Chapter 33 — Christmas
Group a lot of people and I can assure you, sixty percent of them would say Christmas is their favorite holiday. I, for one, am not one of those people. The only reason why I celebrate Christmas is that the majority of the population does. If I grew up in my father’s family, I’m sure it would just be another ordinary party, except for the fact that others are doing it because it has something to do with their religion or beliefs. Yet, I grew up most of my life with my mother who would rather have Christmas celebrated every day since it meant there is no need to come down to the office to work. And here she is right now, drinking wine near the tree with only our presents for each other under it. It was almost a strange sightseeing her slightly intoxicated as she took pictures of herself, posing like those teenagers on the internet.
The power of alcohol...
“Alex, do you think there would be fireworks at the square tonight?” She grabbed the wine bottle next to her and started filling up her glass again. “I’m kind of interested in watching…”
“Mom, even if you want to, I don’t think you should since you could barely stand straight,” I commented as she slowly stood up only to struggle, almost kissing the floor if I hadn’t caught her on time. “Besides, I think the window at Elise’s room would be enough to see it from here.”
All she did was grumble as she carried herself sluggishly towards Elise’s room, the urge to watch fireworks stronger than her need to pass out after drinking. After making sure that she is inside and busy waiting for the show, I quietly went to my room and grabbed my phone. Three more hours to go before it is officially the twenty-fifth, I searched for Elise’s contact to greet her first. She picked up the call after four rings.
“Hey, Alex! What’s cracking?”
“My mom’s head appeared, she’s drunk already.”
“What? But it’s just eight.”
“She decided to start drinking without me,” I chuckled, sitting down at the edge of the bed. “How’s the party?”
Boisterous laughter and music coming from her side slowly faded away and it was suddenly silent, meaning she went outside. “It’s good, I didn’t know Aiden used to play the guitar. He thinks he’s such a star after playing a few chords, my god. And no, Aurelius isn’t here… if you were wondering.” The sound of rustling leaves and bark was caught by my ears before Elise gasped audibly. “Fuck, that scared me.”
I giggled, shaking my head. “What the fuck… was that a dog?” When she didn’t reply, probably still trying to shake off the fear she felt moments ago, I continued. “And whatever that idiot is up to, I don’t need to know.”
“Are you sure? Would you not care if he’s out there flirting with some other girl?”
At her question, I went silent. Back when I was dating Desmond, I would be bummed out if I just heard a rumor going on around him and a professor from another department. To make matters even more embarrassing, I wouldn’t hesitate to ask if it was true. Desmond didn’t mind, saying that he liked how upfront I was compared to other women he dated that would beat around the bush. He liked how I wasn’t confusing him, that I was an open book in his eyes. And I liked that he praised me for it. I thought that I was special, that I was different from all the other girls. That I wouldn’t end up like the rest who got cheated on or left behind.
I was wrong.
“Hey, Alex? Are you still there? Shit, I’m sorry if I offended you—”
Due to the mindset of being special, I deluded myself into thinking that Desmond was special too. Turns out he was like any other scum here on earth, preying on women, pretending to care, and calling them ‘my one true love’ before ditching them at any convenient time.
“It’s all right, you didn’t offend me. In fact, it just reminded me of what I could do to improve. Plus…”
Aurelius isn’t Desmond.
They are not the same.
“Plus?”
Chuckling, I leaned on the wall with a smile on my face. “Plus, Aurelius must be somewhere out there, annoying some poor soul he happened to see. That man, he would rather show his happy side and fool himself.”
“Eh?”
“Sorry, I rambled too much.” I cleared my throat, eyeing the tank of leeches. Suddenly I was reminded that I have to clean their habitat soon. “Let’s just say Aurelius is a weirdo who has secrets of his own. Anyways, I hope you enjoy the party and if you have time, do drop by to get your Christmas present.”
“Have you opened the one I gave you yet, or nah?”
“Mhm, not yet,” I replied, scratching my neck. “By the way, is it hot in there? How’s the rest of the family?”
“They welcomed me very well. Maybe a little too well,” she laughed. “They were quite happy to see me.”
“Do they know? That you and Elaine are…”
“Yeah, they do. I guess Catherine told them before we came.”
Mentioning the old woman who was still quite cunning despite her age, I felt shivers run down my spine. Just as I was about to bid farewell, a familiar car rolled up near the other apartment building. Inspecting it even further from this distance, my hunch was right when Aurelius came out of the car. My lips parted when he was holding a box in his other hand.
Hurriedly bidding Elise goodbye, I placed my phone down before walking out. Peeking at my mother, I fought back the urge to cheer loudly once I saw her fast asleep on Elise’s bed. Briskly walking, I got on the elevator and waited. Once at the lobby, I stood still in trepidation.
Lo and behold, Aurelius came into the lobby, and immediately, our eyes met. A huge smile spread across my face as he went up to me. He wasn’t wearing anything fancy, just in casual clothes. I don’t know why but my mind was screaming that he was at his hotel the whole time, probably wrapping gifts. The image of this huge man just sitting on his bed, struggling to wrap the box is very comedic.
“That’s funny, I don’t remember receiving any notification that you’d be coming.”
“Well, it’s meant to be a surprise…” he sighed softly. “You saw me, didn’t you? At the window?”
Shrugging, I pointed at the box. “Don’t know what you’re talking about… Is that for me?” A grin was all he gave me as he handed the box to me. I reached out and took it, it wasn’t heavy or light. My mind is telling me that it could either be clothing or a ceramic object. Cheekily, I hid the box behind me instead of opening it.
“What’s wrong?”
“I don’t know, I guess I want to take a short stroll first with my secret Santa before I open his gift for me.”
Aurelius laughed, nodding. “Okay, sure, that would be swell.” He then gestured to the door. “After you, my lady.”