(Lucas's POV)

Winter , winter , winter. I love winter as much as I would love to be in a relationship with Olivia. It comes with lots of factors , more clothing precautions, small days , long nights and lots of old memories. And it sucks even more when you know that you are going to spend your 20 days winter break with your brother.

Gabriel Ellison, the elder son of Maverick Ellison , a Senior scientist in Austin research lab and Lilac Ellison , Director of Room To Read , a.k.a. My parents. He is a role model for lots of boys in our school and dream boy of girls , he was a student of Eden's academy of excellence, with a glorious gold star on his blazer.

He is a heart breaker , for most of the girls. And I agree with this , six feet one with muscular body , sharp jaw line , high cheek bones and over that his flirting skills. He got all that he need. He can be a Greek god , but I adore him as much as I adore a pigeon taking a shit. None.

My thoughts got cut by the ringing sound of my cell. I reached for it and passed a quick glance at the caller ID.

Speaking of the devil , I cleared my throat and picked up the call.

"Be at the gate in 5 "

"Good morning to you too , Gabriel. What a nice way to greet your brother, 9 days before Christmas. Jesus will not be happy with your behaviour"

" Lucas , I am not in mood "

"What happened my dearest brother?" My sarcasm was drooling out of the phone and it pissed him off even more "Is Kade not coming this time ?"

Kade Hwang, elder brother of Kai and best friend of Gabriel, they were classmates , and competitors. He is completely opposite to Gabriel, he is calm , patient and most importantly he doesn't flirt , atleast not with juniors. On the other side , Gabriel is a party boy , changing girls every week , hang outs , drinks and why not Austin is a nice place to have party , The Party capital. Gabriel and Kade are inseparable, and that's why he need Kade whenever it's time to visit school either from a random dinner invite from Principle or to pick me up.

"Shut up , Lucas. Be their in 5 or I am leaving your ass right here in this school for the rest of the year. "

A small laugh escaped my throat as he hanged up the call. It's so easy to piss him off , just mess a bit with his overly high-ranking ego , and bingo !you have the desired results.

Scrolling up and down , i finally found the number to call next. I clicked at the caller ID.
1,2,3...
"Hey!" Sebastian's voice came crashing on my ear, he was on his phone as expected.

"Where are you ?"

"Locking my door."

"Okay mett me at staircase"

"Ok sir"

I hanged up the call and quickly pocketed my phone and picked up my backpack , I don't understand why students pack 2 damn bags when you have to carry them back after a fortnight, even more.

Locking the doors and almirah, i advanced toward the main door. The door swung opened for the cold Breeze to enter.

14 December, It feels nice , that I'll finally meet my parents. Locking the front door as well , I turned towards the staircase , When i spotted someone at right.

Grace must be leaving as well.

I don't know what's going on , but every time I see her or so much of think about her , My mind think about all the possibilities, of why i feel an urge to take her in my arms and never leave her , her rare smile , the way she makes all the heads turn when she enters, and her fa-
Stop. Not again. Stop these thoughts of yours.

The person waved at me "Hey Lucas "

"Hey"

"Who is coming to pick you?" Kai asked while handing me a chocolate hamper from his backpack.

"Gabriel. With Kade."

"They are coming together"

"Yeah. As always, Gabriel can't do it alone , especially when our principal have a really soft spot for him."

Kai laughed at my small joke. Someone jumped at a corner of the garden. It feels strange, everyone is excited to celebrate Christmas, holidays and some time with their family. So am I but not with my original family. Students are hugging and laughing, saying bye to their friends , leaving happily.

Kai passed me , I turned to see at the direction he walked.

Thud-Thud-Thud.

Naturally my left hand lifted to my chest. I mentally cursed my heart for beating so fast.
Stop you stupid.

Kai gave her a hug and said something which made her smile. Sunlight making her skin golden in colour. Her brown eyes shining bright with her smile.
Thud-Thud-Thud.

Seeing her smile made me smile as well. But I became self-conscious when she turned towards me
Thud-Thud-Thud

She walked forward , her smile , when she said good morning and hugged me.
Thud-Thud-Thud

Her hairs smell just like rose and lavender, fresh and intoxicating.
I froze on my place until she broke the hug. Her brown eyes , goes well with the beige winter coat and white muflar. Kai took her bag and walked to us.

I finally realised that she wished me earlier, calming my stupid heart and collecting my senses i wishes her back.

"So what's the plan for holiday's ?" She said.

"Nothing much. Getting home , mom and dad must be waiting for me " She smiled " What about you? "

"She is coming with me " Kai said while wrapping a hand around Grace's shoulder.

My gaze danced between Grace and Kai for a explanation, and i realised that it is being awkward.

"Hey! " We all turned out heads towards the direction of voice , to find Sebastian coming to us.

Nice timing!
He greeted us with hugs.

"So everyone's ready to go home " Sebastian said.

"Yeah" Kai said and I nodded slowly.

"I am not going home " Grace said with a small smile.

"And why is that so? " Sebastian's curiosity is killing me now.

"Because she is coming to mine " Kai stopped for a second to check our reactions before continuing" Her parents are not home , due to some buisness related work , and she was going to be alone so. I invited her to mine."

"Great than. Have a nice holiday" Sebastian said.

My phone vibrated , i reached for it and their it was.

Typical Gabriel, texting instead of calling because he is pissed.

" Kai , we should be get going, Gabriel and Kade are waiting." I said and quickly pocketed my phone.

"Sure " The three of us started to grab our stuff , when Sebastian said " I'll part from here. Gotta deal with some work."

He bid is goodbyes and hugged me before walking towards stairs.

"Hey wait " Grace said while taking a small bag out. " Here. Have a great holiday. Merry Christmas"

She smiled and handed the bag to Sebastian.

We all made our way to the ground where Gabriel and Kade were talking to principal , Gabriel's eyes were pleading for help and Kade was standing calmly, enjoying the show.

"Good morning mam " We all greeted the principal, and diverted her from Gabriel, atleast for sometime.

" Ohh , Good morning dear children. All set to go home. You must be exited for holidays. "

I passed a smile to her , not knowing what to say. She talked to us for sometime before turning to talk to Gabriel and Kade , they were gone , fifteen minutes before.

" Oh my dear , where did your brother go ?" She asked while looking for them.

" He got a call " I said.

Grace handed a bag to principal mam , and wished her. Mam just walked away with a smile , no more talks.

" What did you do Grace ? " Kai asked as surprised as me , in our 7 years here , we have never seen her walk away from a chance to talk.

" Nothing much just told her that theirs something special for her in that bag " She replied while picking up her bags.

" And what did you put their ?" Kai asked again.

" A tea set "

" Woah where did you got that ?"

" I purchased them online, and it was delivered to the school's address."

" Smart " I said.

We walked to the cars where Gabriel was on his phone and Kade was sitting inside his car.

" You guys are early. We assumed you to come after an hour or so " Gabriel said after taking his eyes off the phone.

" Grace did this" i explained

" Well , well. Nice to meet you Grace , I am Gabriel, Lucas's brother." Gabriel said in a flirty tons as always and extended his hand for a handshake.

She took his hand and replied " Nice to meet you too " her bold side shining bright, other than the friendly side she shows us now.

" Let's get out of here , we have to travel a long way " Kade said from the car door.

Kai nodded and opened the trunk , he started stacking their bags. And so did I , I stacked my bags as well.

Gabriel and Kade nodded each other goodbyes and parted towards their cars. I was going to sit as well.

" Lucas " I turned to see Grace standing their , towards the back of the car.

I walked to her.

" Here " she handed me a bag as well." Have a good time. Merry Christmas."

" You too. Merry Christmas" i said.

" Grace " Kai called her from inside. She smiled and walked away.

Merry Christmas.

We parted ways from the highway. I picked up the bag she gave me , and peeked inside.

Their was a chocolate box and a note.

'I hope you will love these. Enjoy your holidays. Merry Christmas Lucas!'

I opened the golden wrapping and picked up a chocolate.

Merry Christmas to you too. Grace.