Finally, April

✧༺♡༻∞ Chapter I ∞༺♡༻✧

  Is there any way I could get out of this? There's a few windows, but someone would very clearly see me crawling out. Dad is in the living room singing songs, while my stepmom is dancing alongside him. Could this get any more embarrassing?

  "Sakura, come join us!" Dad says.

  "Uhh, no thanks!" I say, but Dad drags me by my hand and starts dancing with me as he sings Christmas songs.

  I stand corrected. This has definitely gotten more embarrassing.

  I can't help but smile though, if i'm being honest. Seeing my father and everyone else in this room so happy fulfills something within me, especially with it being December. The Christmas spirit brings me a different kind of happiness.

  Everyone claps when the song ends and my Dad bows with my stepmom and I. Afterwards, I made my way to my cousin's room to see her playing with legos.

  "Whatcha building, bells?"

  "Look! Mom got me this new set yesterday. This cat goes right up here, and ..." She starts going on and on about the legos. I remember being that age. I had nothing on my mind but toys, tv, friends, and food.. Now it's just sleep, stress, and random bursts of motivation. I check the time on my phone and start building with her. Not too much longer and I'll finally be able to go back home to the comfort of my own bed.

♡ ♡ ♡

  We finish the lego set in about 30 minutes, and honestly, I haven't had that much fun in a while. Bella picks up the set and makes me hold a few different pieces before we walk to the living room to show everyone.

  "Everyone, everyone! Look what I made!" she says.

  I would correct her and say we, but I'll let her have a moment since she's just a kid.

  "Wow, Bella, this looks great!" my aunt says.

  Bella starts playing with the characters and talking to everyone about it while I start zoning out. I used to hate these family events, but not so much anymore. I enjoy the company, I just don't enjoy talking. At least I get presents though.

♡ ♡ ♡

  "Have a good Christmas!" my cousin says before I walk out the door.

  "You too!" I wave her and everyone else goodbye. I get in my car and Dad comes up to my window.

  "Thank you for coming, Sakura."

  "I actually didn't hate it. I had a good time," I smile at him.

  "I'm glad. I really wish I could see you more often. We miss you."

  "I know, Dad. I'll come visit soon, I promise. I've been super busy with my art and managing food and money, but I'll be okay."

  "Are you sure? You know I don't mind helping out, just say the word and you got it."

  "Don't worry! If I need you, I'll call. I promise."

  "Okay.. I love you, you know."

  "I love you too," I replied. He smiles at me before making his way over to his car. I sit for a minute before starting my car, and then make my way to my apartment.

♡ ♡ ♡

  When I get back home, I put all the acrylic paint I received today away. Everyone assumes I just want paint for Christmas since I do art, but it's whatever. The more the merrier. Once I'm done with that, I sit on the edge of my bed and call Rio. He picks up right away saying,