(Narrator's Pov)
It was Christmas day. A day of joy, happiness, excitement and celebration. People all over the world, no matter what according to their faith, celebrated the joyous day. It spreaded positivity, happiness and light into people's homes.
Everywhere you looked, you'd see people smiling. It was a day people gifted one another with presents, an item of gratitude for them, simply for being in their lives. Families, friends, loved ones - it was a day they all gathered and had a good time.
However, for everyone; it wasn't exactly the same. Lea, to be exact. During her childhood years, she wasn't exactly loved by her birth-givers.
Christmas for her, would go something like this. First she'd wake up extra early, but no, she wouldn't dare jump on her parents bed. She wasn't looking for a beating. She had learnt from her past mistakes.
Instead, Mary and her would knock on their parents bedroom door and gently awake them. Both sisters would be told to shower and then be dressed in their special dress by an exact time. Their mother, she would do their hair, not wanting people to frown upon her family.
Appearance meant a lot to them.
As well as respect.
Around eight am, they'd leave the house, a normal breakfast. At church, they'd listen to a sermon, sing a few carols, before leaving. Family; aunties, uncles, cousins - they'd all come over to their house.
The adults stayed inside the living room, while the children played around. Then would come dinner, they'd eat their large Christmas feast, some full while others stuffed down more. Lastly, would come the part everyone desired for.
Presents.
Under the medium sized Christmas tree, more and more presents were lined up from the family guest. Lea received toys, clothes, shoes, stationary - what any child at her time longed for. She thanked all her gift givers with a kiss and hug. What she could give in return.
All was well, until everyone left. Not long after the guests left, on their way home; her happiness would be crushed. Her presents were taken away.
"But why, mommy?" Her six year old self, the first time it happened.
"Because, first prove you're worthy of these gifts. Do some chores around the house, get amazing grades and you can have them all."
The harsh words her mother had said to her.
"But why me? Why not, Mary? She gets to keep her presents."
She argued, tears of unfairness brimming in her eyes.
"Don't compare yourself to your sister. She deserves those gifts. And just for saying that, I'll give her yours as well."
Her mother had muttered, not thinking twice before rewarding her eldest daughter with more and more gifts. After that, it was a repeat until she turned fourteen. Her family had an argument, which meant no presents for her at all. Not that it'd matter, they would be taken away.
But during the years her gifts were taken away and given to her elder sister, she would be left to watch her play with the toys, dolls, all of the things she so badly wanted to play with, just touch. And fortunately for her, her sister was a innocent, kind-hearted and caring.
'Mommy, said not to let you play with these, but I'll let you play with them. Just don't tell her, or she'll take them away from me.'
She had once written done on a piece of paper.
Hence the true bond between the sisters grew.
That was Lea's Christmas days over the years. The older she grew, the worse it got. But sadly, a part of her got used to it. Her childhood was not a pleasant time, in-fact, her life wasn't until she was married off to Eric.
Unfortunately, she wasn't able to experience her first Christmas with him. But her real, happy, Christmas days started when the twins were born. Still, she wanted to experience the day when she got to celebrate Christmas surrounded by her real family.
And today she would.
The sun was up, much like Lea. Her eyes were wide open. She slowly sat up, her eyes darting to the alarm clock reading; 6 AM. She wasn't exactly sure when the Miller's would wake up, but she knew the children couldn't wait for today.
As for a fact, they couldn't stop rambling about how excited they were. It would be their first time celebrating with their family, much like Lea. A grin curled onto her lips and she reached out, slowly shaking Drew, who was sleeping closer to her.
A whine from his tired state, left his lips. She held in a chuckle as she shook her son once again. Slowly his eyes twitched open, a drowsy moan of complaint escaping his lips.
"Wake up, Drew. It's Christmas." She softly whispered. The words slowly registered in his mind and suddenly, he shot up.
"It's Christmas!" He cheered. A groan left Sophia's lips as she was awoken by the loud sound.
"Wake up, Soph! It's Christmas!" Drew gushed out in excitement. Much like him, she shot out from her bed, standing on her toes with him.
"It's Christmas!" She repeated, dancing giddily. Lea watched in amusement, a soft chuckle leaving her lips from witnessing her children's happiness. For a few more seconds, they continued to share their happiness with one another, most likely awakening others in the house.
"Okay, okay. Hush. You both go freshen up. I'll be there to shower you both."
"Me first! I wanna be ready first!" Drew protested for the first time in his life.
"No, I do!" Sophia argued.
"Hush!" Lea raised her voice slightly, silencing them.
"Whoever brushes their teeth first, they can shower first." She suggested, and before she knew it, Drew and Sophia were fighting their way into the bathroom.
The day had come.
It was Christmas.
---
The Millers celebrated their Christmas like any ordinary family. Vanessa, Jeremy, Jaxon, Chloe - had all come over on Christmas Eve, planning to celebrate in Eric's house. Unlike other years, he was much more welcoming and up for the idea.
He had changed since last Christmas.
Lea, his Angel, the woman he loved, his light - had returned in his life.
Around 7:30 AM, everyone was awake and in the kitchen, ready to eat breakfast. The twins waddled in first, Lea following behind.
"Merry Christmas." Was thrown their way. All three of them smiling and returning it. Vanessa came over, embracing Lea in a motherly hug.
"Merry Christmas, dear. I've dreamed of this day. You here as well as those beautiful children." She whispered, emotionally touched by the sight she longed to see.
"Merry Christmas too, Ma. And me too." Lea softly admitted. With a small grin from Ma, she went to exchange a hug with her father-figure, Jeremy. With a gentle touch, he hugged her like his daughter, leaving a kiss on the top of her head.
"Merry Christmas, Lea." He grinned, pinching her cheeks. She chuckled, returning his words. She did the same with Jaxon, Chloe, her two children. And lastly, came Eric's turn. He watched her with a smile, a glint shining proudly in his eyes. His eyes skimmed over her body.
Although she was dressed in a dark red dress, hugging her body, matched with black tights - she felt naked to his eyes. Even the extra layer of her long, black cardigan, never seemed to protect her from his hungry eyes.
A smile curled onto her lips as she approached him. Much like him, her eyes skimmed over his profile. A dark red sweater, paired along with black pants, his hair smoothly combed back. He was truly the definition of handsome.
"Come here," His raspy voice uttered, opening his arms. She didn't think twice before jumping into his embrace, feeling her heart skip several beats.
"Merry Christmas, Lea." He softly whispered in her ear. She felt herself shiver as she absentmindedly hugged him a little tighter; savoring the moment. Everyone noticed, glancing at the two, but kept their mouths closed. A smile curved on their lips
"Merry Christmas, Eric." She breathed. He smiled, rubbing her back gently. It was a great moment, perfect in-fact.
But as always, it had to be ruined.
The sound of loud heels clicking echoed in both their ears making them spring apart - as if they were doing something wrong. They both exchanged a look, Lea slowly backing away. Hanging by the kitchen door, Janice stood, wearing a black dress, reaching her mid-thigh. Five-inch heels paired on her feet.
"Merry Christmas, everyone." She pulled in a sickly sweet smile, everyone knowing it was fake.
"Merry Christmas, Janice." They grumbled in response, some not even bothering to return her words. She grinned, her eyes heading over to Eric. Instantly, she approached him, throwing her arms around him.
"Merry Christmas, my love." She gushed loudly, so the person she aimed for heard. Lea glanced down at the ground, her hands playing with the hem of her cardigan. Eric flashed a false smile, hugging her back, only because he wasn't looking for any sort of argument.
"Well, let's have breakfast. The church sermon will be starting soon." Jeremy spoke, catching everyone's attention. They all nodded, sitting down at the table. Vanessa brought out the breakfast, she found already prepared, by no other than the poor maid Josey.
She frowned, not hesitating before sending her off home. It was Christmas day, for crying out loud. How heartless could Janice be? Making the poor woman work on a day she should be sharing with her family.
Shaking off her annoyance and frustration, Vanessa entered the living room. They said a quick prayer of thanks, before digging into their food. Whilst they did, Lea and Eric shared sly glances, both in a genuine, happy mood.
Lea just couldn't wait until everyone opened their presents.
---
The day had slowly went on. After a three hour sermon at church, the family returned home. They all decided opening presents would take place after dinner, so they would have something even larger to look forward to.
Although they did hear whines of complaints from the children, Jaxon too.
They spent their day playing games, talking, sharing jokes and pulling Christmas crackers. Every single person was in a joyous mood, smiling non-stop. Apart from one person.
Janice flashed a fake smile once in a while, but her eyes lingered on the brunette, envy and anger playing inside of her. She wondered, wondered deeply and thought about what Eric saw in her.
Because, she saw; nothing.
In reality, she was just blinded by her hate for her.
With every laugh and smile that played from Lea - Janice grew even more heated with anger. Yet, she wasn't noticed. She was simply the evil shadow, perched at Eric's side. Although she wasn't exactly wanted there. Eric shifted occasionally, hoping Janice would take a hint.
But unfortunately, she didn't.
Later on, Vanessa and Lea headed into the kitchen. They began preparing Christmas Dinner, the plan on who would make what already sorted. Vanessa would cook the Turkey and vegetables. While Lea would cook dessert and other side dishes.
They began their hard-work, Vanessa putting on the radio to lighten up their mood whilst cooking. They shared a few laughs, but mostly hummed along with the music. Eventually, dinner was ready, and everyone was called inside the dining room.
The strong aroma from the delicious food, flooded everyone's nose. A moan of hunger left Jeremy's lips. He rubbed his stomach, taking his seat at the end of the table. Vanessa couldn't help but chuckle at her husband's behaviour.
"It smells great." He commented. Vanessa proudly grinned, ushering everyone to sit as they entered the room. Eric took the seat near his mother, Janice as if she were glued to his hip, sitting down beside him.
Jaxon sat down near his father, Chloe sitting beside Janice. On the other side, Drew and Sophia sat, leaving an empty seat for Lea. Vanessa brought out the dishes, whilst Lea remained in the kitchen, finishing up on the dessert.
"Hurry, dear. We're going to say grace soon." Vanessa informed her, before taking her seat at the other end of the table. The twins patiently waited, eyeing up the food with hunger. They never knew how hungry they were until now.
"Sorry for keeping you all waiting." Lea apologized, taking her saved seat. The twins immediately turned to face her with a grin.
"That's quite alright." Jeremy waved off. She smiled, placing her hands on her lap. Eric couldn't help himself as he found himself staring at the beautiful brunette sat across from him. She felt his lingering eyes on her, a blush coating her cheeks.
"Okay. Well, let's say grace." Jeremy declared. Grace was said, before everyone dug into their meals. Compliments were thrown both at Vanessa and Lea. Janice felt her envy grow, when Eric blurted out how nice dessert was. Prepared by no other than his angel.
When dinner was over, everyone made their way back into the living room. It was time to open presents. The time that everyone secretly desired. As everyone settled down on the sofas with stuffed stomachs, the twins were the only ones full with energy.
"Which one should I open first?" They both asked, not waiting for a reply from anyone. They found the first one with their name on it, before opening it. They received toys, clothes, stationary, lego boxes (which Lea sent a knowing look towards Drew at), an iPad for each of them and more toys.
Whilst everyone opened their presents, Lea couldn't help but frown in sadness when remembering Mary. Unfortunately, she wasn't able to make it. She was spending her Christmas overboard in Canada, with her in-laws.
Lea then opened her first present, finding a perfume kit from Chloe inside. She was thankful she got her her something similar. She received Pandora jewelry from Jeremy, two expensive handbags from Ma, boots from Jaxon and cards from the children.
Her final present was from Eric. With excitement and curiosity, she opened her present, her eyes smiling when seeing what he had brought for her. A brand new iPhone; real gold and silver, hoop earrings and a bracelet with the word 'Lea' engraved on it.
Her heart twisted and she felt her face flush.
"T-Thank you so much." Her shaky voice said. He grinned, happy to see a smile on her lips, knowing he was the one behind it. Janice noticed, clenching the box she held in her hands.
"Go on, Janice. Open it up." Jeremy encouraged. It was the gift she received from Eric. With a small smile, she peeled her box open, seeing the bright sign of 'GUCCI'. With exaggeration, she hopped onto her feet and gushed her way over to him.
"Thank you so much, baby. I love it." She pulled him into a hug. Lea's smile faltered, Janice sending her a glare over Eric's shoulder.
"You're welcome." He cleared his throat, explicitly uncomfortable from her embrace. She pulled back, not thinking twice, before planting a kiss on his lips. Right in-front of Lea. He tensed instantly, pulling back with narrowed eyes.
"Thank you," She winked, knowing he was going to have a go at her later for planning that stupid kiss. Trying hard not to scowl, he flashed a forced grin. Lea noticed with her narrowed eyes. She ignored the pain from witnessing the sight, and wondered what was going on with him.
Soon after, everyone had opened their gifts. The children were busy playing with the new PS4 game Jaxon had gifted them. Lea sat beside Chloe and Vanessa, having a small conversation. Soon after, everyone grew tired and headed into their rooms.
The twins whined as they were forced by their mother to go get ready for bed. It was eleven thirty pm - they had stayed way up past their bedtime. Janice excused herself, telling Eric she was going to get ready for bed.
Jaxon and Chloe had their tongues down each others throat, their plans for tonight exposed to everyone's eyes.
"Get a room." Eric grimaced, looking away. Lea chuckled at his expression, picking up the wrapping paper the children had excitedly torn up.
"You know what? That's a good idea." Jaxon pulled back, sending a wink at Eric. Swiftly, he scooped Chloe into his arms and exited the room, giggles escaping their lips. Eric and Lea were then left alone in the room.
They exchanged a glance at one another, Lea smiling lightly.
"Thank you so much for your gifts. I-I'm sure it's nothing compared to mine." She blushed. His brows furrowed.
"Yours?" He asked, sounding confused.
"Yeah...did you not get it?" She asked, frowning along with him. He shook his head, looking down at the tree, only to seeing nothing.
"But I left it there." She furrowed her brows.
"Wait, let me see if it's behind." He told her, walking towards the tree and searching behind. His eyes landed on the grey, wrapped up box. He picked it up with a grin, looking at Lea.
"I think I found it." He chuckled.
"Yeah, that's it." She laughed in relief. He smiled, his eyes glancing down at it. Silence danced heavy in the air.
"Well...I better go...I hope you like it." She nervously smiled at him, glancing at him once more time before leaving the room, and heading upstairs. Eric held the box in his hands, his brows furrowing as he stayed on spot.
His heart contemplated on whether he should it open it now or later.
Slowly, he found himself tearing the wrapper off.
His heart beating with curiosity and anticipation.
•••••
(AN) Hey guys! I had no idea how to end this chapter, but whatever lol. Anyways, what did you think of the chapter? What do you think will happen next? And what do you think Eric's reaction to Lea's present will be? She put something else inside...guess what it was. I dare you ;)
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