My Christmas Romance

Chapter 15: Reconciliation

I had f****d things up again. I don't know how I was going to fix this as I have tried so many times but it keeps failing. How do you fix a mistake when you make one in the process?

I called her phone several times but she wouldn't answer. I had f****d this up again and I hated myself right now. I might just kiss goodbye to the girl I fell in love with. I travelled all the way to another city to make this work but I screwed it up.

"Hey Claire, I am so sorry for messing up again. You do not deserve anything I have cost you. I am really sorry for what I did to you and I hope you find a place in your heart to forgive me. I know you don't want to see me again so I am not going to bother you anymore. Coming into your life has caused so many troubles to you and I don't wish to be the one that bring those to you. I really love you and I wish you happiness wherever and whomever you find yourself with. Goodbye Claire " I sent a voice mail to her as she wasn't responding to my calls. I have decided to travel back home tomorrow. There's nothing for me here and Annabel can get to celebrate Christmas with her friends and our family.

"Hey, you okay" Sarah walked in. I had filled her earlier on what happened with Claire but I haven't told her my plans yet

"Sarah, thank you for all you do. Thank you for standing up for me and being by my side. I can't ask for a better friend. It's been great having you push me to get what I want but I am leaving tomorrow" I said

"Why??" She looked at me

"I messed up real bad tonight and I know she wouldn't want anything to do with me anymore"

She kept quiet for a while before speaking

"I respect whatever decision you make. It's going to be alright" she smiles and hugs me.

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I woke up to the sound of humans talking and greeting.

"Merry Christmas....Merry Christmas"

Where was I? I looked around and noticed that I had passed out at a bar. I yawned and checked the time, it was 8:00 am. Today is my sister's wedding and I am less enthusiastic about it. I know I have to be there but I really don't think I can face everyone after what happened last night.

I got so mad and angry and pained last night. I had all kinds of emotions running through me. I had needed to be somewhere else, to breathe in fresh air and not feel like you are being watched or talked about. I came out of the house and drove to nowhere in particular just driving and crying. And then I ended up in this bar, I remember I got so wasted. I drank myself to stupor and kept drinking.

I am wide awake now and nobody seemed to care that a girl has passed out on the table throughout the night. I looked around and then walked outside, it didn't look familiar. I got scared that I had driven myself out of town.

"Hey young girl, what are you doing in this side of town? Are you lost?" A man said as he walked passed me.

"Merry Christmas " a woman greeted me

"God, where did I drive to." I saw my car and thanked God that it was still there. I checked my pocket to take my keys and then opened my car to drive.

I started the car and it jolted but didn't come on. I tried it again and again but still didn't start. I became worried, if I was going to get lost it definitely shouldn't be today, it's my sister's wedding, not a good time to go missing.

I checked my phone to call someone to pick me. When I opened it, I saw several missed calls. Micheal, William, Micheal, William. Not a single call from my mum or sister. I shook my head in disbelief. I had no one to call but the last person I wished to call right now.

I dialed the number and before seconds passed he pick the call

"My God!!! Claire where are you?? I have tried to call you and I sent you several messages. Are you okay?? Where are you now?" Micheal said

"I am lost. I don't know where I am and my car died." I said

"Oh my goodness Claire. Thank God you are okay. I am coming over right now, just share me your location and I would come pick you now"

"Alright. Thank you"

"Claire...I am really sorry for last night"

"...yeah.."

I wasn't ready to talk about it, I just needed to go home and get all these over with.

After about thirty minutes, he arrived at where i was seated in my car.

"Claire.....thank God you are okay" he ran to me and hugged me.

"How much did you have to drink last night and why didn't you just come back home. I was really worried." He said

"I am okay...just a little bit hungover " I said

"I am so sorry Claire. I caused all of this" he said

"It's not your fault. Somethings just happen. Can we leave now. I am running late already for the wedding"

We got into the car and i was quiet throughout the ride. Micheal kept glancing at me, at a point it felt like he was going to say something then had second thought about it and changed his mind. We finally got to the house and I just suddenly got stuck. I didn't have the mind to come down and face everyone.

"Hey , it's okay Claire. I am with you and I am not leaving your side" Micheal held my hands and comforted me.

"Thank you" I said. I almost forgot how sweet he can be. He came down and opened my doorfor me to step down. We walked into the house and thankfully, there was nobody there. Everyone was exceptionally busy that they don't even give a damn if I was busy or not.

"Are you okay?" Micheal asked me as ee got to my room

I just nodded, not feeling like speaking

"I am going to get you some coffee, so you can relax a bit before attending the wedding" he said and went out

I laid on my bed processing everything that happened, remembering everything that William had said about his life and how much he loved me. I took my phone and saw his missed calls and I checked for his voice mail. Hopefully, he had sent one, I listened to it. I didn't expect him to say those things he just said. What does he mean by goodbye?? Is he leaving me? Does he think I want to be with someone else?

"Hey, here's your coffee and I also got you some toast" micheal came in.

I looked at him like I had seen a ghost. I was still confused at the voice mail William sent

"What's wrong Claire??" He sat beside me on the bed.

"Does he really love me??" I don't know why I asked him that question but I saw the pain in his eyes the moment I did.

"You really love him huh?" He smiled sadly.

"Yes I Micheal. I am sorry". I said

"Claire.. I can't stop you from loving anybody. But you are an amazing person and any man that has you, has to know what you really are worth. He should be able to fight for you."

"Did you mean those things you said yesterday" i asked

"Claire...this isn't about me. You should find your happiness. I am not going to get in the way of that. I love when you smile, I love when you are happy and you should be with someone that values that" he smiles

"Thank you. But its too late now. ....he's gone" I said

"I am so sorry about that Claire" he looked at me

Tears fell from my eyes and I couldn't hold them anymore.

"Hey Claire...it's okay...it's going to be okay" he consoled me.

*knock knock*

The door flung open and it was my mother. I wondered what she was doing here.

"Claire, are you okay?" She asked me

"Mum?? What are you doing here?" I was surprised to see her here.

"I came to check on my daughter. You weren't home last night" she sat beside me

"I thought nobody noticed. You are supposed to be getting ready for Clara's wedding today" I said

"And so are you. Claire....I am sorry for yesterday and for what I said. I didn't know that was how I have made you feel. I was only watching out for you and I thought you got so distant because of what happened with Chris. I love you and I miss having you at home. Things changed alot for you and I just couldn't keep up with those changes. But you aren't an embarrassment to this family. Your sister looks up to you."

"Mum...thank you. Thank you for telling me this, it means alot to me" I hugged her.

"And about the drama last night.." she looked at Micheal.

"I am really sorry about that..." he apologised

"Micheal and I talked last night" she said

"You did??" I asked surprised

"He is a very stubborn man, yes, but he is a fine one. He told me everything.." she said

"He did???" I looked at Micheal

"I explained everything to her, I am sorry if you are upset" he said

"Claire baby... you deserve to be happy like he said and...." my mum spoke

"....and I am not coming in the way of that. Yoy guys love yourselves so much and you two just need to talk things out." Micheal cuts in

"Thank you for that Micheal. But it's too late now. Besides you said I should be with someone that can fight for me right??? He said his goodbyes already. And I just want to move on. I want all these to end already. Can we just get ready for the wedding and celebrate Christmas " i said

"Are you sure ab..." micheal said.

"....I am fine Micheal. I really just want to get my mind of all this"

"Okay if you say so."

"Alright then, I would see you guys later and someone would be here in a soon to give you the dress I got for you" she said

"Thank you mum"

"I love you" she said

"I love you too"

================

It's Christmas morning and its beautiful out here. We had packed our bags already and ready to leave.

"Are you ready" I asked Annabel.

"Yes daddy. Are we going to leave our tree"

"Yes honey we are. When we get back we can get another one and go to the park and play with your friends"

"But I like it here. Why do we have to leave today?" She said

"Yeah, why do you have to leave today. You don't have to. You can just stay and visit some beautiful places. We can spend today as a family" sarah said

I made up my mind to leave already. Staying here makes me feel like a failure. And I hate myself more.

"Sarah I can't. I don't want to spend one more day here"

"Why daddy?" Annabel asked

"Honey trust me, I am going to make it up to you when we get back okay?"

We packed our bags in the car and drove to the airport. The town is really beautiful and a place like this would have been perfect with Claire. I still think about her every second and I wonder if I am doing the right thing. She does want me to leave right?? I don't want to be the one running away again from making things right.

We got to the airport and boarded, but we were told our flight was delayed so we had to wait

"This could be a sign from God Willie" sarah said

"You think??" I sighed

"Why are you running away, why don't you just go over there and talk to her" sarah said

"She does want to talk to me and I don't want to cause anymore troubles" I said

"So you are just going to move on and forget you ever had something for her" she said

"I wouldn't like to complicate things anymore. I have a daughter and our peace is very important. I don't want to trade that for anything" I said

"Now I get it. You are scared. You are being a coward right now" she said

"Sarah she said I bring troubles to her and that sounds very familiar to me" I said

"What do you really want Willie. Why do you limit yourself alot. You are a good person willie. Why don't you believe in yourself?"

Our flight was called and we had to board now.

"So you are leaving really, just like that?" Sarah said

I looked at her and walked to the plane without answering her.

We got checked in and I took my seat. Annabel and Sarah sat next to themselves. As I was settling in, a lady sat next to me.

"Hey. I remember you.." she said

I looked at her but I don't recall her face

"...from Clara's house. You are Claire's friend. The one who got into a fight with the other guy"

"What a way to remember me" I said

"Oh I am sorry. I didn't mean it that way...like ...you know what I mean" she said

"Yeah..." I said

"I am Gabrielle. Claire's friend" she brought her hand out for a shake.

"William" I shook her hands

"So why ain't you at the wedding" she asked

"I didn't come for the wedding. I came to see Claire" I said

She became silent for a while like she was thinking if she should say something to me

"I know I am not supposed to say this but...I heard her talking about you" she said

"Let me guess, she hates me and doesn't want to see me?" I said

"why would you say that..She loves you. She said you left and it was too late to make things right with you because you sent a message or something." She said

"She said that??" I asked

"Yes she did. Why aren't you over there. Why would you go to the extent of fighting and then leave without getting what you came for" she said

I looked at her and noticed she didn't have any luggage or bag with her, just a plane ticket

"What did you say your name was again?" I asked

"I am Gabrielle" she said

"And you are not travelling to New York, are you?" I asked

"Not really...okay look. I am doing this for Claire because of what she's been through. I came to talk to you and I noticed you were leaving already so I followed you and got a ticket just to sit beside you and tell you what I wanted to say"

"Who are you?" I asked.

"Chris' sister. Did she mention anybody named Chris to you?" She said

"You are Chris' sister?" I asked

"Yes I am. Claire deserves to be happy okay? And I saw how she looked at you that night, it's the same way she looks at Chris. She really loves you and she deserves to be happy" she said and smiled

I was losing my opportunity again, Sarah was right. I need to take my chance now. The flight attendant were already closing the doors of the plane and we were about to take off. I stood up immediately and shouted

"Wait...wait. I need to get down now" I said

"What the hell are you doing??" Sarah asked

"Sir..you need to sit down. We are about to take off" The hostess said

"I am sorry but I need to leave this plane right now. Annabel, sarah, take your bags lets leave now"

"Daddy where are we going?" Annabel asked

"I need to make something right now." I said.

We took our bags and came down from the plane.

"Are you crazy!! What are you doing?" Sarah said

"I am going to talk to Claire" I said

"What made you change your mind in the middle of a flight" she said

"Sarah we weren't flying already, we were about to take off, they are different" i said

"They both sound the same to me"

We took a taxi and drove straight to the church were the wedding was being held

================

"Would you take her to be your lovely wife, come rain, come sunshine. To grow old together, in good health, riches or not" the pastor said

"Yes I do"

We were in church already and I watch as Clara gets married, looking so beautiful in her wedding dress. That could be me one day, or never. I am done with the dating life for now. I need to be stable and I have decided to go back to dancing professionally. Coming back home has helped me, I remember who I used to be and Chris wouldn't want me to give up on what we both wanted so much. I talked to my mum about it and she's going to help me open my performing company. I am starting again but this time, I am doing it right and nothing is stopping it.

I clapped as the Clara and Jerry exchanged their vows and wore their rings

"You two may now kiss". The pastor said

As they were about to kiss something happened and everyone turned back to see

"Claire!!! Claire!!!" William was standing at the entrance of the church

"What are you doing??" I said. What the hell was he doing here. Why doesn't he ever have a perfect timing.

"Claire....please.. I am not here to cause trouble like I always do" he walked to where I was and held my hands and took me to the alter, where Clara and Jerry was standing.

They looked just as confused as I was.

"William what the hell are you doing? You are obstructing a wedding" I whispered to him.

"I want everyone to be a witness to my love for you. From the first day you came into my life, the first day I saw you, my life has never taken a U-turn before. You make me feel alive. You complete me. I can't sleep without dreaming about you. One moment without you and everything is black and white. My life became colourful when you became a part of it. I have hurt you, when I am supposed to love you. I have made you cry with those beautiful eyes when I am supposed to make you smile. I am really sorry. I am sorry for every time you hate me and for every time you despise me. I want to be the only man you ever love. I want to make you feel different from any way anybody makes you feel." He said and knelt down

"Claire, I came down from a plane because I realised I was making a mistake again. I need you in my life. I can't go back to New York and act like everything is alright with me. I am not okay. I am messed up without you. I am ready to stop a wedding if it means you accept me, no offense to anybody, but that's how much you mean to me."

"William...." I was speechless.

"Claire.. this isn't one of those times. I am not going to leave here. I don't care how many no you say. I am going to stay here and prove to you how much I love you. Claire...I am not going to take your love for granted. If you give me this chance. I promise with my life that I would love you." He said

"William....I don't know what you want me to say" I said

"If you still love me, you can tell me. If you still want me you can tell me Claire. But if you don't, please..give me another chance to make you love me again. I don't want to be with someone else but you." He said

"I... I..love you William. I love you always and I have never stopped loving you."

"Then let's make this work, please Claire. I swear with my life that I would never hurt you again. I promise to love you. For f**k sake..I am done with my past, and I want to build a future with you in it. Just you and me Claire. " he said.

"Yes...William. I want that too" I cried

He stood up and held my waist and kissed me. I put my arms around his shoulder and kissed him too. I missed him and I love him so much

"Can we kiss now?" Jerry asked.

We all laughed and the newly wed had their kiss and everyone clapped. It felt like I was getting married.

"Can we go somewhere " he said

"My sister is still getting married"

"Aunty Claire.." Annabel ran to me. I missed her so much.

"Annabel!!" I hugged her

"I missed you so much" she said

"Hey honey, guess what, I missed you more" I told her

"Hey"

I looked up and saw Sarah. Why was she here?

"Hey" I said

"I know we didn't start off so well because I was being a b***h but trust me, I am on your side." She said

I laughed

"Well we can always be friends, I guess".

Clara and Jerry did their procession and walked outside. Every one was shouting congratulations. She turned and looked at me and hugged me

"I love you sister and I am happy for you" I was surprised.

"Thank you and Congratulations" I said.

"You!! Make sure you take care of my sister". She said to william and left

"Well you heard her,and I want to take care of you now" he looked at me and kissed me.

"What does that mean?"

"You would see." He said and carried me bridal style.

"William...drop me down"

"I am never doing that" he carried me to the car and we drove to his suite.

This feels like a dream but it's my life now and I couldn't ask for a better one. I love this man and I would spend the rest of my life with him over and over again.