AT THE DINING AREA
We were eating breakfast in the dining room. I assume we'll be watching Nickelodeon cartoons all day because Shimmer and Shine was just playing in the background. But wait, I have to go to the bakery today... Why do I feel like I'd rather watch Nickelodeon shows than go to work?
"Um, Din?" Hannah called, "Can I borrow the key? I forgot my bag…"
"Okay, here" I agreed and gave the key to Eric's house to her, "But be careful, okay?" She nodded as she was reaching the key and ran outside with her hands in her pockets.
"So, dear, you're going to the Christmas Castle with Hannah?" Mom asked. I nodded as I took a bite from the scrambled eggs that Anne made.
"At 4:30 p.m., yes. But don't worry, we'll assist you before we're going" I stated. Mom gave a kind grin. As I moved up to Hannah, but before I could completely reach her, I noticed her staring at the red and gold package and asked, "Hannah, what's that package you're holding?" Hannah gave me the envelope and said, "It says it's from the Romeo Virtudes, I believe it's for Uncle Eric."
Romeo Virtudes is Sherry's father; there must be something that I don't really know. What could that be? And of course, I respect Eric's privacy so I didn't open the envelope and kept it in my drawer instead.
The workdays have finally begun. After breakfast, I head to the bakeshop and begin preparing the pastries and other items; they will all catch up later. I head to the kitchen after finishing the preparations, where Hannah has just arrived. She laughed when she saw me in an apron, and now I realized I was wearing Eric's apron instead of mine.
Hannah helped mom and dad deal with the clients and called Anne to help me prepare the other pastries while I prepared the cookies since she could only assist me to decorate the Christmas cookies. She's been really helpful lately... there were a lot of people when the shop opened. Hannah came in with the tiny apron that mum made for her after Anne finished with the other pastries... I know, it's so cute that it makes me smile every time I see her wearing it.
"So, you ready to decorate the cookies?" I asked. She picked up the icing bag and excitedly nodded, she even mentioned before that cooking is more fun than playing at the playground, and of course, I respect her opinions.
We began by adding snowflakes, a Christmas tree, toys, a snowman, and other decorations to the cookies. And of course, I was decorating cookies with a kid so the icing on the nose? I was kind of irritated by how Hannah dodges of perfectly. I keep reaching her as she was dodging me and little did I know, Hannah secretly scooped all of the icing leftovers of the cake and wiped it off at my face where she screams "Ahh!! There's the icing monster!" As a result, Mom, Dad, and Anne rushed in and burst out laughing when they saw me; Anne handed me a mirror in which I saw my face covered in icing and burst out laughing.
After we decorate, we send a picture of me and Hannah with icing on our faces and also the cookies we made. He was so jealous…
- MESSAGES –
Diana: (sent photo of her and Hannah)
Eric: That's super cute! I wish I was there… you guys even have icing on your noses… and Diana…
Diana: (sent photo of the cookies)
Eric: Is that the cookies that you and Hannah made? You should do this more often with Hannah, Diana. She misses you a lot
Diana: Yes, well, Hannah's getting better at designing the cookies, and she didn't even forget to eat some of the icings
Eric: Haha! You know kids would do that, they always had that in mind, besides you two are having fun, right?
Diana: Of course. That's what Christmas is about right? Having fun, spending time with each other, love, giving each other, and many more... it can have a lot of meanings
Eric: I agree with you on that. But by the way, how are you? And also Hannah?
Diana: She's now sitting at our table eating the cookies and watching cartoons on my tablet. Why don't you buy Hannah some gadgets?
Eric: I can't trust Hannah when it comes to like that; you know how kids act when facing with their gadgets, remember Gibby?
Diana: Yeah… isn't he the kid who died because of non-stop staring at the TV? Btw, what are you getting Hannah this Christmas?
Eric: Yes. Just tell me what she says on Santa. Talk to you later, I got a schedule today, I will just get Hannah after work
Diana: Sure. Good luck!
------
It was 4:15 p.m. when the shop became less crowded, so I think it's time to leave. I asked mum if I could go with Hannah right now, and she agreed. Hannah rushed directly to the car, waiting for me to get in next, and when I did, she chuckled. "What's the problem?" I wondered. "I'm glad I'm coming to the park with you!" she simply shrugged.
"Who wants to go meet Santa?" I asked as I was looking at her and holding the steering wheel.
"ME! ME! ME!" Hannah chanted. She was jumping in her chair while raising both of her hands in the air. I remember myself at her, I acted like her when Mom takes me and Anne to the Christmas Castle, it's kinda a go-to place when it's Christmas…
"Ok, then let's go!" I said as I stepped on the pedals. I played some Christmas music on the radio to hype the situation a bit.
AT THE CHRISTMAS CASTLE
Hannah raced to the large Christmas tree in the park's center as soon as we arrived; she then called me, so I got my phone and snapped a photo of her; she also requested me to be in it, and thankfully someone snapped our photos.
"So, the picture with the big tree is done, what do you want to do next?" I asked.
"Do you mind if we go play some games?" She asked. I gave her a kind grin and a nod. She dashed over and led me to the "Pop the Balloon" game, which consists of a balloon hung around the wall that you must pop with darts to win prizes. It's as simple as that. I recall Eric and I playing after our first win in Ohio; unfortunately, he didn't win one, but I won, and the reward was a large teddy bear, which I gave to him and it is still hanging in his bedroom.
I played the game with confidence and because of that, I won a big white teddy bear same design as what I got for Eric, and gave it to Hannah.
"Ooh, can I try it?" She asked. I looked at the man and said that it's okay, she's 10… I said yes and let her play the game, after several tries, she hit one! She got an orange cat stuff toy and happily gave it to me and said, "Merry Christmas!"
After the game, Quinn called me and now she's at the little restaurant. Hannah and I went there, Hannah and Quinn met each other where Quinn brought a white munchkin cat.
"Sorry, Hannah, I simply forgot about the cat, and here's Pumpkin's new friend!" Quinn said.
"Gave it to Aunty Din, Merry Christmas!" She said.
Quinn gave me the cat, which I called Milky, but she didn't like it, so I let her choose. "How about, Daisy?" Hannah asked. Quinn stared at me, and I smiled as I shifted my gaze from Hannah to Quinn. "Hannah, you might want to change that..." Quinn spoke softly to her. Hannah gave me a sidelong glance, and I shrugged.
"Oh, you're right... then what about, Snow?" Hannah asked.
"Pumpkin and Snow? What is that, autumn and winter?" Quinn asked. My eyebrows raised and I smiled. "That's cute".
"But wait, Pumpkin and Snow can have kittens, right?" I asked. Quinn then nodded, I looked at Hannah and felt her happiness flowing, "Ooh, that would be really cute!" she said.
"Can't wait to have many kittens at the house…" I said.
"At least someone important is waiting for you at home," Quinn said.
"But, my family is important and always waiting for me at home," I said.
"Well, Sherry called me last night and asked me about your address because she gave you something," Quinn said.
"Okay, that's all?" I asked.
"Yeah, I could've texted you but, I want some fresh air before I start my crazy week until the competition started. Well, I gotta go! Frank's waiting for me" Quinn said.
"See you, tomorrow!" I said.
Quinn left. As Hannah was watching her leave, she immediately called me when she saw Santa. "Din! Santa's here!" We then went outside and meet Santa.
We arrived at the sleigh where Mr. and Mrs. Claus are sitting holding some candy canes to give to the children, "So, what do you want to ask Santa?" I asked.
"Ballet slippers, I want to learn ballet and be like your sister, Anne," Hannah said.
"So, you want ballet slippers?" I asked. She smiled and nodded. I spotted him going with Daisy so I turned around and covered my face as I peered around while holding Hannah and waiting for our turn. "What's the matter?" Hannah asked.
"Well, there's someone that I want to send to the North Pole and never see him again…" I replied. Hannah looked around where she also saw the two and asked, "Your ex-boyfriend, Brian?" I nodded and looked back to see if he's still around, "Oh, now it's your turn!" I said.
"So, what do you want for Christmas?" Santa asked.
"I want ballet slippers!" She replied.
"Ho! Ho! You want to learn ballet?" Santa asked. She nodded and added, "Oh, can you give my Aunt Diana a boyfriend? Who's kind, who never cheats on her?"
"We'll see what we can do…" Santa replied. I can't believe he asked that to Santa. After a lot of trips around the park, we went home where Hannah and I slept together when we arrived.
ERIC'S POV
AT THE BAKESHOP
I went straight to the bakeshop after a hard shift at work, where I found them preparing to close the shop. I then walked inside to see whether Hannah and Diana were still there. "Hello there, everyone! I'm home "I said. Diana's mother and father both hugged me.
"Where are the two girls?" I asked.
"They're sleeping in Diana's room," her mother explained. I then walked straight to Diana's room, where I saw Diana asleep beside Hannah, holding a children's book, with Pumpkin and a white cat at their feet. I didn't know that there's another cat here, unless...
I took a chair and sat in front of Diana, grabbing the book and correctly positioning her, kissing Hannah's forehead, and didn't plan to do it on Diana's. I sat in my chair correctly and did nothing but look at her face till I fell asleep...
DIANA'S POV
5:30 in the morning at Diana's room
My alarm went off and woke me up. And as I opened my eyes, I found Eric asleep next to me on the chair. I could immediately smell and hear the bacon frying from below, and I knew Anne or Mom was preparing breakfast. I pushed Hannah carefully out of the way so that I could go without disturbing them up, and I noticed that the cats were resting by our feet.
I went down and went straight ahead to the kitchen. It really surprised me how Anne or mom is starting to cook our meal instead of me, and I always was the person who wakes up first… everything changed.
"Well, good morning, Diana! How's your sleep?" Mom asked.
"It was good but I can't move since Hannah's in the bed too and by the way, when did Eric arrive here?" I asked.
"Haha, 11:30, he visited the shop and I told him that you're here so he ran to your room, is he sleeping with you?" Mom asked.
"I don't know, he's just right beside of me sleeping with his head at the bed like a parent staying with her child at the hospital" I replied.
"Did Hannah get enough rest?" Mom had wondered. As I walked to the sink to wash my hands, I nodded. Eric entered the room before I sat on the chair. He said, "Morning." I returned his greeting with a smile. "It's early, big day?" He asked, checking his watch. I gave a nod.
He took the plates and sat alongside me, placing them right in front of me. The bacon and eggs were then placed on our plates by Mom. "Why didn't you just get Hannah out of bed and bring her over to your place, Eric?" I asked. "I was weary from work and I don't believe I could transfer Hannah from your room to my house when she's comfortable resting at your bed," he remarked as he paused and returned his spoon to the dish. I let out a sigh and replied, "I don't want to irritate you... I'm simply asking".
"No, you didn't. I know your struggle and same as you do to me, we're both busy people, Diana. I mean, all of us do… I know that you want to rest since you have a busy day and I want that too, Diana. Hannah's parents are starting to forget about her, despite the fact that she recently became pregnant... When I mentioned Hannah, it looks like that they traveled to Paris just to get rid of her" He said.
I can't believe they did that to Hannah. What have she might be done that her parents treated her like that? I mean, she's a good girl and very kind. And now her parents just want to get rid of her, I feel bad for Hannah and Eric. "But, Hannah's parents are still paying her things, right? I asked.
"I informed her that you covered Hannah's hospital cost, as well as her school fees and everything," he continued with a shake of his head, "but she hasn't answered my message until now..." I looked at him and embraced him asking, "It's okay. Do you want to go to Paris? I have a friend who can help us with that…"
"No, thanks… I'm okay taking care of Hannah, I raised her so well and been with her all the time that I feel like she's my own daughter" He said.
Mom and I began to calm Eric, and Hannah arrived shortly after. She handed Snow to me after carrying the two cats. Since Anne and Dad arrived after Hannah, I showed and introduced Snow to them. They were overjoyed to meet Snow, and Dad was cradling her in the same way he did when he first saw Hannah as a newborn; in fact, he joked me that he and Mom want a grandchild. And I have no choice but to chuckle...
Quinn texted me and told me that I have no work today since the people were meeting can't come because of some personal problems. After we had breakfast, we all then went to the living room and started having fun with the cats and had a little chat with the family.
I haven't addressed Eric about the letter because I'd rather confront him privately than in front of my family as if it were a huge problem. I already knew because of the letter's appearance and the fact that the results came from Mr. Moreno, but it was delivered by Mr. Virtudes, who is one of the contest's sponsors. Of course, I'm aware of this; I advertised the contest, and Quinn isn't good at keeping secrets.
When my family is busy working at the bakeshop, I called Eric and told him to meet me at our house, and of course, I asked permission from mom.
AT THE LIVING ROOM
I was standing facing the television and turned around when Eric arrived and showed him the letter. "What's that?" He asked. I handed the letter to him and said, "Hannah found this fancy, Christmassy, letter in your hallway and gave it to me. Care to explain this secret thing that you did?"
He took the letter and opened it. I'm not nosy so I waited on the couch and stared at him until he speaks… after he read the letter, he sat and gave it to me before he speaks I said, "You signed up for the contest without letting me know!" His eyebrows raised, chuckled, and shook his head saying, "I told you about it and you didn't even say a word!"
"But that doesn't mean I don't want it, Eric! You already know-
"Brian this, crazy schedule that, what do you want me to believe, Diana? You've been saying the same reason!" He interrupted.
"Because what I'm saying is true! Then what would I say instead, Eric? That I didn't say yes because I'm satisfied that we beat Charli and Finn? I thought you understand, Eric!" I exploded.
We didn't speak for the rest of the day since he stormed out. I understand he's upset with me, so I was to him. After work, I ended up weeping in my room till I fell asleep. We battled over a silly thing called a "contest". I can't believe we had to put our friendship on hold because of the secret auditions today...
I would love to but… I have an interview about the breakup and my whole life on the day; I thought about it again and chose to attend the contest that they had to cancel it since we're doing it live because we were answering questions from Twitter audiences…
I didn't let Hannah in to my room and instead let her sleep in Eric's room. Because I can't stand it if she sees and hears me crying... I'm afraid he'll tell Eric I cried, which I don't want since it'll make him feel guilty... But, in any case, it's my fault.
TOMORROW MORNING
I woke up and felt my eyes tired from crying… I went to the restroom and washed my face to let it calm down…
*DING!*
- MESSAGES – (Eric)
Eric: Hello.
Diana: Hello.
Eric: Can I come in?
Diana: Where are you?
Eric: At your door… waiting for you to open
Diana: Why didn't you just knock?
Eric: Because I know you're crying and because of that, you won't open the door…
Diana: Okay, wait.
------
While I was wiping my face; I saw him carrying a bouquet, a bear, and a box of tissues…
"I'm sorry, Din. For everything…" He said. His word repeated at my head over and over again that I tear up and that's when he handed me the box of tissues he bought. We both laughed as I wiped my tears.
"I also bought some flowers and Hannah and I made you your favorite dessert" He added.
"Tiramisu! You remembered! I even cried last night because there was no tiramisu left on the fridge" I said as I received the box of tiramisu.
"Can I come in?" He asked. I nodded and opened the door for him.
"By the way, remember Din?" He asked. I shook my head before he showed me the teddy bear I gave to him.
"You named her Din?" I asked.
"Well, a friend of mine gave me this after our first win in Ohio, so I decided that I'll name her my friend's nickname" He explained.
"Aww! That's so sweet!" I said as he winked at me.
"Diana, can I at least make it up?" He asked.
"But, you already made me my favorite," I said.
"Well, aside from that…" He said.
"Sure, what's that?" I asked
"Can I ask you on a date tonight?" He asked. My heart beats really fast that I bet Eric heard it. My friend asked me on a date, interesting…
I answered…
To be continued…