“I like this one,” I said pointing at the silver Lorus watch.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡk0Wz1HcEKs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWwA8qXoETT
“Hm,” Max thought “Yeah, I think he’ll like it.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeYi5977zn2
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxRnMg808gx
“He can change it if he doesn’t,” I said as the salesman packed the watch.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlpGzPhEqqv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIG07USu2lJ
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3UM6ifKciF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhhbcLRMLs8
“I told her I needed to buy a few gifts,” I explained “I also told my dad,” I grinned.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjfPgc1c7St
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ242hPxsTDE
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1DRlYd2vaG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU8TC7mwhiD
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwtDHG8U1OL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPrZv4t4D1z
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXbRWXYrkN9
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoCwNF6iC88
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnATZbi9oSa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiftJyN71Jw
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjQtFsRHLMa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡYqFLK02gto
“Santa is here!” I smiled and closed the door behind me.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGBGXRqPfM8
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWu3MW2oX6v
“Hello Erica,” Cleo’s mom greeted me with a smile.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtB0vpH38vh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ02zNeLFawQ
“Hello,” I said; still smiling.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpJFKU8nEnd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1S78t07nQA
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4U3B7UYc6l
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLacOQra7BV
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSccfE7zLqX
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0VmfWDTwX
“Indeed, always black. That’s why what I got you will be perfect,” she smiled and got the bag.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwxZv9evrSb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPAEMXUL644
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIjrTxPADS
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAiNp0qyt3Y
“Nice! Thank you! Goes with my new heels,” she grinned and kissed me “I’ll give you yours later.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡty8bWugYgx
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ3w12utAWrT
“Where’s Max?” I asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBpygjMozPb
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡhzbjhwC9Ye
“In the living room; he plugged the play station on the big television,” she explained as she continued preparing the salad.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCrTLD6w0tY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ0U8Ur5MjpW
“I’m going to say hi and l’ll be back to help you,” I told her and moved towards the door.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzorhXDpKaw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdTC2mdaWqU
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2cfLIDZCiZ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡals2IhLqnk
“Hello gentlemen,” I greeted Max and his dad. “What are you up to?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWRkkneTSJp
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjcCJJMY8It
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJugnjtrIPB
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZZ9bmfCKIV
“Hello Erica,” his dad said “When are your parents coming?” he asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv761UuKJz6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡytgcjT0at8
“In about an hour I think,” I replied and turned to Max who was picking through the gift bags I was holding.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡFOqQVjQaI6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEresnUUyrL
“Good, because I got bored here,” Mr. Simmons sighed.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9Evy8OnlvY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡw7z5faWaj9
“You’ve already seen it, you weirdo! We’ve bought it together!” I told him and gave him his gift.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPK8iQhJqav
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡisnO1FdTOQ
“I’m wearing it tonight!” he grinned widely.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGp6JjkCm5T
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaJsRuvWHgk
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡv8rlBs1djM
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXzm7fSIC3
“Tell Damien to get the games,” he replied as he gave me back the empty bag and wore his new belt.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXqrip5sQse
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8Dr8o5scrC
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm6WUYOGU7G
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡq1F8iZN91E
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQHk5f3GYqI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNd77HEyQQB
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡah3PHrXOrO
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLBb9bwJXec
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWAsARfYbt3
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJ68ulL0Osz
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡScfBdBg71E
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjMKjVijJRq
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSPWS0yQCPZ
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSmfVBMsktE
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡo3tNQ0sIjw
“Max said to tell you to get the games?” I told him and pulled away from him “What’s with the playstation anyway?”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgwEUK5oppd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUxn7ljN1t6
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJBcMapMPup
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDUfSaYo7cG
He told me to get the dvds that were on the coffee table as he looked around for his shoes.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMfmIDRZiRs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡT4Xv7xNTPm
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡz8DdGqfPvG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡcPWhPQqb40
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfbSHc54P78
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡofOai7JHNE
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvUU0SCa2D
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpxR5ne41yS
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvDuxOiVy1q
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHVSVvHDDPr
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsf7VRlOpKA
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[+++]427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡEMim6Km7hK
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡM0GZN3C9Pg
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlsKeY4WI7e
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1JjINzGmh0
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyUVcXuEV7E
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJNWPdRCm1R
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1ZAVk7oREv
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZ15wuTb1iH
“Come and see,” Julie smiled at him, her eyes sparkled. I nudged Cleo who was sitting next to me, to look at them.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHaZSldcvME
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO4PlRqdZmo
“I’ll come in a second, okay?” he smiled at her sweetly.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡESvBxNYvmT
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡatOgNi2Jzw
“Please?” She kept her smile. Cleo formed a small smile, not like the one I expected, as Damien stood up and I laughed.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡuAlkfvttrd
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtOKB11VSxm
“Someone has a fan,” I mocked Damien as he walked behind Julie.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5PhvXiiLQa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyeR7EoGwyV
“Can’t help it, she’s so cute when she pouts,” he smiled and squished her cheeks; the kid smiling satisfied.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡImHhdojbhY
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡs8YfHN190H
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRQr21Q5cXF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoKqXY2DuKH
“Yeah, it’s like that boy is made of honey,” my mom chuckled. Tell me about it.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnOsm3Lddm6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡntQ4MkjdGD
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ00UtEYMVte
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡikHuXbSlH9
“So funny,” I scoffed as they all laughed for my ridiculous fear.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIBsr30U8mi
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyrMnYohJYZ
“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!427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡl7c20Rtuwa
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡZiJxfGZWj3
“The little monster always did that to the poor girl,” Mr. Simmons said.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiJ0CfKOoXD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzuMyHMfIKW
“It was so funny!” I head Damien smiling from behind me.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKVcf700due
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5npX0dCVbb
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡTP9TxBSAMF
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqgofDK43xS
“Come on!” I exclaimed and shot up from my seat.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡeMgVioFtLU
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaVvs163Bsc
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡL5VPM6xg1Y
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzQ4XraUMXm
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡIRz6VP2Ytw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKT9sQCOv5k
“Come on Erica!” my mom said “He would always save you from Max,” she tried to reasoned with me.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgtOyT773rf
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡryppNje3aU
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡJYHttrUx7H
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsmwknaVBLg
“It was fun! Such a whiny baby,” Damien mocked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnUm1vDYjzL
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡENTSrkvEME
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNKHeF6hL9Q
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyDAT1rqepX
“Are you going to run to your mama now?” Damien grinned and took a step forward.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡjp1qoQk3im
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpogIrBoG0E
“Those are war injuries,” his dad said. Why was the joke on me though? Everybody was laughing.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ5S14lGmDsu
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡGh6t3ieN4k
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXQJ8o3cdV
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzR9NUQNe4S
“Fun times!” Max smiled as my mom opened her arms for me.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCGajTU1gTw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡAfGN4dZrXF
“Stop teasing my baby,” my mom threatened Damien but I could hear the laughter in her voice.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡibhjRfNb6P
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOOsLOM8RiL
“Sleep with one eye open, Simmons,” I told him. Before he was able to reply or move, little Julie appeared again.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBYDwH1JSyQ
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡleqzFI3wNc
“Damien!” little Julie called and he pulled her into his arms.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡwIu8fo3I1g
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnHfY9n9BnQ
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXIwRRsbleI
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡUtOc0RxZT3
“Yes!” she smiled widely.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnSBCDPaZEs
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4xDh6B8cVH
“Honey, my ass,” I mumbled; forgot that I was still seating in my mother’s arms.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpzZA2GwTHh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzg5XbpHHyz
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡDvFv11SCUw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOjIaak4TtH
“So, are you going out tonight?” Josh asked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡHUHwEvH0e6
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡm1rQVy9Kv2
“Yeah,” Damien replied as he waited next to me to refill his glass.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoGeDGZc82w
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡSpqlLDjyro
“No,” I said as I turned around with Josh’s drink and mine in my hands. I left Damien’s glass empty.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡU0NbipzT7D
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡdsTAwmFqWq
“Hey, where’s mine?” He frowned.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWJHRkgGQiG
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgUyzOQOhcR
“Why are you staying in?” Josh asked at the same time.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPpzkaHTo9I
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlJC16O9STd
“You’re going out and you already had one drink,” I replied to Damien. “Cleo and I usually stay in and -”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡNoqvFXvbmk
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡkK0UzHA4hO
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ12DdcR32Sh
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ9DpOdUNwrf
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfzJFTPZFsw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡnPmjWuV7rm
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrDCSM75LVD
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡWhLwlVu2Uu
“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡiXTf8D6NYw
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpcV4ObewvP
“Once, you made Damien promise not to grow up more so that you could marry him,” his mother replied and I almost choked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ50Hy3x7Cck
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡd6l7iv5ub9
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“Okay, I’m done for tonight,” I said still in shock and sat back on my seat as everyone laughed.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡgt7f0AzK94
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ38assILuZY
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“What are you doing?” she asked me. She looked aggravated.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCcdOkAuyYI
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“Huh?” what am I doing?427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡsAsUJ6qdJg
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“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.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡMwGhXr2KZY
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡQ5ERuTU05R
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡKTf3iWcn11
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡRIS6CkWVIa
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡncWGCmuXWn
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyOPxCiCYTJ
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpmkqX07a8q
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡXApYE6cuPA
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“You were like that at her age you know, ladybug” he smiled.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡPONOh5ccYX
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ8dSipTUQTM
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLlejCwTUVM
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡzWDPep6JWn
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“I’m still mad at you,” I told him and walked past him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡvNZaxKQUBa
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“So what?” he laughed and I stopped walking before turning towards him.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡpTWDqlZvDd
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“We’re not having sex for a week and a half,” I whispered.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE6UYbNelsI
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“And a half?” he exclaimed. “Why?” he asked but I ignored him and kept walking.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtBiXIDjTmt
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡoH2PYfOZFR
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“We’ll see about that, ladybug.”427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡO1QTi4k2Fa
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ1tepp319Lc
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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!427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡlIjC4wxxrl
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡx6nKNCAe8j
427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡBGbe72vzYH
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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡOpNstipzn3
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡfXmbHJQlTa
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡaFp7CYA6qx
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡV5kuGGfbnK
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡi30dOFzwny
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡtt7LWt9HRi
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“You don’t have to raise your voice,” I said frowning; my voice low.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡE31r4nuHAQ
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“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!427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6haYcsM8pg
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡLwaXwg4Pk6
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡr8j6LsQcDn
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡxSf7vc3Gsb
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“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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqnnXA9daYb
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡa0YjWoGPSK
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“Remember that you’re not having sex with me,” he breathed; a grin on his face.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ2p6gwHIixX
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I scoffed as my fingers tracing his unshaved cheeks as I got lost into his grey eyes. He was eyeing at my face, smiling.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡCsIcz6Oy2c
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“You’re lipstick is almost gone,” he said and I chuckled.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡks087F009H
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“Nothing left on you,” I smirked.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ4ylUkk7FO8
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡ6n1fvYTTOk
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡyR3wyxD0GM
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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.427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡqAcIurc7zp
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Title Credit:427Please respect copyright.ＰＥＮＡＮＡrdozL3TOlP
Come in closer by Blue October
