Page 114 of Fervency Love

“Hey there, kitty cat.” He stretches out his arms to hug me.

I fly into them. The familiar warmth encompasses me, and the one-of-a-kind, most beautiful smell hits my nose. His scent.After a while of hugging, I raise my eyes. He’s a lot taller than me. I barely reach his shoulder when I’m in flat-soled shoes. He takes my face in his warm hands and kisses me—delicately at first, but then gradually more passionately.

“Shall we go, my little angel?” he asks as we draw apart.

“Yes, but there is something I’d like to ask you first.” I’ve got his attention now. He pauses and looks me in the eyes quizzically. “Would you like to spend Christmas with me?”

“At Daisy Valley?”

“Yes, right there.”

“What about your parents?”

“They were the ones who suggested it.”

“You’re serious?”

“Super serious.”

“Hm, I don’t know. I have no idea how my folks would react.”

“Think about it and… please, say yes. It’s like a dream come true to have you with me during that time. I hate Christmas. I always argue with Dad. I could use some support.”

“I’ll think about it.” He kisses me on the top of the head and takes my hand. My heart still warms when he does that.

It’s happening! Connor is coming for Christmas! This is great news. I’m so excited.

I fidget nervously, waiting for Ve. We’re going in an hour. The clock shows half past two when Connor arrives. He’s wearing a new coat and pants and looks mind-blowing. That’s what he must have been doing yesterday, when he told me we couldn’t see each other. I’ve never seen him in those clothes.

When we reach Daisy Valley, I take him on a tour of the house.

“You’re really here, Ve! I still can’t believe it.”

“Me neither. It’s a pretty unexpected twist, considering how your folks hate me.”

Late evening, we’re sitting in my room. Connor is wearing nothing but his boxers. The door opens. It’s my dad. He shoots a glance at me, then Ve, and says in a halting voice: “It’s time to sleep.”

“Yeah, sure, I’m going,” I say.

My parents have made up a bed for me downstairs. As far from Connor as possible. Ridiculous. But I have no choice in the matter. I’m happy anyway. They did me a great favor by inviting him.

In the morning, I make my bed and shower. I wash my face and teeth and rush to Ve’s room. He’s not awake yet, so I slip under the covers. His eyes flutter open, and he mutters with a smile, “Good morning. I need to take a leak. Wait here.”

He gets up and goes to the bathroom, returning a while later and jumping on the bed to kiss me. He tastes of mint.

“Sleep well?” I ask.

“Not too bad. You, Gail?”

“Not too bad either.”

We stay like that, hugging, for a couple of hours. When the clock shows eleven, Ve goes to take a shower, and I go downstairs to help Mom prepare the Christmas dinner.

The day passes without incident. I get a large teddy bear from Connor. My parents bought him a watch. Everyone seems happy with their presents.

The next day my parents’ friends drop by. When I can see they’re already tipsy, I get up and go to the kitchen. I make us tea, turn around, and whisper to Ve, “Come with me!”

I grab him by the hand.

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