Home For Christmas

chapter 3

Chapter 3

Home for Christmas

Holly’s POV

The morning sun streamed through my bedroom window, lighting up the room. Today was the day of the town’s Christmas festival, and I couldn’t wait to experience it again. It had been years since I last attended, and I’d forgotten how magical it could be.

I climbed out of bed, stretched, and made my way to the bathroom. After a warm shower, I dressed in my coziest sweater and jeans, adding a festive scarf for good measure. For a brief moment, I even forgot about bumping into Ethan yesterday.

Humming a Christmas tune, I headed downstairs. The smell of bacon and eggs greeted me, and I found my dad in the kitchen, finishing breakfast.

“Morning, Dad!” I said cheerfully, kissing him on the cheek. “You didn’t have to do all this.”

He smiled warmly and gestured to the seat across from him. “Sit down, honey. Eat before it gets cold.”

I took my place at the table, savoring the meal as we chatted about the day ahead.

“So,” he began, sipping his coffee, “are you ready to see the festival?”

I nodded excitedly. “Yes, I can’t wait! I’ve missed it so much. Are you coming with me?”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “Not this time. I have to see Mr. Black about the house. Maybe, if I’m lucky, he’ll give us an extension so we can stay here a little longer.”

Hearing this, my excitement dimmed slightly. I put my fork down and walked over to him, placing a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“Are you sure you don’t need me to come with you?” I asked softly.

“No, dear,” he replied with a reassuring smile. “Go enjoy yourself. You deserve it.”

With a nod, I grabbed my coat and headed out the door.

---

The town square was alive with color and sound. Twinkling lights lined every street, and festive music played from speakers mounted on lampposts. Booths selling handmade ornaments, warm drinks, and sweet treats filled the square, and the scent of pine and cinnamon was everywhere.

I wandered through the bustling market, admiring the decorations and taking in the cheerful energy. It felt good to escape my worries, even if only for a little while.

As I turned, I bumped into someone, nearly losing my balance.

“Oh, I’m so sorry—” I started, but stopped mid-sentence when I saw who it was.

“You again?” I said, my voice tinged with frustration.

Ethan stood there, looking equally surprised and amused. “Seems like fate keeps throwing us together.”

I crossed my arms, narrowing my eyes at him. “What are you doing here, Ethan? Shouldn’t you be spending time with your family?”

He laughed lightly, the sound irritatingly pleasant. “I could ask you the same thing. Remember, I told you I came here to spend Christmas with my family. I think that gives me every right to be here, just like you.”

His words brought me back to reality. Of course, he wasn’t here for me—he never was.

“Fine,” I said with a forced smile. “Have a great day.”

I turned to walk away, but Ethan stepped in front of me, blocking my path.

“Really?” I said, rolling my eyes. “What do you want, Ethan? I’ve got places to be, and I’d rather not spend my time looking at your face.”

For a moment, he was quiet, as if deciding whether to say what was on his mind. Then, with a smirk, he finally spoke.

“You didn’t bring my jacket,” he said, his tone teasing. “I guess you like it so much you decided to keep it.”

I clenched my fists, annoyed by his playful tone. “I don’t need your coat,” I shot back. “I just forgot to bring it. Feel free to come by and take it—unless you’ve forgotten where I live, just like you forgot about me.”

The last part came out as a whisper, but I knew he heard it. His smirk faded, and for a moment, I thought I saw a flicker of guilt in his eyes.

He stepped closer, his breath warm against my skin. “Of course I remember,” he said softly, before turning and walking away.

I stood frozen in place, my heart pounding.

As I wandered through the festival, I tried to shake the lingering feelings his words had stirred in me. I should’ve been enjoying the beautiful decorations and the festive cheer, but instead, my thoughts kept circling back to him.

“No, Holly,” I whispered to myself. “He’s just a memory. Don’t think about him.”

Just then, my phone buzzed in my pocket. I pulled it out to see Stella’s name flashing on the screen.

“Hey, Stella,” I said, pressing the phone to my ear as I found a quiet bench to sit on.

“Hey, girl! How are you? How’s your dad?”

I sighed, glancing around the park. “We’re okay, I guess. Things aren’t perfect, but we’re managing.”

Her voice softened. “What’s wrong? Did something happen?”

I hesitated before answering. “I ran into Ethan.”

There was a pause on the other end. “You what?” she said, her voice rising. “You mean Ethan? The Ethan? The one who—”

“Yes, him,” I interrupted, not wanting to rehash the painful details. “And let me tell you, he’s doing just fine without me. Probably better, actually.”

Saying it out loud hurt more than I expected, and I felt tears well up in my eyes.

“Hey, don’t think like that,” Stella said gently. “You don’t know what’s going on in his life. Just focus on yourself, okay? It’s Christmas—you deserve to be happy.”

I nodded, even though she couldn’t see me. “Thanks, Stella. I’ll try.”

“I’ve got to run to class, but let’s talk later, okay? Love you!”

“Love you too,” I said, ending the call.

---

By the time I got home, the day felt like a blur. What I’d hoped would be a perfect day had turned into a rollercoaster of emotions.

As I approached the house, I froze. Someone was standing on the porch, his back to me.

I stepped closer, my heart sinking when I realized who it was.

“What do you want?” I asked sharply, crossing my arms.

Ethan turned to face me, his expression surprisingly serious.

“I need your help, Holly,” he said.

I frowned, confused. “Help with what?”

He hesitated, looking almost nervous. “I need you to pretend to be my girlfriend. Just for the holidays.”

The audacity of his request hit me like a slap in the face. And so, I slapped him, the sound echoing in the cold night air.

“Find someone else,” I said angrily. “Because I’m not doing it.”

Without waiting for a response, I stormed inside and slammed the door behind me.