“Probably not Gia,” I replied, chewing off the edge of a twizzler.
“I’ll make it sweetie.” My mom replied. “Sutton’s not up to it.”
“She’s never up to it!” Gia pouted. “She hasn't done anything since we got back. When she woke up, I thought I was going to keep my sister but all she is is a zombie!” Gia yelled, tears starting to spill down her cheeks.
My dad scooped Gia up. “That’s enough, honey. It’s going to be okay.”
“And she needs to stop wearing those stupid sunglasses in the house!” She added through her tears. I chewed my twizzler and looked over at her. I started laughing hysterically. At first everyone just stared at me but then they started to laugh with me.
“You know what, you’re right Gia.” I said, ripping off my sunglasses, throwing them onto the couch beside me.
“I’m sorry.” I said putting my arms out. She hopped out of my dad's arms and cuddled into mine. “Let’s do a Christmas day tomorrow, okay? We’ll make hot chocolate and we’ll play in the snow, we’ll build gingerbread houses and if it’s not too bad out, we’ll go for a ride and look at the lights.”
“Yay!” Gia yelled with excitement. I looked over at my mom and her eyes lit up.
“I’m going to take a shower.” I said out loud “and I’m sorry.” Nobody said anything, but my mom, sister, and dad smiled at me as I walked to the bathroom.
I stood in front of the mirror, as the room filled with steam. My face was starting to get fuller again; almost back to normal. Must’ve been from all the junk food I had been eating the past few weeks. My eyes were bloodshot and red. I lifted my finger and traced the scar on my face that was barely visible but could still be felt. I looked into the mirror and took a deep breath. “Today is the first day of the rest of your life,” I said out loud to myself, before turning away and getting in the shower.
The next morning Gia woke me up bright and early, excited for our Christmas Day of fun. I went into my drawers and put on a cute red sweater with a vest. When I went into the living room I could smell cinnamon buns that must’ve just come out of the oven and I smiled to myself.
Gia called me over to the windowsill where dad was outside with a tape measure. “One foot!” He mouthed to us, with a big grin on his face.
“Okay, so first we'll eat breakfast. Then we’re going to the store to get everything we need for hot Cocoa and gingerbread houses. Then we’ll come back and play in the snow and do Christmas stuff in our pjs!”
“Can’t wait,” I said, pulling Gia into a hug.
I stood in front of the Shop Right, trying to pretend I wasn’t freezing my ass off. My mom and Gia had gone to get the car and pick me up in front. I held the shopping list in my hand and checked it once more to be sure I had everything I needed.
A large mega bus pulled up to the stop in front of me. Loads of people got out, all probably making their way to visit family for the holidays. I walked slightly to the right so I could see past the bus and keep watch for my mom when she pulled up.
“Christmas in Dainstown. I hear there’s nothing like it.” A voice said. Someone was standing directly next to me. I smirked but didn’t lookup. I felt more like myself but I wasn’t exactly ready to be the welcoming committee for a complete stranger.
“Any recommendations? I’ve never been here before.” The voice said again but this time I began to recognize it.
I looked up at the person standing next to me. He had a little bit of curly hair on the top of his head and the sides were cut short. He was wearing a dark blue jacket and had a huge grin on his face.
“Oh my God, Luke?” I said, dropping the bags down on the pavement.
“Hi, Sutton.” He replied pulling me into a hug.
“What are you doing here?” I said continuing to embrace him.
“I made a big mistake. My past may be in Coopersville but I have a feeling my future is here in Dainstown.” Luke put both of his palms on my cheeks and pulled me in, kissing me gently and deeply. “Merry Christmas Sutton,” Luke said in between kisses.
“Merry Christmas Luke,” I replied, nuzzling my head into his chest.
