A/N

WOW! we've come a long way together.

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Everyone knew what it meant when the streets were coloured with red and green. But, today was an extra special day.

The snow from yesterday night still covered the streets. It was Christmas, a special one infact. It was the first time that I would participate in a charity.

It was also my first time to have a boyfriend.

I gently stroke the pendant.

I felt special, when he said those words last night. When he said he wanted to be closer to my heart.

We hadn't put labels on ourself as- boyfriend and girlfriend. But, I was happy that we didn't. What we had couldn't be put into two words.

Ethan and I had known each other since we were kids. He was irritating and nosy, and troubled the hell out of me.

He didn't know anything about my family, but he was there.
As much as he possibly could.

Then came middle school and high school, when he became incredibly distant. I thought it was hormons and puberty but in reality... it wasn't. I think I have a good idea why.

My father never liked me merging in with people. He messed with Mom and me whenever he found the opportunity to.

Whenever he was in town, I used to distant myself from everyone, and Ethan was no exception to my cold attitude.

"Would you like it rapped Ma'am?" The lady asked.

"Yes," I smiled, thankfully. The lady handed me the presents after rapping them with gift paper.

"Thank you." I exited the shop.

I adjusted my hoodie then tuck my hands into the pockets of the coat I had bought with Lilith.

"Done." I informed Lilith and climbed back on the bike.

She rode us back to where the charity was held.

"You bailed on us." Maia complained.

"You bailed on us yesterday." I smirked, "Karma."

"Us?" She was confused.

"Ethan and me," I cleared up.

"Oh, no wonder you did so much in one day."

"We could have completed it, if you showed up."

"Sorry about that, something came up. We couldn't be there for Ethan's birthday either." She apologized.

"Speaking of his birthday, do not mention about the note you had left back in the room to Ethan."

"Ummm."

I widened my eyes, "Unless you already did..."

"No, don't worry. I kind of went zig-zag while talking to him. I'm sure he didn't understand any of it." She waved her hand nervously.

I look over my shoulder at Ethan who was talking with Harry.

"What about the others?" I ask.

"They... didn't come."

I felt a pang in my chest.

How bad really was it, between Ethan and the rest?

Ethan did a bro handshake thing with Jake and Harry, and walked over to me with a Christmas bag.

"These are all the presents we can go and distribute in hospitals." He shuffled through the bag.

"You both are in charge for hospitals, Lilith and Chris will distribute food. Jake will be here. Last but not least Harry and me go around distributing the boxes." Maia showed a thumbs up before we left for the nearest hospital.

"Can I have one of the boy toys?" The little girl asked.

"Sure, you can have whatever you like." I smiled.

The girl removed a blue car from the bag, "Thank you." She gave a kiss on my cheek.

Honestly, that felt so good.

"Hey!" Ethan said, "Why don't I get any?"

"Because your beard hurts," The girl's family and I giggled.

"Then promise me, that when I shave and come next time. You'll give me one too."

The girl nodded in agreement and I laughed.

We walked pass rooms of many kids, some in coma while others severely sick, that is when I felt thankful for everything I had.

The bags got empty, as we went from room to room.

"Finally," I stretched across the chair.

"Compensate me." Ethan said.

"For?"

"For all the kisses you got, and I didn't," He pouted, "Please."

"How do you want me to compensate?" I stood in front of him, our lips inches apart. "Hmm?"

"What have you got?" He looked at my lips.

"This," I said and closed the gap between us.

"Today morning was so sexy." He said.

"Stapp!" I stopped him before he gave out any details, making me embarrased.

"When you came-" he continued, and I closed my ears before walking away.

"Come on." I shouted back at him, "I'm hungry."

"Hungry for more?"

"Shut up. You're 19 now, have some manners." I pulled his cheeks before any more words came stumbling out,
"We're in a hospital."

Ethan drived us back to where the stall was held.

I took two pancakes for myself and sat round the table with everyone. We all were completely exhausted, at times the air was difficult to breath in.

"Should we just give the gifts now?" Maia said, "We'll be beat down by the end of the day anyways." She shrugged, pointing a fork at everyone one by one.

"Maia control." Lilith sighed.

"Oh come on." She poked Lilith in the cheek, "One Christmas early present doesn't hurt. Ow." Lilith slapped Maia's hand away.

"It's Christmas!"

"So?"

"Behave."

"Don't tell me to behave. You're a kid who's whining for the presents."

"Atleast I have the Christmas spirit." Maia and Lilith bickered amongst themselves and ended the conversation by glaring at each other.

The same time a car pulled in front of us. I looked around as everyone tensed up.

"Do you know him?" I ask, as a man climbs out from the car.

No one replied, so I looked back at the man. He wore a black jacket just like everyone else. Although, what stood out was a mask on his face.

I got up to welcome the man, thinking perhaps he was a kind gentleman, who came to offer something for the charity.

I held my arm up for a shake, but I stumble as Ethan pulls me behind.

"What?" I ask.

He ignored my question, "What do you want?" Ethan suddenly became aware of his surroundings, he looked around and his grip held me tighter behind him.

I was starting to get nervous.

"Relax. I just came to check this," He held his arms open, "I can't deny, you'll have done a pretty good job." From the corner of his sleeve I caught a glimpse of the same tattoo.

The masked man called someone out from the car. I stopped short at the sight in front of me.

"YOU BITCH!" My blood boiled.

I slipped from Ethan's grasp to go and beat the shit out of the man that walked out of the car.

Chris caught me this time and pulled me behind Ethan again.

"Where is Mom? If anything happened to her, I'll kill you myself."

"Oh!" He mocked, "I'm threatened."

I tried to slip out again but both Ethan and Chris pulled me back.

Chris pointed around the place, making me aware of the scattered men with a deadly weapon in their grasp.

"I swear!" I cursed out loud.

The masked man walked around with the other piece of shit who happens to be my father.

"Hmm." He took a pancake for himself.

"I'll be taking this." The masked man picked up two boxes, and passed them to my father.

"See you around." The masked man waved, and soon enough the car disappered from the corner of the street.

The large number of armed men slowly dismissed as well.

"Why didn't you do something?" I burst out.

"We were outnumbered," Jake said in disgust, his jaw tight. "And we don't even know how they found us."

Jake smashed the table, startling all of us.

"Jake, Get your shit together!" Chris shouted.

Jake massaged his temples, "Right, sorry."

×××

A/N

What did you think about the masked man's unexpected arrival with Ida's father? Any guesses on who it was?
What do you think about Christmas? Have you ever participated in Charity?