I woke up from my beautiful dream and looked around the cottage; it was still dark outside. I realized I was on top of naked Daniel, glancing up I was him still sleeping. I sat up half, balancing my head on my palm, and stared at him.

It wasn’t my first time, but with him; it was more special than that. I’ve always dreamed of us together, and now that I’m this close to him, it felt surreal.

Smiling, I trace his firm jaw with my finger. I thought it was just an obsession or a silly crush. But now I know, I’m in deep love with him.

“I love you, Daniel,” I whispered. It was on the tip of my tongue last night, but I controlled myself.

I was busy ogling him when his phone pinged, showing someone sent him a message. I frowned.

Who in the right mind would text him at this hour?

Out of curiosity, I crawled out of his arm, not waking him up, and went to pick his phone.

Sam: I am still waiting for you. When will you come? A text from Samantha. I frowned, glancing at Daniel.

Why in the world is she waiting for him, I got my answer right away in the other text.

Last night was amazing. I want a redo of it fast ;)

Motherfu**!

I heard my heart shuttering in my ears. I looked at Daniel still sleeping peacefully, which made my blood boiled.

Was he just playing around with me?!

I wanted to wake him up and demand answers, but I was too broken and tired to do that, so I quietly grabbed my clothes from the floor and left the cottage.

I was easy. Too f**king easy.

I wandered in freezing weather, my arms wrapped around me, rubbing to keep me warm.

It took only a few compliments from him for me to give in. My stomach clenched, making me feel sick.

I feel like a slut.

It was too good to be true. I should have thought about this before. The chilly wind blaze making me shiver. I couldn’t go home like this, looking miserable, and I didn’t know anyone else in this town except Alice.

Suddenly, a person came to my mind. I didn’t know if he still lived there, but it was worth a try. I took a deep breath and walked towards my destination.

*~*~*~*~*

I stood outside the house furiously ringing the bell.

Please open the door!

The door opened with an angry voice. “What the fu-“ He paused when he recognized me. “What are you doing here?!” He screamed.

“Can-can I co-come in?” I stuttered, my teeth chattering.

He stepped away from the door; I rushed inside towards the fire and warmed myself.

“What the hell are you doing at this hour here, freezing like hell, Tori?” Tom questioned, frowning.

“I needed shelter,” I said, warming myself.

“And you thought my house would be the best idea.” He tilted his head.

“For now. Yes.” I whispered.

“I’m calling Alice.” He moved, but I stopped him.

“No!” He glanced curiously at me. “Please don’t tell anyone that I’m here.”

“Why?” I should’ve prepared for these questions.

“I-I can’t tell you that.” He opened his mouth, but I continued. “Come on, Tom. You owe me this after ruining my life.”

“I didn’t ruin your life.” He said deadpan.

“Well, your stupid name stuck with me throughout high school. So yeah, you owe me.”

“Tell me what happened, otherwise I am calling Alice.” He demanded.

“Fine.” I huffed and told him what happened with Daniel.

“Are you sure it was her? Maybe it’s just a misunderstanding.” He said doubtfully.

“I know what I saw, Tom.” I firmly replied.

“He doesn’t look that kind of guy.” he frowned.

“You aren’t the only one who got fooled.” I flatly said.

I sat on his couch with a blanket wrapped around me drinking coffee; he was generous enough to offer me that.

“You should talk to Alice-“

“I just want to be alone right now, Tom. Please.” I pleaded.

“Okay. Fine.” He threw his hands in surrender. “I don’t have an extra room so-“

“I’m okay with the couch.” He nodded and walked away. “Thanks, Tom!” I yelled behind him.

“No worries, Mrs. Grinch.” I heard amusement in his voice.

I scoffed and laid on the couch thinking. I was so blind with love that I noticed nothing. I should have known something like this would happen. It all felt like a dream and now that it’s broken, it hurts like bit*h.

*~*~*~*~*

I was woken up by someone poking my cheek. “Get lost Mini, let me sleep.” I groaned and heard a giggling sound.

Wait... Mini doesn’t giggle.

I opened my eyes and saw big blue eyes staring at me.

Where the hell am I?

I sat up looking around, realizing I was still in Tom’s house, but who the hell is this little blonde?

“Umm... who are you?” I asked.

The little girl giggled at me. Rubbing my eyes, I looked at her again. She had her blonde hair tied in two pigtails, big blue eyes staring at me. She looked around four to five years old.

I was about to open my mouth but was cut off by Tom’s voice.

“Come on, Lilly, breakfast is ready,” Tom yelled from the kitchen.

“Mrs. Grinch woke up daddy!” The little girl yelled back.

Hold on a minute.

First, what the f**k, Mrs. Grinch?

And second. What the f**k, Daddy?

Tom came out of the kitchen grinning. “Good job Miss Lillian, you finally woke up the Grinch.”

“You have a daughter!” I screamed with wide eyes. “Does Alice know about this?”

He rolled his eyes. “Yes, to both of your questions. Why wouldn’t Alice know about this?” He glared at me.

I shrugged. “I was just confirming,” I said, looking at the cute girl again.

She screamed and run behind her father. “Daddy, don’t let the Grinch take my toys!”

I narrowed my eyes at Tom, and he grinned. “Don’t worry, baby, I’m here. She won’t do anything.” He then looked at me. “Breakfast?” my stomach grumbled.

Yes!

I sat at the table eating waffles with Tom and his daughter when she asked me.

“How did you get out of the cave when Miss Wonderland banished you there forever, Mrs. Grinch?” She questioned, blinking her innocent eyes at me.

I glanced at her father. “Why don’t daddy tell us that?” I plastered a fake smile.

He choked on his food. Good for him. A**hole.

He cleared his throat and said. “Well, Mrs. Grinch apologized to Miss Wonderland and asked for forgiveness which she granted.”

The girl turned to me and asked. “You will not steal my toys?”

“No, I won’t.” I sighed. She beamed at me and continued eating her food.

After breakfast, I got my stuff and saw many miscalls and texts from my brothers and an unknown number that belonged to Daniel.

I ignored Daniel’s and texted my brothers that I am alive and they don’t have to worry about me.

“Are you sure you’re okay?” Tom asked when I was leaving his house.

“Yes, I am.” I gave him my best smile, leaving his house thanking him for his hospitality.

“Bye-bye Mrs. Grinch and don’t hate Christmas anymore.” The little girl waved at me, smiling.

Don’t hate Christmas?

That’s going to be hard with this broken heart.

*~*~*~*~*