Noel’s POV
The rest of the days went by wonderfully, Aaron and I were back together. Mum went on a winter break from work too and so far she didn’t burn down our kitchen or any other part of the house. Peyton came visiting a lot, turns out she has major problems with her mom and sometimes can stand being in the same house together. I think her mom’s a drug addict, I’m not really sure but Pey seems really sensitive about any topic regarding her mother so I don’t ask anything. Anyway I love that we’re spending so much time together. Raymond came to apologize and I accepted his apology but begged him to stay away from me in the mean time. Turns out Aaron told the Taxi man to drop him off beside a garbage dump out of town. Can you imagine?
I also got to meet Jesse’s mom and we actually had a long conversation. Its funny that I’ve been living next door her for long but we’ve never really talked. Her and mom seemed to be forming a great friendship. Jesse looked like his mom a lot but he also had a lot of features I’m sure came from his father.
Mom was planning to throw a small Christmas party but I convinced her against it. Although it was our tradition —when dad was alive— to always throw large wonderful parties, things have changed now and I don’t think the two of us alone were reading to host any kind of party. Financially and mentally. She settled on having a large breakfast then with close friends; The Donovan’s, Aaron and Peyton.
Jesse and I ran round the block every morning slowly he was trying to put me ‘in shape’ active and vibrate but I know it wasn’t working. Once a potato, always a potato. I didn’t want to break his heart by telling him so plus a little morning fresh air wasn’t all bad. Also due to Jesse’s advise I got a diary. A diary where I was supposed to say goodbye to my father in. A little black book to pour my thoughts into and tell my dad everything I’ve wanted to tell him. Also together with Aaron we went to the hospital and did a thorough test/check up on me. Even on my teeth and eyes.
The doctor declared me 100 percent healthy and clean, she also said the chances of me getting cancer in my lifetime was a 15 out of a hundred. She encouraged me to eat and live healthy with plenty of laughter. To this Aaron and Jesse promised to make sure I obey her. I later found out that she was Aaron’s aunt Rita Sullivan, one of the best doctors around it was because of Aaron that she created time to see me. She was very pretty with flowing long red hair and emerald eyes. I caught myself wondering how many beautiful by handsome relatives Aaron had. Knowing she was one of the best doctors around, I believed her words and I felt more at ease with myself. As for my dairy I wrote on it every time I felt like and quite a number of times I cried, either tears of joy or tears of sadness. I told my dad everything I would tell him if he was alive, I also told him my regrets and others.
Dear dad,
I wish I hadn’t gone to buy that ice cream you wanted. I wish I had spent your last minutes with you. I wish…..
I slowly stopped obsessing over my beanie, I still wore them but not all the time and if someone were to take it off my head I wouldn’t turn to jelly, I wouldn’t feel insecure, exposed and vulnerable. I think its because I’ve realized that I’m not a daddy’s girl anymore. My dad would have wanted me to be strong and happy. I’ve wasted years already and finally I’m moving on. Plus two people would always be there to protect me. One that owns my heart and another that is more than a senior brother to me.
.
.
Christmas day came up really fast. Jesse thought Christmas day was my birthday because he is Jesse, the chimpanzee in my life. After waking my up with a really loud. “Merry Christmas and A Happy birthday to you!” I sat him down and carefully explained that 25th December wasn’t my birthday.
“Then why are you named Christmas?” He asked confused, his brow knitting.
“Because my dad loved the sound of Noel and… My grandfather, that’s my dad’s father was named, Sir Noel Robert Atkins.” I chuckled. “Dad saw him in me apparently.”
“So you’re Noel the second?” Jesse asked.
“Hm now that I think about it. I guess I am.” I answered nodded. “Hey that’s the first time you’re calling my actual name. Say it again.”
“Noel?” He repeated. “Noel. Noel Noel!”
I burst into giggles, finally. He ruffled my hair smiling. “Merry Christmas, Christmas.”
“Merry Christmas Jess.” I told him putting my pillow away to give me running access.
“Oh no you didn’t.” I screamed as I leaped off my bed, running out with Jesse hot on my chase. We came downstairs and I stopped running as I saw many presents lying under our Christmas tree. My eyes watered up immediately. I thought I would never see this again.
“Oh, I got you a present. I’ll go bring it.” Jesse said running back into my room. He’d use my window to go out, like how he came in.
I ran to my mum’s room and woke her up with a Christmas kiss. I thanked her for the present and she confessed that Aaron joined in. It was snowing outside, and it was really beautiful. Mum and I started preparing breakfast together, using her cook book and online video. We already baked yesterday and soon everything was ready. Then we went to get dressed.
I wore white Jean pants with a red top that had rein deers on it. Plus my red beanie to finish up my dressing. The door bell rang and it was Jesse and his mother.
“Merry Christmas Noel,” Naomi greeted kissing my cheeks.
“Merry Christmas Mrs Donovan.” I kissed too and she entered inside with her gift basket. Standing behind her was a grinning Jesse on his arms lay a really beautiful small golden Retriever. It was cuddled into his big strong arms sleeping peacefully.
“Awww,” I said moving closer to the… Wait it’s a dog! A puppy dog. I moved away immediately crossing a hand over my nose. “Jesse I can’t take that.”
“What why not, its a cute dog.” Jesse said thrusting him out to me.
Did I tell you I’m allergic to cats? Yeah dogs too. Its my curse!
“No Jesse, I know it cute but… achoo!….. I’m alle…. Achoo!… gic to… achoo! Achoo!..” Oh no. Its happening. I’m a sneezing cannon.
“Come on Christmas, don’t me scared its just a dog.” Jesse said bringing the now awake door to my face.
“I’mnotafraidyoudimwitI’mallergic! Achoo! Achoo! Achoo!” I’m sneezing so bad my eyes water up.
“What?”
I banged the door at his face. “Go away with your adorable dog!”
“Sparkles she doesn’t want us” Jesse said as I hears his footsteps walk away.
Sparkles? Who named a dog sparkles? Thankfully Jesse came back without Sparkles, he promised to find me another Christmas present. Aaron later arrived and the day became perfect. We ate happily, laughing talking and sharing food around. Aaron and I kept exchanging smiles. The air was magical. After that Aaron gave me a present.
A necklace with the pendant being a golden tiny game console. Behind was ‘A vs N ‘ written really tiny at the back but anyone could see it. The present made me so happy I jumped on him hugging him for all his worth. I loved the necklace from now on, it would be my new favorite thing. For my Present to him, I gave him a knitted beanie, I’ve been working on it for a while now. It wasn’t excellently perfect but it was ok, I also knitted his initials on it. ‘ AL. A ‘. Aaron loved it and wore it immediately, he thanked me with a knees wobbling kiss.
For Peyton I gave her new glasses and a brand new signed copy of Sense and Sensibility by Jane Austen. I’ve heard her grumbling about how she had not gotten an original copy of the book. This once belonged to my father and it was sighed by another best selling author. Since I’m not one for books, I gave to her and she loved it. For My mom, I gave her a new cook book with different cuisines from different cultures. And for Jesse I gave him new shoes, good shoes take people to good places. I wish the best for my Chimpanzee. Surprisingly he loved it too.
I got lots of gift from mom, Aaron and Peyton too. Aaron later announced that his parents requested to have dinner with me. I freaked out. I wasn’t ready, I didn’t even have a dress but mum came to the rescue as one of her presents were a dress with shoes to go. I got picked up by Aaron and we went to his house. Bella and Mafe were happy to see me, as I was to. Aaron’s father turned out to be his exact replica except for the hair. His father was blond like Bella. But the eyes, muscles everything was the same. His father had a few height above him and I’m sure Aaron would be as tall as him one day. As Aaron introduced me officially to his parents I couldn’t help but think about his statement some time ago.
“… because I might introduce you to my parents.”
“And that’s a bad thing?”
“No it would just officially make you mine.”
I squeezed his hand affectionately trying not to smile. I’m his, I’ve been his for a long time and he’s mine too. Dinner went great. Mr Javier Altamira asked me a lot of questions but none were difficult, awkward or uncomfortable to answer. I had fun with them. Aaron’s family is wonderful.
After Christmas Aaron surprisingly took us; Jesse, me, Peyton, Luke and Liv to an ice rink. Yes, Liv is back, she returned Christmas night and I invited her to come hangout. Ofcourse she brought Luke along. I later found out that Jesse tricked us to coming here because Aaron’s shit scared of ice skating. I’ve never really skated before, but my dad loved skating and always brought us to a rink at least twice a year. I wasn’t scared of skating because I’ve seen My mum and dad do it a zillion times.
As soon as I stepped on the rink, my feet got used to it and I started skating like a pro. After a few round I persuaded Aaron to skate too and he reluctantly agreed. He stepped in wobbling like a fish and I had to guide him it was hilarious. Jesse however also didn’t know how to skate— its like they’re twins or something— and he vehemently refused to learn, even when Pey volunteered to teach him. He even threatened to leave if we force him.
Stubborn Chimpanzee.
At a time I just stood there watching Aaron attempt to skate by himself but failing miserably. My hands were on my new necklace as I watched him adoringly. Liv skated to me, wiggling her brows.
“Like what you see?”
“Um, yea. Yes I do.” I said and we shared a little laughter.
“Ready for school again?” She asked placing her hand on my shoulder.
Ugh, school. Quinn, drama and Madison.
“Yep, I’m ready.”
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Love is quivering happiness
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