Never Be Alone [COMPLETED]

Chapter 47

-Christmas-
-Brooklyn-
I got up rolling out of bed and immediately pulling my hair back.
I walked downstairs and made a cup of tea before sitting down on the couch.
The Christmas tree was lit with white lights and the little toy train circled the bottom.
Fresh pine needles littered the tree skirt.
It smelled like pine trees, wilderness, and most of all Christmas.
I felt at home.
The tea warmed my cold hands.
The stairs creaked and I turned to find my mother and grandmother descending down the stairs.
"Merry Christmas!" They exclaimed.
I smiled at them as they walked into the kitchen.
A few minutes later they emerged with cups of coffee in their Christmas pajamas.
They handed me their presents and I opened them gleaming at what lay beneath pretty paper and ribbons.
One particular package stood out among the others.
I picked up the package in my hand looking over it to see whom it was from.
Written on the label was: From your secret Santa.
I opened the package carefully in case it was breakable.
When I opened it I found that inside was a set of keys.
"What are these?" I asked.
"Keys." They replied.
"Wow I didn't know that." I said. "To what?"
"Your new car." They replied.
"W-what?" I stuttered.
They laughed motioning for me to go outside.
I jumped up running outside.
Parked in the driveway was a shiny new jeep.
"Oh my god!" I squealed.
I ran to the driver side door opening it and inserting the key into the ignition.
The car began to lightly purr and I smiled.
"Thank you so much!" I exclaimed.
"Well actually-" my mother said. "Leo got it for you."
My mouth fell slightly agape.
For a man who knew I hated him this was an awful nice thing to do.
"Wow." I breathed.
"Now come on and hurry up we're going to Chloe's for the whole day." She said.
"I'm driving!" I proclaimed walking inside.
"We figured as much." My grandmother mumbled.
We shared a light laugh before getting ready.
We all left our pajamas on but brushed out hair and teeth before going to Chloe's.
-Chloe's-
As I walked through the door I was met with the smell of pine tree and candles.
Bacon entered my nose as I walked farther into the house as well.
Chloe and her little sister sat on the living room floor.
Chloe struggled with opening a box using her fingers, the scissors, and her teeth.
I began to lightly laugh as I walked up behind the two of them.
"Brooke!" Isabelle squealed wrapping her tiny arms around me.
I giggled lightly patting her back.
Chloe glanced at me sympathetically.
Isabelle handed me the package and I opened it easily.
She screamed and giggled with delight.
Chloe nodded towards her room upstairs as she stood up.
I followed her upstairs and into her room and shut the door behind me.
"I'm sorry-" we said at the same time.
"Why are you sorry?" She asked.
"For being a bitch." I said. "I just don't like when people show me sympathy. I have my own ways of handling things and I like that."
"I understand but you should still talk to someone. Keeping it all bottled up inside isn't helping anyone."
"I know." I mumbled.
"Well I'm sorry for being a bitch too." She said. "I was just trying to help my best friend."
Tears began to wet my cold cheeks.
"Why are you crying?" She asked.
"I'm just happy for once in a long time."
She laughed.
"I think you're just getting your period."
I smiled. "That would suck."
"On the bright side it's red for Christmas."
I couldn't help but laugh and bring her in for a hug.
-Later-
We all sat in the living room.
All of the adults were on the furniture. Everyone had a mug of some hot beverage whether it be, hot chocolate, tea or coffee.
Chloe, Isabelle, and I sat on the floor.
We exchanged gifts and I gleamed at every little thing.
I took a sip of my coffee and opened the last gift.
It was a really long handwritten note.
I unfolded it admiring the neat handwriting scribbled inside.
I smiled lightly at the familiar sent it gave off.
It'll all be over soon.

I promise.

Nothing will ever happen to you.

Tears wet the paper as I read it over and over.
"It's the best gift ever." I smiled.
I took my fingernail and traced the name written at the bottom.
Shawn.

-Shawn-
As my plane descended I quickly grabbed my carry on in my hand and got ready to get off the plane.
The flight attendant allowed us to stand up as the plane had stopped now and everyone began to stand up and stretch.
I did the same packing my blanket and pillow in my bag and making my way to baggage claim.
Upon arrival to baggage claim several people had asked for autographs and pictures and all I wanted to do was get home to Brooke.
Chloe had told me that everyone would be at her house for Christmas.
My parents had never come down to New York so that I could come home.
I had already talked to Mrs. Sanders and so we could spend time together she agreed to let Brooke come to New York for the rest of Christmas break.
I finally grabbed my bags and started to walk outside.
Ian sat outside holding a taxi.
"Thanks man."
I got in the taxi as the driver drove off.
My leg began to shake.
"You okay man?" Ian asked.
"Y-yeah." I stuttered.
"You're not nervous are you?" He said.
"No." I said maybe a little quickly.
"You totally are." He mumbled.
I scoffed looking out the window anticipating what's to come.
-Later-
The taxi pulled up outside of Chloe's house and I looked out the window.
"You going in man?" Ian asked punching my shoulder.
"Yeah." I got out of the car and stood looking at the house.
"Text us details!" Ian yelled out the window of the now moving taxi.
I walked up to the door and couldn't help but take a glance in the window beside the big wooden door.
Chloe's little sister was running around in circles around her with Brooke chasing her.
Brooke was laughing hysterically as was Isabelle.
Brooke's cheeks were a bright crimson from the burning fireplace in the background.
I couldn't help but smile and feel betrayed.
I had gone out of my way to see her. I expected this broken, depressed girl and instead she's the happiest girl alive.
Yes I'm happy my girlfriend isn't depressed.
I began to walk away not looking at the house.
Tears burned my eyes and I found myself crying.
I looked at the house and the last thing I saw was Brooke running around with a Santa hat on.