Tempted Under The Mistteloe

Yulia’s POV --- “Mum, check it out. It’s snowing Yulia smiled despite the ache in her arms from carrying the two suitcases they had with them. Noah’s face was pressed against the glass of the bus as he breathed fog into the cold glass of the window; he hummed with anticipation as if this was the highlight of his life. "Yes, baby," she replied while adjusting the strap of her bag. "Real snow. Just like the pictures." The bus slowed as it made the turn into the driveway that led to Northfall Mountain Resort. Lights were strung around the road, shining a gentle yellow in contrast with the white ground. Everywhere, there were Christmas decorations. Wreaths. Ribbons. Huge red bows tied around tree trunks. Noah bounced in his seat. “Is this really where we’re staying?” “Yes.” Yulia nodded vigorously. “For the week “For real?” For real," she repeated, though she did so despite her chest constricting as she spoke. The bus stopped. People started standing, unloading bags that were stored above. Noah pulled on her hand. “Come on, Mum! I wanna be first!” “We’re not racing anyone,” she said, though she allowed him to pull her. When they ventured outside, she felt the biting cold on her face. Noah smiled at the snowfall, attempting to catch snowflakes in his tongue. “Careful,” she warned. “You’ll freeze" “I don’t care,” he said cheerfully. “This is a magic place.” Yulia glanced around. The lodge was enormous. There were wooden beams lining the interior. The glass windows were quite high. The music was soft and was coming from inside the lodge. People were well dressed. The coats looked expensive. The soles of their shoes were not worn out. She swallowed. 'You don’t belong here' a voice said in her head. "She ignored it." A smiling woman with a red scarf around her neck greeted Noah as he entered. "Welcome to Northfall! Is this your first time here?" "Yes!" Noah exclaimed, beating Yulia to it. "We're here for Christmas." “Well, then you picked the best time,” the woman continued. “Are you checking in?” she asked Yulia. “Yes,” Yulia said quickly. “Brooks. Yulia The woman typed, nodded, and handed over a key card. “Room 214. Second floor. The café is open all day, and hot chocolate is served every evening for the kids.” Noah's eyes widened in amazement. "Hot chocolate? Mum, did you hear “I heard,” Yulia said, forcing a smile. They took the elevator up. Noah was talking all the while. About the snow. About the trees. About starting to build a snowman right away. When they arrived at the room, Noah ran inside and jumped on the bed. “This is bigger than our house," he said, spreading his arms wide. “No, it’s not bigger,” she said softly. “Just different.” “Are you happy, Mum?” he said, sitting up with a serious look on his face. “I am now This was a question that caught her off guard. “Yes,” she said after a second. “I am.” “Good,” he said, smiling again. “Because I am.” "I'll go get some water," she said, turning away before he could see her eyes filling Yulia unpacked, then sat on the edge of the bed and rubbed her temples. Her phone buzzed. A text message from her boss asking if she could pick up an extra shift next week. She gazed at the screen. “Not now,” she told herself. She turned the phone face down. She recalled her pledge from two years back, in a kitchen on the floor after a split with Brent. A sleeping Noah on the couch. Papers on the table. Silence in the room. His feelings will never be unwanted. This is non-negotiable. This promise was the reason for them being there. Even if it meant drained savings accounts. Even if it terrified her. “Mum,” Noah said, tugging her sleeve. “Can we go downstairs? I wanna see everything.” “Okay,” she said. “But stay close.” They moved into the lobby slowly. Noah paused in front of every ornament. There was a large tree in the center, adorned with lights and other ornaments. “Can we take a picture?” he asked. She laughed. “Of course.” “Could you help us?” she asked, offering her phone to an approaching couple. The woman smiled warmly. “Sure.” Then Noah gazed at the image. "We look happy." ”We are,” Yulia said quietly. A crowd of laughing people passed by the fireplace. Someone spoke of stocks. A voice spoke of a merger. Yulia could feel her shoulders knotted. She kept her head down. “Mum, I’m hungry,” said Noah She looked at her watch. "Let's get something small. Then dinner later." They set off towards the café. The aroma of coffee and baked goods wafted through the air. Noah pointed. “That one! With the lights!” “That’s the café,” she said. “Good eye.” “Let’s go closer,” Noah urged, pulling her hand once more. “Hurry, “I'm coming,” she laughed, attempting to keep pace. It was warm and bustling there. There was background music. Conversations were in progress. Someone in the background behind a counter was laughing. Noah stood up on his toes to get a look. “Can I get that one? With the cream?” "We'll see," she said. "One thing at a time." She moved forward, her heart calm, oblivious that in a matter of steps, everything was to change. “Mum,” Noah said, pulling on her hand again. “This place is just perfect.” She smiled at him. “Let’s order first.” They edged closer to the counter, the snow dripping off their coats, the sound of voices muddled together. “Hi,” Yulia said calmly. “Can we—” And Noah pulled her forward again, excited and impatient and smiling widely. “Come on, Mum, I want to see the menu.”