Allyson sits on my bed. Its six in the morning and I'm not even half of a quarter awake.

"Come on Gem, we have to get to my parents house. Its Christmas eve. There's so much to do." She says. I groan into the pillow.

The snow has stuck to the ground. The fresh powder is too cold for me to be trudging down the street. Especially because I slid and fell on my butt last night while taking out the trash.

Of course Ally found it hilarious. Infact she shared the memory with Colt and they both laughed they brains out at me.

I just smiled and shook my head.

"Okay, okay. I'm up." I say, my voice sounds strange in my ears.

She smiles and claps her hands in excitement.

I hear a ping coming from my phone that is on the charger, I grab it and read. It's from Jeremy.

Jeremy: Morning peach, merry Christmas eve. Lots of love.

Jeremy: Are you free today?

Jeremy: You're probably not. Spending time with the Blacks right?

Jeremy: Anyway, if you are free. I know a really great doughnut place. You'll call me if you want to come.

Me: You're cute.

Me: Merry Christmas Eve.

Me: Sure, doughnuts sound good. Pick me up at noon?

Jeremy: Can't wait to see you ; )

Me: ; ^

"I love to see it." Ally says.

Wait did I miss something? Maybe I'm going crazy.

"See what?" I ask her. She smiles .

"That gorgeous, gorgeous smile on your face." She emphasizes.

"Get dressed we're leaving in 10. Pack some extra clothes we're sleeping over." She tells me.

She doesnt give me a chance to protest.

Soon enough we're leaving her dorm with our weekend bags in hand. My hands are insulated in two pairs of gloves. And a warm trench coat is keeping the rest of my body warm. Not to mention the snuggly socks inside these sleepers.

The moment we exit the dorm, the cold air hits our faces. After a few minutes of walking, Allyson has turned as red as a tomato. I can only imagine how I look.

I send a quick text to my mom.

Me: Hey mom, wanted you to know that I miss you and Dad alot. I'm bummed I couldn't make it, I hope you can understand. I love you.

She replies almost immediately, as if she has been expecting my text and therefore had her phone in hand the entire day.

Mom: It's okay honey, we understand.  We love you more.

Me: I love you most.

I smile to myself. I know we could've had the most fun in the world together . Dad would attempt a new recipe of pie and mom would burn two pots before she gets a meal right. We'd sing Christmas Carol's and open gift and embrace each other. Every year it was like that.

Allyson opens the door to the house and all her siblings greet us with a warm embrace. Except for Alyster. Who looks "busy" .

I set our bags in Allison's room and I head for a shower. I have a date in two hours. I take my time showering,  enjoying the hotness of the water.

Letting it embrace every part of my body. And finally I exit the bathroom.

Its 11:10 , I walk out of the bathroom and into Allyson's closet. I throw on some of her sweats and a huge white hoodie I'd mistakenly taken from Alyster months ago.

"Hey." Allyson says .

"I swear my clothes look better on you than on me." She gushes.

I smile at her. I tell her all about the date I have tonight.

"Well, I have a scheduled call with Colt in a few minutes. I'm meeting his grandma. I dont look too shabby do I?" She asks.

I smile at the love she and Colt shares, be it there are imperfections but hey, we all have those.

"You look amazing." It my turn to say that and kiss her cheek.

I leave the room and head to a quest bedroom so that I can prepare my face. I'm met with a puzzled Alyster. Who is contemplating whether to walk into my room or not. He is literally walking in circles.

"Hey." I say to him. Pushing the door open.

I point him to the cream love seat in the corner of the room. Which he happily obliges by sitting on.

"You look nice, are you heading out?" He asks. Minding that I'm wearing his hoodie.

"Yea." I tell him.

"Look, I wanted to apologize about the other day. I never meant to hurt you. I just... I hated that I had to hear it from my mom. But I wont make excuses. I was wrong to yell at you. I'm sorry.

I want to ve with Willow,  but my heart also wants you Gem. I just love that with Willow, there aren't any complications.  I dont have to sneak around afraid that my sister will be upset with me.

I'm so sorry Gem, I wanted to tell you . But I felt like talking about it over the phone was mean. I'm sorry again." He says, he's practically on his knees right now.

"Okay, I forgive you." I say. His face lights up.

Although I'm feeling all the emotions that are feel able right now. I cant be angry at Al. It would also be suspicious to Allyson why her brother and I are suddenly mad at each other.

A loud honk sounds from outside. Then a car door bangs, and he probably walks up the porch stairs.

"I've got to go." I tell him.

"Oh, okay. Thanks." He says.

I walk out of the room and hurriedly down  the stairs. He is hot on my heels, but I don't care about that.

I stop at the bottom of the stairs. Jeremy is in a black denim pant and a plant Jersey with a long black trench coat. He looks like the bad boy everyone says he is.

"Hey." He says. His dimple pops out which causes me to smile too.

"Someone came for you." I notice for the first time a very flushed Alice. She says this in a low tone.

"I'll be back in time for gifts." I tell her.

"No, enjoy yourself dear." Alice says. Her motherly side rubbing onto me too.

When I turn around, I find Alyster staring at me with a puzzled face. He looks angry but also surprised.

I turn and walk back towards Jeremy, who happily takes my hoodied arm.

"Bye." I say softly.