It All Started With a Diary

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Ryland was probably the most Christmas loving man I'd seen. Since neither of our mothers were there, Dad would always go all out. We couldn't afford many presents, but we never truly cared. Dad would sneak into our rooms at midnight when he thought we were asleep. He'd place a candy cane under our pillows and leave a stocking on each of our doors. Inside would be every candy created & instructions. Every Christmas morning, we'd go into the kitchen and see a full table of the things we needed to make gingerbread man houses and hot chocolate. We would bounce with excitement as we waited for dad to put in "The Grinch" and unwrap our presents.

I couldn't help, but smile at the memories. Ryland didn't question it. By his peaceful expression, I knew he had recalled the very same memories, as well.

I watched the milk drip from my spoon, and back into the bowl. "I'll go ahead and get ready. I need to finish Christmas shopping as well."

Ryland nodded, tossing the last of his toast into his mouth. "Me too. That doesn't mean you get early access to your gifts yet, though."

I chuckle. "I'm sure you'll spoil it for me like always." I stepped aside, thanking him when he took my bowl to rinse it out.

I smiled at the sight of Pyper sleeping when I stepped foot into my bedroom. As soon as I'd gotten home last night, I gave her space. I knew that animals needed adjusting especially after entering a new environment. I watched from afar as Pyper wandered my bedroom. It didn't take long to get her items set up in my bedroom. Once she roamed nearly every surface of my room, I called it a night and placed her back into her cage.

By the time I was finished getting ready, my mind was scrambled with suggestions. I had no idea what to get Kade. He was the last person I had to Christmas shop for, but he was far more complex than anyone else I'd own. I wanted to make it meaningful.

I heard a knock at my door. "You ready?"

I stood up, crossing the space to the door. Ryland, dressed in black Nike sweats and a tight-skinned grey shirt, beamed at me with a shine of excitement in his eyes.

I chuckled at him. "I'm ready, but don't shoot through the roof before we get there." By his expression, I figured that impossible.

Once we were in his car, Ryland turned the heat to the highest setting. This winter seemed to be more brutal than the others. It could have been because I was more aware of my surroundings now more than ever.

The traffic was as tough as expected since everyone was in such a frenzy to get their Christmas shopping done. Ryland and I jumped from topic to topic, mainly about school.

"Any idea what you want to major in yet?" he questioned, peering in both directions to check if it were safe to change lanes.

I shrugged my shoulders. "I'm still not fully sure on my decision. There's just so many choices to choose from." It was true. When I completed some of the scholarship applications, my mind sunk for the right major to write down every time.

As I had told Kade, I was considering a social worker, or a teacher, but just as I had mentioned, I changed my mind every time someone asked. Because now, I was even finding joy in opening a bakery or something. I didn't know. It was all so excitedly terrifying.

I rubbed at my temples at the upcoming headache. It was weird that a couple of months ago, I was beyond excited to leave this damn country if I had to. But now, being away from the people that meant the world to me made my heart ache.

I found myself looking at community colleges with interest a couple weeks back. I didn't want Kade to affect my milestones too much, but he wouldn't be the only one I'd leave behind. Raven, Jax, and Maggie revealed that they were going to community college, as well before attending a university and that was what had me thinking.