age of five! It was your daughter,” she said. I stopped on the edge of the couch; frowning.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4YujdMVRBs
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJM71RR1tGs
“I did what?” I asked as Josh disappeared from next to me. Why I had no memory of this? I sipped my drink at the wrong time however.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡF2ptVc7Z57
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXrYL35rXkm
“Once, you made Damien promise not to grow up more so that you could marry him,” his mother replied and I almost choked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxhh8QxkNvS
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTMyMsJA0yJ
“Oh yeah,” I heard Damien’s voice from next to me “I remember that one,” he said and I turned towards him with an incredulous look. Damien grinned his stupid smile and I barely stop myself from giggling.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFOIBN1YxP
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsxqF8VITdJ
“Okay, I’m done for tonight,” I said still in shock and sat back on my seat as everyone laughed.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAwlSQEWNCL
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2pFoM46DCK
From that point onward, I don’t know why, but I felt uneasy. I felt I was in the spotlight; like our parents already knew we were together. I tried to camouflage my alarmed behavior by talking with Josh again, who was more than willingly to do so. I tried really hard not to pay attention to what Damien was doing. Until my mom interrupted my chat with Josh and told me go and help her in the kitchen for another round of desert.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9mn8MMlNbl
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwJsZQD0818
“What are you doing?” she asked me. She looked aggravated.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD3rqDNSqh8
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡklG1E2FOye
“Huh?” what am I doing?414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcZzk3IdlpN
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6qBDByHyaB
“You’re driving him insane!” she pointed out the kitchen window. I frowned confused and looked outside. The dim light in the kitchen allowed me to look outside and notice a male figure that I could recognize everywhere; Damien’s figure. How does she know everything? I sighed and turned back to her. “Just go outside and talk to him.”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4lPUivzgYC
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzAlC6ggGV4
I took two plates of the chocolate cake I made at home and walked out the kitchen door. Damien, who was facing the pool, turned his head to see who it was. I struggled but managed to close the door behind me as he turned forward again, putting the cigarette back to his mouth. I walked towards him and stood beside him.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO2aK7DAJfc
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUknYuUVx21
“You’re gonna catch a cold,” he said; his tone strict. When he talked to me like that I loved him even more; he showed that he cared, even if it felt intimidating.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡp0YaypPgky
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHw1B2CtXxF
“I made cake this morning,” I ignored his remark “But I see you have your whiskey,” I said and turned towards the table that was next to us. I left his cake down while I held on to mine; I needed chocolate now.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqRU9QeJEUF
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM44oNC72wu
“Where’s your boy-toy?” he asked; his tone unreadable. He put out the cigarette and put his hand in his pocket. A deep sigh escaped my lungs.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDyPejsPE08
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrTkrSMNAyp
“I was trying to forget you were there, so that our parents won’t notice anything,” I explained. He turned towards me as I licked the spoon from the chocolate.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjXlRqBl0RY
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdHEPbRpLI4
“How would you feel,” he begun “if last week, I started talking and laughing at that girl while paying no attention to you?” he asked; his voice controlled. I had to swallow. He drank the last sip of his drink and left the glass on the table behind me; his smell clouding my head as he leaned towards me.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVDKXlBNa5C
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa3uHxYiT0r
“I’m sorry,” I breathed “You’re right.” I was used to pretend not to pay attention to him all those years and now it was hard to feel free in front of our families. “You had your hands full though,” I made an attempt to lighten the mood. The cold air started getting to me but I tried to hide it as he breathed out a laugh.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6P2ZUEAUxk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5hdDyUZIqm
“You were like that at her age you know, ladybug” he smiled.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4n2x6z69H
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnceRtt13Mp
“Seriously, stop,” I told him smiling “The trip down memory lane from our mothers was enough!” I scoffed and he laughed. He stretched out his hand and took mine in his.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWdZYjfdS1Q
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPWiw3OlUcU
“You’re ice cold,” he frowned and I smiled. “Let’s go inside,” he said and took his glass back in his hand as I retrieved the plates in my hands.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2eHM6HUsRw
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiRpucv2T7a
“Damien?” I whispered after him while we were still in a dark spot of the garden. He stopped moving and turned towards me. I stretched out my arms, so that the plates were away from us, and stopped in front of him. I leaned my head upwards and kissed him lightly. He put his free hand around my waist and deepened the kiss. “Stop,” I said and walked away. He frowned confused.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRwmoMeONYO
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRKkxgKm1dd
“I’m still mad at you,” I told him and walked past him.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡVRiGaUEb5e
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmm9MVo8P32
“So what?” he laughed and I stopped walking before turning towards him.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡztqlMZFir0
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMJFmDlFNHM
“We’re not having sex for a week and a half,” I whispered.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡH7X3Z3SyK7
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlMmagoHqab
“And a half?” he exclaimed. “Why?” he asked but I ignored him and kept walking.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkJqO4Ynfiw
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHPdIc39XZD
“Mind opening the door for me?” I grinned. “I’m not having sex with you for ten days. The end,” I told him and stepped into the kitchen.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoe3bShjulo
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmM8aGZY3tQ
“We’ll see about that, ladybug.”414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLureY3DmtI
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW26bNBT6Rz
At least he didn’t make a scene. I always knew Damien was cautious and a logical person but I wasn’t completely sure until now. There was always a chance that he might be different in his relationships. I always used that as an excuse not to talk to him about my real feelings; saying that maybe he’s not what he looks like, maybe I’m in love with what I think he is.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOJ2b4ajFaH
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWYmpsHGB64
Perhaps tomorrow night would be a good opportunity for me to talk to him. Though, it has been proven that, when you plan something, something else is bound to go terribly wrong!414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4DjWYgiFb0
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡbEGydl4r8G
Or I could talk to him after his birthday party. We were all invited to his house and I assume it would be as big of a gathering as it was his welcome home party. That made me nervous. On his welcome home party I was free to be just his little sister’s friend. Now I had a new title.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3X1gcp2FEf
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdG8yV6alMm
I spend the night with Cleo as every Christmas Eve, watching Christmas movies, eating leftovers from dinner and drinking beers. We talked about her and Mike amongst other things. The only thing that we did not talk about was my relationship with her brother. I didn’t want to start the conversation because I was afraid of her actual reaction. I guess I would find out in two days, at Damien’s birthday party.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvmxKfGXzmG
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd5g17iwQ5W
[+++]414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwvAZvfnP2v
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw5oB0OPatc
When I first arrived at Cleo’s house for Damien’s party I noticed something weird. Cleo was helping their mother set up the drinks and food but whenever Damien talked to her, she was a little bit aggressive. She wasn’t addressing anyone else in that tone so it was definitely something.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6pfm7yJ82T
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡS1iZxig69F
I tried to warn Damien that I would hang out with Cleo most of the time, just like always. If he wanted me he would have to come to me because I wasn’t feeling right to ditch Cleo to see him. If it was any other guy I would probably ask her to go with me and talk to him at any given moment but since it was her brother I didn’t feel comfortable, especially since we haven’t talked about it. She was just ignoring the fact. However, Damien did talk about it.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXby7cAjMjR
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkCZO6ncWSi
“Either I have a girlfriend or not!” he argued. He just got out of the shower and was standing in front of me just in his towel; making it hard for me to concentrate to what he was saying. I groaned.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa8YP72Snfw
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiTqUFUWj5V
“We haven’t talk about it yet! I don’t know how she feels about us being together! So how do you expect me to ditch her to be with you?” I frowned and pleaded for him to understand.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡD0awMwOQlI
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡW6TK4d7vsj
“It’s my birthday!” He exclaimed “I’ll be with my girlfriend if I want and I don’t give a fuck what she thinks!” he fumed. Something was definitely wrong.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcqce4DgU1e
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjyuNihzpDq
“You don’t have to raise your voice,” I said frowning; my voice low.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡflnXgS0bkw
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡycqRZeBhVZ
“If she can be a bitch and ignore the fact that we are together, so can you!” he said and turned towards his closet. He threw the towel on his bed and opened his drawer. Oh sweet Lord!414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYNE7Oc7tvk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHk5Ay3zPIf
“Ignore what?” I swallowed “Besides you right now,” I mumbled as I tried to stay focused on his words and not the flexed muscles of his back.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmLDd6xA9Bk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡC151Ft1mya
“That she’s ignoring this,” he said and motioned between us as he turned lightly to the side. I took a deep breath and released it. I could do that. At least for tonight. I would act as if he was any other guy and ignore my best friend. I was just trying to keep her happy after all. Tonight I had to keep my boyfriend happy.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ3dUTVIho8
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrGBIVfF7tr
He wore a boxer and looked for his jeans. I stood up and walked up to him. I hugged him from behind and touched my cheek against the blade of his shoulder. My hands running up and down on his bare stomach and chest; my fingers shaping circles on the scanty hair on his chest and bellow his belly button. He put his hands over mine and stroked my skin. I pulled back slightly.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZbVyloQsoy
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ74K5sDtEW7
“Turn around,” I whispered. He shifted in my arms and once he was facing me I put my palms on either side of his face and crashed my lips to his.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs52Db2tPKT
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡmirBbYnJqy
He gasped as I collided my body to his; his hands flew to my butt. My need was crystal clear. I couldn’t care less about the red lipstick as our lips parted and his tongue met mine. I could help him take it out afterwards. The kiss was so intense that I burned up; light moans escaping my lugs. Eventually we had to pull apart in order to breathe. If I could, I would never spend a moment away from his lips.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjFvMiSnqSk
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡN6WucPkJo1
“Remember that you’re not having sex with me,” he breathed; a grin on his face.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiVfpdyFtyC
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOQOh69X7PB
I scoffed as my fingers tracing his unshaved cheeks as I got lost into his grey eyes. He was eyeing at my face, smiling.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQqaXBm5S0Q
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKPOTzdn89y
“You’re lipstick is almost gone,” he said and I chuckled.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuDJuHQdsZM
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡf1q99P8BtL
“Nothing left on you,” I smirked.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡorurRluL5B
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMTbuzS0GUJ
I felt bad for doing what Damien suggested but I guess he was right in a way. She was my best friend after all; if she didn’t support my choice she could at least talk to me about it. She always knew I had some feelings for Damien, why couldn’t be happy for me? I already felt that I wasn’t good enough for him but the thought of her not supporting our relationship make me think that she thought the same. And it hurt.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ30wBtYNU6j
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq4AGiDqvUl
I did keep my distance from Damien at the party meaning that I didn’t clutch on him. I was with Cleo, eyeing Damien as I always did in the past. The only significant difference was that I wasn’t trying to hide it. When our eyes met, we would stare at each other for a moment before smiling.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEN87YNmCm8
414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0TLEBgYiku
I don’t think I ever felt happier in my entire life. I almost started hyperventilating everytime he glanced at my direction and smiled. Several times he had motioned me over from where I was seated with his sister to meet some people. Cleo didn’t seem too excited, but maybe she just missed Mike. I didn’t want to worry about it however because I had promised Damien. It felt a little bit rushed since we were only together for a month but if he felt like introducing me, I could humor him; especially on his birthday.414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqxrTAD3Ac0
♠ ♠ ♠
Title Credit:414Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcM97uc9El5
Come in closer by Blue October
