She had betrayed me.

Going behind my back and thinking that sending a letter would solve anything was ridiculous. She didn't know my parents the way I did. There was no way they'd take kindly to a stranger telling them what to do. What right did she have to interfere with my life like that?

Standing at the very edge of the window frame, just out of view, I watched Susie's car speed up the drive, wheels spinning in the gravel as she turned out onto the road. At least it was over now. The mess she was making of my life, gone. The house would be much quieter without her. That was what I wanted... wasn't it?

I didn't need someone in my life making decisions for me or trying to change me. I was relieved she had shown her true colours so I didn't let something as messy as feelings get involved.

I was heading down to get some breakfast when I noticed another car on my drive. Now Susie's car was gone, it revealed one I knew all too well, and a familiar brunette sauntering up the path to my door.

I rolled my eyes and made my way down the stairs as the doorbell rang. What was it going to take for a guy to get some peace around here?

"Henry!" Danni squealed as soon as I opened the door, diving through the gap and wrapping her arms around my neck. Her sharp false nails dug into my shoulders and I winced at the pain.

"Danni." I replied stiffly, trying my best to unwind her arms from round my upper body, coughing slightly, the overpowering smell of her perfume flooding my senses.

"I've missed you so much baby," She pouted, tilting her head up for a kiss.

There was a time not too long ago where I probably would have obliged and had a little fun with her. But now the thought of anyone else's lips on mine made me feel physically sick.

Danni seemed to sense something was off with me, but pressed on anyway, "Must have been so horrible for you having to live with that weird little chubby girl." she said, wrinkling her nose in disgust.

The anger that flared in me was stronger than anything I had felt in a long time. "She's not weird, well maybe she is a bit weird, but in a good way. How dare you call her chubby? She's got a stunning figure." I shot back.

Danni's jaw dropped, "A... good way? Stunning figure? What the fuck Henry?" She screeched, "Did you actually fuck the weird little Christmas bitch?"

I took a breath to calm myself. "You get the fuck out of my house Danni, or so help me God, I will remove you myself."

"I fucking waited for you. Waited for two years for you to sort your head out and want something more from me. Two years and that...that elephant swans in for two weeks and you're a changed man?" Danni stomped out onto the porch, then turned back wagging an accusing finger, "You will regret this Henry. I'm a catch. I'm-" she sniffed and I realised she was on the verge of tears now, "I'm the best thing that ever happened to you and you will regret it."

I felt a little pity for her now. Although I had been clear at the start, and never meant to lead her on, I wasn't an idiot. I should have put a stop to it as soon as I realised she was getting feelings. "Danni, we were nothing more than fuck buddies when we wanted a little fun. I told you it would never be anything more than that and you said that you were ok with it?"

"Yeah? Well, I changed my mind. Two years of coming when you called and I think I deserve a bit more respect." She spat.

"I'm sorry Danni, but I'll never feel that way about you. You're better just moving on." I told her gently.

"Maybe I will. Maybe I'll find some fucking incredible guy and you'll be left with a fat bitch who doesn't even want you because she thinks you're my boyfriend." She said, and before I could respond, she turned on her heel and stormed back towards her car, leaving me frowning on my doorstep.

Susie thought what? I felt the colour draining from my face and my heart thudded in my chest.

I shook my head. It didn't really matter at the end of the day. She hadn't even said goodbye and we hadn't spoken since the fight. A fight I was already beginning to feel the early stages of regret for.

The house seemed too big, too quiet, and too empty without her in it. Taking a slow walk into the living room I was greeted by the signs of her everywhere. The decorations, the tree, the...cushion?

A cushion on my sofa proclaiming 'Baby it's cold outside' that definitely wasn't mine and hadn't been there when I had crept down to grab a coffee as Susie showered.

As I came further into the room, I noticed a snow globe with a tiny gingerbread house inside next to the one we had built together and a little note laid alongside it.

Despite the distance, I recognised Susie's untidy scrawl. It took a moment to persuade myself to move close enough to read it. A note that was both a thank you and an apology. I refused to acknowledge the warring emotions inside of me as I picked up the snow globe and shook it. I could imagine Susie's gleeful squeal and it brought a smile to my lips.

I shook my head. No; she had interfered, tried to save me when I didn't need saving. The last thing I needed was my parents being told they had to talk to me. It was like your Mum coming into school and telling all the other kids they had to be nice to you.

As much as I missed them, I wanted to give them the space they needed. Maybe they would reach out one day. But I had played a part in taking their only daughter from them so maybe they never would. I had always told myself, I could wait. Or I thought I could until now.

With a sigh, I placed the snow globe with its dizzying swirl of snow and glitter back on the side and made my way through to the kitchen. Something bright green was hooked over the door and I just knew it was another little piece of Susie. Another gift.

Unhooking it and reading the front of what I now realised was an apron had me chuckling despite myself. Even as I hooked it back up on the door I found myself wondering how she had got it up there. Without me realising, she had wormed her way into my life. It was a good thing she didn't get into my heart too.

I flicked on the kettle and reached for the cupboard with the mugs. As soon as I opened it I spotted another one of her gifts decorated with ribbon and proudly proclaiming 'Best boss ever... no really I'm not just saying this for a promotion' on the side of it.

I lifted it out and turned it to the other side to get a better look at it. On the back in a swirling red font it read 'lots of love from Susie, I hope you have the most magical Christmas sir'.

I stood for a moment. It was too much and not enough at the same time.

The goodbye we hadn't had a chance to say and the words left unsaid echoed in my mind.

Suddenly Christmas wasn't Christmas without Susie.

I took a deep breath and grabbed my car keys off the sideboard. It wouldn't be easy and there was no guarantee anything would turn out the way I hoped. But I knew I had to try.