Back To You

Home For The Holidays

Rebecca and Chase's relationship had been a shock to us all. When Chase first announced it, everyone freaked. It was one thing for me to have forgiven her, but it was another thing completely for Chase to be involved with her romantically. And it was Chase of all people; our adorable, gullible, clumsy friend.

But looking at them now, it was clear that they loved each other. It was hard to believe that this girl, forcing a cookie down her throat in an attempt to protect her boyfriend's feelings could have ever been mean towards us in any way.

The doorbell rang and I walked happily over to answer it.

"Let me in, it's freezing out here." Katelyn moved past me and into the house followed by Cole, who was rolling his eyes at her actions.

He shrugged and grinned. "You know how she is."

I smiled back and hugged him. "Of course. Merry Christmas Cole."

"Merry Christmas, Nat." He replied, squeezing me.

Katelyn and Cole had been spending quite a bit of time together lately. I had assumed that something was going on, but every time I asked Cole he just avoided the question. I didn't think even he knew what was going on between them.

I turned back to close the door when a figure suddenly flew through the doorway. I only had time to gasp before I was lifted into the air and spun around. I held onto his coat for dear life as breathless laughter escaped me.

"Andrew, put me down." I called out.

He chuckled before gently setting me back down. "Merry Christmas, Tally."

"Natty, you look beautiful, Merry Christmas." Patricia said with a smile. She and Matthew wrapped me in a hug before disappearing up the stairs, no doubt to find my parents. Andrew's and my parents were still the best of friends.

I looked back at Andrew as his hand trailed up my arm before sliding into my hair. He brought his head down and pulled me into a kiss. My heart thumped loudly in my chest as his lips moved gently against mine.

I pulled back slowly and lifted my eyes to meet his. "You're so beautiful." He said softly.

He'd been this way since he'd gotten here, showering me in compliments and affection. I assumed it was because it'd been so long since we'd seen each other. I didn't mind at all, in fact I enjoyed it. I'd missed him too.

Winter and Summer breaks weren't long enough. I was glad that we were almost done with school, then we would be together year-round.

"Come on, dinner will be ready soon." I told him with a smile.

He followed me into the house with his arm wrapped around my waist. We sat in the living room with everyone else, listening in to their conversation.

"So, this lady practically tore out a chunk of my hair over a sweater." Chrissy finished her story. She was talking about her Black Friday experiences.

I heard the front door click open followed by heavy footsteps as three figures entered the room. Calvin, Trent, and John stood near the doorway in their winter coats.

I smiled and stood up to go and hug them. "Hey guys." I wrapped my arms around each of them.

They all moved past me and entered the room, greeting everyone else. This was it, everyone was here.

A timer went off in the kitchen and I went in to check the ham in the oven. It looked absolutely amazing. I pulled it out and set it on the stove top while preparing the sides. There was green bean casserole, mashed potatoes, and rolls. It was a beautiful dinner, if I did say so myself.