"Mom, I love this sweater. Honestly." I say as I examine the soft knit pale, yellow sweater.
It was Christmas morning.
And I'm extremely depressed.
"I'm glad you like it. It's very conservative." My Mom says.
"I think there's one present left." My brother says, reaching under the tree. "It's for Dad, from Mom."
Mom opens the last present.
It was a sweater. Go figure. I had gotten seven friggin sweaters.
"Can I go for a walk?" I ask.
"Are you sure? It's pretty cold out."
We had gotten a white Christmas.
"I'll wear the new coat."
"Alright. You have my permission."
I stand up with my arms full of new stuff I certainly don't need.
Once I turn, I roll my eyes. You have my permission? Please.
I get my coat, hat, gloves, and scarf on, walking out the door before any more questions or nonsense talking.
I walk on the cleared sidewalk, the crisp air clearing my head.
I walked through town and observe silently all the silly conversations of people.
I run into someone's chest, startling me.
I look up and see Liam. I freeze, my eyes wide.
"Rose! Rose, I've been trying to reach you. I've been to your house and your mom or dad said you weren't there every time." His hand has a ghost of a touch on my waist.
I back up. "You were kissing that whore." I spit.
"Yes, but let me explain why." Liam says, holding out his hand.
I sigh. "Fine. But you're buying me tea."
I grab his hand and we walk hand in hand to a little coffee shop, the only one open.
Once we were order, I make Liam start talking.
"The night before I kissed Lila, I felt like I just didn't deserve you, like I couldn't be the man you needed. And it hit me in the gut. So the next morning I got to school early, and waited in your usual spot. Then I saw you down the street so I panicked and ran. Then Lila came and I don't even know what I was thinking. I guess it was a distraction from the confusion." Liam explains.
"You agreed to go with her to have SEX!" I say loudly, then look bashfully down.
"What? No. No. I wasn't even paying attention. I was thinking about you."
Liam grabs my hands. "I haven't even stopped."
I smile, and my tea comes into my vision.
"Enjoy your drinks." The waiter says and I smile at him kindly.
"You don't have to be rich, or smart or successful for me. I love you. Nothing is going to change that. You have helped me stand up for myself and I'm so grateful because without you, I'm just Rose Lewis, a girl who is rich. You don't have to stand up to the expectations of my father and Mother, okay? I love you. Liam, I've missed you so much." I confess.
"I've missed you too, Rosie."
+++
"I told you you didn't have to walk me all the way home." I say, squeezing Liam's hand.
"I want to."
We walk up my steps and we stand there holding each others hands.
I wanted him to kiss me. I move my eyes to his lips and wait, but he doesn't move.
I sigh. "Well if you won't do it, I will."
I close the gap between us and kiss his cold lips.
I don't know how long it was, but when we pull away I just smile and walk inside.
I didn't want any words to ruin the moment.
I needed the happiness.
+++
Sorry it's a bit short but Riam is back together!