Beneath the mistletoe

chapter 10

The evening wound down with the family gathered around the Christmas tree, singing carols. Charlotte, with her cheerful enthusiasm, led the group, her voice sweet and commanding as she encouraged everyone to join in. Xander, whilst playing the piano, sang loudly and off-key, making everyone laugh, while Mama Ruby tapped her foot to the beat, occasionally chiming in with a harmony.

Emily sat on the edge of the room, clapping softly along but feeling the weight of the day pressing down on her. Her heart was full but heavy a strange mixture of gratitude and longing. The warmth of her family was comforting, yet there was a part of her that still felt untethered, searching for something she couldn’t quite name.

As the family launched into a lively rendition of "Jingle Bells," Emily quietly slipped out of the living room and made her way upstairs. She didn’t want everyone to pity her or dampen the mood with her wandering emotions, and she needed a moment to herself.

The rooftop had always been her sanctuary. She wrapped a warm blanket around her shoulders and stepped out into the crisp night air. The sky was clear, the stars glittering like diamonds, and the town below twinkled with strings of Christmas lights. She leaned against the railing, letting the stillness envelop her.

The door behind her creaked open, and she turned to see Luca stepping out, a hesitant smile on his face.

“Figured I’d find you up here,” he said, his voice soft.

Emily raised an eyebrow. “How’d you know I was here?”

“Xander mentioned it once,” Luca said, leaning against the railing beside her. “He said you’ve always liked rooftops. Something about feeling closer to the stars?”

Emily smiled faintly, turning her gaze back to the sky. “It’s peaceful up here. Quiet. It helps me think.”

Luca nodded adding ''that and I followed you..... I hope you don't mind. " Emily just nodded letting him know that it was okay, the silence between them comfortable as they both looked out over the town. After a moment, he spoke again.

“You seemed a little… distant tonight,” he said carefully. “Is everything okay?”

Emily hesitated, her fingers tightening around the edge of the blanket. “Yeah, I guess. It’s just… a lot. Being around everyone, trying to feel normal again. It’s harder than I thought it would be.”

“I get that,” Luca said. “But for what it’s worth, you seemed like you belonged tonight. Like you were part of it they are your family after all.”

Emily glanced at him, her expression softening. “Thanks. It's not like they can throw me out, they are stuck with me. ”

They stood in silence for a moment, the cold air turning their breaths into soft clouds. Luca shifted, his hand slipping into his pocket.

“So,” he began, his tone suddenly nervous. “I know this might sound cheesy, but… I brought something.”

Emily turned to him, curious. “What did you bring ?”

Luca pulled out a small sprig of mistletoe, holding it up with a sheepish smile. “I found this earlier and I thought..... I thought it might come in handy.”

Emily stared at him, her heart skipping a beat. The mistletoe dangled between them, its green leaves and white berries swaying gently in the breeze.

Luca’s confidence wavered as the silence stretched. “I.. I didn’t mean to make this weird,” he stammered, lowering the mistletoe slightly. “If this isn’t...if I misread the moment... I thought we had a connection I'm sorry... I... totally understand if it's not...”

Before he could finish, Emily stepped closer, her eyes locking onto his. Her hands reached up to cup his face, and without a word, she pressed her lips to his.

The kiss was soft and tentative at first, but as the seconds passed, it deepened, the cold night air forgotten in the warmth they shared. Luca’s free hand moved to rest lightly on her waist pulling her body in, and the mistletoe fell to the ground, forgotten.

When they finally pulled apart, Emily’s cheeks were flushed, her breath visible in the chilly air. Luca looked at her, his eyes searching hers for some kind of explanation.

“I—I’m sorry,” Emily said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I don’t know why I did that.”

“Don’t apologize,” Luca said quickly, his voice steady despite the rapid pounding of his heart. “You don’t have to explain I brought the mistletoe it's my fault.”

Emily looked away, her thoughts racing. “It’s just… I haven’t felt anything like this in so long. And you… you make me feel things I’m not sure I’m ready for.”

"I make you feel things, " Luca smiled reaching for her hand, his touch gentle. “Emily, I don’t want to rush you into anything. I just… I started care about you alot. And if all I can be right now is someone you trust, I’m okay with that I don't want to rush you. ”

Her gaze returned to him, her eyes shining with unshed tears. “You’re too good, you know that?”

Luca smiled softly. “I’m just trying to be here for you. Whatever that looks like.”

Emily nodded, her grip on his hand tightening slightly, "the kiss was nice. "

Luca smiled shyly, "oh yeah."

Even though she did not want to admit it she felt a glimmer of hope—hope that maybe, just maybe, she didn’t have to navigate the pieces of her broken heart alone and that maybe she was falling in love again.

They stayed on the rooftop for a while longer, talking quietly about anything and everything. Luca shared stories from his childhood how he once tried to build an igloo in his backyard but ended up with a pile of collapsed snow and Emily found herself laughing more than she had in months.

By the time they returned inside, the house was quiet, the family having gone to bed. Emily paused at the bottom of the stairs, turning to look at Luca.

“Thank you,” she said softly.

“For what?”

“For… tonight. For being here.”

Luca smiled, his eyes warm. “Anytime, Emily.”

As she climbed the stairs to her room, Emily couldn’t help but smile.

She found herself calling Luca's phone

Emily: hi

Luca : hey

but Emily just went quiet not knowing what to say

Luca: did you fall again did you need help getting up, he said laughing

Emily: no I didn't fall I just... I wanted you to come here spend the night here.

Before she could change her mind and apologize for calling she heard a knock.

She was surprised Luca was standing there with a pillow, "is there a monster under your bed? " Emily still a bit shocked he actually showed said, " no I just was feeling a bit lonely and wondered if maybe you could...you know sleep here. "

"okay" he instantly agreed " but I need to be gone before everyone wakes up, they can't know I slept here. "

"Alright I'll set an alarm," Emily said smiling. They both got into bed cuddling, Emily could feel he's warmth, he's perfect muscled arm and he's heartbeat. She felt so safe in he's arms that she instantly fell asleep. Luca watched her sleep whispering, "Julian is such an i***t. If I had a chance with you, I wouldn't take you for granted. You're so beautiful and I wish I could tell you all this while you're awake." He eventually fell asleep as well, both in each others arms.