What If

Chapter 13 - House Sitting

Taylor's P.O.V.
I cannot believe it's only one week and a half now till Christmas! Feels like only yesterday it was summer! Thomas and I have been given the next two weeks off as our winter break, and we don't have any plans for the holidays. My cousin is getting married on New Year's Eve, and I've been invited to bring a date. Oh great, that's gonna be fun! At any wedding I've ever been too, I always get some drunk guy chat me up at the reception. And seeing as it's my cousin's wedding, there's gonna be a lot of people there, and I'm almost guaranteed to be the only single one there. At least my sister, and her kids will be there, so at least I won't really be on my own.

I'm currently flicking through the channels on the television, trying to find some Christmas movie or something to watch. I give a loud cheer when my favourite Disney Christmas film pops up on the screen - The Nightmare Before Christmas.

"What's the celebration for?" Thomas smirked, coming in from the kitchen with two cups of tea.

"Have you seen this film, Thomas? It's bloody brilliant!" I squealed, taking my tea from him.

"No, what is it?" He asked, sitting next to me and looking intently at the screen.

"The Nightmare Before Christmas!" Suddenly, Thomas' phone started ringing on the coffee table. Putting down his tea, he reached forward and looked at the caller ID on the screen.

"I'll be back in a minute, Taylor!" He smiled as he jumped up and headed towards his room.

"Okay but you're missing the movie!" I shouted after him, making him laugh. I continued to watch the film by myself, and ten minutes later Thomas came back in and collapsed on the sofa.

"What was that all about?" I asked, raising my eyebrows questioningly at him.

"A mate of mine just asked me to house sit for him while he goes away on a business trip," He sighed, sipping his tea, "There have been a few break-ins around the area, and he said he'd feel much better if I was there!"

"Oh okay, when is it?"

"From 15th till the 17th,"

"Ah, cool!" I smiled softly at him, before turning my attention back to the television. I won't lie, but a couple days to myself will get quite lonely! I like having Thomas around - he makes me laugh and I always feel happier with him around. Oh well, I'll survive for two days.

"Why don't you come with me?"

"What?" I turned round to see him grinning at me.

"Come with me!" He repeated, "I hate being on my own anyway, and it'll be fun!" I couldn't believe what I was hearing.

"You serious? I'd love to!" I laughed, tackling him with a hug, "It'd be fun!"

"Okay brilliant! I'll just let my mate know!" He chuckled, hugging me back.

Two days later...

"And that is pretty much it!" Thomas' friend, Henry smiled as we followed him to the front door. I still hadn't been able to take everything in, since he showed us around the place. His flat was very modern, and he had hardly any stuff in any of the rooms. The living room was simply just two leather sofas, a large flat screen T.V. and a shelf with an ornament on it. The walls all consisted of numerous panels, some of which I assumed to be doors without handles. It was the same in the kitchen - none of the cupboards had handles, and they were all made from the same white panels. The kitchen tops were all black marble, and the island unit in the centre of the kitchen was made of the same marble. There were also two bedrooms, with only a large bed, built in wardrobe and a flat screen T.V. Apparently, Henry was a minimalist, and didn't like clutter. I was the complete opposite - I hated modern technology, and I liked a little bit of clutter - I feel it gives a house character, you know? Anyway, this was Henry's house I guess.

"I've left an instructions manual in the drawer in the kitchen and if you have any questions just give me a call!" He huffed, as he picked up his bag from the floor and slung it over his shoulder.

"Yeah okay will do, Hen!" Thomas nodded, "I hope you have a good trip!"

"Thanks Thomas! And thank you again for helping me out at such short notice!"

"No problem! We're more than happy to do it!" Thomas grinned, "Have fun!"

"Will do! Nice meeting you Taylor!" Henry called as he walked down the driveway.

"Yeah, you too Henry!" I waved at him. We watched as he drove down the road and into the distance, before we shut the door and headed into the living room. And so the house sitting begins...